FundsforWriters - December 16, 2011
Published: Fri, 12/16/11
Volume 11, Issue 50
December 16, 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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December 16, 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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I've been in Vegas for the last couple of weeks, and
this is the little angel who held my attention for the
entire time. Granddaughters take precedence over blog
posts any day of the week.
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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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
=====
NOTE TO READERS:
It has come to my attention that a grievance against Simply Read
Books for non payment of royalties has yet to be resolved with the
Writers Union of Canada. Please take this information under
advisement if you are considering to submit your work to this press.
~HOPE
=====
WHY DON'T WE THINK FREELANCING IS EXPERIENCE?
A common habit amongst writers is the use of the word JUST.
"I just write little articles for magazines."
"I just blog a bit, trying to sell a few stories."
"I just write stories, but nothing like a bestseller."
My belief is that we downplay what we do to lessen the impact
of caustic responses or negative replies. We don't dare step
up and say, "Why yes, I am a writer. I write <fill in the blank>."
Blogs abound with advice on how to own up to our profession.
However, what they don't tell you is how to use your freelance
talent and history to apply for a job. Do you even have a resume?
I post full-time and part-time jobs in the newsletters for a
reason. Some people operate better as an employee than a
sole proprietor. Also, employers offer benefits. And the
regular checks aren't bad either. But so many writers won't
apply for a job, for fear they aren't qualified. Kind of like
not submitting for fear of rejection.
Being rejected by an employer is no different than being
rejected by an editor or contest judge. They can't pick
everyone. But you can do your best to shine in hopes they
pick you.
But don't shirk off what you do as a freelancer or indie
writer. Look at a job description you might like to do.
Formulate your writing experience to sound like the details
of a 9-to-5 job.
"Performed detailed research to include interviews, online
and print resources."
"Prepared articles per style guides required in advance
of deadlines."
"Reached 100,000 readers on a monthly basis via a regional
magazine."
Everything you do as a freelancer:
-research
-drafting
-editing
-interviewing
-meeting deadlines
-formulating copy to the needs of the client
-supporting the publication's or company's information program
via print and/or electronic communication
-provided weekly newsletters or daily blog posts
-maintained a social media relationship and bolstered a
platform that grew from 100 to 5,000 followers in a year
Whatever you do, think of it in terms of a job description.
Then don't fear applying for a job. In this day and time,
jobs are gold. And if you crave one, take your writing
experience, dissect it, and write it boldly into firm
and descriptive duties that any employer could fit into
a job mold. You don't have to have an employer to say
you have experience. Freelancing => Experience.
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
=====
TOTAL FundsforWriters HO-HO-HO Opportunity
Many of you may not realize that TOTAL FundsforWriters exists.
It's just like FundsforWriters only five times larger! Imagine
all those contests, grants, markets and publishers seeking your
work! It's biweekly for no other reason than it's so chocked
full of opportunity that you can't get through it in a week
like FundsforWriters.
To entice new members, we are offering one-year subscriptions
to TOTAL for $9 in lieu of the standard $15. Give one as a
gift or just let Santa reward you for being good all year long.
We'd love to have you on the TOTAL list. You'll be amazed. Promise.
www.fundsforwriters.com/hohohototAL.htm
For more information about TOTAL, see our website at:
www.fundsforwriters.com/total.htm
~~~~~~****~~~~~~
WORDS OF SUCCESS
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark
from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep
gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
~ Albert Schweitzer
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ARTICLE
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$2,742 raised, 7 days and $1,658 to go
By Meagan Lopez
At the time of writing this, I am franticly trying to raise
another $1,658 to meet my Kickstarter goal. $4,400 didn't seem
like so much when I launched the campaign for my novel Three
Questions a few weeks ago. That's right. I'm using Kickstarter.com,
a crowdsourcing site where one can post a dream, in hope that
others want to help fund the journey.
(See the Three Questions project at
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/meaganadele/meagan-adele-lopez-debut-novel-three-questions)
I am quietly panicking, but I trudge on. I gave myself 30
days, which meant I needed to raise an average of $142/day.
So far, I have exactly $2,742 with 46 backers. I continually
work to keep visitors excited and donating for the duration of
the campaign.
When I decided to self-publish, I had no idea everything that
it would entail, and how expensive it would be. You can read
about why I decided to go this route on my Kickstarter page.
