FundsforWriters - September 26, 2010
Published: Fri, 09/24/10
Volume 10, Issue 39
September 26, 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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Mailto: Hope@fundsforwriters.com
Website: http://www.fundsforwriters.com
Newsletter: ISSN: 1533-1326
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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Free, 40-Page E-Book for Writers
The Power of Deliberate Thinking:
5 Strategies for Staying at the Writing Desk
(Despite Your Self-Doubts).
Get your copy at http://literaryliving.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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NOTE:
Last week I posted Southern Living as a market, primarily
based upon its long-term call for submissions for its back
page essay. A reader wrote me and said she had one of her
essays returned with a note that they are writing those
in-house now. Just letting you know someone's experience.
If you receive a different experience, please let me know.
HOPE
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EBOOK ROYALTIES = ONLINE SAVVY
When you Google ebook royalties, the number that catches the
most attention is the 70% rate at Amazon. Smashwords is catching
up with its 85% rate. With a nod, you think that's fair since
ebooks take nothing to produce and distribute.
What do traditional publishers pay their authors for ebook
sales? About 25%, give or take. Publishers argue it's reasonable.
Authors say the figure is bunk, and many are self-publishing
their own backlist of titles to grab that 70% rate, without
the middle man.
But you have no backlist. Let's say you are unpublished.
The brouhaha about authors self-publishing ebooks skyrocketed
at the announcement that well-known authors are taking matters
into their own hands. Forget that. You don't have that platform.
Make a more informed decision without those authors in mind.
So. . . if you go traditional, what makes the difference between
that 25% and 70% rate?
1. File conversion costs.
2. Marketing costs.
3. Formatting and development expenses.
3. Editing costs.
4. Credibility from the traditional name.
5. Access to bookstores and retailers.
6. Contracts for paperback and hardback books as well.
Let's say your ebook sells for a low figure of $5.99.
A publisher pays you $1.50 per sale. Your self-publishing
proceeds through Amazon amount to $4.20. You have to sell
three times the books via a traditional publisher than if
you self-published. Of course I'm oversimplifying, and at
first blush it looks like a no-brainer decision. Frankly,
I see traditional publishers raising their royalty rates
once ebooks gobble up a large percentage of book sales
over the next few years. But let's look at the logic of
ebook marketing today.
Ebooks, while quite tempting and intoxicating, cater to an
electronic reader. How comfortable are you in that arena?
You know how to sell a paper book. It's an entirely
different sales effort with ebooks.
There is no right or wrong answer here. People are becoming
successful in all manner of publishing. What does that tell
you? The lesson is the same - it hasn't changed.
The writing must be good, the branding better, and the
sales effort remarkable.
But if you don't have a website or blog, then think again
about selling an ebook, because these customers are online
savvy. An ebook buyer can't pick up the book in his hand,
read random selections or study the cover, so he Googles
your name and reads online reviews.
What will he find to convince him to buy your book?
If he finds no professional online presence to give your
book credibility, it doesn't matter what percentage
royalty is on your contract.
Hope
9TH ANNUAL FUNDSFORWRITERS ESSAY CONTEST
FundsforWriters.com and Literary Database.com team up to
co-sponsor the 9th Annual FundsforWriters Essay Contest.
Theme: Writing that made a difference.
Both entry fee and no entry fee categories. First place
winner receives $300. Six awards given. Limit 750 words.
Deadline October 31, 2010. Winners announced December 1, 2010.
TWEETEBOOKS - JUST ADDED NEW ONES
Our Tweetebook library contains 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.
HOPE CHATs ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2010
7 PM EASTERN TIME
http://www.writerschatroom.com
No password needed.
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WORDS OF SUCCESS
"All we see of someone at any moment is a snapshot of their
life; they're in riches or poverty, in joy or despair.
Snapshots don't show the million decisions that led to that
moment."
-- Richard Bach, author
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ARTICLE
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SEO Basics
By Linda Lyle
Search Engine Optimization, better known as SEO, is the
practice of maximizing traffic to a website by increasing
prominence in search engines. SEO has gotten a lot of hype
recently, but before you invest time, energy, or money, you
should get a clear understanding of what constitutes good
SEO writing. Whether you are writing articles for the web or
your own website, SEO can be a great marketing tool if it is
used correctly.
