Volume 9, Issue 44
November 1, 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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PAID SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
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Read newsletter online at: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/FFW.htm
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NOTICE: The magazine PURE INSPIRATION has decided to close
as has CORNERSTONE. Both were posted in a recent newsletter.

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WRITING FLAWS THAT INHIBIT CONTRACTS

Someone wrote me recently asking why I didn't talk more
about how to get published. Why didn't I give more hints
on how to be more marketable and how to break in to the
business?

So I'm listing what I perceive the major flaws in writing
submissions - fiction and nonfiction. These come from my
personal experience as a writer, an editor, and a friend
to many writers, editors and agents. They are in no order.

FICTION

1. BACKSTORY. Queries, first chapters and opening paragraphs
   often relay too much backstory, as if the moment at hand,
   the opening of the story, isn't enough to carry the point.
   Another reason for a writers' group. They jump all over
   backstory.

2. NO HOOK. Yeah, grab the reader. Start in the middle of
   something controversial, whether thought, word or deed.

3. TELLING. The hardest lesson I learned as a new writer
   was how to show versus telling. I used to scream at my
   critique group when the members highlighted telling
   sections of my work. Telling is a sign of two things:
   new writer or lazy writing. I hated both titles.

4. VOICE. Everyone can tell a story. But the practiced
   writer tells it uniquely, in his own voice, his own way.
   You know you still need to work on your writing when
   you can't identify that voice. If you are uncertain,
   you don't have it. Practice until you find it. Again,
   a writer's group will quickly tell you when a story
   "sounds like you."

NONFICTION

1. BACKSTORY. Don't lead up to your thesis or point.
   Make a firm commitment to it, right up front.

2. NO HOOK. Wow, do we see a pattern here? Why should a
   reader study your article, interview, how-to or
   memoir if it doesn't grab in the first sentence?

3. TELLING. Fight the temptation to teach and preach.
   Show and use less passive voice. Remember the teacher
   in high school who droned? Betcha she told instead of
   showed you how to learn.

4. VOICE. Anyone can write a how-to. Everyone has a memoir.
   Anyone can interview a VIP. But you should write with
   a flair only you have. And you should be so comfortable
   with that style that it sings off your keyboard.
 
Sounds simple, doesn't it? It's actually tough to master
all four of these errors. But when you do, your writing
comes off smooth as buttermilk, and makes the reader
think writing is simple as A-B-C. That's when you know
you've written well, and that's when those contracts
start rolling in.

     Hope

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TOTAL FundsforWriters

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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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WORDS OF SUCCESS

"The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself.
It is not in your environment; it is not in luck or chance,
or the help of others; it is in yourself alone."

-- Orison Swett Marden

 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Sometimes, as writers, it's our non-publishing accomplishments
that really matter. I have a monthly poetry contest for kids at
www.joe-sottile.com, and I am frequently amazed at the quality
of the poems that I'm able to post.  And this week some writers
were selected to promote Rochester's annual children's book
festival by recording their work at Channel WXXI.  When I stood
in front of the ever so big microphone, I understood James Ramsey
Ullman's words, "...we are striving for what is beyond our grasp,
and there is no battle worth the winning save that against our
own ignorance and fear."

Joe Sottile
http://www.joe-sottile.com

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ARTICLE
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Research, Query, Write!

By Laura Townshend

When I scour the forums and work at home boards, I read
countless posts about "Where can I write?" and "Who will
hire me?" Say what?

Is the "old fashioned" way of writing dead? Or is the market
wide open for those who would research, query and write?

Call me a mixture of modern and antiquated. While I agree
that writing for content houses can pay some bills, I am a
firm believer in reaching as high as I can. Rather than
sweat it out for a residual site or pump out thousands of
words for low pay, I prefer to take the road less traveled:
Research, query, write.

