FundsforWriters - July 25, 2014

Published: Fri, 07/25/14

Volume 14, Issue 29 | july 25, 2014

Message from the Editor

Spent the last two days with two writing friends, on retreat in my home. We talked like teenagers, brainstorming for titles, on writers block, about changing POVs, first person vs. close third. It was just awesome. We ate out the first night, came back and worked. Had a quick breakfast then brainstormed more, then headed out on my boat to a restaurant for dinner. Then back home with wine to wind down and brainstorm some more. The next morning, they were to leave early and didn't leave until almost noon. Needless to say, we cured so many ills and solved so many problems, but most of all, we understood what it was like to be writers and enjoyed collaborating with like souls. You ought to try it.

Editor, FundsforWriters

Email Hope | Visit Website

Newsletter: ISSN: 1533-1326

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SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

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Editor's THOUGHTS

TOO MUCH NOISE

Okay, everybody: Slow down and breathe.

Over the last few weeks, the publishing world has turned into this nasty fray of controversy and adversarial posts. It's like you weren't "in" or "cool" unless you chose a side.

Amazon vs. Hachette - No, I won't go into it here. Much of their back-and-forth is actually censored and barred from the public eye, but that didn't stop people around the globe from predicting what the big deal is and why one side is right of the other. Amazon is restricting Hachette's presence (and that of their authors) in Amazon due to some disagreement in contract renewal. I guarantee it's all about money. Both sides are in it for the money. Don't deceive yourself that either side cares about literature and authors' feelings.

Kindle Unlimited - For $9.99 per month you can read all the ebooks you want on your Kindle. No, not every book is on it. Nobody really understands how the authors get paid. Now when I see Netflix and Amazon referenced in a blog post, I just delete it.

July's AuthorEarnings Report - You may have never heard of it, so here it is. http://authorearnings.com/july-2014-author-earnings-report/ It talks about what authors, both traditional and indie, are earning in today's world. The hilarious part is that people are arguing the data, who the Data Guy is, and of course, your opinion depends on which side of the house you stand on. There are even discussions about discussions - Barry & Joe Discussing The Guardian Discussing AuthorEarnings - http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2014/07/barry-joe-discussing-guardian.html .

Tell me this: Have you let any of this take even one minute away from your writing? Worse, have you jumped into any discussion about it, worrying yourself at night how it will affect your life?

Then you let them win. Bet you didn't even know there was a competition.

All that noise is only making for people's journalism, blog posts and Facebook likes. Little you, in a world of so many writers, in a world of so many people, will not alter any of this with your opinion. You only eat up time from writing. And regardless of how any of this plays out, you will decide how you want to publish. You'll do it when your story is properly ready. And you'll do it to the best of your ability.

Do not get wrapped up in all this hub-bub. It only clutters your head and inhibits your storytelling. I could be wrong, but I see some of this as purely procrastination to keep you from your writing chores.

There will always be a way to publish. So for now, write.

-Hope Clark

Come see Hope at the Pelion Peanut Party all day on August 9, 2014, in beautiful Pelion, South Carolina. She'll be at the main peanut tent signing copies of Palmetto Poison, a Carolina Slade mystery set in the Pelion community. Peanuts, politics, murder, drugs, and plots to make your head spin.

"While this character and her adventures are irresistible, what really carries these books is Clark's writing talent. The author packs her books with a vivid storyline you can't help but become invested in, dialogue that uniquely showcases her Carolina roots, and a narrative voice that speaks to the reader as if she's sharing the story over whiskey on the porch. Slade has made me a C Hope Clark fan for life."

WORDS OF SUCCESS

You get the best out of others
when you give the best of yourself.

~ Harry Firestone

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

Hi Hope,

I have followed FundsforWriters since 2008 or so, back when I wistfully hoped to publish something somewhere someday. Your newsletters and the old Premium Green group (of which we were both members) introduced me to many fiction and nonfiction markets, including Chicken Soup for the Soul, which has now published over a dozen of my stories. You've been a personal inspiration as well. I still remember your prolonged querying process and your dogged determination through it all.

It's been a hard slog for me these past few years, too, but to happy results. Harper Voyager releases my steampunk fantasy novel, The Clockwork Dagger, on September 16th. I don't think I would have made it here without your support and perspective in those early years. You taught me to write and submit and to keep on submitting. Thank you!

