Volume 11, Issue 19
May 13, 2011

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FUNDS FOR WRITERS

Chosen for Writer's Digest Magazine
101 Best Websites for Writers
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

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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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Only 25 participants will be accepted into the Literary Living
program's Summer session, starting June 10th.

I believe I will feel the camaraderie between the course
participants, and the benefits of this Literary Living
experience long after it's over. A heartfelt thank you to
the founder, Joan Dempsey.

                         ~ Annemarie Timmons, participant

 
                 

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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GRADUATING

As you read this, assuming you opened this on the day it
was shipped, I'm in Cape May, NJ, attending my youngest son's
graduation from the US Coast Guard's boot camp. It's been
eight long weeks for him . . . and his fiance. We're taking
her with us, and hope to have a grand celebration.

We've spoken to him briefly three times - twice in one weekend -
and all three times in the last two weeks. Boot camp is tough,
and according to him, the Coast Guard's boot camp is second
only to the Marines. Who'd have known?

This is a child who struggled through school. Took more than
the required four years to get his Bachelor's Degree, but he
triumphed in the end, landing his fiance in the process.
But the economy made employment difficult, so he enlisted in
the Coast Guard Reserves to improve his resume. That and he
loves working on boats.

The treatment is as you would imagine - woken up at odd hours
to run for miles, placed in the hall to sleep because he
accidentally made eye contact with an officer, putting Sharpie
over the numbers on his combination lock on his trunk because
he forgot to set the dial back to zero. Five years ago, I
couldn't see him tolerating this, and possibly getting kicked out.

But in his longer than normal tenure in college, he matured.
At boot camp, he was one of the older ones. He was not to be
bested, so he dug in.

I chuckled as he relayed a comment to me. "I'm amazed at how
much I've grown in eight weeks. In the beginning, I was nobody.
Now I'm a senior giving direction to the new guys coming in.
They look up to me and call me Sir, and I have to correct
them and remind them that I'm a Seaman just like them."

How parallel that is to freelance writers. We stagger around,
often gaining no purchase in the first few years. Maybe we
publish a book or a few articles. An anthology piece or two.
But for some of us, we decide to do more with our profession.

We take formal classes, find a mentor, attend conferences,
hire editors. We write daily, the effort hard at first,
especially with all the rejection. But we're hell-bent on
taking our writing to a new level. We aren't interested in
recycling the same old material. We tackle serious boot camp,
knowing we'll make it or wash out because the journey is so
intense.

Then we publish something we never thought we could write.
We're recognized at conferences. Other writers start asking
for help from us because we're recognized as having
endured, weathered and mastered some major obstacles.

We're surprised but also satisfied. We haven't arrived because
there are so many miles of road before us, but we have come
far. We're operating at a new level since we have a better
feel of the power driving us from within.

     Hope

THE BLOG - http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com

TWITTER- http://twitter.com/hopeclark

FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/chopeclark
 

  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

"New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed,
without any other reason but because they are not already
common."

-- John Locke

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WARNING TO THE WISE
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Each week, in this place, we will bring you either a success
story or a warning to the wise on something we've heard about
a resource that isn't living up the expectations. This week,
it's a warning.

NORTON RESIDENCY

This residency appears to be having problems, so this week's
warning to the wise is to mark the Norton Island Residency
off your list for now.

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ARTICLE
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Oooh Sparklies!
How You Can Make $500/month with a Blog Even If
You're Easily Distracted

By Susan Daffron

In the old movie, "The Secret of Nimh," one of the animated
characters is a crow named Jeremy. Throughout the movie, he
is excited by anything shiny and pretty. "Ooh! oh-oh-oooh!
A sparkly!"

A lot of writers are like Jeremy. Including me.

My inquisitive nature could be disdainfully referred to as
a lack of focus. However, blogging is one activity where
being interested in a wide range of topics can be an
advantage. It's great for people like me who get bored
easily, but want to make money.

Technically, I have been blogging since before blog software
existed. I have "content sites" that work much like blogs
with hundreds of articles. Articles that I wrote 10 years
ago still make me money. They are on topics that I have no
interest in anymore.

