Volume 9, Issue 39
September 27, 2009

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FUNDS FOR WRITERS

Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

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Our subscriber list is NOT made available to others. Use information
listed at your own risk. FundsforWriters gives no warranty to
completeness, accuracy, or fitness of the markets, contests and grants
although research is done to the best of our ability.

                 
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EDITOR'S THOUGHTS
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Read newsletter online at: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/FFW.htm
Read past issues at: http://www.aweber.com/z/article/?fundsforwriters

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THE QUERY LETTER

Dignitaries have messengers, representatives who pave the
way for the VIP who comes only after everything is in order.
They set up meetings, arrange details, explain the needs
and purpose of the dignitary so that when the VIP arrives,
the visit functions like clockwork and everyone is productive.

Your query letter is your messenger.

Your messenger is expected to make a good impression to
these strangers, these other important people. He should
be dressed professionally and knowledgeable about the subject
matter. He should explain the purpose of the visit, state the
length of the stay, and summarize intentions.

If a messenger arrives unkempt, frazzled and ill-informed,
he reflects on the dignitary. The fact that the dignitary
didn't send a sharp messenger tells the host he isn't respected.
Departments of state of all countries go crazy selecting
groomed and intelligent messengers so that the sending VIP
makes a good impression and the receiving host isn't insulted.
The smallest mistakes can disrupt major events and halt progress.

A less-than-stellar query reflects unfavorably on you and
insults the receiving agents/publisher/editor. That's when
negotiations go up in smoke.

Treat your query like a pending international negotiation.

1. Open with a connection, a compliment, a comment that
shows the host that you have done your homework. Messengers
ask such questions showing an interest in the host as an
individual instead of a token head of state. That means
doing your homework to understand the recipient. The query
letter should apply to the one recipient, and no other. If
you use the same letter for multiple agents/publishers, you
insult them and divulge a sense of laziness.

2. Explain the purpose and length of the query. Let the host
know the details of what to expect. Word count, genre, title
and a short blurb with serious lapel-grabbing power are a must.

3. Demonstrate your expertise. What are your qualifications
for writing this book, this piece, this article? Just as a
messenger is carefully selected to make the best impression,
you should attempt to show how you're the best person to write
this project. Mention your strengths. Never mention a shortcoming.

4. Bow and thank the host. Say thanks with hopes to hear from
the host soon regarding a confirmation/acceptance.

Whether you imagine your query letter as a spit-polished
messenger adorned in silk and braid in the 18th century or
an Armani suit today, envision it as an extremely
impressionable introduction for your hard work as a writer.

     Hope

CHAT SUNDAY NIGHT

http://www.writerschatroom.com
Sunday, September 27, 2009, 7PM Eastern
No password required.

All writing topics allowed. Chat with Hope in a chat forum
that's embraced her for six years. A great source of
intriguing chats.

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EIGHTH ANNUAL FUNDSFORWRITERS ESSAY CONTEST
Sponsored by VIP Authors

Theme: Invisible Writing
Compose 750 words or less addressing this theme in essay form.
Deadline October 31, 2009.

Pay $5 or don't pay anything. You have a choice with FFW.
First, second and third prizes in each category, ranging
from $10 to $200.

NEW: FundsforWriters is featuring Tweetebooks. Yes, you
read right. In this day of social networking in spurts,
FFW has created abbreviated ebooks with abbreviated prices.
Enter the $5 entry fee category of the contest and receive
one free. Or buy one. They are only $1.99.

http://www.fundsforwriters.com/annualcontest.htm
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/tweetebooks.htm

NOTE:
Shelley Lieber and VIP Authors is our Platinum Sponsor this year.
We still have openings for gold and bronze sponsors. See the
deal you can buy for advertising in sync with the FFW annual
essay contest.

http://www.fundsforwriters.com/annualcontest.htm

VIP AUTHORS SUPPORTS YOUR WRITING!
Get our FREE 53-page PUBLISHING SUCCESS ebook, loaded with
insider tips and resources to help you launch and skyrocket
your writing career at http://vipauthors.com.

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WRITER'S DIGEST'S BEST WEBSITE TIME

Writer's Digest is now accepting nominations for next year's
list of 101 Best Websites for Writers. If you enjoy us, please
consider nominating FundsforWriters.

To nominate FundsforWriters for 2010, please send nomination to:
writersdig@fwpubs.com with "101 Websites" as the subject line.
January 1, 2010 is the deadline.

