SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Editorial services to meet all of your fiction writing needs. From short stories to novels, in any genre, we can help with anything from developmental issues to polishing in preparation for submission. Free consultation and competitive rates. For more information, please visit www.redpenfictionediting.com or call 360-402-0090

Editor’s THOUGHTS

Read newsletter online at: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/fundsforwriters
Read past issues at: http://www.aweber.com/z/article/?fundsforwriters

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YOUR FIRST BOOK COULD BE YOUR LAST

One of my rants, besides getting paid for your work, is about editing until it hurts in order to make your book the best it can be. No, you can't over-edit it. I've yet to meet anyone that fanatical. Don't try to put yourself in some elitist category like that.

But my purpose has to do with your success, and your whole darn future, frankly. Because if you release a bad, or premature, book into the world, it's there forever. Regardless of how well your next book is written, that first less-than-stellar book will be your ball and chain. Anyone who's seen your bad book won't risk taking a chance on you again.

You can say you're growing, and that the second and third books are phenomenally better because you've learned more and evolved with practice. Then you should have waited until the second book to publish.

I've seen a disturbing trend for writers to throw a book out into the world "to see what happens." The first time I heard that, I was like, what? You don't want to throw a book out unless you have a bit of a sense of how well it will do. You should have a following, or have an online presence, or at least design a plan on how to spread it around. You should feel good about the story, the voice, and the quality. In other words, people who talk to you about your book ought to feel confidence oozing from you. You have your one-liners ready: the plot, the reason you write, where you got the idea, what you are writing now, where you hope to be in five years, or ten.

In other words, you are a package. You've honed the author in you, the market for your work, and the product. Writing is a business, so you have to groom more than the book. Nobody creates a product and expects it to sell itself. It has to be presented to the world, and you have to be right there smiling beside it.

But to toss a book into the world, before you're sure what might happen, could wind up sabotaging your entire writing future, or at least for the next several years. People can Google too readily these days. And your Amazon presence stays for a long while, even when you've pulled the book. Because when the day comes where your true masterpiece is ready to launch, that old self-pubbed memoir or collection of short stories or poetry may show up when people Google your name, and you don't want that to be the first impression people have of you.

After all, the old cliche is true: You only get one chance for a good first impression.

~HOPE

NOTE: Been guest blogging and participating in interviews lately in celebration of this week's release of Palmetto Poison, the third in the Carolina Slade Mystery Series. Enjoy a few more new ones here:

Omnimystery News: C. Hope Clark - http://www.omnimysterynews.com/2014/02/please-welcome-mystery-author-c-hope-clark-1402210800.html - Entitled "This is Real, Right?" What is fact and what is fiction in my stories?

Get Lost in a Story: C. Hope Clark - http://getlostinastory.blogspot.com/2014/02/get-lost-in-story-with-c-hope-clark.html - An interview by Donnell Bell who asks great questions, like "What's in your refrigerator right now?"

Authors in the Kitchen: C. Hope Clark - http://rosiegenova.com/blog/2014/02/authors-in-the-kitchen-c-hope-clark - Learn how to make Mississippi Mud Pie!

A Day in the Life of Carolina Slade - http://drusbookmusing.com/2014/02/13/carolina-slade/ - Adored this one!

The Voice and Palmetto Poison http://writerszenblog.wordpress.com/2014/02/13/the-voice-palmetto-poison/

How C. Hope Clark Became A Publishing Legend. http://www.writers-village.org/writing-award-blog/how-c-hope-clark-became-a-publishing-legend

12 Influential Bloggers Debate the Future of Bookstores http://carmenamato.net/bookstore-of-the-future/bloggers-debate-future-of-bookstores/

And don't forget to check out WOW-womenonwriting's blog where I talk about how my family thinks all my characters are them! http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2014/02/friday-speak-out-writing-with-family.html

WEBSITE - http://www.chopeclark.com
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://www.pinterest.com/chopeclark

WORDS OF SUCCESS

"At the beginning of a novel, a writer needs confidence, but after that what's required is persistence. These traits sound similar. They aren't. Confidence is what politicians, seducers and currency speculators have, but persistence is a quality found in termites. It's the blind drive to keep on working that persists after confidence breaks down."