That means that I might spend my time a little differently.
My days consist of the following:

Thinking. During my morning drive to the barn, I receive
inspiration from the countryside. The majestic oak tree at
the fork in the road and the Black Angus in the pasture are
familiar friends who send my brain into high, creative gear.
My digital camera, notebook and pen travel everywhere. I also
get ideas while grooming my horse. He patiently listens to my
ramblings and often, silly songs. Some of my best ideas come
from these activities.

Researching. Once a story is conceived, I discover if it's
viable. I look for sources, maps, background information,
etc. From there, phone calls, email and leg work. Less worthy
stories die on the vine, while strong ones gather speed. When
it feels juicy, I know it's hot. By then, I'm mentally prepared
to query. Tips for interviews and lead gathering: Listen to
your sources, because you never know what they'll divulge.
Research allows you to pick up every rock, so grab all the
jewels! More often than not, I find what I need, and two (or
more) additional stories.

Querying. This is the most frightening aspect of writing for
newbies and clearly, the most often overlooked. Grab Writer's
Market and make a list of publications you can write for.
Google subjects you're interested in. A strong query can open
the door to writing web content for the site of your choice.
Find local and regional publishers and query the editors. Next,
put the query together. This is your time to shine, share and
have fun! If you need help, enlist the aid of a seasoned
writer. This process seems terrifying at the onset, but
believe me, when an editor emails back -- the same day --
you'll be grinning from ear to ear, and mighty glad you took
the time.

Writing. This is when I sit down. I know what's expected,
I've got the slant and the clock's ticking. Granted, it can
be difficult to schedule around my daughters and a small herd
of cats and dogs. Sitting in the chair and writing, editing,
fact checking, calling a source again and editing, editing,
editing can be mind-numbing! However, the end result is the
crown jewel of what I do and most of all, I love weaving words.
That said, I'm extremely careful and my pieces take a lot of
time to produce. If the writing's not up to par, if it's not
what the editor wanted, if I missed something, I'm out of a
check. I'm definitely not a churn-out-five-articles-an-hour
type of writer!

For those who long to be published, reach as high as you can.
Dream big and do your homework. Continue honing your craft
and don't give up. Most of all, don't sell yourself short!

---

BIO: Laura Townshend is a freelance writer and artist living
in Central Texas. She writes fact and fiction, with the
majority of her work focused upon travel and equestrian
pursuits. Currently, she's busy writing for the Hill Country
Sun and The Cowboy Boot. Her piece, "Ultimate Source of
Divinity," was accepted for the Wisdom of Our Mothers anthology.
Artocracy displays Laura's macrophotography, where she was a
featured artist.

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COMPETITIONS
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THE GRAYBEAL-GOWAN PRIZE FOR VIRGINIA WRITERS
http://www.wlu.edu/x32980.xml#
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NO ENTRY FEE
This annual prize of $500 is awarded by Shenandoah and the
Virginia Poetry Center for a single poem by a writer born
in or with current established residence in Virginia. The
winning poem will be published in SHENANDOAH, and the author
will receive broadside copies of the poem to be published by
the Virginia Poetry Center. Entrants are invited to submit
up to three previously unpublished poems. Deadline November
29, 2009.

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STELLA KUPFERBERG MEMORIAL SHORT STORY PRIZE
http://www.symphonyspace.org/shorts/writing_contest
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$25 ENTRY FEE
The winning submission, selected by Nathan Englander, will
be read as part of the Selected Shorts performance at
Symphony Space on April 7, 2010. The story will be recorded
for possible later broadcast as part of the public radio
series. The winner will receive $1,000. Submit a single short
story that addresses the theme, Apartments and Neighbors.
No more than 750 words. Deadline January 29, 2010.

