Volume 10, Issue 6
February 7, 2010

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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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

                 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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

=====

REPETITION

Remember my neighbor? The one who wondered why his chickens
were flighty and unfriendly while mine were quiet and docile?
He's at it again.

We don't dislike our neighbor at all. They are a nice family.
But they decided to "try out chickens" without doing their
homework. They threw up a dog kennel and a small metal building.
At first glance, it's classy. But the chickens get out. Since
they have three large dogs, of course things happen. Two birds
died this week.

Now they are ordering twenty more chicks.

"Why?" I asked my husband. "They haven't grasped how to raise
the ones they have, and those hens aren't even laying yet."

"He said his wife wanted sweeter chickens like yours," he said.

I put my head in my hands, visions of frantic chickens fleeting
through my mind. I'd explained to my neighbor that we'd chosen
certain breeds and raised ours from chicks. That's all he heard.
What he failed to fathom is the fact we visit the chickens
a couple times a day, talk to them, and feed them by hand so
they enjoy our presence. The neighbor has sixteen very young hens
who would appreciate a change in lifestyle, would enjoy being
loved.

If he doesn't change his habit, nothing will change.
Instead of 16 skittish birds, he'll have 36.

We have to learn from our mistakes; at least learn from our
habits that haven't proven fruitful.

We explained to our neighbor why our birds were sweet. He
only heard what he wanted to hear. How often do we do that
with our writing?

We receive rejection after rejection. A few generous editors
offer comments. We read blogs and forums and lament over
the downtrodden economy, the demise of magazines, the efforts
we make that go unappreciated.

I rarely see people discussing how they need to improve
their writing ability.

Sometimes it's the obvious that needs changing. Doing more
of the same only results in more of the same.
 

     Hope

MOBILE WRITERS GUILD WORKSHOP - MOBILE, ALABAMA

Hope Clark will lead as the first of three writers in
a weekend workshop on Saturday, March 13, 2010 with her
presentation Funding Streams: How Serious Writers Plunge In.
Also presenting will be Author Nancy Swan on Developing a
Writer's Platform and Dr. Sharee Broussard on What Grantors
Look for When Reviewing Applications.

Cost: $35, lunch included
Time: 9AM - 4PM
Location: St. Luke's School, 3975 Japonica Lane, Mobile, AL

To register or request information, email
mobilewritersguild@gmail.com of call 251-751-2519

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BYLINES DAILY DESK CALENDAR IS AVAILABLE!

Many have asked when the calendars would be ready.
This year's Bylines features writers from 26 states and
4 foreign countries (Ireland, Great Britain, Australia
and Canada). This is the 7th edition.

This is the calendar Hope has used for five years.
See why so many FundsforWriters readers can't wait
for it each year. Sells for $14.95.

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

=====

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

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WORDS OF SUCCESS

"There are times when we must sink to the bottom of our
misery to understand truth, just as we must descend to
the bottom of a well to see the stars in broad daylight."

--Vaclav Havel

 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Hi Hope,

I just wanted to thank you for your emails. Sometime ago,
you informed your "writing readers" of Creative Writing Corner's
short fiction contest.  Eager to "let go" of one of my stories I
decided to enter. I was awarded first place!  While winning
was a pleasant surprise, it encouraged me to continue pursuing my
passion and acknowledged my persistence, talent, and hard work.
I thank you for your work in keeping fellow literary artists
informed of such contests, new markets, and job opportunities!

Sincerely,
Mark R. Dungey
Writer, Editor, Tutor

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ARTICLE
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Make Money Writing About Money

by Jessica McCann

In challenging economic times - and even as the economy gradually
rebounds - many people are looking for ideas about how to budget,
save, invest and manage their money. This presents more
opportunities for freelance writers to pitch (and publish)
articles on personal finance topics.

According to the Harris Interactive 2009 Financial Literacy
Survey, 41 percent of U.S. adults gave themselves a grade of
C, D, or F on their knowledge of personal finance. In addition,
80 percent agreed that, even considering what they already know
about personal finance, they could still benefit from advice
and answers to everyday financial questions from a professional.

