FundsforWriters - January 19, 2018 - Giving Away All Rights

Published: Fri, 01/19/18

Volume 18, Issue 3 | JANUARY 19, 2018

Message from the Editor

Suddenly I've gone from ending a book, and feeling all satisfied about that, to writing a book that is tasking my abilities. Then my editor sends back my edits for the first book. Then promotional events rear up for when the finished book comes out in April, and I'm swamped with providing info and writing articles. And then my son gets the flu and I'm babysitting grandsons for the weekend. (Not to mention the crazy wreck I narrowly avoided. . . all in the same day.)

You never know what life will throw at you. Which is why you write anyway, through anything, even if it's in snippets here and there. By pitting yourself against anything, you learn to write anytime and anywhere. Not that what you write during those moments is astounding (or maybe it is), but it's a step further than if you hadn't written at all.

Never be without the notebook. As a serious writer, you're always "on." Don't wait for the magic to happen . . . make it happen when you want. Be so savvy and on top of your world that when you pick up that pen or take a seat at the keyboard, your brain says it's time to write.

C. Hope Clark
Editor, FundsforWriters
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TWITTER - http://twitter.com/hopeclark
AUTHOR SITE - http://www.chopeclark.com
FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/chopeclark
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BOOKBUB - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/c-hope-clark

Trying to babysit a two-year-old while putting out the newsletter tonight.

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NOTE FROM HOPE: These ladies have done developmental edits on all my novels.

EDitor’s THOUGHTS

GIVING AWAY ALL RIGHTS

Most writers jerk back and shout a loud "No!" at the possibility that any magazine editor or contest sponsor might ask for all rights. It's an absolute negative to these writers. The nerve of someone paying for the use of someone else's words, then keeping them forever.

Frankly, I have no problem with it. It's harder for me to place an already published piece than to write another.

Of course I have some reservations, and no doubt when I see those terms about taking all rights, I slow down and read the fine print. If someone wants all rights, I want to know what I'm getting for my donation.

1) What is their readership?
2) Will they use my work in multiple places, like online or a blog in addition to print?
3) Are they professional and comfortable to work with?
4) Are they paying me a reasonable price for what I write?

For instance, I love the Farmers Almanac and found this essay contest recently.
https://www.almanac.com/content/old-farmers-almanac-essay-contest

The prizes are $250, $150, and $100. They take all rights for all submissions. That would make most writers not bother to submit. I, however, would be keenly interested. Why?

1) It's only 200 words.
2) The all-rights part will shoo off regular writers leaving novices entering the contest, improving my odds.
3) Even if I do not win, they may use my work in other places.
4) They are a big enough publication that I would enjoy this level of exposure.
5) There's no entry fee.

There are few absolutes in the writing business. Rarely does NEVER apply. This is one of them. Don't say you'll never give away all rights when it just might be worth your while. After all, you're supposed to be this endless fount of words. If you're any good, there is no end to your great work.

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PREVIOUS FAVORITE POSTS:

HOPE'S 2018 APPEARANCES

Open to the public:

April 18 - 3PM, Pelion, SC Library, 206 Pine Street
May 1 - Noon, Newberry, SC, Friends of the Library Luncheon, celebrating release of Newberry Sin ($20 admission)
May TBD - Chapin, SC, Chamber of Commerce celebrating release of Newberry Sin
October (1st week) - Edisto Bookstore, Edisto, SC

Conference fee required:

July 27-29 - Mississippi Writers Guild Conference
November TBD - Philadelphia, PA BookBaby Conference

WORDS OF SUCCESS

"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have."

- Abraham Lincoln -

SUccess Story

Dear Hope,

Thanks for great advice in FFW. I decided to try something new, thanks to your advice, and I entered the featured Book Doggy mysteries contest. I won! Delighted, I received the new Kindle e-Reader and many ebooks. I also won three intangibles worth mentioning. First, a confidence boost as I now wear the label “winner.” Second, my new network creates a sense of belonging to a community of authors, critical to a fresh start in fiction. Third, market analyses as I read, compare and contrast books I’ve received from both emerging authors and proven favorites. Thanks so much for what you give us in FundsforWriters. It's way more than resources. It's confidence.

