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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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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.

Read this note from a FundsforWriters reader after reading
this ad:

His mantra? "If I can do it, you can do it." Writers need each other. Here it applies.

Steve Sears
www.SGSWrite.com
Sea598@aol.com
 
                 
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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

=====

CHOOSING AN AGENT

"Choosing" an agent? Like you have a choice? If an
agent emailed you right now and said she might be
interested, would you just jump on the bandwagon,
put your writing career in her hands, and then sit
back and wait for the magic to happen?

Most writers would. After all, look at the odds of finding
an agent these days. Isn't it something like one percent?
A large number of those writers who leap quickly, however,
soon regret their choice. Yes, it was a choice.

Your mindset in seeking an agent ought to be that it's
just as much your choice as the agent's. It's like going
to the doctor. He has the degree, the license and the
know-how, but he doesn't treat you unless you feel
comfortable with the plan. After all, it's your body,
just like it's your body of writing.

When querying agents, do more than scan for what genre
they accept. Learn where they live in terms of city or
state or even country. (No addresses, unless you like being
a stalker.) Learn where they are from. Maybe one's a country
girl from Georgia now working in New York City. Are they
married? Do they have pets? What are their hobbies? What do
they like to read? What is their age? Their gender? Their
alma mater?

When you query, you reveal something about yourself. If an
agent calls you, she wants to know more about you. She wants
to feel there is a connection - that you two have something
in common. Research enough about an agent to show you have
like interests. After all, this is a two-way contract.

Do you really need an agent?

Agents are constantly staying on top of what publishers
need. Their jobs depend on staying current. As public
opinion shifts, agents recognize trends. The good ones
are walking, talking newscasts of the publishing world.
Do you know the difference between a Kindle and a Nook?
A Sony Reader or a Vook? Are you on top of the ever-
changing electronic media issue? They are.

There are more agents now than ever before, and many of
the new ones used to work with publishers. These people
have struggled on both sides of the table. They know what
sells and what's passe.

Maybe you've been unable to land an agent. Maybe you think
you prefer self-publishing, thinking you understand the
business as well as any agent out there. The reality is
that the economy that downsized publishing houses has
spewed a lot of experienced souls into the world to act
as freelance agents.

If you ever considered an agent for your baby, now is
the time. Do your homework, polish your letter, touch up
your synopses, and start mailing queries. Your chances of
finding an agent are as good as they'll ever get.

     Hope

ANNOUNCEMENT - COME VISIT WITH HOPE IN NORTH CAROLINA

The Weathers Creek Writers' Series will continue in 2010
with workshops on songwriting, fiction and making money
with your writing. The sessions offer a one-day get
away to a lovely farm located between Cleveland, NC and
Mooresville, NC. The Farm at Weathers Creek is a peaceful
spot with scenic views from almost every window of the log
home on the property.

The 2010 workshops will begin on January 9 with C. Hope Clark,
founder and editor of www.fundsforwriters.com, a well-known
writer's reference that reaches over 28,000 readers weekly
with motivational editorials and lists of grants and markets.
Her workshop, "Funding Streams: How Serious Writers Plunge
In," will help you determine where and how to take your
writing to the editors and websites that pay and that help
you reach your target audiences.

Sessions are $75 each. All sessions include a homemade lunch.
Deadline for registration for the January session is January
4, 2010. Registration for January, February and April is
limited to 12 people. Gift certificates - perfect for all
the writers on your Christmas list -- are available. All
sessions will start promptly at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.
For a registration form, directions and other information,
go to our website, www.weatherscreek.net/.

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GRANTS FOR SERIOUS WRITERS IS UPDATED!

 This is our most popular ebook, and our largest!
It's fresh and rejuvenated now, and available for sale.
All you folks who purchased GRANTS FOR THE SERIOUS WRITER
in the last three months can claim your free updated version.
Just email Hope at hope@fundsforwriters.com

=====

 TWEETEBOOKS!

New books have been added to the Tweetebook library.
You can't beat $1.99 for 20 markets in the niche of your choice.

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

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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

"Everything that is new or uncommon raises a pleasure in
the imagination, because it fills the soul with an agreeable
surprise, gratifies its curiosity, and gives it an idea of
which it was not before possessed."

