Volume 10, Issue 21
May 23, 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
"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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SELF-PUBLISHING VS. TRADITIONAL (AGAIN)

Quoted from McBride Literary Agency submissions guidelines:

"If you have a full-length, self-published project, which
has sold more than 5,000 copies within the first six months
of publication, please send us five (5) copies."

http://www.mcbrideliterary.com/faq.htm

Agent Jessica Faust represented Debbie Allen in her self-
help promotional books. While shopping book two, a publisher
asked about book one called Confessions of Shameless Self-
Promoters that Allen self-published and sold 25,000 copies.

Faust also represented Bob Phibbs, who self-pubbed a book
that sold 7,500 copies. Publishers were lukewarm about it,
as if it hadn't made a large enough splash. They revamped,
added and rewrote the book and sold it as a new opportunity.

It's scary deciding how to publish your book. If you self-pub
in hopes of landing a traditional contract, you have to sell
five figures worth of books to snare interest. Fact is, however,
that if you are selling that many books, the question arises
whether you need a traditional contract. Not to mention, you
can also post your ebook version on Amazon and sell via Kindle
now, a path some authors are taking and doing quite well at.

The opposition states that traditional publishing gives you
more avenues for sales, more credibility, and more opportunity
for future books. All are true. But if you have this huge
following willing to purchase your initial book, don't you
have enough fan base to make a decent living off the second,
third and fourth books?

The biggest comparison I see between traditional and self-pubbing
is in that initial book's sales. Are you capable of selling 10,000
books? On top of that, if you have hopes of landing a traditional
contract, can you make those sales in six months? Publishers not
only look at how many books, but the time period as well. They
aren't interested in 10,000 books sold in five years.

And then there's the final consideration. Do you want your book
available for years? Do you want it sold slowly, steadily, maybe
even trickling in for that five to ten years? Traditional moves
fast, forever hopping to the next candidate for bestseller.
Self-publishing stays around forever, but you have no chance of
making those famous bestseller lists.

I don't think one is right and one is wrong. What I think is
that one is right for you and another is right for someone else.
You still have to make a wise, educated, researched and solid
decision, because you can still get it woefully wrong.

     Hope

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Tweetebooks are like potato chips! You can't stop at one.

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

TWITTER ME
http://twitter.com/hopeclark

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

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  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

"Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the
children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate
accomplishments."

--Napoleon Hill

 
 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Hey Hope,

I won second place in Memoirs Ink Half Yearly essay contest
with my entry, Dreamer. I subscribe to several writing newsletters,
but yours is the one that inspired me to enter, even though I
thought it was a dumb essay and almost didn't. Thanks for all
the great content. Now I plan on winning a first! I have Diffuse
Sleroderma and writing exhausts me, so short stories allow me to
do what I love, while the prize money will help pay medical bills.
Many thanks for your great newsletters.

Nora Claypool

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ARTICLE
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The Writer as Entertainer

By Mary Cook

"No, it wasn't the wine
I was feeling just fine
And my head was amazingly clear....," I warble to the group.

Tonight, I'm not just a writer - I'm also an entertainer.
With a modest number of publishing credits under my belt,
I found I could take my work to a wider audience by reading
extracts from my published work.

There's no reason why you too shouldn't put on a one-woman/man
show. You don't need to be a natural born speaker. All you need
is a few published pieces, whether fiction, non-fiction or poetry.
A mix of all three is good. Link them together with some narrative
and let's get this show on the road.

Who do you think you're talking to?

It could be a writers' circle, a women's group or a bunch of
school kids - anyone really. Most people like to be entertained,
so indulge them.

Their place or yours?

Offer to address a meeting of your target organization or hire
a venue yourself and do your own advertizing. Whether you give
readings to earn a fee, to promote your work or both, you need
to draw on the resources of a vaudeville star.

Stage management

Your performance should be perfectly stage managed. Make sure
you have your material arranged in the order in which you intend
to present it, together with any explanatory notes you wish to
add. Make sure you have all your "props".

Stand tall and breathe deep

You need to learn a little stage-craft if you're going to be
comfortable in front of an audience. Imagine a string reaching
from the top of your head to the ceiling. Somebody up there is
pulling on it so that you're standing tall and straight.

