Volume 10, Issue 13
March 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
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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.

As an author of five published books who has relied on a wide
variety of people and resources for help in writing and marketing,
I can say Peter Bowerman's "Well-Fed" books represent a high
quality of professionalism and contain invaluable advice. I have
frequently sponsored Peter at writing seminars and conferences
where he remains in hot demand because he is both knowledgeable
and personable. His books are easy to read and their concepts
are well explained. I consider these books a must for my personal
library and recommend them to all of us who are in the writing
profession, whether those who are beginners or those "well-seasoned."

Anne B. Jones, PhD
(Gold Thunder, All Around the Track, Blackwater Rising,
Brave at Heart, Tools for Successful Writing)
www.annebjones.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

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THE FUTURE OF PUBLISHING

In case you've not surfed the publishing news lately, this
YouTube video came out entitled The Future of Publishing.
It's amazing people from newbies to seasoned agents and
publishers. Make sure you watch it all the way through in
order to glean the effect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Weq_sHxghcg

Bottom line is that reading material is here to stay.
Unless you live under a rock, you've heard all the controversy
and hoopla about electronic reading devices, ebook contract
squabbles between publishing houses and Amazon, ebook pricing
and ebook release strategies.

Yes, it's time you understood about ebooks. No, you don't
have to go crazy, but just like you must digest the differences
between self-publishing and traditional publishing, you need
to realize the nature of ebooks. They are a separate negotiable
item these days - another rights issue. Don't care to study
the details? Land an agent. Don't care to use a literary agent?
Then bone-up on ebooks, because you'll have to decide how you
want your book presented to the world.

People on list groups, blogs and chats get a little flustered
about ebooks, as if publishing is on the brink of destruction.
It's not. It's modernizing. Do you realize that the evolution
of the paperback book consumed the entire decade of the 1930's?
Albatross Books originated the concept but failed. Penguin
picked up the baton and ran with it four years later, and
a few years after that Pocket Books sprouted through Simon &
Schuster. In the late 30's they were faddish, and accepted.

Point is that publishing methods will change over our lifetimes.
Why get hung up on whether you'll publish hardback, paperback or
electronically? Consider them all. Welcome them all. Offer to
be open to any and all methods.

Same goes for selling. You can't sell online without understanding
how Amazon works, how electronic books work, how platforms work.
You can't sell via bookstores without understanding returns,
distribution, retail and wholesale values. Part of the fear and
uncertainty comes from lack of understanding. Educate yourself
and remove the doubt.

Embrace all manner of the written word. Be willing to sell
your words via all channels. The point is to write and
spread your stories across the masses. Who cares how they
buy it?

No, publishing isn't dead, as so many cynics have expressed
of late. Publishing is growing. Some of us are just enduring
growing pains.
 

     Hope

CHAT ON SUNDAY, MARCH 28

Let's chat at www.writerschatroom.com at 7 PM Eastern.
Type in your handle and no password needed. Ask Hope any
questions you have and let's have fun.

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MAKE TOTAL TOTALLY YOURS

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MARCH SPECIAL!
 
Our Tweetebook library is growing. You'll find 35 ebooks
now, each containing 20+ niche markets. Romance Publishers,
Children's Markets, Outdoor Markets, Seniors Markets, you name
it! Purchase one or two to try them out - they're only $1.99.
 
Or you can tap the March special - purchase all the Tweetebooks,
all 35, for $50 . . . AND get a subscription to TOTAL
FundsforWriters, a $15 value. That's almost
a $30 value.

See all our Tweetebooks at www.fundsforwriters.com/tweetebooks.htm

Our Memoir Publishers Tweetebook is being offered for free for
a limited time.

=====

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

Writing is rewriting. A writer must learn to deepen
characters, trim writing, intensify scenes. To fall
in love with the first draft to the point where one
cannot change it is to greatly enhance the prospects
of never publishing."

~ Richard North Patterson

 
 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Hi Hope,

Just wanted to drop you a quick note of thanks for bringing
the River Styx Schafly MicroFiction Contest to my attention.
I just found out my short story, Night Window, took 3rd place.
It will be published in issue #83 this April. I have worked as
a professional freelancer and journalist for about 20 years,
but this is my first work of fiction to be published. As you
can imagine, I am thrilled. This story was one I wrote several
years ago. It was close to the word limit of the contest, so I
took another look, trimmed and tightened a bit, and took a chance.
Your newsletters encourage me to continue trying new things, to
keep sending my work out there, and to occasionally take a fresh
look at long-forgotten work. Thank you!

