Volume 10, Issue 9
February 28, 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

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No, this isn't a huge course on how to get rich writing.
It's a reality story, condensed in a book that teaches
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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

=====

HOW TO START YOUR PLATFORM

Last week's editorial about the difference between platform and
marketing plan stirred attention. Then I saw a blog from Lizzy
Mason, a senior publicist at Simon & Schuster and realized she
was underlining what I said. Only she did it from a publisher's
viewpoint.

Did you know that a traditional publisher will ask you to complete
a questionnaire for publicity purposes? Before you get to that
point, why not educate yourself on what is expected so that you
can plan now, take action now, gather information, and learn to
keep an open eye about what makes for good publicity and great sales.

1. List the magazines, newspapers, newsletters, blogs and websites
that you've written for. You don't have to be best buddies with
anyone there - just have a clip. What you don't want to do is post
everyone's personal site or some small site that gets 50 hits a month.
Keep the quality up.

2. List professional publications/journals where you might land
a review. Your alumni association, clubs, memberships all count.
So do professional organizations and their monthly newsletters.

3. List where you've spoken or been interviewed.

4. What individuals should receive complimentary copies for review?

5. What specialized groups would have interest in your work? Gather
the contact information.

6. Is your work regional? List contacts in the region.

7. Who is interested in your subject matter? That includes columnists,
media personalities, advocates, major blogs, trade publications,
social clubs, organizations and nonprofits.

8. Reply to blogs on your subject matter. Whether you write fiction
or nonfiction, there are serious blogs out there with many groupies.
Learn to comment and be smart, leaving a website or blog connection
wherever you leave your mark. It's a trickle way to earn a following.
People read those comments. The more you've supported a blog, the
more likely the bloggers will support you in return.

9. Where are all the bookstores and libraries in your area, your
county, your state, your geographic region? What about areas where
you travel, where your relatives live, where you attend conferences?
Collect names. Watch how they do a book release, reading or program.

10. Make a list with email and postal addresses of everyone you
know, whether intimately or as a simple acquaintance. That includes
co-workers, church members, parents of your children's friends,
your Christmas list, your dentist, doctor and attorney. Work on the
list over time, because you'll never remember them all in one sitting.
Make it an ongoing collection. Don't forget the invisible people like
the postman, the cashier at the grocery store, the teller at your
bank's drive-in window. They will feel flattered you thought of them
when you hand out postcards or book release announcements.

In other words, note every human connection you have. No, you are
not spamming them. No, you aren't harassing them. You are asking
them to celebrate with you. You never know which one will take up
the torch and send you dozens if not hundreds of sales.

Start now. Even post your lists on the refrigerator, in your
iPhone, on your laptop. Funny how quickly you realize by doing
this exercise that you need to reach out to the world, become
more involved, become a force to be reckoned with so people
will know you when that book comes to fruition.
 

     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

http://sites.google.com/site/mobilewritersguild/

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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

"Victory belongs to the most persevering."

--Napoleon Bonaparte
 

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ARTICLE
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HOW TO MAKE YOUR 8-TO-5 JOB WORK FOR YOUR WRITING

By JoAnna Haugen

Everywhere we turn, established writers advise us against
quitting our full-time jobs. Nothing is secure in the world
of writing, they say. With eight to ten hours of our day
sucked up by a job, though, how can we ever expect to seriously
pursue a writing career?

Working an eight-to-five job doesn't have to hold you back
from your writing dream. Here are seven ways to get the most
out of your day job:

1.    Absorb the company gossip. You don't have to participate
in the trash talk, but hang out around the proverbial water
cooler and take notes on the love triangles and department
scandals. Real life can be stranger than fiction, and juicy
gossip is no exception. Use the stories you hear to spark
interesting twists in your fiction.

2.    Write when you can. Build your portfolio by writing
articles or employee profiles for the company newsletter or
magazine. Let your supervisor know about your interest in writing;
chances are he or she will be able to utilize your skills and
interests in some way.

3.    Use break time wisely. Instead of chatting with your
colleagues during your work breaks, use the time to get small
writing tasks done. This is an ideal time to conduct phone
interviews for articles, flesh out scenes or write shorter
pieces via pen and paper.

4.    Note interesting characters. You know that 30-something
mom of four who flirts with the 20-year-old skateboard-wielding
copy room boy? Or how about the sleazy guy in marketing with
the handlebar mustache who tries to play footsie with all the
women in the boardroom? Note distinguishing characteristics that
define the unusual folks in your office and pull from them to
build intriguing characters once you've arrived home.

