FundsforWriters - November 28, 2014

Published: Fri, 11/28/14

Volume 14, Issue 48 | November 28, 2014

Message from the Editor

My first Barnes & Noble signing. Location Charleston, SC. B&N employiee Lisa Hase-Jackson ran over to introduce herself as a FundsforWriters reader which thrilled me to pieces so I had to have a picture.We sold all but one of Murder on Edisto and the staff kept telling me how awesome and uncommon that was. So they offered to order more books and asked me to return on December 20 for another signing! Right in the middle of the Christmas rush! Excuse all the exclamation points, but hey, this is fun and remarkable stuff, y'all. And I hope you get to experience much of the same in your writing endeavors.

Editor, FundsforWriters
Email Hope | Visit Website
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Editor's THOUGHTS

WHAT DOES WRITING WITH PASSION REALLY MEAN?

Received this last week and it gave me pause:

"Sometimes I enjoy writing when I want to share information or have something to say and other times I write because I think it is what I should do for the day. However, I have found that when I look into myself, although writing is a skill that I possess, it is not always my passion. Interestingly, I read a story last week about a man who said he found success in doing not his passion but just what he knew how to do well because he could not find his passion. His story reminded me of an adult child of an alcoholic or abusive parent who focused on survival during childhood and never had much time to find out what they love about life that they could transfer to an adult passion. His story reminded me that our purpose can come in many ways- we can do what we are passionate about or do what we are skilled at which may or may not be two entirely different things."

Writers often think passion is key in quality work. But passion can indeed be interpretted in several ways.

1) Passionate about spinning words.
2) Passionate about telling the tale.
3) Passionate about seeing words in print.
4) Passionate about succeeding.
5) Passionate about educating others.
6) Passionate about recording thoughts for posterity.

All of these passions can be important. All of these passions can drive a person to write. However, which passion drives one person may not be the passion that drives another.

As a young adult, I worried that I had no passion. I liked painting, writing, gardening, nature, but didn't know how to apply passion to my life's work. What career could I seek to marry passion with profession? I felt if I had no passion, I wasted time.

But then I realized something. If I did my work well, regardless of what that work was, a degree of passion welled up inside me. For instance, I could write a story with passion because I'd developed my talent to the point I wrote well, not necessarily because I related to the character. Or I could be passionate about a subject for a magazine article, and it helped make my words brighter and more meaningful.

Passion can come from different directions. All you have to do is tap one, and you can write with purpose.

-Hope Clark

Upcoming Book Signings!

Carolina Slade and Edisto Island Mysteries make great presents!

November 22 - 2-4 PM - Westwood Barnes & Noble, Charleston, SC

December 6 - 2-4 PM -Indigo Barnes & Noble, Hilton Head, SC

December 12 - 3-6 PM - Books on Main, Newberry, SC

December 13 - 2-4 PM - Barnes & Noble, Mt Pleasant, SC

December 20 - 2-4 PM - Westwood Barnes & Noble, Charleston, SC

WORDS OF SUCCESS

There is a very real relationship, both quantitatively and qualitatively, between what you contribute and what you get out of this world.

- Oscar Hammerstein II

MURDER ON EDISTO

A big city detective

A Lowcountry crime

When her husband is murdered by the Russian mob, Boston detective Callie Jean Morgan suffers a mental break and relinquishes her badge to return home to South Carolina. She has no idea how to proceed with her life, but her son deserves to move on with his, so she relocates them to the family vacation home.

But the day they arrive on Edisto Beach, Callie finds her childhood mentor and elderly neighbor murdered. Her fragile sanity is threatened when the murderer taunts her, and the home that was to be her sanctuary is repeatedly violated. Callie loses her fight to walk away from law enforcement as she becomes the only person able to pursue the culprit who's turned the coastal paradise into a paranoid patch of sand where nobody's safe. But what will it cost her?

http://www.chopeclark.com/

Purchase any of Hope's books and receive a one-year subscription to TOTAL FFW free. Send receipt to [email protected]

Success Story

Here's where we post your successes!
Successes based upon what you've gleaned from FundsforWriters.
Don't be afraid...share your success so others may learn.
Submit your story to [email protected]

featured article

Six Promotion Strategies for a Self-Published Author
By Amanda Zieba

About a year ago I found myself attempting to swim through unknown waters. I made the plunge into the self-publishing world. But now what? I have never taken a marketing class. I do not have a wise council of advertising experts to turn to for advice. I spend all day teaching twelve year olds. So what do I do with the hundreds of books sitting in my basement? Here are six ways I chose to get the word out there about my books and launch a moderately successful book promotion plan:

1.Facebook Promotion: I created a Facebook Page, Amanda Zieba - Author, for my writing work. This page proudly displays my work to any who have liked the page. Aside from project updates, I also post information about contests and giveaways as well as book trailer videos and upcoming events.