Jessica McCann
Web: www.jessicamccann.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamccann

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ARTICLE
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Writing for Businesses
By Aline Lechaye
 
Nowadays, businesses need writers, especially small businesses
which usually work with only one or two (mostly freelance)
employees on the side. One of those freelance employees is
very often a writer, because small businesses need writing
for so many areas.
 
Writing for businesses may seem somewhat intimidating at
first, but don't worry just yet; we're not asking you to
draft serious looking business letters that start off "Dear
Sir". There are plenty of other types of writing that businesses
need. Most businesses need material that is relatively straight-
forward, product reviews, for instance.
 
How do you get in touch with potential clients?
 
Keep Your Eyes Open

Take a walk around your neighborhood and stop by the new stores
you see: cafés, bookstores, restaurants, small boutiques...ask
them if they'd like someone to write content for them: for their
website, or brochures introducing new products. If the store is
a restaurant, you could ask them if they'd like someone to help
them write up the menu: detailed descriptions of the food can
help reluctant customers make up their minds. Also suggest helping
them to edit or write for their newsletter if they happen to
have one.

Note: alternatively, you could seek out new stores and write up
reviews for local newspapers and magazines.
 
Go To Trade Shows

Any trade shows coming to your town? Take some time to stop by
and mingle. Often, small business owners will go to trade shows
to take stock of the competition and look at new trends. You
should go equipped with business cards (with your name, website,
and contact info), and samples of your writing, preferably related
to the industry in question. Try also to put together a "sales
pitch": a brief introduction of yourself and why you're a good
writer that takes no more than a minute. Seriously, everyone at
the trade show will be busy with their own agendas; one minute
is about all you have!
 
Attend Business Seminars

A lot of schools host business seminars run by local business
successes. Most of the people who go to these seminars are local
business owners, so they're good places to find potential clients.
Again, go with a "writing pack" with your card and writing samples
so that clients can get a quick preview of your work. A bonus of
attending business seminars is that you can get some business
knowledge as well.
 
Alternative Businesses

When the word "business" comes to mind, most people stop at the
usual (profit-making) businesses. But the truth is, there are other
businesses out there: non-profits, for example. Because, yes, they
need writers as well, for such things as promotion materials and
business plans. Scoop out local charities or similar institutions
to find one that might need your help.
 
Non-profits aside, you should also consider stopping by local art
galleries and museums, which are almost always in need of
promotion writing (let's face it, people really don't go to these
places that much!)
 
In short, opportunities to write for businesses are everywhere.
Keep your eyes open, and you never know what you may end up with!

BIO:
Aline Lechaye is a writer, translator, and interpreter who
resides in Asia. She can be reached at alinelechaye@gmail.com

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COMPETITIONS
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THE MALAHAT REVIEW FAR HORIZONS AWARD FOR POETRY
http://www.malahatreview.ca/far_horizons_poetry/info.html
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ENTRY FEE: $25 CAD for Canadians
           $30 USD for US entries
           $35 USD for entries from elsewhere
Deadline: May 1, 2010. $500 Prize (plus $20/page upon publication).
Authors who have not yet had their poetry published in book
format (a book of 48 pages or more) can submit up to three
poems per entry, max. 60 lines each.

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BOOKRIX WRITING CONTEST: "My Best Fiction"
http://www.bookrix.com/precontest.html?show=BX_1268319265
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NO ENTRY FEE
$1,800 in prize money and a lot more. Deadline runs from
March 15, 2010 to May 10, 2010. Put forth what you consider to
be your best work of fiction, whether it's a short story, novel
or script, adventure, vampire romance, fan fiction or even Manga.
All genres are welcome in this contest! The work must be at least
20 BookRix pages long, but there is no maximum page limit. Anyone
registered at our BookRix.com website can join the contest for
free (except citizens of Germany, Austria and Switzerland).
Authors must register their story books for the competition by May
10, 2010, 12 pm (EDT) / 9 am (PDT). Until May 10, 2010 readers can
vote for their favorite fiction books. Readers' votes determine a
selection of the best 10 books, "TOP 10". Afterwards this selection
of the best rated 10 fiction works will be given to an independent
jury who will choose the best five fiction books out of the final
10 books. All winners will be announced on or before May 31, 2010.

