FundsforWriters - January 1 - What Defines Your Writing Day

Published: Fri, 01/01/16

FundsForWriters: Tips and Tools for serious writers to advance their careers!
  Volume 16, Issue 1, january 1, 2016  
 
     
       
  Message from the Editor

This is textbook Christmas. Sitting in the floor helping the two-year-old open presents - surrounded by open boxes, torn paper, dogs, family and music in the background. Thanks to hubby for catching a moment. 

But today is January 1, 2016. How exciting to start the year with a clean slate, loaded with opportunity. My resolutions are pretty simple each year, but this year I lead with WRITE MORE. Funny, but I noticed after writing this newsletter that others are talking the same. Suspense novelist and successful indie author J. A. Konrath posts his resolutions on his blog and has done so for years. Note his main resolution is the same - WRITE. Hmmm, maybe it's time we quit thinking of crazy ways to sell 99 cent books and instead slow down and write great stuff!

Welcome, 2016. We're happy to have you.

Hope Clark
Editor, FundsforWriters
Email Hope | Visit Website
Newsletter: ISSN: 1533-1326
FFW has proudly been on the Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers list every year since 2001

Our subscriber list is NOT made available to others. Use information listed at your own risk. FundsforWriters gives no warranty to completeness, accuracy, or fitness of the markets, contests and grants although research is done to the best of our ability.
 
 

 
 
 
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SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
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BookFrenzy Studios provides professional video marketing services for authors including Cinematic Book Trailers, Promotional Videos and Social Media Video Ads. To learn more, visit their website at www.bookfrenzystudios.com

NOTE: This is the company for Jerome McClain who did my book trailer for Edisto Jinx. You should have seen the jaws dropping open as authors, agents, and editors alike saw the quality of the video trailer for Edisto Jinx on a screen at Killer Nashville. AWESOME!



 
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EDITOR'S THOUGHTS
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WHAT DEFINES YOUR WRITING DAY?

We've all heard the adage about how our attitude determines more how we feel than our circumstances. So often these days the negative drowns out the positive. Same goes for our writing as we compare ourselves to others, weigh the odds of our success, or fight to find the time to even put fingers on the keyboard.

When I teach shy writers how to perform and step into the limelight, I use mantras and short phrases of positive reinforcement. Today, on this first day of a sparkling, shiny new year that's ripe with potential, let's add some positive messages that will aid us through whatever we face in 2016, even the worst of days. Get used to asking yourself these questions, and the bad news can actually soften and not be as ominous as you think.

What about writing makes me smile?

A sentence that flows? A compliment from a reader? An accepted article? To me, writing a sentence that makes evil sinister, joy crystal clear, loss painful, or love warm and profound can thrill me the entire day.

What am I grateful for as a writer?

This might be as small as a review, a strong Internet connection, or the financial means to write full-time. Find those positives, because they matter and are often forgotten in the fray.

Am I okay right now?

I'm warm, fed, healthy, able to sit down and write. There's always an opportunity. Of course I'm okay. Even when someone rips me up or rejects my submission, opportunity still abounds.

Did I help someone else today?

A thank-you from a reader, whether FundsforWriters or my mysteries, makes bad fade away. Seeing someone progress thanks to a word from me is ecstasy.

Did I learn something new today?

Even if it's only the use of a new word. Did you learn how to format an ebook? Did you open a Twitter account? Doesn't have to be much. Maybe a new keystroke shortcut.

How can I make tomorrow better?

This makes you think about what good waits for you, and makes you plan and think about finding success. Define your writing day with positive thoughts, and make 2016 your best year yet.
 


Thanks
- Hope

 




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NOTE FROM HOPE: I've used these templates for ARCS, review copies for Edisto Jinx and fell in love with them!




 
 
  Upcoming Book Signings and Classes! 
  
