FundsforWriters - November 3, 2017 - How Would a Book Club Learn About Your Book?

Published: Fri, 11/03/17

Volume 17, Issue 44 | NOVEMBER 3, 2017

Message from the Editor

In case you're wondering why I've been popping up Lowcountry Bribe to the right, my first novel ever, it's because I'm finalizing the fourth Carolina Slade novel, Newberry Sin, due out in Spring 2018.

This series is near and dear to my heart. Not only is it my first mystery, but the story was based upon how my husband and I met . . . on a bribery investigation. He was the federal agent and I was the CI (cooperating individual), and together we pursued a farmer who offered me a bribe.

Yes, it was scary, and threatening, but in the end, my agent me it wasn't scary enough. So I went back to my reality and did a zillion "what-ifs" to include bodies.

The fun part is when readers ask me which parts are fact and which are fiction. Frankly, some times I have to stop and think about it, because in writing a novel, you immerse yourself into it. And since so much of the book is attributed to factual instances, they sort of blend together.

Added to the semi-true story is the setting. I adore my home state of South Carolina, so setting is deeply entrenched in all my fiction. So entrenched that I want you to taste the salt on the breeze, and feel the sticky of the humidity. Smell the old barn and turned fields.

Isn't that what we want in our novels? A setting and story that make us feel we are really there? I think these books are so much a part of me and what I love that I could die happy knowing I've left my view of my world accurate enough on the pages. Hope you can, too.

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C. Hope Clark
Editor, FundsforWriters
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	Those who haven't read any of C. Hope Clark's books are short-changing themselves. You can't begin a C. Hope Clark book and then put it down." - Clay Stafford, author / filmmaker, founder of Killer Nashville and publisher of Killer Nashville Magazine.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

EDitor’s THOUGHTS

HOW WOULD A BOOK CLUB LEARN ABOUT YOUR BOOK?

Where do book clubs grab their selections? I joined a local book club last year after having presented to them with Echoes of Edisto. Their intelligent banter and discussion drew me in, and while I admittedly don't enjoy nonfiction or a few other genres, if there's anything affiliated with a mystery, I'm there. It's fun sitting in the audience and dissecting other books.

Like any club, a list is prepared in advance of what the members will read for the entire year. It wasn't long before I discovered how members develop that list, which every writer needs to know.

First, there is no website where authors pitch their book.
Second, most book clubs do not have websites, period. Or an email contact.

So where do they find books to read?

1) bestseller book lists
2) word of mouth
3) who they know

I can't even say that list is in a specific order, either. From my observation, a good book recommended by a friend earns top shelf consideration. However, if the list is running short, everyone runs to a bestseller list, which means big names, wide distribution, and no indie books.

So, how do you get your name in front of a book club?

First, search throughout your local area for book clubs. Ask bookstores, libraries, teachers, churches, and retirement homes. Check out facilities that let folks or groups meet and see if there aren't book clubs posted. Keep in mind that book clubs either order their books from a bookstore or check out the books from the library.

Second, promote yourself online as a big book club person. Add Q&As on your website about your books. Use #bookclub in your social media chatter. List the book clubs you have presented to, and don't feel embarrassed to contact them again.

Book clubs do not like to be harassed, but they adore a good book. Use your subtlety and charm to let the world know you cherish book clubs. Frankly, they are my favorite type of appearance.

PREVIOUS FAVORITE POSTS:

WORDS OF SUCCESS

"When you take risks, insults by small men, those who don't risk anything, are similar to barks by nonhuman animals; you can't feel insulted by a dog."

~Nassim Nicholas Taleb, from his book Antifragile

Success Story

Hi Hope,

Thanks to having found a listing to submit to The Woven Tales Press in your newsletter, my nonfiction essay Slip-sliding Away has been published in the latest edition of this beautiful art and literary journal: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1364427?__r=590004

I've always admired your personal approach, I feel I actually know you even though we've never met. Your ability to blend promotion of your own work, while enthusiastically supporting the work of others is a great example for the rest of us. I was also inspired by you to finally launch my own author website: https://www.cynthiaclose.com/

Looking forward to sharing more good news with you.