--Walter Kirn

(Thanks to www.jadewalker.com for this quote.)

TOTAL FUNDSFORWRITERS

TOTAL is the paid subscription to FundsforWriters. 70+ grants, contests, markets, publishers and more for the serious writer. $15 annual subscription for 26 biweekly Friday issues to your email. www.fundsforwriters.com - Or receive a free subscription with the full-price purchase of a Carolina Slade Mystery or The Shy Writer Reborn - ebook or print.

	The Carolina Slade Mystery Series http://www.chopeclark.com/ Palmetto Poison is out!!!!! The third in the Carolina Slade Mystery Series. Carolina Slade is the real deal – Southern charm, a steely determination, and a vulnerability she’ll never admit to. Slade is at her absolute best in C. Hope Clark’s Palmetto Poison so hold on for the ride! ~Lynn Chandler-Willis, best selling author and winner of the 2013 Minotaur Books/PWA Best First Private Eye Novel Competition Clark’s intensely lush and conversational writing will keep you…turning the pages faster than you can read them. ~Dish Magazine Comment on Dru's Musings after reading A Day in the Life of Carolina Slade celebrating the release of Palmetto Poison: This is the very best interview I’ve read on a blog. Ever! Can’t wait to head on over to Amazon and order up the book. Nice to meet you Ms Slade! Now to check out this dude in the cowboy boots and a five o’clock shadow. Autographed copies available: see www.chopeclark.com (Don't forget to leave a review on Amazon/Goodreads/B&N.)

Success Story

Hope,

After 15 years of work, my memoir.'Yo God! Jay's Story is finally published and on Amazon via Keith Publications. Thanks to reading and following the tips I have received from FundsforWriters as well as personal replies to my questions to Hope. I will continue to follow closely every edition of this wonderful source of writing knowledge. :-)

June Kempf: Author: Yo God! Jay's Story WWW.specilkdstori.com

featured article

The Road to Kickstarter - A Newbie’s Journey

By Brandy Lynn Maslowski

Kristy's Quilt is a heartwarming quilt adventure based on a true story featuring 10 year old Kristy, a spunky little quilter who blossoms at the In Stitches Quilting Retreat. A picture book for ages 2-92. And I'm funding it on Kickstarter.

Have you been wondering what’s all the fuss about crowd funding? Well, you’re not alone. Kickstarter (KS) is a way to fund creative projects. It is NOT an easy way to get free money.

I faced these questions on my road to Kickstarter, to gain a platform and funds for Kristy’s Quilt, questions (and answers) that might serve you well in your crowdfunding journey:

1. Is my book worthy of publishing? You have to know the truth, so find a professional editor. Picture book editors with great websites were either too busy or too expensive, so I asked them to recommend emerging editors they know. I ended up with several to choose from at a reasonable price. 2. Can I launch a KS campaign myself? The process is clear and simple. But, I found a KS manager to help create funding goals, edit my video, manage backers, updates and much more. A manager generally takes 15-30 percent of funds raised in a successful project or nothing, if the project isn’t funded. Do not choose a manager requiring payment if the goal is not met.

3. What about contracts? I signed contracts with my KS manager and book illustrator to cover art deadlines, fee schedules and a contingency plan. No contract required for the self-publishing company; I retain all rights.

4. How do I create a timeline? I chose a major sales event, the National Quilt Show, and worked my way back. Factor in the time for illustrations, to create backer rewards, and to print and ship. I chose a five-month timeline and launched on Valentine’s Day to make it memorable.

5. How do I determine my funding goal? Be realistic. You need funds to fulfill backer orders, cover the costs of the project and have print books to sell. Avoid a lofty goal that can’t be backed. You can raise more than your goal, but not less, at least on Kickstarter.

