|
SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
Enjoy a FREE Master Class in Creative Writing Success
Enroll
FREE in a 14-part 'mini course' in short story writing success. This
highly acclaimed Writers' Village 'Master Class' shows you how to get
published -
profitably - plus win cash prizes in fiction awards.Discover how to open
a chapter with 'wow' impact, add new energy to a scene, build a
character in moments, sustain page-turning suspense even through long
passages of exposition... plus 97 other powerful ideas you can use at
once.
Enjoy the course without charge now at: http://www.writers-village.org/writing-success.php
Editor's THOUGHTS
I HAVE THIS STORY, you know?
Lately, writers have contacted me about their first book, first story, first collection, asking me how they can get it published. A first story is never good enough to publish, unfortunately, but that doesn't stop writers from making it better. It also doesn't stop them from envisioning that story one day in print, therefore, making authors build a sixth sense about hunting for markets and publishers. But writers don't need to write a story and immediately see it published.
As a matter of fact, they better hope they don't.
Matching markets and stories takes a skill over time. A writer learns to keep an eye open for markets, and an ear open for a good story. Because you wrote a story doesn't mean you stop what you're doing and find the market. Finding a good market might mean filing it away until you find that perfect story. It's a dual effort to think market and story, story and market, until you find a match that works. But you can't get hung up on that one story, or that one market. A writer must learn how to juggle, list, and collect.
Matching publisher and book takes a skill over time as well. You need to understand the profession, know the differences in publishers and types of publishing. I say this at conferences all the time: If you do not understand the details of publishing, both DIY and legacy (or what used to be self-publishing and traditional), then you WILL make a mistake. Who wants to spend all that time writing and editing only to throw it away with a poor publishing choice?
Finally, writing well takes time. It isn't an instinct. You are not born with it. You do not accidentally write a stupendous tale. You develop this talent with hard work and a crazy number of hours invested in making your craft better.
So . . . maybe you do have this story. Now comes the hard part. Now's when you decide how much homework you're willing to do to do that story justice.
P.S. A reminder that Palmetto Poison, the third in the Carolina Slade Mystery Series, is $1.99 on Kindle through the end of January.
P.P.S. Another reminder that TOTAL FundsforWriters is the extended version of this newsletter, with 75 markets, contests, grants, etc. and still at the ten-year-old cost of $15 for 26 issues. A great way to find opportunities to make money, without the hours of searching. Some subscribers have been around since TOTAL's origin a decade ago...they swear by it that much.
-Hope Clark
|
Upcoming Book Signings and Classes!
March 3, 2015 - Story Structure Class, Irmo, SC Library - 7 PM
March 7, 2015 - Multi-author signing, Irmo, SC Library - 2-5 PM
March 22-24, 2015 - PubSense, Charleston, SC, Francis Marion Hotel
April 7, 2015 - Chapin Women's Club, Lake Murray Sailing Club, Chapin, SC
April 25, 2015 - One-day Fiction Class, HawksNest Writers, Madison, WI
May 29, 2015 - Savannah Book Club, Savannah, GA - 6 PM
June 20-21, 2015 - Southeast Writers Conf, St Simons Island, GA
June 25-27, 2015 - Freelance Writing, Midwest Writing Center, Davenport, IA
|
WORDS OF SUCCESS
Every writer I know has trouble writing. ~ Joseph Heller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MURDER ON EDISTO
A big city detective
A Lowcountry crime
When her husband is murdered by the Russian
mob, Boston detective Callie Jean Morgan suffers a mental break and
relinquishes her badge to return home to South Carolina. She has no idea how to
proceed with her life, but her son deserves to move on with his, so she relocates
them to the family vacation home.
But the day they arrive on Edisto Beach, Callie
finds her childhood mentor and elderly neighbor murdered. Her fragile sanity is
threatened when the murderer taunts her, and the home that was to be her
sanctuary is repeatedly violated. Callie loses her fight to walk away from law
enforcement as she becomes the only person able to pursue the culprit who's turned
the coastal paradise into a paranoid patch of sand where nobody's safe. But what
will it cost her?
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,
I'm writing to say thank you for all you do. I do so look forward to my "Hope" mail. Often it's the only one I will open for the day. I left a career in broadcasting and became a stay-at-home mom about three months ago. Finally, I felt I could work on my writing. Let me just say, I seriously underestimated the amount of work all the full time moms do everyday. I can barely find time to sleep, much less write. You have, unknowingly, walked beside me on this journey. Sometimes, when I'm making excuses or losing confidence, you speak to me through your newsletter and say, "Hey you! Write! Just write! Write everyday! Don't think about writing the perfect piece or the history-making piece, just write!"
Thank you, Hope.
