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EDITORS ARE THE DEVIL

Not long ago, a very novice writer submitted to me, and I rejected them. This was their response:

"Why don't you like it? I followed the guidelines. What, is the humor not good enough for you?"

Not a way to endear yourself to an editor. 

When we (or our work, which we struggle to differentiate from our souls for some reason) are rejected, we often have this instinct to seek out how to hate the person on the other end. Contests, magazines, agents and publishers reject more than accept, and when we are on the receiving end of said rejection, we often have this knee-jerk reaction to criticize:

"They don't know talent."
"They are choosing their friends."
"They prefer templates, while my work is original."
"My stuff is as good as what they've accepted before."
"They are arrogant."
"They live in an ivory tower."
"They are so amateur."
And so on.

Yeah, these replies sound silly out of context, right? But what I hate worse is when we choose to become a victim when we are rejected:

"I'm not (fill in the blank with a race or gender)."
"I'm too old."
"I'm too young."
"I'll never be good enough."
"They dislike me because I'm (or I'm not) ___."
"They pick full-time writers. How am I supposed to write full-time if I'm not given a shot?"
"They should give a new writer a chance."
"I can't help it if I don't have a degree."
"But I have three kids running around while I write."

Please, the rules are simple:

1) Read ten times as many words as you write.
2) Write whenever you can.
3) Fight to improve (writing is not inherent or natural).
4) When you've fought to write well, submit.
5) When you're rejected, try to see why and improve. 
6) Submit more.
7) Improve from the rejection (and be grateful for it).

Maybe you needed rejecting. When rejected, only look in the mirror for the reasons why, or better yet, return to your computer and write some more. Each word written makes you better. Fussing at the other guy just eats up time.






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PREVIOUS FAVORITE POSTS:

• Enter to Win a Pass to the Nonfiction Writers Association Conference
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• How to Connect with Book Clubs
• Making Six Figures as an Indie Author
• The Worth of Naysayers
• Publishing and Crowdfunding with Publishizer
• Tracking Your Goals for Success
• How I Funded My Mission, Wrote My Book, and Made Bulk Book Sales with Grants
• How Do I Find Money to Write a Book?

 

WORDS OF SUCCESS

"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist."

- Pablo Picasso
 

SUccess Story

Hi Hope,

We have emailed a few times, and I've read your blog forever - and half your books. I wanted to say thank you because so much of your blog and site had been really helpful!

My debut literary novel is being published by Wido Publishing in May, partly thanks to you.  

It is a journey to get any book from pages to published, and mine was no different. But I ate up all the info shared along the way, and I'm reaching out to say thank you to those that encouraged me. Publishing professionals such as yourself really do make a make a difference, especially in sharing the message that we are building a career, not only one book, and perseverance pays off. 

Here is the book's link in case you want to take a look. 
http://widopublishing.com/the-vines-we-planted-by-joanell-serra/

Thanks again and keep writing!

Best,
Joanell Serra 

BLURB
In the heart of the California wine country, secrets seem to grow on the vines that Uriel Macon's family have tended for generations.

Uriel, the winery's young widower, steers clear of complicated relationships. He prefers the lonely comfort of his vineyard and his horses, until he is reminded of his love affair with Amanda Scanlon; a relationship that ended when she abruptly left the country years ago under a cloud of mystery.

When Amanda returns to Sonoma because of a family crisis, she tries to mend the broken relationships she left behind. In addition, she seeks the truth about her parents' complicated history and her own parentage.

But Amanda's unveiling of the past has devastating consequences. In the midst of California's beautiful Sonoma Valley, the Scanlon family struggles to overcome harsh realities with dignity and grace.

Both Amanda and Uriel stretch to take care of their families, which are facing immigration issues, marital crises, and loss. While navigating these challenges, the couple must decide if they trust themselves to love again, or to finally let each other go.
 

