|
SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
Editor's THOUGHTS
ABSORBING
We know what it's like to stand in a library, especially a cool, unique, or vast library. It's as if a subtle energy hangs in the air, sticking to you, seeping into your skin as you walk around. As Mark Twain said, we feel like we absorb the wisdom in those books just by being in their presence. To a certain degree, that's true.
Just like we tell our children, we are the company we keep. To become a better writer, we need to hang with better writers. That doesn't necessarily mean you've earned the right to snub new writers. We all should give back. But it means we don't improve if we don't study those who've gone before us . . . and achieved some degree of success.
Mystery authors should read stellar mysteries to determine how to become better at the craft. Same goes for all the genres. When we aren't writing, we ought to be reading what we hope to achieve one day.
Not that I want to pick on poets, because the message applies to any type of writer, but it seems I receive the most requests from poets on how to publish, promote, and sell. The second most heard from group is the memoir writer. The first question I ask them is this: "How many contemporary books of poetry have you bought and read this year?" or "How many memoirs have you read this year?"
They never tell me, because they haven't read any. Instead I get comments like, "I see what you mean."
How can we know what to write if we don't read what's worked? What is good romance? What is good fantasy? What makes for great literary fiction?
Critique groups work much the same way. When we surround ourselves with people striving to improve, we feel enthused about climbing that ladder to a higher plane than the one we're on now.
Read good work. Connect with enthusiastic, consistent, diligent writers. Yes, it does absorb into you, and one day you'll look back and compare your talent then to now, and understand why.
-Hope Clark
|
Hope will be at Killer Nashville, a conference for mystery fans and authors held annually in Nashville, Tennessee - www.killernashville.com- on Saturday August 23, 2014. Held downtown at the Omni Hotel. Come say hi!
"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
In a good bookroom you feel in some mysterious way that you are absorbing the wisdom contained in all the books through your skin, without even opening them.
~ Mark Twain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Carolina Slade Mystery Series
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 wanted to thank you for writing about Chicken Soup for the Soul books. You noted one last year for calls on a Chicken Soup book about dogs. I wrote my story how my dog saved my life. It was accepted and will be on the bookshelves August 19, 2014 in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dog Did What? Finally got one of my stories published, thanks to your FundsforWriters articles. Now to find someone who will publish my two novels - one a comedy drama, the other sci-fi.
Thanks again for all you do!
Charly Swier
featured article
How to Nurture the Markets You Know
By Behlor Santi
Recently, I hung out on an online writers' workshop group, and the talk traveled to diversification. My fellow writers tried to convince me, yet again, to write for businesses and corporations. This didn't sound totally right to me. Wasn't magazine publishing a business, too? I said that, for now, I would stick to articles. The moderator, an internationally praised freelance journalist, praised my fortitude. In the end, I guessed, it was about sticking to what you know, what made you comfortable.
Over the last year, I realized that sticking to good markets, like staying faithful to a good spouse, could save your life in the end. I learned to nurture the markets I knew. Like most people, I hated selling myself to strangers. Strange magazine editors, with their cold inboxes and expectations of "knock-your-sock-off" queries, were no exception.
This realization had improved my relationships with editors. Now I feel more confident that I'll get off welfare and succeed, again, as a full-time writer. I have hope again in the "meat market" freelancer situation of 2014, where A+ authors are competing like never before with the merely very good. I always considered myself a wonderful writer, but fighting for crumbs with Columbia Journalism School grads had really depressed me.
In the end, I ended up being the girl who learned that she didn't have to attract the captain of the football team, or even had to work overtime to be pretty and dateable - at least in this cutthroat market. She just had to be laid-back with unglamorous but well-paying and consistent magazine markets.
Finding Faithful Markets
I have three rules to finding, keeping, and nurturing markets.
1. When contacting a magazine with a query or letter of introduction, I like to deal with publications that respond quickly. For first-time assignments, I don't deal with any magazine that doesn't make a decision within two weeks. The old-style, three-month rule of New York publishing doesn't apply to most magazines currently looking for freelancers. Your market should be like a date that's TRULY interested
in you.
