Volume 11, Issue 17
April 29, 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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Enrollment is open for the Summer Session of Literary Living.
Only 25 participants accepted - each gets a $500 scholarship.
 

If you're a serious, aspiring writer and want to overcome
resistance, conquer self-doubt, control your time, and create
your unique writing life, sign up today!

Program begins June 10th.
 

Find out more at www.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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EDITING

I still argue that in the brouhaha that is publishing, we
often forget about the reasons that traditional publishing
existed to begin with, and why writers didn't just publish
themselves from the outset.

Traditional publishers fund works out of their pockets,
and they beat a dead horse in terms of preparing a book
for release. This has been true since Gutenberg printed
the first Bible. So I believe traditional publishing will
continue for many years to come.

Yes, I tend to lean to the . . . traditional side. (Bet you
thought I was going to say right or left, huh?) However, I've
self-published as well. I've seen good self-publishing and bad.
I've seen good agents and bad. I've marveled at good traditional
works and bad.

Nothing in publishing is perfect.

However, two items get overlooked, in my opinion, when it
comes to do-it-yourself publication.

1. Platform
2. Editing

The Steve Laube Literary Agency has quite the informative
blog, and lately they've run a series called, "A Defense of
Traditional Publishing." The latest post of April 26 addressed
"Content Development."

http://www.stevelaube.com/in-defense-of-traditional-publishing-part-three/

A reader cursed me (yes, I'm a "biatch") for advising her to
slow down, complete her book, and edit it to death before
considering the publisher, the movie, or the television
appearances. The point I tried to make was that editing
isn't a simple proofreading job before you forward the file
to a publisher.

Steve Laube explained the multiple editing tasks under a
traditional roof.

ACQUISITIONS EDITOR - Finds, acquires, negotiates the project.

LINE EDITOR - Performs the actual content edit (also call the
"line"  or "substantive" edit).

CONTENT EDITOR - Reads for accuracy, balance and fairness,
cogency of argument, adequate treatment of the subject matters,
and conformity to the original book proposal.

COPY EDITOR - Scours the manuscript for accuracy in grammar,
citations, and factual content.

PROOF READER - Fine tunes punctuation and other nit-picky details.

Yes, there's room for self-publishing, especially if you
have a platform to die for, and a following that would
purchase anything you held up in your hand. But if you
are venturing into the publishing world alone, wouldn't
you want these people in your court?

Not looking for a deluge of email about how I'm anti-self-
publishing. It's a tool...in a toolbox. You don't always
use the same tool. Just read recently where an industry
professional suggested that an author find a way to
publish three ways in his lifetime - self publish,
independent publish, and New York big-boy publish.
Because it's only after you've done all three that you
can readily give an opinion on the results.

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

TWITTER - http://twitter.com/hopeclark

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

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WORDS OF SUCCESS

 
"Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast."

-- William Shakespeare

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ARTICLE
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Income from Outsourcing

By Chris Mac

In the January 21st FFW newsletter, Nannette Croce provided
insight to content writing within content mills, (writing hubs).  
As a full-time freelancer, I too have journeyed down that path. 
But within the past year I have discovered an active need for
writing in outsourcing communities.

Monetary concerns are causing companies to outsource at
unprecedented rates.  As freelancers and independent contractors,
opportunities to contribute abound.

oDesk is an outsourcing company who is internationally poised. 
Their site connects Buyers (Employers) and Contractors (Providers)
through a job-board. Guru.com is similarly designed. Of the four
companies I perused, these are the two I remain with. They
profitably exist by taking an agreed-upon fee from one or both
parties.

At first I didn't know whether the 10% charged by oDesk would
negatively affect my bottom line. I soon realized that it is
a pittance compared to the hours of networking involved in
locating clients on my own.  Most outsourcing communities not
only broker freelance writing, but technical support, bookkeeping,
customer service agents, graphic artists, web designers and
programmers, (among others). Some even offer health insurance
and 1099 year-end reporting.

