Volume 12, Issue 1
January 6, 2012


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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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Best Christmas present ever! A heater for my study!

Editor: C. Hope Clark
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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Writer's Resource: From Creation to Contract

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Clients consistently receive attention from top publishers
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Call today!
Toll-free 866-212-9805 or www.WritersResource.us

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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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ARE YOU KEEPING YOUR READERS FROM BEING TRUE FANS?

As writers, we seek readers. We want any and all readers.
Many writers, when asked to identify their market, reply
that everyone is a potential reader for their book.
Of course, they are wrong.

There's a theory out there in the business world that you
need 1,000 true customers to make a living. That includes
writers. The problem is that most people have no clue what
a true customer, or true fan, is. Having 1,000 Facebook
followers or 1,000 Twitters followers, or 1,000 blog readers,
does not mean you have 1,000 true fans.

The Technium, a KK* blog, defines clearly the definition of
a true fan:

(http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2008/03/1000_true_fans.php)

"A creator, such as an artist, musician, photographer,
craftsperson, performer, animator, designer, videomaker, or
author - in other words, anyone producing works of art - needs
to acquire only 1,000 True Fans to make a living.

A True Fan is defined as someone who will purchase anything
and everything you produce. They will drive 200 miles to see
you sing. They will buy the super deluxe re-issued hi-res box
set of your stuff even though they have the low-res version.
They have a Google Alert set for your name. They bookmark the
eBay page where your out-of-print editions show up. They come
to your openings. They have you sign their copies. They buy
the t-shirt, and the mug, and the hat. They can't wait till
you issue your next work. They are true fans."

The trick is finding those fans. While some latch hold of
you quickly, most have to be gradually drawn in, until they
can't do without you. That means you have to be:

consistent
intriguing
available

Your work has to be your absolute best, not a second generation
draft. Your voice has to capture attention, not just tell a story.
You have to be readily available, which means the continually
updated website, blog, or other social networking connection.

No matter where a fan finds you, you have to be better than he
expected. If he finds your book and loves it, expect him to
seek your website. If he reads your blog and loves it, expect
him to want your latest column. If he enjoyed your wit on
Facebook, lead him to your website.

But if you fall short in any aspect of this quest for true fans,
you don't succeed as an author. These days, people want more
than just a good story. Once they enjoy the tale, they want
to know more about the author. And when they find the author,
they want more entertainment.

The true fan is worth his weight in gold, but to keep him,
you accept full responsibility for his safe keeping.



Hope



THE BLOG - http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/hopeclark
FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/chopeclark
ABOUT.ME - http://about.me/hopeclark
 
=====

THE BYLINES DESK CALENDAR IS BACK!

The 2012 Bylines Desk Calendar contains pieces from 53 writers
in 25 states, plus Ireland and the UK. If you've never seen a
Bylines Calendar, you're in for a treat. Each week contains a
short nonfiction piece from writers just like you. Even Hope has
a piece in this edition! This spiral bound week-to-week calendar
conveniently lies flat on your desk, for easy use. It's the
perfect size for . . . your desk, and since it's all about
writers, it's entertaining and educational as well as practical.

www.fundsforwriters.com/Bylines.htm



~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

Trust yourself.
Think for yourself.
Act for yourself.
Speak for yourself.
Be yourself.
Imitation is suicide.

~ Michael Rawls


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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Hi Hope

I receive - what I call "The Hope-List" in email and have
read the Success Stories and thought "I'll be there one day".
Well here I am. I have to thank you, and I believe all of us
writers who are part of your group do, to keep the fire going
within us.

After so many rejection letters from agents and publishers,
I got a surprise email from a local publisher who apologized
because they had my manuscript in the wrong pile. They asked
if it was still available. Now a few months later I'm a
published author and I thank the "Hope List" for feeding me
publishers and agents I can readily query.

My book, a middle grade adventure story based in my home town
of Tampa, is about a quartet of 12 year old school friends who
end up in mysteries and crime solving despite themselves. Think
The Goonies meets a young Scooby and the Gang. If you have a middle
grade reader who loves to read and loves danger, mysteries and all
that stuff, The Juniors is the book.

Thanks,
Rod Martinez
Email: qire@yahoo.com
http://rodmartinez.us

The Juniors can be found online in several places, including
http://www.sotopublishingcompany.com/The-Juniors/
or http://www.amazon.com/The-Juniors-ebook/dp/B0067NBLR0


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ARTICLE
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BREAKING DOWN YOUR BARRIERS

by Cynthia MacGregor


What is it you write? The majority of writers can answer this
question quickly. "I write novels." "I write web copy." "I
write textbooks." "I write press releases for a living, and
on weekends I'm working on a biography of Eleanor Roosevelt."

I find myself frequently pushing my "envelope," breaking down
my barriers. Much of this happens for economic reasons: A
chance to make money comes along and involves a type of writing
I've not tried before. Sometimes it occurs just because I like
to challenge myself.

