SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

THE WORST THING TO SAY TO A WRITER

I don't have time to read. 

It never fails that someone at each and every event will look at me, look at my books, sometimes congratulate me for "writing real books" or "writing so many," then say, "I just don't have time to read." Then they throw those two words on the end . . . "you know?"

They launch into a tirade of how busy they are, listing all their obligations. And they think I understand that and should give them a pass for not reading. Like a book is a luxury only for those who aren't working hard. 

I am one to avoid confrontation. That's not to say I cannot tackle an issue and come out on the winning end, but at this stage in my life, I'm choosy as to what to confront. However, that statement almost crosses the line for me. 

What if I walked up to someone and dissed their profession? 

"Who needs a real estate agent to sell a house?" 
"I make really good jelly, so why would I buy yours?"
"Who has time to listen to music?"
"Why should I buy from you when I can use Amazon Prime?
"I have a cousin who can build that for free."

Same goes for indie versus traditional. Those on each side work so dang hard to do their best, using the choices they've made. You might feel a literary agent is worthless these days, but others swear by them. You might think your traditional press does a better job of editing, but that doesn't mean an indie author can't hire someone to do the same. 

There's just no point in injuring someone for the choices they've made. Writing a book is hard work. Publishing it is a grind. Selling copies takes sweat and dedication. Try not to judge those in the trenches working hard at being a writer. 

We'd all be better off doing our best and turning a deaf ear to those who mistakenly say what we do isn't worth a damn. . . and trying hard not to do the same ourselves. 








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SUPER SPONSOR WORTH NOTING

NOTE: FundsforWriters' Fall Advertising Special had deadline of November 22. We are extending the ad special to November 29, emphasizing the openings and special rate for this very slot you see here.

See the details at www.fundsforwriters.com/advertising . Dates will be going fast, and ads can be reserved through 2019 !

HOPE'S APPEARANCES

 

SUCCESS QUOTE

SUccess Story

Hi Hope

A dream of mine came true this month as I became a finalist in the Eyelands flash fiction contest which meant my story, Little Nightmares has been published in their book, Dreams. I would never have heard of this competition if it wasn't for your newsletter, so thank you. This is the fourth time that my writing has been published in a book, and I believe each time it's because of FundsforWriters. For all that you do for all of us across the globe, I am very grateful. 

Penelope Laurence

P.S.
The short story collection is available on Amazon.





 

Featured article

Letting Your Challenges Define You—Finding Your Niche

By Susan Traugh
            
I had every reason not to write. With all three of my kids having major disabilities, my life was about plate-spinning and hoping that my plates would not all come crashing onto the floor—at least, not all at once. I felt sorry for myself—for leaving teaching to play caregiver, and for quitting on the writing I loved. But, helping my kids was my calling...and yet, also a challenge that stopped my career and defined who I was. Caregiver. Not writer.
            
Sure, I wrote some lessons for their teachers. I had my teaching credential and a masters in educational curriculum development. Why not? But, mostly, I "just volunteered."
            
My kids are now 20-something; only my son has "launched." Both of my girls still need help with crisis-management and life skills.
            
It seemed like my life was all about helping kids navigate theirs. There was no room for a writing career.
            
Until the day, twelve years ago, my son's teacher asked me for help.
Federal law mandates schools teach transition skills to students with special needs. Students need to learn how to "adult"--from cooking and cleaning, to finding and keeping a job.
            
What she found was either too-print-rich or too "baby." When, after weeks of searching, I couldn't find anything, I decided to write it—and Transition 2 Life was born.
            
It felt good. Here was a project I could do while my kids were asleep. It was creative and needed.  It was almost like I'd been training my whole life to write this work.
            
It took off. First, I sold hard copies to local teachers. Word spread. Soon, teachers wanted new topics for different populations—kids who needed basic life skills, kids on the autism spectrum, kids who were in workability programs—and Daily Living Skills emerged.

As sales grew, I submitted to educational publishers. They rejected me because my niche market was "too small." I continued to self-publish.



I joined Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT). They sell digital lessons by teacher-authors. My first quarter, I made $275. But soon, I was making tens of thousands of dollars a year. I now sell all over the world in places from schools to juvenile justice systems. There are now 50 books in the series and counting. It turns out I'd found a niche market no one had filled. Maybe, too small for big publishers, but certainly big enough for me.
            
