SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

ARE YOU A FRAUD OR A GENIUS?

Eventually in your writing career, especially once you've published once or twice, you'll receive some semblance of admiration from people. Some could be people you admired as you struggled. Some even might be authors you've idolized or teachers who knocked sense into a concept, who you could never thank enough for shaking you from whatever doldrums you were in. Suddenly, they respect you.

Or let's say you place in a contest. It's great! But you might consider the win a fluke, a positive event that will not repeat itself. You are grateful, of course, but not expecting to do it again.

What we are doing is trying to lessen the blow of rejection, disapproval, and criticism. Most of the famous, successful, and influential people of this world wrestle with the Imposter Syndrome. We call it grounding ourselves. Keeping it real. Avoiding being labeled arrogant or self-absorbed. We consider ourselves big fishes in small ponds for a temporary moment, then crawl back into our mudbanks and write for ourselves, ever dreaming of one day doing well. But since we have no way of really recognizing that pivotal time, we feel we aren't ready.

Even gifted geniuses think this way, almost sabotaging themselves from the success they are due. 

The easiest way to cope with the Imposter Syndrome is to take everything at face value. 

When you do well, embrace it, and accept the accolades. When complimented, just say thank you, without the buts, excuses, or "I don't deserve it" words, because at that moment in time, you do.

When you get rejected, don't look for blame. Just know that your piece was not the best fit for where you submitted it. Back up, learn from the experience, then move on. Rewrite or resubmit. Be grateful for the lesson.

The good or the bad, just chalk it up as part of the journey. All that angst, name-blaming, and emotional baggage that comes with thinking you're a fraud just saps your creative energies. Take each step of this writing business as a rung on a ladder and a chapter to learn from. You are not an imposter. You are on a journey you hope to travel the rest of your life. And like any journey, enjoy the scenery.

Everyone Suffers from Impostor Syndrome 
https://hbr.org/2016/07/everyone-suffers-from-imposter-syndrome-heres-how-to-handle-it



 




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

“Nobody reads a mystery to get to the middle. They read it to get to the end. If it’s a letdown, they won’t
buy anymore. The first page sells that book. The last page sells your next book.”

~Mickey Spillane

 

Success Story

Hey readers and fans. If FundsforWriters has helped you, let us know. We all want to celebrate, and here's the place to see it happen.  Email your success story to hope@chopeclark.com 

featured article

An Interview with Mark Gottlieb of Trident Media Group – 
The Scoop on Dealing with a Big Literary Agency During These Crazy Publishing Times
(PART 2 of 4)

By C. Hope Clark

Mark Gottlieb is an agent with Trident Media Group, a strong literary agency well known for its successes. FundsforWriters was lucky enough to land him for an interview, and with his great answers, our features for the month of November (National Novel Writing Month – NaNoWriMo) will be dedicated to this interview. This is Part 2 of a four-week feature. (Find Part 1 here.)

HOPE: We keep hearing how traditional publishing is sliding, losing traction in this crazy business with indie publishing impacting the price of books and brick-and-mortar bookstore success. What is your opinion about traditional's future, and, therefore, the future of agents?

MARK: Don't believe the hype. You can't believe everything you see and read. I remain a firm believer in that no matter how far technology takes us, there's always a need for the human element, and I'm not talking about a "ghost in the machine."

It is no lie that an author receives a larger share of royalties in the digital space in self-publishing, but there's still a common misconception. In self-publishing, authors sell in smaller numbers than a literary agent and publisher could do for an author.
 
Authors that self-publish are primarily in the digital format, rather than being in the other revenue tributaries of major trade publishing. Overall it's better to diversify one's publishing portfolio with a major trade publisher, offering various publishing formats, online and physical retailers, etc. 

One day I see traditional publishers having an even bigger presence in the digital sphere for books in terms of placement among online retailers in buying co-op deals, key site-placement, and more, exactly the way music and movie companies originated subscription services and digital access. Print won't become a thing of the past but perhaps a nostalgia, much like the way in which music aficionados appreciate vinyl records. Like the LP, the hardcover book is a technology that has been perfected and is ideal to the experience of reading. Regardless, readers will always opt for their preferred format, whether that be print, audio or ebook.   

HOPE: Let's throw out a couple of rumors about agents. For instance, do agents ever consider representing a self-published author? If you do, what makes you accept one and decline another?