To cut down on costs, I started with an e-book on the Kindle,
and was able to get a bit of press here and there (see links
below) from going the non-traditional paper-less route. However,
I was missing a significant portion of my potential market only
going the Kindle route, and I wanted, for example, my grandparents
to be able to read my novel. So, I put $250 into a book cover,
and pre-ordered copies from Createspace.com.
(See the Kindle article, coverage and interview athttp://tinyurl.com/bu5yaql )
(See a local newspaper's coverage at
http://towson.patch.com/articles/towson-native-releases-online-novel )
After all of my closest friends and family members bought their
copies, I realized I needed marketing. Sales were declining. I
needed materials to help promote my novel, like a book trailer,
postcards, bookmarks and pre-ordered copies for book fairs or
signings, and a new back cover. One problem: I didn't have this
kind of money.
Then, I learned about Kickstarter. I'm the co-founder of a social
media marketing company, and my colleague recommended it to raise
money. I spent several weeks doing research, applied, and was
accepted within 24 hours.
Kickstarter's success is skewed from the unique few that have
had astronomical media coverage, such as these:
The iPod Nano Watch:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1104350651/tiktok-lunatik-multi-touch-watch-kits
Save Blue Like Jazz, the feature film based on a best-selling memoir:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2128223578/save-blue-like-jazz-the-movie-0
Alice's Story, the anti-bullying play:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1359930720/alices-story-an-anti-bullying-play
However, the average Kickstarter campaign is pretty basic -
an artist needs money to help him build his project, and in
return for donations gives basic rewards to the supporters.
I'm not saying the projects aren't exciting, just that there
are some projects that are more news-worthy than others. For
most of us, it takes work to get others to know about you.
So, what am I doing to stay on the path of fully funded?
Writing this article is one way I'm hoping to keep up the pace,
as well as ten more guest posts during the next couple of weeks,
and a few book giveaways and contests. I fight to show why my
project is different and promote it. I had a book launch party
and signing last week where I invited 200 of my closest friends
in the Chicago area. I sent individual, personal emails to all
of my family members.
I messaged 45 of my most influential Twitter followers asking
if they would send a very specific message. (Hint: always make
it easy for people to help you out.)
I wrote a press release. I found a media list and sent a
personal email to every reporter on that list. I made a video
on my Kickstarter page.
Finally, I admit that working in social media, I tut-tutted
email marketing as if it were so archaic. I was wrong. Most
people are on Facebook, but pretty much EVERYONE has email.
Start building your list now. The day I emailed my contacts
on my email list, I raised $350.
I'd be happy to speak to anyone who is thinking of doing a
campaign. Someone did that for me, and it helped immensely.
You can email me at Meagan@ladywholunches.net .
Also, the campaign isn't over, so please help me get funded
by donating! The rewards are fabulous.
(Again, see the Three Questions project at
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/meaganadele/meagan-adele-lopez-debut-novel-three-questions)
BIO
Meagan Lopez has been around the world, pursued an acting
career and gone on a 3,000 mile roadtrip to Las Vegas. So
being a self-published author scares her little. The 29-year-
old recently published her first book, Three Questions, on
Amazon's Kindle service.
http://www.amazon.com/Three-Questions-ebook/dp/B005L910LS
The book, loosely based on that Vegas roadtrip, tells the
story of two friends going through a quarter-life crisis.
Follow Meagan at Twitter: http://twitter.com/theladylunches
Her website is http://www.ladywholunches.net/Home.html
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COMPETITIONS
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SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY PROSE POEM/FLASH FICTION CONTEST
http://odysseycon.org/contestguidelines.php
---
Send 500 words or less of speculative (SF&F) fiction or prose
poetry (paragraph form). Deadline January 15, 2012.
Adult division: 18 and over, $10 entry fee per story/poem;
multiple entries allowed. Prizes: $500 to first place; Odyssey
Con membership and some cool books to top three.
Youth division: under 18 as of Jan. 1, 2012, NO entry fee,
but send no more than one entry. Prizes: $50 to first place;
Odyssey Con membership and some cool books to top three.
=====
BAYOU MAGAZINE CONTESTS
http://www.uno.edu/bayou/BayouHome/Contests
---
FICTION
$15 ENTRY FEE (includes one-year subscription)
Main winner receives $500, publication and subscription.
Finalists will be named on the website. Short fiction limited
to 7,500 words. Deadline December 31, 2011.
POETRY
$10 ENTRY FEE (includes one-year subscription)
Main winner receives $500, publication and subscription.
Finalists will be named on the website. Three poems per entry.
Deadline December 31, 2011.
