FundsforWriters - May 6, 2016 - The Naysayers Make the Most Noise

Published: Fri, 05/06/16

Volume 16, Issue 19 | MAY 6, 2016

Message from the Editor

One day it's sunburn weather and the next it's down in the 40s. So we finally just donned coats and went out on the water. It's beautiful though. Sometimes you make the most of what you have and vow to enjoy the journey regardless. Sort of like this writing endeavor we've all chosen. But that's okay. Just spoke to a library group this past week and one lady said she could tell I was in love with what I was doing. I smiled and wholeheartedly agreed.

Editor, FundsforWriters
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SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Tell the Truth, But Tell it Slant

A Writing Retreat Like No Other

Two spots remain for Elephant Rock's Fourth Annual Summer Solstice Retreat, June 12-17! This retreat is truly like no other. You will not workshop. You will not critique. You will not, for just one week, tear the work down. Instead, you will tap into your own fierce, original voice using some of the most innovative, unconventional writing exercises and techniques you will ever encounter. You will fall into open mode, allowing yourself to immerse in the beauty of language, the metaphor in all of life, and the absolute necessity of humor and play as a portal to the profound. All of this creative energy will be deepened by yoga, meditation, chanting, and an intensely supportive and inspiring community of fellow writers. Held on a beautiful secluded island at historic Stout's Lodge at the height of summer, our retreat is nestled in the trees amid lapping waves and birdsong. Be prepared to surprise yourself, and to laugh, a lot. And be ready to leave with seeds for many projects to come. As one writer said last year, "I am still searching for words ... because what happened at Stout's was so huge." That's the heart of the Elephant Rock Summer Solstice Retreat. All levels and genres welcome. Tuition includes 5 nights' lodging and all vegetarian meals, daily writing, yoga, & meditation, kayaks and outdoor activities, evening readings, bonfires, and music, Solstice Eve celebration, and more. Don't wait. This retreat is nearly full and always sells out.

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Contact: Jeannine Ouellette – elephantrockretreats@gmail.com or call 612-801-2566

Editor’s THOUGHTS

THE NAYSAYERS MAKE THE MOST NOISE

A writer wrote me about how distraught he was at the negativity about becoming a writer. He professed to being an introvert, and he felt I would understand his concerns because I profess to being an introvert. So we chatted. He has made his way through life via his writing more so than his verbal repartee. Oh boy, I can really relate to that. Every success I ever had in my life somehow originated from the written word.

He fought to find his way in this writing mayhem out there, to see how he can make a partial living from his writing. However, what upset him was the deluge of negativity.

=> Most people don't edit well enough to sell.
=> There are too many writers so don't expect to sell much.
=> The agents take advantage of you.
=> The publishers take advantage of you.
=> Editors don't understand writers.
=> Vanity presses rip you off.
=> Editors rip you off.
=> Contracts rip you off.

I could go on for the entire newsletter with that list. All the racket on the internet warns writers to watch out, be careful, demons await you around every turn and in every click to a how-to website. Well, let me tell you something, my sweethearts trembling in the shadows . . . those that screw up usually make the most noise.

The people who struggled with their book and made no sales, who were taken advantage of by a vanity press, who quit their job only to have to beg for it back again . . . are the ones yelling the loudest. Many of them want to warn you, they say. That you'll never see the bad guys coming to rob you blind. They'll suck out your soul, they say, and the industry lets them.

Like I tell people in my classes . . . do your homework before publishing. Don't listen to the screamers who were taken advantage of or made bad decisions. Usually they are still uninformed, still stinging from being duped, and only have revenge in their sights. Don't get sucked into the drama.

Take your time writing, then take your time editing, then take your time publishing. Know your options and know them well. I speak to writers each and every day about slowing down and educating themselves. But I can only shake my head at the ones who then reply (often sharply):

=> I found this one publisher who sounds good and wants my material (yet the writer cannot tell me if they are traditional or indie).

=> I trust this. (Sorry, but you don't trust a publisher . . . you have a business relationship sealed in a negotiated contract and you are NOT friends.)

=> The publisher will edit this for me. They won't let bad stuff get published. (Then I hear it's a vanity press.)

=> I cannot afford an editor, website, or time to promote; so I'll put it up on Amazon and see what happens.

