Volume 12, Issue 47
November 23, 2012

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FUNDS FOR WRITERS

Chosen for Writer's Digest's
101 Best Websites for Writers
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

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Hope y'all had a nice Thanksgiving. Hubby grabbed a shot of
me starting on the sweet potatoes. Note the heavily-bandaged
index finger on my left hand. Never fails. Put me in the kitchen
with a knife, and I lose skin.

Editor: C. Hope Clark
Website: http://www.fundsforwriters.com
Email: Hope@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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WHEN DIY BITES YOU IN THE BUTT

We are an industrious lot. We want to know how someone did what
he did successfully, so we can do it, too . . . or do it better.
Or do it ourselves instead of buying the other guy's product.
Or do it ourselves to save money . . . or to maintain creativity
as our own instead of splitting its ownership.

It's called DIY, or do-it-yourself, and we can't stand not to
try doing it ourselves if it means more benefits for us.

I love to bake. I hate recipes that have boxed mixes or tell
me to "save time" by inserting some pre-prepared product.

I love to garden. I hate buying vegetables without trying to
grow them myself first.

I love sewing. A new pattern whets my appetite to crank up the
machine and give a new design my best attempt.

However:

I would never attempt a wedding cake.
I would never grow a veggie that isn't native to my state.
I would never sew a suit for my husband.

As writers, we fight that battle uphill to publish a book.
How hard can it be to format that manuscript in Word? How
difficult can a cover be? Surely I can learn how to upload
books.

We read directions, study what others have done, then grit our
teeth, determined to do it ourselves. Then invariably, after
we've erred, redone and cursed our mistakes, we reach a point
where we ask ourselves and our friends: "It doesn't look bad
for me doing it myself, does it?"

And right there you've compromised your story's future.

You've cobbled together what others do for a living. You've
decided to settle for less than professional. You think
others won't notice, because they haven't learned what you've
learned, and tried what you've tried.

When you've poured your soul into writing, you need to
equally pour your soul into its proper publication. You
have two choices when doing anything in life:

1) Take the time to become an expert at it, or
2) Hire the expert.

Just know that anything in between is settling. When it comes
to baking a cake, I'll settle for my Milky Way Cake from scratch.
It's meant to be rustic, gooey and not exactly straight around
the edges. But when I need a cake for someone's 50th anniversary,
believe me, I'm hiring someone who'll give me the presentation
needed to respect the grand auspiciousness of the occasion.

Hope

THE BLOG - http://www.chopeclark.com/blog
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/hopeclark
FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/chopeclark
ABOUT.ME - http://about.me/hopeclark
GOODREADS - http://www.goodreads.com/hopeclark
PINTEREST - http://pinterest.com/chopeclark/

=====

LOWCOUNTRY BRIBE....

This is a page-turner. The only page you hate to turn is the last.
You know those novels that sag in the middle like a sway backed
nag? This is not one of them. Action is packed in tighter than a
hog sausage, every word there for a reason. The unusual occupation
of Slade brings a new thriller heroine to the market. Loved it.

~Beda Kantarjian

http://www.amazon.com/Lowcountry-Bribe-C-Hope-Clark/dp/1611940907

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

WORDS OF SUCCESS

"The only opinion about your dream that really counts is yours.
The negative comments of others merely reflect their limitations—
not yours."

~ Cynthia Kersey ~

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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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I love this week's editorial in the Funds For Writers Newsletter!
It says it all. I've learned so much from your encouraging words
on writing, as well as from your guest writers.

A friend and I took some of your suggestions and brainstormed ideas
to better market ourselves. This session led to us forming a business,
Next Generation Writers. I am a former teacher, she is a former
librarian. With twenty-four years of experience with children and
literature, we are going to schools and teaching writing workshops.
My friend has two books published traditionally and I have two I
self-published. I illustrated the second one. With our background
and experience, we market ourselves as "two for the price of one".