When I get bored with one topic, I start a new site or
revamp an old site. My blogs/article sites make money in
several ways: Google AdSense ads, product sales, and
service sales. Here's how it works.

Google AdSense

Many people say Google AdSense (https://www.google.com/adsense/)
is a waste of time, and it can be, depending on what you
write. The money you receive from AdSense comes from people
buying pay per click advertising on Google AdWords. As the
publisher, you get a percentage of the money each time
someone clicks an ad.

Ideally, to make money with AdSense, you need to find a
magic intersection between three things:

1. A topic you enjoy.
2. Expensive AdWords ads.
3. Information people need.

People search to get answers. If you provide them, your
blog posts are likely to be found. Some of my sites make
AdSense income, some don't. You can get strategic about
making money if you are willing to do keyword research.

Although you're not allowed to divulge earnings, Google
only sends a check if you earn more than $100/month. I have
received checks every month since 2003. (You do the math!)

Product Sales

Some of my sites don't make AdSense income because they
are on topics that don't pay well or don't have enough
relevant ads. So we also include relevant ads for our
own products on our content sites too. On my pet-related
site, we have ads for my pet-related books. On my computing
sites, we have ads for my tips books and templates that
relate to the article people found in their search. Almost
every day, someone buys something.

Services

I have lived in a town of 7,000 people since 1996. Over
time, the services I have offered have evolved, but one
thing has remained consistent. My clients aren't local.
Clients find me through our Web sites. Our article/blog
sites have ads for our services. Suppose I write an article
with tips on book layout. I'll include a subtle note at
the bottom that says, "oh by the way I offer book layout
services." Or I write about mastermind groups and include
an ad for my Book Author's Circle.

Of course, if you're a writer, your articles also are a
great advertisement for your ability to write!

The key to making money is one that you've heard from
Hope many times. You need to write. For years, I wrote at
least one article per week. I've just begun a little
challenge with myself to see if I can follow Hope's lead
and write every day.

Use your natural curiosity to your advantage! If you write
blog posts that solve problems for people, you can make money.

****

Susan Daffron aka The Book Consultant
[ http://www.TheBookConsultant.com ] owns a book publishing
and consulting company called Logical Expressions, Inc.
[ http://www.LogicalExpressions.com ] and spends most of her
time writing, laying out books in InDesign, or taking her
five dogs out for romps in the forest. She also teaches
people how to write and publish profitable client-attracting
books at SelfPubU.com and puts on the Self-Publishers Online
Conference every May.

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COMPETITIONS
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LAMBDA LITERARY MID-CAREER NOVELIST PRIZE
http://www.lambdaliterary.org/awards/mid-career-novelist-prize/
---
NO ENTRY FEE
The award will be presented to one self-identified man and
one self-identified woman, and age will not be a factor in
defining mid-career. The award will recognize emergent LGBT
authors who have written and published at least three novels
or two novels and substantial additional literary work such
as poetry, short stories, essays. This is not a prize for
lifetime achievement. Individuals may nominate themselves or
other writers. Submissions are closed for 2011. For 2012,
all materials must be postmarked by February 1, 2012. The
award, made possible by James Duggins, PhD, consists of two
cash prizes of $5,000.

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MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT SHELLEY PRIZE FOR IMAGINATIVE FICTION
http://www.rsbd.net/NEW/index.php
---
$10 ENTRY FEE
C/O Rosebud Magazine, N3310 Asje Rd., Cambridge WI 53523
Contest for original works of fantasy, science fiction, mystery,
or horror, 4000w or less. Entries welcome any time. Deadline:
September 1 in odd years. GRAND PRIZE: $1,000, 4 runners-up
receive $100. All winners published in the magazine.

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AUTUMN HOUSE POETRY AND FICTION CONTEST
http://www.autumnhouse.org/contest-submissions/
---
$25 ENTRY FEE
The winners will receive book publication, $1,000 advance
against royalties, and a $1,500 travel grant to participate
in the 2012 Autumn House Master Authors Series in Pittsburgh.
The deadline is June 30, 2011. All full-length collections of
poetry 50-80 pages in length are eligible. Fiction submissions
should be approximately 200-300 pages. All fiction sub-genres
(short stories, short-shorts, novellas, or novels) or any
combination of sub-genres are eligible.