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INTERACT READING SERVICE COMPETITION
http://www.interactreading.org/documents/Rulesofentryw.LetterheadNandE.doc
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£10 ENTRY FEE
InterAct Reading Service is launching its second short story
competition to find a writer in residence. InterAct Reading
Service is a registered UK charity that uses professional
actors to provide a live and interactive reading service in
hospitals and stroke clubs. Entrants can write in any genre.
The length of each story must not exceed 1,000 words. The
winner of the Ruth Rendell Short Story Competition will receive
£2,000 and become InterAct Reading Service's Writer in Residence
for a period of one year. In that capacity the winner will be
expected to produce five further short stories. Deadline
December 21, 2009.

 
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GRANTS
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VERMONT TEACHING ART ROSTER
http://vermontartscouncil.org/Education/TeachingArtistRoster/TeachingArtistApplication/tabid/182/Default.aspx
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The Arts Council's Teaching Artist Roster is a resource for
schools, arts organizations, and community groups looking
to hire quality artists and art teachers for their programs. 
The current teaching artist roster is available as a
downloadable PDF, or through an interactive database. 
The Arts Council offers Teaching Artist Residency Grants
of up to $1,500 to support school programs employing these
artists. The Council is now accepting RFQs from artists
interested in joining the Teaching Artist Roster. Applications
must be submitted online by November 20, 2009. 

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CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE - MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENCIES (2 LOCATIONS)

C-SCAPE DUNE SHACK
http://www.nps.gov/archive/volunteer/air.htm
---
Residencies open to two dimensional visual artists,
photographers, sculptors, performers, writers, video/filmmakers.
Deadline: February 15, (postmarked). Accepts application
year-round. Residencies vary from one week to up to three months
each.

THE MARGO-GELB SHACK
http://www.nps.gov/archive/volunteer/air.htm
---
Residencies open to two-dimensional visual artists, photographers,
sculptors, writers, video/filmmakers. Deadline: February 1
(received). Residency period: Mid-May through mid-October. Offers
six residencies of two weeks each. Send a 52-cent SASE.

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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VEG NEWS
http://www.vegnews.com/web/pages/page.do?pageId=13
---
VegNews welcomes freelance inquiries and is open to a variety
of subjects relating to vegetarianism. Covers personal essays,
business profiles, food features, personal stories on going
vegetarian, restaurant reviews, vacations, book reviews and
exposes. Tends to pay only for feature-length pieces, but
pays up to 35 cents/word.

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VERMONT LIFE
http://www.vermontlife.com/about_vl/guidelines.htm
---
Vermont Life is interested in any article, query, story idea,
photograph or photo essay that has to do with Vermont. Our
text rates for feature articles range between $350 and $900
depending on the length and research involved in preparing
the manuscript. Most articles run approximately 1,000 words.
Deadlines January 15, April 15, July 15, September 15,
October 15. Query first.

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VIRGINIA WILDLIFE
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/virginia-wildlife/july-2009-guidelines.pdf
---
We publish articles on hunting, fishing, boating, camping,
conservation, ecology, game and fish recipes, hiking, outdoor
safety and ethics, wildlife habitats, natural history, and
environmental stewardship/education. Query first. Feature-
length articles must be 1,000-1,200 words but no more than
1,500 words (no additional payment for length over the 1,200
cap). Pays $500 per article.

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JOBS
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MULTIPLE EDITORS
Location Virtual - United States
http://www.idealist.org/en/job/355746-174
---
Seeking five full-time Editors to help lead Change.org's
network of cause-based blogs. If you have great writing and
editing skills and are excited about the possibility of
joining a small but rapidly growing team leading the movement
to merge the worlds of media and activism, we want to hear
from you. Each Editor is responsible for helping to create
and expand the editorial voice of four of Change.org's
twenty cause-based blogs. For each blog they oversee, editors
will:

Oversee a social media and community building strategy.

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EDITOR
Location Brooklyn, NY
http://www.idealist.org/en/job/355703-327
---
Brooklyn Botanic Garden seeks an experienced editor to join
our team of passionate and creative communicators. The BBG
editor will write and develop content for the Garden's award-
winning website, gardening newsletter, and various other
products of the Garden's horticultural publishing program.

