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Editor’s THOUGHTS

HOW DARE A WRITING CONTEST TAKE YOUR RIGHTS

After posting the Story Shares writing contest in the newsletter a couple weeks ago, people wrote me, asking what I thought about the fact those who enter give up payment and rights by just submitting. Because this appeared to be a new contest, I wrote the publication/sponsor and asked if this is truly what they meant. I told them it flied in the face of writers everywhere...and maybe they made a mistake? But this was their response:

<<You have read the terms correctly; we are asking writers who enter the contest to give us the rights to publish their stories widely and for free. This arrangement allows us to fulfill one of our core missions for Story Shares, which is to increase the library of materials available to teens and young adults who struggle with reading. If we only displayed the 5 winning stories, the library would not be nearly as big as it will be under the current terms for the contest.

Since this is a nonprofit initiative, we are not seeking any financial benefit from publishing the stories. We are simply trying to do as much as possible to fill the need for more high-quality reading materials available to the millions of struggling teen and adult readers who need them. In order to do that, we need to retain the rights to publish stories for free. We understand that these might not be ideal conditions for you to publish and will be sorry to miss out on your story.>>

Folks . . . being a nonprofit does not negate the need to pay your suppliers. They will pay the publisher. I guarantee that they pay the website designer and hosting service for the Story Shares site. They have access to grants and sponsors to fund these writers and all else they do, especially riding on the wave of education. Instead of trying to find the funds to pay the writers, they instead take the work for free. And trust me . . . their promotion of you is not going to open many doors. 

In a subsequent email, they went on to say they endorse writers and promote them, though they are not paid. They claim to have great relationships with all their writers, saying, in essence, the organization isn't malicious or gold-digging. However, they are using the contest to populate their program.

I get irritated with some literary journals that do the same thing, but at least those markets are selective and state that some non-winning stories may be considered for publication. Here, however, Story Shares states you give up rights upon submission. They are giving $5,000 in prize money. Why not use that money to pay smaller amounts to all writers who submit, calling it a Call for Submissions? I can tell you why. The substantial prize money is bait to gather more submissions that they can use for free. 

Sorry, but I don't think the Outreach Coordinator (who has published through Story Shares) who wrote me or the founders and CEO of the program are working for free. If they choose to do so, good for them; however, I take issue with the fact they think others should do the same. But somehow...I sense they are getting paid.

If you feel this is a good charitable cause, and wish to donate your work, feel free. But FundsforWriters was founded upon writers earning a living from their work, and therefore, FundsforWriters does not endorse http://www.storyshares.org/ and apologizes for having listed it in a previous newsletter.




 

PS - C. Hope Clark is starting a newsletter just about the books. Join now to learn about giveaways, new releases, and appearances. Here's where you can raise your hand for review copies (and she does this a lot). Here's where you might find insight on the next book, or what direction Hope might be taking a character. Sign up at http://chopeclark.com/  - see SUBSCRIBE at the top.



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!)


 

 WORDS OF SUCCESS

Everyone you will ever meet knows something that you don't.

- Bill Nye 
 

Success Story

Dear Hope:

A few years ago I sent you an essay on the writing craft. I think I labelled it: "Write What You Know." Although you didn't find it apropos for your newsletter, you suggested that I expand on the ideas presented in the essay. I tucked the thing away in cyberspace and forgot about it. On rainy days, I pull out "forgotten children' and rework them. Such is what I did recently with this particular essay, renaming it: "How Do Writers Get Ideas?" This week that piece is featured in The Writers' Table of Page & Spine.
( http://www.pagespineficshowcase.com/the-writers-table.html )

Thank you, Hope, for reading my original endeavor and encouraging me to revise it.

Best,
Erika Hoffman

featured article

Contently for Freelancers

By Trisha Faye

A freelancer in one of my online groups posted that he received a $500 writing assignment for a 500-word profile. This assignment fell into his lap because of his Contently profile.

I'm a firm believer in the "not all your eggs in the same basket" school of thought. Contently falls into this category. It won't generate enough money to be your sole source of income, but it is an additional money making avenue.

Contently (www.contently.com) is a site that connects freelance writers with large corporate clients. Although freelancers can't actively search for work, the pay rates are significant enough to compensate. Most assignments are in the $0.75-$2.00 per word range. Most flat rates range from $200 to $1,500.

To create a portfolio, go to Contently.com and create an account. It's free. It will take approximately 15-30 minutes to set up, depending on the number of clips you have to attach. You'll need a current email and at least one URL to a published work. You can also upload documents from your computer. Contently has a tool that will search for other works by you. Upload a profile picture, add your bio and you're ready to go.

Leslie, a freelancer in the group, shared that he felt the bio is the most important thing. He recommends having very specific keywords in it, especially if you write for niche markets.