2.Giveaway Copies: Sometimes I give books to libraries, schools, those listed in my dedications or author note and even museums featuring my content topic. But my favorite thing to do is give them to kids. Seeing their eyes light up is well worth the three bucks I spent purchasing the book. I give books to kids in airports, summer school, my remedial reading classes, children of friends/family - any kid, anywhere! I tell them I hope they enjoy my book and in return for getting it for free, I ask for a review online.

3.Reviews: Books with many reviews come up more often via the search engine on Amazon, and more visibility equals more sales. Ask friends and family to get the ball rolling. Make the phrase, "After you read it, I'd love a review," apart of your repertoire. There are also many bloggers who are willing to write and post book reviews on their sites, some for free.

4.Schools: As a teacher, I have access to a lot of individuals who work in schools, and I use them all. Aside from selling books when I do school author visits or facilitate creative writing conferences, I have also had my books present at school book fairs. If your book is for kids, get it where the kids are by any means possible.

5.Book Trailers: With the help of a technologically gifted high school student, I created a video book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pel46vrCOF4 I posted this trailer to YouTube, Amazon and Facebook. It is a great way to engage potential readers. Another example of a book trailer for my books created on slideroll (for free!) can be seen here: http://www.slideroll.com/slideshows/members/amandazieba/ . At the end of each trailer is a direct link to the book on Amazon.

6.Talk It Up! People will approach you to use a skillset they know you possess. These opportunities are often unpaid, but they introduce you to new people and new settings that could be profitable in the future. For example, a friend recently asked me to write a piece for her business' newsletter. Included in the piece is an excerpt from my newest book. The newsletter went to 15,000 homes. Did I get paid to do this? Nope, but I'm hoping for a few sales, and even if not, my story will have reached new audiences and hopefully offered them a small piece of entertainment. Isn't that what all authors dream of?

These six promotion strategies worked for me. In a little under a year, I have sold 1,300+ copies of my books, and I feel this is only the beginning. I hope these ideas will be helpful for you and your project. Best of luck as you begin or pursue your publishing adventure. Happy writing!

BIO: Amanda Zieba is a full time teacher, a mother/wife always and a writer any minute she can squeeze in. She has written three children's chapter books (Orphan Train Riders Series) and one YA science fiction novel (Breaking the Surface). She also creates and sells educational material on the site TeachersPayTeachers.com (store name: A to Z Reading Room). https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Zieba-Author/493618817426256

competitions

YEMASSEE WRITING PRIZES
http://yemasseejournalonline.org/contests/
$5, $10, or $20 ENTRY FEE.
All three of our contests (the William Richey Short Fiction Contest, the Pocataligo Poetry Contest, and the Inaugural Non-Fiction Contest) are open until January 15, 2015. All submissions will be considered for publication in the magazine. Additionally, all entrants have the option of signing up for a discounted subscription. Submit up to 6,000 words of unpublished short fiction. $1,000 + publication to the winner. Submit up to three unpublished poems. $500 + publication to the winner. Submit up to 6,000 words of unpublished nonfiction. $250 + publication to the winner.

STRINGYBARK SHORT STORY AWARD
chttps://universityofarizonapoetrycenter.submittable.com/submit/34227
ENTRY FEE A$9.95.
The Stringybark Short Story Award will be presented to the writer whose story entertains the judges the most. You have a maximum of 1,500 words in which to achieve this feat. International entries are most welcome. Stories can be fiction, non-fiction or a combination of both - see the FAQ. Deadline January 18, 2015. Prize - A$375 cash + publication + certificate + e-book + paperback + choice of any Stringybark book (other than the 2015 Stringybark Short Story Award book). Second Prize - A$175 cash + those items listed above. Third Prize - A$75 cash + those items listed above.

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA POETRY CONTEST
https://universityofarizonapoetrycenter.submittable.com/submit/34227
$15 ENTRY FEE.
The Poetry Center will award one residency in the summer for one poet to spend two weeks in Tucson, Arizona developing his/her work. The residency includes a $500 stipend and a two-week stay in a studio apartment located within steps of the Center's renowned library of contemporary poetry. The residency is offered between June 1 and August 31. Deadline December 15, 2015.