Some years ago I spotted an ad from a publisher soliciting
romance novels featuring Rubenesque heroines. I don't even
read romance novels; I had certainly never attempted to write
one. But here was a publisher actively soliciting submissions.
It was too tempting to pass up. I wrote and placed three with
the (now-defunct) publisher, and not only made a little money
but also expanded my comfort zone.

Around that same time, a business contact who worked in audio
and video production was asked by a flight school to produce a
short promotional film. The producer asked me if I could handle
writing the script. A script? I gulped three times, bravely said,
"Sure!"...and did it. It led to another assignment, a script for a
different aviation-related company. Both clients were pleased.
I was pleased too...not just with the money but with my ability to
break out of my comfort zone even further.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I got a hit off my CraigsList ad:
A new company producing short writings for schools was seeking
writers, preferably with a teaching background. Science was one
of my worst subjects in school, but I was assured that all the
info I needed would be provided for me. After forthrightly
stating that I'm not a licensed/certified teacher, I told him of
my experience teaching creative writing to junior high school
students for two years as part of a special program and of my
years of teaching adult courses in creative writing (also in
public speaking and cooking). I'm now writing ten science pieces
a week for this company, under a contract due to last three and
a half months, the scheduled end date of the project. They tell
me that all the work I've turned in so far is "Perfect!" (their
word, their exclamation point). The money's decent too.

Though I have 54 published conventional books to my credit and
over 50 e-books, much of my writing income derives from work
other than on books or articles. As a full-time freelancer, I
write almost anything from web copy to catalog copy to sales
letters to ads, and I edit books and other materials. But the
current Recession has seriously sliced into my income. Inquiries
from clients are becoming almost as scarce as igloos at the
Equator. And the fact that my Significant Other's income (he's
an eBay merchant) has also taken a major hit isn't helping any.
All the more reason to push the envelope and extend my sights
beyond my usual boundaries.

For that reason, I recently started work on an erotic e-novel
that is nothing I really wanted to write, nothing I feel proud
of, and certainly nothing that will go out with my real name on
it. But it has the potential to bring in some money.

What are you used to writing? Now, what are you capable of
writing? If you push yourself, if you expand your boundaries,
if you look beyond your usual opportunities, you might surprise
yourself.

You might find new ways to earn money, too.

BIO
Full-time freelance writer/editor Cynthia MacGregor has 54
conventionally published books and over 50 e-books to her
credit and also writes "anything from web copy to articles
to ads." Her website is www.cynthiamacgregor.com , and her 
email is Cynthia@cynthiamacgregor.com.
 

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COMPETITIONS
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TINY LIGHTS ANNUAL ESSAY COMPETITION
http://www.tiny-lights.com/contest.php
---
$15 ENTRY FEE
Deadline: February 17, 2012. Tiny Lights invites entries that
feature a distinctive voice, discernible conflict and an eventual
shift in the narrator's perspective. We are looking for writers
who weave the struggle to understand into the fabric of their
essays. This year, we offer 5 prizes in the "Standard" category
and 3 "Flashpoint" prizes. Standard word count is 2,000 words.
Flashpoint word count is 1,000.

First Place: $350
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $150
Two Honorable Mention Prizes: $100 each.
Three FLASHPOINT prizes of $100 are also offered.

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ACCENTI WRITING CONTEST
http://www.accenti.ca/writing-contest
---
$20 ENTRY FEE
The contest is open to prose works. Entries can be fiction,
non-fiction or creative non-fiction. Entries must be
previously unpublished and not under consideration by any
other publication. Deadline February 7, 2012. Limit 2,000
words. Limited to English.

Top prize: $1000.00 (CDN) and publication in Accenti.
Second Prize: $250.00 (CDN) and publication in Accenti.
Third Prize: $100.00 (CDN) and publication in Accenti.

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CAPITAL STAGE COMPANY PLAYWRIGHT'S REVOLUTION CONTEST
http://www.capstage.org
---
NO ENTRY FEE
Submit bold, innovative new works that inspire thought and
dialogue. They are particularly interested in the female voice.
Plays must be full-length in any genre: comedy, drama, musical,
etc. Translations, collections of one-acts, children's plays and
any play that has received a full-scale, professional production
prior to submission are not eligible. Eight actors or fewer.
One submission per playwright. Northern California playwrights
encouraged to submit. Submit a two-page maximum abstract of the
play including title, character breakdown, brief story synopsis
and playwright bio or resume. Also include 10 pages of consecutive
sample dialogue. If submitting a musical, please include a CD with
selections from the score. Literary agents may submit full scripts
of their client's work. Four plays will be selected for inclusion
in a series of staged readings to be held in July 2012. Playwrights
included in these readings will be awarded $250. One or more of
these plays may be considered for further development at Capital
Stage for an eventual full world premiere production. Deadline:
January 15, 2012.