 
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GRANTS
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KIMMEL HARDING NELSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
http://www.KHNCenterfortheArts.org
---
$35 APPLICATION FEE
Location Nebraska City, NE. Offers 2- to 8-week residencies
for writers, visual artists, and music composers. Housing,
studio space, $100/week stipend. Approximately 55 residencies
awarded per year. Two deadlines each year: postmarked March 1
for the following July - December 15; postmarked September 1
for the following January-June 15.

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FUNDING FOR LOUISIANA FILMMAKERS
http://www.louisianaentertainment.gov/film/content.cfm?id=171
---
Application period June 1, 2011 to July 1, 2011 and December 1,
2011 to January 1, 2012. The Louisiana Filmmakers Grant Fund
Program is designed to support Louisiana's independent filmmakers,
who are vital to the state's entertainment industry and the
state's long-term goals for an indigenous entertainment industry.
Open to Louisiana residents with a consistent presence in LA
for the last three years. Must be filmed 100% in Louisiana.
Maximum grant is no more than 50% of the budget and no grant
can exceed $25,000.

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CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK RESIDENCY
http://www.nps.gov/crla/air.htm
---
Deadline July 15, 2011. The program provides an opportunity
for two eligible artists to spend up to two weeks of the fall,
and another two artists for up to two weeks in the winter, at
Crater Lake National Park. Writers, sculptors, photographers,
painters, dancers, cinematographers, musicians, composers, and
other visual and performing artists are invited to apply.
Residency runs September 5th to October 15th.

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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FLORIDA SPORTSMAN
http://www.floridasportsman.com/submission_guidelines/
---
Our emphasis is on saltwater fishing in Florida, both inshore
and offshore, with added coverage of the state's freshwater
fishing and hunting. Additional material is used periodically
on Florida camping, diving, environmental topics and fishing
adventures in The Bahamas, the Caribbean or Latin America.
Some offbeat material is published--including history and
fiction--but such topics require unusually entertaining or
interesting material and strong writing. We normally don't
cover boat racing, sailing, adventure narratives and
"celebrity" or "hero" articles in which an individual is the
story's primary focus. Features should run 1,500 to 2,000
words. Short sidebars are often used to provide additional
detail and their word count should be included in the total.
FS Seminar how-to articles run 500 to 800 words. Feature
Articles: $500 for a full-length feature package that
includes acceptable photography. FS Seminars: $200 for copy
and photos.

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FAMILYFUN
http://familyfun.go.com/assets/cms/pdf/magazine/Editorial.pdf
http://familyfun.go.com/magazine/contact-us-819817/
---
FamilyFun magazine, which targets families with children 12
and under. FamilyFun magazine's lively and informative content
focuses on making the most of family time together through
cooking, crafts, celebrations, volunteering, travel, and other
family activities. Separate guidelines for travel and nontravel
writers. Pays up to $1.25/word.

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FAMILY MOTOR COACHING
http://www.fmcmagazine.com/contact-us
E-mail: magazine@fmca.com
---
For motorhome owners. Features destinations, outfitting and
maintaining RVs, industry updates. Readers' tips and news from
the Family Motor Coach Association. 75% freelance written.
Pays up to $500 for features of 1,200 to 2,000 words.
Query with resume, outline and clips. Will consider a complete
manuscript with a resume attached.