THE MARGARET TAYLOR-BURROUGHS AWARD FOR POETRY
https://kinfolksquarterly.submittable.com/submit
$10 ENTRY FEE.
Kinfolks: a journal of black expression is excited to announce The Margaret Taylor-Burroughs Awards. Every year, the award will be given in the categories of poetry, fiction, nonfiction and visual arts for works that best reflect the journal's commitment to celebrating blackness "in its infinite permutations." This cycle, we will be giving an award in the poetry category. The award consists of a cash prize of $500 and publication in the journal. The deadline for this contest is January 15. Poets should submit 3-5 poems.

GRANTS

WRITERS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND
http://www.asja.org/for-writers/weaf/
This mission of the Writers Emergency Assistance Fund is to help established freelance writers who, because of advanced age, illness, disability, a natural disaster, or an extraordinary professional crisis are unable to work. A writer need not be a member of ASJA to qualify for a grant. However, applicants must establish a record of past professional freelance nonfiction writing over a sustained period of years, which means qualifications generally similar to those of ASJA members. WEAF does not award grants to beginning freelancers seeking funding for writing projects, nor does it fund works-in-progress of any kind.

SARABANDE WRITING RESIDENCY AT BERNHEIM FOREST
http://www.sarabandebooks.org/residency/
The Sarabande Writing Residency offers an annual residency of two to six weeks to a poet, fiction writer, or creative nonfiction writer at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, an idyllic 14,000-acre nature preserve near Louisville, Kentucky. Residents receive a $500 travel stipend and a two- to six-week stay in a private, fully equipped cottage on the Bernheim grounds. Residents offer one public reading or discussion during their tenure and may devote the rest of their time to writing in Bernheim's extensive forest, gardens and arboretum. Deadline December 15, 2014.

SUNDRESS ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS
http://www.sundresspublications.com/safta/
The Sundress Academy for the Arts (SAFTA) is an artists' retreat on a 29-acre farm in Knoxville, Tennessee that offers residencies to writers, visual artists, filmmakers, composers, and more, from across the country. With two residency rooms on site, we offer a rotating space for nationally recognized and emerging artists in multiple disciplines. Each residency costs $250/week, which includes a room of one's own, access to our communal kitchen, bathroom, office, and living space, plus wireless internet and cable. There may be some scholarships and financial assistance for those with large scale financial hardship; please indicate this in your application if you feel you qualify. Other scholarships for minority candidates are also available.

DOWNTOWN NEW ORLEANS ARTS-BASED BUSINESS PITCH
http://www.artsneworleans.org/opportunity/ddd-3rd-annual-downtown-nola-arts-based-business-pitch/
Deadline: January 7, 2015. The application process is now open for the 3rd Annual Downtown NOLA Arts-Based Business Pitch. Candidates may submit an application online to compete for over $25,000 in resources to assist in their business venture. The Business Pitch is aimed at identifying and supporting entrepreneurs that have an arts-based project or product situated in the creative, architecture, technology, digital media or film/entertainment fields that benefits the Downtown Development District and is scalable.

PLATFORMS FUND
http://platformsfund.org/application/
What types of projects are eligible? Projects that are initiated by individuals currently residing in the Greater New Orleans area. Projects that take place within the Greater New Orleans region (Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, or St. Tammany Parishes). Projects that have a strong visual arts component. Projects organized and implemented by (but not limited to) visual or performance artists, curators, writers, cultural organizers, collectives, collaboratives, or artist-run spaces. Projects that are open and accessible to the public at large. Projects that are innovative to the New Orleans area. Projects that have long lasting impact on the community regardless of the project's timespan.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ARTIST RESIDENCY
https://www.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=2192
The purpose of Glacier National Park's Artist-in-Residence Program is to stimulate and foster the artistic exploration of this natural and cultural treasure and to share the artist's inspiration with the public through educational programs. In this manner, contemporary artists can continue to explore the concepts first contemplated by earlier artists and inspire others through their artistic endeavors. Deadline January 31, 2015.

FREELANCE MARKETS

HYBRIDCARS.COM
http://www.hybridcars.com/hybridcars-com-is-hiring/
Do you have an interest in automotive journalism, environmental issues, sustainable transportation, and have your finger on the pulse of the auto industry? This website is growing and in need of a couple freelance writers to post daily alternative-energy transportation focused news briefs. Knowledge of AP Style is a plus, as are a degree in Journalism, English, or related fields, as well as demonstrated proficiency in writing. Engineers who can write well would also be considered. Posts are typically 150-400 words.

MEDICTESTS.COM
https://medictests.com/hiring/
We're looking for stories and articles that add value to students who are just starting out or first-year medics. These are primarily 500-1000 word topics that can cover everything from "How to deal with a bad partner" and "Surviving Clinical Rounds" to "Beginner's guide to Scene Command." Contributing authors generate 1-4 articles per month. Contributing authors are paid a base rate per published article (Generally between $50 and $100) and also a flex rate based upon the success of the article.