=====
LINDQUIST & VENNUM PRIZE FOR POETRY
http://www.milkweed.org/content/view/396/72/
---
NO ENTRY FEE
Established in 2011 with the aim of supporting outstanding
Midwestern poets and bringing their work to a national stage,
the prize will award $10,000 as well as a contract for
publication to the author of the winning manuscript. The
winner will be selected from five finalists. Deadline
January 31, 2012. Submissions for this regional prize will
be accepted only from poets currently residing in the Upper
Midwestern United States, defined as: North Dakota, South
Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
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GRANTS
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ARTS TRUST SCOTLAND
http://www.artstrustscotland.org.uk/intro.htm
---
If you have an artistic possibility in mind that is falling
through the cracks of mainstream funding, the Arts Trust of
Scotland may be able to help. We are here to help working
artists in Scotland fulfil their potential, and realise their
visions. The trust aims to support work that is created by
artists in Scotland, adds to the growing reputation of
Scotland's arts community, and helps individuals of talent
to develop their skills and ideas.
=====
PENNSYLVANIA PARTNERS IN THE ARTS (PPA) PROJECT STREAM
http://pacouncilonthearts.org/pca.cfm
---
The PPA Project Stream is a funding opportunity of the
Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA), a regionalized
funding program of the PCA. The Project Stream provides
grants up to $3,000 to eligible organizations or individuals
to conduct arts projects.
=====
OREGON GRANTS FOR ARTISTS
http://www.oregonartscommission.org/grants/grants-for-individual-artists
---
Deadlines February 14, 2012 and May 16, 2012. Career Opportunity
Grants support individual Oregon artists by enabling them to
take advantage of unique opportunities to enhance their careers
through the development of arts, business or professional
skills; expanded marketing capacity and/or the further
development of the nature or quality of their artwork.
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FREELANCE MARKETS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
COMMUNITY COLLEGE WEEK
http://www.ccweek.com/news/templates/template.aspx?articleid=7&zoneid=1
---
Published biweekly, Community College Week's readers include
college presidents, chief academic officers, faculty, student-
service professionals, librarians and other educators. In each
edition, our readers find news and features not provided by
other news sources, including analyses of critical academic
trends and issues, vital statistics, technology updates and
employment opportunities. Articles are around 600 to 1,200
words. Pays around 35 cents/word.
=====
DIESEL TECH MAGAZINE
http://www.dieseltechmag.com/magazine/contact.cfm
---
Readers consist of truck owners, racers, and enthusiasts of
diesel technology, modifications and how-to information.
Pays up to $350 for articles of 800 to 2,500 words.
Departments of 800 to 2,000 words pay up to $300. Loves
photos.
=====
GENERAL AVIATION NEWS
http://www.generalaviationnews.com/about/
---
Pays up to $500 for articles of 750 words. Seasoned magazine
that provides features on aircraft and its maintenance as
well as air events and air history. Published 24 times a year.
Equeries accepted.
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JOBS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CONTENT AND CURRICULUM SPECIALIST
Location Boston, MA
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/BGwHdwx47jjd
---
Peace First is seeking a Content and Curriculum Specialist
to help us translate 19 years of diverse content into accessible
and usable tools, products, and materials for our core group of
users (current teachers) and a growing national audience. The
Content and Curriculum Specialist will serve as the lead writer,
content specialist, and facilitator of a comprehensive overhaul
of our curriculum content and design.
=====
WRITER-EDITOR
Location Lowell, MA
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/K3kwZtwXZNH4
---
The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
(NEIWPCC) is seeking a writer/editor intern to work with the
Commission's communications manager on a variety of projects.
The intern will perform a variety of tasks, including:
Writing content for NEIWPCC's annual report; involves interviewing
staff members and researching water and wastewater topics.
Writing and editing articles for NEIWPCC's print newsletter,
Interstate Water Report, and e-newsletter, iWR. Writing and
editing content for NEIWPCC's website, www.neiwpcc.org .
Supporting outreach staff in other activities, such as social
media. Deadline December 23, 2011.
=====
SCIENCE WRITER
Location Arlington, VA
http://www.idealist.org/view/job/HpjhjnftCC2D
---
The Nature Conservancy seeks a non-stop content superhero to
join its science communications team and spin the work, research,
ideas and opinions of its 550 staff scientists into content gold
that moves masses and helps save the planet.
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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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MOVE BOOKS
http://www.move-books.com/Submission_Requirements.html
---
Move Books is now considering queries or manuscripts for the
Middle-Grade audience, ages 8-12. We are open to all genres
however we are only accepting Middle-Grade novels. All
manuscript submissions must be boy-centered stories or topics.
