Volume 10, Issue 20
May 16, 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, 2010

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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
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As an author of five published books who has relied on a wide
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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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TENURE VS. FRESH TALENT

In reading a recent article on teachers and tenure, my mind
wandered to the situation all new authors experience. Publishers
stick to their seasoned authors to make the lion's share of their
profits, and new authors wind up unable to break into the system.

The tenure system was developed several decades ago to protect
teachers from arbitrary, discriminatory dismissal. While people
have evolved past those types of behaviors, the law still exists,
making it difficult to remove tenured teachers who don't perform.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/05/03/31mcguinn.h29.html

How often do we read well-known authors and shake our heads at
how their work has eroded since their first or second exciting
release? Many of us even feel we can write better than some of
those names, and can't help but feel that this "tenure" status
isn't fair. In essence, this "tenure" status holds us back.

Every literary journal originated to give an outlet for good
writers. What's sad is that there are so many journals. All 
feel that they give voice to a select group of emerging authors.
If we created a publishing company or journal every time a group
of authors felt the need for exposure, we'd each have our own
literary review. Kind of ruins the level of quality.

Who am I to judge quality, you ask? Frankly, if we are flooded
with publishing outlets, they lose meaning. Becoming published
starts to mean nothing once everyone can do it. It's like
publishing your work on a blog in hopes of being discovered.
Anyone can create a blog. I know of few agents or publishers
who surf the web for random blogs of quality.

Same goes for publishers. If we self-publish to avoid the
rejection of traditional publishing, what have we accomplished?
Unless we have a strong voice and marvelous platform, we spend
money to publish and still accomplish little. Yes, there is a
small minority of writers who are savvy enough to build that
platform, self-publish, and make a living. But the odds of you
doing that are the same as getting traditionally published.

Back to the original comparison of tenure versus fresh talent.
Tenured authors climbed their way to the top. Name recognition
means more than the quality of the writing. Fans are loyal.
It's hard to shove those guys and gals aside and get your
foot in the door. So what can you do?

1. Write hard and make a name for yourself. Polish your work,
enter contests, publish in periodicals until a traditional
publisher loves your effort. Just keep doing it, doing it
well, and sticking to the task until your cream rises to the
top.

OR

2. Self-publish and sell a zillion books, garnering name
recognition. Not a hundred books, not a thousand books, but
more like five-figure sales.

Pick your route, warm up those writing and selling muscles,
and keep working until you succeed. Eventually a publisher will
part the tenured crowd, take your hand, and give you a chance.
Then it's up to you to prove you are worth keeping.

     Hope

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=====

THE BLOG, THE BLOG!
http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com

TWITTER ME
http://twitter.com/hopeclark

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  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

Words ought to be a little wild, for they are the assaults of
thoughts on the unthinking.

~ John Maynard Keynes

 
 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Dear Hope,

I entered the poetry competition sponsored by the San Francisco
Book Festival when I saw the announcement on your March newsletter.
I am happy to report that my first book of poetry, Mystique, has
received honorable mention.  Thank you for your wonderful work. 
You are an invaluable resource for writers.

Smiles,

Clara Hsu
http://www.clarahsu.com

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ARTICLE
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Access the Archives to Achieve Success
By Shaunna Privratsky
 
Would you like to break into a seemingly impossible market?
How about landing an assignment at a high-paying magazine? 
I can't guarantee success, but I can let you in on a secret
weapon: the archives.
 
Archives are a goldmine for savvy freelancers.  It shortcuts
the query process, because you can see the topics that have
been covered recently.  It can also point out gaps, or missing
topics that you are just the writer to fill.
 
Another helpful aspect of archives shows the evergreen topics. 
For example, most magazines run some kind of thankfulness
article around November.  Put a fresh angle or your own unique
experiences to the topic, send it in plenty of time, and you
will have a greater chance of an acceptance.
 
When perusing the archives, notice any patterns that emerge. 
For example, maybe the summer months have fewer articles, while
the busy holidays are jam-packed.  Get a feel for the lead time
on your target market.  Some editors appreciate last minute
submissions to fill gaps, but others adhere to a strict
submission schedule.  The guidelines don't always tell the full
story.
 
You can also pick up on the tone and style of the magazine. 
Besides reading the current issue, you can compare past articles
with what was recently published.  Are they more streamlined, or
more of a folksy style?  Do they use a lot of bulleted articles,
or stick to a traditional paragraph format? 
 
