|
SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
Editor's THOUGHTS
THE FLOP
Seems this past week has been a story about flops.
==The vanity press author who feels ripped off.
==The person who started her memoir then threw it on the shelf.
==The person who is about to finish a book then realized that agents call for an online presence she doesn't have.
==The person who's been freelancing for several weeks and not seen a dime.
On any given day, this could be you . . . or me. We are entitled to feel distraught on occasion. It's those down moments that test our meddle.
When we are repressed for whatever reason, we are forced to make decisions. Doing nothing is a decision, by the way. It's a decision to not go forward.
==To the depressed vanity press lady, I suggested she learn CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing.
==To the memoir author, I told her to quit talking about the what-ifs and write the dang story.
==To the person without the online presence, I suggest she get busy developing one . . . on a daily basis without exception.
==To the freelancer, I directed the way to markets and my Keep 13 in Play mantra about pitching far and wide and often. (See my guest post: http://thewritelife.com/tfund-your-writing/ )
When your writing life isn't going as you planned, give yourself a second to cry. Then shut it off and get back to work. Because you stand at a crossroad. Either you quit or you decide you are better than this. Now is when you get out of the way of the others out there trying, or you take up the flag and lead the charge!
There is no in-between.
-Hope Clark
The latest guest blog posts by Hope around the Web:
WORDS OF SUCCESS
When opportunity comes it is too late to prepare.
~ John Wooden
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Carolina Slade Mystery Series
http://www.chopeclark.com/
On Palmetto Poison. 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
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Success Story
Dear Hope,
You did it again! Writing what I know has gotten one of my favorite short stories accepted for publication by Chicken Soup For the Soul, The Dog Did What? You tell us that we should write what we know, so that is exactly what I did. I know dogs. Terriers in general, pit bulls, miniature schnauzers, and west highland white terrorists in particular.
I put together a short biography of my old K-9, a former fighting dog, who was successfully reprogrammed to become the first pit bull recognized as a K-9 by the state of Washington. Aside from two people who required surgery after meeting him, everyone who knew him loved him. He was gentle enough to trust with baby birds and kittens, and a human baby could chew his ears off without repercussions. Nearly thirty years after his death, he still has friends who talk about him. He was truly a special dog, and his story deserved to be told. I am working on a complete biography of his sixteen years with me, including the night when an Oregon State Trooper tried to issue him a speeding ticket.
I was about halfway through the first book in my "Touring With Pit Bulls" series when I found the Chicken Soup information in your newsletter. I had never considered sending them a short story before, but they were requesting stories about dogs at the time, and Murphy seemed an ideal candidate. I managed to squeeze his story into 1200 words and they loved it! Your timing was perfect.
In conclusion, I love your new hairstyle. I wouldn't be able to function without wash & wear hair.
Kate Bales, Elko, Nevada
"Crazy Ladies on a Bus", 11/13
"Crazy Ladies on a Train", due 10/13
featured article
PROMOTING MY BOOK
By Lee Gale Gruen
Adventures with Dad: A Father and Daughterâ(TM)s Journey Through a Senior Acting Class is my memoir about attending that class with my father when I was 60 and he was 85, and my subsequent transition to becoming a professional actress in my senior years. I only learned after it was published that most authors are expected to promote their own books. So, whether self-published or traditionally published as I was, the authorâ(TM)s new job becomes salesperson. Hereâ(TM)s how I did it:
Educate Yourself on Marketing
1. Read websites and books such as APE by Guy Kawasaki and Michael Kremer's books.
2. Join writer's organizations. Learn from your peers.
3. Network at writersâ(TM) groups, conferences, online forums, etc.
4. Check writersâ(TM) websites, materials, author talk/book signings. Learn from their examples.
Create Marketing Tools
1. Have a website to refer interested people. Build your own with online website builders (I used http://www.Weebly.com), or hire someone. Have them teach you to make future additions/edits to avoid paying each time.