Wishing you all the best,

~Beth Cato
http://www.bethcato.com

featured article

Online Gold Mines and Crapshoots for Freelance Writing and Market Jobs

By Kaitlin Glover

If you're a freelance writer, the task of finding quality, well-paying gigs can be a daunting one. Where do you start? How do you gurantee the jobs you're looking at are legit instead of scams? The bad news is that the internet is full of people who are willing to pay pennies on the dollar for hours of your skilled time. The good news is that for every one bad freelancing site you come across, there are at least three high-quality ones. While some sites charge a monthly fee, the sites below offer well-paying, reputable jobs for free, as well as game-changing, paid versions.

1. Mediabistro.com

This is one of the best sites I've ever encountered and is an essential site for the serious writer. If you're seeking industry news, freelance work, or information about the field, this should be one of your first stops. If you decide to opt for its paid subscription, the best magazine guidelines are included. Be sure to visit often for the latest, quality job listings.

2. Ed2010.com

Aimed at helping aspiring magazine editors, this website offers writing and industry advice, as well as opportunities to meet up with fellow freelancers near you. You can also use the WhisperJobs section to find freelance and full-time magazine work.

3. Fwointl.com

Freelance Writing Organization International is a free online database with thousands of job listings and freelance opportunities, where you can also learn about freelance writing and how to do it. Download the site's free writing resources toolbar for one-click access to job listings posted daily, resources and information on writing grants.

4. Marketlist.com

Looking to publish genre fiction? For over ten years, this database of markets and contests has helped freelancers by specializing in market listings and resources for writers of children's books, science fiction, mysteries and more.

5. Freelancer.com

After its launch in 2003, this site has grown into one of the world's biggest outsourcing destinations. Recently, Freelancer has acquired vWorker and Scriptlance, the two powerhouses in the freelancing market, and is now bigger than ever. Freelancer makes it easy to sign up and start earning, and is perfect for newbies and even professional freelancers.

6. Elance.com

Launched in the year 1999, Elance is referred to as the oldest and most trusted freelance website, boasting a total freelance transaction of about a half a billion dollars. With a large number of freelancers in fields like content writing and development and about 50,000 jobs posted every month, there's always a huge scope of opportunities. By opting for the paid subscription, it's ridiculously easy to earn a living.

7. FundsforWriters.com

If you're looking for information about grants, fellowships, contests and other ways to get paid by penning words, this is the site for you.

Sites to Avoid

It's tempting to be lured into content mills like Demand Studios and Yahoo! Voices, where it looks like you might stand a chance to land something, even if you don't have the biggest portfolio yet. While it may seem like these sites are your best bet when you're a newcomer, they're largely a crapshoot when it comes to winning a project. These sites are a rush for the lowest bid, and you're competing against hundreds if not thousands of other desperate freelancers prepared to sell their first born for the chance to write someone's 250-page ebook.

Don't sell yourself short. Your skills and time are worth far more, and there are clients out there who will recognize and honor that. Hold out for the good ones. Have a little patience, keep persevering and you will find clients who truly value you.

###

Kaitlin Glover is a Southern writer who is growing her empire day by day. You can find her at wattpad.com/katiekatt, or curled up with a good book.

competitions

RIVER TEETH'S BOOK PRIZE
http://www.riverteethjournal.com/contests
$27 ENTRY FEE.
River Teeth's editors and editorial board conduct a yearly national contest to identify the best book-length manuscript of literary nonfiction. The winner will receive $1,000 and publication. Deadline October 15, 2014.

PALETTES & QUILLS FOURTH BIENNIAL CHAPBOOK CONTEST
http://www.palettesnquills.com/palettes__quills_2nd_biennial_p.htm
$20 ENTRY FEE.
Submit a manuscript of poetry, between 14-50 pages. The winner will receive a prize of $200 plus 50 copies of the published book. Deadline September 30, 2014.

RAC DRIVING ABROAD SHORT STORY CONTEST
http://www.rac.co.uk/short-story
We've created a national short story competition based on the theme of driving in Europe. The Driving Abroad Short Story Competition 2014 is a great opportunity to showcase your writing talent. And if you win you'll scoop £500 and FREE RAC 5 European Breakdown Cover for a year. Plus, you'll also have your story published in the RAC's online club magazine. Two runners up will be awarded £100 M&S vouchers and all shortlisted entries have the chance to be published on our website. Limit 1,000 words. Deadline September 11, 2014.