You can edit each portfolio item to add a photo or excerpt if you wish. You can click and drag to rearrange your portfolio items. You can also connect your portfolio to your social networks.

A side benefit is that once you create a Contently profile, your clips are included in Google's search listings, giving you greater visibility. Contently is a good place to feature your clips, making a handy link to send to prospective clients. Also, add a link in your email signature.

If writers don't actively search for assignments, how do we get them? Corporate clients and Contently editors have access to freelance portfolios. When an editor, or corporate account finds a writer that they feel may be a good fit, a Contently editor will contact you to see if you're available.

They'll notify you of the pay rate, the description of the publication, and say if you'll be ghostwriting or receiving a byline.

If the terms are favorable, you may receive a list of assignments to choose from. If you're not given specific assignments, you'll need to make a pitch. Then, write your piece and deliver before the deadline. Turnaround times for Contently assignments seem to be fairly short- one to two weeks - according to the freelancers I've contacted.

The editors may request revisions, or request approval of changes they've made. Once the content is approved, payment is promptly made via PayPal.

Is it worth it, to just sit back and wait? Prathap was delighted to deposit his $500 for a profile on the positive impact of Facebook groups. Another freelancer wrote three food and lifestyle stories for MetLife, but declined the Facebook assignment. And, another just landed a Contently job for 20 hours a week at $35/hour for a month-long project.

So, yes, I've now joined the ranks of the Contently writers. And while I sit back and wait...I'll keep writing, promoting, learning and growing while I follow other opportunities. Meanwhile, I'll feel good knowing I've added another egg to my basket of possibilities. Because it's the freelancers way.
 
 
BIO: Trisha spends her time in the DFW Texas area writing to support her habits: rescued kittens, plants for the gardens and an obsession with antiquing. Visit her at www.trishafaye.com or connect with her on Facebook or Twitter.

 

COmpetitions

SEQUESTRUM NEW WRITER AWARDS
www.sequestrum.org/contests
$15 ENTRY FEE.
Over $500 in total prizes will be awarded to up-and-coming writers of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Prose and poetry will be judged separately with one first prize winner per genre. First prize of $200 (one per genre) and $50 runner-up prizes (minimum two per genre). All winners and runners-up will be published in our Spring '16 Issue. Finalists listed on the website. 12,000-word limit for prose, 40 lines for poetry (up to three poems per submission). Simultaneous and multiple submissions allowed. No previously published material. ONLY OPEN TO WRITERS YET TO PUBLISH A BOOK-LENGTH MANUSCRIPT. Deadline October 15, 2016.



THOMAS MORTON SHORT FICTION WRITING CONTEST
http://puritan-magazine.com/writing-contest/
$15 ENTRY FEE.
In addition to publication in Issue 35: Fall 2016, each winning author of the writing contest receives $1,000 and a prize pack of books, each valued at over $1,700, from several stalwart Canadian publishers. No works over 7,500 words or under 1,000 will be accepted or read. Deadline September 30, 2016. 



WRITERS@WORK YA FICTION CONTEST
http://www.writersatwork.org/wp/?page_id=2264
$10 ENTRY FEE.
We are looking for the best, most exciting, and interesting YA, be it mystery or sci-fi, fantasy, contemporary, or other genres. We’re looking to celebrate good writing that exemplifies the genre. Prize: $300 and publication on the Writers @ Work website. Submit a double-spaced, unpublished short story or novel excerpt (must read as a complete story on its own) up to 5,000 words or 20 pages (whichever comes first). Deadline October 15, 2016. 



THE NARRATIVELY UNTOLD STORY AWARD
http://narrative.ly/about/untold-story-award/
$10 ENTRY FEE.
For our inaugural Untold Story Award we’re looking for an epic feature on the theme “Outsiders.” We will accept completed pieces or detailed proposals. What’s an Epic Feature? A big story that requires long-term, in-depth reporting. The reporter should spend time as a fly on the wall in the daily lives of their subjects, and become an expert on the characters and the topic (up to 6,000 words). What do we mean by “Outsiders?” We’re looking for stories of misfits, rebels, revolutionary thinkers, super-subcultures, and anyone on the fringes of society — from a secret all-girls book club in Saudi Arabia to the eco-vigilantes of Cambodia who chase down trawlers in their own beat-up fleet. We especially love stories about outsiders who go up against the establishment. Deadline November 21, 2016. One Grand Prize Winner will receive $3,000 to fund their story.