Marie Shadden
www.livelongprosper.net

Getting into Editing as a Writer

By Alex J. Coyne

Many writers expand their services to offer more than writing; are you a writer wanting to become an editor? Here’s how to pick up your first jobs and start editing away…

Associations and more

Join editorial societies like the Editorial Freelance Association (EFA), Society for Editing (ACES), Editors’ Association of Canada, and the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (UK) . They put you in touch with fellow professionals and clients through association job boards – and underwrite your capabilities as an editor.

Rates and payments

Suggested editing rates can be found at the Editorial Freelance Association (EFA, USA), the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SFEP, UK) and the South African Freelancers Association (SAFREA, ZAR). Stick to the market average: Not too low and not too high. Rates also depend on the project’s size, the level of editing needed and the editing type – specialized editing pays more. Insist on a deposit upfront for first-time clients and get the terms in writing. (Hourly Editing Rates Calculator)

Types of editing…

Editors can specialize in nonfiction, short fiction, novels or biographies. Decide your specialty and set up your website accordingly.

There’s even higher-paying niche editing for those with unique skills (like a medical or legal background), which can have you working on coursework, thesis’, guides and manuals. The American Medical Writers Association, The Council of Science Editors and The American Society of Business Publication Editors have boards for niche editors.

Master your language

Take at least one course in editing and proofreading, then memorize the style guides (i.e. the AP Stylebook and the Oxford Style Guide). Make use of online resources like Thesaurus.com, Macmillan Dictionary, Oxford Dictionaries and Merriam-Webster. Read The Elements of Style, learn proofing marks and mind the difference between US and UK (Oxford Dictionaries).

Who hires you? Clients and contacts

Your clients could be self-published authors, bloggers and writers, magazines and websites, publishing houses, media companies or corporate clients. Find publications and publishing houses through Magazines.com, Publishers Global Directory, BookMarket.com and Every Writers Resource.

Build editing and writing contacts by joining editorial groups on Facebook (Editors’ Association of Earth, Sci-Fi Writers’ Group and Writers’ United) and getting involved on forums like WritersDigest.com, Writers’ Forum or Writers’ Beat. Send editors, media companies and publishing houses an introductory e-mail offering your services; they can hire or refer you to projects. Self-published authors also often hire editors before the book goes off to print.

Build experience and testimonials; sometimes this means free or discounted jobs for testimonials. Then post them on your website. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. Many editors are happy to pass on jobs they don’t have time for.

Finding editing gigs

Keep an eye on traditional job websites (MediaBistro, Indeed and Upwork), sites for writers (WritersJobBoard, All Freelance Writing and ProBlogger) and freelancing websites like PeoplePerHour, Freelancer and Fiverr can sometimes lead to new clients.

Then, head to job boards for editors writers and editors. ProBlogger, Blogging Pro’s Job Board, Journalism Jobs, and Book Jobs.

If you are one of those crazy people who loves to edit, you'll find no end to the resources to get you started.

BIO: Alex J. Coyne is an internationally known author, freelance journalist and language practitioner who has written for publications including People Magazine, The Dollar Stretcher, Great Bridge Links and CollegeHumor.

COmpetitions

THE MEMOIR MAGAZINE #METOO TRIGGER WARNING NONFICTION ESSAY CONTEST
https://memoirmag.com/contests-and-prizes/the-metoo-nonfiction-contest-500-publication-judged-by-chelsey-clammer/
$12 ENTRY FEE. Deadline February 28, 2018. The theme for the #MeToo Trigger Warning Nonfiction Essay Contest is Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse. Pseudonyms are allowed. The winning story receives $500 and publication in Memoir Magazine, and a note from our judge on why the story was chosen. Short and Long listed applicants will receive publication. Limit 100 words to 7,000 words. Nonfiction only. Open to all writers internationally.