6. How do I create backer levels? Research successful picture book projects and back some to understand the process. I chose backer levels from $5, a pledge of support, up to the $500 legacy level with rewards from every previous level plus the backer’s name in the book.

7. What if the project isn’t successful? Backers are charged nothing if the goal is not met, so you can end the project, relaunch another KS campaign at a later date, or find a way to fund the project yourself with a loan or investor. Either way, honor any contracts.

A KS project is essentially a market test to determine the demand for your book. If you can’t sell it on KS then you may need to rethink your book and make it better. Be transparent in your campaign with clear updates for backers so they understand if there is any delay.

A great way to learn about Kickstarter is to back a project. For as little as $5 you can support Kristy’s Quilt from February 14, 2014 to March 14, 2014. Visit www.kickstarter.com and search Kristy’s Quilt. Or simply go to: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1295648186/a-spunky-little-quilter-blossoms-in-kristys-quilt

My KS manager? Heidi Berthiaume. Look for her new book The Kickstarter Companion - Answers to Questions You Didn’t Know You Had launching on KS this March.

BIO:

Brandy Lynn is a quilt teacher, speaker and judge with a passion for sharing quilting with younger generations. Connect with her at www.brandylynndesigns.com

competitions

WRITERS VILLAGE BURSARY http://www.writers-village.org/foundation.php --- $19 ENTRY FEE. Debut novelists can win a $800 bursary, full price, to have their novel professionally critiqued at the Writers’ Village Foundation, a not-for-profit award scheme established to help new authors. The top eight submissions will also gain personal feedback from the award judge, novelist Michelle Spring, a Royal Literary Fellow at Magdalene College, Cambridge. Deadline March 31, 2014.

ZONE 3 PRESS POETRY AWARD http://www.apsu.edu/zone3/contests --- $25 ENTRY FEE. First book contest: Zone 3 Press. Prize: $1,000 and publication. Submit a manuscript of 48-80 pages of poetry by April 1, 2014.

2014 WABASH PRIZE FOR FICTION/SYCAMORE REVIEW http://www.sycamorereview.com/contest/ --- $15 ENTRY FEE. Winner is awarded a $1,000 prize and publication in Sycamore Review. Submissions due March 21, 2014. For an unpublished story of 7,500 words. Entrants receive a one-year subscription to Sycamore Review. All entries are considered for publication.

CUTBANK CHAPBOOK CONTEST http://www.cutbankonline.org/submit/contests/ --- $20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline March 31, 2014. $1,000 prize, publication, and 25 contributor copies. Manuscripts should be 25-40 pages in length of poetry (a cohesive poetry manuscript), fiction (either a short fiction collection or novella), or creative nonfiction (one long essay or a short collection of essays).

VELA MAG CONTEST http://velamag.com/contest/ --- NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline March 31, 2014. First place $500 and publication. We’re looking for creative nonfiction, written by women, with a strong voice, a compelling narrative, and/or a powerful driving question. We’re interested in a wide range of essays and stories, including literary journalism, personal essays, memoir, and expository or experimental essays. We are not a “women’s magazine,” and are not looking for work that is written solely for a female audience. Limit 6,500 words. (Thanks www.erikadreifus.com)

GRANTS

SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE FOR DYLAN THOMAS’ WALES - 2014 RETREAT https://murphywritingseminars.submittable.com/submit --- A $1,000 scholarship is being offered to a first-time participant of Dylan Thomas' Wales, July 8-15, 2014 in Swansea, Wales. This international writing retreat is open to poets, fiction, memoir and nonfiction writers. In honor of the 100th Anniversary of Dylan Thomas' birth, participants will immerse themselves in the literary landscape immortalized in his poetry and prose. The retreat will feature time to write, supportive workshops, socializing with local writers and excursions along the beautifully rugged coastline. Scholarship deadline: March 15, 2014.