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CONTENT EDITORS
Location Dallas, TX
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/cgi-bin/displayJob.pl?job_no=6235
---
Non-profit educational publisher seeks 2 experienced, highly
motivated Content Editors to join its publishing team. The
content editor will work with staff and contract writers to
prepare lessons and assessments for Pre-AP* and AP* English
and science teachers. In addition to copyediting and proof-
reading documents, the content editor will be responsible for
loading finished content into an XML-based, Quark Publishing
System. Bachelor's degree in English is required for English
Content Editor position. Bachelor's degree in science is
required for science Content Editor position.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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AMERICAN GIRL PUBLISHING
http://www.americangirl.com/corp/corporate.php?section=about&id=8
---
American Girl Publishing welcomes nonfiction submissions
from authors and agents. We do not accept submissions in
the field of fiction. Our advice and activity books cover
subjects of interest or concern to girls ages 8-12, complete
with illustrations and photographs. American Girl Publishing
invites proposals for Well-focused concepts for activity
books, craft books, or advice books, and nonfiction
specifically targeted to girls.

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PAULIST PRESS
http://www.paulistpress.com/manuscriptsubmissions.shtml
---
Paulist Press publishes ecumenical theology, Roman Catholic
studies and books on scripture, liturgy, spirituality, church
history, and philosophy as well as works on faith and culture. 
Our publishing is oriented toward adult-level nonfiction,
although we offer a growing selection of children's stories
and activity books.  We do not publish poetry.

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SWITCHGRASS BOOKS
http://www.switchgrass.niu.edu/switchgrass/
---
Switchgrass Books exclusively publishes literary novels that
evoke the Midwestern experience, whether it is urban, suburban,
Switchgrass authors must be from the Midwest, current residents
of the region, or have significant ties to it. Briefly tell us
in your cover letter why yours is an authentic Midwestern voice.
We publish only full-length novels set in or about the Midwest.
We will not consider memoirs, short stories, novellas, graphic
novels, poetry or juvenile/YA literature. Agented manuscripts
will not be considered.

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SPONSORS
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The Association of Professional Business Writers represent
people that write for business in a fee for work or freelance
capacity. Contact us at www.apbw.us 

(FundsforWriters readers can use promo code FFW001 for
membership and a 20% discount)

 

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CALL FOR ENTRIES!

Dream Quest One Writing Contest is now accepting short
stories, 5 pages maximum length on any subject or theme,
single or double line spacing, neatly hand printed or
typed. Entry fee: $10 per story. First Writing Prize is
$500.00, 2nd: $250; 3rd: $100. All contest winners will
be published online in the Dare to Dream pages.
Postmark deadline: December 31, 2009.

Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com
for details and to enter!

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THE WELL-FED WRITER

In less than four months, Peter Bowerman built a lucrative
"paying-all-the-bills" commercial writing practice:
writing for businesses, large and small and for hourly
rates of $50-$125+ (and did so with NO industry contacts,
previous paid writing experience or writing training.

No, this isn't a huge course on how to get rich writing.
It's a reality story, condensed in a book that teaches
you how to do the same. For less than $20, grab the
know-how that many pay hundreds of dollars to learn.

THE WELL FED WRITER

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PACIFIC BOOK REVIEW

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We give FREE quality book reviews to both published and
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Let us promote your book at a very affordable rate. 

Get your book noticed fast and see results immediately.

Do you need your manuscript edited and proofread?

We polish your writing to perfection at an unbeatable price.

We help authors succeed!

For more information please visit: http://pacificbookreview.com

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AWARD WINNING NOVELIST, STORY WRITER WILL EDIT YOUR WORK

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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EDITOR JENNIFER'S EDITING SERVICE

Editing Packages:
Plot doctoring, proofreading, full manuscript critiques,
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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!

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its business needs. Current deal = 250 business cards for FREE.

 

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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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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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