We would love to entertain series but your story must be able
to stand on its own.
=====
ENTANGLED PUBLISHING
http://www.entangledpublishing.com/submission-information/
---
Entangled is an exclusive, boutique publisher of romantic
fiction. Because we invest a considerable amount of time and
money in every book we acquire, we are highly selective with
our acquisitions. If you have a compelling premise, a compulsively
readable voice, and the drive to succeed, we want to hear from
you. To submit a manuscript for consideration, paste the following
into an email:
A one-page query letter containing your genre, title, word count,
a brief blurb about the book, and any pertinent writing credentials
The first five (5) double-spaced pages
Where we can find you on the web (links will do)
Established authors are welcome to query with a standard proposal
package of three chapters, a synopsis, and a query.
=====
EDGE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY PUBLISHING
---
We are currently seeking high-quality novel-length science
fiction and fantasy submissions of all types. We are not
interested in young adult, horror, erotica, religious fiction,
short stories, dark/gruesome fantasy, or poetry. Manuscripts
should be written in good taste and be aimed at an older (aged
20 and up), well-read, mature audience. We prefer novels of
between 75,000 and 100,000 words, although we occasionally
accept longer works. We work with new and established authors.
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SPONSORS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last Call for Entries: Poets & Writers!
Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest. Write
a poem,
30 lines or fewer on any subject or write a short story,
5 pages maximum length on any theme, single or double
30 lines or fewer on any subject or write a short story,
5 pages maximum length on any theme, single or double
line spacing, neatly hand printed or typed.
Writing First Prize: $500, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $100
Poetry First Prize: $250, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $50.
Entry fees: $5 per poem, $10 per story.
Postmark deadline: December 31, 2011.
Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com
for details and enter!
=====
Allow The Wordsmith to help
you bring your manuscriptto the next level.
Want to publish in literary
magazines? Don't know where to begin?
The Review Review is dedicated to helping writers find the right
magazines. We offer weekly lit mag reviews, interviews with journal
editors, publishing tips, calls for submission, writing contests,
and provide a database of over 300 literary magazines.
Our mission is to help you get published.
website: http://www.TheReviewReview.net .
=====
The Review Review is dedicated to helping writers find the right
magazines. We offer weekly lit mag reviews, interviews with journal
editors, publishing tips, calls for submission, writing contests,
and provide a database of over 300 literary magazines.
Our mission is to help you get published.
website: http://www.TheReviewReview.net .
=====
special events and writing retreats to women writers since 2003.
Register now for the Writer's Weekend Retreat in Sea Girt, NJ,
one block from the ocean, April 27, 28, 29, 2012.
Check out our 10-day Writer's Retreat in June, 2012, on the
island of Alonnisos in Greece. Workshops modeled after the
Amherst Writers and Artists Method.
Visit our website for details.
Be part of a unique writing community.
Director, Julie Maloney
Visit: www.womenreadingaloud.org
Contact: julie@womenreadingaloud.org
=====
Register now for the Writer's Weekend Retreat in Sea Girt, NJ,
one block from the ocean, April 27, 28, 29, 2012.
Check out our 10-day Writer's Retreat in June, 2012, on the
island of Alonnisos in Greece. Workshops modeled after the
Amherst Writers and Artists Method.
Visit our website for details.
Be part of a unique writing community.
Director, Julie Maloney
Visit: www.womenreadingaloud.org
Contact: julie@womenreadingaloud.org
=====
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
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
=====
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
=====
ANOTHER FANTASTIC REASON TO ADVERTISE IN FUNDSFORWRITERS
Chalet Publishers, LLC, ran an ad ONE TIME in announcing we
were currently accepting submissions. It had been exactly 24
hours since the newsletter and the ad were distributed. Queries,
chapters, entire manuscripts --- the influx has just now slowed
down. We received way over forty responses to our ad, and they
are still pouring in. (BTW, this is a very good problem!). Just
wanted to let you know we think you and your newsletter rock!
It's just amazing and lets us know just how loyal your fans are.
Joyce Norman,
Chalet Publishers, LLC
http://www.chaletpublishers.com
=====
WORLDWIDE FREELANCE WRITER
We're in the business of writing. For 10 years we've been
helping freelance writers to find paying markets. Please
browse our free database of 750 markets or join Markets
Plus and have 2500 markets at your fingertips.
http://www.WorldwideFreelance.com
=====
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/adrates.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BUSINESS STUFF
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
-----------------------------