Counter first-night nerves with some deep breathing techniques.
Consider a few yoga classes if you think it will help. Fix your
gaze on the most sympathetic looking person in the audience. No,
they're not all hostile - whatever gave you that idea? They've
come to enjoy themselves, not to heckle.

The hook

I find the best way to open an evening's entertainment is
by jumping in feet first. On this occasion I'm reciting my
comic poem, Girls' Night Out. In much the same way you hook
the reader, you must grab your audience by the throat or any
other part of their anatomy you care to imagine and draw them
in.

Knock 'em dead

If you include humor, develop the precise timing of a stand-up
comic. Listen to your favorites and learn from them.

Ignore the old actors' caveat on working with animals or children.
Anecdotal material about either or both are sure-fire winners in
the entertainment stakes.

Once you have your audience eating out of your hand, introduce
any publications you have for sale. Show them what you've got.
Mention any writing services you can provide. Don't forget to
have brochures handy.

The premiere

There's nothing like a bit of dramatic license. Introduce the
"world premiere" of your next work. Okay, what you're actually
doing is trying out a snippet from your latest work in progress,
but it sounds impressive!

The finale

End on a high note and leave them wanting more. I usually round
off the show by reprising the final lines of my opening verse:

"For it wasn't the gin
That at length did me in
But I'm sure that last tonic was bad!"

It's time to bow out to rapturous applause.

Bio:
Mary Cook is a UK-based writer and editor. Her main interests are
humor and horror, though she likes to write a bit of everything.
Her latest e-book, Collywobblers: Perverse Verse for Guys and Ghouls,
is available at: www.inkspotter.com

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COMPETITIONS
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THE LEDGE POETRY CHAPBOOK COMPETITION
http://www.theledgemagazine.com/print%202009%20Poetry%20Chapbook%20guidelines.html
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$18 ENTRY FEE
Winning poet will receive a $1,000 cash award and 25 copies
of the published chapbook. Submit 16-28 pages of original poetry.
Any form or content accepted. Deadline October 31, 2010.

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HOWARD FRANK MOSHER SHORT FICTION PRIZE
http://www.hungermtn.org
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$20 ENTRY FEE
Pays $1,000 and publication. Two honorable mentions pay $100.
Short stories accepted up to 10,000 words. Deadline June 30, 2010.

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ONCE OFF FLASH FICTION CONTEST
http://www.drb.ie/competition.aspx
---
ENTRY FEE 10 EURO
In response to the growing popularity of flash fiction, the
Dublin Review of Books is pleased to announce the opening of
its Once Off Flash Fiction Contest. Entries are welcome from
around the world, although all submissions must be in English.
Stories will not be limited to content or style. 1,000 EURO
top prize. Top three entries will be published.

 
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GRANTS
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FINE ARTS WORK CENTER IN PROVINCETOWN
http://www.fawc.org/
---
Each year, the deadline for Creative Writing Fellowship
applications is December 1. December sounds far away, but
this gives you time to create a great application and truly
decide what project you need to invest in for this opportunity.
The Fine Arts Work Center offers a unique residency for writers
and visual artists in the crucial early stages of their careers.
Located in Provincetown, an area with a long history as an arts
colony, the Work Center provides seven-month fellowships to
twenty fellows each year in the form of living/work space and
a modest monthly stipend. Residencies run from October 1 through
May 1. Fellows have the opportunity to pursue their work
independently in a diverse and supportive community. Second
year fellowships are also available. All these selections are
made far in advance.

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GEORGE J. MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIPS
http://www.us-irelandalliance.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=34
---
Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30
are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study in any
discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland
and Northern Ireland. Applicants are judged on three criteria:
academic excellence, leadership, and a sustained commitment to
service and community. The Mitchell Scholars Program provides
tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and an international
travel stipend. Deadline October 5, 2010.