MARK: Usually the sales numbers need to justify an agent's role in the life of a self-published author trying to move toward traditional publishing. That usually requires bestseller status from a self-published author, but I have taken on self-published projects that sounded interesting to me and evaluated them on a purely subjective-basis. For instance, my client Taylor Bayouth self-published to little or no success HOW TO STEAL THE MONA LISA AND OTHER WORLD FAMOUS TREASURES, a step-by-step guide to the craft of high stakes thievery and heists, meticulously describing the knowledge, techniques, and tools needed to steal priceless art, such as the "Mona Lisa" and Rodin's "Thinker," and rare artifacts like the Archaeopteryx fossil and the Hope Diamond. Like Spartans wearing red in battle to hide their wounds, we remained quiet about the fact that the book was self-published. HOW TO STEAL THE MONA LISA ended up selling to Tarcher/Perigee Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and Ron Howard's company Imagine Entertainment optioned it for film/TV when Jason Bateman attached himself to the project. 

But what makes me decline? When projects do not speak to me subjectively, despite positive sales numbers, I am reticent to take them on for literary representation.

HOPE: If an indie author publishes a book that does not sell well, would you consider it? Or would you rather pass and consider something more fresh and new? Or does a bad selling book hurt the odds of an agent representing the author at all?

MARK: The self-publishing sphere has become something of what the farm league is to major league baseball. However, the odds of an author’s success can be lower fighting up from self-publishing than if an author were to try to approach a literary agent for their major debut in trade publishing. The bar is quite high in terms of self-publishing to attract an agent or publisher. An author usually needs to have sold at least 50,000 copies at a decent price. Were an author to self-publish and create a bad track record, it would be difficult for a literary agent to sell that author to a major trade publisher. An author experiencing a modicum of success in self-publishing should ask themselves if they want more in moving into major trade publishing, or if they can make more in self-publishing. It's a big time and money investment to self-publish. At least traditional publishers usually pay risk money upfront in the way of a book advance. That's like free money as an author doesn't have to pay the book advance back, unless they want out of the publishing contract. Were the advance to earn out in the sale of books sold, then the author can rest assured they'd see money on the back end in royalties and in larger numbers from wider distribution and promotion than they could on their own. 


(TUNE IN NEXT WEEK . . . for Part 3 of this interview by C. Hope Clark with Trident Media Group literary agent Mark Gottlieb)


BIO
Mark Gottlieb attended Emerson College and was President of its Publishing Club, establishing the Wilde Press. After graduating with a degree in writing, literature & publishing, he began his career with Penguin's VP. Mark's first position at Publishers Marketplace's #1-ranked literary agency, Trident Media Group, was in foreign rights. Mark was EA to Trident's Chairman and ran the Audio Department. Mark is currently working with his own client list, helping to manage and grow author careers with the unique resources available to Trident. He has ranked #1 among Literary Agents on publishersmarketplace.com in Overall Deals and other categories.

 

COmpetitions

MONA SCHREIBER PRIZE FOR HUMOROUS FICTION AND NONFICTION
http://brashcyber.com/mona.htm
$5 ENTRY FEE.
Writers of comedic essays, articles, short stories, poetry, shopping lists and other forms are invited to submit. Works up to 750 words in length. Deadline December 1, 2016. 1st: $500. 2nd: $250. 3rd: $100. 



CP CAVAFY POETRY PRIZE
https://poetryinternational.submittable.com/submit
$15-$30 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline November 30, 2016. Every year, Poetry International gives a prize of $1,000 and publication in Poetry International for a single poem. Editors of Poetry International will judge each submission. Submit up to three poems with each entry fee.



PROMISING PLAYWRIGHT SCRIPT CONTEST
https://thecolonialplayers.submittable.com/submit
NO ENTRY FEE
Full-length play scripts sought for theater workshop opportunity. The winner will receive a prize of $1,000 and a script workshop weekend in summer 2017. The workshop will culminate in a rehearsed public reading of the script at our theater in Annapolis, Maryland. Playwrights must currently reside in Washington DC or any of the 13 original colonies of the United States. Plays must be unpublished and unproduced. Estimated run time should be at least 85 minutes. Deadline December 31, 2016.