As a writer and former bookkeeper, I developed my profile on
the two aforementioned sites in February of 2010.  Within four
months I was working full-time from home for an hourly wage
that well-exceeded my previous salary. I write and edit product
descriptions, develop content for new sites and edit existing
site content. I update products and load them to online stores. 
I have also edited legal documents, flyers, brochures and a
book. My official titles are Content Writer/Editor and Store
Editor. I am offered more work than I can accept. The CAVEAT?
You MUST remain true to your personal work ethic.  Examples: 

·         From within the outsourcing community you have the
opportunity to develop an extensive network of clients.
My Advice? Be committed to providing exemplary work, even
if you mistakenly underbid a project. (Your work is rated
by your buyer and highly-favored workers with good skills
stand out).

·         You are in competition with talented internationals
who make an excellent living at $1 to $2 per hour. My Advice? 
Let those workers assist companies who need to reduce labor
costs. Focus your efforts on buyers who need professional
results and can afford to pay for them at American rates.

·         The "get rich quick" web page is history, (in this
country). In other parts of the world, brilliant minds
scramble to gain a profitable foothold on the Internet. "Content
is King" has an entirely new meaning within this environment.
 
When content is written only for search engine optimization,
providers are often asked to deliver 400-500 word articles at
the astounding ratio of 25 per week for $125 or less. Facts
are not verified. The only criteria is that articles be
grammatically pleasing to the American audience.  My advice?
Stay clear of these projects.  People who do not value the
time you put into developing a well-researched and fact-based
article will undervalue you as a contributor. If you mistakenly
accept this type of contract, provide exemplary work and make
a gracious exit.  Live and learn. Do not risk damaging your
reputation. 

·         It takes time to connect to buyers who need your
expertise. My advice? Apply frequently at a fair wage. Someone
IS seeking your skill-set. (Do not over-book - this takes
practice).

·         Fixed-rate projects provide opportunities to connect
with clients who need one-time assistance. Apply for these types
of tasks when you have extra time. I am currently editing a
series of three books for a client whose book proposal I edited
at a fixed-rate of $20. This assignment is "icing on the cake"
and the kind of work I prefer above all others.

Outsourcing can be a rewarding experience. It provides
opportunities to expand your skills and build a network of
clients who trust your work. For those of us committed to
quality writing, be assured that good businessmen are on the
constant lookout for our product. Accurate, well-written
information can be built upon layer-by-layer. Quality 
sites employ writers who offer legitimate content within this
context. Through the distribution of our talents and commitment
to our craft, we in turn support quality business endeavors and
contribute to the validity of Internet content.

Bio -
After 30+ plus years in office-related fields, N.O. Tate
embarked on a new career. A Rocky Mountain native, she has
turned her passion for nature, foodstuffs and the love of a
good story into fodder for legitimate submissions. She not
only publishes in writing hubs, but is a regular contributor
to several specialty sites with basic content, stories and
articles.

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COMPETITIONS
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CHILDREN'S WRITER CONTEST FOR POETRY OR VERSE STORY
http://www.thechildrenswriter.com/ad028/
---
NO ENTRY FEE FOR SUBSCRIBERS - $15 FOR NONSUBSCRIBERS.
The contest is for a single poem, collection of poems, or
verse story for children of any age, to 300 words. Entries
may be serious or humorous, and take any poetic form. Winners
will be selected based on quality of verse--including rhythm,
meter, word choice, wordplay, imagery, and the use of other
poetic devices (rhyme, alliteration, assonance, or others).
Above all, the winning entries will have appeal for young
readers. Entries must be received by October 31, 2011. Entry
fee includes an 8-month subscription. Winners will be announced
in the March 2012 issue. Prizes: $500 for first place plus
publication in Children's Writer, $250 for second place, and
$100 for third, fourth, and fifth places.

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ACCENTS PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL POETRY BOOK CONTEST
http://www.accents-publishing.com/contest.html
---
$20 ENTRY FEE
Two winners will be selected - one by an independent judge,
Lisa Williams, and one by the Senior Editor and founder of
Accents Publishing, Katerina Stoykova-Klemer. Each winner
will have his/her submission published and will receive a
$500 cash prize. Additionally, the winners will be invited
for a featured reading at a book premiere celebration event.
All contest entries will be considered for regular
publication with Accents Publishing, as well. Deadline
July 31, 2011. The contest is open to any poet writing in
English. Submit 60 to 120 pages of poetry.