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THE BLOG, THE BLOG!
http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com

TWITTER ME
http://twitter.com/hopeclark

CONSULT WITH HOPE
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/ConsultHope.htm

I JUST JOINED FACEBOOK
http://www.facebook.com/chopeclark

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TWEETEBOOKS

Mini-ebooks. 20 markets in selective niches for $1.99.
www.fundsforwriters.com/tweetebooks.htm

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WORDS OF SUCCESS

"We could never learn to be brave and patient if there
were only joy in the world."

-- Helen Keller

 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Greetings, Hope:

My story, "Cold Crime" will appear in the Chicken Soup for
the Soul: Lessons I Learned from My Dog, released Sept. 22. 
My tale (tail?) is about Tubbs, a garden variety pound hound
who had the amazing ability to break into our refrigerator and
steal whatever he fancied. Week after week we came home to
greasy bacon wrappers, empty butter containers and bagel bits
spread all over the floor. When we were forced to buy a heavy
new refrigerator, he broke into that, too. Without a doubt Tubbs
was the canine Houdini.

I first read about the anthology's call for entries on Funds
for Writers. It's not the first time that I've benefited from
your newsletter.

Sharon Love Cook
E-mail: cookie978@aol.com

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ARTICLE
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Successful Writers Don't Burn Bridges

By Aline Bradford

I frequent writers' forums. I like to lurk, absorbing the
knowledge that my peers offer about companies and publishers.
Recently, though, I stumbled upon a thread full of angry
writers. They freelanced for a publication that I wrote for
as well. The publication had decided to place freelance projects
on hold while they sorted out financial issues. I understood
and patiently waited to hear if I would receive future work.

The group of writers in this thread didn't feel the same. Many
threatened the company with a smear campaign. Others posted
hateful diatribes directed at the editors of the publishing
company. Many declared to never write for the company again.

This company had been good to their writers. They paid on time
and offered extra incentives for hard work. I had to wonder if
these angry writers shot themselves in the foot with this public
display of angst.

As a freelance writer of almost 11 years, I have learned to take
adversity in stride. I know the value of holding my temper and
not burning bridges.

When I first started my writing career, I went to work for a small
company as a freelance article writer. This company was bought
out only months after I started. They told their writers they would
hand out work again within a month's time. I didn't hear from them
(other than a "wait and see" letter) for more than a year. Instead
of sending them a hateful I'm-Tired-of-Waiting email or ranting
about them on forums, I took work with other companies.

Then, one day they emailed me out of the blue and offered a
fantastic opportunity. The job took me about thirty minutes, and
I got paid $100. Since that moment two years ago, I have worked
consistently and made thousands of dollars.

Another time that I could have burned bridges was when a publication
wouldn't answer my emails. I had worked with this publication for
around a year and they paid well. Plus, I loved the work. Suddenly,
I stopped receiving emails from my editor. Did I send a heated email?
No, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Turns out, my email system
was blocking their emails even though I had them on my safe list.
After the problem was solved I continued writing articles for them
and made a lot of money.

Even though that editor wasn't the problem, many are. I've dealt
with some real jerks in my time. One of my first editors, for
example, rarely answered her emails, and when she did, she gave
me one-sentence answers that didn't address what I had asked.
Then, when I emailed her again, she replied with snotty responses.
I remained civil, and, though I was tempted, I didn't go over her
head and create a situation with her boss.

My theory is that no editor stays at a publication for very long.
Don't waste your writing time fighting the system; it will change.
Sure enough, a few months later a new editor took her place, and
that publication is still one of my best sources of income.

Getting work as a writer is hard. Making connections is hard.
Don't burn bridges. That company might need your work someday...
and you may need the paycheck.

Bio: Alina Bradford has been a freelance writer for more than
11 years, working with publications such as Prevention,
Pregnancy.org and Modern Moms. You can see her work at
http://www.alinabradford.com.

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COMPETITIONS
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WRITER'S DIGEST POP FICTION AWARDS
http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions
---
$15 ENTRY FEE
$2,500 cash, $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books and a copy
of Novel & Short Story Writer's Market. Categories: Romance,
Mystery/Crime Fiction, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller/
Suspense, Horror. Deadline November 2, 2009.  The First
Place-Winner in each of the five categories receives $500
cash, $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books and the Novel
& Short Story Writer's Market. Limited to 4,000 words.

