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SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
44 Key Questions about Your Story
Hi, I’m Alex, and I run a blog to boost your fiction writing skills (www.ridethepen.com). I put together a short, free manual so you can check your story yourself with 44 simple questions.
This list is the quickest and easiest way to self-assess your story, plus it’s free:
- No need to pay for consultation or bug people for feedback; just answer these questions honestly
- Do it right away with a neatly arranged checklist
- Always helpful: Use the list on all your future stories, till you grow daisies
- Feel confident that you have a good story at hand – or that you need a revision
- Know exactly what you need to change (if anything)
You can download the checklist instantly by clicking here. Have a good day!
EDitor’s THOUGHTS
DEFINING THE WORD CAN'T
I can't do this and can't do that. Why not? Everything else is a choice. YOUR choice.
The next time you start to blame someone else for anything in your writing world, stop it. You decide what to write, who to query, who to submit to, how you publish, when and how you market yourself.
"But I'm too shy to promote."
Trust me. I get that. But that does not give you a pass. If you are too shy to promote, then you don't promote. Sad, but true. But your energies can be better directed toward what you CAN do versus what you cannot.
Sometimes I think we fight harder to sabotage ourselves than we do to be successful.
 
So, let's say you hate promoting. What are your options?
1) Don't do it.
2) Do it when you feel like it.
3) Step outside your comfort zone now and then and market.
4) Create a promotional plan and dive into it with passion.
5) Fork out the big bucks for a PR representative.
All are your choices. And unfortunately, these choices are connected to your success. The good promoter makes the most money, and it's nobody's fault. You make the choice as to what degree you market. Which means you decide how many books you sell and how much money you make. Is it hard to learn what works and what doesn't? Yes, absolutely. But still...all is your choice.
Don't blame the business. You chose the business, and it is what it is.
You can't travel on book tour? Deal with it online.
You can't afford the cost of your books? Crowdfund.
You can't stand rejection? Don't publish. Write for family and friends.
You can't decide how to self-publish? Then do your homework. The Internet has all the info you need.
You don't have time to write? Then make time, or accept that writing is not a priority for you.
You decide how to write, how to be a writer, how to earn a living. Isn't that great! Don't you feel empowered? The decisions are all yours, and the world is waiting. It's just you and that person in the mirror making the calls. Get excited about it.
PREVIOUS FAVORITE POSTS:
WORDS OF SUCCESS
“You should treat your critiques as investigations or explorations and not conclusions.”
~Mike Davidson, Former VP of Design at Twitter
Success Story
Hello Hope!
Pleased to receive your newsletter for almost a year. Entered competitions because of your direction in early 2017. You gave me and others a solid verbal kick, and thanks to your guidance, I entered the William Faulkner Literary Contest.
I placed among finalists in two categories Novel in Progress and Essay. Hundreds of writers entered in all categories from all over the world.
From Faulkner Literary Competition:
First, congratulations on placing. There was a tremendous amount of good work submitted this year and the preliminary rounds of the selection process were very difficult as a result, not only because of high quality of work submitted but because we received nearly 3,000 entries overall, including a phenomenal number of novels...most of them long! Here is the direct link to the list:
https://wordsandmusic.org/2017-faulkner-wisdom-competition-winners-finalists/
On to new challenges! Your newest Total FundsforWriters newsletter has got me cranking! Short stories. From my eight books much of the prose can stand alone and be whittled down to short story length...2,500 to 5,000 words. Being a finalist in the Essay Contest of the William Faulkner Literary Competition has boosted my confidence. I'm on another positive track towards being closer to the top of the pile.
Validation of my writing skills is huge after a decade-plus of hard work. Your insight toward success with writing is in-depth and profound...much so to this lost in the woods Ozarks farm boy.
Thanks for your positive, enlightening newsletter.
Frank S. Johnson
Greenfield, Missouri
www.franksjohnson.com
featured article
Self-Publishing - What Comes Next?
By Sandra Vea
If you're like most self-published writers, you're entering a world out of your comfort zone. After all, writers feel most alive and content when alone with their thoughts and scenes. We like that world.
But when you self-publish, your job extends beyond author. You are the publicist, event coordinator, webmaster, social media manager, and, in addition, you must keep positive and motivated. If you also have a job that pays the mortgage, you may feel a bit squeezed for time and energy.
I self-published in August, 2016 but it wasn't until November that I booked my first appearance, a radio show interview. The second was a writers group where I presented information about my writing process. Both of these events were nerve-wracking for me, yet, at the same time, I started to fall in love with the notion of connecting with others as an author.
Since then, I have appeared at bookstores, speakers series, and book clubs. Let's break each of these events down.
Bookstores: You have to pitch the event coordinator at bookstores. Once you get the booking, you promote the event with fervor. I use Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, and word of mouth. Sometimes, up to 25 people show up - a healthy number according to book store event coordinators. One time, just one person showed, but rather than wallow in embarrassment, I sat next to my lone attender and held a conversation. It was lovely. Tips: take treats for bookstore workers; they
will treat you like gold and make sure technology or whatever else you need is working. Also, ask them if it's possible for your book to become a "Staff Pick" so it gets more visibility in the store.