The more archives, the better.  It lets you go back several
years and see if there is a topic that could be refreshed, from
your own perspective.  It is like getting a shortcut to the
editor's needs, almost like a cheat sheet.       
 
Archives can be your foot in the door.  In an article query,
you might mention that you did not find the topic covered, and
segue into why your article fills that need.  This also shows
the editor that you did your homework. 
 
I did this with my query to The Writer Magazine, and landed an
acceptance for my article, Freelance Lingo in a Nutshell, in
the March 2004 issue.  I also used this technique in queries I
have out to WOW! Women on Writing at
http://wow-womenonwriting.com/contact.php  and Long Island
Woman Magazine http://www.liwomanonline.com/writersguidelines.html  
 
What if there are no archives available?  You can use your
favorite search engine, or check out back issues at the library. 
If there is a particular subject you want to cover, focus on that. 
If you just want a feel for the style and tone, it is worth it to
send for a sample issue.  Most magazines will provide one at
minimal cost, or even send one through email. 
 
Another clue to past articles lies in the contributor's
biographies.  Maybe you recognize someone's name, or you can
contact them through their website.  Many writers post links
to their works, and this can reveal important information about
the type of articles the magazine accepts. 
 
If you are serious about breaking into an elusive market, check
out the archives. For the writer willing to do some homework,
archives can be a treasure chest of possibilities.
 
Fund For Writers
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/morearticles.htm
 
Writing For Dollars
http://www.writingfordollars.com/ArticlesDB.cfm
 
Writer's Weekly
http://www.writersweekly.com/this_weeks_article.php
 
Success For Women
http://www.sfwmag.com/about-sfw-magazine/
(Click each category for past posts)
 
Better Homes and Gardens Online
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/file.jsp?item=/help/writersGuidelines

BIO
Shaunna Privratsky is a professional writer living in North
Dakota.  When she's not shoveling snow, she is busy searching
through the archives for a perfect opportunity.  Please visit
The Writer Within at http://shaunna67.tripod.com 

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COMPETITIONS
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TO THE LIGHTHOUSE POETRY PUBLICATION PRIZE
http://www.aroho.org/To_the_Lighthouse.php
---
ENTRY FEE $20
Award: $1,000 and publication of collection by Red Hen Press.
Deadline: August 31, 2010. Judge: Alice Quinn. Page Limit:
48 to 96 pages.

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FOR EDUCATING KENYAN ORPHANS (EKO) POETRY CONTEST
http://www.educatingkenyanorphans.co.uk/poetry.php
---
£5 ENTRY FEE
First Prize £1,000
Second Prize £500
Third Prize £300
Fourth Prize £200

The competition is open to anyone aged 17 or over. Poems must
not exceed 30 lines (not including title). Entries must be in
English. Entries can be on any subject. Deadline June 7, 2010.

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ROOM MAGAZINE'S ANNUAL FICTION, POETRY, AND CREATIVE
NON-FICTION CONTEST 2010
http://www.roommagazine.com/contest/2010/2010contest.html
---
ENTRY FEE: $27 CAD per entry for Canadians, $39 CAD for
entries outside Canada (includes one-year subscription).

Women writers are invited to submit fiction or creative
non-fiction of up to 3,500 words, or up to 3 poems (150
lines). 1st prize in each category: $500, 2nd prize: $250.
Winners will be published in a 2011 issue of Room.
Deadline: June 15, 2010.

 
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GRANTS
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ARKANSAS ARTS COUNCIL SEEKS ARTISTS TO HELP CHILDREN
http://www.arkansasarts.org/programs/aie/default.aspx
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The Arkansas Arts Council is now accepting applications; performing,
literary or visual artists who are interested in working with
teachers and students in schools or after-school/summer programs
are encouraged to apply. Deadline July 9, 2010.

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MONEY FOR WOMEN GRANTS
(no website)
---
$20 APPLICATION FEE
Offers grants of up to $1,500 to poets, fiction and nonfiction
writers, visual artists, and for a mixed-genre category
(illustration and text) to feminist women in the arts. Two
deadlines each year: December 31 (art and fiction) and June 30
(nonfiction and poetry). Fund does not maintain an email, phone,
or website. To request application materials, write to the postal
address and be sure to include a SASE.

