Volume 11, Issue 22
June 3, 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

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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8th year. Ten cash prizes totaling $5,550. Top prize $3,000.
Submit poems in traditional verse forms, such as sonnets and
free verse. Winning entries published online. Both published
and unpublished work accepted. Entry fee is $7 for every 25
lines, payable to Winning Writers. Postmark deadline: June 30.
Judges: John H. Reid, Dee C. Konrad. Submit online or mail to
Winning Writers, Attn: Margaret Reid Poetry Contest, 351
Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060. Winning
Writers is proud to be one of the "101 Best Websites for
Writers" (Writer's Digest, 2005-2010).

More information: www.winningwriters.com/margaret

 
                 
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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

=====

HOW TO PROMOTE AN EBOOK

A reader wrote me recently asking how the heck he could
promote his ebooks. Book signings don't work. Speaking
doesn't work. Both due to the fact you have nothing in
your hand to sell.

But what about the face-time? What about meeting people?
See what JA Konrath says about this:

"The conference/library/bookfair/book touring circuit I've
embraced in the past helped me sell a lot of books, though
not in proportion to the time and money I spent traveling.
... I never sold enough to justify the cost of travel, or
the time it took away from my writing."

http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-works-promo-for-ebooks.html

JA Konrath and Amanda Hocking don't make public appearances.
They are successful ebook authors.

Konrath attributes his success to luck. That's bull. He
breaks some serious sweat online, giving a tremendous amount
of himself to authors, teaching them how to succeed. He
doesn't cover that in his blog post on how to successfully
promote ebooks, but I think that and his quirky humor are
his strongest selling points. That and he writes a good story.

But how does he deliver? Online. On his blog, Facebook and
Twitter. The blog is world renown (see above). Note the
218 comments after the above post I quoted from. That's
serious blog platform. Of course he sells his ebooks there, too.

"From what I can guess, it happened because:
-the books are in a popular genre
-the covers are enjoyable
-the price is good
-the writing isn't terrible (although, believe me, some
 people would argue that point)
-book bloggers recommended it
-accessibility - I'm on Twitter, Facebook, goodreads, Amazon,
KB. I'm anywhere I can be. I always try to respond to readers,
even though most of my responses are lame. I'll spend about
an hour replying to fan mail and it only amounts to about 2
sentences that pretty much say thanks."

So there...from the two best ebook authors I can think of,
I've deduced that you need to:

1. Love your fans.
2. Be all over the web - and I mean EVERYWHERE and OFTEN.
3. Befriend book reviewers/bloggers.

No table with white skirts. No conferences. No speaking.
Sounds easier yet harder. Bottom line...respect the Internet
and the people who love it. That's how you sell ebooks.

     Hope

  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

 
"Writing is a form of personal freedom. It frees us from the
mass identity we see in the making all around us. In the end,
writers will write not to be outlaw heroes of some underculture
but mainly to save themselves, to survive as individuals."

~Don Delillo, American novelist
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ARTICLE
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Land a Newspaper Column &  Keep It Going

By Christina Lorenzen

There is nothing like newspaper writing to teach a writer to
write tight and meet deadlines.  Another benefit is the steady
income in a business where payment often takes months to
arrive. You may think you need some experience, but getting
started as a columnist is not that hard. Itâ€^(TM)s ideal to start
with a regional or local paper, where editors rely on freelancers,
or stringers, for their material.
 
Getting a column will be much more successful if you keep
these few simple €dos and don'ts in mind:

* Do your homework and find out what papers serve your area
and what content they provide to their readers. I learned
that as a writer you are like any other entrepreneur. Find
out what needs aren't being met. Do they have a pet column?
A gardening column?

* Do make a list of your areas of expertise to determine
what subject you are qualified to write about. If you live a
green lifestyle, you can show readers how to do the same. If
you are a whiz with money, pitch a column on personal finance.

*Do look for the editorial contacts at the paper you are
interested in approaching. You should find the editorial
information on the first page of the paper. Contacting the
appropriate person is a sign of professionalism. For a
paper you will probably be contacting the editor-in-chief.

* Don't assume you can phone the editor just because it's
a small, local paper. Respect the editor's time by sending
her an email introducing yourself as a freelance writer.
In one paragraph let the editor know that you are interested
in writing for her paper. Don't forget to mention any
writing experience or attach any published clips for the
editor's review.

*Do pitch your column idea in your introductory email and
tell the editor why you are the writer for the job. Writing
itself may be a craft, but the business of writing includes
selling your product.  Finally, conclude your email by
telling the editor that if interested, you will be available
to meet at his earliest convenience.