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TO THE LIGHTHOUSE POETRY PUBLICATION PRIZE
http://www.aroho.org/To_the_Lighthouse.php
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$20 ENTRY FEE
Award $1,000 and publication of collection by Red Hen Press.
Deadline August 31, 2010. Limit 48-96 pages. AROHO's To the
Lighthouse Poetry Publication Prize will be awarded for the
best, unpublished poetry collection by a woman.

 
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GRANTS
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MARY LOU ANDERSON REFLECTIONS ARTS ENHANCEMENT GRANT PROGRAM
http://www.pta.org/3854.htm
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Each year, National PTA offers a limited number of matching
grants of up to $1,000 to help local PTA/PTSAs establish or
enhance student-centered arts education programs. These Mary
Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grants can be used
to support arts education in the classroom or other learning
environments through the introduction of new technologies,
techniques, or methods; visiting artists; or other activities.
Local PTAs must submit complete applications and match this
grant dollar for dollar with PTA or other donated funds and/or
in-kind resources. Applications are due by May 3, 2010. The
applicant must be a local PTA in good standing.

NOTE: This grant means you need to partner with a PTA, design
a program that fits this purpose, and collaborate with them
in submitting a proposal.

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IOWA ARTS COUNCIL
http://www.iowaartscouncil.org/funding/artist-project-grant/index.shtml
---
The Iowa Arts Council Artist Major Grant and Mini Grant program
supports high quality and significant artist-initiated and managed
projects that are presented to or shared with Iowans during or
after the grant period. The program provides critical financial
support for exceptionally talented established and emerging Iowa
artists who have a record of accomplishment appropriate to the
stage of his or her career. Funding changes:

Maximum Mini Grant request is $1,000 (even though the eGrant form
indicates $1,500). NO Mini Grant applications will be accepted on
April 1, 2010.  May Mini Grant deadlines will proceed as scheduled.
Major grants are still limited to $10,000.

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KRESGE ARTS IN DETROIT
http://www.kresge.org/index.php/what/kresge_arts_in_detroit/
---
Kresge Arts in Detroit is a three-part effort - Kresge Artist
Fellowships, Kresge Eminent Artist Award and Kresge Arts Support -
that is designed to support and develop individual artists, arts
and cultural organizations and arts-infrastructure groups in
metropolitan Detroit's Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Kresge Artist Fellowships seek to advance the art forms and
professional careers of artists from the visual, performing and
literary arts as well as elevate the profile of the artistic
community and encourage creative expression in the region. Each
year, Kresge will provide funding for 18 fellowships of $25,000
each, which are awarded to artists living and working in
metropolitan Detroit.

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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FOCUS
http://www.bbcfocusmagazine.com/contact
---
We only accept features from experienced feature writers.
When you submit your idea, please include a CV and cover
letter, and cuttings of previously published work that will
show us you can write to a brief and to a specific audience.
Please don't submit if you are an unpublished writer. Focus
is the BBC's science and technology monthly magazine. Jargon-
free and accessible, you don't need a PhD in particle physics
to enjoy reading it. With articles on everything from astronomy
to archaeology, genetics to geology, you're bound to find a
piece to sink your teeth into. There are also useful reviews on
the latest bestsellers, websites, games and cutting-edge gadgets;
advice and opinion from experts; news; stunning photography; and
answers to your questions in the ever-popular Q&A section.
Length: 1,000-3,000 words. Pays GBP200/1,000 words.

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GERMAN LIFE
http://www.germanlife.com/submissions.html
---
German Life is a bimonthly magazine, written for all interested
in the diversity of German culture, past and present, and in the
various ways that the United States has been shaped by its German
element. The magazine is dedicated to solid reporting on cultural
and historical events as well as travel information. To suggest
a story, send a query letter (3 or 4 paragraphs) with backup clips
of your idea. Your manuscript should not exceed 1,200 words. Longer
pieces will be considered solely at the Editor's discretion.
Smaller pieces appropriate for a sidebar or one of the magazine's
departments should range between 300 and 800 words. Book reviews
average 250 to 300 words. Pays up to $500.

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GREEN FUTURES
http://www.forumforthefuture.org/greenfutures/contribute
---
Green Futures is a magazine about the latest in environmental
solutions and sustainable futures. Green Futures often includes
articles on energy, travel and transport, food, health, business,
entrepreneurs, finance, cities, and countryside. Stories should
be aimed squarely at the mainstream, rather than specialists or
activists. Pays GBP150 to GBP800 depending on length of feature
and writer's experience.

