SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

At FanStory you'll get:

• Feedback for everything you write.
• Contests with cash prizes. Over 50 every month
• Fun. Be a part of a writing community that supports writers of all skill levels.

Find out More : ) | Watch Our Video 

Here are a few contests that you may enjoy.

Love Poem Poetry Contest 
Write a love poem. All forms of poetry accepted. Your love poem can be fictional or non-fictional. It can be humorous or serious. The choice is yours.  Deadline: July 6th.

What If? 
What if your character could hear the voices of people that had passed on to the next life?  Write a story that answers this "what if" question to enter. Deadline: July 12th.

Free Verse Poetry Contest 
Write a poem that does not follow any form or structure. Get creative with a lack of a fixed meter and structure. Deadline: July 18th.

Non-Fiction Writing Contest
It doesn't matter if it's spiritual, political, intellectual, emotional, funny, serious, or an essay about your DVD player.  Write a non-fiction story for this contest. Deadline: July 23rd.

View our full listing here. Find out more about FanStory here. Watch our video here

Editor’s THOUGHTS

I NEED A GRANT 

I forget that new writers enter the profession daily, and I'm most reminded when a slew of them write me after seeing FundsforWriters.com for the first time. The first thing they see is GRANTS, and that throws their fledgling minds into overdrive, wondering how they can find some generous grant provider to offer money to a new writer. It's like rumors that some government agency will pay off your mortgage or write off your debt. 

In writing, nobody offers you a free lunch. You pay for that lunch. You can hope for a coupon here and there, or a free sandwich if you buy a coke, but nobody is going to offer lunch for free.

Let's look at grants. Why do grants exist? Nobody cares about that, but grants have missions, too. Grants have specific purposes, and providing money to people who don't have it isn't the leading purpose. It's more about what someone wants to do with that money that matters.

1) They are created to fill an identified need.
2) They are created to make a difference with humanity.
3) They must demonstrate to the world that the money they spend has done great things.
4) They answer to high authorities about how effective and efficient they've been with the money they doled out.
5) Their money depends upon politics, donations, and the economy.

In other words, there aren't pots of money waiting for people to apply for a share. The applicants for any grant must qualify using the following mindsets:

1) As if they were applying for a job, 
2) As if they were promoting a product, and 
3) As if they were seeking a loan at the bank.

As noble as grants sound, grants are a sort of business venture for the grant provider. If they don't do well with the money they provide . . . if the projects that obtain grants do not demonstrate a positive end . . . then the grant provider has failed. The results? Less grant money to use in the future or even the dissolution of the entire grant entity.

Let's visit a scenario of a new writer seeking a grant:

A new writer may be from Montana and want to write about a boy who immigrates to New York and experiences a coming-of-age story. The writer asks for a grant to live in New York for several months to do research and think about how he will write the story.

Nobody will fund this grant. Why?

1) There is no need to fund unpublished writers. There is a glut of writers out there as it is.
2) The writer is not experienced and cannot assure the grant provider they can write. 
3) The writer cannot assure the grant provider they can publish.
4) The writer cannot assure the grant provider they have a market for the work.
5) The grant provider has to have a mission that somehow fits the story, the writer, or the writer's need.

So...when you think of a grant, think of it as a loan. They give you money based upon your qualifications, you have to follow their rules, and you pay it back with your project's success. Grants have needs, too, and they are careful with how they write their checks.


 

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 to www.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!)




Take a look at our Resources page at the FundsforWriters website. Hope has read each and every one of these books, and most are still dog-eared and highlighted on her book shelf and come highly recommended. 



 

WORDS OF SUCCESS


The crone finds new beauty in age. It’s a loveliness the maiden cannot know. Honor this beauty and it will honor you.

~Bill Thomas

Success Story

If you've had any sort of success from receiving FundsforWriters, we want to hear about it. Toot your own horn and ours, too!. Send no more than 150 words to hope@chopeclark.com with SUCCESS STORY in the title.

 

featured article

PROMOTING YOUR BOOKS WITH PINTEREST

By Trisha Faye

Pinterest, a social media site, initially was popular among crafters, homemakers and Do-It-Yourselfer's. It's becoming a popular destination as authors search for additional marketing possibilities. Pinterest can drive traffic to an author's blog or website, increase reader awareness and generate book sales.