I just learned that one of my pieces will be included in a Chicken Soup for the Soul in a few months. It's not a work of utmost importance, but it just may encourage or bless many who read it - much like you bless and encourage me.
In gratitude,
Edie Schmidt
http://edieschmidt.tumblr.com
PS FROM HOPE - The lady knows how to write. I enjoyed her site.
featured article
Tips for Submitting to Literary Magazines
By Katherine Mayfield
As editor of the Maine Review, I'm often asked what I look for in submissions. As a writer who has submitted to literary magazines, I know the process is fraught with anxiety, hope, and an occasional bit of dread. It's sad that there's no easier way for editors to discover excellent writing than through an impersonal submission process, and I hope that by sharing my thoughts I can help make the experience of submitting a little easier for you.
 Let me say first that there would be no Maine Review, or New York Times, or Amazon.com without writers. Though writers often feel they're at the bottom of the totem pole, the fact is that writing is actually the cornerstone of the entire industry. Be proud that you're a writer.
As an editor, it's a thrill for me to read a piece of writing that grabs me in the first paragraph, carries me along, and moves me in some way--whether to tears, laughter, or amazement that someone could so clearly express powerful feelings, ideas, and metaphors that I can deeply relate to as a fellow human being.
Writing is powerful. The process of writing can be powerful, healing, enraging, ennobling -- it's one of the purest forms of self-expression because it comes straight from inspiration. What many writers ignore (or don't realize) is that there's a second part to the process, and that is craft.
There are many excellent books on craft: Stephen King's On Writing and Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird are two of the best. You owe it to your muse to learn the craft of writing, so you can make the words of your inspiration as compelling as possible.
 Over the years, I've edited books in every genre, and I'm amazed that some writers will write a novel without reading over it to tighten, focus, delete, and expand to make the book as compelling as possible. Rewriting isn't always as fun as penning the first draft, but it's what truly makes the story.
That said, here are a few tips to keep in mind when submitting:
1. Find out what kind of work the lit mag publishes, and choose your submissions accordingly. You can often get a copy through your interlibrary loan system, or find previously published issues on the website.
2. Go deep. Readers love to experience what they're reading, to relate to it on a visceral or emotional level. Gutsy writing is always appreciated.
3. Reading a piece through without noticing an error is a real joy for editors. I always suggest that writers have their work edited before submitting it anywhere. At least run the work through the spell checker, and fix what comes up. One or two typos doesn't mean the end of the world, but a piece that has numerous typos feels carelessly done, no matter how good the writing.
 4. Follow instructions. It's amazing how many people, in every walk of life, fail to follow instructions. At the Review, we usually ask for a cover page along with a submission, so that we can easily keep track of a writer's contact info. When we're running a contest (deadline for the current contest is February 10th), we need a separate cover sheet to tag entries for the blind judging process. When we receive a submission that doesn't follow instructions, there's a tendency to assume that the writing might not be that good either -- even if that's often not true.
Above all, enjoy the process of writing! Remember that editors love discovering the next great writer -- and it could be you. Good luck!
BIO:
NOTE: Enter the Maine Review writing contest. Prizes include $100 for the best prose piece and $100 for the best poem, as well as a free subscription for winners of Honorable Mention awards. All entries will be considered for publication in the Spring issue and future issues. Deadline February 10th.
competitions
ALLEN GINSBERG POETRY AWARDS
http://www.pccc.edu/poetry
$18 ENTRY FEE.
Sponsored by the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College. Submit up to five unpublished poems. First prize, $1,000; second prize, $200; third prize, $100. Deadline April 1, 2015.
PATERSON PRIZE FOR BOOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
http://www.pccc.edu/poetry
NO ENTRY FEE.
For books published in 2014. $500 award in each category: Pre-K - Grade 3; Grades 4 - 6; and Grades 7 - 12. Deadline March 15, 2015.
PATERSON FICTION PRIZE
http://www.pccc.edu/poetry
NO ENTRY FEE.
For a novel or collection of short fiction published in 2014. $1,000 award. Deadline April 1, 2015.
FUGUE'S 2015 ANNUAL POETRY AND PROSE CONTESTS
https://fugue.submittable.com/submit
$15 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline May 1, 2015. We accept between 1-3 poems and no more than one short story or one essay. Winners in each genre receive $1,000 and will be published in the 25th anniversary (next summer/fall print) issue of Fugue.