Cynthia Close
www.cynthiaclose.com

Become a Paid Expert by Writing Op-Eds

By Johnny Townsend

Have you ever watched a story on the news and thought to yourself, "I wish they'd asked me about that. I could have really told them a thing or two"? Most of us are experts on something, and if we're writers, most of us end up writing about what we know. We can create a positive feedback loop by writing op-eds on that material, using our books or articles to establish us as experts on the subject in question, and further establishing our expertise by now writing editorials as well.

For instance, I was the first person to write a book about the Upstairs Lounge fire, a terrible arson which killed 32 people at a gay bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans on Gay Pride Day in 1973. Each year, on the anniversary of the fire, newspapers and websites are interested in covering the tragedy. As an "expert," I am often approached by various editors, but I'm free to write a piece myself and be the one to approach them. In the wake of the horrific Pulse shooting in Orlando, for instance, I published an op-ed comparing the new "largest mass murder of gays in U.S. history" to the previous largest mass murder, that attack on the Upstairs Lounge. I have no connection to the Pulse shootings, but I was still an "expert" because of my previous work. It may be grim to be knowledgeable about such events, but it does mean I have things to say, and I can further establish my credentials by "writing what I know."

Likewise, a news story recently began making the rounds about a twelve-year-old girl who spoke in a Mormon church and revealed she was a lesbian, the bishop cutting off her microphone in the middle of her talk. As most of my fiction deals with gay Mormons, I was again an "expert" who had something meaningful to say on the incident. I submitted an op-ed to a newspaper in a heavily Mormon area, and my views on the importance of LGBTQ literature as a means of understanding our LGBTQ family, friends, and neighbors was published.

Do you have a personal, compelling story about our broken healthcare system and why we need single-payer or some more conservative reform? Do you have a story about domestic violence? Our education system? Immigration? Has your home suffered damage in a fracking-related earthquake? Do you have a personal story involving gun violence that allows you to speak either for or against gun regulation?

You do not need a PhD in order to be an expert on at least a tiny part of a major subject that newspapers want to hear about.

Only a handful of newspapers pay for op-eds (Newsday, The New York Times, Boston Globe, and The Washington Post are a few), so you won't make a great deal of money writing and selling these pieces. But most papers who do publish your editorial or commentary will ask if you want to put the piece "on the wire," meaning other newspapers across the country can pick it up and print it as well. You will get no additional income from this, but it does get you more "exposure." That's a bad word in the publishing industry because it basically means writing for free, but if you do your research and only write for those papers which will in fact pay you for first publication rights, then you get the money and the exposure.

Publishing op-eds builds your reputation as an expert on the subjects important to you, and they build your resumé as well. You will have a more impressive list of publications to add to your author bio. Find more of the best places to submit your op-eds at theopedproject.org. Treat yourself as an expert on the things you really do know about, and other people will, too.

BIO - Johnny Townsend is the author of 31 books and has published op-eds in Newsday, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Humanist, The Progressive, The Salt Lake Tribune, and many other publications. He was an associate producer for the documentary Upstairs Inferno, and he's spoken in Salt Lake at the Sunstone symposium on the subject of gay Mormon literature. Learn more at johnnytownsend.com.

COmpetitions

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: ANTHOLOGY COMPETITION
http://anthologytable4two.wordpress.com
$5 ENTRY FEE. Deadline December 10, 2017. Theme: TABLE FOR TWO. Whether it’s a first date, worst date, blind date or special celebration, some of our most memorable meals involve dining with another person. Of the 20 best personal essays chosen by our judges for publication, the top three will respectively receive $200, $150 and $100 and a feature interview.

SAND HILLS
https://sandhillsmagazine.submittable.com/submit
$3 ENTRY FEE. Deadline December 15, 2017. Sand Hills is now accepting work from all artists and writers in the U.S. Our first national publication will debut in Spring 2018. We seek to publish the best drama, poetry, prose (creative nonfiction and fiction), and visual art created by U.S. residents. We also have an ongoing interest in and commitment to publishing work by Augusta University students. Prizes of $200 are awarded in each genre.