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GLOBAL ARTS VILLAGE FELLOWSHIPS - LOCATION INDIA
http://www.globalartsvillage.org/residencies.htm
---
A residency can provide much needed time away from your normal
environment and routine. You are encouraged to develop your work
based upon your Indian experience and inspiration. The Village
offers residency programs to emerging, mid-career and established
artists. Residencies are offered for all major creative disciplines
(visual, performing, literary, healing arts) and we also welcome
professionals, researchers and scholars. The residencies provide
the perfect amount of time to absorb the Indian experience, create
work and allow for travel time before or after the residency
period. Literary arts residencies are offered for novel writing,
playwriting, creative writing, poetry, haiku, script writing, and
journalism.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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BICYCLING
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-21-141-14357-1,00.html
---
Bicycling is the world's leading cycling magazine and connects
with millions of active, affluent professionals for whom cycling
is the centerpiece of a vibrant, experiential lifestyle. Bicycling's
unique combination of travel, gear, fitness, style and award-winning
stories -- all surrounded by vivid photography and framed in elegant
design -- brings the sport to life for passionate readers who take
us along for every ride. Pays up to 35 cents/word for up to 2,000-
word features and columns.

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CATALINA
http://www.catalinamagazine.com/
---
CATALINA magazine, a national Hispanic lifestyle publication,
that portrays Hispanic women as they are: smart, strong,
sophisticated, savvy, and proud! Catalina is written for the
mind, body, and soul of today's Hispanic woman (age 24 and older).
Pays up to 25 cents/word.

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CHIRP MAGAZINE
CHICKADEE MAGAZINE
OWL MAGAZINE
http://owlkids.com/general/contact.html
---
Canadian children's magazine for pre-school ages. Designed
to show relationships between words and pictures. Puzzles,
games, stories and crafts are published to help prepare
kids for reading. Pays up to 60 cents/word.
 

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JOBS
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WRITER-EDITOR
Location Denver, CO (two vacancies)
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=88092017&aid=27015391-15510&WT.mc_n=125
---
Deadline June 2, 2010. Employing Agency: Bureau of Land Management.
The incumbent serves as a writer/editor responsible for providing
planning, writing, organization, consultation, and editing
services, as well as project team leadership, for a variety of
written products, such as technical reports, strategic plans,
annual reports, brochures, newsletters, Web pages, and BLM Manual
sections and handbooks, to share information on the activities,
plans, and programs of the Bureau. 

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TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS WRITER-EDITOR
Location Fort Worth TX
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=88099873&aid=27015391-15510&WT.mc_n=125
---
Deadline June 2, 2010. Employing Agency: Federal Aviation
Administration. Independently gathers the necessary technical
information from subject matter experts to prepare, write, edit,
research and process Advisory Circulars (AC), responses to FAA/
NTSB Safety Recommendations (SR), Special Airworthiness
Information Bulletins (SAIB) and regulatory documents such as:
rotorcraft rulemaking notices, amendments, regulatory evaluations,
airworthiness directives, exemptions, special conditions and
related supplementary material.

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FREELANCE WRITER
Location Houston, TX
http://www.ed2010.com/jobs/whisperjobs
---
iVolunteer.org, a fun volunteering website run by journalists,
seeks a HOUSTON-based freelance journo to find, write-up, and
fact-check three volunteer opportunities weekly. The skills
needed for this job are an editor's sensibility about what goes
on the site to reach the right demographic, a fact-checker's
thoroughness for getting the correct information and a journalist's
head for research to find the best volunteer opportunities in your
market in a given week.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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BURKEMAN AND CLARKE - UK
http://www.burkemanandclarke.com/2.html
---
We handle fiction and general non-fiction, children's books,
scripts for film, television and theatre.  We love really good
psychological thrillers, commercial literary fiction and
narrative, general interest non-fiction.  We're not the biggest
fans of chick-lit or sci-fi although then again, rules are made
to be broken.

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THE CHOATE AGENCY
http://www.thechoateagency.com/TheChoateAgency/home.html
---
The Choate Agency's interest is in strong commercial fiction
and narrative non-fiction. In the areas of non-fiction we are
particularly interested in history, military history, politics,
current events, natural science, and food and wine.

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THE CHUDNEY AGENCY
http://www.thechudneyagency.com/
---
The Chudney Agency is a small, independent literary agency
devoted to the wonderful world of books for children and teens.

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SPONSORS
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THE WORLD-CHANGING WRITING WORKSHOP

Find your voice. Change the world.

I believe that it's possible to change the world. I don't think
it'll be done by doing more of the same, though. I think it'll
be done by spreading new ideas. Who's in a perfect position to
spread new ideas? Writers. That's why we created the
World-Changing Writing Workshop.

Now I'm all out of room to talk about the actual contents of
the workshop, so I'll have to send you on over to:

http://worldchangingwriting.com

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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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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!

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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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