OWL OF MINERVA AWARD http://minervarising.com/owl-award/ --- A $500 scholarship established by Minerva Rising to provide one woman writer with financial support to further her writing endeavors to be awarded during Women’s History Month. Our mission at Minerva Rising is to celebrate the wisdom and creativity in every woman, and to that end, we invite all wise and creative women writers to apply. We are interested in you, your story, your writing life, and how winning The Owl of Minerva Award would benefit all of the above. Please tell us in five pages or less, in the genre you feel best represents you, the direction towards which you would like to further your writing aspirations and how you would use the scholarship funds. Deadline to apply is March 10. Winner will be announced March 31.

SALT CAY WRITERS RETREAT SCHOLARSHIPS http://www.litpark.com/2014/02/12/announcing-the-salt-cay-writers-retreat-merit-scholarship-contest/ --- The winner will be invited to attend the Salt Cay Writers Retreat with all program and tuition fees covered. Takes place in the Bahamas. While the Salt Cay Writers Retreat curriculum is particularly suited for advanced fiction writers, memoirists, and narrative non-fiction writers, any author who wishes to take their writing to the next level is welcome for a memorable week of writing and instruction October 20-25. Deadline: April 1, 2014.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATON OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN FELLOWSHIPS AND GRANTS http://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/educational-funding-and-awards/american-fellowships --- Provides support for women who hold a bachelor's degree and are preparing to advance their careers, change careers, or re-enter the work force. Special consideration is given to American Association of University Women (AAUW) members, women of color, and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields. Funds are available for tuition, fees, books, supplies, local transportation, and dependent care. Approximately 60 grants are available in two categories: Academic Grants and Professional Development Institute Grants.

THE KENTUCKY FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN http://www.kfw.org --- The goal of the Kentucky Foundation for Women is to change the lives of women by supporting feminist expression in the arts in Kentucky; by publishing The American Voice, a literary journal; and by operating Hopscotch House, a rural retreat for women near Louisville.

FREELANCE MARKETS

THE DIPLOMAT http://thediplomat.com/about-us/write-for-us/ --- Preference will be given to original reporting and analysis, but we will also consider commentary. Please note that we only cover the Asia-Pacific. Submissions for one of our blog sections should range between 400 and 800 words, while feature articles generally start at around 1,000 words. For original reporting in particular, we recommend first pitching ideas to the editor.

THE CAPILANO REVIEW http://www.thecapilanoreview.ca/submissions/ --- The Capilano Review publishes venturesome experimental writing and art. For poetry submissions, send up to 8 pages; for fiction, a maximum of 5,000 words. We buy First North American Serial Rights and limited, non-exclusive digital rights. Copyright reverts to the author upon publication. Contributors are paid $50 per published page to a maximum of $200.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PUBLICATIONS - MINORITY ENGINEER - CAREERS & THE DISABLED - WOMAN ENGINEER - WORKFORCE DIVERSITY FOR ENGINEERING AND IT PROFESSIONALS - HISPANIC CAREER WORLD - AFRICAN AMERICAN CAREER WORLD http://www.eop.com/contact.php --- Inspiring stories of students and workplace professionals. Helps individuals attain employment and build careers. Pays ten cents/word for articles up to around 1,500 words.

CATHEDRAL AGE http://www.nationalcathedral.org/age/ --- Since 1925, Cathedral Age magazine has been the flagship publication of Washington National Cathedral. Read by supporters of all faiths. Covers news and events specific to the cathedral as well as religion and public affairs. Pays up to $750 for features up to 1,600 words. Pays $350 for columns up to 1,000 words.

CHRISTIAN RENEWAL http://crmag.com/96 --- Read by reformed Christians on ecumenical issues, religion, politics, and education. Pays up to $200 for up to 1,000 words.