NOWHERE MAGAZINE TRAVEL CONTEST
https://nowherepublishing.submittable.com/submit/93955/fall-2017-travel-writing-contest
$20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 1, 2018. Stories can be fiction, nonfiction or essay, but please indicate which genre at the top of your manuscript. Entries should be between 800 and 5,000 words and must not have been previously chosen as a winner in another contest. Previously published work is accepted, but again, please indicate this. The winner will receive $1,000, with publication in Nowhere granted under First North American Serial Rights (FNASR). Up to ten finalists also will be published.

FOREIGN VOICES POETRY COMPETITION
https://www.hollandparkpress.co.uk/magazine_detail.php?magazine_id=455&language=English
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline November 30, 2017. Theme is migration. The author of the winning poem will receive £200. The winning poem and runners-up will be published in our online magazine. We accept poems from authors of all nationalities and based anywhere in the world provided you comply with the guidelines. Your poem has to be written in English. Translations are not accepted. Poems should not exceed 50 lines. The poem must be the original work of the entrant. The poems must not have been previously awarded or published. You can only send in one poem per entrant. You must be 18 or older.

GRANTS

COMMUNITY OF WRITERS - SQUAW VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
https://communityofwriters.org/workshops/financial-aid-scholarships/
A limited amount of financial aid is available each year for both the Poetry Workshop and Writers Workshops. Much of the financial aid is granted in the form of tuition waivers and scholarships, which are funded by donations from our past participants, staff and friends. Any scholarship funds awarded generally reduce the cost of tuition for the attendee. All financial aid, including scholarships, is granted on the basis of merit and need. See the website for more information on specific scholarships available . . . and there are many. Most financial aid awards are in the form of partial tuition waivers.

THE SPEAKEASY PROJECT
https://www.thespeakeasyproject.net/all-ages
Location Pasadena, CA. Every winter, spring and summer, The Speakeasy Project hosts a four-week long poetry workshop for students of all ages and backgrounds. This program centers around small-group mentorship. Each group consists of one mentor and six students, while each month-long session consists of about six to ten mentors. We offer substantial scholarships to students based on need. Over 60-70 percent of our students receive partial to full scholarships for our programs. If you intend to apply for financial aid, please fill out the last three questions on the application. Please be mindful of other students when applying for assistance.

NEBRASKA ARTIST ROSTER
http://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/opportunities/for-artists/apply-to-join-artist-roster.html
Deadline December 1, 2017. The Artist Roster lists participating artists in two separate programs: the Artists in Schools/Communities roster of teaching artists and the Nebraska Touring Program roster of touring artists and art exhibitions. New roster artists must apply to be considered for either roster. Applications are reviewed by panel, which make recommendations to the Nebraska Arts Council for approval. New artists are encouraged to contact NAC staff well in advance of the application deadline to discuss their proposals. Artists applying for both programs must complete both applications.

HYPATIA-IN-THE-WOODS
http://www.hypatiainthewoods.org
Deadlines February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15. Location Shelton, Washington. Hypatia-in-the-Woods was created to provide physical and mental space, solitude, and time for women to pursue their creative endeavors, undistracted by everyday demands of job, family and other obligations. We invite artists, writers, academics and business women to experience the tranquil setting of Holly House, the small cottage that serves as our residential retreat and study center.

FREELANCE MARKETS

GREAT ESCAPE PUBLISHING
https://www.greatescapepublishing.com/writers-guidelines/
Great Escape Publishing publishes articles on the craft and business of getting paid to travel, whether by writing, photography, tours or other means. We also publish short interviews with successful readers and members, as well as professionals working in a field that enables our readers to get paid to travel. We do not publish straight travel pieces. If you have been successful in travel writing, photography, the import/export business, or running your own tours and want to share insider tips of your craft, we would like to hear your story. We pay $50-$75 for articles we request for the website, $100-$150 for interviews and personal stories, and $150-$200 for articles with specific income advice a reader can print and follow to earn more income. We pay on a variable scale depending on length/complexity of article/feature.