Featured article

Press Releases: A Blast from the Past

By Greta Burroughs 

Marketing and promotion – the bane of every writer. What works? What doesn't work? Over the past eight years, I have published several children's and middle grade books. In 2010, blog tours and guest posts were the way to go. It was so much fun visiting and talking with new people through the blogs; especially when it was one of the characters from my book doing the talking. My imagination could go wild!

That does not work anymore, nor does offering free copies, or hosting a book release event on Facebook. Only one thing has remained consistently effective through the ever-changing times – press releases.

The Test of Time

Press releases are a relic from the past, a dinosaur in the new digital age. They were a great means of free advertising in days gone by, but how about now? Who reads newspapers anymore? The answer: More people than you realize.

For example, my husband and I submitted press releases to the local newspapers prior to a book signing event. More visitors attended that event than any of our previous signings. We were amazed at the number of people who commented, "I saw it in the paper and thought I'd drop by."

Another bonus: Our community newspaper asked for an interview. When you live in a small town, being a published writer is big news! 

It may take a little extra finesse to get a write-up in a larger paper, but it can be done. Consider the topic being more than about the book's release, and instead more about the impact of the book, a strange intriguing fact about how the book came about, how the book meets an urgent need, how a famous/semi-famous person reviewed your book and what they thought. In other words, the book isn't the news...something else amazing related to the book is. Hope Clark, for instance, used the fact she met her federal agent husband over a bribery investigation, which led to the first book in her Carolina Slade Mystery Series. She landed a feature in a local magazine and a podcast interview.

Target Your Audience

The secret to making a press release work is to target your audience. Do you have a new release? Have you won any awards? Does your book highlight any specific region or profession?

My husband writes historical fiction about the golden age of aviation. The setting for the story centers around the Hudson River Valley in NY. We emailed press releases to the newspapers in that region, as well as to aviation publications. During the following month, he had quite a few sales. Was it coincidence or did he gain some new readers through our use of good old-fashioned free publicity?

Writing a Press Release

Editors want the meat with a few potatoes on the side. In other words, your press release should be short, sweet, and to the point.

First and foremost, the headline is the eye-catcher and needs to grab the readers' attention. You're a writer and understand the need for a hook.

The meat (two to three short paragraphs) needs to briefly describe what the book is about, how it relates to the reader or geographical area, along with interesting facts about the book and author. A quote or two goes a long way. Go quirky, unique, and outside the box. 

The closing paragraph is the "call to action" and should have the author's contact information, website, and where to purchase the book. You can also include a small jpg of the cover. Mention any discounts or limited time offers.

It goes without saying; the press release is a reflection of you as an author and should be grammatically correct with no misspelled words.

Getting the News Out There

Sending out the press release used to be a time-consuming process. First you had to determine who to send it to and write to each of your targets. Thanks to press release distribution sites, the work load is now dramatically reduced.

https://www.1888pressrelease.com/

https://pressexposure.com/

https://www.newswire.com/

http://www.free-press-release.com/

These sites will send your news out far and wide, but you may still want to hand pick a few newspapers and periodicals on your own as specific targets since emails are so easily deleted.

No matter how you do it, you will find press releases are still an effective marketing tool, and well worth the time and effort.

Bio: Greta Burroughs is a freelance journalist trying to make an honest living as a writer. She is also the author of the "Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat" series for children, and the "Wee People" series for middle school age kids. http://booksbygretaburroughs.weebly.com


    

COmpetitions

THE SMOKELONG QUARTERLY AWARD FOR FLASH FICTION
http://www.smokelong.com/the-smokelong-quarterly-award-for-flash-fiction/
$10 ENTRY FEE FOR UP TO TWO STORIES. Deadline April 29, 2018. (Late entry $13 and May 20, 2018.) The winner will receive $1,500, automatic nomination for The Best Small Fictions series, the Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, and other awards, publication in our 15th anniversary Issue in June, and our undying love and devotion. At least 14 runners-up will also be published in the June 2018 contest issue–and each of the finalists will receive $15. Limit 1,000 words. 