So, how do you go about it? There are a multitude of techniques
out there, but SEO techniques are basically grouped in two
categories: white hat and black hat. White hat techniques are
those that conform to search engine guidelines and are not
deceptive in nature. Black hat techniques - link farms, keyword
stuffing, article spinning- are by their very nature deceptive
and can often result in banning a website from search engine
results. This article focuses on white hat techniques: unique
content, keyword optimization, links, and meta tags.
The first and most important tip for SEO is the same rule that
applies to any type of writing: good content. Search engines,
like editors, are looking for useful and unique information
that is clear and accurate. This includes limiting all web
pages to a reasonable size and covering only one topic per
page. Too much information on a page can slow down the time
it takes to load the page and can overwhelm the reader.
Second, make the most of your content by using keyword
optimization. As with any writing project, choosing keywords
starts with knowing your audience and knowing the goals for
your website. Once you have identified who you are trying to
reach and what your end objective is, then you can work on
how to achieve your goal. Think about what words your audience
would use to search for information. Then, choose specific
keyword phrases from your list. Each page should have keywords
specific to that page's topic as well as keyword phrases that
represent the entire site. After you have identified the
keywords, make sure they are sprinkled throughout the text
wherever it fits the content, but don't overuse them. There
really can be too much of a good thing.
Third, make the most of hyperlinks. Make sure that you cross
link between pages of the website. Also, include hyperlinks
intended to help people find interesting, related content
when applicable. Just like keywords, you don't want to overuse
links. Only use them if they enhance the value of the website
content.
Finally, utilize meta tags properly. The descriptive title
attribute should include a keyword phrase that is a descriptive
and accurate representation of the entire site and should be
used throughout. Also, use the meta tag description attribute
by writing a concise explanation of the web page's content,
preferably shorter than 400 words. It should include the keyword
phrases. Finally, use the alternate text attribute for photos,
which helps with both search engine prominence and accessibility
for the disabled.
If you truly want to increase your website's prominence without
going to extreme measures, then you should follow a few simple
rules:
Write unique content.
Use keywords appropriately in content and meta tags.
Cross link between pages of the website.
Follow the guidelines of major search engines.
Register with search engines.
For more information on ways to improve your search engine
ranking, here are links to SEO guidelines from a few of the
top search engine providers:
http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=35769
http://help.live.com/help.aspx?mkt=en-us&project=wl_webmasters
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/search/basics/basics-18.html
BIO:
Linda Lyle is a freelance writer and part-time English
instructor with five published novels and 10 articles to
her credit. She shares her house with a Maine-Coon mix
named Goldie. She recently went live with a website for
TopTen Reviews.
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COMPETITIONS
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ABLE MUSE PRIZE
http://www.ablemusepress.com/ablemuse-write-prize
---
ENTRY FEE
(total submission cannot exceed 10 pages).
should be flash fiction/short-short-short under 1,500 words
each, typed double-spaced).
$500 prize for the best poem, and $500 prize for the best
short story (flash fiction), plus publication in Able Muse
(the print journal). Finalists in each category will also
be considered for publication. Entry deadline: February 15,
2011. For poetry entries, all styles are welcome (metrical
or free verse). Short stories under 1,500 words.
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ABLE MUSE BOOK AWARD
http://www.ablemusepress.com/ablemuse-book-award
---
$25 ENTRY FEE
$1,000 prize plus publication of the winning manuscript by
Able Muse Press. Finalists will also be considered for
publication. Entry deadline: March 31, 2011. 50 to 120 pages.
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CINNAMON PRESS WRITING AWARDS
http://www.cinnamonpress.com/competitions/
---
ENTRY FEE £16 (includes copy of anthology)
POETRY
The winning author has his/her poetry collection published
with Cinnamon Press and receives a prize of £100. We also
publish an anthology of the best poems submitted and entry
includes a copy of the winners' anthology.
SHORT STORY
The first prize for a story between 2,000 and 4,000 words
is £100 & publication. Up to ten runners up stories are
also published in the winners' anthology. Entry includes a
copy of the winners' anthology.
NOVEL/NOVELLA
The aim of this award is to encourage new authors, enabling
debut novelists/novella writers to achieve a first publication
in this genre. The winning author has his/her first novel
published by Cinnamon Press and receives a prize of £400.