JOBS

NO JOBS THIS WEEK

PUBLISHERS

SAINT MARY'S PRESS http://www.smp.org/submission-guidelines/ --- We exist to enliven young people's hearts and minds with the Good News of Jesus Christ! With our partners in schools, parishes, and families, we share the Good News of Jesus Christ with Catholic Christian youth, ages 10-19, using all appropriate means and media through publications and services. Does NOT publish personal memoirs and autobiographies, young adult fiction, books of poetry, books for children under 10 years old, adult spirituality resources that are not specifically for adults who minister to adolescents.

BEHLER PUBLICATIONS http://www.behlerpublications.com/about.shtml --- Our nonfiction books are about going from ordinary to extraordinary. We publish personal journeys with socially relevant themes: stories about everyday people who end up doing extraordinary things due to a pivotal event that alters their perspective about life.

CONARI BOOKS http://redwheelweiser.com/p.php?id=4 --- Conari Press, an imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser, publishes books on topics ranging from spirituality, personal growth, and relationships to women's issues, parenting, and social issues. Our mission is to publish quality books that will make a difference in people's lives -- how we feel about ourselves and how we relate to one another. We value integrity, compassion, and receptivity, both in the books we publish and in the way we do business.

DAW BOOKS http://www.us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/daw/submissions.html --- We publish science fiction and fantasy novels. We do not want short stories, short story collections, novellas, poetry, or novels in other genres. The average length of the novels we publish varies but is almost never less than 80,000 words.

FOLKLORE PUBLISHING http://folklorepublishing.com/Submission_Guidelines.html --- Folklore Publishing is looking for authors with manuscripts and authors who are knowledgeable and wish to write about specific aspects of Canadian history and current affairs.

SPONSORS

Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest

22nd year. $3,000 in cash prizes, including $1,000 for the best story and $1,000 for the best essay. Send prose submissions up to 6,000 words each. All entries that win cash prizes will be published on WinningWriters.com and announced in the Winning Writers Newsletter, with over 50,000 subscribers. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Fee per entry is $16. Deadline: April 30. Judge: Arthur Powers. Winning Writers is one of the "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's Digest, 2005-2013). See guidelines, past winners, and enter at www.winningwriters.com/tomstory

The Book Don is a boutique book editing service that offers customized editing packages and one-on-one attention. The Book Don helps you bring out your perfect book, whether that means content editing, line editing, proofreading, brainstorming, or simply providing feedback and encouragement.

The Book Don works with authors on all types of books or shorter works, including literary fiction, academic work, memoirs, nonfiction, essays, and journalism. Other services include query letters, book proposals, grant proposals, agent database searches, research assistance, and copy for websites and other promotional materials.

Learn more and contact The Book Don at YourBookDon.com. Mention this ad to receive 10 percent off (new clients only). Kind words from past clients:

"Katherine did an amazing job with my manuscript. She helped put the story in a cohesive, beautifully organized format that retained my voice while making my message clear and authoritative." - Jovanka Ciares, nutrition coach, jovankaciares.com

"Katherine’s help in both research and draft-reading was invaluable...she’s a sharp thinker with a keen editorial sense of a book’s bigger picture, and she’s also a delight to work with." - Kathryn Joyce, journalist, kathrynjoyce.com

"If you get a chance to work with the Don, take it." - Mark Lawley, novelist, marklawley.com

GET WEBSITES THAT ROCK, BOOK COVERS THAT SIZZLE

Shaila Abdullah has over a decade of experience designing websites for authors. Being an award-winning author herself, she understands the industry, and will provide you with a content management website that reflects your unique style, genre, and personality. Other design services such as book covers & interiors, marketing materials, and email campaigns (newsletters, announcements, etc.) also available.