HAUNTED WATERS PRESS FLASH FICTION COMPETITION
https://hauntedwaterspress.submittable.com/submit/100760/short-shorts-a-flash-fiction-competition-2018
$10 ENTRY FEE. Deadline July 31, 2018. Limit 500 words. All entries considered for publication and those accepted paid $20. Grand prize $250 and publication in the 2018 issue of From the Depths. Author will also have a feature interview. 



PARSEC SF/FANTASY/HORROR SHORT STORY CONTEST
http://parsecink.com/contest/
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline April 14, 2018. Limit 3,500 words. All stories must fit one of the three genres as well as the theme: FLAWED REFLECTIONS. The contest is open to non-professional writers (those who have not met eligibility requirements for SFWA or equivalent: sale of a novel or sale of three stories to a large-circulation publication (http://www.sfwa.org/about/join-us/sfwa-membership-requirements/). The winning story will be the one that most effectively uses the contest theme as a key element. First-place receives $200 and publication in the 2018 Confluence program book (http://parsec-sff.org/confluence/). Second-place receives $100 and third-place receives $50.



BLUE PENCIL AGENCY FIRST NOVEL AWARD
https://bluepencilagency.com/shop/first-novel-award-2018/
£20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline June 30, 2018. The Award is open to unrepresented and unpublished authors for a novel in any adult fiction genre. Winner: £1,000 + introduction to literary agent, Madeleine Milburn. Runner Up: £250 + manuscript review from a Bluepencilagency editor. Submit the first chapter of your novel up to 5,000 words along with a 300-word synopsis and cover letter with details on your writing career. 

 

GRANTS

HIPPOCAMP SCHOLARSHIPS
http://hippocamp2018.hippocampusmagazine.com/about/hippocamp-scholarships/
Deadline April 6, 2018. Hippocampus Magazine is awarding three scholarships to HippoCamp 2018. One will definitely be awarded to a full-time student, while the other two student status does not matter. For this scholarship competition we’ll consider quality of writing and financial need, so we’re looking for a writing sample and some additional information. Essay theme: Lessons Learned – up to 750 words. Hippocampus Magazine’s three-fold mission is to entertain, educate, and engage readers and writers of creative nonfiction. Our annual conference fulfills all three aspects of our mission, but especially the educate part. For this essay contest, we’d like to hear about a writing lesson that had a profound impact on you. It can be straightforward, such as a teacher or book that inspired you, or it can be more abstract. (Conference is located in Lancaster, PA - https://www.hippocampusmagazine.com/conference/ )



PATRICK HENRY WRITING FELLOWSHIP
https://www.washcoll.edu/centers/starr/fellowships/patrick-henry-writing-fellowship/index.php
Deadline November 1, 2018. Includes a $45,000 stipend, health benefits, faculty privileges, a book allowance, and a nine-month residency (during the academic year 2018-2019) in historic Chestertown, Md. Applicants should have a significant book-length project currently in progress. The project should address the history and/or legacy – broadly defined – of the American Revolution and the nation’s founding ideas. 



ALABAMA STATE COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS GRANTS
http://www.arts.state.al.us/programs/literary_arts/literary_arts.aspx
Deadline June 1, 2018. This grant program supports projects and activities that serve to increase public awareness and exposure to literature and the state’s literary heritage and to support contemporary Alabama poets and writers of fiction, creative non-fiction and other literary genres. Projects and activities may include literary festivals, conferences or other gatherings, publications and community readings involving local writers. Education and outreach projects are priorities. Governmental and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Also under this grant program cash awards made to individual artists in the literary arts based on merit of work, career achievement, career potential and service to the state. Individuals must apply with a sponsoring 501©(3) organization which will serve as the fiscal agent and partner in the project. Grants must be match and grant awards rarely exceed $10,000.