5.    Listen. If you have a job that allows you to plug into music,
opt instead to listen to audio books. Ditto for when you drive to
and from work. What better way to keep up on the latest published
works than by "reading" while working and sitting in commuter
traffic? If your drive isn't long enough to warrant sticking in
an audio book, listen to National Public Radio for the latest
news. Think about how you can use this information to pitch timely
localized or related articles to magazines.

6.    Become an expert. Regardless of what you do at work, you
can turn your expertise into a story. Strive to learn the latest
news as it relates to your business sector then use what you've
learned to write for industry-related publications. Basic
information that you pick up on the job can also make for
fascinating pieces on specialty blogs or in general interest
publications. Ask yourself what the public would like to know
about your business and shape your stories accordingly.

7.    Network. Introduce yourself to others when you have the
opportunity. Join industry networking groups, and foster
relationships that you can carry into your writing life. Don't
be afraid to share with people that you are a writer. You might
be surprised to discover that some of your colleagues have side
businesses and are looking for writers with whom to collaborate. 

BIO:
JoAnna Haugen built her freelance writing career while working
full-time in Corporate America. She writes the travel blog
http://www.kaleidoscopicwandering.com>Kaleidoscopic Wandering
and is a ghost blogger and copywriter for a number of clients.
Her work has appeared in more than 25 print and online publications,
including Cheer Biz News, Dance Teacher Magazine, Matador Network and
College Outlook.

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COMPETITIONS
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ALIBI CRIME WRITING CONTEST - UK ONLY
http://uktv.co.uk/alibi/homepage/sid/8165
---
Alibi has teamed up with world-renowned publisher HarperCollins
and Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Harrogate to
unearth some of the country's hottest new crime-writing talent
and we're starting by asking you to submit your very own crime
fiction short story. Deadline noon, May 16, 2010. Three finalists
will win tickets to Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival,
Harrogate (with travel and accommodation included), where they'll
get to the chance to rub shoulders with leading authors and agents
of the crime writing world. The winner will be announced during
the weekend and will win a Sony e-reader, a library of 100 crime
books including a signed Stuart MacBride back catalogue, and
they'll also see their story turned into a special online,
downloadable e-edition by HarperCollins. The entry must be
between 2,000-5,000 words. Entry is open to UK residents only
over 18 years of age.

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SATURNALIA BOOKS POETRY PRIZE
http://www.saturnaliabooks.com/html/poetry_contest.html
---
$25 ENTRY FEE
$1,500 and publication by Saturnalia Books. Must be in English.
Must be at least 48 pages in length. Manuscripts accepted in
the month of March only.

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GEMINI MAGAZINE SHORT STORY CONTEST
http://www.gemini-magazine.com/contest.html
---
ENTRY FEE: $4
Grand prize: $1,000. Second prize: $100. Honorable mention (3).
Deadline: March 31, 2010. All five finalists published in the
June 2010 issue of Gemini. No restrictions on content, style,
genre or length. Flashes, novel excerpts, experimental--all types
of short fiction are welcome.

 
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GRANTS
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J-LAB GRANTS FOR WOMEN
http://www.newmediawomen.org/site/proposal_guidelines/
---
J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism and the McCormick
Foundation are seeking to fund four women-led projects that will
rock the world of journalism. They will fund individuals who
have original ideas to create new Web sites, mobile news services
or other entrepreneurial initiatives that offer interactive
opportunities to engage, inspire and improve news and information
in a geographic community or a community of interest. Deadline
April 12, 2010. Funding is available for start-ups only.

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PLAYWRIGHTS' RETREAT - NEW ZEALAND
http://www.playmarket.org.nz/opportunities/playwrights%27_retreat
---
Applications are now open. Deadline May 14, 2010. Ten lucky
punters will be chosen to visit the beautiful Strathean in Otaki
for 8  days between 19th - 26th July 2010. They expect to offer
this opportunity free, and will explore the possibility of helping
more far flung writers with travel costs. All food will be
provided; you will all have your own room.  You won't need to cook,
clean, email, or organize. We aim to provide a quiet, distraction-
free atmosphere so you can concentrate on your work. Any queries,
please contact Jean:-  scripts@playmarket.org.nz . Location
Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand.