The largest consumer magazines on personal finance (such as
Business Week, Forbes, Fortune and Money) rely almost exclusively
on staff writers. It's tough for the average freelancer to break
in to these publications, but many other opportunities abound.
Consumer magazines and Web sites in many categories are on the
look out for fresh article ideas and timely angles to a variety
of money topics.

Brian Johnson, managing editor of Ahwatukee Foothills News
said he has definitely seen an increase in interest among readers
of his community paper for finance-related articles in the past
year or so. While the Wall Street Journal and major magazines
tackle the technical side of the financial markets and investing,
Johnson's paper strives to educate average people on the basics.

"I'm not looking for the sophisticated article about building
a multi-million dollar stock portfolio," he said. "I'm just
looking for the stuff that can help real people in our community
- families with kids - learn about budgeting, credit cards and
other financial 101 information."

Community newspapers are a great way to break in to a new writing
niche and build clips. To find community papers, visit the
Newspaper Association of America Web site (www.naa.org), which
includes a comprehensive list of contact information for state
press associations.

Magazines that focus on subjects such as parenting, career
planning or even health often will publish articles on money
topics with an angle that speaks to their readership. What about
pitching a piece to a men's health magazine on the psychological
aspects of being the traditional "family bread winner" during
challenging economic times? Consider a parenting magazine query
on why and how to include children when creating a family budget.
Would a publication for teachers run a story on how to incorporate
financial literacy into the high school curriculum? Pitch it.

Add weight to your article queries by including names of a few
of your sources. Local financial professionals are generally
willing sources of information and quotes. In addition, they
often will offer up more ideas for future articles. By building
relationships with a variety of financial professionals,
freelance writers can generate a steady stream of story ideas
that will help keep the assignments flowing.

The Financial Planning Association (FPA), the Certified Financial
Planner (CFP) Board of Standards Inc. and the National Association
of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) are three widely-recognized
professional organizations for financial advisors. All have Web
sites with "find a planner/advisor" tools that writers can use
to locate and contact experts to interview. All sites also
include loads of consumer information for background and story
ideas.

http://www.fpaforfinancialplanning.org

http://www.cfp.net

http://www.napfa.org

 ###

BIO
Jessica McCann is an awarding-winning nonfiction and fiction
writer based in the Phoenix area. Her work has been published
in many trade and consumer magazines, including Business Week,
Phoenix and bizAZ. Web: www.jessicamccann.com

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COMPETITIONS
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MICHAEL MARKS AWARD FOR POETRY PAMPHLETS
http://www.poetrybookshoponline.com/pamphlets.php
---
NO ENTRY FEE
The Michael Marks Poetry Award recognises a single outstanding
work of poetry published in pamphlet form in the UK during
2009. The Michael Marks Publishers' Award recognises an
outstanding UK publisher of poetry in pamphlet form, based on
their 2009 publishing programme. There will be two awards worth
£5,000 each. All submissions, including pamphlets and completed
entry forms, must be received at the Poetry Book Society office
by 5pm on Friday 12 March 2010.

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ALABAMA WRITERS' CONCLAVE 2010 WRITING COMPETITION
http://www.alabamawritersconclave.com/contests.html
---
$3 to $12 ENTRY FEE DEPENDING ON CATEGORY
Deadline: April 20, 2010 (postmark). Prizes: 1st: $100; 2nd:
$75; 3rd: $50; 4th: $25 and up to 4 Honorable Mentions in each
category.

Fiction - maximum 2,500 words.
Short Fiction - maximum 1,000 words.
Juvenile Fiction (stories for ages 4-12) - maximum 2,500 words.
   MUST LIST GENRE AND TARGETED AGE GROUP (i.e. picture book, 3 & up).
Nonfiction - maximum 2,500 words (PLEASE SPECIFY IF WRITTEN FOR
   ADULT OR CHILDREN).
Humor (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry) - maximum 2,000 words
   or 50 lines (for poems).
Traditional Poem (any "form" poem, i.e. villanelle, sonnet,
   sestina) - maximum 40 lines.
Free Verse Poem - maximum 60 lines.
First Chapter of Novel - up to 10 pages, first chapter ONLY.