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ARTHUR EDELSTEIN PRIZE FOR SHORT FICTION
http://writingsite.com/
---
$10 ENTRY FEE
Contest seeks short stories, 6,000 words maximum. Open to
all writers, published or unpublished, writing in English.
One prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the winner. Deserving
stories will receive Honorable Mention. The winner will be
announced on-site on March 31, 2010. Manuscripts will be
accepted only during the month of October 2009 by USPS.

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RIVER TEETH LITERARY NONFICTION PRIZE
http://www3.ashland.edu/academics/arts_sci/english/riverteeth/guidelines.htm
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$25 ENTRY FEE
River Teeth's editors and editorial board conduct a yearly
national contest to identify the best book-length manuscript
of literary nonfiction. The winner will be announced in March
of the prize year.  The winner will receive $1,000 and
publication by the University of Nebraska Press. Manuscripts
must be between 150-400 pages long. Postmark deadline is
December 31, 2009.

 
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GRANTS
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VICTORIAN WRITERS CENTRE FELLOWSHIPS - AUSTRALIA
http://vwc.org.au/services/news/post/writing-rosebank-residential-writing-fellowships/
---
Rosebank Writer's Retreat has opened in Victoria and is now
offering residential writing fellowships for stays of up to
three months. Writing @ Rosebank invites writers to apply
for a residential writing fellowship at Rosebank Retreat.
The fellowships include accommodation and a modest stipend.
Writers with a specific project should benefit from the
escape to the beautiful rural setting. Writers of fiction,
non-fiction, essay, poetry, stage and screen are invited to
apply. The fellowships are open to applicants from around
Australia; however, half of the fellowships awarded will
go to Victorian writers. Deadline October 9, 2009.

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ENGLAND ARTS COUNCIL LITERATURE GRANTS
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/gfta2006_individuals.php
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/documents/information/phpoYgXjK.doc
---
Focuses primarily on original fiction and poetry, as these
best meet funding criteria. It is also possible to consider
memoir, travelogue, biography and magazines devoted to poetry
and new or emerging authors. Generally does not fund non-
fiction (unless it is clearly of literary interest or merit),
lifestyle or general arts magazines, screenwriting - for film
or television as it generally falls within the remit of the
Film Council - and textbooks or publications without a
substantial element of creative writing.

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CAREER OPPORTUNITY GRANTS - OREGON
http://indigoediting.blogspot.com/2009/07/career-opportunity-grant-for-artists.html
---
Career Opportunity Grants provide Oregon artists with support
of up to $1,500 to enable them to take advantage of specific
opportunities that will enhance their arts careers through
the development of arts, business or professional skills; an
expanded marketing capacity; and/or other concrete efforts to
advance the nature or quality of their artwork.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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REPTILES
http://www.reptilechannel.com/writers-guidelines.aspx
---
REPTILES is a monthly magazine that caters to reptile and
amphibian hobbyists. Query first with your herp background.
Generally pays $500 for a 2,000- to 2,500-word article with
good photos; less for shorter pieces.

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WEATHERWISE
http://www.weatherwise.org/About%20Us/submission-guidelines.html
---
Weatherwise magazine shares the force of nature with engaging
features and breathtaking photography. Weatherwise articles
are anecdotal, analytical, and illuminating. They take a
creative look at everyday occurrences and are accurate,
authoritative, and easily understood by a large, non-technical
audience that includes teachers and students. Feature articles
are relatively short (1,500 to 2,500 words) and well illustrated.
Departments--including software, video, and book reviews and
essays on topics ranging from folklore to personal experiences--
should be between 800 and 1,500 words. Short news fillers (200
to 500 words) about noteworthy people, events, or trends will
also be considered. Pays up to 20 cents/word.

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THURSDAY NIGHT MAGAZINE
http://www.thursdaynightmagazine.com/node/52
http://journalism.berkeley.edu/jobs/detail/10291/
---
We are seeking writers and photographers who can cover the
life of crime, politics, power, arts and culture, style and
design. We also accept short stories and essays. Three to
five years experience. Send two samples of your work.

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JOBS
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WRITER-EDITOR
Location Washington DC
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=83483190&aid=27015391-2199&WT.mc_n=125
---
Deadline October 5, 2009. Agency: Department Of State.
Writes, rewrites, and edits online material for each issue
of English Teaching Forum. This includes writing original
material to supplement articles on literary, cultural, and
methodological subjects; copy editing and/or rewriting
submitted material.