LES FIGUES PRESS CONTEST
http://www.lesfigues.com/submit/
$25 ENTRY FEE.
A prize of $1,000 and publication by Les Figues Press will be given for the winning poetry or prose manuscript. Deadline: September 15, 2014. All entrants receive a Les Figues title of their choosing (see submissions form for full list of available titles). Submit a manuscript of 64-250 pages.

WRITER'S BLOCK POETRY CONTEST
http://www.memorious.org/
$10 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline October 15, 2014. $500, plus publication in Memorious. Send 1 - 3 previously unpublished poems.

GRANTS

HAMBIDGE RESIDENCIES
http://www.hambidge.org/application.html
Hambidge provides a residency program that empowers talented artists to explore, develop, and express their creative voices. Situated on 600 acres in the mountains of north Georgia, Hambidge is a sanctuary of time and space that inspires artists working in a broad range of disciplines to create works of the highest caliber. Apply from December 1 through January 15 for the May through August residency period. Apply from March 1 through April 15 for the September through December residency period. Apply from August 1 through September 15 for the mid-February through April residency period. Hambidge is closed from mid-December to mid-February. All new applicants will automatically be considered for the NEA Fellowship which provides a $700 stipend and removes residency fees for two weeks. This is offered to the nine top scoring candidates. Many other Distinguished Fellowships are available.

WRITERSFUNDING.COM
http://www.writersfunding.com
WritersFunding is a crowdfunding platform where people who want to raise money for their writing project can create fundraising campaigns to tell their story and get the word out. WritersFunding is also a Community where Publishing Industry Experts, Editors, Marketing Professionals, Publicist's et al provide their unique insights to our WritersFunding Members. Writers from all over the world can use WritersFunding, both to raise money and to contribute to other people's passions.

PUBLISHIZER
https://publishizer.com/
If you're on a mission to self-publish your book in the most epic style possible, you've come to the right place. If you're passionate about turning your ideas into a work of art, assembling a professional publishing team, and delivering massive value to your readers, Publishizer is for you.

PUBSLUSH
http://www.pubslush.com
With our specialized focus on the literary world, Pubslush is able to cater our services to authors, publishing professionals and literary trendsetters. Our personalized customer service helps to ensure the success of Pubslush projects and offers valuable tools and services to help our campaigners succeed on Pubslush and beyond. Our Community Pages offer publishers and industry professionals the opportunity to harness the power of crowdfunding by creating their own customized pages. Through these pages publishers can raise funds, collect pre-orders and conduct comprehensive pre-publication marketing campaigns. Industry professionals can offer a branded crowdfunding solution to the writers they work closely with while building their own audience and community.

FREELANCE MARKETS

ESCAPEES
http://www.escapees.com/magazine/Docs/WritersGuidelines.pdf
Escapees magazine's contributors are RVers interested in sharing the RV lifestyle. Our audience includes full-time RVers, snowbirds, and those looking forward to traveling extensively. Escapees members have varying levels of experience; therefore, the magazine looks for a wide variety of material, beyond what is found in conventional RV magazines, and we welcome submissions on all phases of RV life, especially relevant mechanical/technical information. Payment will not exceed $150 per article and word count is limited to 1,500 words.

WOMEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION
http://www.wihe.com/displayNews.jsp?id=47601
Do you research women in higher education? Is there a book you want to review related to gender and higher education? Have a program for women in higher education that succeeded or failed? Do you want to talk about issues of gender and equality? Send your 50-100 word pitch in addition to a brief bio to our editor Liana Silva-Ford, at editor@wihe.com, and explain to her what you bring to the table! Pays $150. Deadline July 31, 2014. Most columns around 1,100 words.

CICADA MAGAZINE
https://cricketmag.submittable.com/submit/17820
We are a YA lit/comics magazine fascinated with the lyric and strange and committed to work that speaks to teens' truths. We publish poetry, realistic and genre fic, essay, and comics by adults and teens. Call for Submissions: Maps & Monsters. Deadline July 31, 2014. Cicada's out to fill an upcoming issue with krakens, ogres, and other beasties, literal and figurative. We're interested in the monstrous as dangerous and strong; in monsters that lurk without and within. Monsters may show up on maps (especially weatherbeaten old sea charts), though largely as shorthand for the uncharted and unnamed. We're interested in the way maps help navigate the wilderness, inspire exploration, and track relationships, spatial and otherwise. Nonfiction up to 5,000 words and fiction up to 9,000 words. Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word.