 
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JOBS
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WRITER - REPORTERS/PHOTOGRAPHER
Location Japan
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?JobID=99129414
---
Deadline May 19, 2011. Reports and writes stories that adhere
to the highest principles of professional journalistic ethics.
Provides fairness and balance in all articles and photographs.
Aggressively responds to breaking spot news. Reports feature
stories that provide diversity and broad audience appeal.
Provides photographs to accompany stories and looks for
opportunities to supply standalone feature or news photographs.
Regularly produces profile stories and longer pieces on
significant newsmakers and leaders within the coverage area.
Employer Agency: Army Installation Management Command.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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REDWOOD AGENCY
http://www.redwoodagency.com/
---
Redwood will consider projects in the following categories: 
Health, Narrative Nonfiction, Popular Culture, Cooking,
Nature, Parenting, Aging, General Reference, Memoir,
Women's Interests, Popular Psychology, Self Help, Non-fiction
"Chick Lit", Business, Humor, Lifestyle, Cultural Technology,
Quirky Projects. Also interested in projects with the potential
to become book series.

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REES LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.reesagency.com/submissions
---
Ann Collette likes literary, mystery, thrillers, suspense,
vampire, and women's fiction; in non-fiction, she prefers
true crime, narrative non-fiction, military & war, work to
do with race & class, and work set in or about Southeast Asia.

Lorin Rees is interested in literary fiction, memoirs, business
books, self-help, science, history, psychology and narrative
non-fiction.

Nicole Labombard focuses on literary fiction with compelling
characters deserving of a wide audience. She also enjoys
quality commercial fiction, young adult, historical, memoirs,
narrative nonfiction, travel and self-help.

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REGAL LITERARY
http://www.regal-literary.com/
---
Regal Literary Inc., a full-service agency with offices in
New York and London, was founded in 2002. Represents works
in a wide range of categories, with an emphasis on literary
fiction, outstanding thriller and crime fiction, and serious
narrative non-fiction.

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SPONSORS
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KATHERINE DON, "THE BOOK DON"

Show Your Book Who's Boss

Writing a book can be a lonely and intimidating process

With The Book Don as your editor, you'll gain invaluable guidance and editorial insight

Content editing, line editing, book proposals, partial manuscripts, full manuscripts

The Don works with both first-time authors, and experienced authors who have agents and in-house editors

Visitwww.yourbookdon.com for more information

CALL FOR ENTRIES!

Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest

Write a poem, 30 lines or fewer on any subject or write a
short story, 5 pages max., on any theme, single or double-
line spacing, neatly hand printed or typed.

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

Writing Contest First Prize: $500; 2nd: $250; 3rd: $100

Poetry Contest First Prize: $250; 2nd: $125; 3rd: $50.

Postmark deadline: July 31, 2011.

Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com/ for details and to enter!

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.

WRITING AWAY RETREATS

Named as one of the top-ten creative retreats in the world,
Writing Away Retreats is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to
connect with and receive feedback from the very best in the
industry. Every writer gets a 10K word detailed MS consult
with each staff member (3 editors: Kevin Doughten: Penguin,
Anica Rissi: Simon and Schuster, Katie Gilligan: Thomas Dunne,
1 agent: Scott Hoffman, Folio Lit. and 1 NYT bestselling author:
David Corbett) during their 5 day/4 night experience in the
Rocky Mountains. This unprecedented access allows for an
experience that can truly forward your writing career in the
right direction.

For further information go to the website:
www.writingawayretreats.com

Contact Cicily and let her know how she can help you attend
this event. E-mail: creativelivesworkshop@hotmail.com

WHY ADVERTISE IN FUNDSFORWRITERS?

For my first advertising for my fledgling business I needed to
make strategic choices within a very limited budget. I chose
to advertise in two places:  the Funds for Writers (FFW)
newsletter and a major writer's magazine (circulation of 100,000).
FFW far outperformed the magazine! From my first FFW ad I got an
immediate and enormous spike in traffic to my web site and within
24-hours had more than 100 people sign up on my website. And that
was just the first ad! Over the course of the six-week ad campaign
I saw a noticeable spike in traffic after each ad hit people's
inboxes and in total garnered at least 500 new sign-ups.

If you're thinking about advertising in FFW, do it!
    
Joan Dempsey, Founder & President
http://www.literaryliving.com

EBOOK SELF-PUBLISHING EXPLAINED

An epublishing revolution is sweeping the industry.
We explain what is happening and show you how to
self-publish your own ebooks.

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

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BUSINESS STUFF
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http://www.fundsforwriters.com

Copyright 2000-2011, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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