2. I also prefer magazines that are generous with assignment information. Obviously, knowing how to create a professional article is paramount. However, I hate it when an editor leaves everything to me; possible conflicts can and often do arise. I always verify length of article, deadline, slant of article, and of course payment amount.
3. After finishing an article for a publication, if they encourage me to submit more stuff, they make me especially happy, and they go to the head of my idea queue. I admit that some publications are not pro-active. They are like the shy but good guy, and sometimes, I make the first step to maintain a good relationship. However, perpetually making the first step with markets that don't respond is a waste of time.
I only have a limited time for my career. For the best use of my effort, I emphasize my work with markets that respond to me quickly, consistently, and professionally.
Markets
Here are five trade magazines currently looking for freelancers who deliver consistently.
Minority Nurse Magazine
http://www.minoritynurse.com
Contact: Megan Larkin
mlarkin@springerpub.com
Tea & Coffee Trade Journal
http://www.teaandcoffee.net
Contact: Vanessa Facenda
v.facenda@lockwoodpublications.com
Vineyard & Winery Management
http://www.vwmmedia.com
Contact: Tina Caputo
tcaputo@vwmmedia.com
Medical Economics
http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/
Contact: Dan Verdon
dverdon@advanstar.com
Cleveland Business Connects (CBC) Magazine
http://www.cbcmagazine.com
Contact: Thomas Skernivitz
tom@cbcmagazine.com
--
Find out more about Behlor-
Email: thebxscribbler1980@gmail.com
Website: http://www.behlorsanti.net
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/behlor-santi/53/32/193
competitions
OFF THE GRID CONTEST
http://offthegridpress.net/submissions/
$25 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline August 31, 2014. The competition is open only to poets over 60 years of age. The winner will receive $1,000 and publication. Manuscript must be typed, paginated, and 50 - 70 pages in length, single-spaced. We do not accept double-sided manuscripts.
THE MAINE REVIEW ROCKY COAST CONTEST
http://www.TheMaineReview.com
ENTRY FEE $10.
The Maine Review is a new literary magazine featuring creative nonfiction, poetry, short fiction, essays, and prose. Each cover is graced by the work of a Maine artist. Contest is open to all published and unpublished writers, and all submissions are considered for publication in the Fall 2014 issue. Maximum length of 1,500 words, 60 lines for poetry. Deadline September 15, 2014. First prize $150, second prize $50. All genres eligible for prizes.
RICHARD SULLIVAN PRIZE IN SHORT FICTION
http://english.nd.edu/creative-writing/publications/sandeen-sullivan-prizes/
$15 ENTRY FEE.
A prize of $1,000 and publication by the University of Notre Dame Press is given biennially for a short story collection as well as a $500 advance. Writers who have published at least one short story collection are eligible. Submit two copies of a manuscript of 100 to 500 pages, a curriculum vitae, and a $15 entry fee, which includes a subscription to Notre Dame Review. The author will be offered a standard contract with the University of Notre Dame Press. Deadline September 1, 2014.
MANCHESTER POETRY PRIZE
http://www.manchesterwritingcompetition.co.uk/poetry2014/index.php
£17.50 ENTRY FEE.
The 2014 Manchester Poetry Prize will award a cash prize of £10,000 to the writer of the poems submitted. All entrants are asked to submit a portfolio of three to five poems (total maximum line length: 120). The poems can be on any subject, and in any style, but must be new work, not previously published or currently under consideration elsewhere. Deadline August 29, 2014.
REAL SIMPLE ESSAY CONTEST
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/inspiration-motivation/second-annual-life-lessons-essay-contest-00000000013682/index.html
NO ENTRY FEE.