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OX-BOW RESIDENCIES
http://www.ox-bow.org/residency/artists/aid.html
---
Artists can enjoy 24-hour access to studios in an inspirational
setting. Ox-Bow's 115-acres of old growth forests, dunes, and a
lagoon offers artists a retreat from busy lives and interruption,
yet, within Ox-Bow's residential community, artists can find others
to share and exchange ideas with. From sculptors and musicians to
writers and performance artists, Ox-Bow is a microcosm of the
diverse world of artmaking in the 21st Century. Ox-Bow offers
two residency cycles per year. In 2010, Ox-Bow will celebrate
100 years as a school of art and artists' residency. As part of
the year-long celebration, Ox-Bow will offer three artists two-
week residencies during the early part of the 2010 summer
session. Centennial Residents will receive a private studio,
room and board, as well as a $1,000 stipend to be used
towards expenses. Location Saugatuck, Michigan. Deadline March
19, 2010 to apply for assistance for the summer season and the
contest.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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THE DUBLINER
http://thedubliner.typepad.com/the_dubliner_magazine/editorial-guidelines.html
---
The Dubliner is about life in Ireland's capital; our stories
always have relevance to a local audience but can also be
appreciated by those outside Dublin. We publish stories on
everything from architecture to sex. Send a short pitch, and
if we're interested we'll come back to you with a word count,
deadline and other advice. The Dubliner pays contributors 15
cents per word published. Payment is by bank transfer, usually
within a month of publication. (NOTE: Conversion puts payment
over the 20 cents/word U.S.)

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SELF
http://www.self.com/contact/contactus
---
Pays $1 to $1.50 per word. Pitch the front of the book or short
columns if pitching for the first-time. Self Magazine is about
fitness, health, beauty and diet.

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EDIBLE LOS ANGELES
http://www.ediblelosangeles.com/content/index.php/writer-s-guidelines/writer-s-guidelines.htm
---
We are a member of Edible Communities, a growing, award-winning,
nationwide series of community-based food publications whose
mission is "to transform the way communities shop for, cook,
eat, and relate to the food that is grown and produced in
their area." Recipes to accompany articles are highly desirable,
but they must be original and carefully tested. Articles can
range in size from around 400 (1/2 page) - 2,700 (3 pages)
words, with the length determined by what seems best for the
particular topic. Articles from 400 - 950 are preferred. We
also seek short (@ 150 - 300 words) news-type features for
our upfront Notable Edibles section. At this time, payment
is anywhere from 18 to 30 cents/word for original articles.
Payment is also based on the complexity and polish of the
submitted article.
 

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JOBS
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WRITER-EDITOR
Location Washington DC
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=86262439&aid=27015391-20210&WT.mc_n=125
---
Deadline March 8, 2010. Employing Agency: Department Of State.
Review ISP reports, correspondence and documents for accuracy
and completeness of information. Provides advice on the proposed
structure of reports/documents to be prepared. Rewrites or
writes new portions of complex reports to ensure the substantive
facts, issues, conclusions and recommendations are included and
discussed. Prepare guidance on formatting, organization of reports,
grammar principles and other issues.

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CURRICULUM WRITER
Location Boston, MA
http://www.idealist.org/en/job/368761-18
---
Partners In Health is a non-profit corporation based in Boston,
Massachusetts, whose mission is to provide a preferential option
for the poor in health care. The Curriculum Writer is responsible
for the overall development and coordination of training curricula
for PIH staff on a wide variety of HIV and primary health care
related topics.

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WRITER FOR CREATIVE BOOKS
Location Virtual
http://www.idealist.org/en/job/368741-78
---
Write a book, based on phone and/or in person interviews with
successful adults who were formerly low income, minority youth.
The purpose of the book would be to teach kids that whatever they
do, they should do it better than the next person and to do more
than what is expected of them. Creative writer needed for a book
entitled "Going the Extra Mile". The book will be targeted to
minority youth encouraging them to excel in academics and
everything they do to be successful... Student writers welcome to
apply. Posted by: Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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ETERNAL PRESS
http://www.eternalpress.ca/subguidesnew.html
---
We are currently accepting:
Novellas, and full-length manuscripts from 20,000-140,000 words.
Genres: Romance, Erotica, GBLT and BDSM, Paranormal, Fantasy,
Mystery, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Thriller, Horror, Historical, Young
Adult.

We are particularly interested in:
Erotica, Paranormal (vampire/shape shifter/witch/werewolf),
GBLT, Romance, BDSM, Young Adult, longer length novellas/novels.

Eternal Press pays 40% royalties on net revenue to the Author
for eBooks and 25% net on revenue for print. We hold all rights
for five (5) years from date of publication.

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GIRLCHILD PRESS
http://girlchildpress.blogspot.com/
---
In line with the GirlChild Press mission, we are interested in
publishing the works of women and girl writers. We are especially
interested in submissions from writers 21-years-old and younger,
although writers of all ages are invited to submit their work.