- Joseph Addison

 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Dear Hope,

Saturday I received a letter from the editor of Writer's
Digest informing me I had won Honorable Mention for my
children's book in the 78th Writer's Digest Competition,
Children/Young Adult Fiction Category.  I am so thrilled
to have this wonderful recognition.  It gives me the
determination to continue trying.  Thank you for giving
me the information in FFW on this and other contests.

Sincerely,
Della Chris Jones

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ARTICLE
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Writing for Lou Grant and Those Dark Suits
By Kristine Meldrum Denholm
 
Back in journalism school,  I pictured myself in a press
office someday, phone ringing, pencil over my ear, typing
with two fingers, with my editor, Lou Grant, grunting, "Give
me fresh copy! Now!"

I didn't think the pencil, phone, computer and boss would be
in a press office for the federal government. In my wildest
Mary Tyler Moore fantasies, I never thought I'd be writing
for an agency of the (then) Treasury Department.

When I first arrived in Washington DC to work for the tiny
public affairs office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms (ATF),  I thought I'd be bored and last a week.
Wrong. I stayed 10 years.

At first, they tested me with entry-level stuff: oh, we didn't
tell you you'd have to do time-cards, answer phones, and sit
on the employee picnic committee?  (Was this what Mary did?)

They'd throw me a bone once a week. Write a story touting
Savings Bonds. Write a memo to employees about the law
enforcement torch run for Special Olympics.

I obeyed, dutifully like a good government worker, while
answering phones: CBS/ABC/ NBC, AP, Washington Post called
daily about gun control. My first year was the Lockerbie
bombing and a school shooting in California. Network reporters
raced to us to set them up with explosives and firearms
experts and give them the lowdown about the laws.

As this girl from suburban northeast Ohio-- who had never
seen a gun in her life-- got thrown into a world of AK-47's,
I had to learn quickly. My boss wasn't Lou, but he was a
knowledgeable, professional spokesman, which let me learn
even quicker.

I graduated to writing executive bios and letters to the
editor when our agency was misrepresented. I tackled
writing press releases about confusing alcohol and explosives
regulations.  Soon I was writing articles for national law
enforcement magazines.

Then Waco happened, the same weekend as the first World
Trade Center bombing. Our explosive experts were deployed
in New York as four of our agents were killed serving
warrants on a compound. There was deep sadness in the
agency.  The hierarchy was shattered.  Employee morale was
strained. Two years later, Oklahoma City happened. Those
events thrust our agency into worldwide media attention.
We were busy...and tense.

I wrote more than ever before. I wrote remarks for our
new director for ceremonies and employee town-hall meetings. 
I penned speeches for him at national law enforcement
conferences. I wrote Q & A's -sound bite suggestions for
when executives were drilled on CNN about White House
initiatives.  I created and developed Inside ATF, an
employee publication that aimed to understand employees,
not give them a management line.  I believed in our agents
and sought to showcase their expertise. These were
incredibly brave men and women.

My husband's job transfer moved us to another city. It
broke my heart to leave ATF, but I started a new life as
a freelance writer. I cringe if an editor calls me a new
writer. Since I've been in the background, editors don't
know my name.  But I've written in a real press office.
It was buzzing with  camera crews and deadlines.  I've
crafted my words carefully, with clearance, during national
crises.   I've had to be aware of the views of media,
management, employees, the White House, and Congress.

A career as a government wordsmith can be intense and
invigorating. If it's the act of writing that you're after,
not the byline, the government could use you.  As an author
or journalist, your skills translate: you see needs and
fill them. You balance competing interests. You meet deadlines.

That's really all Lou ever wanted out of Mary.

###
Kristine Meldrum Denholm has published essays in Chocolate
for a Teen's Soul, the upcoming book Unsent Letters to our
Fathers, the Potomac News, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Visit Kristine at www.kristinemeldrumdenholm.com
 
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COMPETITIONS
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BUXTON POETRY COMPETITION
http://www.derby.ac.uk/buxtonpoetrycompetition
---
The cost to submit a poem is £5. Entries to the young people's
and children's categories are free. This year's theme is "A
Breath of Fresh Air". Poets of all ages are welcome to enter -
there are three categories:

Open Poetry for poets 19 and over,
Young People's for budding poets between 12 and 18,
Children's Poetry for the 11 and unders.