Have you ever had a eureka moment? Tell us about it. Think back on the instant when everything became clear. The split second when you realized that you had chosen the right career. Or the moment when you knew that your dearest friendship would last forever. Whether your epiphany changed your life or just made your day, write it down and share it with us. Enter Real Simple's seventh annual Life Lessons Essay Contest and you could have your essay published in Real Simple and receive a prize of $3,000. Send your typed, double-spaced submission (1,500 words maximum, preferably in a Microsoft Word document). Deadline September 18, 2014.
GRANTS
ARTS & SCIENCE COUNCIL OF CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBERG
http://artsandscience.org/gfindividuals/regional-artist-project-grants
Artists are eligible to apply for up to $2,000. The program provides individuals with project support for the enhancement of their artistic development. Grant awards may be used for a single professional development experience (for example, a workshop or conference fee) or to purchase or rent a piece of equipment. The grant program is offered by the arts councils of Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Rutherford, Union and York (SC) counties. Artists who have lived in these counties for one year are eligible to apply. Deadline Friday, September 19, 2014 @ NOON.
GUGGENHEIM FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIPS - US AND CANADA
http://www.gf.org/
Fellowships for advanced professionals in all fields - including the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and creative arts, except the performing arts. Last year, the program awarded fellowships to one hundred and eighty-one scholars, artists, and scientists. Often characterized as "mid-career" awards, the fellowships are intended for individuals who have already demonstrated exceptional capacity for productive scholarship or exceptional creative ability in the arts. The program seeks to further the development of scholars and artists by helping them engage in research in any field of knowledge and creation in any of the arts, under the freest possible conditions. The foundation understands the performing arts to be those in which an individual interprets work created by others. Accordingly, the foundation will provide fellowships to composers but not conductors, singers, or instrumentalists; choreographers but not dancers; filmmakers, playwrights, and performance artists who create their own work but not actors or theater directors. Grant amounts vary, and the foundation does not guarantee it will fully fund any project. Application deadline is September 19, 2014.
UCROSS FOUNDATION RESIDENCIES
http://www.ucrossfoundation.org/
Provides uninterrupted time, work space, and living accommodations to competitively selected visual artists, writers, and composers. Accepting applications for its 2015 Spring Residency program, which runs from late-February to mid-June. Residencies vary in length from two weeks to six weeks. Most meals are provided, and there is cell phone service on the property as well as wireless Internet connection for resident use. Residents are responsible for providing their own working materials and for their travel to Sheridan, Wyoming. There is no charge for a residency. Artists, writers, and composers from the United States and around the globe in any stage of their professional careers are invited to apply. Deadline October 1, 2014.
AMERICAN ACADEMY IN ROME
http://www.aarome.org/apply/rome-prize/procedure-requirements
The Rome Prize is awarded to thirty emerging North American artists and scholars in the early or middle stages of their careers who exemplify the highest standard of excellence in arts and humanities scholarship. Fellows are chosen from the disciplines of architecture, design, historic preservation and conservation, landscape architecture, literature, musical composition, visual arts, ancient studies, Medieval studies, Renaissance and Early Modern studies, and Modern Italian studies. Each Rome Prize winner is provided with a stipend, meals, a bedroom with private bath, and a study or studio. Winners of six-month and eleven-month fellowships receive stipends of $16,000 and $28,000, respectively. Deadline November 1, 2014.
BRUSH CREEK RESIDENCIES
http://www.brushcreekarts.org
The Foundation for the Arts is located on the historic Brush Creek Ranch, a century old, 15,000-acre guest and working cattle ranch at the base of the Medicine Bow National Forest in Saratoga, Wyoming. The residency program is situated in the riparian corridor of Brush Creek, in between the Sierra Madre and Snowy Mountain ranges. Open to all artists over 18. There is a $30 application fee. Residents are responsible for transportation to Ranch or Laramie Regional Airport.