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GRANTS
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NATIVE ARTISTS FELLOWSHIPS
http://sarweb.org/index.php?artists
---
The Indian Arts Research Center (IARC) at the School for Advanced
Research (SAR) offers four artist-in-residence fellowships annually
to advance the work of mature and emerging Native artists. Each
fellowship includes a monthly stipend, housing, studio space, a
supplies allowance, and travel reimbursement to and from SAR.
These fellowships provide time for artists to explore new avenues
of creativity, grapple with new ideas to further advance their
work, and to strengthen existing talents. The fellowships support
diverse creative disciplines and can include sculpture, performance,
basketry, painting, printmaking, digital art, mixed media,
photography, pottery, writing, and film and video.

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JENTEL RESIDENCY
http://www.jentelarts.org
---
$20 APPLICATION FEE
Located in Banner, WY. Residencies of an average of one month for
visual artists and writers, including playwrights and screenwriters,
who are 25 and older and live in the U.S. (citizenship not required).
Organization provides housing, studio facilities, and a $400 stipend
toward the cost of food and travel. Artists are responsible for
travel, materials, and deposit ($100). Deadline: January 15, 2012.

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NEW ENGLAND PRESENTER TRAVEL FUND
http://www.nefa.org/grants_services/presenter_travel_fund
---
Funds for 2011 are expended, but new applications will be taken
beginning June 1, 2012. The Presenter Travel Fund provides
monetary assistance to arts programmers or curatorial staff
in New England so that they may investigate new or unfamiliar
artists or ensembles. Applicants may apply for funding to help
cover the expense of attending festivals, showcases, conferences,
or other cultural events where they can see artistic work that
they may present in their own community. NEFA encourages
applicants to seek out opportunities where multiple cultural
events are taking place, so that they may experience as many
performances and genres as possible.



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FREELANCE MARKETS
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MARINE BUSINESS JOURNAL
http://www.marinebusinessjournal.com/
---
Covers news, events, products and profiles. Needs articles
on good business strategies for marina owners, boat dealers,
and boat manufacturers. Pays up to $400 for articles of 600
to 900 words. Photos needed as well for best opportunity.

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MEDESTHETICS
http://www.medestheticsmagazine.com/contact
---
Provides business info for practitioners of noninvasive
cosmetic procedures. Covers new technologies, techniques,
products, business management and profiles of people.
Query with resume. Pays $500 for up to 2,000 words. Columns
pay up to $400 for up to 1,200 words.

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MUSIC AND SOUND RETAILER
http://www.msretailer.com/html/contacts.html
---
Writers who play or understand musical instruments can query.
Covers profiles, marketing, business, news and trends in the
music industry. Pays beginning at $300 and goes up. Word
length varies and negotiable. Kill fee of $100. Sample
copy on website.


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JOBS
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SENIOR WRITER
Location Oakland, CA
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/976ST5sTjh8d/
---
Green For All is seeking an experienced writer to join our
communications team. Successful candidates will have a proven
track record of writing for the web, traditional media, email
and executives. The Senior Writer will support organizational
public appearances by developing speeches, essays and talking
points as necessary.

-ALSO-
NEW MEDIA DIRECTOR
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/5Hw8wjtNH23p/

WEB DEVELOPER
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/WXJCDkbjF7mD/

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COPYEDITERS FOR SELF-PUBLISHED BOOKS
Location Virtual
http://quincy.craigslist.org/wri/2770354880.html
---
Amnet Systems, the U.S.-based editorial services division
of Amnet, seeks freelance editors to help us with our growing
workload of heavy, medium, and, sometimes, light copyedits of
manuscripts by self-publishing authors. (If we think you're a
good fit, you could have the opportunity to do other types of
editing work too.) Topics cover everything from serious
discussions of the Egyptian revolution to the latest teen romance.

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DIRECTOR OF ONLINE CONTENT
Location Virtual
http://www.aspca.org/About-Us/Jobs/1288-director-online-content.aspx
---
The Director of Online Content is responsible for maintaining
a vibrant, informative online presence serving animal welfare
professionals through aspcapro.org and associated websites,
and serves as site editor to ensure a professional and
consistent voice and alignment with ASPCA goals and positions/
philosophies.



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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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DEFIORE AND COMPANY LITERARY MANAGEMENT
http://www.defioreandco.com/submissions.html
---
DeFiore and Company is a boutique literary agency located in
Manhattan's Union Square. We are currently accepting queries
for both fiction and non-fiction titles. Please be advised
that we are not considering children's picture books, poetry,
adult science fiction and fantasy, romance, or dramatic
projects at this time.

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JOELLE DELBOURGO ASSOCIATES
http://www.delbourgo.com/submissions/general-submissions-guidelines/
---
You may submit the following to us: memoir, fiction, narrative
nonfiction, business and career, psychology, parenting, health,
popular culture, current events, history, science, biography,
popular reference, young adult and middle grade fiction. Do not
send us: category romance, Westerns, science fiction, picture
books.

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DUNHAM LITERARY, INC.
http://www.dunhamlit.com/
---
Dunham Literary represents authors of quality fiction and
non-fiction books for adults and children, and some
illustrators of children's books.



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SPONSORS
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