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SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
NO SPONSOR THIS WEEK
Editor's THOUGHTS
WHEN YOU FRUSTRATE AN EDITOR
A very recent experience in my writing life led me to this editorial. At first I thought it too mundane to mention. Then I felt that tingling anxiety rise to the surface and gravitate to my fingers. That itch to vent grew too strong to ignore.
Recently, a freelance writer pitched a story to me for inclusion in FundsforWriters. I received it before a conference, so it sat on my computer for six days. Back from the conference, I furiously pounded on the keyboard, meeting deadlines, pitching queries, and researching newsletters, always behind after a road trip.
Then came the one email, sprinkled amongst the three hundred others still left unanswered. "I know you're busy. Just checking in to see if you got my query."
Always eager to accomplish things on my to-do list and quickly respond to emails, I went back and hunted the piece, which I'd kept in a particular query folder, waiting until I had several more to review to best capitalize on my time. I wasn't going to reply to her email, then read the piece, and have to reply again. I was trying to save precious minutes in my hectic writing day, ever fighting to reach that point in my evening where I can write on my novels.
The more I thought about the situaton, and the way I'd been sidetracked, the more frustrated I got. I'd been in the thick of playing catch-up (like all editors), and I'd allowed myself to be diverted. On one hand, that was my fault. On the other hand, she was anxious after only six days?
Upon closer observation, she'd omitted her bio paragraph and her preferred method of payment (both required in the guidelines). I started reading, then stopped. The subject didn't grab me. The opening three lines weren't earth-shattering.
So I rejected the piece unread.
I wasn't going to:
1) email and tell her I received her piece;
2) email and tell her it was accepted, then have to ask for her biography and payment method;
3) take time to mail the check (which means a letter) or send payment via PayPal with a message about accepting the piece.
Her not following the guidelines, and her pressure to hurry up, had put me in a bad frame of mind, which only increased her odds for rejection. She'd created more work for me than I chose to take on at a time everyone wanted a piece of me.
It was easier to reject her than accept her.
All the editors and agents out there are running wide-out. They have more to do than they can say grace over. So when someone makes work for them, that person usually gets shafted (i.e., rejected).
Guidelines are posted for a purpose. Not only do they help editors and agents get submissions they need, but they also serve to cull those writers who cannot follow directions. Usually those writers who can't are more labor-intensive in the long run, and that's the last thing an editor needs in her busy life.
WORDS OF SUCCESS
In 1969, Steps, a novel by Jerry Kosinski, won the National Book Award. Six years later a freelance writer named Chuck Ross, to test the old theory that a novel by an unknown writer doesn't stand a chance, typed the first twenty-one pages of Steps and sent them out to four publishers as the work of "Erik Demos." All four rejected the manuscript. Two years after that, he typed out the whole and sent it, again credited to Erik Demos, to more publishers, including the original publisher of Steps, Random House. Again, all rejected it with unhelpful comments - Random House sent a form letter. Altogether, fourteen publishers (and thirteen literary agents) failed to recognize a book that had already been published and had won an important prize.
From Boston Review
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The Carolina Slade Mystery Series
http://www.chopeclark.com/
On Tidewater Murder: Terrific. Smart, knowing, clever...and completely original. A taut, high-tension page-turned--in a unique and fascinating setting. An absolute winner! ~Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony and Macavity winning author
On Lowcountry Bribe: With a story that moves so fast you are sure to get a case of literary whiplash, LOWCOUNTRY BRIBE is almost impossible to put down. Written with grace and ferocity, I for one can hardly wait for a second helping of this unpredictably un-pretentious and hard-scrabble down-home gal. ~Rachel Gladstone, Dish Magazine
Purchase any of Hope's books and receive a one-year subscription to TOTAL FFW free. Send receipt to hope@fundsforwriters.com |
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Success Story
Hope
So, I just signed up for a one-year's subscription, but I first wanted to take a moment and thank you so so much for the free subscription version you offer. I work a minimum wage job and I don't take on any unnecessary expenses. What a gift to try your services for free first--and what services! I've entered several contests, now, and got some great feedback! My favorite new link is Writers' Village. Such unusual tale-telling-tips and the gentleman who runs it is so generous with his time and advice. Also though your site, I entered the first chapter of my novel in a contest and took 7th place! I am just over the moon! Lately, I entered the Bartleby-Snopes All Dialogue contest. No matter what comes of that, it was a magnificent brain-stretcher.