=> I'm writing this book now, and my plan is to have it published by June (when it's April).

=> I'm not writing/promoting/blogging like everyone else, so the rules don't apply to me (two of those this week).

The noise isn't always the place to run too. Sometimes it's what you run from.

WE HAVE 2 NEWSLETTERS - THE FREEBIE and THE PAID SUBSCRIPTION . . .

Remember that FundsforWriters, this newsletter, is free. Send it to whomever you like and share it liberally. But if you are serious about writing income resources, and your time is limited, consider subscribing to TOTAL FundsforWriters. It comes out biweekly, with 70 contests, markets, grants, retreats, publishers, freelance gigs, magazines and more, It's huge, but it saves you a lot of time searching. It's $18.75 for a year, or 26 issues. To subscribe, simply go towww.paypal.me/chopeclark/18.75 . It will be sent to the email you used unless you specify otherwise.

NOTE TO THE WISE: Send a receipt for one of Hope's books and receive TOTAL for free.
(**and feel free to steal this graphic for your own site!)

Upcoming Book Signings and Classes! (All times in Eastern.)

  May 9  - Goose Creek Library - Characters - 5:30 PM
  May 10 - Hanahan Library - Editing - 6:30 PM
  May 12 - Calhoun County Library, SC - Getting Published - 6:30 PM
  May 16 - Moncks Corner LIbrary, SC - Publishing/Marketing - 6:00 PM
  May 17 - Sangaree Library, SC - 5:30 PM
  May 24 - Darlington Library, SC - Getting Published - 6:30 PM
  May 26 - Anderson County Library, SC - Getting Published - 6:30 PM
  Jun 7 - McCaskill Book Club - St Andrews Ctr, Cola, SC - 9:30 AM
  Jun 10-11 - Hartsville Book Fair, Darlington, SC
  June 21 - Skype - Rinehart Book Club, Florida
  Jun 23-25 - Midwest Writers Center Conference - Davenport, IA
  July 8-11 - Writers Retreat, Bellwood, NE
  July 13-20 - Las Vegas, NV (Open to appearances)
  Aug 1 - Batesburg Library Mystery Club, Batesburg, SC -6PM
  Aug 18-21 -Killer Nashville Conference, Franklin, TN
  Sept 18 - Columbia County Library, Evans, GA - 2:30 PM
  Sept 25 - Columbia County Library, Evans, GA - 2:30 PM
  Oct 2 - Columbia County Library, Evans, GA - 2:30 PM
  Oct 9 - Columbia County Library, Evans, GA - 2:30 PM

WORDS OF SUCCESS

"A blank piece of paper is God's way of telling us how hard it to be God."

- Sidney Sheldon

THE EDISTO ISLAND MYSTERY SERIES
http://www.chopeclark.com/

"A sparkling Edisto Island setting, a flawed heroine, a riveting mystery, and the hint of a paranormal twist makes EDISTO JINX the book for your beach bag. Author C. Hope Clark brings to life the uniqueness that is Edisto, peppering the island with endearing and strong-minded characters that linger in your mind long after the last page is turned." --Karen White, New York Times Bestselling Author, www.karen-white.com

On MURDER ON EDISTO - “A taut, high-tension page-turner—in a unique and fascinating setting. An absolute winner!”
–Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony and Macavity winning author

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

For an autographed version, click here.

Success Story

Hope,

Thanks for your latest article and for all the other things you do. I just thought you might like to know, though I am a very organized and self-motivated person, and though I take my promotional efforts seriously (with annual marketing plans and a continuously updated Media Kit), after hearing you speak at the Georgia Writers Association a couple of months ago, I shifted in to high gear. I am now on the Georgia Arts Council for a grant review cycle this May, I have an article written and published in an online literary magazine, I did an interview of a local book store owner and have had it published in the local print newspaper, blogged it, am having it reblogged on a nationally recognized blog as a guest blogger, and soon on a regional bookstore association's site, and I've been selected as a presenting author at the Georgia Writers Association's 2016 Red Clay Conference.

Whew! I have just one question in follow up. When is it you said I take a break?
Many thanks. I hope you know occasionally your words fall on open ears.