The four runners up also receive a full appraisal of their
novel.
Entrants for the novel/novella and poetry categories should
not previously have had a novel/novella or full poetry
collection published. Short story writers may have had stories,
but not a single author collection published. Deadline November
30, 2010.
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GRANTS
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ARTS IN HEALTHCARE GRANTS - NEW HAMPSHIRE
http://www.nh.gov/nharts/grants/partners/artsinhealthcare.htm
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Arts in Health Care grants support arts activities, artist
residencies, and arts training programs that occur in health
care facilities, nursing homes, and in centers serving the
elderly. The goal of this funding is to offer participatory
arts programs where patients, residents/clients, and staff
are directly engaged in the creative process with professional
artists. Deadline: November 19, 2010. Requests may be made for
$1,000 - $4,500.
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HAMBIDGE ARTIST RESIDENCY
http://www.hambidge.org/Residency/ProgramOverview/tabid/63/Default.aspx
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Hambidge provides a residency program that empowers talented
artists of all disciplines to express their authentic voices.
Situated in the mountains of North Georgia, Hambidge is a
sanctuary of time and space that inspires artists by providing
them with the setting and the solitude to create works of the
highest caliber. Resident Fellows pay $150 per week (of the
$1,250 per week cost). Limited scholarships are available.
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BERTON HOUSE RESIDENCY
http://www.bertonhouse.ca/home.html
---
Berton House is both a destination and an opportunity to leave
behind the familiar and avoid the distractions that intrude on
a writer's day. Dawson City, Yukon provides a historically
impressive setting where a writer can concentrate on her or
his work or just get away to think. Professional Canadian
writers who have published at least one book and are established
in any creative literary discipline (fiction, non-fiction,
poetry, play/screenwriting, journalism) may apply for
residency. Deadline October 1, 2010. Writers are housed at
no cost in rent or utilities. A three-month honorarium of
$6,000 is provided along with travel costs to and from Dawson
City.
(Thanks to Erika Dreifus - http://www.erikadreifus.com/)
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FREELANCE MARKETS
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EARTH ISLAND JOURNAL
http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/guidelines/
---
Our quarterly magazine combines investigative journalism and
thought-provoking essays that make the subtle but profound
connections between the environment and other contemporary
issues. We are looking for stories that anticipate environmental
concerns before they become pressing problems, stories that
scan the horizon for the next big issue. Whenever possible,
we seek to tell the stories of individuals and communities
who are successfully defending and restoring the Earth. On-
the-ground reports from outside North America are especially
welcomed. We pay writers 20 cents/word for shorter dispatches
(1,200-1,500 words) and for longer investigative features
(2,500-3,000 words). Query first.
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DEFENDERS
http://www.defenders.org/newsroom/defenders_magazine/submission_guidelines.php
---
Defenders magazine is published quarterly for the membership of
Defenders of Wildlife, a national nonprofit organization devoted
to wildlife conservation. Issues contain a mix of full-length
features as well as shorter departments and an organizational
"newsletter." Most content features North American wildlife,
although we occasionally focus on international issues. We
emphasize current threats to wild species and habitat,
worthwhile action to save wildlife and informed discussions
of government programs and policies. Department stories run
from 500-800 words, features from 1,200-2,000 words.
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CREATING KEEPSAKES
http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/index.html
http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/submissions/index.html
---
They require a login, but there is no cost. Pays up to 50
cents/word. Articles up to 1,200 words. Submit your topic
explaining why the readers would love this article and why
it's different. List 3-5 points. Send 2 visuals. Note why
you are perfect to write this article. Also note that
Creating Keepsakes will also consider book proposals on
scrapbooking. Submit a topic, outline, sample chapter and
3-4 visuals. As always, explain why this is the perfect
book for readers and why you are the perfect author for it.
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JOBS
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NEWSPERSON
Location San Antonio, TX
http://www.journalismnext.com/jobdetails.cfm?jid=6586
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The Associated Press is seeking a full-time reporter for
its bureau in San Antonio, Texas. The reporter must be able
to develop a beat and build sources across a wide geographic
territory, both inside the city and throughout South Texas,
and be able to work across departments and formats,
especially video.
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STATEHOUSE REPORTER
Location Lincoln, NE
http://www.journalismnext.com/jobdetails.cfm?jid=6588
---
This reporter must be able to develop the beat inside and
outside of the statehouse, working across Nebraska to provide
comprehensive and competitive coverage of the workings of
state government and politics in the state.