MENTION THIS AD AND GET 10% OFF (NEW CLIENTS ONLY)

EXISTING CLIENTS EARN 8% REFERRAL FEE FOR SENDING IN NEW CLIENTS

E-mail Shaila: info@myhouseofdesign.com View portfolio: http://myhouseofdesign.com/authors/ Services for authors: http://myhouseofdesign.com/services-for-authors/

A few testimonials from happy clients:

"Superb work, excellent customer service. Just marvelous overall.” —C. Hope Clark, author, founder of FundsforWriters, http://chopeclark.com | http://www.fundsforwriters.com

"Since working with Shaila I now have a beautiful book that hit #1 one on Amazon, a monthly newsletter that captures the attention of my valued readers, and a beautiful website that has generated a tremendous amount of interest in my subject matter with over 245,000 hits." —Carolyn Brent, author of Why Wait? http://www.caregiverstory.com/

"When I first saw Shaila’s work, I was struck by the fact that each site she designs is not only beautiful but also perfectly reflects the personality of the business it represents. Her suggestions, insight, and artistic talent made the final product much better than what I’d envisioned on my own.” —Jacqueline Adams, writer, http://jacqueline-adams.com

WOMEN READING ALOUD hosts its 4th international Writer's Retreat from June 16th - 25th on the magical island of Alonnisos, in beautiful Greece.

Situated in the northwest of the Aegean Sea, Alonnisos has been designated as one of the top eco-islands of Europe. View the island as one large botanical garden. Enjoy your private room with bath and private balcony overlooking the turquoise waters of the sea. Morning Writing Workshops, Nite Writes, Sunset Dinner Cruise, Yoga (optional), Welcome Dinner, Closing Reception and much more. Led by Julie Maloney, Founder/Director of Women Reading Aloud. Open to writers of all genres. All levels. Workshops follow the Amherst Writers and Artists Method.

Discover new material, hone your craft and explore the writer's life. For testimonials and further details, visit: www.womenreadingaloud.org

The Henderson Writers’ Group Presents 2014 Las Vegas Writers Conference April 24-26, 2014

Join writing professionals, agents, publishers and marketing experts for a weekend of workshops and enlightening discussions about the publishing industry. Limited to 150 attendees, the Las Vegas Writer’s Conference provides a unique and intimate setting for each participant to meet and mingle with publishers and agents, as well as participate in free pitch sessions. Take the next step to selling your manuscript. The conference offers:

• Formal pitch sessions with agents and publishers
• Workshops, seminars and expert panels
• Q&A panels
• Meet & Greet Cocktail party with faculty and fellow writers
• Opportunities to mingle and network with publishing industry professionals
• "First Read" panels

Visit our website at www.lasvegaswritersconference.com to see who is on this year’s faculty. Join us and your fellow writers for the best conference yet. And register before January 15 to take advantage of our discounted pricing.

You’re Invited to the “Fifty Shades of Writing” Conference

The Missouri Writers’ Guild welcomes Writer’s Digest Book Editor Chuck Sambuchino and other distinguished writing faculty to St. Louis, Missouri, from April 11-13 for the “Fifty Shades of Writing” Conference.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN AND INCLUDES: o “Pitch Perfect” welcome session by Chuck Sambuchino o Individual agent and editor pitch appointments o Luncheon keynote by USA Best Selling Author Mary Buckham o 16+ Saturday breakout sessions on topics like query letters, character development, editing, and more o Friday early bird arrival session presented by Literary Agent Sorche Fairbank o An expanded “Agents & Editors Read the Slush Pile” Session o Open mic, sponsored by the St. Louis Writers’ Guild

Additional in-depth master classes and Saturday night banquet available for additional fees. Meet 100+ other writers in St. Louis this April and refine your craft at one of the most affordable conferences in the Midwest.

Visit http://missouriwritersguild.org/MWG%20Conference%202014/ to learn more and register.

ROGER’S MS EDITING 1¢ per word Less 25%

10,000 words is $100 - discounted price $75. 50,000 words is $500 - discounted price $375.

PAYPAL and contact address is rpaulding@sbcglobal.net

Respond quickly and deadline for my editing will be within 30 days from submission. Get in the queue now.

Twenty years experience mentoring writers, more than 50 novels edited, six of which are bestsellers. Seven of my novels and anthologies are posted on Amazon.

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 2000-2014, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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