Rona Simmons

Author of Postcards from Wonderland - a novel of murder, mayhem, and the Boston mob ca 1920
email: rona_simmons@bellsouth.net
website: ronasimmons.com
blog: womenatword.wordpress.com
twitter: @rona_simmons
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rona-Simmons-Writer-and-Author
book trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=wQBxj_gdb7w

featured article

Sell More Work by Grabbing Eye-Catching Quotes

By Devyani Borade

What do the following names have in common?
Jeffrey Archer, David Baldacci, Bernard Cornwell, Janet Evanovich, Jasper Fforde, Ken Follett, Jonathan Kellerman, Rebecca Tope.

Answer: My articles! These famous bestselling authors have all granted direct personal exclusive quotes to me.

A writer instills his own voice, personality, perceptions, knowledge, experiences, even moods into his work. It is one point of view and can sound opinionated. Adding commentary from external sources changes the tone of the article from opinion to analysis. Quotes liven up the content, humanizing and dramatizing it. They add gravitas and credibility to an article. They show the writer has done their homework and produced work that can be taken seriously. They influence readers and build trust.

Experts specialize and excel in their fields. Seek the correct kind for your article. For example, when writing on child care, a quote from an educator working in a day care organization will carry more weight than a comment from a therapist working for anti-bullying services, even though both may be "parenting experts." Don't demonstrate your ignorance or laziness by quoting the wrong type of experts.

Experts may be found from a variety of sources:

1. When you come across any expert cited in an article, a quick Internet search like "Contact + John Smith, MSc in Child Psychology" will bring up some contact information - email address, website, Facebook page, LinkedIn profile.

2. Published experts are often on Amazon's list of bestsellers or have an author's page on Goodreads.com.

3. Faculty at schools, universities, and training organizations may be accessible.

4. Reach out to people responding in the "Comments" sections of blog posts.

5. Dedicated online services like HelpAReporter.com can be a good place to network. However, quotes from experts registered on these services are often in exchange for advertising/marketing space or a "plug," which may not be allowed for your publication.

6. Key executives of top-selling products can be contacted via websites like BuzzSumo.com.

7. Experts themselves refer or recommend other experts.

8. Your humble daily newspaper is an easy resource.

9. Go crazy signing up for company press releases (e.g. PRWeb.com) and newsletters. Like them on Facebook, stalk them around their Twitter-sphere, follow their blogs and participate in related discussion forums.

10. Get into experts' inner circles by finding any club, affiliations, associations, societies or charities that can put you in touch with suitable members.

11. Writers are experts too! The freelancer who writes on new age therapy may be a licensed naturalist healer who could give input on your article about a newly-discovered herb's medicinal qualities. The literary writer may have a day job as a psychologist or police officer and could grant you a meaty quote about crime at school.

Once you've found your experts, don't hesitate to approach them with a polite, clear, concise and non-judgmental enquiry. Introduce yourself honestly, and end with a note of thanks. Ask the right questions to avoid getting dull and pointless answers. Don't act too funny, provocative or familiar. When you've got your quotes, present them appropriately in your article making sure it flows well and doesn't appear disconnected. Take care to attribute the correct quote to the correct expert! While you may need to edit, clarify, highlight, sanitize, or paraphrase the quote, don't go overboard, modify the meaning, take it out of context or introduce your own voice into it.

Expert quotes lend authenticity, authority and validity to your work and make it look professional. They can add value, remove discrepancies, reveal new slants, and change the perception of your article. Use others' words to sell your own!

Bio: Devyani Borade writes on the humor and pathos of everyday life. Her articles on the craft, business and heart of writing have been accepted/published by nearly all writing-related publications in the USA and UK. She likes to eat chocolates, read comic books and try her husband's patience! Visit her website Verbolatry at http://devyaniborade.blogspot.com to contact her and read her other work.

COmpetitions

CHARLOTTE MEW CHAPBOOK CONTEST
http://headmistresspress.blogspot.com/p/submissions_5396.html
ENTRY FEES $8, $14, $20.
Our first-prize winner will be selected by Ellen Bass and will receive a $250 honorarium plus 20 copies of the winning book. Headmistress Press will also announce finalists, and may choose to publish other books from among the submitted manuscripts. Headmistress authors receive ten copies of their book and discounts on all further purchases. No more than 35 pages of poetry, excluding front and back matter. Headmistress Press publishes books of poetry by lesbians, Lesbian Poet Trading Cards, and Lavender Review. Headmistress is dedicated to honoring lesbian existence, discovering a range of lesbian voices, and promoting lesbian representation in the arts.