Five finalists from each category will be selected by a panel
of judges. The first three winners from the Open Category will
receive a cash prize (£300, £200, £100). The first three winners
from the Young People's and Children's categories will receive
Waterstone's book tokens. The 15 finalists will have their work
exhibited in the Devonshire Dome during Buxton Festival 2010 as
well as being announced in the local media and listed on the
University and Festival's website. The three first-place poems
will be published in the 2010 Buxton Festival programme. The 15
finalists will be invited to an Awards Event at the Devonshire
Dome during Buxton Festival 2010. The three first-place poets
will have an opportunity to read their poems at the Awards
Event. Deadline April 1, 2010. Poems must not exceed 40 lines.

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THE SOUTH CAROLINA REVIEW POETRY CONTEST
http://www.clemson.edu/caah/cedp/cudp/writers_nook/writers_nook.htm
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ENTRY FEE
One winning poem will be awarded $500, and two runners-up will
receive $100 and $50, respectively. Winning poems and selected
finalists will be published in the Fall 2010 issue. Entries
must be original, unpublished, and not have won a monetary
award in other contests. Deadline March 15, 2010. A $20 entry
fee (checks payable to the Clemson University Foundation with
"SCR Poetry Contest" on the memo-line) covers the cost of up
to four poems (ten pages maximum).

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DAME LISBET THROCKMORTON FICTION CONTEST
http://www.coffeehousefiction.com
---
$17 ENTRY FEE
Deadline January 31, 2010. Original short stories, or chapters
that stand on their own, should use 3,500 words or less to
dazzle the judges. Four cash prizes: $350, $125, $75, and $50. 
Winning stories will be published in an anthology with selections
from the short list. The four winners will receive complimentary
copies. Also offers a critique service for those who wish to
see their story's score and comments from the judges. This
service is an additional $25.

 
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GRANTS
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NEBRASKA ARTIST DIRECTORY
http://www.nebraskaartscouncil.org/Programs/
---
The Nebraska Arts Council (NAC) would like to remind artists
of the new deadline of December 1, 2009 for applications to
the NAC's Artist Directory. The Directory includes both the
Artists in Schools/Communities program and the Nebraska Touring
Program/Exhibits Nebraska. Artists interested in applying for
the AiS/C roster should contact Anne Alston at
anne.alston@nebraska.gov. Artists interested in the NTP/EN
roster should contact Mike Markey at mike.markey@nebraska.gov
Artists may also call the NAC 402/595-2122.

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PACIFIC PIONEER FUND
http://www.pacificpioneerfund.com/info.html
---
Supports emerging documentary filmmakers and videographers
who live and work in California, Oregon, and Washington with
grants of $1,000 - $10,000. Filmmakers must demonstrate a
commitment to the art of making documentaries by several years
(but no more than 10) of practical film or video experience.
Deadline: December 15, 2009.

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INTERNATIONAL EMERGING DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS FELLOWSHIP
http://www.gwu.edu/doccenter
---
At the Documentary Center of The George Washington University
(May 26-July 8, 2010, Washington, DC). Intensive 6-week program
that will include 20 emerging documentary filmmakers from
across the globe. Fellows will work together in a collaborative
environment geared toward launching their work onto the world
stage. Applications are invited from countries around the world
where traditional infrastructure for the creation and
distribution of documentary does not currently exist. Fellows
will make 2 films, participate in round-table discussions with
notable U.S. filmmakers, and meet representatives from major
broadcast networks. Deadline December 4, 2009.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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FIRE RESCUE
http://www.firerescuemagazine.com/guidelines_author.html
---
Readers consist of fire chiefs, company officers, training
officers, firefighters, and technical rescue personnel.
We publish hands-on, how-to articles that serve our "Read It
Today, Use It Tomorrow" mission. 1,000 to 1,500 words.
Needs how-to, specs, ride alongs, incident reviews, product
reviews. Features: $100--$400 Departments: $100--$200 News items:
$25-$50. All payments made upon publication. Most assignments
to new writers are made on spec.