MINNESOTA ARTIST INITIATIVE GRANT
http://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/artist-initiative.htm
Deadline for literary arts; poetry and prose: before 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 4, 2018. The Artist Initiative grant program is designed to support and assist professional Minnesota artists at various stages in their careers by encouraging artistic development, nurturing artistic creativity, and recognizing the contributions of individual artists to the creative environment of the state of Minnesota. Grants will be awarded for projects that will enhance or expand the applicant's artistic skills or process and advance the applicant's career by helping the artist generate greater visibility with and exposure to potential audiences. Grant range $2,000-$10,000.

 

FREELANCE MARKETS

VIABELLA GREETING CARDS
http://www.marianheath.com/links/Submission_Guidelines.pdf
We accept submissions for all holidays and occasions including humor. Allow at least three to six weeks from end of submission period for review process. Verse submissions may be sent via email either as attached document or within the body of the email. It is helpful to indicate the category of submission in subject of email.



CALYPSO GREETING CARDS
https://www.calypsocards.com/AboutUs/Submissions
Calypso Cards, Inc publishes and distributes several lines of sophisticated, contemporary, and innovative greeting cards. We work with a handful of talented freelance artists, illustrators, and ghostwriters to provide fresh, original artwork and copy that approach the greeting card from a new angle. Before submitting please take a look at our website to make sure that your work fits our style.



OATMEAL STUDIOS
http://oatmealstudios.com/html5/pages/writers_guide.html
Card ideas need to be written for these occasions: Birthday, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th, Relative Birthday, Belated Birthday, Get Well, Good-Bye, Miss You & Thank You, Love, Wedding, New Baby, Anniversary (from friend to couple), Congratulations, and Retirement.



AMBER LOTUS PUBLISHING
http://www.amberlotus.com/artist-submissions/
We do accept writing submissions for greeting cards. Short and clever is what we desire. Something light and catchy, not too serious, please. You may email a sample of three to five sentiments or greetings with or without image concepts to submissions@amberlotus.com. We will respond to those that we find appropriate for our various lines. 


 

JOBS

STAFF WRITER AND BLOGGER - Gainesville, FL
https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Loans-For-Emergencies/jobs/Staff-Writer-Blogger-420a91a5d898d1a5
We are currently looking for multiple staff writers and bloggers who will also have some social media duties. We have both full and part time positions available as well as paid internships that provide collegiate credit at both UF and Santa Fe. The position is primarily composed of creating long form articles about financial instruments and loan options available to consumers. You would create informational posts and various related ad copy to promote specific types of loan programs. Candidates with previous writing or content creation experience preferred but we do offer paid training for dedicated applicants. Compensation ranges from: $12-$15 hourly during the training period, then 
$15-$20 hourly once an employee is able to produce viable content daily without additional instruction. 



FREELANCE FOR MILLENNIAL LIFESTYLE SITE - Remote
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=343f1e51c4349c73
We're a rapidly growing lifestyle and relationship site for millennial women. We're looking for freelance writers to join our team and provide content that's provocative, unique, engaging and full of personality. Specifically, we're seeking writers who have a strong voice and the ability to write informally and accessibly, in the blunt and engaging way you'd talk to your best friends. We're looking for new and original takes on popular millennial lifestyle and dating topics as well as pieces that discuss issues and viewpoints that other similar sites aren't talking about. First person experience stories are welcome and encouraged too! Pays $20/hour. 



SOCIAL NEWS WRITER - ELITE DAILY - Remote
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=7e03476f4b571dc3
Elite Daily is seeking a part-time Social News Writer with availability Tuesday through Saturday during daytime hours. The ideal writer will be comfortable writing about social news, including Instagram updates, Starbucks releases, and travel deals, but also have flexibility to write across verticals, including entertainment and politics. Candidates should have two+ years of experience in reporting, writing, and/or blogging. A minimum commitment of three days Tuesday through Saturday during daytime hours (variable times 7am-4pm) is required, although the position could be up to four days a week if needed. Saturday availability is preferred. In your cover letter, please include your available days. 