IRENE ADLER PRIZE FOR WOMEN WRITERS
http://www.lucasaykroyd.com/scholarships
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline April 30, 2018. A $1,000 scholarship to a woman pursuing a degree in journalism, creative writing, or literature at a recognized post-secondary institution in the U.S. or Canada, based on an essay competition. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or Canadian citizens. Submit a 500-word essay in English on one of the following three topics (but with an original title):

“Which female writer has influenced you the most?”
“What is the biggest improvement in women’s lives that you’d like to see in the next five years?”
“What is your most important writing project for 2018?”

FARMER'S ALMANAC - HOW WEATHER CHANGED MY LIFE ESSAY CONTEST
https://www.almanac.com/content/old-farmers-almanac-essay-contest
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 26, 2018. Prizes are first $250; second $150; third $100. Limit 200 words per essay. All entries become the property of Yankee Publishing, which reserves all rights to the material. Winners will appear in The 2019 Old Farmer’s Almanac and on Almanac.com.

GRANTS

KENTUCKY FELLOWSHIPS
http://artscouncil.ky.gov/KAC/Showcasing/ASF.htm
Deadline February 15, 2018. The Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowships are $7,500 unrestricted awards given to Kentucky artists who have achieved a high level of excellence and creativity in their work. The current deadline is for the literary arts to include fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. The Kentucky Arts Council's Emerging Artist Award is an unrestricted $1,000 award to early-career, professional Kentucky artists who demonstrate excellence and creativity in their work.

REGIONAL ARTS & CULTURAL COUNCIL GRANTS - OREGON
https://racc.org/grants/project-grants/
Next deadline February 7, 2018. RACC’s Project Grant Program provides financial support to individual artists and not-for-profit organizations in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties, Oregon, for project based arts programming. Grants are awarded up to $7,000 and are available in three categories: Artistic Focus, Arts Equity & Access, and Arts Services.

SESAME STREET WRITERS' ROOM
https://sesamewritersroom.org/
Deadline February 4, 2018. Sesame Street Writers’ Room is a writing fellowship opportunity from the creators of Sesame Street. Seeking fresh new writing talent from underrepresented racial backgrounds. Emerging storytellers who are selected to join the Writers’ Room fellowship will receive hands-on writing experience guided by Sesame Street veterans and other media industry leaders. Seven to ten writers from underrepresented racial backgrounds will be selected. Weekly sessions will take place at the Sesame Street NYC offices in Summer 2018. Includes eight, three-hour sessions on creating children’s educational media content. Learn from industry writers, producers, agents and executives. Complete at least one script during the program. Up to two participants will have the opportunity to receive creative development deals and further mentorship.

MASSACHUSETTS FELLOWSHIPS
http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/programs/artistfellows.asp
Deadline January 29, 2018. Writing category is open to fiction and creative nonfiction. The Artist Fellowships provide competitive grants of $12,000 and finalist awards of $1,000 (award amounts contingent upon legislative appropriation). The number of awards per discipline category varies according to the number of applications reviewed, the recommendations of each panel, and program funds available.

FREELANCE MARKETS

NORTHERN WOODLANDS
http://northernwoodlands.org/issues/writers-photographers
Northern Woodlands’ audience consists of conservation-minded people with an interest in all aspects of the forests of the Northeast. Our articles and columns range in scope, and may include subjects such as woodlot management, wildlife species, scat, chainsaw maintenance, woodworking, and reflections on natural landscapes. Pays ten cents/word.

RENAISSANCE MAGAZINE
https://renaissancemagazine.com/submit-content/
Renaissance Magazine accepts the following unsolicited content related to the Renaissance and Middle Ages for consideration: Articles related to history, travel, Renaissance Faires, the SCA and related reenactment groups; Interviews with artists, artisans, performers, reenactors, and scholars; Book reviews (historical fiction and nonfiction are acceptable); and Music CDs and CD reviews. The average feature article is approximately 1,500 words. Features pay 10 cents/word. Columns of 500 to 1,000 words pay $50. Columns of 200 to 400 words pay $25.

EARLY AMERICAN LIFE
https://www.ealonline.com/editorial/guidelines.php
We work as much as one year in advance. We like to key our issues to the season, so if it's winter, think about writing a story and taking pictures for next winter. We cover a diversity of topics, all centered around America from its founding through the mid-1800s: history, architecture, decorating, antiques, crafts, and travel. A one-page story in Early American Life, such as Worth Seeing, runs about 750 words. A typical feature may run 2,500 words. We would estimate $500 for a first feature from a new writer, more if you are an experienced, skillful writer. If we assign a story to you, we will negotiate the rate before you begin work.