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HAIR'S HOW MAGAZINE
http://hairshow.us/contact/
http://hairshow.us/advertise/editorial/
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/wri/1453965860.html
---
Seeking a freelance writer/editor with journalism experience
to write/edit for Hair's How Magazine (www.hairshow.us), a
consumer/professional periodical publication focusing on
education, trends, interviews and business news in hair &
beauty industry. Preference is given to candidates who have
substantial experience in writing for hair and beauty industry
and have exceptional editorial and project management skills.
Primary responsibilities include but not limited to editing
articles for content, writing magazine columns and featured
articles, interviewing, future issue planning, and review of
products. Send your resume, qualifications and samples of
writing to: publisher@hairshow.us or fax to 951-344-2240

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JUST LABS MAGAZINE
http://www.justlabsmagazine.com/contact.php
---
A magazine for those who live with and love Labrador retrievers.
Articles help people learn about, live with, train, take care
of, and enjoy their dogs. Pays up to $400 for feature articles
of 1,000 to 1,800 words on topics with humor, inspiration,
profiles, travel, training, health, how-to and personal
experiences.

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JOBS
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CREATIVE WRITING INSTRUCTOR
Location Springfield, MO
https://ws.missouristate.edu/employment/academic.aspx
---
M.A. in Creative Writing (poetry) with minimum of two years
college teaching experience, including experience teaching
creative writing (poetry). Demonstrated record of excellence
in teaching. Evidence of professional creative activity
(writing, publication, marketing, etc.)

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WEB EDITOR AND WRITER
Location Virtual
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/wri/1454059350.html
---
Womenworking.com, one of the premier sites for professional
women, is seeking a full-time writer/editor and executive
assistant. Responsibilities include managing interns, producing
content for the website and our newsletters and administrative
support to the CEO. Creativity and new ideas are encouraged.
In order to be considered for this position qualified individuals
must be: excellent writer, have one or more years work experience,
strong organizational and people skills, and a passion for
women's issues. A sense of humor is a must. Knowledge of
Microsoft Office and Excel are required, HTML a plus. Salary:
$30-40,000.00 depending upon experience. No freelancers please.

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WRITER-EDITOR
Location Washington DC
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=84435100&aid=27015391-10119&WT.mc_n=125
---
Employing Agency: Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service.
Writes testimony and oral statements for delivery by witnesses
participating in Congressional hearings, including but not limited
to, the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary for Marketing
and Regulatory Programs, APHIS Administrator, and Agency senior
executives. Researches, writes and edits significant portions of
briefing books prepared for Department and Agency witnesses in
advance of Congressional hearings. Writes talking points and
briefing papers used to prepare the Department and Agency
officials prior to significant meetings, including briefings
with Congressional staff on Agency issues and meetings with
State, industry, and other external groups.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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CARINA PRESS
http://carinapress.com/?page_id=2
---
Carina Press will feature books from talented authors in all
genres of romance, erotica, science fiction, fantasy, horror,
mystery, women's fiction, and more. If the book of your heart
fits into a niche that has very little shelf space in a
traditional bookstore, Carina Press is eager to read and
potentially publish your story.

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LOVING HEALING PRESS
http://www.lovinghealing.com/AboutUs/WriteForUs.htm
---
LHPress occasionally publishes unsolicited manuscripts from
exceptional authors as part of the "Spiritual Dimensions" or
"New Horizons in Therapy" series. Such books must be congruent
with our mission statement and empowering to readers. We pay
competitive rates to authors, but our books are not cheap. All
new books will retail at $17.95 and above, commensurate with
length. We do not offer publishing advances at this time.

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UPSTART CROW LITERARY AGENCY
http://upstartcrowliterary.com/
---
Mostly interested in children's books, with a few notable
exceptions: Unless Michael or Chris have sought you out or
spoken to you at a conference and expressed an interest, they
are NOT looking for nonfiction, books aimed at the educational
or spiritual markets, or picture book texts and/or illustrations.
Currently, Ted is accepting queries only through conference
submissions and client referrals. Their third agent is interested
in narrative nonfiction, memoir, self-help, relationships, humor,
current events, women's issues and cooking. Also, commercial
women's fiction and multicultural fiction, romance, paranormal
romance, and YA fiction for girls.

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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, 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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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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Do you need your book endorsed?

We give quality book reviews to both published and
unpublished books.

Why wait? Take advantage of our Express Review Service.
 
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

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!

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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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