NICK DARKE WRITERS' AWARD
http://www.falmouth.ac.uk/nickdarkeaward
NO ENTRY FEE.
With the opportunity to win £6,000 and open to all writers age 16 or over, this competition provides the time to write that financial support facilitates. This year’s category is stage play. Applicants should submit a full script along with a one-page synopsis and a short writing CV by Monday, May 30, 2016.

CASTLE TO CATHEDRAL TO CASHMERE WRITING CONTEST
http://ccc-heritage.co.uk/castle-to-cathedral-to-cashmere-writing-competition/
NO ENTRY FEE.
Deadline May 31, 2016. All submissions should be made to and must adhere to the setting of Elgin and area during the 18th and/or 19th century. The winners will be announced at the Spirit of Moray Book Festival, 13-17 September 2016. The entry must be a short story, in English, an original work of fiction, previously unpublished, and not more than 3,000 words. The winning entry will receive £350 and the second place £150.

LITTLE BIRD WRITING CONTEST
http://www.sarahselecky.com/little-bird-contest-2016/
$25 ENTRY FEE.
The Little Bird Writing Contest is an annual, international contest created by Sarah Selecky exclusively for innovative, emerging short fiction writers. Limit 2,500 words. Winner: $1,000. First runner-up: $250. Second runner-up: $250. Bonus prize won by a draw: a full scholarship to The Story Intensive. Deadline May 27, 2016.

GRANTS

PERIPATETIC WRITING WORKSHOP FELLOWSHIP
http://www.peripateticwritingandart.org/home
The Peripatetic Writing Workshop, now in its 25th year, returns to Woodstock this summer for workshops plus a one-week retreat. The fiction/nonfiction workshops run August 22–29 followed by a retreat with writing exercises and individual tutorials from August 29 through September 5. Writers may participate in one or both weeks. Work/Study Scholarship: (Live-in participants only) - $500 off the final bill. To apply send 15 double-spaced pages of writing by June l, 2016; plus a short biography, including writing experience and publications, if any. This work/study scholarship is awarded in exchange for help in preparing and cleaning up after daily breakfasts and help with home dinners.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR SHORE THING WRITING GETAWAY
https://murphywriting.submittable.com/submit/54970
Murphy Writing of Stockton University is offering two scholarships to first-time participants. The Shore Thing Writing Getaway program will take place June 4, 2016 in Atlantic City, NJ. This writing retreat is open to poets, fiction, memoir and nonfiction writers. Treat yourself to a writing retreat at the shore. Down the block from Atlantic City's famous beach and boardwalk, this workshop will energize and inspire you. Head home with sand between your toes, a few new pieces of writing and the glow that comes from spending the day with an encouraging community of writers. Application deadline May 9, 2016.

BADLANDS PARK RESIDENCY
https://www.nps.gov/badl/learn/photosmultimedia/artist-in-residence.htm
The Artist in Residence program at Badlands National Park was founded in 1996 and is open to all professional artists. Writers, composers and all visual and performing artists are invited to interpret this wind-swept environment through their work. The program provides time for artists to get away from everyday responsibilities to focus on their surroundings and their medium.

LANDESBORO RESIDENCIES
http://lanesboroarts.org/artist-residency-program/
The Artist Residency Program currently awards two residencies per year, allowing artists to benefit from studio space, ample time to create, and a supportive community. Artist Residents focus on community engagement, and are encouraged to explore ways in which their work can be applied to the community, and how Lanesboro’s rural community can inform their work. The annual deadline for the Artist Residency Program is July 30, 2016.

FREELANCE MARKETS

PASTE
http://www.pastemagazine.com/paste/2012/03/writer-guidelines.html
PasteMagazine.com focuses on signs of life in music, movies, TV, videogames, comedy, books, design, tech, drink and all things geek. We focus on a variety of musical genres — whatever else we think will grab music-lovers seeking something a little deeper. Paste strives to cover the best music in this eclectic mix, devoting space to independent musicians alongside more established artists. The tagline, “Signs of Life in Music, Film and Culture,” refers to the depth and meaning we feel the best art is capable of conveying.