Forgive the overuse of exclamation points... but I think you probably understand: Your site has made a huge difference for me, and I am ever so grateful. Thank you!
Laura Lindsay
featured article
WRITING FLASH FICTION
By Katriena Knights
Flash fiction is to short story writing much as haiku is to poetry. It's an even more condensed form of an already condensed storytelling method, requiring the author to choose words carefully to ensure each syllable makes a meaningful contribution to the whole.
Flash fiction is also experiencing a surge in popularity as magazines and collections spring up dedicated to this form. Maybe it's because readers' attention spans are shorter, but flash fiction seems to have never been more popular. Locally, we even have a theater group that performs flash fiction on stage.
What Is Flash Fiction?
Flash fiction is a very short short story. Guidelines generally place any story under a thousand words into the flash category, though some prefer even shorter pieces. Six-word stories or 140-character Twitter shorts are other subgroups.
How to Write Flash Fiction
When I write a piece this short, I often think in terms of a "punch line." Not necessarily a funny ending like the punchline of a joke, but a tight conclusion that either neatly ties everything up or creates a reversal so the reader realizes something is not what he initially thought it to be. The more surprising the ending, the better.
Ideally, I'll have this punch line set in my head before I sit down to write the story. That way everything I write can lead up to that moment, creating exactly the experience I want for my reader. In this way, flash fiction is very much like any other type of fiction writing. You find an idea, develop that idea, then hone it until every word contributes something to the story, giving it the most power the story can carry.
Lengths of Flash Fiction Stories
Most flash fiction markets state a thousand words or less. Others go a bit higher or want shorter pieces. Since the definition of the form varies so widely, keep a close eye on your submission guidelines. There's no point sending a thousand-word story to a collection of 140-character Twitter tales, after all.
Markets for Flash Fiction
Markets for flash fiction can be disappointingly low-paying, and unfortunately a good number of the markets don't pay at all. But there are markets that offer decent pay. They're usually flat rates, so I make sure to work out the per-word rate before deciding to submit. After all, $5 for a short-short can seem fair, but when you do the math, it's only a penny a word for a 500-word story. So do your due diligence before submitting.
Some good markets for flash fiction include:
Vestal Review: http://vestalreview.net/About.html.
Publishes only flash fiction. Pays 3-10 cents/word. All genres except children's stories and hard SF.
Nanoism: http://nanoism.net/submit/.
This is a Twitter market. Stories cannot exceed 140 characters, or the maximum length of one tweet. Pay is $1.50 per story--that's a bit over a penny per character or roughly $.05/word. Prefers literary fiction and also accepts serial stories. Previously published tweets will be considered, but pay at $1/story.
For more flash fiction markets as well as additional information on the form, how to write it, and examples:
http://www.flash-fiction-world.com/writers-market.html or http://www.everydayfiction.com/flashfictionblog/flash-markets-2/
BIO:
Katriena Knights is the author of several paranormal and contemporary romance novels, including her latest, As If You Never Left Me, from Crimson Romance. Her flash fiction story "Clockwork" was chosen by Stories on Stage in Denver as part of their March, 2013 show Very, VERY Short Stories: The Sequel. Visit her at www.katrienaknights.com or www.katrienaknights.blogspot.com
competitions
NONFICTION ESSAY CONTEST
http://www.abac.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Agrirama-Back-Roads-of-Georgia-Essay-ContestFinal.pdf
$5 ENTRY FEE
Theme: Back Roads of Georgia
The Gallery at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture, in conjunction with Georgia Backroads Magazine and the Tifton-Tift County Arts Council, announce a contest for nonfiction essays concurrent with a photography contest and exhibit on the same theme. The top three essays will be displayed during the exhibit and excerpts read during the exhibit's awards ceremony. Essays should be no longer than 4,000 words and should address the "Back Roads of Georgia" theme in some way, whether directly or obliquely, literally or figuratively.Deadline September 16, 2013. Eligibility: any Georgia resident 18
years or older.