During this time, Hope wrote about a call for submissions from Chicken Soup for the Soul in Funds for Writers. I wrote about the miracles of life with special needs kids. I'm now a regular author for them.  I soon added a bi-weekly column about parenting special needs teens on HealthyPlace.com. I began speaking at conferences and developed a following.

 A new family crisis inspired me to write a novel about a bipolar teen finding the hero within herself. The Edge of Brilliance was my first YA novel, published by Finch Books.

Ironically, I now write every chance I get. I speak at conferences and post on blogs, my articles appear in magazines all over the country and books on a regular basis, I've published one novel and am working on another, and I'm considered an expert in my field. I do this while still staying home as a caregiver for my daughters and helping them navigate the last steps of transition. And yet, I am a writer...because I let my challenges define my niche. 

Links:
www.susantraugh.com
www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Susan-Traugh
www.teacherspayteachers.com
https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/author/straugh
https://www.facebook.com/transition2life.dailylivingskills/
susan.traugh@gmail.com
 
Bio:
Award-winning author, Susan Traugh, writes extensively on issues surrounding educating and parenting children with special needs. She has taught in elementary schools and universities, alike, and is a sought-after presenter and blogger. Susan lives in San Diego with her husband and two incredible daughters, and near her amazing son, all of whom have persevered over staggering challenges. Find her at: www.susantraugh.com.

COmpetitions

PALOOKA
http://palookamag.com/palooka-press
$10 ENTRY FEE. Deadline May 15, 2019. Please send your best fiction, poetry, nonfiction, graphic narrative, or hybrid work. Manuscripts should be roughly 30-50 pages, but we're flexible. The winner receives publication by Palooka Press (a perfect-bound book with a glossy color cover), $200 honorarium, 20 free copies of the book, a bio and photo featured on our website, and chapbook sent out for review and promotion. 



BACKBONE PRESS CHAPBOOK COMPETITION
http://backbonepress.org/submissions/2018-chapbook-competition/
$15 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 30, 2019. Poets of all levels are encouraged to submit. Entries must consist of 18-30 pages. First Prize receives $250 and publication plus ten author copies. Finalist (if selected) $100 and publication plus ten author copies. 



STORY QUARTERLY
https://storyquarterly.camden.rutgers.edu/submissions/
$15 ENTRY FEE. We are interested in literary fiction, including short stories, short shorts, and novel excerpts up to 6,250 words in length, and creative nonfiction. We select work on the basis of style, craft, freshness, and vision. The winner, first runner-up and second runner-up of each contest are published in the issue, and the winner receives a prize of $1,000. Nonfiction contest: November 9, 2018-January 12, 2019. Fiction contest: December 17, 2018-February 17, 2019.



SKYROCKET PRESS NOVEL CONTEST
http://www.skyrocketpress.com/submissions
$15 ENTRY FEE. The winner will receive a $500 prize (via PayPal) and publication. Honorable mentions may also be offered a publishing contract. ROUND ONE: Submit the first ten (10) pages of your novel or nonfiction book and a one to three-page synopsis. Those selected as finalists will advance to Round Two. ROUND TWO: Finalists will be asked to submit their complete manuscripts. A winner and honorable mentions will be chosen. Full-length manuscripts written for adults or young adults (teens) in the following genres will be accepted: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Contemporary, Thriller/Suspense, Mystery, Horror, Historical, Nonfiction. No romance or erotica novels will be accepted, though a romantic element within another genre is acceptable. 



BOULEVARD SHORT FICTION CONTEST FOR EMERGING WRITERS
https://boulevardmagazine.org/short-fiction-contest/
$16 ENTRY FEE. Deadline December 31, 2018. $1,500 and publication in Boulevard awarded to the winning story by a writer who has not yet published a book of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction with a nationally distributed press. We accept works up to 8,000 words. All entries will be considered for publication and for payment at our regular rates. 