BEE CULTURE
http://www.beeculture.com/write-us/
Bee Culture is the magazine of American Beekeeping. We cover beekeeping – its history, how-to-do everything beekeeping covers, equipment used and made, and even the humorous side of this craft. But there’s so much more to the world we touch – pollination, honey plants, gardening with bees, wildlife and woodland plantings, and all the creatures that bees affect and interact with. Bee Culture has a constant demand for articles on bees and beekeeping, pollination and honey plants, garden and forest management for bees, and a wide variety of related topics. With over 100 pages for most issues, we generally run 15 to 16 articles, all averaging 1,000-2,000 words. About a third to half are submitted by outside writers. Pays ten cents/word.

DEVOZINE
http://devozine.upperroom.org/write-for-us/writers-guidelines/
A bimonthly, 64-page magazine for teens written by teens and adults who love them. Each issue includes daily meditations and weekend articles focusing on nine weekly themes. Meditations may be expressed as scripture, prose, poetry, prayers, stories, songs, art, photos. Payment is $100 and will be made upon receipt of your completed paperwork. Word Count: 500-600 words. Article should build on theme for the week—with a “twist.”

TORTUGA BACKPACKS - PACKSMITH
http://blog.tortugabackpacks.com/submissions/
Packsmith equips cultural explorers with resources and packing lists specifically for the city traveler. Together with Tortuga, we aim to inspire adventurers to live, work, and travel on their terms. We are currently accepting submissions for articles between 1,000 and 3,000 words (longer feature articles by special commission) around the themes of urban adventures in South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia. Payment for published articles begins at $100 USD.

JOBS

EDITOR/PUBLICATIONS OFFICER
Location Washington DC
https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunities/support-professional/publications-officer.html
Editors/Publications Officers make a key contribution to the national security and intelligence products that inform senior policymakers and support analysis and collection. They perform a variety of tasks related to producing and publishing these products, including editing, creating, and processing text and graphic products for hardcopy and electronic publication and dissemination, internally as well as to senior government officials in policy, Intelligence Community, law enforcement organizations, and foreign governments. Pays $53,088 to $78,703.

FREELANCE SCRIPT WRITER
Location Atlanta, GA
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/Filmless/743999661819036-freelance-script-writer
We’re looking for flexible, creative, and ambitious copywriters to write, edit and review video scripts. You must be able to generate great ideas and write scripts/treatments for a wide variety of client’s products and services. This is a work from home job, so you can work from any city, state, or country. Specifically, you should be able to develop concepts, storyboards, and write script content for various types of videos (explainer, promo, and interview style videos); create the angle, content, and tone according to the needs of the client and audience for each video; and collaborate with clients and team members.

COPYWRITER
Location Charlotte, NC
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/493642362/
Employer Belks. Responsible for writing, proofing, and editing advertising copy (print, broadcast to online media) to promote the sale of merchandise and services or reflect objectives for special projects.

Publishers/agents

POLIS BOOKS
http://www.polisbooks.com/submissions/
We are currently acquiring in fiction: mystery, commercial literary fiction, thriller, suspense, procedural, traditional crime (i.e. 'cozies'), science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural, urban fantasy, romance, erotica, commercial women's fiction, new adult, young adult. We are currently acquiring in nonfiction: humor/essays, memoir/biography, sports, pop culture. We are not currently acquiring children's picture books/coloring books, graphic novels, or short stories or stand-alone novellas.

RED DEER PRESS
https://www.reddeerpress.com/red-deer-press-childrens-books
Red Deer Press is looking for quality writing for children across the ages, from picture books to young adult fiction and non-fiction.

FLUX
https://www.fluxnow.com/submissions/
Flux is an imprint of North Star Editions, Inc., a privately-owned publishing company dedicated to guiding readers toward a lifetime love of reading. NSE publishes fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults that inspires, informs, and entertains.

CURIOSITY QUILLS PRESS
https://curiosityquills.com/submission-guidelines/
Curiosity Quills Press is a publisher of hard-hitting dark sci-fi, speculative fiction, and paranormal works aimed at adults, young adults, and new adults.