GRANTS
SUSTAINABLE ARTS FOUNDATION
http://apply.sustainableartsfoundation.org/
The foundation will award the following:
Sustainable Arts Foundation Awards: $6,000. Sustainable Arts Foundation Promise Awards: $2,000. They typically offer five of each award in each application round. To be eligible, the applicant must have at least one child under the age of 18. The foundation offers awards in two major categories: visual arts and writing. We encourage writers working in fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and poetry to apply. Deadline February 27, 2015.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS LITERARY PROSE GRANTS
http://arts.gov/grants-individuals/creative-writing-fellowships/application-calendar
Deadline March 11, 2015. The NEA Literature Fellowships program offers $25,000 grants in prose (fiction and creative nonfiction) and poetry to published creative writers that enable recipients to set aside time for writing, research, travel, and general career advancement. This year is prose.
THE LIGHTHOUSE WORKS FELLOWSHIPS
http://thelighthouseworks.com/
Deadline February 2, 2015. Location: Fishers Island, New York. Fellowships are six weeks in length and occur year-round. The Lighthouse Works provides fellows with housing, food, studio space, a $250 travel allowance and a stipend of $1,500 to defray the costs of shipping materials, the purchase of art supplies, and other expenses incurred in making artwork in a remote location; our belief is that no artist should have to spend money to accept the opportunity of a fellowship.
FINLAND RESIDENCY
http://www.arteles.org/enter_text_residency.html
Deadline February 28, 2015. Residency program for poets, writers & text-based artists at Arteles Creative Center, Hämeenkyrö, Finland.
FREELANCE MARKETS
OUTDOOR FAMILIES
http://www.outdoorfamiliesonline.com/writers-guidelines/
Features are generally 800-1,000 words in length, and cover travel, specific outdoor destinations, issues affecting children and the outdoors, and how-to articles; they should reflect a wide diversity of outside opportunities in a variety of environments. Recipes, trip reports, and gear reviews should range between 600-800 words. "My Outdoor Family" is a popular segment of our magazine, and a great vehicle for writers new to online publications. Share your family's outdoor passions, experiences, and goals in 600-700 words. Fifty percent kill fee.
YOUTHWORKER JOURNAL
http://www.youthworker.com/help/writing-for-us/
Length 200 to 1800 words/article. Pays $20-$200/article. Submit your article query by February 1, 2014. Articles are due March 1, 2015. YouthWorker Journal is published bi-montly (Jan/Feb, March/April, etc.). Each issue contains numerous articles focusing on a given theme. We serve thousands of committed men and women who work in a variety of church, parachurch and other ministry settings around the world and are devoted to helping young people know, love and serve Jesus Christ. Everything we publish is designed to help youth workers be more effective in fulfilling this important calling.
PARABOLA
http://www.parabola.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=164
Parabola, a quarterly publication on world culture, folklore, and religion, is accepting non-fiction, non-academic articles for a forthcoming issue. The theme is "Angels and Demons" -- essays and articles that explore the meaning of angels and demons as manifested globally in world beliefs, symbolic representations, and theological cultures. Word length for articles is 1,000 to 3,000 words. Book reviews run about 500 words; and recounts of time-honored stories range between 500 and 1,500 words. The publication pays from $150 to $400/article and $75 per book review. Deadline February 1, 2015.
WRITERS WEEKLY
http://writersweekly.com/misc/guidelines.php
We seek articles on how to make more money doing what you love....writing! We are also interested in other forms of home-based businesses and self-employment that may result from writing, such as self-publishing, corporate writing, ghostwriting, etc. All ideas that help writers support themselves performing the work they love are warmly welcomed. $60 for 600 words. Also seeks success stories. Pays $40 for 300 words.
JOBS
REPORTER - MISSOURI POLITICS
http://www.news-leader.com/careers
Springfield News-Leader Media seeks an experienced politics reporter who will serve as the main eyes and ears for the Ozarks in Jefferson City. A mix of work from Springfield and at the capital, the reporter follows the legislature, governor's office and other state agencies for the effects on life in southwest Missouri. From live tweeting an appearance from the governor to in-depth stories on the state budget or video explainers of what's on the legislative agenda, this reporter takes dense material and helps readers understand the impact on their lives.
NOTE: I posted this position because we're about to head into a political season with primaries on the horizon. If you have an eye or ear for politics, now's the time to pitch for these positions....or even ask if such a position is open...at the newspapers, blogs, and magazines in your area.
publishers/agents
HARTLINE LITERARY - SPECIFICALLY AGENT DIANA FLEGAL
http://www.hartlineliterary.com/
She represents romance novels, women's fiction, young adult novels, middle grade novels, literary fiction, mainstream fiction, and the occasional mystery/crime. She has a passion for Christian/inspirational books -- both debut inspirational novels as well as inspirational nonfiction from platform-heavy authors.