  Jan 14 - Calhoun County Library, SC - The Habits of Successful Writers - 6:30 PM
  Jan 26 - Darlington Library, SC - The Habits of Successful Writers - 6:30 PM
  Feb 1 - Night Harbor Book Club, Chapin, SC - 7PM
  Feb 4 - McCormick County Library, SC - Plot Development - 6:30 PM
  Feb 9 - Judy Foster McNeely Book Club, Charleston, SC - 6:30 PM
  Feb 11 - Calhoun County Library, SC - Plot Development - 6:30 PM
  Feb. 13 - Workshop - Georgia Writers Assoc, Kennesaw, GA
  Feb 23 - Darlington Library, SC - Plot Development - 6:30 PM
  Mar 3 - McCormick County Library, SC - Character Development - 6:30 PM
  Mar 7 - Ann Carlson Georgetown, SC Book Club - 3:00 PM
  Mar 10 - Calhoun County Library, SC - Character Development - 6:30 PM
  Mar 14 -21 - EDISTO BEACH, SC!
  Mar 22 - Darlington Library, SC - Character Development - 6:30 PM
  Apr 7 - McCormick County Library, SC - Successful Editing - 6:30 PM
  Apr 14 - Calhoun County Library, SC - Successful Editing - 6:30 PM
  Apr 26 - Darlington Library, SC - Successful Editing - 6:30 PM
  May 5 - McCormick County Library, SC - Getting Published - 6:30 PM
  May 12 - Calhoun County Library, SC - Getting Published - 6:30 PM
  May 24 - Darlington Library, SC - Getting Published - 6:30 PM
  Jun 23-25 - Midwest Writers Center Conference - Davenport, IA

  Check out all of Hope's books

For the most up-to-date information about Hope, contests, writing industry information and giveaways, keep up with Hope on Twitter and Facebook. Things get more interesting in real time!

 
 
 

WORDS OF SUCCESS
 
"I'm writing a first draft and reminding myself that I'm simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles."

~Shannon Hale


 
       
       
 

Is it a flesh and blood killer -
or restless spirits?
 
According to Sophie, the resident yoga mistress and psychic, beautiful Edisto Beach becomes a hotbed of troublemaking spirits every August. But when a visitor dies mysteriously during a beach house party, former big-city detective Callie Morgan and Edisto Beach police chief Mike Seabrook hunt for motives and suspects among the living. With tourists filling the beaches and local business owners anxious to squelch rumors of a murderer on the loose, Callie will need all the help she can get - especially once the killer's attention turns toward her.

http://www.chopeclark.com/
 
Purchase any of Hope's books and receive a one-year subscription to TOTAL FFW free. Send receipt to hope@fundsforwriters.com.

 
 
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  Learn more and order
 
       
     


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SUCCESS STORY
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Hi Hope.  

I just wanted to thank you for contributing to my success as a writer. I recently found a home for an essay I wrote at Liguorian Magazine, a catholic publication. The story, "Healing Waters",  is about a transformative moment I had during a long canoe trip in Canada's Algonquin Provincial Park several year back. 

It wasn't easy finding a home for Healing Waters, but I persisted. When I saw Liguorian Magazine listed as one of the markets in your e-newsletter, I figured it was worth a try. It took some reworking. I had to shave several hundred words off the original essay to meet editorial requirements, but they've accepted it for September 2016 publication as a meditation. 

They say anything worth doing is worth working hard for. That's been my experience in the world of writing. Funds for Writers gives me regular inspiration in my quest to be a better and more productive writer. 

Thanks!
Matt Liptak
http://www.MatthewLiptak.Contently.com  
 
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FEATURED ARTICLE
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How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Book Publicist?

By Claire McKinney

How much does a book publicist cost? The short answer is fees vary mainly according to the services offered and the size of the firm you hire, but for the most part it is a commitment that will likely run you thousands, not hundreds, of dollars.

If you were to hire one of the big New York-based firms, you would be talking six figures, and you would be getting a lot more than just a publicist – it would be a more holistic PR campaign that includes marketing, messaging, and more.