So far we have booked ten schools and have received rave reviews
on our presentation. We've not let ourselves be boxed in with
how others think a writer should make a living. We are making
money on our own schedule and on our own terms.

Thank you so much for encouraging all aspects of the writing business.
Your newsletter is wonderful!

Marla Jones

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ARTICLE
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Your Syndicated Newspaper Column – Proving Yourself to Editors

By Jill Pertler

Imagine, seeing your byline in newspapers across the country. One
word describes the scenario: sweet. Maybe we'd better make that two
words: sweet and sweat. Establishing a syndicated column requires
hard work, patience, a smidgen of luck and never missing a deadline.

Still reading? Good. If the obstacles don’t scare you, you’re on
your way. Writing a column is your first step toward syndication.
Finding publishing sources and composing your query are the next two.

Newspaper editors are the key. You want your column printed in
numerous papers, which requires finding numerous editors. You can
purchase email lists for a price – often a hefty one. Since I’m
trying to keep the cash flowing into my bank account, not out, I
find addresses myself – one editor and one state at a time.

Most states have a newspaper association website. Some include names
of newspapers, editors and email addresses. If that’s the case,
you’ll get your information there. It isn’t always this easy. Don’t
fear. You can find your information elsewhere online.

One website, Mondo Times, bills itself as the worldwide media
directory and provides newspaper listings by state – including
editors, circulation and newspaper website links – all for free.
Accessing email addresses requires a fee, so I use the free website
links to find my information. This can be tedious, but it’s worth
it – when you are done. I compile information for an entire state
before sending the email query.

In your initial email, send a short letter describing the column.
It’s important to communicate key elements within a few sentences:

First paragraph: Pair your name with the name of your column. Include
a one or two sentence writing biography and column history.

Second paragraph: More column details – Note it is a syndicated offer.
Mention the type of column, how often you would like the column to
publish, and typical length.

Third: Cut and paste columns into the email (never send attachments).
Send more than one column – to give a feel for your style. I send three.

Finally: Include requirements for publication. I ask editors to
include a photo and short bio with the column. I outline payment.
I include a sentence allowing them to opt out of future emails.
I organize this information at the end of the email because I want
editors to read my columns before getting to the fine print.

After proofing, you’re ready to send. Beware: the first responses
will not be from editors interested in your column. They will be
from newspapers requesting removal from your list. Try not to get
discouraged. I still cringe when I get a terse “REMOVE” email, but
I’ve learned to take it in stride. Editors are often over-worked
and under-paid. Some don’t have time for emails from wannabe
columnists. I get that. I remove them and don’t bother them again.

As follow-up, I send a column a week. On the same day. At the same
time. Like clockwork. Dependable. Steadfast. By doing so, I am
proving myself to editors by demonstrating I can meet deadlines
with copy that is consistently well-written and free of errors.

Eventually, some of those editors are going to encounter a need
for a columnist. Who is Editor XYZ going to think of when confronted
with a sudden gap in his or her newspaper? You’ve got it.

Syndicating a column takes more than good writing skills. With
some sweat-equity, organization and patience you can find the
success you are looking for. Good luck!

Useful Links:

Mondo times
www.mondotimes.com/

Newspaper Association of America –
www.naa.org/Public-Policy/Government-Affairs/State-Press-Associations.aspx

Gebbie Press –
www.gebbieinc.com/presasns.htm

Newspapers.com –
http://newspapers.com/us_advanced.php

BIO
Jill Pertler, columnist, author and playwright, has touched
people’s hearts and funny bones with her well-loved column,
Slices of Life, since 2002. It currently appears in over 125
newspapers in 20 states, as well as on Facebook at Slices of
Life. (Go ahead, be a fan!) Her book “The Do-It-Yourselfer’s
Guide to Self-Syndication” is available online through
Booklocker.com, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com. Visit her
website at: http://marketing-by-design.home.mchsi.com/