SEQUESTRUM EDITOR'S REPRINT AWARD
http://www.sequestrum.org/submissions
$15 ENTRY FEE. Deadline April 30, 2019. $200 and publication in Sequestrum will be awarded to one previously published piece of fiction or nonfiction and one previously published piece of poetry. A minimum of one runner-up in each category will receive $25-$50 and publication. Finalists listed on the site. Maximum 12,000 words for prose and three poems.



JACOBS/JONES AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERARY PRIZE
https://ncwriters.submittable.com/submit
$10-$20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 2, 2019. The contest is administered by the Creative Writing Program at UNC-Chapel Hill. The winner receives $1,000 and possible publication of the winning entry in The Carolina Quarterly. The competition is open to any African-American writer whose primary residence is in North Carolina. Entries may be fiction or creative nonfiction, but must be unpublished, no more than 3,000 words, and concerned with the lives and experiences of North Carolina African-Americans. 



THE FROST PLACE CHAPBOOK COMPETITION
https://frostplace.org/chapbook-competition/
$28 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 5, 2019. The Frost Place Chapbook Competition Sponsored by Bull City Press is open to any poet writing in English. Manuscripts should have a page count (poems only, not including title page, table of contents, acknowledgements, or other items) of 20 to 25 pages. The winner receives ten complimentary copies (from a print run of 300), and a $250 prize. The winner also receives a full scholarship to attend the Poetry Seminar at The Frost Place, including room and board (valued at approximately $1,550), and gives a featured reading from the chapbook at the Seminar. Additionally, the chapbook fellow has the option to spend one week living and writing in The Frost Place House-Museum in September (during peak fall foliage season in the White Mountains) at a time agreed upon by the fellow and The Frost Place.



THE CHAUTAUQUA JANUS PRIZE
https://chq.org/season/literary-arts/the-chautauqua-janus-prize
$20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 15, 2019.  In addition to receiving a $5,000 award, the winner gives a lecture on the grounds during the summer season and appears in a forthcoming issue of the literary journal Chautauqua. May be up to 15,000 words in length but no more than 100 pages. The Chautauqua Janus Prize encourages writing that challenges conventional presentation and publication of fiction/nonfiction in the English language. Must be authored by emerging writers of fiction/nonfiction. Emerging writers are defined as writers who have yet to publish their first book (exceeding 15,000 words and/or 100 pages) in any prose genre. 



WICKED WOMAN BOOK COMPETITION
https://brickhousebooks.submittable.com/submit/119250/wicked-woman-book-competition
$10 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 1, 2019. The WWBC is looking for book-length poetry collections thematically connected by the "wicked woman" theme. Both "wicked" and "woman" can be interpreted in many ways; poet's choice. Submit between 42 and 64 pages of poetry. Prize $250 and publication of book by BrickHouse Books, Inc. 

 

GRANTS / FELLOWSHIPS / CROWDFUNDING

ARTERRA ARTISTIC RESIDENCE IN PORTUGAL
http://arterra.weebly.com/
ARTErra is a private structure of incentive for artistic creation in a quiet and green small village, which aims to facilitate encounters between different artists and aesthetic disciplines. ARTErra is strongly committed to offering the residents a cheerful and productive stay. Because of that, partnerships have been established with the Municipality of Tondela and Lobão da Beira for reception and possible presentations of performative works, exhibitions, workshops, lectures, etc.



ARTCROFT
https://artcroft.org/residents
Residencies are available to established and emerging visual and literary artists 18 years of age and older without regard for race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. Artcroft is located on a working cattle farm in Nicholas County, Kentucky. Artcroft is pleased to provide housing, and utilities at no charge for selected residents. Individuals need to cover the cost of food, transportation, and materials related to their projects. Artcroft is committed to working with cultural organizations and government programs that support creative individuals.



LITERARY ARTS TOURING
http://tnartscommission.org/news/grant-opportunities-from-south-arts/
Deadline May 1, 2019. The Literary Arts Touring grant program offers presenting organizations the opportunity to receive financial support to engage Southern writers (fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry) who reside outside of the presenter’s state. Support is awarded to literary projects that contain both a public reading and an educational component such as a writing workshop. The project can include a single engagement by a writer or multiple writers involved in an event (for example, writers series or festivals). The maximum request is 50% of the writers’ fees, up to a total grant of $2,500. Each writer is required to fully-participate in the reading and educational/outreach component. Projects must take place between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020.