FREELANCE MARKETS
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: HOPE & MIRACLES
http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Seeking 101 inspirational stories of faith, answered prayers, and divine intervention. We want this book to be for everyone -- whether religious or secular. Please remember, we no longer publish "as told to" stories. Please write in the first person. Do not ghostwrite a story for someone else unless you list that person as the author. Pays $200 and 10 copies of the book. Articles must be nonfiction and under 1,200 words.
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: THANKS TO MY MOM
http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
We're looking for stories about moms of all ages, from young mothers to great-grandmothers, and everything in between. Please remember, we no longer publish "as told to" stories. Please write in the first person about you and your mom. Do not ghostwrite a story for someone else unless you list that person as the author. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it. Deadline October 20, 2014.
POETRY MAGAZINE
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/submissions
We consider original works written in the English language as well as translations of poetry into English. Payment is made on publication at the rate of $10 per line (with a minimum payment of $300), and $150 per page of prose, for first serial rights. All rights will revert to the author upon publication. Authors will also receive two contributor copies of the issue in which their work appears.
EARTH ISLAND JOURNAL
http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/guidelines/
Island Journal is always looking for compelling and distinctive stories that anticipate environmental concerns before they become pressing problems, stories that scan the horizon for the next big issue. We want stories that will surprise, provoke, and entertain our readers and that explore new territory overlooked by other publications. We cover the entire spectrum of environmental issues, including: wildlife and lands conservation; innovations in science and technology; public policy and the politics of environmental protection; climate and energy; animal rights; public health; environmental justice and cultural survival; and environmentally related film, music, and books. We pay writers 25 cents/word for shorter dispatches (1,200-1,500 words) and for longer investigative features (2,500-3,000 words). You can expect to earn about $750-$1,000 for an in-depth feature story.
MOTHER JONES
http://www.motherjones.com/about/writer-guidelines
Pays up to $1/word. We're interested in just about anything that will raise our readers' eyebrows, but we focus especially on these areas: national politics, environmental issues, corporate wrongdoing, human rights, and political influence in all spheres.
JOBS
NO JOBS THIS WEEK
publishers/agents
GUERNICA
http://www.guernicaeditions.com/contact
Please note that Guernica will not be accepting manuscript submissions between May 1 and December 31. Our annual reading period runs from January 1 to April 30. Aside from the original Guernica Editions queries (pertaining to literary and cultural material), we have expanded the publishing house to include the MiroLand imprint. Under MiroLand, we accept queries in the areas of memoir, how-to, self-help, graphic novels, art books, cookbooks and children's literature, as well as genre literature. When querying to the MiroLand imprint, please indicate as much.
HACHAI PUBLISHING
http://hachai.com/newsite2012/
Hachai Publishing is dedicated to producing high quality children's literature with Jewish themes. Our books promote universal values such as sharing, kindness and charity, and teach Jewish history and tradition. We feature the work of exciting new authors and artists to create books that you and your child can enjoy over and over again.
HELLGATE PRESS
http://hellgatepress.com/
Hellgate Press offers you the best in books about the military - Military History, Veteran Memoirs, and Military Fiction - as well as non-fiction Travel Adventure and Historical/Adventure Fiction books. From America's wars - WII, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq - to her mountains, rivers and people, Hellgate Press has just the book for you.
HIGHLAND PRESS
http://www.highlandpress.org/submissionguidelines.htm
Highland Press is at the present particularly interested in expanding our Christian/Inspirational/family line -- both historical and contemporary stories. We're looking for outstanding manuscripts of all genres and timeframes -- with the exception of erotica. (Absolutely no graphic sex scenes, please!) We want love and romance. A HEA. Emotion. Not just sex.
HOLIDAY HOUSE
http://www.holidayhouse.com/holiday_house.php
Holiday House is an independent publisher of children's books only. We specialize in quality hardcovers, from picture books to young adult, both fiction and nonfiction. We publish children's books for ages four and up. We do not publish mass-market books, including, but not limited to, pop-ups, activity books, sticker books, coloring books, or licensed books.
SPONSORS
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.
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
A few testimonials from happy clients:
"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:
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 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. |
|