Then there are specific book- and author-related firms that have offices in major urban areas that probably will charge a significant project fee to start. Any services like event and media booking in tour cities, social media outreach, etc. are billed additionally. On a book-by-book basis the contract will be set up for a certain period. Generally speaking, these firms have been around for a long time. They are very thorough about their media relations and have good reputations.

There are companies who offer individual a la carte options for campaigns for less than what it would cost to do a full campaign, including:

= Sending your book out to a specific list of reviewers.

= Sending a press release out to select radio, TV, print, and online producers/editors.

= Radio tours with a guaranteed number of interviews scheduled.

= Blog tours with a commitment on the number of reviews that will be posted.

= Individual market campaigns, such as a firm that specializes in booking Los Angeles media and events.

To minimize your costs, you may only ask for a mailing or a blog tour. Some of the businesses that handle these jobs are online-based and you may never actually speak to a person. This is how they keep their prices in the hundreds — by offering specific services to a large number of clients at once.

If you hire a boutique public relations firm, you will likely either pay a project fee or a monthly retainer. It will depend on what you need and how much you want the company to do for you.

The costs related to the kind of relationship with a client that includes individual attention, phone meetings, flexibility, and what I consider to be a long term, quality connection between the client and the firm will definitely run several thousands of dollars.

The main considerations are:

= What kinds of services do you need?  
= What kind of relationship do you want to have with the company you are working with?  
= How much work can you do on your own? What financial resources are reasonably at your disposal?  
= Can the company you want to work with negotiate with you to give you the best array of services at a price that is mutually agreeable?  
= Can you purchase specific services from the same company that will give you the best of both worlds: a more personalized campaign and lower costs?

Public relations is an actual skill that takes a lot of time. Although it is sometimes very hard to measure results, rest assured the time and labor is being spent.  I think the most important quality your representative should have is a commitment to you and your work.  This person or company is going to help you gain exposure and will actually introduce your book to the world in interesting ways.

So when you are looking for a publicist know that the old adage rings true– “you get what you pay for”–and if you are looking for someone who is going to work hard on your behalf, it isn’t going to be cheap.

BIO:  
Claire McKinney has been working in public relations and publicity for eighteen years. She has worked at several publishing houses promoting books and authors, and creating branding campaigns.  McKinney was the VP, Director of Publicity for Henry Holt and Company and the Director of Publicity for Miramax Books. Since the inception of Claire McKinneyPR, LLC, she has broadened her work outside the realm of books to include organizations and products related to education and health, as well as corporate branding campaigns. Visit her at www.clairemckinneypr.com or follow her @mckinneypr on Twitter.





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COMPETITIONS
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EVENT HORIZON MAGAZINE SCIENCE POETRY CONTEST
http://www.eventhorizonmag.com/science-poetry-competition/
NO ENTRY FEE.
Submitted work shall be inspired by and/or incorporate scientific thinking, concepts, or principles. Winner receives $500 and publication in the magazine. Open to anyone. Deadline February 29, 2016. Submission attachment can include up to three original poems written in the English language, with each poem beginning on a new page. There is no limit for line count.



PINCH LITERARY AWARDS
http://www.pinchjournal.com/2016-contest-guidelines/
$20 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline March 15, 2016. Entries consist of one to three poems or prose of up to 5,000 words. First Place in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry each receive $1,000.



NIVALIS SHORT STORY CONTEST
http://www.fabulapress.com/the-contest/
$10 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline March 31, 2016. Nivalis 2016 is not theme bound. There is no restriction on genre either, and we are happy to read historical fiction, mystery/suspense, and horror. However, for consistency of presentation we cannot accept children’s stories, fantasy, young adult or chick lit; likewise hardcore science fiction is not something we are looking for, but are open to science based/alternative history based literary works. Stories must be not less than 1500 words and no more than 7,000 words in length.



PAMET RIVER BOOK PRIZE
https://yesyesbooks.submittable.com/submit
$15 ENTRY FEE.
Open to first or second full-length books of poetry or prose by female-identifying or gender-queer writers. You may nominate your own work or the work of others until January 15, 2016. The prize includes publication with a minimum of a 1,000-copy print run, $500, 100 contributor copies, and an additional $500 toward book tour expenses.
 