RURAL EXPRESS GRANTS
http://tnartscommission.org/news/grant-opportunities-from-south-arts/
No deadline. Open year-round. Funds up to $2,000 to support rural organizations presenting out-of-state, Southern performers or writers. This new, quick turnaround grant program is an opportunity for presenting organizations in rural Southern communities (with populations of 50,000 or below) to engage Southern guest performing or literary artists from outside of the presenter’s state. Support is awarded to theatre, music, opera, musical theatre, dance, fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry projects that contain both a public performance or reading and an educational component. Grants are very limited and awarded on a first-come/first-served basis, so early submission is encouraged. The maximum request is $2,000. For projects taking place between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.



HARP - HERE ARTIST RESIDENCY PROGRAM
http://here.org/programs/harp/
Deadline February 1, 2019. One of the most robust residency programs in the country and serving as a national model, HARP provides a commission, development support, career planning, and a full production to hybrid artists, all within a collaborative environment of peers working across disparate art forms – including theatre, dance, music, puppetry, visual art, and new media. HARP provides significant long-term support, as well as $50,000 in cash and $50,000 in space, equipment and services over two to three years to tailor each residency to each artist’s individual needs. 



DELAWARE GRANT PANELISTS NEEDED
https://smartde.smartsimple.com/ex/ex_Apppage.jsp?token=HAoITBIGZV1YQhZeQw%3D%3D
The Delaware Division of the Arts engages Delaware citizens to review and make recommendations on grant applications for state funding of the arts. The Division selects panelists based on their knowledge and experience in the arts, in business and nonprofit management, and in their community. To be considered for service, you may nominate yourself or someone else. Nominations are accepted year-round; the next panel review meetings take place in early May 2019. Please visit the website for more information on the grant review process and use this nomination form to nominate yourself or others.



DELAWARE ARTIST OPPORTUNITY GRANTS
https://arts.delaware.gov/grants-for-artists/
Artist Opportunity Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to support unique professional and artistic development and presentation opportunities for artists. Examples include: materials to complete work for a specific show or program; the cost to rent a facility for a performance; study with a master for a specified period of time. Evaluation criteria include: anticipated impact on the artist’s work or career; financial feasibility and need; marketing plans; and uniqueness of the opportunity. Applicants can request up to 80 percent of the opportunity cost not to exceed $750. Quarterly deadlines: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.

 

FREELANCE MARKETS

SALT MAGAZINE
https://www.pageonepublishing.ca/handsomehank/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Salt-Submission-Guidelines.pdf
Salt is a sophisticated magazine that motivates consumers from Calgary — one of Canada’s most prosperous cities — to visit and invest in Vancouver Island. Its tag line — Fine Living and Travel on Vancouver Island — emphasizes the focus on our region’s very best offerings and establishes a standard for the editorial content. 



DOUGLAS BUSINESS MAGAZINE
https://www.pageonepublishing.ca/handsomehank/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Douglas-Submission-Guidelines.pdf
Douglas magazine embraces the belief that business is truly relevant, engaging and inspiring — and we want to share that with our readers. Douglas pushes for innovation and it isn’t afraid of heights, which is why it is the sought-after source for business owners and professionals who want more inspiration, more innovation and more of the stories that shape their decisions and their future. Douglas readers are Southern Vancouver Island’s business elite — entrepreneurs, influential decision-makers, CEOs and upper management. Editorial topics include: in-depth business features, profiles, real estate and development, finance, sales and marketing, technology, business lifestyle and resources.



YAM - YOU AND ME, LIVING SMART
https://www.pageonepublishing.ca/handsomehank/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/YAM-Submission-Guidelines-1.pdf
YAM magazine celebrates the unique personalities, trends and tastes that make Greater Victoria such a desirable place in which to live. This vibrant magazine features exclusive, original content designed to inspire readers, with a focus on home and garden, food and wine, experiential travel, arts and culture, health and fitness, and lifestyle.