BOOK SMUGGLERS
http://thebooksmugglers.com/2014/05/announcing-book-smugglers-publishing-we-want-your-short-stories.html
We are looking for subversive fairy tale retellings. These retellings need not be reimaginings of Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm, or Charles Perrault (although we love these fables and are happy to read and consider any retellings); we want a broader pool of stories, traditions, and canons to choose from. We are looking for original speculative fiction, between 1,500 and 17,500 words long. We will be paying $0.05 per word up to $500 (although we welcome stories from a minimum of 1,500 words and up to a maximum of 17,500 words long). Deadline July 31, 2014.

THE HEALTH JOURNAL
http://www.thehealthjournals.com/about-us/editorial/
Every issue of The Health Journal contains a variety of content ranging from feature stories to physician-written columns, local interest to general interest. Regular departments include fitness, nutrition, men's health, running, parenting, family health, senior health, natural healing and more. The Health Journal agrees to pay a baseline of 15 cents per word for original work based on the final published word count.

JOBS

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Location Naperville, IL
http://www.sourcebooks.com/company/careers.html
Sourcebooks is seeking an outstanding individual to join our editorial department as an Editorial Assistant or Assistant Editor. The editor will provide project and content development of adult nonfiction books and execute a variety of projects for our senior acquisitions team. This growth position allows the employee to learn the acquisition and development process, sharpen organization and process management skills, and work with remarkable authors while supporting various department functions, acquiring editors, and book and product lines.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS INTERNSHIP
Location New York City
http://www.sourcebooks.com/company/careers.html
Get your foot in the door in book publishing! We're a fast-growing independent publishing house seeking interns to assist us with all editorial aspects of book publishing. The New York office houses our children's book imprint, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, and our new Young Adult imprint, Sourcebooks Fire. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest or background in children's books. Detail-oriented, organized individual must have the ability to juggle and coordinate short- and long-term projects. Proofreading, publishing, or bookstore experience a plus. Email cover letter and resume to kate.prosswimmer@sourcebooks.com.

NOTE: More internships in Chicago and Connecticut.

publishers/agents

GREAT ESCAPE PUBLISHING
http://www.greatescapepublishing.com/
Great Escape Publishing publishes home-study programs and leads workshops that help our members get paid to travel. Travel writing, photography, create-your-own-tours, travel blogging and import/export are our main areas of focus. Great Escape Publishing publishes articles on the craft or business of getting paid to travel, whether by writing, photography, tours or other means. We also publish short interviews with successful readers and members as well as professionals working in a field that enables our readers to get paid to travel. We pay $50-$75 for articles we request for the website, $100-$150 for interviews and personal stories, and $150-$200 for articles with specific income advice a reader can print and follow to earn more income. Articles are 300 to 600 words.

CRIMSON ROMANCE
http://www.crimsonromance.com/submissions/
Crimson Romance, a popular book publisher of heartfelt romance novels, is inviting authors to submit short romance stories (10K-20K words) for three deadline-driven holiday romance themes:
Deadline August 15th: Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa 2014.
Deadline August 15th: New Year's Eve 2015.
Deadline October 15th: Valentine's Day 2015. T
he publisher is also seeking sports romance stories.

4WORD PRESS
http://4wordpublishing.com/submissions/
Our fiction imprint, 4Word Press, publishes a wide variety of authors and titles. It is paramount that books have a strong narrative with developed characters that evoke and engage. We are currently accepting both agented and non-agented manuscripts. Here is a list of fiction we will not consider: Inspirational or religious, Early reader (nothing under middle grade).

ECW PRESS
http://www.ecwpress.com/popclassics
Call for submissions. Pop Classics will offer intelligent but accessible arguments about why a particular pop phenomenon matters. Possible subjects include TV, music, books series/authors, film, and video games. It can be something nostalgic (The Cosby Show, Babysitters Club novels) or contemporary (Community, Feist), as long as it's something meaningful: to you, to its genre, to pop culture, and maybe even to society as a whole. Running between 20,000 and 40,000 words, Pop Classics are short books that pack a big punch.

LITTLE BIGFOOT
http://www.sasquatchbooks.com/about/
Thank you for your interest in Sasquatch Books. We publish a variety of nonfiction books, as well as children's books under our Little Bigfoot imprint. We are happy to consider queries and proposals from authors and agents for new projects that fit into our West Coast regional publishing program.