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TIFERET POETRY CONTEST
http://tiferetjournal.com/2010/01/01/enter-the-2010-tiferet-poetry-contest-500-first-prize/
---
$5 ENTRY FEE (limit 10)
TIFERET: A Journal of Spiritual Literature offers an award
of $500 for a poem that invokes the sacred. We publish writing
from a variety of spiritual and religious traditions. Our
mission is to help reveal spirit through the written word and
to promote peace in the individual and the world. Unpublished
poems in English must be received through our online Submissions
Manager by April 1, 2010. First prize: $500 and publication in
TIFERET. Three Honorable Mention Prizes will receive publication
on website.

 
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GRANTS
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CREATIVE CAPITAL / WARHOL FOUNDATION ARTS WRITERS GRANTS
http://artswriters.org/guidelines.php
---
The program supports writers whose work addresses contemporary
visual art through grants issued directly to individual authors.
The Arts Writers Grant Program issues awards for articles,
blogs, books, new and alternative media, and short-form writing.
It aims to support the broad spectrum of writing on contemporary
visual art, from general-audience criticism to academic
scholarship. Through all its grants, regardless of topic or
category type, the Arts Writers Grant Program strives to honor
and encourage writing about art. Deadline April 26, 2010.
In 2009 grants ranged from $5,000 to $50,000.

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IDEA CAFE NINTH ANNUAL BUSINESS GRANT
http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/small_business_grants/grant_information.php
---
Idea Café, The Small Business Gathering Place®, is proud to
present our Ninth $1,000 Cash Grant for Small Businesses
aimed at helping entrepreneurs turn their business dreams
into reality. Deadline March 1, 2010.

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VOICE & VISION THEATRE RETREAT
http://vandv.org/sub.html
---
Voice & Vision Theater's annual summer Retreat offers selected
participants an artist-centered workshop environment where they
can develop projects with women at the core. Voice & Vision
provides ample rehearsal space on the Bard College campus,
dramaturgical support, round-trip transportation from New York
City, housing, a daily stipend and most meals. The ENVISION
Retreat affords each artist a highly focused workspace and
opportunities to informally present their works-in-progress.
Deadline March 1, 2010. The Envision Cover Page is required for
submission. This page contains all the submission requirements
and information. The retreat is June 13-27, 2010 at Bard College,
Annandale-on-Hudson, New York.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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LEHIGH VALLEY STYLE (a Pennsylvania Regional Publication)
http://www.lehighvalleystyle.com/about-us
---
We prefer a written proposal of 250 to 300 words as a preliminary
query. The proposal should convince us that we should cover the
subject, offer descriptive information on how you, the writer,
would treat the subject and offer us an opportunity to judge
your writing ability. Background information and writing
credentials are helpful.

You may send your submission via electronic mail to
editor@lehighvalleystyle.com. If you have supporting material
or clips of previously published work, you may prefer to send
your proposal through the United States mail. Address it to:
Lisa J. Gotto, Editor-in-Chief, Lehigh Valley Style, 3245
Freemansburg Avenue, Palmer, PA 18045. If you send your proposal
by post, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for
materials to be returned. If we decide to commission an article,
the writer receives full payment on publication. If the article
is found unsuitable through no fault of the writer, 25% of the
payment serves as a kill fee.

Lehigh Valley Style is buying First North American Serial Rights
only. Our article length ranges from an 1,800-word HomeStyle
column to a 2,500-word full-length feature. We consider focused
subjects that fall within the general range of Lehigh Valley
Style interests, such as: home design, engaging personalities,
gourmet food, art, culture, health, wellness, beauty, and fashion.
We do not consider previously published articles. We have a
three-month lead time. Pays 50 cents/word and up.

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MAKEZINE
http://makezine.com/submissions.csp
---
Pays $25-$100 for a 50-250-word review of a gadget, website,
tool, newsletter, instructional video, book, magazine, CD or
instrument. If you've made something cool (or have come up with
a cool hack or tweak for something) and want to show other people
how to make one, we'd like to publish it in our projects section -
200-750 words. We have several sections with articles about
interesting things made by people or groups of people. "Made
on Earth" is a section with large photos of projects and their
makers, along with 200-word stories about them. "Maker" is a
longer profile of a dedicated maker-of-cool-things. And we also
have 600- to 1,000-word articles about groups, companies, clubs,
and technologies relating to DIY projects. Everything other than
reviews are negotiated for payment.