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WRITER
Location Kirkland, WA
http://tinyurl.com/m6rdm5
---
Requirements B.S./B.A. degree in Communications, English, or
similar major. 3-6+ years professional writing experience.
Experience writing, editing and formatting. Seeks a Community
Writer to work with the Community Team to create compelling
written content that will inform, educate, and engage our
gaming community and keep them returning to our sites. This
position supports our three game development studios based in
the Seattle, WA area; Monolith Productions, Snowblind Studios
and Surreal Software. Copy will be written for various social
media outlets, including websites, blogs, forums, Wikis,
Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace as well as external game
community and news sites.

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CREATIVE WRITER
Location Universal City, CA
http://tinyurl.com/lqbeov
---
We are looking for an experienced writer who has the ability
to create sharp, witty and snarky trivia questions related
to music for a mobile trivia game. Bachelors Degree or higher
in a creative or business discipline* A passion for music and
a background in music that reflects that* 2-4 years of
professional experience working as a writer. Six-month
temporary assignment.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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QUICKSILVER BOOKS LITERARY AGENCY
http://artsnet.net/qb/queries.htm
---
QB On-Line welcomes fiction and non-fiction book queries
via email. Keep them short and sweet. Note to novelists:
We are actively seeking adult mainstream trade and/or mass
market fiction. Only full-length finished works will be
considered. Our preference is for literate suspense thrillers
and contemporary novels with bestseller potential.

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LANGTONS INTERNATIONAL AGENCY
http://www.langtonsinternational.com/
---
Langtons International Agency is a literary agency specializing
in non-fiction, literary and commercial fiction, YA and middle
grade books.

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FLETCHER AND COMPANY
http://www.fletcherandco.com/fletcher_about.html
---
Fletcher & Company is a full-service literary management
and production company dedicated to the careers of writers
of upmarket non-fiction, as well as commercial and literary
fiction.

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SPONSORS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editing Packages:
Plot doctoring, proofreading, full manuscript critiques,
and everything in between!

Six Months to a Novel Program:
For first time novelists. Not sure where to start? Want to
finish your novel this time? Get personalized coaching to
see you through.

Editor Jennifer's Six Month Novel Boot Camp:
Has your novel been turned down by agents, editors, or
publishers? Together we can turn it around.

Visit www.EditorJennifer.com to sign up now!

=====

 

Winner of the 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award from
UNC Chapel Hill, Richard Krawiec has published novels,
story collections, plays, memoirs, poetry, feature articles,
and Young Adult biographies.  He's won NEA and NC Arts Council
grants, been nominated for the National Book Award and
Pushcart Prize. He was a Finalist for the 2009 Indie Book
Awards for Poetry.
 
It's hard to publish these days. 
Let someone who knows what they're doing help
you prepare your work for publication.

http://home.mindspring.com/~rkwriter/

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2010: A Publishing Odyssey
 
Publishing has changed more in the past year than it has in
the previous 50. And the rate of change is getting faster and
faster. The rules that seemed to be written in stone have
begun to erode and are disappearing entirely.
 
Change is exciting and confusing at the same time. There are
more opportunities to get published than ever before--if you
know what you're doing. Now, with all the changes, it's harder
than ever to know what to do. And, wrong decisions can be
costly errors. But what if you had a mentor to guide you to
the next step--no matter where you are right now?
 
Join publisher and author Shelley Lieber in a free teleclass
hat will help you make informed decisions about how to:
 
--Choose between traditional publishing and self-publishing
--Avoid scams
--Choose the right POD publisher
--Publish your work as an ebook, audio book or print book
--Find print and digital markets for your work
--Build a waiting audience before your book comes out
--Use social networking sites effectively (and not waste your time)
--Create a buzz with free publicity
 
Free Class: "2010: A Publishing Odyssey"
When: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 2 pm ET (11 am PT)
Details: http://wordywoman.com

GIVE ME YOUR NEEDY MANUSCRIPT            

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WORLDWIDE FREELANCE MARKETS - Serving the freelance writing
community for 10 years. Come and try our searchable database of
writing markets from North America, Europe and around the world. 

http://www.worldwidefreelance.com

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http://www.fundsforwriters.com/adrates.htm 

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BUSINESS STUFF
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C. Hope Clark
E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com

140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036

http://www.fundsforwriters.com

Copyright 2000-2009, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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