 

GRANTS

AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY FELLOWSHIPS FOR CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTISTS AND WRITERS
http://www.americanantiquarian.org/artistfellowship.htm  
For persons whose goals are to produce imaginative, non-formulaic works dealing with pre-twentieth-century American history. Successful applicants are those whose work is for the general public rather than for academic or educational audiences. The Society's goal in sponsoring this program is to multiply and improve the ways in which an understanding of history is communicated to the American people. Stipends of $1,850 with adjustments for boarding. Deadline October 5, 2016. (Thanks www.erikedreifus.com) 



GUERNICA
https://www.guernicamag.com/guernica-fellowship-program/
Guernica is looking for applicants to join its inaugural Fellowship class. The program aims to provide deep training in magazine editing and production, coupled with opportunities to work on a dedicated writing or multimedia project with an editor-mentor. Up to five emerging writers, editors and multimedia journalists will be selected for a six-month fellowship which will include: Opportunities to work across the editorial planning and production cycle of the magazine; fact checking and copy editing; reading submissions; contributing ideas for forthcoming issues; assisting with publicity and social media; developing at least one piece for publication; mentorship from senior staff and training from industry professionals; a $750 honorarium. Our focus when reviewing applications will be on finding emerging writers, journalists and editors with clear passion for digital publishing and literary reportage, and evident intellectual curiosity. Deadline October 1, 2016. 



MAPFUND
https://mapfundblog.org/eligibility/
This is a grant to support the creation, development, and distribution of an original, live performance-based project that strongly aligns with our program goals. MAP requires that a United States-based nonprofit organization is affiliated with the project, and is able to receive and distribute the grant. This entity (applicant organization) may be a producing, presenting, fiscal sponsor, or community partner organization. Must have a live performance component. No classical or historical works. No adapting an existing work to a new form (i.e., novel to stage). Must have confirmed, lead artists. No educational projects. 



GARAGE GYM PLANNER'S FITNESS WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
http://garagegymplanner.com/scholarship/
Garage Gym Planner is awarding a scholarship to deserving candidates which will help them cover the academic costs for the future. Students who are currently engaged with any course are free to apply. All you need to have is a flair for writing with insights into different fitness regimens. Topic: The Impact of Technology on Physical Health of Teens Today. Three winners will each receive a scholarship of $1,000 which will be sent in their name to their respective colleges and universities. The content should be 800–1,000 words in length. The final date of submitting your article will be October 25, a winner will be chosen by October 31 and the prize sent over by November 15.

 

FREELANCE MARKETS

BOOK SMUGGLERS PUBLISHING
http://thebooksmugglers.com/2016/08/book-smugglers-publishing-open-call-for-short-stories-submissions-summer-2017.html
We’re looking for original short stories from all around the world as long as they are written in English. Our goal is to publish at least three short stories, unified by a central theme. Each short story will be accompanied by one original piece of artwork from an artist commissioned by us separately. The theme is: GODS AND MONSTERS. We will be paying $0.06 per word up to $500 (although we welcome stories from a minimum of 1,500 words and up to a maximum of 17,500 words long). We also plan on selling these stories in ebook (and possibly limited print editions) at a 50 percent net royalty, with potential inclusion in future anthologies (royalty to be negotiated). Deadline December 31, 2016. 



WANDERLUST
http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/aboutus/writers
Wanderlust aims to cover all aspects of independent, semi-independent and special-interest travel. We do cover soft adventure but leave the crampons and adrenalin stuff to other magazines. Off-the-beaten-track destinations, secret corners of the world and unusual angles on well-known places are always of particular interest. We are particularly interested in local culture and try to provide more of an insight than travel articles in other publications – hence, we prefer pieces to be written by someone with an in-depth knowledge of a topic or destination. £220 per 1,000 published words. Unless otherwise agreed, the fee is based on printed, not submitted, words. Fact pages are paid at £90 per page (approximately 750 words) pro-rated. Fees for other sections (including Pocket Guides, Dispatches and interviews) are set per-article rates, agreed on commissioning.



NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/about-us/writer-guidelines/
Each issue of the magazine contains five or more features, roughly balanced between U.S. and foreign subjects. Generally, we are interested in places accessible to most travelers, not just the intrepid or wealthy. The types of destinations we cover vary widely, from mainstream to adventure travel. We also publish several regular service-oriented departments, with the emphasis on meaty, practical information. Subjects include photography, food, lodgings, ecotourism, adventurous learning experiences, and short getaways. Essays offering reflections on the travel experience round out the department mix.

 

JOBS

MEMBERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS STAFF WRITER
https://www.appone.com/maininforeq.asp?Ad=407146&R_ID=1396331
Position Objectives: To write advocacy and fundraising copy for PETA and its international affiliates. Degree in a related field or equivalent experience. Minimum of one year of professional writing experience, which may include writing for newspapers, magazines, or other publications. Experience writing email and web communications (enews, blogs, etc). Experience with fundraising appeals, acknowledgments, scripts desired. Multiple locations.