Publishers/agents

PERSEA BOOKS
http://www.perseabooks.com/submissions.php
We publish literary novels and short story collections, creative nonfiction, memoir, essays, biography, literary criticism, books on contemporary issues (multicultural, feminist, LGBT), and literary and multicultural anthologies that are assigned in secondary and university classrooms. Our list also includes a small number of Young Adult titles (0-2 per year) - again aimed at the literary reader and the educational market. Most of all, we are looking for the fresh voice, a clear point of view, the well-written work that will endure. We are pleased to publish debut books and to continue publishing the authors we take on.



IMAGINE THAT
http://www.imaginethat.com/about-us/submission-guidelines/
We only buy world rights in all languages, so if your children's book is already published in a territory or language, it is not suitable for us. A literary agent is not required for submission. We have three imprints, with all accepting submissions from authors, illustrators, and designers. Located in Suffolk, UK.



BOROUGHS PUBLISHING
http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/submit
We’re seeking submissions from writers who can deliver the emotional punch readers crave in romance and women's fiction. Space cowboys, gargoyles, the hunk next-door and crusty cops are welcome. Boroughs Publishing Group will not limit your imagination; we encourage creative freedom. Stick to the tropes of the genre or push the envelope, as long as you’re providing well written incredible story-telling, we’re game.



WARNER PRESS
https://www.warnerpress.org/submission-guidelines
Warner Press publishes and distributes non-denominational Christian products worldwide, including ministry resources, church supplies, kids’ teaching resource books, and greeting cards. Warner Press is located in Anderson, Indiana and is a not-for-profit organization. We are affiliated with the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) and have been the publishing house for the church for over 100 years. Payment amount varies according to product.


 

SPONSORS

Joan Dempsey is an award-winning author and writing teacher dedicated to helping serious creative writers master the craft and business of writing. And she swears that writing great dialogue is the fastest, most powerful way to improve your manuscript.

In this free online class, you will develop a deep understanding of what dialogue is (and what it isn't), and get a rock-solid handle on the five functions of dialogue.

The class is now open! And it's FREE.

You're welcome to participate whenever you wish, at your own pace—nothing is on a set schedule. Joan will be with you every step of the way.

NOTE: I took the free class, and also as a teacher of dialogue, I can attest this is spot on solid material. You'll walk away enlightened.  ~Hope








FundsforWriters has teamed up with the Nonfiction Writers Conference and Nonfiction Authors Association to host an EASY contest. Two winners will be selected at random to receive one of two great prizes:

• A Gold access pass to the Nonfiction Writers Conference, happening May 2-4, 2018 (this event is virtual—no travel required!). Value: $225
• Authority membership in the Nonfiction Authors Association for a full year! Value: $190

How to Enter:

This is a blog comment contest so all you need to do to enter is post a comment below that answers this question:
What are your top three writing goals this year?

That’s right, simply answer the above question in the comment area below. Feel free to include your book title if applicable and a link to your website. Remember to include your email address when you register your comment so that we can contact you if you win!

Deadline to enter April 1, 2018.  ENTER HERE!
(Winners announced April 3, 2018)








GET WEBSITES THAT ROCK, BOOK COVERS THAT SIZZLE

Shaila Abdullah has designed websites, book designs, marketing materials, and email campaigns for over 60 authors, writers and speakers. Being an award-winning author herself, she understands the industry, and will provide you with designs that reflect your unique style, genre, and personality. 

MENTION THIS AD AND GET 10% OFF (NEW CLIENTS ONLY)
EXISTING CLIENTS EARN 8% REFERRAL FEE FOR SENDING IN NEW CLIENTS 

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Services for authors: http://myhouseofdesign.com/services-for-authors/

A few testimonials from happy clients:

"Superb work, excellent customer service. Just marvelous overall.” —C. Hope Clark, author, founder of FundsforWriters, http://www.fundsforwriters.com

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"Shaila is a terrific designer, highly professional and extremely creative and delivers amazing results. Her sense of humor and positive spirit has made the whole process of developing and launching my web site a pleasure. –James Hutchison, playwright, http://jameshutchison.ca/

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http://lisakwinkler.com/
http://kbhyde.com/
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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 2000-2018, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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