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THE FULTON PRIZE FOR SHORT FICTION
http://adirondackreview.homestead.com/fultonprize.html
---
ENTRY FEE $10
The winner will receive $400 and publication in The Adirondack
Review. Entrants whose stories receive honorable mention will
also have their stories published in The Adirondack Review.
In addition, they will be awarded an honorarium of $30.
Entrants may submit up to three original, unpublished stories.
Stories must not have been previously published in either
print or on-line publications, and there is a 10,000-word
limit. Deadline July 31, 2011.

 
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GRANTS
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ANNMARIE'S RESIDENCY
http://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/artist_residencies
http://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/sites/default/files/residencyinfoAMG.pdf
---
$25 APPLICATION FEE
Annmarie's residency program provides a serene place on the
Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay for visual, musical, and
literary artists to create works that address ecological
issues and/or inspire community involvement.  Artists have
access to a private studio space in addition to a variety of
classroom studios and garage spaces, a waterfront, and fifty
acres of forest and field.   Residencies are meant to focus
on merging the arts and the environment and should include
the involvement of our local community to some capacity.

Spring/Fall Residencies:   residents are required to work
with field trip groups and/or school outreach programs as
scheduled. These residencies typically run 1-3 months.

Summer Residency:  summer residents are required to design
a public art project that engages the visitors to Annmarie
Garden in the art-making process.  Summer residents are
required to work alongside the public for at least 12 hours/
week. These residencies typically run June-August.

(NOTE: One deadline is April 30)

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CECIL B. MURPHEY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FOR FIRST-TIMERS
For the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference
in August 2011
https://writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia/Cec_Murphey_First_Timer_Scholarship_App.htm
---
Application due July 7. You will be notified whether or not
you have received a scholarship by July 10.

IMPORTANT: If you do not need a full scholarship but a
partial scholarship, work scholarship, or time payments
would make the difference in your being able to come,
please ask via the link online for an application.

You must belong to one or more of the following organizations
to apply for this scholarship. One scholarship will be awarded
to a member of each group.

 Advanced Christian Writers & Speakers Assn. (AWSA)
 American Christian Fiction Writers
 Christian Writers' Group International (CWGI)
 Word Weavers
 The Writers View 1
 The Writers View 2

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ARTIST MINI-GRANTS - MISSISSIPPI
http://www.arts.state.ms.us/grants/for-individuals.php
---
The Artist Minigrant Program provides grants of up to $500
to support the professional development of individual
artists by helping to fund: travel and registration for
appropriate conferences; promotional efforts (such as
printed invitations for a gallery opening); or artistic
supplies (such as paint, film, or clay). Artist Minigrants
are competitive and do not require a cash match.

 
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FREELANCE MARKETS
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BEAD AND BUTTON
http://www.beadandbutton.com/en/Magazine/Submission%20Guidelines/2001/07/BeadandButton%20Submission%20Guidelines.aspx
---
Bead&Button, your complete beading resource, is a bimonthly
magazine devoted to techniques, projects, and designs of
beaded jewelry and accessories. Our readership includes bead
and button makers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts who find
satisfaction in making beautiful pieces. Our beading designers
are skilled artisans (not necessarily skilled writers) who are
willing to share what they know. Pays $300-$400 for articles
up to 1,200 words. Pays up to $300 for projects. The magazine
is 80% freelance but only receives about ten queries per month.

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BIRD TALK
http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-magazines/bird-talk-2004-03-10-12850.aspx
---
We publish informative articles on the care of birds; photo
essays on historical and current events dealing with birds;
how-to articles; and human-interest stories. Sidebars to
accompany articles are a plus. We do not publish fiction,
or stories in which a bird speaks as if it were human. We
rarely run stories concerning native wild birds. We use a
species article in each issue, but these are assigned to
experts in the species or to experienced writers who are
familiar with our species profile requirements. The ideal
manuscript is an 800- to 2,000-word article accompanied by
high-quality color slides, digital images or professional
illustrations. Our usual rate of payment is $100 to $200 for
short features (1,000 words or less) and $300 to $400 for
longer features (1,500 to 2,500 words), including accompanying
high-quality photographs.

