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.

And the 2017 rankings are just getting started!  At FanStory everything you write will get feedback. And that feedback will be used to determine your 2017 rank! Join now and all year long you can share your writing, get feedback for it, and watch your rank go up or down based on the feedback you receive.  We update our rankings every night. You can be ranked  as a poet, story writer, novelist or script writer. It's fun, motivational and only at FanStory! 

Find out More | Watch Our Video 

Here are some of the Upcoming Contests

Cinquain Poetry 
The format for this type of poem is simple. Each line has a specific number of syllables.  Line 1 - 2 syllables.  Line 2 - 4 syllables.  Line 3 - 6 syllables.  Line 4 - 8 syllables.  Line 5 - 2 syllables.  You decide the rhyme scheme (if any) and the subject matter.  Cash Prize! Deadline is Jan. 9th

2-4-2 Poetry 
It has three lines. The first line has 2 syllables, the second line has 4 syllables and the last line has 2 syllables again. The subject can be anything.  Cash Prize! Deadline: Jan. 13th

Write About This 
Write a short story that involved the image in the contest announcement. Deadline: Jan 17th

5-7-5 Poetry Contest 
A 5-7-5 follows the structure of a Haiku but without any limitation to the topic.  The first line has 5 syllables. The second line has 7 syllables. The third line has 5 syllables again. Deadline: Jan. 24th

This is just a few of our contests. View our full listing here (http://www.fanstory.com/contestsall.jsp). Find out more about FanStory here (link to: http://www.fanstory.com/index1n.jsp). Watch our video here  (link to http://www.fanstory.com/tourfs.jsp)

BY ALL MEANS, WRITE

 Vincent van Gogh said ignore the voice that says you cannot paint, and just do it. Guess he was the precursor to Nike. As writers, we're approached, if not bombarded, by many negative voices to include our own. And most of us listen to the voices way too much. 

They tell us not to write, or we can't write well enough to be published, much less make enough sales to earn a solid living. Truth is, however, it is purely, solely, unilaterally you who decides whether or not to write. So when one of those voices says, "Why do you bother?" just pick up a pen or pull out your keyboard, and write. Look back over your shoulder and wink, because, in that instant, you've overcome the voice.

Do not expend a single, solitary smidgeon of your energy arguing with them. Back off the empty Facebook banter about it. Stop seeking like minds to compare woe-with-me stories. All that wasted energy chatting instead of writing. Each word takes you closer to being better, to being good. Instead, too many writer wannabes want to talk about the effort, the process, the brick walls, and, gasp, the rejection (assuming they get far enough in the process to submit).

Readers do not want to read about you trying to write. They only want to read the good writing that comes out at the end. The in-between should be you, writing, without discussion, without announcements to the world that you're going to do this and going to do that. The majority of those folks wind up not fulfilling their promise, and goodness knows you don't want to considered a talker who can't walk the walk.

Happy New Year. And let one of your resolutions be to write without complaint. To be positive and avoid the voices.



 




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

If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.

~Vincent van Gogh


 

Success Story

Please let us know of your own success. How has FundsforWriters aided your journey?
Email hope@chopeclark.com 

featured article

Use Magazine Vendor Websites to Find New Paying Markets  

By Robert Kingett

We have all been there. We have poured over websites for writers, submission directories like Writers Market and WritersWeekly.com to find that next freelance opportunity. There are many magazines to write for, both online and off, especially now that the internet has blossomed and bloomed. The trouble comes in when writers try to find actual paying work.

There’s a little-known source that many writers overlook: Magazine vendors. These are firms that sell magazines (usually at a discount) to the public. Most of them have large, detailed websites listing thousands of magazines, many of which you didn’t even know existed. And, most popular magazines pay writers respectable rates.