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YOUTH TODAY
http://www.youthtoday.org/template/page.cfm?id=137
---
Youth Today is the national trade newspaper for people who work
with children and youth. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit
newspaper is published monthly except for two combined issues --
July/August and December/January. Our readers are primarily
professional youth workers and administrators of youth service,
youth advocacy and youth policy programs. They include direct
care workers (teachers, day care providers, counselors, recreation
staff, juvenile corrections officers), managers of nonprofit and
for-profit agencies (from the YMCA down to the smallest community-
based agencies), operators of faith-based programs and public
agencies, academics, lobbyists, government administrators, and
legislative and executive staff. We cover just about any issue
involving youth and the adults who work on their behalf, from
direct-care services, health and juvenile justice to government
policies and legislation, funding for youth programs and youth
development. Pays as much as 80 cents/word.

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JOBS
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSISTANT (2 VACANCIES)
Location Grand Tetons National Park, WY
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=85814319&aid=27015391-28110&WT.mc_n=125
---
Deadline February 20, 2010. Employing Agency: National Park
Service. This position assists the Public Affairs office at
Grand Teton National Park during the summer months when park
visitation is at its peak and incidents or events requiring
news releases and media contacts occur on a daily basis.
Incumbent will serve as staff liaison under the supervision
of the park's Public Affairs Officer. Responsibilities include
writing and issuing news releases on a myriad of park issues,
incidents and special events; accompanying official visitors
and foreign dignitaries on issue tours of the park; assisting
with planning, coordinating and executing of special events.

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FREELANCE MANAGING EDITOR
Location Virtual
http://www.ed2010.com/jobs/whisperjobs/2010/01/babymamalove-com-freelance-managing-editor
---
We are looking for an ultra-organized, stylish, articulate,
and efficient junior-level freelance managing editor to oversee
the production schedule and features department of Baby Mama Love
Editions and babymamalove.com. This post is ideal for a highly
creative ideas person and someone who wants to grow with our
company whether as managing editor or into another editorial
spot. You will create a resume of published clips and make a mark
for yourself within the editorial, new media and publishing world.

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RESUME WRITERS
Location Virtual
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/wri/1580930740.html
---
ResuMAYDAY, a career management services company that started
as a 1-person shop in 2001, now has worldwide clients. We cater
to management and C-level clients, as well as career transition
clients. The founder, Lauren Milligan, built a company that
generates tons of referrals and repeat business. We have nine
resume experts on our team and need to add a few more. To learn
more about the company, please see the following sites:
www.ResuMAYDAY.com
www.LinkedIn.com/in/LaurenMilligan

Contact Ms. Milligan at Lauren@ResuMAYDAY.com with your resume,
cover letter and a few examples of your resume work.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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BRONZE MAN BOOKS
http://www.bronzemanbooks.com/authors/submissions.html
---
Bronze Man Books is always open to proposals for book publications
and possible lines of books. In all publications we strive to
integrate high-quality design and meaningful content. Currently
publishes arts exhibition catalogs, literary chapbooks, children's
books, and books about Millikin University. We are always open to
new ideas or possible lines of publications.

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BULL PUBLISHING
http://www.bullpub.com/about.html
---
Prefers books that address the growing interest in health.
Covers topics like child care, managing health, women's
health, fitness, sport nutrition, psychology, self-help,
Spanish and other professional resources.

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CELLAR DOOR PUBLISHING
http://www.cellardoorpublishing.com/submissions.htm
---
Cellar Door Publishing specializes in the publication of high-
quality illustrated literature and graphic novels. We are
looking for all genres and age groups. We encourage creators
to experiment with format and content, though it is not required.
We do accept a limited number of submissions for books without
illustrations. This is generally reserved for books that are
either unique in content or controversial in nature, or
literary projects that can be released in a serialized format.

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SPONSORS
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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://www.rkeditor.com/

=====

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We help authors succeed!
For more information please visit: http://pacificbookreview.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 2000-2010, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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