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EDITOR
Location Oakland, CA
http://www.journalismnext.com/jobdetails.cfm?jid=6589
---
The Breakthrough Institute is seeking an Editor to edit
a new quarterly publication, Breakthrough Journal, and
other Breakthrough publications. The Journal will aim to
challenge conventional thought on national security, the
economy, health, the environment, energy, trade, foreign
policy as well as political philosophy. The Breakthrough
Journal is published online, with a print edition
distributed quarterly to opinion leaders.
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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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TURNER PUBLISHING
http://www.turnerpublishing.com/createABook.aspx
---
If you would like to submit a manuscript or proposal, we
accept manuscripts from agents and from authors directly.
Turner publishes books in a wide range of categories--fiction
and non-fiction, regional and national. Turner Publishing
Company has the following imprints:
Turner: the flagship imprint that focuses on local interest
and regional history titles
Iroquois Press: Fiction and Literature imprint
Trade Paper Press: for general nonfiction
Ramsey & Todd: for children's books
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BEAUFORT PUBLISHING
http://www.beaufortpublishinggroup.com/about.shtml
---
Beaufort Publishing Group is a publisher, a content development
and delivery services provider, and a business and marketing
strategy consultancy. We have specialized knowledge and
experience in the higher education, executive education, and
corporate education arenas. All media including books, film
and video, animation, and software are represented in our talent
pool. We utilize a cross section of talent across these various
industries to provide that singular approach allowing our
strategies to yield results. Beaufort Publishing Group can
publish your book, create your CD ROM, compile your video into
a DVD collection, or market your software application.
And we can do so much more....
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THE CHUDNEY AGENCY
http://thechudneyagency.com/submissions.html
---
With chapter books, middle grade and teen novels, I'm primarily
looking for quality, contemporary literary fiction: novels that
are exceedingly well-written, with wonderful settings and
developed, unforgettable characters.
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SPONSORS
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kids, has a new online offering for writers. It's a daily check-in
group called Stay Connected: to your writing * to your goals * to your
community. This group is great for goal-setting, encouragement/nudging,
* link to http://www.laurasalas.com
** link to http://www.laurasalas.com/pdfs/Stay/SC_Info.pdf
*** link to http://www.laurasalas.com/present/Stay/reg.html
=====
The Liberty Ink Journal writing contest is meant to cultivate
the work of constitutionally conservative writers who love
America and who can artfully communicate what America is, who
Americans are, and how principles of liberty work in everyday life.
Deadline December 31, 2010. No Reading Fee!
Submit in these categories: Article, Short Story, Chapbook,
Novel (fiction and non-fiction)
To learn more please go to: http://www.libertyinkjournal.com/contest
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publication because you think it isn't good enough? What if there
were someone you could show it to -- someone who would be both
objective judge and supporter?
I'm Nancy Wick, a Seattle-based writer, editor and writing coach.
Send me your manuscript for a developmental edit that will help you
make the next draft better or a copyedit that will polish a finished
piece for submission. Let me be your partner in prose.
THE BOOK TRAILER MANUAL: Book trailer scripts made easy.
=> 8 specific ideas on types of content
=> 10 options for images and sound
=> 5 case studies
=> Recommendations for hardware and software
The possibility of Viral is within your reach.
www.booktrailermanual.com/manual
AWARD-WINNING WRITER, PUBLISHER
WILL EDIT YOUR NOVEL, MEMOIR, POETRY
Have your writing edited by an award-winning, professional
writer, editor, and publisher, one who 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. 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. 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. He is founder of Jacar Press.
Contact rkwriter@gmail.com, www.rkeditor.com
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Experienced Random House author, freelance editor, and
literary agent intern seeking new clients. All fiction
and non-fiction projects considered.
Very reasonable rates.
No project too big or too small.
Contact Cicily at creativelivesworkshop@hotmail.com
=====
MARKETS PLUS: 2500 WRITING MARKETS
For 10 years Worldwide Freelance has been helping freelance
writers to find paying markets. Search or browse the free
database of 750+ markets. Or join Markets Plus and you will
have 2500+ markets at your fingertips.
http://www.worldwidefreelance.com
=====
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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