BEE CULTURE
https://www.beeculture.com/write-us/
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. We generally run 15 – 16 articles, all averaging 1,000-2,000 words. About a third to half are submitted by outside writers. Proposals should be about 200 words or less, with one or two photos for demonstration if you think they are needed. Pays ten cents/word. Does not pay extra for photography.



BRIGHT
https://brightthemag.com/bright-magazine-pitching-guidelines-749597db9b66
We want to tell fresh stories about health, education, and social impact. We’re looking for writers, photographers, illustrators, designers, thinkers, makers, educators, and all sorts of creatives who are rigorous researchers with an eye and a drive to tell stories like they’ve never been told before. An 800-word feature is not the only way to tell a story. Unleash your inner creative self, or team up with someone who can! We publish cartoons, long-form features, illustrations, photo essays, poetry, fiction stories, infographics, screenplays, think pieces, and hopefully other forms of storytelling we haven’t even conceived of yet.



AUDUBON
https://www.audubon.org/contact-us
Please email pitches and ideas to the relevant editors on the website. We don't accept poetry or pre-written articles. For best results, keep your note under 500 words. Clips of past work are highly recommended. For inquiries directed to Audubon magazine or website editors, contact audubonmagazine@audubon.org. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.

 

Publishers/agents

LITTLE PICKLE PRESS
http://www.littlepicklepress.com/resources/submitting-manuscript
At present, we are most interested in receiving middle grade and young adult submissions. All of the manuscripts that we select involve conveying meaningful messages to children or youth. They catalyze conversations between parents and children, teachers and students, about the topics that matter most to the generation of children we are shaping today. The manuscripts are well written, thought-provoking, progressive, fresh, distinctive, and, if a picture book, lend themselves well to not only illustration but also to extrapolation into other mediums, such as interactive eBooks, book apps, and animated shorts.



ORCA BOOK PUBLISHERS
https://www.orcabook.com/About.aspx
Orca Book Publishers is an independently owned Canadian children’s book publisher of award-winning, bestselling books in a number of genres. Orca publishes everything from beautifully illustrated board books and picture books to middle-grade and young-adult fiction. We strive to produce books that illuminate the experiences of people of all ethnicities, people with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQ. Orca also offers five different series of high-interest, low-reading level (hi-lo) fiction for those readers facing literacy issues. The series are Orca Currents, Orca Sports, Orca Limelights, Orca Soundings and Rapid Reads.



BLUEMOOSE BOOKS - UK
http://www.bluemoosebooks.com/
Bluemoose Books is an independent publisher based in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, UK. We do not publish children's books, YA or poetry. Please send the first three chapters and a synopsis. At Bluemoose our aim is to publish cracking stories that engage and inspire.



CROWOOD PRESS - UK
http://www.crowood.com/about-us.asp
Our list today ranges from instructional books on sports, crafts, gardening and performing arts to information and reference books on motoring, aviation and military history. We also have a wide range of titles on animal care and husbandry, from dogs and horses to poultry, sheep and cattle, as well as a comprehensive list for smallholders and farmers. Our books are written by expert authors in their fields, and are intended for hobbyists, enthusiasts and professionals in each of our publishing areas. Based in Ramsbury, Wiltshire, we remain fully independent and committed to our aims of providing high quality titles packed with detailed information for those with special interests. 



LEAP OF FAITH PUBLISHING
https://leapoffaithpublishing.net/?page_id=291
Leap of Faith Publishing, LLC is a royalty paying publisher of romance and erotic romance fiction primarily. However, we also publish self-help, mainstream fiction, urban fiction, fantasy and science fiction, and thriller/suspense fiction. We are primarily an ebook publisher, however, authors who regularly market their ebooks, will be offered the opportunity to go to print. We reserve the right to not offer the print option to authors who do not regularly market their ebooks. 



LEGEND PRESS
http://www.legendtimesgroup.co.uk/legend-press/361-faqs
Legend Press has a commitment to quality and originality. Our list varies from commercial crime to quirky cult titles as well as historical. Each book is precious, and we pride ourselves in working closely with our authors to get the most out of every book. They accept works already self-published, and they only consider complete manuscripts. They consider manuscripts from all over the world. All work must exceed 50,000 words. 

 

SPONSORS

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www.fundsforwriters.com/advertising 

 

FINE PRINT

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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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