PEOPLE OF COLO(U)R DESTROY HORROR!
http://submissions.johnjosephadams.com/poc-destroy-horror/submit/
Anyone who identifies as a person of colo(u)r can submit horror short stories up to 7,500 words. Deadline May 15, 2016. For the special issue, we are offering a special pay rate of eight cents per word.

RED SUN MAGAZINE
https://redsunmagazine.wordpress.com/guidelines/
Red Sun publishes science-fiction, fantasy, and horror fiction between 3-5k words, up to 17k words; 3-5k is preferred, but we will consider works up to 17k. We also will consider serializing longer works up to 80k. $100 for stories; $150 for stories 15-17k; and $300 for serializations. For art and comics we will pay $20 per piece; $50 for a cover.

POWDER
http://www.powder.com/contributors/
POWDER is written by and for advanced skiers. Our mission is to come as close as possible to the expert skiing experience through words, photos, graphics, and humor. No snow bunnies, dweebs (unless they’re relatives), condominium reviews, hot stone spa treatment reviews (unless you’re poking fun), travelogues or “my first day on the slopes” stories. If you feel your story appeals to the expert skier, however, we’ll look at anything.

JOBS

PARTTIME CONTRACT CONTENT WRITER
http://tinyurl.com/hnqyyfa
Esurance is looking for a part-time contract content writer/editor to work in our San Francisco, CA office about 20 hours per week. As a contract content writer/editor you will crafts compelling content for the company websites, content marketing initiatives, and blog that informs and educates consumers; improves natural search performance; and meets company goals. Distills information about insurance products and technology into consumer-friendly prose. Researches, fact-checks, proofs and edits content. Stays abreast of evolution of SEO best practices and incorporates into writing.

WRITER
http://tinyurl.com/gugdvor
The National Park Foundation (NPF) seeks an energetic, team-oriented Writer/ Specialist, Corporate Philanthropy to join the Corporate Partnerships department. The Corporate Philanthropy Specialist is responsible for supporting the work of the department to cultivate, solicit and steward relationships with corporations (and other organizations) to support the mission of NPF through philanthropic and unrestricted support. This position offers exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to make a significant impact by helping expand the corporate development program in the centennial celebration of the National Park Service in 2016 and beyond. This full-time position is based in Washington, DC.

publishers/agents

OMNIFIC PUBLISHING
http://omnificpublishing.com/index.php
Omnific Publishing, founded in 2009, is an independent boutique publisher of romantic fiction that breaks the mold of traditional romance with stories that excite, inspire, amuse, and amaze.

MERIT PRESS
http://www.adamsmediastore.com/aboutus
In the words of our publisher, Merit Press Books was founded to publish intensely readable, highly suspenseful novels with protagonists who usually are young adults over the age of 14. These stories will happen in the real world, featuring young female (and sometimes male) heroes rising to meet the challenges of a complex contemporary time and place. We do accept direct submissions as well as submissions from literary agents. We don’t accept submissions in hard copy. Send full or partial manuscripts (65k to 100k words) and queries to meritpress@fwmedia.com.

BARRICADE BOOKS
http://www.barricadebooks.com/index.php/about/single/submission_guidelines/
We publish very little fiction. And we do not publish poetry or children's books. We look for quality nonfiction manuscripts - preferably that lean toward the controversial. We are a publicity-driven publisher and look for books with authors who are committed to promoting themselves and their titles.

SHORT FUSE LITERARY
http://www.fuseliterary.com/short-fuse/
Short Fuse Publishing is a digital-first provider of groundbreaking fiction and nonfiction across many genres. A division of Fuse Literary, Short Fuse Publishing boldly provides an outlet for creative works that traditional publishers shy away from, giving voice to new kinds of writing. Our curators are literary agents whose clients seek publication of their short stories, novellas, novels, flash fiction, poetry, nonfiction, multimedia, and more. In addition to our general Short Fuse imprint, we offer Teen Fuse for Young Adult and Middle Grade works and Pure Spirit Creations for the space where spirituality sparks creativity.