FEAST MAGAZINE
http://www.feastmagazine.com/article_276b65d0-38fa-11e4-bb35-001a4bcf6878.html
Feast is seeking experienced journalists and food writers from across the Midwest for print and online freelance opportunities. Qualified candidates must demonstrate a strong knowledge of the food scene and a passion for cooking, beer, wine, cocktails, restaurants and all things culinary. A journalism background (or extensive published writing experience) is required.

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: DREAMS & PREMONITIONS
http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/submit-your-story
We want to know about your dreams and premonitions. What have you learned from your dreams? Did one of your dreams come true? Did a dream or premonition strengthen your faith or help you change the direction your life was headed in? Did a premonition serve as a warning about something that was going to happen? If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and the right to resell it. Deadline March 15, 2015. Limit 1,200 words.

TERRAFORM
http://motherboard.vice.com/read/how-to-submit-stories-to-terraform
Submissions for Terraform are open to the public, and the ask is simple: We're looking for 2,000 words or fewer -- a nice, digestible internet length -- of speculative fiction honing in on the tech, science, and future culture topics driving the zeitgeist. We're looking especially for nearer-future fiction; think more sentient chat bots or climate-changed dystopias and less far-flung space operas. And we don't care what form it comes in: Classic-style SF short stories, social media posts from beyond the horizon, fictive data dumps, experimental graphic narratives, and so on. Our baseline rate is 20 cents/word. Remember, we'll publish one new story every week.

JOBS

BLOG WRITER
http://ed2010.com/job/blog-writer/
pressedjuicedirectory.com is the world's first pressed organic juice directory curated by organic food blogger, Max Goldberg. The site is currently going through a MASSIVE re-design/re-launch, and we are looking for someone to write blog posts (approximately 350-400 words each) about juice companies and juice news. We will assign all stories and give guidance regarding overall structure and theme. Knowledge of the juice industry is preferred but not essential. Love of organic food. Degree from a journalism school, either undergraduate or graduate. Job is remote.

publishers/agents

BAEN BOOKS
http://www.baen.com/FAQS.asp#Manuscript%20Submission%20Guidelines
We publish only science fiction and fantasy. Writers familiar with what we have published in the past will know what sort of material we are most likely to publish in the future: powerful plots with solid scientific and philosophical underpinnings are the sine qua non for consideration for science fiction submissions. As for fantasy, any magical system must be both rigorously coherent and integral to the plot, and overall the work must at least strive for originality. Those manuscripts which survive the "first cut" as outlined above are then judged primarily on plot and characterization. Style: Simple is generally better; in our opinion good style, like good breeding, never calls attention to itself. Preferred length: 100,000 - 130,000 words. Generally we are uncomfortable with manuscripts under 100,000 words, but if your novel is really wonderful, send it along regardless of length.

DAW BOOKS
http://www.penguin.com/meet/publishers/daw/
DAW accepts unsolicited submissions of science fiction and fantasy novels. We do not publish short stories, short story collections, novellas, or poetry. The average length of the novels we publish varies, but is almost never fewer than 80,000 words. A literary agent is not required for submission. We will not consider manuscripts that are currently on submission to another publisher unless prior arrangements have been made with a literary agent. It may require up to three months or more for our editors to review a manuscript.

HEROES & HEARTBREAKERS
http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/page/submissions
HeroesandHeartbreakers.com welcomes submissions of original romance stories in all subgenres (erotica, contemporary, paranormal/urban fantasy, women's fiction/chick lit, historical, romantic suspense, etc). We are not interested in "true confessions" or other non-fiction material. We are looking for short stories (15k-30k words), novellas (30k-50k words), and category-length. We pay $1,000 to $2,000 (depending on word count) against a 25 percent royalty. (The royalty enters the picture with respect to downloadable versions of the work.) Although we will consider edge cases, "original" means original--not previously published.

TOR UK
http://torbooks.co.uk/2013/01/29/submitting-a-novel-to-tor-uk/
For direct submissions we only consider complete and unpublished science fiction, fantasy and horror novels, written in English of between 95,000 - 150,000 words. We don't publish non-fiction, poetry, short stories or novellas.

BANCROFT PRESS
http://bancroftpress.com
We publish trade fiction and non-fiction, and we publish what we like. Virtually every genre is represented by one of our fine authors; this is owed to their individual ability to tell a good story. From classic literature to political memoirs, from illustrated picture books to gripping suspense thrillers - the key is in the quality.