2. Purchase your website name (domain) immediately. My book name was taken, so I added âoethe bookâ to the end of it.
3. Print flyers with your book cover, synopsis, photo, and bio to hand out at events.
4. Get business cards (I use http://www.Vistaprint.com.)
5. Compose a cover letter to email to prospects.
6. Post a video of yourself discussing your book on http://www.YouTube.com.
7. Add an electronic signature to your emails with links to your website and video.
Seek Venues Where You Can Promote
1. Identify your target audience and where they congregate. I target Boomers and seniors, so I seek places they frequent.
2. Ask friends and acquaintances. I got some guest speaking engagements this way.
3. Call potential venues to introduce yourself.
4. Follow up with a cover letter telling: purpose, book synopsis, bio, talk format, equipment needed, etc. so they understand and remember.
5. Join social media.
Promote Yourself
1. Sell yourself as well as your book. Develop a useful message other than just "buy my book." Mine is: I want to inspire Boomers and seniors to find a passion as a motivation to embrace life.
2. Give author talk/book signings. I have spoken at libraries, organizations, retirement communities, senior centers, etc. (Bonus: Iâ(TM)ve received honorariums from some.)
3. Volunteer to speak at book clubs, speakerâ(TM)s bureaus, panels, etc.
4. Mention your book in conversations using your "elevator speech:" a one-minute synopsis of your book with a hook to grab the listener.
5. Ask readers to post a review on Amazon and Goodreads.
6. Submit articles. Iâ(TM)ve been published in my local newspaper and my retirement newsletter.
7. Join HARO (http://www.helpareporter.com) to submit yourself as an interview subject for writers and journalists. Iâ(TM)ve had 6 interviews and will be in an upcoming book.
8. Write a blog of interest to your target audience. I use http://www.WordPress.com. Read their tutorials to learn how.
9. Look online for similar blogs. Submit guest blogs.
10. Build an email address list. Email a notice of each appearance, blog, etc.
11. Host a book giveaway on http://www.Goodreads.com.
12. Network or search online for professional reviewers. I submitted my book to http://www.midwestbookreview.com for small press publishers.
Targeting a specific audience produced the best results for me. My marketing tools enabled them to learn immediately about me and my memoir. Bookings came easily after that.
BIO: Lee Gale Gruen is an actress, author, speaker, and blogger. Her book website is: http://AdventuresWithDadTheBook.com. Her blog, "Reinventing Myself in My Senior Years" is at: http://LeeGaleGruen.Wordpress.com
competitions
BOOK PIPELINE COMPETITION
http://www.bookpipeline.com/
ENTRY FEE $50.
The Book Pipeline Competition, presented by Script Pipeline, is searching for playwrights and authors with material well-suited for film or television adaptation. Acceptable entries include: Novels (fiction or non-fiction), Book Proposals / Pitches, Graphic Novels, Plays. Prize $1,000. The winning writer will have meetings with Energy Entertainment (Extant), Benderspink (We're the Millers, A History of Violence), and Paradigm to discuss further development and the potential for production.
SISKIYOU PRIZE FOR NEW ENVIRONMENTAL LITERATURE
https://ashlandcreekpress.submittable.com/submit
$25 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline September 30, 2014. The Siskiyou Prize is open to unpublished, full-length prose manuscripts with environmental themes, including novels, memoirs, short story collections, and essay collections. Manuscripts should be approximately 40,000 to 90,000 words (i.e., please do not send novellas or individual essays or stories; please also note the contest is not open to poetry or childrenâ(TM)s books). The winner will receive a cash award of $1,000 and publication by Ashland Creek Press.
MIND MAGAZINE INSIGHT POETRY COMPETITION
http://www.mindmagazine.net/#!contests-and-submissions/c1j72
$10 ENTRY FEE (for 1-3 poems).
Each individual poem should not exceed three pages in length. First place $300. Second place $150. Third through fifth place $50. Deadline August 15, 2014.
DREAM QUEST POETRY AND WRITING CONTEST
http://www.dreamquestone.com/
Deadline July 31, 2014. Writing Contest entries may be written on a maximum of five pages, either neatly handwritten or typed, single or double line spacing, on any subject or theme. Poetry Contest entries may be written on any subject or theme. All poems must be 30 lines or fewer and either neatly handwritten or typed, single or double line spacing. Poetry: first place $250, second place $125, third place $50. Fiction: first place $500, second place $250, third place $100.