TRUE WEST MAGAZINE
https://www.truewestmagazine.com/submission-guidelines/
TRUE WEST captures the history of the American frontier through authentic and provocative literary nonfiction and heritage travel narratives that keep the spirit of the West alive. We encourage each writer to focus on a historical topic that excites them. We actively look for articles that range from: 1,500 words for features; 450 words for short features; 200 words or less for snapshot coverage. Pay rate is $0.25 a word, with $20 payment for each permission-granted photo the author provides.

JOBS

STAFF WRITER - Greensboro, North Carolina
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=3ed1c54df067d751
Closes January 30, 2018. Employer NC A&T State University. The Staff Writer, under the supervision of the Director of University Communications, will develop, write, edit and proofread a variety of informational print and electronic materials (e.g., news and feature stories, advertisements, special communications, publications, programs, news releases and social media posts) through a variety of communication channels (e.g., print, broadcast, Web), to stimulate interest in programs, events and activities. Work involves researching topics; interviewing sources; writing and editing news and informational materials; preparing and disseminating news releases and feature stories through various media outlets; public relations activities that involve directing a broad communications program; developing and managing print, electronic, broadcast and/or Web-based content; and leading/directing staff when appropriate.

INTERN - San Francisco, California
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=9b5c38761ea08a42
Pays $20/hour. Over the course of three months, our paid PR interns will have the opportunity to work with VSC account teams to support clients spanning technologies like education tech, AI, robotics, financial tech, and consumer electronics. Rockstar interns may be offered opportunities to join the family as full-time employees.

EDITORIAL MANAGER - Remote
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=9c2753950d6f534f
LOP Solutions, LLC. is seeking a hands-on copy editor who is ready to have access to millions of readers in a fast-growing news publishing business. We have several branded websites with daily content and circulation into the millions. We are expanding and we need your help delivering quality content to our subscriber base. Research and write content articles with topics ranging from financial, alternative health, firearms, and conservative political news. Prefer four-year degree in journalism, English, creative writing.

Publishers/agents

AARON M. PRIEST LITERARY AGENCY
http://aaronpriest.com/submissions/
Aaron Priest's specific interests: Thrillers, commercial fiction, and biographies. Lisa Erbach Vance's specific interests: Contemporary fiction, thrillers/suspense, women’s fiction, and narrative nonfiction. Mitch Hoffman's specific interests: Thrillers, suspense, crime fiction, literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, politics, popular science, history, memoir, current events, and pop culture. Lucy Childs' specific interests: Literary & commercial fiction, memoir, and edgy women’s fiction.

DEFIORE AND COMPANY
http://www.defliterary.com/submissions/how-to-submit/
DeFiore and Company is always looking for exciting, fresh, new talent to add to our list of successful authors. We are currently accepting queries for both fiction and non-fiction titles. Please be advised that we do not represent original screenplays, teleplays, or theater plays.

STONESONG LITERARY AGENCY
http://stonesong.com/literary-agency/submissions/
We welcome electronic queries for fiction and nonfiction. Please review the agent biographies on the About Us page and submit your query addressed to one agent: Alison Fargis, Judy Linden, Emmanuelle Morgen, Maria Ribas, Leila Campoli, Alyssa Jennette, Melissa Edwards, Madelyn Burt, or Adrienne Rosado at submissions@stonesong.com. Categories we do not represent include plays, screenplays, and poetry.

SUSANNA LEA ASSOCIATES LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.susannalea.com/submissions.aspx
We are always on the lookout for exciting new talent, but as we receive a large number of submissions, please help us by following the guidelines. We do not consider poetry, plays, screen plays, science fiction, educational text books, short stories or illustrated works. Reading time is generally between 6 to 12 weeks. Due to the number of submissions we receive, we cannot acknowledge receipt, offer editorial advice on material that we decline, or guarantee a response.