Susan Pliner, Executive Director
Money for Women/Barbara Deming Memorial Fund, Inc.
P.O. Box 309
Wilton, NH 03086

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LIGONIER VALLEY WRITERS' CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS
http://lvwonline.org/
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The 23rd Ligonier Valley Writers' Conference will take place at
the Ligonier Camp and Conference Center on Saturday, July 17.
Contact Judith Gallagher at jgallagher@LHTOT.com or (724) 593-7294.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, four scholarships
are available for adult writers. The only criteria for the Ligonier
Valley Writers' Conference Scholarships are writing talent and
financial need. Regarding need, let your conscience be your guide.
We ask that you submit a sample of your writing. The deadline is
June 30. Writers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to apply.
LVW also invites students who will be high school seniors in the
fall or who are graduating this year to apply for the Tina Thoburn
Memorial Scholarship. Ligonier Valley Writers is a non-profit
writers group in Southwestern Pennsylvania which encourages
interest in the written word and the continued perfecting of the
art and craft of writing.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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BRIDE & GROOM MAGAZINE
http://www.bridegroommag.com/about_contact/write_for_us.cfm
---
We accept queries and complete articles from freelance writers
on any and all topics relating to wedding planning and trends.
Please keep in mind that we angle our articles to fit our regional
audience and, therefore, must pre-approve all sources. Solid
guidelines.

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GET MARRIED
http://www.getmarried.com/contact-us/
---
Freelance writers and industry experts, please send query
letters to magazine@getmarried.com. Get Married is a national,
integrated multi-media wedding planning resource that reaches
passionate brides through a highly synergized, tri-media platform:
a TV show on WE tv (airing January 2010), a highly-trafficked
website (www.GetMarried.com) and a glossy print publication
(Get Married magazine).

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MILLER-McCUNE MAGAZINE
http://www.miller-mccune.com/write-for-us/
---
Miller-McCune.com, is devoted to three general types of content:
breaking news stories about significant social problems; research
that may provide ways of dealing with such problems; and
commentary on the potential costs, benefits and outcomes of
policy proposals. As it grows, the site is expected to serve as
an entry point for news of and commentary on the best solutions-
oriented research across the country, and around the world.
Feature and news stories will range from 1,000 to 5,000 words.
Smaller columns available as well.

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JOBS
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EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Location New York, NY
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/cgi-bin/displayJob.pl?job_no=6485
---
Employer St Martin's Press. Read and review fiction and non-
fiction proposals and manuscripts. Ensure projects are moving
through the publishing process according to production and
publishing timelines. Primary contact for all communications
with production department. Liaison between editorial and sales,
marketing, production and design departments. Initiate and
respond to correspondence with authors, agents, and others on
a wide-range of subjects, including but not limited to contracts,
productions schedules, and submissions.

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WRITER
Location Washington DC
http://www.idealist.org/en/job/378920-68
---
Employer Friends of the National Zoo. Seeks a Part-Time Writer
to generate copy for fundraising proposals, website content,
advertisements, member correspondence, and other development
and marketing projects. Applicants must have Bachelor's degree
and two years of writing or communication experience, strong
project management and excellent communication skills. Non-
profit experience preferred.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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XoXo PUBLISHING
http://www.xoxopublishing.com
---
New Canadian publisher of general literary fiction and nonfiction
books. Published electronically and in paperbacks. Monthly royalty
payments. In house media promotions. Traditional, not vanity.

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GINA MACCOBY LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/jeffg/
---
Interested in commercial and literary fiction, as well as
serious non-fiction and pop culture.

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RLR LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.rlrassociates.net/
---
We have authors in all genres, from history, to thrillers,
to memoir, to sports, to children's picture books and young
adult novels.

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SPONSORS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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but by creating your own income sources,
you can make your income much more stable.

The Freelance Writer's Guide to Passive Income
Learn how to create ebooks, newsletters and other projects
that don't depend on clients sending you work.

An in-depth guide from Thursday Bram for $27
http://www.thursdaybram.com/the-freelance-writers-guide-to-passive-income-the-ebook

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DREAM QUEST ONE POETRY & WRITING CONTEST

Call for Entries:

Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is now accepting
poems, 30 lines or fewer on any subject and short stories,
5 pages maximum length on any theme, single or double-line
spacing, neatly hand printed or typed.

Entry fees: $5 per poem/$10 per story.

Prizes:
Poetry: $250, $125, $50.
Writing: $500, $250, $100.

Postmark deadline: July 31, 2010.

All winners will be published online in the Dare to Dream
pages, on August 31, 2010. Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com 
for details and enter!

=====

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

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

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