HOURGLASS LITERARY CONTEST
http://hourglassonline.org/contest/
$15 ENTRY FEE.
The winning entry in each category (short story, essay, and poem) will receive $1,000 as prize money, apart from a symbolic artifact (clepsydra), digital stamp and diploma. Authors of winning entries will receive printed copy of the Hourglass Literary Magazine No. 2. The jury has the right to give a special prize ($500) in each category. Special Scrivener Award awards one licensed software solution “writing studio”, Scrivener, and $250. Winners will be officially awarded in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Hercegovina during September 2017. If an author cannot attend the awards ceremony, sponsors of the contest will provide the video conference; funds will be paid via PayPal or bank transfer. Editorial staff and board members will take under consideration shortlisted works for publication in the second issue of the Hourglass Literary Magazine. The selected works will be financially compensated. Deadline April 30, 2017. The competition is international and is open to all authors writing in English or any of the BCMS languages (comprising Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Montenegrin.) There are no theme, or genre limitations and boundaries. Short stories 700-7,000 words. Essays 1,000-9,000 words. Poems limited to 3,500 words.

 

GRANTS

PALM BEACH POETRY FESTIVAL AFRICAN AMERICAN FELLOWSHIP
http://www.palmbeachpoetryfestival.org/fellowship-african-american-2017/
The fellow will be an outstanding poet who will benefit from and contribute to participation in the workshop. A writing sample, letter of introduction, and description of need are an integral part of the application and selection process. The fellowship includes application fee, tuition, and lodging near the venue, valued at approximately $2,000. The fellow is responsible for travel and meals. The deadline to apply for the fellowship is November 14, 2016. 



PLAYA
http://www.playasummerlake.org/index.html
PLAYA (pronounced "ply-uh") is a retreat for creative individuals who are committed and passionate about their work, and who will benefit from time spent in a remote location. Located in the Oregon Outback, near Summer Lake in Lake County, PLAYA manages its Residency program and a range of community and educational outreach activities. Applications for Fall 2017 residencies are now open. Application deadline is March 1, 2017. 



GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK RESIDENCY - TENNESSEE
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/getinvolved/artist-in-residence.htm
The Artist-in-Residence program offers an opportunity for artists to pursue new creative endeavors while immersed in the rugged mountain landscape, rich cultural heritage and wealth of biological diversity at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In turn, selected artists continue the long tradition of interpreting resources in ways that enrich the park experience for today's visitors and leave lasting impressions for future generations. Free furnished apartment inside park boundaries for 4-6 weeks. Reimbursement for materials and expenses not to exceed $300. Enrollment in the National Park Service Volunteers-in-Parks program. Opportunity to collaborate with Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.



GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK RESIDENCY - TEXAS
https://www.nps.gov/gumo/getinvolved/supportyourpark/artist-in-residence.htm
The Artist-In-Residence Program offers professional writers, composers, and all visual and performing artists the opportunity to pursue their particular art form while surrounded by the inspiring landscape of the park. The Artist-in-Residence Program is intended for artists working in a variety of mediums. One or more artists may be selected each year for our residency program. Professional two-dimensional visual artists, sculptors, musicians, writers, crafts persons, and photographers are encouraged to apply. Deadlines July 15, August 31, and October 15. 

 

FREELANCE MARKETS

SANDPOINT MAGAZINE
http://www.sandpointmagazine.com/guidelines.pdf
Sandpoint Magazine covers the Greater Sandpoint area, generally the two northern counties of Idaho, and publishes two issues per year – a summer issue in May and winter issue in November. Each issue contains lively features, entertaining stories, comprehensive event calendars and guides to getting the most enjoyment out of living in or visiting Sandpoint, Idaho. Freelance writers are paid 20 cents per word for regular stories and 25 cents per word for almanac stories; paid upon publication, buying first North American rights, with reprint rights and inclusion on the magazine’s website. 



OUR HOMES
http://www.ourhomes.ca/contributors-guidelines
OUR HOMES is a premium homes, real estate and decor magazine featuring beautiful photography and top-notch writing. We currently publish in select regions of Ontario. This quality magazine is very popular and cherished by a high-income readership. It is an in-demand source of information on home interiors and exteriors, renovating, real estate, gardening, landscaping, building and home life. OUR HOMES Media Group Inc. pays 25 cents per assigned word for freelance writing, and, if there is travel required, 40 cents per kilometre after the first 60 kilometres travelled. 