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $200
3rd Place: $100
Honorable Mention: 4 awards, $50 each
CUTTHROAT POETRY AND FICTION AWARDS
http://www.cutthroatmag.com/
$17 ENTRY FEE
Two awards of $1,250 each and publication in Cutthroat are given annually for a group of poems and a short story. T. R. Hummer will judge the Joy Harjo Poetry Award, and Pam Houston will judge the Rick DeMarinis Short Fiction Award. Submit three poems of up to 100 lines each or a short story of up to 5,000 words.
Red Hen Press and The Los Angeles Review are pleased to announce the first annual Wild Light contest. A prize of $1,000 and publication in The Los Angeles Review are given annually for an exceptional poem. Please submit up to three poems of up to 200 lines each. Deadline October 15, 2013.
AURA ESTRADA SHORT STORY CONTEST
http://www.bostonreview.net/contests#FictionContest
$20 ENTRY FEE
The winning author will receive $1,500 and have his or her work published in Boston Review, the summer of 2014. First runner-up will be published in a following issue, and second runner-up will be published at the Boston Review Web site. Stories should not exceed 5,000 words and must be previously unpublished. Deadline October 1, 2013.
THE PATRICIA BIBBY FIRST BOOK AWARD
www.tebotbach.org
$30 ENTRY FEE
$1,000 and Book Publication. In naming the First Book Award after Patricia Bibby, Tebot Bach honors the aspirations and spirit of all beginning poets. Deadline: October 31, 2013. The competition is open to all poets writing in English who have not committed to publishing collections of poetry of 36 poems or more in editions of over 400 copies. Entries of 50-84 pages of original poetry in English.
GRANTS
MASSACHUSETTS CULTURAL COUNCIL GRANTS
http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/applications/fellows_guidelines.asp
We are pleased to announce that the 2014 Artist Fellowships guidelines, dates, and deadlines are now available. MCC's Artist Fellowships are competitive, anonymously-judged grants for individual artists, with awards based solely on the artistic quality and creative ability of the original work submitted. This cycle, applications are accepted in the following categories:
Drawing, Poetry, and Traditional Arts
Application deadline: October 7, 2013
Choreography, Fiction/Creative Nonfiction, and Painting
Online applications available: December 15, 2013
Application deadline: January 27, 2014
Pending approval by MCC's board in late August, the fellowship
amount will be $10,000 (it was $7,500).
NEBRASKA GRANTS
http://www.nebraskaartscouncil.org/grants/grant_information/
The Nebraska Arts Council is now accepting October 1 grant deadline applications on the online eGrant site in the following categories: Artists in Schools/Communities (AiS/C) Residency Grants for over $2,500, Arts Project Grants, and Arts Learning Project Grants. Grant applications are due by 11:59pm CST on Tuesday, October 1. Individual Artist Fellowships - deadline November 15, 2013.
STARRY NIGHT RESIDENCY
http://www.starrynightretreat.com/residencies/
The Artist In Residence program at Starry Night provides writers, visual artists, and researchers with the opportunity to live and work within a small, creative community. Located downtown in the historic hot springs district of Truth or Consequences, a small rural New Mexico town, Starry Night is a place where artists, writers and researchers can find quiet solitude and focus on their work. Open year round, residencies are a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 3 months. The residency includes private, fully furnished apartments with private bathroom and kitchen, and shared studio space. The cost to participants is $300 per week or $1100 per month. Participants may apply to bring their partner, spouse, or creative partner as well for an additional $175 per week. Based on merit and documented need, there is limited financial aid available. Financial aid requests
cannot exceed more than 50% of residency fees.
2014 ARTSMITH INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTIST RESIDENCY
http://orcasartsmith.org/
APPLICATION FEE $35.