Speakers Series: These have been successful in terms of turn out. Be ready to sell books directly because people will want one of your books immediately, they won't want to wait. Groups that have speakers are large organizations that host employee luncheons, veterans associations, business groups, museums, and libraries as examples. I like speaking at Speakers Series because people in attendance are there for one thing: to listen to you. I use multi-media to show
images from the book and have audio recordings of the main character (it's a biography). The audio recordings are the hit of any event. Tip: have access to Square or a similar product so you can take credit cards and sell your book.
Book Clubs: I love books clubs; readers will gush over you and that's always helpful for the ego. If you are invited to a book club, it means the readers already love your book so just go and enjoy it! Members of the book club may purchase additional books as gifts, especially since you, the author, will be there to sign the book. Book Club members can also drive additional interest in your book on their social media, or by word of mouth - encouraging others to buy
your book or check it out from the local library. Tip: if you don't know anyone at the book club, please take someone with you just to feel safe.
No matter the event, I usually send a hand-written thank-you note afterward.
Self-publishing is a journey that requires planning, reaching out, pitching, coordinating, and courage. Remember to be kind to yourself, and be kind to others as well. Kindness is like fuel to word of mouth growth regardless how you promote.
BIO - Sandra Vea is a public educator and author of the book Masao - A Nisei Soldier's Secret and Heroic Role in World War II . Her website is: www.dmabooks.com. You can find
her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.
COmpetitions
WORDS AND BRUSHES COMPETITION
https://www.wordsandbrushes.com/instruction
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline February 15, 2018. Wanted: Short stories inspired by the artwork of your choice at the website. Length between 2,000 and 4,000 words. Selected stories will be published with writer's credit in a future project. Winner receives $350. Our vision is to publish an art book that is a collaborative work between writers and artists. This competition is open to all published and unpublished writers. There are no geographical restrictions on entry.
THE WRITER ESSAY CONTEST
https://www.writermag.com/writing-resources/contests/
$25 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 1, 2018. Write a 2,000-word essay about any aspect of the writing life. Any topic is fair game, so long as it pertains to some aspect of writing. While the grand prize is $1,000 and publication in our magazine, every essay we receive will be considered for publication in The Writer.
BOOKSIE SHORT STORY CONTEST
https://www.booksie.com/contest/Booksie+2017-2018+Short+Story+Contest-11
$5.95 ENTRY FEE. Deadline February 28, 2018. One grand prize winner will receive $600 and exposure on the Booksie.com website, which receives millions of readers per month. Two runner-ups will receive $150 and exposure on the website. The short stories can be of any topic. We're looking for most interesting, original stories that will make us laugh, cry and see the world in a slightly different way.
BOOKSIE YOUNG WRITER SHORT STORY CONTEST
https://www.booksie.com/contest/Booksie+2017-2018+Young+Writer+Short+Story+Contest-12
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline February 28, 2018. This contest is for students between the ages of 13-18. One grand prize winner will receive $300, and exposure on the Booksie.com website, which receives millions of readers per month. Two runner-ups will receive $75 and exposure on the website. The short stories can be on any topic. We're looking for most interesting, original stories that will make us laugh, cry and see the world in a slightly different way.
GRANTS
NW ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
http://nwdocumentary.org/artists-in-residence
As a center for nonfiction storytelling, NW Documentary seeks to encourage and foster documentary storytellers. The Artist-in-Residence is an opportunity for non-fiction storytellers who have demonstrated a passion and commitment to their craft, an original artistic vision, and a desire to develop their work within a creative community. The term “non-fiction storytellers” is not exclusive to a single documentary medium, but may include: film/video, audio, photography, literary
non-fiction, multi-media or other.
18th STREET
http://18thstreet.org/residency-program/
18th Street Arts Center’s residency programs help build and strengthen the creative community by working with local, national and international artists and curators. There are five types of residencies, including local organizations in residence, where arts organizations have their offices and activities on our campus; local artists in residence, where LA-based artists occupy either live/work or day work studios for one year or more; a visiting artist program that hosts international
and national artists and curators from between one and three months; a curator in residence, who has studio space for one calendar year to conduct research and foster community engagement through ancillary programs, such as symposia, lectures, and artist talks; and the Artist Lab Residency program, structured as both a residency and an exhibition for an LA-based artist (by invitation).
ARTCROFT
http://www.artcroft.org/site/residency-program/#application
The operations of Artcroft are organized on a cooperative basis. All residents are expected to participate in the preparation of meals, cleaning of facilities, and development of gardens and studios. Participation in community arts programming is considered a component of the work exchange. Artists and writers seeking funding for their Artcroft Residency from corporations, foundations, government agencies or private sources are invited to contact Robert Barker, Executive Director, for
assistance. Artcroft is committed to working with cultural organizations and government programs that support creative individuals. The Fellowships Artcroft currently has available are: The Elizabeth Locke Hughes Fellowships for Writers, and The Ed McClanahan Fellowships in Writing. Location Carlisle, Kentucky.