The process is simple. Find a magazine on one of the vendor sites, use Google or another search engine to find the magazine’s website, and then find the masthead so you’ll know where, and to whom, to send your query. You’ll find writer’s guidelines posted on some of the websites as well. Some magazine sites list editorial email addresses, while others have forms you can use to submit to them online. For sites that have email addresses, you might want to create a spreadsheet, categorized by magazine subject. Of course, never send emails en masse to editors. Send them out one at a time and always address your query to the name of the person accepting queries, which is usually the editor or managing editor. Never address a query to “dear editor,” “dear sirs,” or any other generic term.

Usually, the magazines that are in the best-seller category pay the highest.

Here are three magazine vendors you can use to find new paying markets for your writing:

Magazine Agent
http://www.magazine-agent.com

Magazine Agent has magazines listed by category, and otherwise. Once you’re on their website, you’ll see all of the main sections listed on the left-hand side. The “top sellers” link is at the top of the page. The listings even have magazine descriptions so you can more precisely target your query.

Amazon Kindle Magazines
https://www.amazon.com/Magazines-Journals-Kindle/b?ie=UTF8&node=241646011

Amazon’s Kindle has boosted not only book buying, but magazine buying as well (electronic editions, of course). The magazine categories are in a linked list in the left-hand column. The information for each publication has the price, the publisher, and reviews. Naturally, the best place to find the highest paying magazines is in the best-sellers section, which is in a box on the right-hand side of the page. Find magazines you want to approach, find their websites, and then find the masthead.

Magazines.com
https://www.magazines.com

This is similar to the sites above, and also has a link to their best-sellers at the top of the page.

There you have it! A roundabout, yet solid way to find magazines that actually pay their writers. For some magazines, the hardest part will be locating the email addresses of the magazine editors but, with a bit of help from Google (or your favorite search engine) and a lot of patience you can have a large list of editors to query in the future.

BIO - Robert Kingett is a blind journalist in Chicago who writes for many newspapers in Chicago covering a wide array of beats including disability news, LGBT issues, technology, human interest, and audiobook reviews. His work is most noticeable in Inside Booster, a north side publication, where he publishes disability news. His essays have been published in several magazines and anthologies. He started his own book review series called Kingett Reads. He’s a regular contributor to many sites and magazines, including Read, Dream, Relax, Knockout Magazine, Chicago Phoenix, A&U Magazine, GRAB Magazine, and others. In the future he hopes to publish a book of essays.

 

COmpetitions

WARNING: El Chapo Review Essay Contest - cannot confirm the review or the people running it. No longer recommended.


EVENT NONFICTION CONTEST
http://www.eventmagazine.ca/contest-nf/
$34.95 ENTRY FEE.
Prize: $1,500 in prizes plus publication in EVENT. EVENT reserves the right to award the prize money as it sees fit (e.g., two prizes valued at $750, three at $500, or one at $1,000 and one at $500, etc.) in accordance with the judge’s decision. Published entries will be paid our standard publication payment in addition to any prize money. Deadline: April 15, 2017. 5,000-word limit on entries.



NEW MILLENIUM WRITINGS CONTEST
http://submit.newmillenniumwritings.org/
$20 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline January 31, 2017. $1,000 and publication in each category of poetry, fiction, flash, and nonfiction. No restrictions on style or subject matter. Fiction - 6,000 words or less. Nonfiction (all types welcome) - 6,000 words or less. Flash Fiction (aka: Short-Short Fiction) - 1,000 words or less. Poetry - may include three poems, up to five pages total. 



NATURE AND PLACE POETRY COMPETITION
https://www.therialto.co.uk/pages/nature-poetry-competition-2017/
ENTRY FEE £6 for your first poem £3.50 for each subsequent poem.
1st prize – £1,000. 2nd prize – £500. 3rd prize – A place on a creative writing course at Ty Newydd Writing Centre in 2017. TWO ADDITIONAL PRIZES: A personal tour with Mark Cocker of his most cherished wildlife places in East Anglia; a personal tour with Nick Davies of his beloved Wicken Fen to learn about his research there. Deadline March 1, 2017. You can submit up to six poems in one batch. Poems must have a title and must be no more than 40 lines. 