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COMPETITIONS
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ELUDIA AWARD
http://hiddenriverarts.wordpress.com/2013-competition-guidelines/
---
$25 ENTRY FEE
Hidden River Publishing announces the opening of our second
Eludia Award, for a first book-length unpublished novel or
collection of stories. The prize is open to women writers age
40 and older, who do not yet have a book-length publication of
fiction. (Book length publications in other genres are fine.)
The winning manuscript will be published on our imprint, Sowilo
Press, and will receive $1000 plus ten copies of the book.
Deadline March 15, 2013. Winner will be announced October 8,
2013.

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THE BLOTTER CONTEST
http://www.blotterrag.com/
---
$25 ENTRY FEE
Publishing consultant Laine Cunningham teams up with The Blotter
literary magazine every year to sponsor a writing contest. The
award is open to all book-length fiction works such as novels,
novellas, collections of linked short stories, and unique
manuscripts that merge genres. Young adult novels are also welcome,
as are novels in progress.

First prize is $500 cash and a library of books. Second prize is
$125 cash and a library of books. Third prize is a library of books.
The total value of the books is over $1,000. All winners also receive
a certificate.

To submit, send the first 10 to 20 pages (double spaced) to The
Blotter, 1010 Hale Street, Durham, NC 27705. A synopsis may be
included as part of the total page count but is not required.
Entries must be received by February 28, 2013. The author’s name
cannot appear on the sample or the synopsis. Include a separate
page with the work’s title and category, whether the novel is
complete or in progress, author’s name, phone number, email, and
mailing address. The fee includes a year’s subscription.

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EZRA JACK KEATS AWARD
http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/ezra-jack-keats-award-winners/
---
NO ENTRY FEE
The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation is accepting submissions from publishers
for the twenty-seventh annual Ezra Jack Keats New Writer and New
Illustrator Book Awards (known collectively as the Ezra Jack Keats
Book Award). The awards are designed to recognize and encourage authors
and illustrators starting out in the field of children's books who
share Ezra Jack Keats' commitment to children and diversity. The award
is given annually to an outstanding new writer and new illustrator of
picture books for children (9 years of age and under). The award
includes an honorarium of $1,000 for each winner.

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PETER HINCHCLIFFE FICTION AWARD
http://www.tnq.ca/contests
---
$40 ENTRY FEE
The $1,000 top prize will be awarded for a work of short fiction
by a Canadian (citizen or resident) writer who has not yet published
a first novel or short story collection. Though there is only one
top prize, all submissions will be considered for paid publication
($250) in the magazine. Each submission includes a one-year Canadian
subscription (or subscription extension) to The New Quarterly.

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THE MICRO AWARD
http://www.microaward.org/
---
NO ENTRY FEE
The Micro Award is a literary prize presented annually for fiction
not exceeding 1,000 words. Stories considered for the 6th Annual
Micro Award must have been published originally in 2012. The author
of the winning story shall receive $500 US. Deadline December 31,
2012.


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GRANTS
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EZRA JACK KEATS GRANTS
http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/how-to-apply-for-a-minigrant/
---
Deadline March 15, 2013. Maximum amount $500. Accept applications
from public schools, public libraries, and preschool Head Start
programs in the United States and U.S commonwealths and territories,
including Puerto Rico and Guam. As a writer, you can contact a
school with a proposed program and let them sponsor you for this
grant, and present your program to that school.

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OHIO GRANTS
http://www.oac.state.oh.us/grantsprogs/guidelines/SupportForArtists.asp
---
Ohio River Border Initiative
ORBI's annual grant program is open to individual artists, school
groups, community organizations and arts groups in the counties
that touch the West Virginia/Ohio border. Projects must involve
the presentation of, education about or participation in the arts
or recognized traditional crafts. The Artist Fast Track program
is limited to artists and craftspeople who live in Ohio's
Appalachian counties or the counties that touch the West Virginia/
Ohio border. Deadline February 1, 2013.