PINTEREST

Pinterest is a free site (www.pinterest.com) where users set up "boards" and "pin" things they like to their boards. Think having a wall full of bulletin boards. Create as many boards as you desire – one or hundreds. Name them – Books to read, Gardens, Fun to wear, etc. If you see a post on the main page that you like, click the heart on the upper right. If you want to save it, click "pin it" on the upper left. A box opens up where you choose which board to pin it to.

Follow people. For instance, type "chopeclark" in the search box and you'll find Hope's Pinterest page. On the upper right, click "follow". It's that easy.

Don't forget - add your Pinterest link in your signature block, on your website and on your blog posts.

WHY PINTEREST?

Pinterest has over 100 million users. An estimated 70 percent of users pin/click through each month. Some authors have reported that Pinterest generated traffic surpassed Google+ and Twitter.

TO PROMOTE YOUR BOOKS

Set up a board for each book, or each series. Add a description about your book on each board. Include relevant keywords to show up in searches. Include links to your web site, blog, and sales page. (Descriptions are limited - 500 characters. Bitly.com shortens those lengthy Amazon links.)

Add pins that complement your book. Good visual images have the best chances of getting repined. They recommend having at least five pins on each board. Add pins that reflect the time period of your book, the area its set in, food or clothing of the era, recipes, etc. 

For instance, on my "Trail Angel Mama – hiking" board, I added pins about the Pacific Crest Trail, Wrightwood, California (story location), and links to useful hiking pages. When I publish a blog, I pin to my board, which directs Pinterest users back to my blog.

When you start a new project, create a new board. Add pictures and information from your research. If the WIP name changes, edit the board's name. This helps promote your book prior to publication.

Author Susan Wittig Albert has several series: China Bayles, Darling Dahlia's and the Robin Paige Victorian mysteries that she co-writes with her husband, along with several stand-alone historical fiction books. She's an active Pinterest user: 127 boards, 2,000 pins, and 3,000 followers. See her Pinterest page here. https://www.pinterest.com/susanwalbert/

Another Pinterest author is J.F. Penn. She has 31 boards: one for each book, and one titled "My Books". She has a "A Day in the Life of a Writer" board sharing snippets of her life. https://www.pinterest.com/jfpenn/

TIPS

Pin things specific to your target audience.
Is it useful or entertaining?
Hot Pinterest topics are: Food, fashion, fitness, beauty, décor, travel, crafts, children and pets.
Share pins with valuable content: Blog posts, images, videos, essays, stories, character profiles.
Be steady and consistent with your pinning to maximize your exposure. Better to briefly pin several times a week instead of binge pinning once a month.
Pin at peak viewing times: late afternoons, early evenings and weekends.
Pin your own unique pins along with repining others in your theme.

READ MORE HERE:

56 Ways to Market Your Business on Pinterest, by Beth Hayden
http://www.copyblogger.com/pinterest-marketing/

Your Writer Platform has a blog with usable tips and links detailing how to accomplish the recommended tasks. http://www.yourwriterplatform.com/use-pinterest-to-market-book-and-author-brand/

BIO - 
Trisha Faye writes from north Texas, where she fights for keyboard time with the rescued kittens that think they are the rulers of their new home. She coordinated with Sue Holman on Trail Angel Mama, a memoir of being a trail angel for Pacific Crest Trail hikers in southern California. You can find Trisha at www.trishafaye.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/trisha.faye.5 and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/texastrishafaye/.
 

COmpetitions

HOSPITAL DRIVE
https://news.med.virginia.edu/hospitaldrive/contest/
$5 ENTRY FEE. 
Hospital Drive, the literature, arts, and humanities magazine of the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine, is awarding prizes of $500 each in the categories of poetry, prose, and visual art. Submissions should relate in some way to the theme of “Decisions” in the context of healthcare (wellness, illness, caregiving, etc.) We welcome submissions nationwide from the public as well as healthcare professionals and educators. Deadline is August 2016. Winning entries and selected finalists will be published in the Fall online edition of Hospital Drive.



EMERGING PLAYWRIGHT AWARD
http://urbanstages.org/submissions/
NO ENTRY FEE.
Plays MAY HAVE BEEN developed or produced elsewhere, BUT NEVER PRODUCED in New York City. There is no limit to submissions. Subject matter and character variations are open. There is no submission fee. It usually takes up to six months for us to read and process your script. Plays from overseas and throughout the United States are accepted and considered. BUT special attention will be given to playwrights who live in or near New York. No deadline. Year-round submissions accepted. Our $500 Emerging Playwright Award (coupled with press coverage) is given to playwrights who show excellence and dedication throughout this process – from development to the stage.