EDITORIAL INTERN
http://www.indeed.com/cmp/Junebug-Weddings/jobs/Editorial-Intern-3e09005c7e4b30c3
Junebug Weddings is a leading wedding website that connects brides with the best wedding professionals from around the world. We have an Editorial Internship position available in our rapidly growing company. The primary objective of this creative position is to produce high-quality, innovative editorial content that drives traffic to our site. Our content is relevant, educational, and inspirational for couples planning the most important day of their lives. Location Austin, TX.



FREELANCE WRITER
http://www.thrillistmediagroup.com/careers/job-postings/?gh_jid=33871&gh_src=pse5yw
Thrillist.com is hiring a freelance writer to contribute bar, restaurant, nightlife, and event articles for its Dallas edition on an ongoing basis. Thrillist provides an opportunity to create exciting content that both local and visiting readers will find entertaining and informative, as well as share with friends on social media. Location Dallas, TX.


 

Publishers/agents

ROSS YOON LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.rossyoon.com/
We are a Washington, D.C.-based literary agency specializing in serious nonfiction on a variety of topics: everything from memoir and history and biography to popular science, business, and psychology. 



HIPPOCAMPUS
https://hippocampusmagazine.submittable.com/submit/64449
Hippocampus Magazine and Press LLC is looking for its first few book-length works for its small press division. Seeking work in the following categories (and, in parentheses, is what to submit for consideration):
Memoirs (query + first three chapters)
Essay collections (query + three essays)
Literary journalism - (query + first three chapters OR proposal, as we'll entertain strongly developed ideas that may not yet be completed projects)
Creativity books (proposal)
Craft books (proposal)
(Thanks www.erikadreifus.com)



ANDREW LOWNIE LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.andrewlownie.co.uk/how_to_submit
The Andrew Lownie Literary Agency Ltd, founded in 1988, is now one of the UK's leading boutique literary agencies with some two hundred non-fiction and fiction authors and is actively building its fiction list through new agent David Haviland . It prides itself on its personal attention to its clients and specialises both in launching new writers and taking established writers to a new level of recognition.



THE RIGHTS FACTORY - LITERARY AGENCY
http://therightsfactory.com/about-us/
Every agent at TRF is looking for work they can get excited about, in every genre and category. If you’re in the market, we encourage you to look at the agents online and see if one of them seems like the perfect business partner for you. Considers fiction, nonfiction, and picture books. 

 

SPONSORS

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S& H Publishing's Short & Helpful Online Writer Workshops

Twelve established authors teaching their specialty via video.
One each month on the following topics: 

 => Premise & Structure
 => Voice & Point of View
 => Setting & Descriptions
 => Character
 => Dialogue
 => Beginnings & Endings
 => Conflict & Pacing
 => Backstory & Flashbacks
 => Self-Editing Your Work
 => Writing Memoir
 => World Building
 => Researching Your Novel

Purchase one, three, or all twelve workshops. 
You have access to the authors. Your work is critiqued. 
Your questions are answered. You learn in steps. 
Receive an exercise workbook to practice your new skills.
Learn at a pace that empowers instead of overwhelms.

Begins October 1, 2016. SIGN UP TODAY!
Use special coupon: HOPE2016 for 5% discountThe 26th Annual Missouri Review Jeffrey E. Smith Editors' Prize

Awards $5,000 and publication to the prize-winners in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Now open for submissions! Deadline: October 1. Learn more and enter here: http://www.missourireview.com/tmrsubmissions/editors-prize-contest/ 



 

S& H Publishing's Short & Helpful Online Writer Workshops

Twelve established authors teaching their specialty via video.
One each month on the following topics: 

 => Premise & Structure
 => Voice & Point of View
 => Setting & Descriptions
 => Character
 => Dialogue
 => Beginnings & Endings
 => Conflict & Pacing
 => Backstory & Flashbacks
 => Self-Editing Your Work
 => Writing Memoir
 => World Building
 => Researching Your Novel

Purchase one, three, or all twelve workshops. 
You have access to the authors. Your work is critiqued. 
Your questions are answered. You learn in steps. 
Receive an exercise workbook to practice your new skills.
Learn at a pace that empowers instead of overwhelms.

Begins October 1, 2016. SIGN UP TODAY!
Use special coupon: HOPE2016 for 5% discountTom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest 

14th year. $4,000 in cash prizes, including $1,500 for a poem in any style and $1,500 for a poem that rhymes or has a traditional style. Both published and unpublished work accepted. All entries that win cash prizes will be published on WinningWriters.com and announced in the Winning Writers Newsletter, with over 50,000 subscribers. Final judge: Soma Mei Sheng Frazier. Entry fee is $10 per poem. Each poem may have up to 250 lines. Submit by September 30. Winning Writers is one of "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's Digest). See guidelines, past winners, and enter online at www.winningwriters.com/tompoetry

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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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