Artists with Disabilities Initiative
The Artists with Disabilities Access Program (ADAP) provides
funding that gives artists with disabilities the resources
they need to further their artistic development. Rolling deadline.

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NORTH DAKOTA FELLOWSHIPS
http://www.nd.gov/arts/grants/grant.html
---
The Individual Artist Fellowship program recognizes practicing
artists residing in North Dakota with a monetary fellowship award.
This program is designed to support professional artists with
outstanding talent and ability to improve their artistic skills
and enhance their career opportunities. Fellowships for literary
and musical artists are now available for 2013. Fellowships for
traditional arts, dance, and theater will be available in 2014;
and visual and media artists in 2015. Award amount: $2,500.
Deadline date: February 15, 2013.

NOTE: Also has $500 individual development grants available.

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CREATIVE RENEWAL ARTS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM - INDIANAPOLIS
http://www.artscouncilofindianapolis.org/crf/
---
This groundbreaking initiative offers artists and arts administrators
the opportunity to renew and refresh their creativity. The two-year
grant is used for research, instruction, travel, conference attendance,
apprenticeships or other skill-building opportunities, or other
experiences that help the recipients explore their artistry, refresh
their creativity, and recharge their spirit. In the past, awards have
been given of $7,500 and $10,000.

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THE ARTS COUNCIL OF THE BLUE RIDGE GRANTS FOR ARTISTS
http://theartscouncil.org/artists
---
The Grants for Artists Program (GAP) is designed to support activities
for artists to create, refine, perform or exhibit their work, while
furthering their careers. Artists must have attained a certain level
of proficiency as represented in the quality of work samples
submitted with the application. Artistic disciplines include dance,
folk arts, literature, media arts, multidiscipline, music, theatre
and visual arts. Artists are eligible for up to $1,000 per fiscal
year (July 1 through June 30). Open to artists in southwest Virginia.

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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PARENTING
http://www.parenting.com/article/parenting-magazines-writers-guidelines
---
Parenting's readers are moms whose kids range in age from newborn
through age 12, as well as expectant moms. The magazine covers
the psychological and practical aspects of raising a child, and
the emotional issues that face mothers -- from nurturing their
own friendships to juggling the various parts of their lives.
Generally, feature articles run between 1,000 and 2,500 words in
published form. For writers new to Parenting, the best opportunities
are the departments. The pieces there range from 100 to 500 words.
Queries for each of these departments should be addressed to the
appropriate editor (such as Kids' Health Editor, or Ages & Stages
Editor).

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TWINS
http://www.twinsmagazine.com/editorial-submissions
---
Limit 1,000 words. Has openings for the following columns:

A Word from Dad--This is a column that is written by dads.

Family Health--This column covers ongoing health issues.

LOL-Laugh-Out-Loud--This is a humorous regular column that talks
about what it's like raising twins/multiples in today's busy and
hectic world.

Mom-2-Mom--Are you a mother of twins/multiples with great tips
and advice? Do you have a special story about raising twins that
you would like to share? Submit your story idea for our brand
new Mom-2-Mom column.

Research Column--Do you have some research results and information
that would be specific to twins and multiples?

Resource Round Up--Are you a nonprofit organization or foundation
that supports parents of twins and multiples?

Tales from Twins--Are you a twin and want to share your story?

Twin Star Spotlight--Do you know or represent a rising set of
twins in the entertainment field?

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COLLIER'S
http://colliersmagazine.com/submission
---
We welcome articles or reports relating to the political, social,
or economic state of America and abroad, happenings in American
culture and media, as well as important and compelling historical
events. If you have an opinion to express about current events,
then Collier’s is your forum. Accepts fiction up to 10,000 and
flash under 1,000 words. Must be related to the magazine's theme.
Considers poetry as well as cartoons.