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JOBS
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WRITER-EDITOR
Location Columbia, SC
Fort Jackson
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=86943547&aid=27015391-19310&WT.mc_n=125
---
Deadline April 2, 2010. Civilian position with the Army.
Assists the newspaper editor in planning and printing a weekly
newspaper. Receives requests for newspaper news and photographic
coverage. Researches and analyzes information provided or
collected by interviews, writes articles or stories for
publication.

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WRITER-EDITOR
Location Arlington, VA
Homeland Security
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=86944204&aid=27015391-19310&WT.mc_n=125
---
Deadline April 1, 2010. Duties include:

Writing and editing original documents and other written materials
prepared by others, and/or combining existing data into new or
revised format. Serving as a staff expert on written and editorial
policy matters. Writing or editing a variety of administrative and
technical material for use by individuals both within and outside
the organization. Writing and editing talking points, speeches,
position papers, manuals, reports, correspondence, and similar
material related to transportation security policy for format,
style, sentence structure, punctuation, spelling and grammar.

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WEB CONTENT MANAGER
Location Savannah, GA
Army Corps of Engineers
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=86953637&aid=27015391-20310&WT.mc_n=125
---
Serves as the Web Content Manager for Savannah District. Oversees
the content, design and management of the District Intranet,
Internet and e-publications, working directly with subject
matter experts and content providers to design pages, approve
content for publishing and make changes to content, as needed.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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DRAM TREE BOOKS
http://www.dramtreebooks.com/
---
Please be aware that our focus is strictly on the Carolinas.
Dram Tree Books is always looking for new material that tells
the story of North Carolina, the North Carolina coast, or the
Cape Fear region of southeastern North Carolina. We only print
nonfiction books about the history of the Tar Heel state,
written as a fiction writer or a storyteller would.

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BRONZE MAN BOOKS
http://www.bronzemanbooks.com/
---
Current lines of publication include:

(1) Art exhibition catalogs published in conjunction with
Millikin University or Central Illinois area art exhibits.

(2) Literary chapbooks featuring a unified collection of poetry,
fiction, drama by a single author.

(3) Children's books featuring original illustration and an
engaging story for age-appropriate audiences.

(4) Books that celebrate traditions of excellence at Millikin
University.

Although not a requirement for publication, most of our book
publications have an immediate connection to Millikin University--
students, alumni, faculty, staff, programs, events, expertise or
history.

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DAW
http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/daw/submissions.html
---
We publish science fiction and fantasy novels. We do not want
short stories, short story collections, novellas, or poetry.
The average length of the novels we publish varies but is almost
never less than 80,000 words. Send us the entire manuscript with
a cover letter, not three chapters and a query letter. We do not
accept electronic submissions of any kind. We publish first novels
if they are of professional quality. A literary agent is not
required for submission. We will not consider manuscripts that
are currently on submission to another publisher.

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SPONSORS
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LITERARY WEBSITE AVAILABLE

Established writing contest and web site available. 
Inquiries invited.  Contact sneditor9@gmail.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, textbooks, 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

17TH ANNUAL SHORT PROSE & POETRY CONTEST
http://www.womenwhowrite.com/contests.html
---
$10 ENTRY FEE
The contest is open to women 18 and older. Cash prizes include:
$150 prize for 1st place prose, $150 prize for 1st place poetry
submission. 2nd place winners each receive $100 and 3rd place
winners each receive $75. Prose entries are 3,000 words or less.
Poetry entries are five pages or less. Additional entries in either
category are $5 per entry. Winners also receive publication in our
annual anthology and five free author copies. Winning authors are
recognized and invited to read an excerpt of their winning entry
at our annual awards ceremony held December 4, 2010. All entries
must be previously unpublished work. For complete guidelines please
check our Web site http://www.womenwhowrite.com/contests.html .
Deadline for submissions is May 30, 2010.

 

Noble Row, a journal of contemporary fiction, art, and music
is now accepting submissions for its annual Short Fiction
Award. The competition is open to previously unpublished
short stories, 8,000 words or less. Winner receives $500
cash and featured publication in Noble Row. Up to 3 finalists
will also receive publication in Noble Row. What are we
looking for? Stories that are personal and engaging,
uncompromising in their vision, provocative, and
thought-provoking. In short, excellence. Deadline is 5/15/2010.

To enter online, please visit: http://noblerow.com/fictionprize

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 2000-2010, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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