PAYTON JAMES FREEMAN ESSAY CONTEST
http://therumpus.net/2014/05/the-payton-james-freeman-essay-prize/
NO ENTRY FEE.
The Freeman Family, the Drake University Department of English and The Rumpus invite you to submit outstanding unpublished non-fiction essays of up to 3,500 words on the subject âoeAfter the Unhappy Endingâ. Students and faculty of Drake University will read all entries and choose the finalists. The winner will be selected by final judge Cheryl Strayed. Winner will be awarded $500, published in The Rumpus, and brought to Drake University in February 2015 to read from the winning essay and speak at a public event. Deadline September 30, 2014.
GRANTS
NEW JERSEY STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS INDIVIDUAL ARTIST FELLOWSHIPS
http://www.midatlanticarts.org/funding/artists_programs/fellowships/nj.html
Deadline: July 15, 2014. Fellowships are $7,000 to $12,000.
MARYLAND STATE ARTS COUNCIL INDIVIDUAL ARTIST AWARDS
http://www.midatlanticarts.org/funding/artists_programs/fellowships/md.html
Deadline: July 24, 2014. Awards are $1,000 to $6,000.
DELAWARE DIVISION OF THE ARTS INDIVIDUAL ARTIST FELLOWSHIP
http://www.midatlanticarts.org/funding/artists_programs/fellowships/de.html
Deadline: August 1, 2014. Fellowships are $3,000 to $10,000.
TENNESSEE ARTS COUNCIL GRANTS
http://www.tn.gov/arts/grants/grants.shtml
Professional individual artists may apply for Individual Artist Fellowships and Professional Development Support grants. Professional individual arts administrators may apply for Professional Development Support and Arts Education Teacher Incentive grants. Professional individual teaching artists on the Teaching Artist Roster and full-time classroom teachers, arts specialists, and principals may apply for AE Teacher Incentive grants.
FREELANCE MARKETS
DIABETES HEALTH
http://diabeteshealth.com/company/submission-guidelines.html
Diabetes Health is the essential resource for people living with diabetes - both newly diagnosed and experienced as well as the professionals who care for them. We provide balanced expert news and information on living healthfully with diabetes. Each issue includes cutting-edge editorial coverage of new products, research, treatment options, and meaningful lifestyle issues. Our feature stories run at a maximum of 1,500 words. Features should have at least three to five outside sources. We also accept shorter opinion pieces, columns (500 words each). Pays twenty cents/word.
DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/about/authors/
Diabetes Self-Management magazine is written for the growing number of people with diabetes who want to know more about controlling and managing their diabetes. Our readers need up-to-date and authoritative information on nutrition, pharmacology, exercise, medical advances, self-help, and a host of other how-to subjects. We address the day-to-day and long-term concerns of our readers in a positive and upbeat manner and enable them to make informed choices about managing their diabetes. Most articles range between 2,000 and 3,000 words. Pays up to $700.
PN MAGAZINE
http://pvamag.com/pn/magazine/article_submit/
PN continues to be an invaluable resource for people with spinal-cord injuries, family members and caregivers alike. It embodies the âoepowerâ of the spirit, the âoeprofessionalâ contributions to society, the âoepersonalâ story within each person, the âoepracticalâ resolve to carry on and even the âoeplayfulâ nature of the soul. In short â" we are PN, and we welcome you to better wheelchair living. Pays about ten cents/word for stories of 1,200 to 2,500 words.
SPORTS 'N SPOKES
http://pvamag.com/sns/about/contact/
The SPORTS `N SPOKES staff is comprised of a close knit group of professionals dedicated to the delivery of exciting content to the wheelchair sports and recreation community. Pays up to $250 for articles of 1,200 to 2,500 words.