Residency Dates: January 3-10, 2014
Application Deadline: October 15, 2013
Results Announced: November 30, 2013
Each year Artsmith grants up to five, one-week Residency Fellowships to artists, scholars, naturalists, and writers to have focused time to create new works. The 2014 residency will take place January 3-10 at the Kangaroo House Bed and Breakfast in Washington State's San Juan Islands. As guests of Artsmith and Kangaroo House, Fellows receive private rooms and baths, and access to the inn's amenities, including wireless internet and garden hot tub.
RONA JAFFE FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP
www.vermontstudiocenter.org/fellowships
One fellowship for an emerging woman writer who will be a first-time resident at Vermont Studio Center. This award includes a stipend of $1,250 to help cover expenses associated with taking the residency, including but not limited to travel, rent, childcare or to replace lost income. Also one award for an outstanding literary translator, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.
NONFICTION: Short articles/activities that introduce and reinforce
measuring, counting, reading, nature, simple science experiments,
etc., 250 words or less. Payment: $70 and up.
POETRY: 4-12 line poems. Payment: $35 and up.
RECIPES: Simple, healthful recipes of 200 words or less that generally
require no cooking and minimal adult help. If possible, include a
photo of the recipe with submission. Payment: $40 and up.
CRAFTS: Fun crafts of 250 words or less that preschoolers can make
with their family. Crafts can celebrate holidays or seasons. Materials
should be inexpensive and easy to obtain. Include easy-to-understand
steps and directions and, if possible, include a photo of the finished
craft. Payment: $40 and up.
FINGER PLAYS & ACTION RHYMES: 200 words or less that preschoolers
can easily do. These are often written in rhyme and include lots
of movement. Payment: $40 and up.
HUMPTY DUMPTY MAGAZINE - for ages 5-7
http://www.uskidsmags.com/writers-guidelines/
FICTION: Short stories 450 words or less. Payment: $70 and up.
Also, Build a Book: Short mini-stories of 70-125 words. These should
be positive and light-hearted; often humorous. Characters can be
children or animals. We welcome material that deals with kindness,
love, good manners, friendship, holidays, and seasons. NONFICTION: 300 words or less on science and nature, as well as
age-appropriate how-to projects. Payment: $70 and up.
POETRY: 4-12 line poems. Payment: $35 and up.
RECIPES: We accept simple, healthful recipes of 200 words or
less that generally require no cooking and minimal adult help.
If possible, include a photo of the recipe with submission.
Payment: $40 and up.
CRAFTS: 250 words or less that young children can make with a bit
of adult help. Crafts can celebrate holidays or seasons. Materials
should be inexpensive and easy to obtain. Include easy-to-understand
steps and directions and, if possible, include a photo of the
finished craft. Payment: $40 and up.
JACK AND JILL - for ages 6-12
http://www.uskidsmags.com/writers-guidelines/
FICTION: 600-800 words. The tone of the stories should be fun and
engaging. Stories should hook readers right from the get-go and pull
them through the story. Humor is very important! Payment: 30¢ per word. NONFICTION: 700 words or less. We are especially interested in
features or Q&As with regular kids engaged in unusual, challenging,
or interesting activities. Payment: 30¢ per word; $15 per photo.
POETRY: Up to 30 lines. Poems should include unique topics that appeal
to kids like sports, pets, friendship, seasonal activities, vacations,
and school activities. Payment: $25 to $50.
RECIPES: Recipes should have limited ingredients and require minimal
cooking. The recipes also need to reflect the healthy lifestyle
philosophies of U.S. Kids magazines. Payment: $25 to $40.
PUZZLES, ACTIVITIES, & GAMES: Payment: $25 to $40.
GIRLWORKS
http://girlworks.ca/?page_id=1287
Girlworks is an online magazine published for girls aged 11 - 15.
Writers are welcome to propose an article in any category for any
issue. Please provide a brief description of your idea, including
a list of sources you plan to use, your intended word length, and
any unique angle or hook you think will make your piece irresistible
to its intended audience. Articles range from 2 - 4 pages in length.