FABULA PRESS SHORT STORY COMPETITION
http://www.fabulapress.com/the-contest/
$10 ENTRY FEE. 
Deadline March 31, 2017. The contest 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. In case of doubt, it is best to query the editorial team before submitting. Stories must be not less than 1500 words and no more than 7,000 words in length. First Prize: US$250. Second Prize: US$150. Third Prize: US$100.

 

GRANTS

SCREENWRITING LAB
http://www.filmindependent.org/programs/filmmaker-labs/screenwriting-lab/
The Screenwriting Lab also helps to further the careers of its Fellows by introducing them to film industry veterans who can offer guidance on both the craft and business of screenwriting. Each Screenwriting Fellow will be paired with a Creative Advisor, with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in Lab sessions to further develop their project over the course of the program. The Screenwriting Lab is open to any writer applying with a completed draft of a feature-length project they wish to workshop during the program, with an eye toward production. Beyond the application fee, there is no cost or tuition to participate in any of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs. Location Los Angeles. The fellowship includes a $10,000 cash grant as well as inclusion in the Screenwriting Lab.



MONTELLO FOUNDATION RESIDENCIES
http://www.montellofoundation.org/pages/montello_frameset.htm
Montello Foundation is a foundation dedicated to supporting artists who foster our understanding of nature, its fragility and our need to protect it. The application deadline for the summer 2017 season is January 29, 2017. There is no fee for artists to stay at the retreat, but artists are responsible for their travel expenses and for their meals. Founded by Stefan Hagen, the foundation is based in New York and is currently setting up an artist residency in a remote location in northwestern Nevada.



DISNEY/ABC TELEVISION WRITING PROGRAM
http://www.disneyabctalentdevelopment.com/writing_program.html
For over 25 years, the Disney/ABC Writing Program has been lauded as one of the most successful writer programs in the entertainment industry. The one-year program is the only program of its kind sanctioned by the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW). Writers become employees of Disney/ABC Television Group (DATG) and will be paid a weekly salary of $961.54 ($50,000 annualized) plus any applicable benefits for which they are eligible in accordance with the then-current Company benefits. The one-year program begins in February and ends in February of the following year. Opens to the public in May.



TENNESSEE GRANT PANELISTS NEEDED
http://tnartscommission.org/news/upcoming-annual-grant-deadlines-panelists-needed/
We are looking for panelists to serve on advisory panels which will be conducted in March and April, 2017. As part of the annual grant review process each year, advisory panels are held so that citizens from across Tennessee can provide expert guidance in evaluating grant applications. They help enable the Commission to make informed decisions in awarding grants and technical assistance recommendations to applicants.
 

FREELANCE MARKETS

WARNING: Scary Mommy has decided to no longer pay its writers. Big BOOO!
http://www.scarymommy.com/write-for-scary-mommy/


RURALITE
https://www.ruralite.org/learn-more/writers-guidelines/
Ruralite magazine is a monthly family-oriented, general-interest publication used by 48 rural electric cooperatives and PUDs in seven Western states to communicate with their members. Ruralite readers are predominantly rural and small-town residents who are interested in stories about people and issues that affect their Northwest lifestyles. The cornerstone of Ruralite’s content is its colorful people features. Payment ranges from $50 for a short, 100- to 200-word feature to $500 for a major, well-illustrated article. 



OUTREACH
http://www.outreachmagazine.com/magazine/3160-writers-guidelines.html
Outreach magazine is always on the lookout for ideas and stories, as well as experienced writers and interviewers. The magazine is divided into sections that convey diverse tones (inspirational, practical, academic, etc.). Outreach magazine is the gathering place of ideas, insights and stories for Christian churches focused on reaching out to their community—locally and globally—with the love of Christ. Our primary readers are senior pastors and church leadership, as well as laity who are passionate about outreach. 