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WHOLE LIVING
http://www.wholeliving.com/about-body-and-soul-magazine
---
We offer natural solutions for stress, sleep, allergies, and
more. Living a green, stylish life is easy with our sustainable
ideas. Healthy, delicious recipes are a click away (including
desserts). Customized fitness (for body and mind) can be
achieved with yoga, Pilates, strength training and cardio
routines. Beauty -- from healthy skin care to at-home spa
techniques complete the radiant new you. Pays $1 to $1.25/word.
Pays on acceptance. Articles 1,500 to 3,000 words. Departments
up to 1,500 words. Buys all rights. Query first.

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JOBS
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WRITER-EDITOR
Location Washington DC - several vacancies
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=98791301
---
The incumbent serves as a Writer-Editor responsible for developing
the Quarterly Report plus other publications that interpret and
explain important, highly complex, and potentially controversial
information concerning TARP's programs, policies and activities. 
Work for the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Assets
Relief Program (SIGTARP) with the Treasury Department. Salary
range $89,033.00 - $136,771.00 /year.

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TRAINING SPECIALIST (WRITER)
Location Mt. Clemens, MI - several vacancies
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=95150346
---
Course writer/assistant instructor for New Equipment Training
(NET) Program. Develop/conceive/sketch detailed lesson plans/
training aids on operation/maintenance procedures through review
of publications, charts, drawings, reports, & blueprints.
This announcement may be used to fill temporary full-time,
part-time or intermittent positions. Indicate on your resume
your availability for any of these appointments. Can involve
6 month deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, other
potentially high-threat OCONUS environments, or other hostile
area as a condition of employment.

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REPORTER
Location Camden, SC
http://www.scpress.org/jobs.html
---
The Chronicle-Independent, an award-winning tri-weekly newspaper
based in South Carolina's historic steeplechase country, is
looking for a reporter to cover a county in transition. There's
a fresh county council, and a new county administrator will be
on board soon. How the personalities play together and where the
county is going and how it will get there will be the focus of
this beat. As a community newspaper, we're looking for comprehensive
reporting; there is no word minimum or maximum. Other auxiliary
duties are a part of this position. We prefer a degree in
journalism with a couple of years of experience but will consider
talented newcomers. Design and photography skills a plus. Job
offers good starting salary and full benefits. Please send resume
and six of your best clips.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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AURORA REGENCY
ASPEN MOUNTAIN PRESS
http://www.auroraregency.com/submissions.php
---
The Aurora Regency line is published by Aspen Mountain Press,
a royalty-paying e-publishing company. We do not charge fees
for set up or charge for editing your story once it has been
accepted for publication. Our contracts request rights to the
contracted work, including digital and print formats as we
will provide some of our titles in print later this year.
Aurora Regency will publish traditional Regency romances;
Aurora Regency Historicals will publish all other historical
fiction. Aurora is looking for well-researched historical
fiction between 35,000 and 70,000 words, although we will
bend on the upper word limit if the story merits it.

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SAFER SOCIETY PRESS
http://www.safersociety.org/safer-society-press/
---
Safer Society Press, a nonprofit press dedicated to providing
resources for the prevention and treatment of sexual abuse.
We are pleased to receive proposals for potential books,
brochures, or pamphlets. Proposed projects need to be compatible
with Safer Society Foundation's goals and mission.

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L. PERKINS LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.lperkinsagency.com/
---
The L. Perkins Agency's four acquiring agents have a wide
and diverse range of tastes and preferences and are currently
looking for material in a wide spectrum of genres. For
information about our agents, their individual interests,
query guidelines and contact information, please visit our
"Meet The Agents"  page. The L. Perkins Agency is a strong
advocate for the future of e-publishing and believes all
authors should be published in both print and e-pub format.

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SPONSORS
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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: $500.00, 2nd: $250; 3rd: $100

Poetry Contest First Prize: $250.00, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $50.

Postmark deadline: July 31, 2011.

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

=====

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

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

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