BOAAT CHAPBOOK PRIZE
http://www.boaatpress.com/the-boaat- chapbook-prize/#chapbook-competition
$25 ENTRY FEE.
Awarded annually to an emerging poet who has not previously published a book of poems. Deadline July 15, 2016. Poets writing in the English language are eligible. Poets are not eligible to submit a manuscript if they have studied with the guest judge in full-time accredited courses within the last five years. Manuscripts should be 48 to 75 pages of poetry, submitted in .docx or PDF formats only. Pays a $2,000 honorarium, 25 free copies, publication around Summer/Fall of 2017, and a minimum first print-run of 500 books distributed through Small Press Distribution and our website.



THE LOUISE MERIWETHER FIRST BOOK PRIZE
http://www.tayoliterarymag.com/official-rules
NO ENTRY FEE.
In order to celebrate Meriwether’s achievements and continue her legacy, the Feminist Press has partnered with TAYO Literary Magazine to launch a contest seeking the best debut books by women and nonbinary writers of color. First time authors, submit your complete manuscript, either fiction, including novels and short story collections, or narrative memoir, of 50,000 to 80,000 words, and you could receive $5,000 and a publishing contract from the Feminist Press! Limited to residents of the US and its territories. Deadline July 31, 2016. 
 

GRANTS

CULLMAN SCHOLARSHIPS
http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/fellowships-institutes/center-for-scholars-and-writers
The Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library is an international fellowship program open to people whose work will benefit directly from access to the collections at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building - including academics, independent scholars, and creative writers (novelists, playwrights, poets). The center appoints 15 fellows a year for a nine-month term at the library, from September through May. In addition to working on their own projects, the fellows engage in an ongoing exchange of ideas within the center and in public forums throughout the library. Deadline September 30, 2016. 



RADCLIFFE FELLOWSHIP
https://www.radcliffe.harvard.edu/fellowship-program/how-apply
Fellowship grants of up to $75,000 over a year, with additional funds for project expenses, will be awarded to individuals working in the creative arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, or mathematics to pursue projects within their fields. (Some support for relocation expenses will also be provided, where relevant.) If so directed, Radcliffe will pay the stipend to the fellow’s home institution. Fellows receive office or studio space and access to the libraries and other resources of Harvard University during the fellowship year, which extends from early September 2016 through May 31, 2017. Visual, film, and video artists may apply to come for either a semester or two. In the event that they come for one, the stipend will be $37,500. Deadline October 6, 2016. 



LANESBORO JEROME ARTIST RESIDENCY PROGRAM
http://lanesboroarts.org/artist-residency-program/
Deadline September 1, 2016. Swards two to three residencies per year that allows artists to benefit from studio space, ample time to create, and an entire rural community as a catalytic vehicle for engagement and artistic experimentation. 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. Open to applicants from Minnesota *and* the five boroughs of New York City. Stipend $1,000/week. Sudio and lodging space provided.



MILES MORLAND FOUNDATION
http://www.milesmorlandfoundation.com/#!-scholarship-announcements/ralvv
Limited to writers of Africa. Deadline October 31, 2016. Scholars writing fiction will receive a grant of £18,000, paid monthly over the course of 12 months. At the discretion of the Foundation, Scholars writing non-fiction may receive a grant of up to £27,000, paid over a period  of up to 18 months. At the end of each month scholars must send the Foundation 10,000 new words that they will have written over the course of the month. Scholars are also asked to donate to the MMF 20 percent of whatever they subsequently receive from what they write during the period of their Scholarship. To qualify for the Scholarship a candidate must submit an excerpt from a piece of work of between 2,000 – 5,000 words written in English that has been published and offered for sale. 

 

FREELANCE MARKETS

PASTE MAGAZINE
https://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.



READER'S DIGEST 100-WORD TRUE STORY
http://www.rd.com/100-word-stories-submissions/
Everybody has a story to share. What's yours? Send us a true story about you, in 100 words or fewer — if it's chosen by our editors for publication in our magazine, you'll be paid $100! We also may pick selected favorites to appear on our site at RD.com. 