We are currently looking for manuscripts in the following areas:
* YA Novels
  (with special interest in a Native American/Latina/Arab/Asian protagonist)
* Speculative Fiction
* Historical Fiction
* Poetry
* Memoirs
* How to (with an emphasis on girls)

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ARCADIA PUBLISHING
http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/
---
Arcadia Publishing is the leading local history publisher in the
United States, with a catalog of more than 6,000 titles in print
and hundreds of new titles released every year. Established in
1993, Arcadia has blended a visionary management approach with
the innovative application of state-of-the-art technology to
create high-quality historical publications in small local
niches.

*****************************************************************
GET PAID TO WRITE: Become A Freelance Writer! Make some extra
money with your writing or create your own full-time freelance
career! Email class taught by successful full-time freelance
writer for 8 years.  Start Date: March 9th.
http://wow-womenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.html#NicoleLaMarco_FreelanceWriter
*****************************************************************

  

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

 

If you're going to work with an editor, work with the best.
Have your writing edited by an award-winning, professional
writer and editor, someone who actually knows how to help you
prepare your writing for publication.  Richard Krawiec has
published novels, biographies, text books, plays, and a story
and poetry collection.  He won the 2009 Excellence in Teaching
Award from UNC Chapel Hill for his online writing courses. His
essays, feature articles, and reviews have appeared in major
newspapers and magazines across the US. The NY Times, LA Times,
Publishers Weekly have reviewed his work. His awards include
National Endowment for the Arts and NC Arts Council grants, as
well as nominations for the National Book Award, Best American
Short Stories, and Pushcart Prize.

Email: rkwriter@gmail.com  
Web - www.rkeditor.com

 

 

WRITING AWAY RETREATS
May 6-10th, 2010

 

Join Random House author Cicily Janus along with editors from
Penguin and Random House, agent Sorche Fairbanks along with
author and mentor Linda Rohorbach for an unforgettable week in
Breckenridge, CO. 10K word MS consultations with each staff
member included with tuition. Discounts given for couples and
writing groups. 85% success rate with placing authors with
agents and editors. Don't miss out on this opportunity to boost
your career to the next level.

 

www.writingawayretreats.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP & RETREAT - GREECE AND ITALY

Opportunities in Italy and Greece with Linda Lappin, novelist,
poet, and essayist (author  of KatherineÙs Wish  and The Etruscan).  

MULTIGENRE WORKSHOPS SUMMER 2010
Learn to Capture the Soul of Place in Your Writing. 

All writers have their secret spiritual geographies.  Learn to
discover yours.  In these workshops, through  writing exercises
designed to stimulate memory and enhance creativity, prose
writers and poets will retrace their inner itineraries and unlock
impressions linked to the special places in their lives. Centro
Pokkoli, Vitorchiano, Italy: May 30 - June 5. $1,250 includes
single room with private bath, all meals, workshop fees, excursions.
Mochlos, Crete: August 16 - 21. $1,200 includes single room with
private bath, 1 group dinner or lunch per day, workshop fees.

www.pokkoli.org  
www.lindalappin.net   
Contact:  linda.lappin@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DREAMING OF ITALY TO INSPIRE YOUR WRITING? 

Go on a retreat with private writing tutorial at Centro Pokkoli 
in charming medieval village near Rome and Orvieto and discover
its unique soul of place. Revise your manuscript or create new
work assisted by acclaimed poet, novelist, and creative nonfiction
writer Linda Lappin (NEA, Iowa Writers Workshop, Geneva Writing
Group Writing mentor, Seal Press, Pushcart nominee, ForeWord
Finalist, IPPY gold medal winner).

www.lindalappin.net  
www.pokkoli.org
Contact  linda.lappin@gmail.com

$900 weekly includes rent for self-catering studio flat with
utilities, 10 hours private instruction, manuscript critique,
some meals. Year-round availability.

 

 

 

 

 

Pore over the AWAI catalog and note the tools to help you
reinvent yourself as a writing entrepreneur. Consider freelance
businesses to include:

==> Resume writing
==> Writing Web Copy
==> Online Video Marketing
==> Write Your Own Money-Making Websites
==> Promotional Copywriting
==> Desktop Graphic Design
==> Desktop Marketing

Check out the catalog HERE.

 

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The work I do today is the stuff of dreams ... stress-free, romantic,
fun. And all sorts of everyday people do it. Like me, they've left
behind the drudgery of 9-to-5 ... the boring desk job ... and today
they get paid to follow their bliss. As far as I'm concerned, it's
the best job in the world. Who wouldn't want to travel the globe
and get paid for it?  ~Steenie Harvey

=====

TURN YOUR PICTURES INTO CASH
The Photographer's Shortcut to Travel Writing Success

=====

SOCIAL NETWORKING:
The 21st Century Way to Find New Clients

Jim Turner has laid out his highly successful system for using
social networking to find new clients.

=====

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

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BUSINESS STUFF
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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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