(Thanks to Worldwidefreelance.com)

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UP!
http://www.upmagazine.com/contact
---
WestJet's inflight magazine. A Canadian travel-lifestyle magazine
for its passengers. Inspires travel and trip experiences, and
appeals to a global market, covering destinations in Canada, US,
Mexico, and the Caribbean. Excellent guidelines. Pays up to 75 cents/word.

(Thanks to Worldwidefreelance.com)

=====

AMERICAN CAREERS
http://www.carcom.com/site/about.html
---
If you are a creative thinker with a math and/or science background
and would like to share your talent with students and classroom
teachers, we have contract opportunities available. ALSO, Career
Communications, Inc., publishes American Careers programs for high
school, middle school and elementary classrooms that integrate
academics and careers. They have an American Careers magazine on
several levels. Query them with your resume and writing history.

NOTE: Hope has written for American Careers. Good experience.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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CHICAGO REVIEW PRESS
http://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/
---
Chicago Review Press is a cutting-edge independent publisher that
gives voice to new ideas that reach beyond the trends. We publish
about 60 new titles yearly under four imprints: Chicago Review Press,
Lawrence Hill Books, Ball Publishing, and Zephyr Press.

Chicago Review Press publishes general nonfiction on a wide range
of subjects including music, film, popular science, history,
biography, and travel, as well as an award-winning line of children’s
activity books.

Lawrence Hill Books publishes nonfiction on topics of African
American interest, progressive politics, Middle Eastern studies,
and feminism.

Ball Publishing specializes in gardening books.

Zephyr Press publishes professional development titles for teachers.

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CAXTON PRESS
http://www.caxtonpress.com/subguidelines.html
---
Caxton publishes nonfiction trade books for general audiences.
We prefer to publish western or frontier history, travel, pictorials,
or narratives: nonfiction with a western theme. We will consider
historical fiction if it deals with the West. We do not publish
poetry.

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CEDAR FORT
http://www.cedarfort.com/
---
Interested in the LDS market but also books that are uplifting
and relaxing and appealing to everyone, in and outside the LDS market,
when it comes to improving their lives. Strives to publish books
that are in harmony with spirit, helping people to become better
people. There are a few genres with which we are very selective.
We rarely take biographies, autobiographies, or memoirs unless
they have a very strong selling point (such as Mafia to Mormon).
We do not publish poetry. Although we do publish a couple of
children's books each year, we are extremely selective about which
children's books we publish. Our children's books must have strong
religious or moral values, and must contain outstanding writing and
an excellent storyline.

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CR PRESS
http://www.crpress.org/about.html
---
We publish poetry collections, poetry anthologies, literary fiction,
general nonfiction, and occasional hard-to-describe literary projects.
C&R Press books are available at independent bookstores throughout
the Southeast, through Small Press Distribution (www.spdbooks.org),
and at B&N.com and Amazon. Located in Chattanooga, TN.

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

Good Oak Press helps self-publishing authors create books they
can be proud of. Whether you need a simple ebook conversion, or
a complete package with book design, POD printing, promotional
materials and distribution, Good Oak Press can help.

Please visit our website for more information, and be sure to
sign up for our free newsletter for special offers and promotions
available only to our subscribers.

www.goodoakpress.com

=====

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=====

Why Hire a Writing Coach?

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they’re new to writing, or multiply-published and simply
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I keep you on a schedule and help you create a timetable,
so that you’re focused on finishing. If procrastination or
starting and then stopping is a problem, having a writing
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=====

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FundsforWriters readers are loyal and read these ads.
See our testimonials at http://www.fundsforwriters.com/advertising

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BUSINESS STUFF
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please forward the newsletter in its entirety. To reprint
any editorials, contact hope@fundsforwriters.com for permission.
Please do not assume that acknowledgements listed in your
publication is considered a valid right to publish.

C. Hope Clark
E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com

140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036

http://www.fundsforwriters.com

Copyright 2000-2012, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326