THE KNIGHT AGENCY - SPECIFICALLY AGENT MELISSA JEGLINSKI
http://knightagency.net/
Seeks submissions in romance (contemporary, category, historical, inspirational) Young Adult, Middle Grade, Women's Fiction and Mystery.
JABBERWOCKY LITERARY - SPECIFICALLY AGENT SAM MORGAN
http://awfulagent.com/
He specializes in fantasy and science fiction novels, though he is willing to look at general fiction (mainstream / literary) that doesn't it take itself too seriously (like Thank You For Smoking or This is Where I Leave You). He is a fan of books that can make him laugh or that feature sarcasm. He also seeks diverse books.
ROBIN MIZELL AGENCY
http://www.robinmizell.com/
In fiction seeks literary fiction, mainstream/upmarket fiction and young adult fiction. In nonfiction, seeks long-form narrative journalism, pop culture, prescriptive nonfiction (many categories), and neuroscience / psychology / sociology. (Please note that they do not accept middle grade fiction.)
COMFORT PUBLISHING
http://www.comfortpublishing.com/content/default.aspx
We are interested in Young Adult stories in fiction or nonfiction. We seek both Christian/Inspirational as well as non-Christian titles. But primarily we are looking for nonfiction books with a compelling story. We are also looking for authors who have already begun to build their public following (or platform) in order to increase initial interest in the book upon release. Willingness to participate in social media promotion, blog tours, public appearances/interviews and book signings are a must. We do publish some fiction, but the existence of a platform in our fiction authors is all the more important.
SPONSORS
Nashville Novel Writing Workshop
Is your novel stalled at the starting gate, mired in the middle, or faltering at the finish line?
Or are you an experienced writer who'd like to deepen and enrich your next book?
 Whatever your genre, whether you're a pantser or a plotter,the Question Me a Novel workshop can help.
Taught by Shamus Award finalist Jaden Terrell, this
intensive one-day workshop covers character, setting,
plot, and more -- everything you need to take your
story from idea to finished draft. Saturday, March 7, 2015.
Mention FundsforWriters to get the discounted price.
A self-paced online course, begins immediately after you register.
Master ten essential tools to give your writing precision and energy.
Learn more and try a free sample lesson.
NOTE: Registration fees increase on February 18, so lock in the lower rates now!
HOUSTON WRITERS  HOUSE CONTEST
Five chances to place first:
MYSTERY/THRILLER, SCI-FI/FANTASY,
HISTORICAL OR CONTEMPORARY WOMAN'S FICTION,
MIDDLE SCHOOL, YOUNG ADULT
Top Genre Prize (CRÈME DE LA CRÈME): $300
First place in each genre: $100
Entry fee $15. No limit to the number of entries.
Unpublished novels only.
Submit via email: rpaulding@ sbcglobal.net
Submit via postal: HWH, 12523 Folkcrest Way, Stafford TX 77477
Deadline: March 30, 2015
Rules for the contest: www.houstonwritershouse.com
Questions: rpaulding@sbcglobal.net
MARBLE HOUSE
Explore
the many genres of nonfiction writing in a week long retreat at Marble
House. We are located close to several ski resorts so bring your pens
and poles!
Joan Didion wrote
about her migraines; Nora Ephron wrote about the wrinkles in her neck.
Norman Maclean wrote about the mystery and wonder of fly-fishing. We
write what we think we know, but in writing about it, we learn more
about the world and about ourselves.
Whether
you want to write for business or for pleasure or just to open a window
into your soul, this course will expose you to the many genres of
nonfiction writing, ranging from memoir and personal essay to travel,
food and
business writing. As Flannery O'Connor wrote, "I write to discover what I
know."
This workshop provides an overview
of nonfiction writing from idea to execution. Prerequisite: a burning
desire to see yourself in print.
Enjoy a FREE Master Class in Creative Writing Success
Enroll
FREE in a 14-part 'mini course' in short story writing success. This
highly acclaimed Writers' Village 'Master Class' shows you how to get
published -
profitably - plus win cash prizes in fiction awards.Discover how to open
a chapter with 'wow' impact, add new energy to a scene, build a
character in moments, sustain page-turning suspense even through long
passages of exposition... plus 97 other powerful ideas you can use at
once.
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!
Joel has created coupon code FFW35 for FFW readers. When you use FFW35 at BookDesignTemplates.com shopping cart, it will give you a 35% discount on anything on the site.
Hey folks! Remember the Charleston, SC conference I raved about last
year? I've never been so excited about a conference in my life than I
was with that one. I will be there. Will you?
FundsforWriters
readers can use code FFW2015 when signing up for the conference. That
will entitle them to a 10% discount off VIP or Basic registration.
Discount will be reflected at check-out.
http://www.pubsensesummit.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 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 2000-2015, 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. |
le
|
|