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GRANTS
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WRITER ISLAND SCHOLARSHIPS
http://orcasartsmith.org/workshops.html
Rejuvenate yourself and your writing with a weekend immersed in nature on beautiful Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands. The weekend retreat is designed to give you and your writing a fresh perspective in stimulating surroundings but without the distractions of home. The next Writer Island takes place the weekend of February 26-28, 2016. The Doug & Ann Johnson Scholarship for Writer Island covers the workshop fee and two nights' lodging including breakfast at your choice of Otter's Pond Bed & Breakfast, Turtleback Farm Inn, or Kangaroo House Bed & Breakfast. To apply, submit a $15 application fee along with a one-page writing sample, and up to 100 words on why the workshop will benefit your writing practice. Deadline to apply is January 31, 2016 with a decision by February 7, 2016.



GLEN SCHOLARSHIPS
http://www.imagejournal.org/glen-scholarships/
Situated in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Glen Workshop is equal parts creative workshop, arts festival, and spiritual retreat. Thanks to the generosity of the Glen community, the Paul Mariani Fellowship for Poets, and the Chrysostom Society, we are able to offer more scholarships this year than ever before. Full and partial scholarships are available, awarded based on both need and quality of work. All are welcome to apply. Scholarships are dispensed on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until spring to apply. July 31 - August 7, 2016. St. John’s College, Santa Fe, New Mexico.



IOWA GRANTS
http://www.in.gov/arts/individualartistprogram.htm
The Individual Artist Program (IAP) provides support to artists in all disciplines for career development projects. Applicants may request a maximum of $2,000. Grantees must plan a project, or phase of a project, which can be realized within the requested budget and completed within the proposed timeline. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a legal resident of Indiana. Deadline February 5, 2016. 



JENTEL RESIDENCIES
http://www.jentelarts.org/sitepages/application.htm
Jentel has two sessions and two deadlines.  All application materials, including contact information, resume, work sample, and character statement contacts must be completed online through Submittable by January 15 for the May 15-December 13 residencies (notification by March 15), or September 15 for the January 15-May 13 residencies (notification by November 15). The Jentel Artist Residency Program supports artists and writers who are hardworking and serious about their intent, who have proven themselves by publication or solo exhibition or who may not necessarily be well known and who show the ability to articulate a personal vision. The program welcomes artists in all media and writers in all genre. Location Wyoming.
 
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FREELANCE MARKETS
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THE LOOKOUT
http://www.lookoutmag.com/about-us/write-for-us/
The Lookout is designed to provide Christian adults with true-to-the-Bible teaching about current topics to help them mature as believers and live in the world as faithful witnesses of Christ. Our emphasis is on the needs of ordinary Christians who want to grow in their faith rather than on trained theologians or church leaders. Operates strictly with themed issues. Average articles 1,200 to 1,400 words. The Lookout pays up to 11 cents per word for first rights on unsolicited articles.



STORIES OF MUSIC
https://www.storiesofmusic.com/submit-a-story.html
As a multimedia publication, Stories of Music can include a wide array of storytelling styles. We are specifically seeking creative nonfiction (personal essays, memoir excerpts, and literary journalism), poetry, photography and art, videos, and audio recordings, but we are also open to additional genres and styles. As long as music is the centerpiece and the story is true, it will be considered. Do not use song lyrics in your story unless you are the author of the lyrics or you have written permission to use them. Each author or artist can submit up to three stories/works. Submit up to 9,000 words. Your poem(s) should be no more than 100 lines each. Audio works can include music, spoken word, poetry readings, journalism, or essay readings under 10 minutes. Each author or artist who is selected and accepts our offer to be published in Stories of Music will receive $200, a copy of the print edition, the ebook, and (hopefully) a good feeling that your work will help us donate money to global and national music organizations. (Found through www.erikadreifus.com)