READER'S DIGEST HUMOR
http://www.rd.com/submit-joke/
Everybody’s got a funny story. What’s yours? Send us your joke, quote, or a funny true story — if it’s selected for the magazine, you’ll be paid $100! 



RELEVANT
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/how-write-relevant
RELEVANT covers faith, culture and intentional living. Our readership is culturally savvy, mainly Christian 20- and 30-somethings who are looking for purpose, depth and spiritual truth. Our mission is to challenge people to go further in their spiritual journey, live selflessly and intentionally, care about positively impacting the world around them, and find the unexpected places God is speaking in life, music and culture.
 

JOBS

COPYWRITER
http://www.indeed.jobs/positions?jvi=oFrq3fwj,Job
In this role, within the Corporate Marketing group, you will be responsible for providing copy for a variety of marketing materials. You’ll work closely with our creative, content, and social teams to ensure Indeed presents itself as a world-class leader in online recruitment. Location Austin, TX.



CONTENT WRITER / SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
http://www.indeed.com/cmp/Serendipit-Consulting/jobs/Content-Writer-Social-Media-Specialist-d5a76db9011e52c9
We are a local agency seeking an exceptional content writer to help produce amazing content for our growing list of clients. The role of content writer / Social Media Specialist will also at times involve other exciting and challenging responsibilities, and we are looking for someone with a flexible attitude and willingness to adjust to the task at hand. Location Phoenix, AZ.

publishers/agents

ENTANGLED PUBLISHING
http://www.entangledpublishing.com/submission-information/
An adult and YA romance publisher. Imprints are:
Entangled Select and Entangled Teen – 70k-120k word romance novels or novels with romantic elements.
Embrace – New Adult romance novels or novels with romantic elements.
Indulgence – 45k-60k contemporary category romance.
Lovestruck – 20k-60k contemporary category romance.
Brazen – 20k-60k erotic category romance.
Bliss – 20k-60k sweet category romance.
Covet – 20k-70k paranormal category romance.
Scandalous – 20k-65k historical category romance.
Ignite – 25k-80k romantic suspense, mysteries, and thrillers.
Teen Crush – 20k-60k contemporary YA category romance.
Teen Crave – 20k-60k paranormal/scifi/fantasy YA category romance.



LOOSE ID
http://www.loose-id.com/submissions/
Do you write romances with larger-than-life characters who have powerful chemistry, strong, sexy conflicts, and riveting stories? Loose Id wants to help you tell your tale. Loose Id is always accepting submissions from new, previously published, agented and unagented authors. A romance publisher with four imprints: hot, taboo, new adult, and republished.



OMNIFIC PUBLISHING
http://omnificpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=16&chapter=2
Omnific Publishing accepts submissions in many subgenres of romance, including contemporary, historical, paranormal, suspense, and erotic romance, but will also consider fantasy/urban fantasy, science fiction, and chick lit with strong romantic elements. We're looking for unlikely heroes and atypical heroines, improbable couples and dubious pairings, twists and turns, and tumultuous treks through troubled, or even terrific times. All kinds of characters and relationships are welcome. Omnific Publishing is distributed by Simon & Schuster, with whom we also have a co-publishing partnership.



RED HEN PRESS
http://redhen.org/contact-2/submission-guidelines/
Red Hen Press is an independent, non-profit press that publishes about 20 books of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry every year. We’re looking for novels, memoir, creative nonfiction, hybrid works, and story, essay, and poetry collections of exceptional literary merit that demonstrate a high level of mastery.

 

SPONSORS

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Shaila Abdullah has designed websites, book designs, marketing materials, and email campaigns for over 60 authors, writers and speakers. Being an award-winning author herself, she understands the industry, and will provide you with designs that reflect your unique style, genre, and personality. 

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EXISTING CLIENTS EARN 8% REFERRAL FEE FOR SENDING IN NEW CLIENTS 

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"Superb work, excellent customer service. Just marvelous overall.” —C. Hope Clark, author, founder of FundsforWriters, http://www.fundsforwriters.com

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"Shaila is a terrific designer, highly professional and extremely creative and delivers amazing results. Her sense of humor and positive spirit has made the whole process of developing and launching my web site a pleasure. –James Hutchison, playwright, http://jameshutchison.ca/

"When I first saw Shaila’s work, I was struck by the fact that her designs are not only beautiful but also perfectly reflect 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/
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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
http://www.fundsforwriters.com

Copyright 2000-2016, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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