ANSWERS MAGAZINE
https://cdn-assets.answersingenesis.org/doc/articles/magazine/writers-policy.pdf
Answers in Genesis-USA (AiG) is a non-profit evangelistic and educational ministry. The purpose of Answers magazine is to illustrate the importance of Genesis in building a creation-based worldview, and to equip readers with practical answers so they can confidently communicate the gospel and biblical authority with accuracy and graciousness. Up to 500 words pays $75-$125 with $50-$75 for reprints. For 501 – 1,000 words pays $150-$200 with $85-$100 for reprints. For 1,001 – 2,000 pays $225-$275 and $110-$135. For 2,001+ words pays $300-$400 and $150-$225 for reprints.



NEBRASKALAND
http://magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/guidelines-writers-photographers/
NEBRASKAland Magazine is published ten times a year by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Subject matter includes all varieties of outdoor recreation including camping, travel, canoeing, hunting, fishing, Nebraska’s state parks and recreation areas, wildlife, natural history, unique personalities, art, culture, history and personal reminiscence. All articles have a strong Nebraska association. The magazine welcomes freelance submissions and pays $.15 per word of edited text. Freelance submissions for photographs are also welcome, and pay the following rates: Front cover, $250; Inside front cover, $150; Back cover, $100; and $125 per individual page.

 

JOBS

TECHNICAL WRITER
Location Lakewood, CO
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/461593400/
Deadline January 26, 2017. Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his/her expertise as a Technical Writer/Editor. You can make a difference in the West by providing professional writing services for the Bureau of Reclamation. Pay starts at $65,000.



STAFF WRITER
Location New York
http://ed2010.com/whisper-jobs/wewomen-com-staff-writer-2/
Pays $31,000. Wewomen is looking for a highly organized, resourceful Staff Writer to grow our content offering across the site, with a particular focus on Health & Fitness, Women In Focus and Parenting.



EDITOR/WRITER
Location Remote
http://ed2010.com/whisper-jobs/blouin-news-world-politics-editorwriter/
Blouin News is a start-up media outlet based in New York City and the newest platform of Louise Blouin Media. We approach the news from a global, forward-looking perspective that focuses on the intersections between various fields, e.g., politics and business. As our online presence continues to expand, we are seeking an adept, Web-savvy writer keyed-in to current events who has a passion for and understanding of global news and politics.
 

Publishers/agents

ROSS YOON LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.rossyoon.com/submissions/
Only represents adult nonfiction. Does not represent fiction, screenplays, poetry, YA, or children’s titles. 



GLASS LITERARY MANAGEMENT
http://www.glassliterary.com/books/
Represents adult and children's fiction as well as narrative, practical and reference nonfiction. 


THE MARTELL AGENCY
http://themartellagency.com/
The agency list covers an eclectic range of books, narrative nonfiction, investigative reporting, history, memoir, self help, cookbooks, literary and commercial fiction and quirky titles that fall in between these categories. The pivotal point being that if we believe in a project, we want to represent it. Does not handle original screenplays or poetry or submissions in the fantasy and/or paranormal genres.



BALDI AGENCY
http://www.baldibooks.com/submission.php
Interests include: General fiction, Reference, Biography, Computers/technology, Business/investing/finance, History, Mind/body/spirit, Travel, Lifestyle, Cookbooks, Science, Memoir, Cultural history, Literary fiction, Creative nonfiction, Gay/lesbian fiction.

 

SPONSORS

Short & Helpful Online Writer Workshops

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Set 1: Premise & Structure, Voice & POV, Setting
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Set 3: Conflict, Backstory, Self-Editing
Set 4: Memoir, World Building, Researching
http://www.shortandhelpfulonlinewriterworkshops.com/

Add HOPE2017 discount code for 15% off any workshops.

 






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FINE PRINT

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E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com
140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036
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ISSN: 1533-1326

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