THE INTROSPECTIONIST
http://www.theintrospectionist.com/Home/Submissions
Every month The Introspectionist chooses a theme and does a deep analysis of that theme. Stylistically, we publish several types of articles. We look for articles that both tell a story and inform. We publish persuasive essays, creative nonfiction, and in-depth informational pieces. We also publish one piece of short fiction and one poem every month which relate directly to the theme of that issue. For a department piece (from 100 to 500 words), we pay $25. For a feature article up to 2000 words, we pay $100. For a feature article up to 5000 words, we pay $200. Short fiction pieces pay $25. Poems pay $25. Each contributor will receive a photograph and short bio in that issue. 



THE WRITER
http://www.writermag.com/the-magazine/submission-guidelines/
The Writer is dedicated to expanding and supporting the work of professional and aspiring writers with a straightforward presentation of industry information, writing instruction and professional and personal motivation. We are interested in how-to stories, reported pieces, narrative essays and profiles of writers and others in the field. We are not interested in pieces that have been previously published online or in print. Article lengths vary widely from 300 to 3,000 words. On occasion, longer articles and excerpts also appear in the magazine. 
 

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JOBS
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AGENTS / PUBLISHERS
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NLA DIGITAL
http://nladigitalbooks.com/about-nla-digital/
NLA Digital is a self-publishing platform where NLA authors as well as Guest Author Clients keep full control of their rights (NLA Digital is not a publisher) and can explore indie publishing in a supported environment where we provide a lot of resources and tech expertise. Successful Indie authors (either NLA clients or guest clients) can also use the platform for personalized and targeted access to the crucial library market — a profitable segment a lot of self-publishing authors don’t exploit fully or with limited success via generalist platforms such as Smashwords. NLA Digital also offers extensive Print-On-Demand services for a physical print edition. 



DIVERSION BOOKS
http://www.diversionbooks.com/about
Diversion Books is an innovative indie publisher, combining decades of traditional experience with new, digital strategies. In publishing a mix of original titles and giving old titles a digital life, our high royalties, quick turnaround, and tailored marketing plans are helping us to create a space between legacy publishing and the uneven field of self-publishing. We’re taking advantage of the abundance of opportunities that new models of distribution and purchasing provide, while executing our core publishing capabilities, ultimately connecting great books with avid readers. 



THISTLE PUBLISHING
http://www.thistlepublishing.co.uk/about.html
Thistle Publishing is a London-based publisher of quality fiction and non-fiction. We welcome unsolicited submissions from authors. Non-fiction authors are asked to provide a synopsis, author profile, sample chapter, and brief chapter summaries. For fiction, we ask for a synopsis and three sample chapters.



EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING
http://www.evernightpublishing.com/pages/Submissions.html
Romance publisher. All sub-genres of romance need to have a HEA or HFN ending. Regular Submissions 15,000 words to 100,000 words. Romance on the Go 8,000 to 14,000 words. Naughty Fairy Tales 15,000 to 35,000 words. Planet Alpha 25,000 to 50, 000. Anthologies 5,000 to 10,000 words.
 
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SPONSORS
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A new software program automates scheduling and tracking tasks for book projects, particularly great for indie authors. It's called Book Planner, another Joel Friedlander product, so that alone sells me on it. ~Hope

















 


NOTE: 30 percent off for FundsforWriters readers. Click here.

Grammarly sucked me in and owned me after only ten minutes of using it on my latest manuscript, Edisto Jinx. Though my grammar skills are solid, Grammarly pointed me toward flow issues, awkward wording, repeated wording, and yes, the occasional grammar oversight. I caught myself changing sentences and enjoying the second set of eyes. Grammarly is truly one of the simplest and most useful editing tools I've ever experienced.  ~C. Hope Clark, award-winning mystery author, www.chopeclark.com, and editor of FundsforWriters.com


 
 

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POTENTIAL SPONSORS:
www.fundsforwriters.com/advertising

 
 
 
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Fine print
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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 2000-2016, 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 wish 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.