Assume 200 words per page, with payment of approximately $50 per page.
As an independent publisher, I look for books that will stand the test of time. I am not interested in trends, or the latest diet craze, how-to's or how not-to's, screeds, diatribes or books predicting the upcoming rapture or apocalyptic scenario. I want a book that reaches beyond my world and connects with the larger landscape, and which explores an issue that is important both to me personally and to the world as a whole. Hence, my publishing mission statement: "Books of Social Relevance for the Discerning Reader."
Riddle Brook Publishing was founded in 2011 with a very specific mission: to encourage beginning writers from New England and give them a platform from which to publish their narrative non-fiction books.
Ashland Creek Press is currently accepting submissions of book-length fiction and nonfiction relating to the environment, animal protection, ecology, and wildlife -- above all, we're looking for exceptional, well-written, engaging stories.
The University of Arkansas Press publishes books in U.S. history, southern history, African American history, civil rights studies, Civil War in the West, Middle East studies, sport history, and Arkansas and regional studies.
Please be sure that you understand the Christian Inspirational Romance genre and its various styles. Your theme may be historic, military, western, contemporary, travel, suspense, literary, or any other fiction (except sci-fi, gothic or horror), as long as it's been woven around a romance.
SPONSORS
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99 cent sale on new eBook, How to Write Irresistible Online Content,
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Writing for the web is increasing in demand. More and more skilled online content writers are needed to write irresistible articles, blogs, press releases, newsletters, and web pages. Learn all about this trade in this book.
One Click Publishers Contact & Submission Info
Founded by a frustrated journalist and author, New Moon Publishers Guide gives new and veteran authors all the publishing information they need in a comprehensive, customizable, one click graph for quick references, comparisons, and printing. It also provides individual templates for every publisher to ensure author's cover letters are error free!
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Real editing for real writers...
With over thirty manuscripts under her belt in two years, Veronika Walker knows how to turn a good story into a great one. With over seven years of experience through writing, tutoring, and editing, Veronika understands how to preserve an author's voice and message while helping them see their story's true potential - and helping them bring it out. Some of her more than satisfied clients include the award-winning author DeCarlton Wooten, celebrity DJ David "O.G. One" Jackson, self-publishing rom-com wizard Melanie Hatfield, and five-star author Melinda Louise Bohannon. Her services include substantive, line, and copy editing, as well as general consultation and manuscript critiques.
Mention this ad and get a free 10 page sample edit! (New clients only.)
Existing clients earn a 15% discount for referring new clients.
Learn more at www.InkWorkEditing.com, or email Veronika at inkworkproposals@gmail.com!
Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest
11th year. $5,500 in prizes will be awarded, including $2,000 for a poem in any style and $2,000 for a poem that rhymes or has a traditional style. Both published and unpublished work accepted. All entries that win cash prizes will be published on WinningWriters.com (over one million page views per year) and announced in the Winning Writers Newsletter, with over 40,000 subscribers. Entry fee is $8 for every 25 lines. Enter online or by mail. Postmark deadline: September 30. Judges: John H. Reid, Dee C. Konrad. Winning Writers is one of the "101 Best Writing Websites" (Writer's Digest, 2005-2012).
Fine print
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 2000-2013, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326
**Note that FundsforWriters.com places paid advertising in this newsletter, ALL ads being related to writers and the business of writing, screened by FundsforWriters to make sure the information is suitable for writers and their endeavors to improve their careers. But the mailing list is not sold to third parties. You will not receive this newsletter without your permission. It's physically impossible since recipients must opt-in, giving us permission to send the newsletter. If at any time you no longer with to receive the newsletter, click the UNSUBSCRIBE link at the bottom of each newsletter. We want you to enjoy this newsletter at your pleasure, not be forced to read anything you do not wish to receive. The website is not advertised using unsolicited messages by Aweber, affiliates or other third parties. Direct any complaints, suggestions, and accolades to Hope Clark at hope@fundsforwriters.com. We are an anti-spam site.
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