AURORA MAGAZINE
http://news.uaf.edu/contributor-guidelines/
Aurora strives to publish writing of the highest quality, driven by clear prose, accurate facts and references, and approved subject quotes. Because the intent of the magazine is to promote positive feelings in all constituents, the editors want subjects described in Aurora to feel comfortable with the way their words and lives are portrayed. A magazine of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. We will pay freelance writers 50 cents per word for the original word count assigned. The pay rate for artwork will be negotiated with each freelance photographer or illustrator. Every issue of Aurora should make you smile, maybe laugh, perhaps even cry a bit, and at least once make you think “Huh, I didn’t know that.” 



GUIDEPOSTS
https://www.guideposts.org/writers-guidelines
Guideposts publishes true stories about people who have attained a goal, surmounted an obstacle or learned a helpful lesson through their faith. A typical story is a first-person narrative with a spiritual point that the reader can apply to his or her own life. The story may be your own or someone else’s. Payment for full-length stories (about 1,500 words) is made when the story is accepted for publication. Please do not send essays, sermons or fiction. We almost never use poetry and do not evaluate book-length material.

 

JOBS

WRITER-EDITOR
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/455248500/
Locations San Francisco, CA; Denver, CO; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA; Kansas City, MO; New York, NY; and Philadelphia, PA. Employing agency General Services Administration. Composes correspondence and documents for signature of the Administrator, Deputy Administrator and other senior officials. Develops written responses, products, and releases that articulate, interpret and explain agency-wide programs. Gathers, develops, and checks the accuracy of regulatory information by research and by interviews with subject-matter specialists, program officials, and in some cases, policymakers. Pays $92,145-$119,794. Deadline November 16, 2016. 

 

Publishers/agents

QUIRK BOOKS
http://www.quirkbooks.com//page/submissions
Here at Quirk, we’re always on the lookout for strikingly unconventional manuscripts and book proposals. A well-written novel with an off-the-wall editorial premise? That’s Quirk. A playful cookbook or craft book with cool photography or crazy illustrations? That’s Quirk, too. We publish across a broad range of categories—always with the goal of delivering innovative books to discerning readers.



BRICK BOOKS
http://www.brickbooks.ca/submissions/
Brick Books’ mandate is to publish poetry of the highest quality by both new and established Canadian writers (either Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.) We receive approximately 100 manuscripts for consideration every year. We publish only seven books a year. Please note that we only read submissions between January 1 and April 30. 



FUZZY HEDGEHOG PRESS
http://www.fuzzyhedgehogpress.com/submissions/
Fuzzy Hedgehog Press is a publisher of weird speculative fiction for all orientations. If your story could be classified as fantasy or science fiction, we are interested. If the terms “new weird” or “slipstream” apply, even better. We are open to stories that feature LGBT characters as well as those that do not. 



BRAYBREE PUBLISHING
http://braybreepublishing.com/submissions/
We welcome book-length, nonfiction manuscripts from first-time and established authors relating to the people, culture, and history of the Mid-South (Tennessee, Kentucky, northern Mississippi and Alabama, eastern Arkansas, and southeast Missouri), especially unique or unpublished local and regional history.


 

SPONSORS

Call for Entries: All Poets & Writers are Welcome!

Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest.

Write a poem, 30 lines or fewer on any subject or write a short story, 5 pages maximum length on any theme, single or double line spacing, neatly hand printed or typed. No word count.

Writing First Prize: $500.00, 2nd: $250, 3rd: $100
Poetry First Prize: $250.00, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $50.

Entry fees: $5 per poem, $10 per story.
Postmark deadline: January 31, 2017

Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com for details and enter!






 

Short & Helpful
Online Writer Workshops
It’s not too late to sign up!
Purchase Single Workshop
Or set of 3 for FREE workbook
Or all 12 for HUGE SAVINGS

Set1: Premise & Structure, Voice & POV, Setting
Set2: Character, Dialogue, Beginnings & Endings
Set3: Conflict, Backstory, Self-Editing
Set4: Memoir, World Building, Researching
http://sandhbooks.com/online-writer-workshops

ADD  Hope2016 coupon code for 5% off any workshops.





 

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ine 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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