* Don't email the editor hours later asking if they have
received your email. Despite the fact that we live in a
day and age of instant gratification, the writing business
requires patience. It's often a waiting game when it comes
to getting responses from editors.

* Do send a follow up email if you have not gotten a reply
after a month. My own experience has shown me that a month's
time is sufficient for a newspaper editor to get back to
you.

* Do paste a copy of the original email in your follow up
to make referring to your original email convenient. If
the editor is interested, be  prepared to meet with her
in person by bringing any clips you have and, most
importantly, several sample columns.

My advice to you, as a former newspaper feature writer and
columnist, is to show an editor that you can go the distance.
By providing the editor with six, preferably twelve, sample
columns at your meeting, you show them that you have staying
power and won't fizzle out after three columns. This is the
first step in maintaining a newspaper column with staying
power. The next step is to start thinking ahead and planning
columns weeks/months in advance. With a little brainstorming,
some research and keeping abreast of your area of expertise,
you can keep your column lively and viable for years to come.

BIO
Christina Lorenzen has been a freelance writer for more than
twenty years with more than two hundred articles published
in magazines, newspapers and online. She is currently
finishing her first novel, the first of a two book series
in women's fiction. She resides in New York with her husband
and two children. She can be reached at carp119@aol.com
 

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COMPETITIONS
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A ROOM OF HER OWN LIGHTHOUSE POETRY PUBLICATION PRIZE
http://www.aroomofherownfoundation.org/To_the_Lighthouse.php
---
$20 ENTRY FEE
AROHO's To the Lighthouse Poetry Publication Prize will be
awarded for the best, unpublished poetry collection by a
woman. Submit 48 to 96 pages of poetry postmarked by August
31, 2011. The award amount is $1,000 and publication of your
poetry collection by Red Hen Press. The winner will be
contacted by phone or email prior to the web announcement date.

=====

MEMPHIS MAGAZINE FICTION CONTEST
http://www.memphismagazine.com/Memphis-Magazine/Fiction-Contest-Rules/
---
$10 ENTRY FEE
The winning story will earn a $1,000 grand prize and will be
published in our annual Culture Issue, which runs in June.
(The 2011 winner will appear in June 2012.) Two honorable
mention awards of $500 each will be given if the quality of
entries warrants. Authors must live within 150 miles of
Memphis. Entries must be postmarked by August 1, 2011.

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FINISHING LINE OPEN CHAPBOOK COMPETITION
http://www.finishinglinepress.com/submissionguidelines.htm
---
$15 ENTRY FEE
A prize of $1,000 and publication for a chapbook-length poetry
collection. Open to all. Previous chapbook or full-length
publication does not disqualify. International entries are
welcome. Multiple submissions are accepted. All entries will
be considered for publication. The top-ten finalists will be
offered publication. Submit up to 26 pages of poetry. Deadline
June 30, 2011.

 
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GRANTS
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ELIZABETH GEORGE FOUNDATION
http://www.elizabethgeorgeonline.com/foundation/index.htm
http://www.elizabethgeorgeonline.com/foundation/fund_individual.htm
---
$25 APPLICATION FEE
We offer financial support to unpublished and emerging writers
for a period not to exceed a year; we offer scholarships for
students to attend accredited MFA programs in creative writing;
we support writing research; we offer funding to allow
unpublished and emerging writers to attend writers' retreats
and conferences. The Foundation also makes grants to organizations
offering services to disadvantaged youth in the areas of health,
education, and creative writing. While the Foundation makes
grants to support emerging playwrights, the Foundation does not
make grants to theatrical groups seeking support for a production.
To be considered for a grant, applicants must send a package of
materials to the Foundation for receipt by July 1.

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DELAWARE GRANTS
http://www.artsdel.org/grants/artistgrants.shtml
---
Delaware artists can now apply for 2012 Individual Artist
Fellowships. Full instructions and guidelines as well as a
link to the electronic application are available on the
Division website under Grants for Individual Artists. Deadline
August 1, 2011. For more information contact Kristin Pleasanton,
Art & Artist Services Coordinator.

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DART CENTER OCHBERG FELLOWSHIPS
http://www.dartcenter.org
---
Each year, the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, based
at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism,
selects six to ten journalists from the Americas, Europe and
Australasia/New Zealand as Dart Center Ochberg Fellows, to help
them deepen their knowledge of emotional trauma and improve
coverage of violence, conflict and tragedy. Applications are
now being accepted from mid-career journalists. Deadline
July 27, 2011.