COVE PARK LITERATURE RESIDENCIES
http://covepark.org/apply-or-book
Deadline December 11, 2017. There are no application fees for their residency. Residents receive a £400 (US$525) fee per week in addition to the use of Cove Park’s facilities include self-catering accommodation, a communal meeting space, library, archive, computer suite and a stunning 50-acre site. A Scottish retreat located on the Rosneath Peninsula, south of Glasgow.
FREELANCE MARKETS
FRONTIER
https://www.frontierpoetry.com/submit/
Submissions to Frontier are open year round to any new or emerging poet who has not published more than one full-length poetry collection. We pay authors $50 per poem up to $150 and do not charge submission fees. Expect eight to 12 weeks for a response.
EXTRA CRISPY
http://www.extracrispy.com/culture/185/how-to-pitch-extra-crispy
We're looking for opinion pieces, reported stories, personal essays, works of humor, illustrated narratives, breakfast-y profiles, original recipes, how-tos and unusual points of view on the beloved morning meal. We don’t do restaurant reviews.
THE SMART SET
https://thesmartset.com/about-us/#submissions
We’re always looking for excellent, original, and previously unpublished personal essays, critical essays, reporting, memoir, travel writing, stories, photo essays, and even video projects. The Smart Set is an online magazine covering culture and ideas, arts and science, global and national affairs- everything from literature to shopping, medicine to sports, philosophy to food. The Smart Set strives to present big ideas on the small, the not-so small, and the everyday.
JOBS
TCK PUBLISHING - EDITOR
Location Online.
https://www.tckpublishing.com/publishing-jobs/
TCK Publishing is an online book publishing company reaching over 60,000 writers every month through our blog posts, videos, and podcast show. We publish fiction and non-fiction books in all major markets and genres, and we’re searching for the perfect candidate to fill our Senior Editor position. This position plays a critical part in reviewing submitted manuscripts and providing editing and guidance for our clients. We’re looking for a talented editor who has been in the
publishing business for three to five years or more. You must absolutely love editing and books. If this is not your dream job, please do not apply.
WRITER - SEPHORA
Location San Francisco, CA
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/456770388/
As a Writer, you will be supporting the Creative Department at Sephora. Reporting to the Senior Editorial Content Director, you will aid in the development of marketing copy for various campaigns and initiatives.
SENIOR EDITOR/WRITER
Location Miami, FL
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/503501576/
Serves as a senior writer for magazine, annual reports, websites, newsletters, brochures, and special projects to promote the image of the UM SONHS, SONHS programs and special initiatives for a variety of internal and external audiences. Collaborates with faculty on grant applications. Write, edit, and proof publications for academic and administrative units, including magazines, fundraising brochures and direct mail, annual reports, alumni publications, newsletters, invitations,
advertisements, etc.
Publishers/agents
DOGWOOD PRESS
http://www.dogwoodpress.com/submission-guidelines.html
You have a leg up if you write good suspense, especially if you’re from Mississippi or if your work is set in the Magnolia State! But we’ll be happy to consider the right nonfiction project, too. We're not interested in sci-fi/fantasy proposals, and the same is true for children’s books and poetic works. We'd be most interested in seeing your book-length work.
VAGRANT PRESS
https://www.nimbus.ca/about/submissions/#vagrant
Vagrant Press, Nimbus Publishing’s fiction imprint, is accepting proposals for full-length works of fiction. We regularly accept unsolicited submissions. We are dedicated to supporting Atlantic Canadian writers, and as such first consideration will be given to manuscripts written by Atlantic Canadians. (We are only accepting submissions from Canadian citizens at this time.) While we are primarily interested in literary novels, we will consider collections of short fiction. In
general, we are not interested in genre fiction (romance, speculative fiction), although we will consider mystery/crime novels.
WOLF LITERARY SERVICES
http://wolflit.com/about/
Wolf Literary Services LLC is a full-service literary agency specializing in dynamic, quirky books written for all ages. As an agency, we have a deep respect for the place where “low” art meets high art — we like a good story, regardless of genre.
THE MERRY BLACKSMITH PRESS
http://www.merryblacksmith.com/
The Merry Blacksmith Press is looking for books with a gaming theme – RPGs, strategy, board games, game development, and game history. This is a call for mostly non-fiction work, but this does include sourcebooks for game settings, gaming scenarios, collections of rules alternatives, and so forth. We would also be happy to consider comics with gaming themes. We’d also be happy to consider for print publication any works that currently only exist digitally. Please send your
questions or queries to submissions@merryblacksmith.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
SPONSORS
 
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in order to survive." With Jan as your gentle teacher, you will find your own way to the light of truth.
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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 2000-2017, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326
**Note that FundsforWriters.com places paid advertising in this newsletter, ALL ads being related to writers and the business of writing, screened by FundsforWriters to make sure the information is suitable for writers and their endeavors to improve their careers. But the mailing list is not sold to third parties. You will not receive this newsletter without your
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