JOBS
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Location Virtual
http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/jobview.asp?c=jfennf&joid=167836
A major media/publishing company seeks a part-time editor to oversee content, develop and maintain tone, occasionally write, and ensure quality of copy for a new weekly email/website. In addition to copy editing/proofreading, the editor will have a leadership voice in the launch and ongoing content development, curation and community strategy.
publishers/agents
CARLY WATTERS LITERARY AGENT
http://carlywatters.com/2014/06/24/mswl2014/
Fiction: Womenâ(TM)s fiction, commercial, historical, suspense or upmarket; Upmarket fiction; Literary coming-of-age novels; YA and adult books about: revolutions (i.e. French, South American), cults and communes, family secrets, settings that feel like characters; Southern-set novels; Gothic-style novels; YA contemporary; Literary Thrillers. Nonfiction: Health and Wellness Non Fiction, Memoirsâ"from people who have a platform (newsworthy story, blog or social media following is helpful); Business Books; Pop Science Books.
SEVENTH STREET BOOKS
http://www.seventhstreetbooks.com/submissions.html
Seventh Street Books® publishes only mystery and thriller fiction. We are not currently looking for short story collections, anthologies, novellas, or nonfiction.
NEW HORIZON PRESS
http://newhorizonpressbooks.com/submit.php3
We seek these categories: True crime, from the perspective of law enforcement, attorneys or loved ones seeking justice. Also self-help and psychological issues, such as phobias, teen suicide, blended families, relationship problems, etc. Timely topics for general audiences, preferably by credentialed professionals. Small advance and regular royalties. No memoirs or novels.
PENNY FARTHING PRODUCTIONS
http://www.pfproductions.com/
Penny Farthing Productions is pleased to present a wide variety of award-winning comics and children's books.
PICCADILLY PRESS
http://www.piccadillypress.co.uk/
We publish a wide range of books â" top teen fiction, exciting reads for confident readers, illustrated titles for younger readers, enticing picture books, and highly recommended parenting titles. Whether you are looking for thought-provoking novels, non-fiction guides, comfort-reading or side-splitting humour, weâ(TM)ve got something for everyone.
SPONSORS
Build A Writing Team
Genre: Non-Fiction. Self-help. Critique. Networking. Team building.
Author: G. M. Barlean
Publishing Imprint: Less Traveled Roads Publishing
You are competing with the best, so write the best book you can.
Building a support team is not as complicated as you think.
Available on Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords.
Call for Entries: Writers & Poets!
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-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: July 31, 2014
How to enter, visit: http://www.dreamquestone.com
Click here to visit Book Design Templates.- Instead
of trying to decide what your books should look like, we've made all
the decisions for you. Just follow our friendly instructional guide,
pour in your text and your book will be ready to go. All your styles and
formatting needs are coded into our templates for easy use. Enthusiastically endorsed by Hope!
ALSO - Our cover templates are out!
The template actually comes with 3 different files, one each for
CreateSpace, Lightning Source/Spark, and a generic template for other
printers. We've also packaged the template with 20 fonts to make using
it even easier.
 HAWK'S NEST WRITERS CONFERENCE
Hosted by Authors Kathy Erdman & Yvonne Hooks
Speakers include Lyle Ernst, Kim Sigafus, Lori Perkins, Anthony Wedgeworth and Keynote C. Hope Clark of FundsforWriters and The Carolina Slade Mystery Series
Saturday, July 12, 2914 9 a.m. -- 4 p.m.
State Bank of Cross Plains Conference Room
Black Earth, WI
Cost $50 (includes catered lunch)
To register of for further information call: 608-278-8575 608-278-8575
or email Kathy Erdman at: redtailhawkwoman44@yahoo.com
Credit Cards Accepted
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 CODE FFW2014 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
"Thank you for the gift of your creativity, insight, and problem-solving as I threw you question after question. The site captures my spirit and passion, and it honors my dream since childhood. I feel blessed to have come across you (thanks C Hope Clark!) and will recommend you to those who are in the market for a new site." --Lyn Fairchild Hawks, author, http://lynhawks.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
A few client sites:
http://yvonnepesquera.com/
http://lauraoles.com/
http://www.gwendolynhooks.com/
http://gwenflorio.net/
http://www.karenmrider.com/
http://www.katemeadows.com/
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
**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.
|
|