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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MOTORHOME MAGAZINE
http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/Contact-Us/
---
The only national monthly newsstand magazine dedicated to
enthusiasts of all types of motorized RVs. Written queries
preferred over email. Send samples/clips with query. Articles
1,200-1,800 words that are informational, how-to, profile,
new product review and especially humor. Has a small column
called "Escapes" of 200 words. Pays up to $600.

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THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER
http://www.mountainastrologer.com/standards/w_guide.html
---
We request that writers send query letters regarding proposed
articles. A query letter is not required for shorter submissions
such as Article Particles, humor, and poetry. We are known for
lively, well-written articles on a wide variety of astrological
topics, astrological data, humor, forecasting, a calendar
outlining each day's aspects and the global astrological climate.
If you are hungry for top-rate astrological information, enjoy
our online offerings, then contact us for a sample issue or
subscription. Pays up to $400.

=====

NATIVE PEOPLES MAGAZINE
http://www.nativepeoples.com/
---
Native Peoples Magazine is a journal of strong visuals and
accurate, erudite prose dedicated to sensitively portraying
the arts and lifeways of Native Americans. Accepts nonfiction
articles of 1,200 - 3,000 words on art, culture, history,
current events, people and social issues. Departments are
Pathways (700-1,500 words), Viewpoint (800 words), and
History (1,000-1,800 words). Pays 25 cents/word. Prefers
queries but will read complete manuscripts. Send to:
editorial@nativepeoples.com .

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JOBS
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WRITER-EDITOR
Location Washington DC
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?JobID=99686266
---
You will compose speeches and presentations for senior Office
of International Trade (OIT) and senior Agency officials,
prepare responses to congressional inquiries on complex issues
related to the Agency's international trade promotion and trade
finance programs and press releases.  You will also research
and analyze pertinent laws, regulations, policies, and relevant
program information to develop comprehensive and accurate
written work products that articulate, interpret, and explain
highly complex, potentially controversial, and important
agency policies, programs, and analyses related to
international trade.

=====

HOST-REPORTER
Location Nashville, TN
http://www.journalismnext.com/jobdetails.cfm?jid=7027
---
Nashville Public Radio is seeking a morning host/reporter.
The ideal candidate has an insatiable curiosity; strong voice
and friendly delivery that fits seamlessly into NPR's Morning
Edition; an ability to produce well-written, contextual news
spots, with sound, while on-air; and a desire to complete
sound-rich features. This position requires a highly productive
individual, with a grasp of how global issues connect to the
Middle Tennessee region. Competitive salary commensurate with
experience and excellent benefits offered. The review of
applications begins June 20, 2011. Applications accepted online
only. Please submit a resume, references, and examples of
hosting and reporting to jobsearch@wpln.org .

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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SERPENT'S TAIL - LONDON
http://www.serpentstail.com/contact-2
---
Twenty-five years on, it continues its commitment to publishing
voices neglected by the mainstream, and still has a reputation
for publishing the best of all kinds of writing, from literary
novels to crime fiction, from work in translation to books on
music and politics.

=====

CINCO PUNTOS PRESS
http://www.cincopuntos.com/
---
Located in the American Southwest, but is open to books not
featuring or set in the region. Publishes children's books,
YA, poetry, adult fiction, adult nonfiction and graphic novels.
Manuscripts are really interesting to us when the writing is
amazing or the voice of the author is unique or the book opens
up a door into a culture or a people that hasn't been opened
before.

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INSOMNIAC PRESS
http://www.insomniacpress.com/submissions.php
---
Does not publish science fiction, cookbooks, romance, and
children's books. Our poetry list is also full for the foreseeable
future because we are booked up for the next several years.
We're now actively seeking commercial and creative non-fiction
on a wide range of subjects such as business / personal finance;
gay and lesbian studies; black Canadian studies among others.
Check out the books we've published in the past couple of
seasons to get a feel for our tastes.

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

Third Annual Marguerite McGlinn Prize for Fiction

Judged by Steve Almond

The Marguerite McGlinn Prize for Fiction is a national
short fiction contest. The prize includes a $2,000 cash
award, plus travel expenses to an awards dinner in
Philadelphia in October.

Contest Submission Guidelines:

2011 EXTENDED DEADLINE: June 15, 2011.
Previously unpublished works of fiction up to 8,000 words.
$10 Reading Fee

For complete guidelines please visit
http://www.philadelphiastories.org/marguerite-mcglinn-prize-fiction-0
or email Nicole@philadelphiastories.org

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!

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
 
=====

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

=====

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

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

=====

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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