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SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
WOMEN READING ALOUD is an international organization
dedicated to the power of the writer's voice.
WRA believes in providing space for artistic growth where women writers explore their authentic voices in a supportive environment. Going strong since 2003, WRA offers writing workshops modeled after the Amherst Writers and Artists Method. Founded on the 3-in-1 principle, WOMEN READING ALOUD focuses on the equal value of the writer, the reader, and the listener.
Special literary events include domestic and International retreats in Greece and France. In 2019, WRA will host a writing retreat in Prague. All genres are welcome. WRA encourages writers to cherish their own voices, as well as the voices of others, as they
travel the writer's journey.
Please visit us here: www.womenreadingaloud.org.
EDitor’s THOUGHTS
WHEN IT'S OVER
When you are lying on your deathbed, let's say alone, what will you wish you had done? To me, that's how you make a bucket list. And since I'm here to talk about writing, will writing be a part of that list?
-Is there a novel you wish you'd written?
-Could you have invested more time into a writing career, but didn't out of fear? Intimidation?
-Do you wish you had mastered speaking, or teaching?
-Or do you wish you had NOT wasted so much time piddling at writing?
And in all those cases, the inevitable question arises. Why aren't you dealing with those issues now?
No, you don't have a lot of time to figure it out. Let's say you'll die in a year. What do you hope to gain in that year? Frankly, that's not a bad mission for yourself. Each year, whether on January 1 or on your birthday, assume you'll die on the next anniversary of that date. What will you accomplish during that time.
Because one day you'll make that goal, and it'll happen.
PREVIOUS FAVORITE POSTS:
WORDS OF SUCCESS
“Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There
is no reason not to follow your heart.”
~Steve Jobs
SPONSOR EXTRAORDINAIRE
SUccess Story
If you've had a success story from reading FundsforWriters, regardless how big or small, let Hope know at [email protected] so she can share it with others right here!
Featured article
How I Won a Scholarship to a Writer's Retreat
By Lindsey Danis
Time to write—who doesn't want more of that?
I certainly did. But as a full-time freelancer with no paid vacation days to subsidize professional development, paying to attend a writers' retreat was not an option. After unsuccessfully applying for scholarships, I tweaked my approach—and won a full scholarship to the Writers Winter Getaway. Here are four strategies that helped me find success.
1. Read the Guidelines Carefully
Before writing my application, I read both the scholarship guidelines and event details looking for keywords. What made this event unique? What were their core values? How did they market this event to writers?
I found three concepts to emphasize in my application: Community, supportive workshop environments, and time to write. I made sure to touch on each of these in my application. For instance, my rural community doesn't offer many opportunities to connect with writers, so the community aspect of the event was important to me.
This research was time-consuming, but it helped me organize my thoughts and outline my application. It also cut through self-doubt. I didn't ask myself "What should I say?" or "How can I convince them to pick me?" I let my research guide me in writing a strong essay.
2. Research the Honoree
My wife, who reviews thousands of scholarship applications in her job, offered valuable insight. Many scholarships are given in honor of someone, but few applicants connect their story to the honoree. Those who do stand out to the scholarship committee—and often go on to win.
Before completing my application, I looked up the honoree, poet Toni Brown. Not only could I connect personally to Toni, since we were both LGBTQ writers, but I found ways to touch upon her story in my application materials. While I never mentioned Toni by name (due to word count constraints), doing so can make a positive impression on committee members.
3. Use Details to Create a Sense of Urgency
I almost didn't apply for this scholarship, because applications closed the day before I left for a two-week vacation. With my bags packed, I found time to review the application and pull something together quickly. With no time to stress—if I didn't finish this now, it wouldn't get done—I found urgency that allowed me to be transparent in expressing my need without feeling the shame or embarrassment that can come up when asking for financial assistance.
My application explained what I wanted to work on at the retreat (a new novel), where I was in the work (10,000 words in), what specific goals I wanted to accomplish (which tied back to their guidelines), and why now was the ideal time for me (I was facing burnout). My time constraints helped me demonstrate urgency to the scholarship committee. When I received a phone call that let me know I was a finalist, they said as much, telling me "It sounds like you could really use this
opportunity."
4. Send Your Best Work
Even though I planned to work on a new project, I sent my strongest work—in my case, five pages from my polished novel. A committee member sought me out at the retreat to let me know how much she enjoyed my writing.
While it was a true gift to receive a scholarship to a writers' retreat, the process I developed to handle applications is what I'm most proud of—and hope to put to good use again soon.
Bio: Lindsey Danis is a freelance writer based in the Hudson Valley. Her writing has appeared in Cognoscenti, AfterEllen, Queen Mob's Teahouse, and Verity La. Learn more at http://www.lindseydanis.com.
COmpetitions
I MUST BE OFF TRAVEL WRITING CONTEST
http://www.imustbeoff.com/p/blog-page.html
€4 ENTRY FEE. Deadline July 31, 2018. Limit 1,000 words. Open to anyone worldwide, but you must have (access to) a PayPal account. We want to read about that place that changed you, about the experiences you can't wait to share with other travelers. The Top entries will be published at I Must Be Off! with authors' permission. Authors retain copyright. First place prize: €300. Second place prize: €50. Readers' Choice Award: €50 based on unique hits and
comments tallied on October 30.
THE APPARITIONIST NATIONAL GHOST STORY CONTEST
https://tryonartsandcrafts.org/ghoststory/
$10 ENTRY FEE. Deadline August 27, 2018. A maximum of 500 submissions will be accepted. First prize $200. Second prize $100. Third prize $50. Heritage Award of $25 awarded to a resident of Polk County, NC. Winners receive award certificates and vouchers for overnight accommodations. Limit 5,500 words.
WRITER'S BLOCK PRIZE FOR POETRY
https://www.louisvilleliteraryarts.org/writersblockprize
$12 ENTRY FEE. Deadline August 1, 2018. One first place winner will receive $500, an opportunity to read at the 2018 Writer’s Block Festival in Louisville, KY on November 10, and publication in The Louisville Review, the literary magazine of Spalding University’s nationally distinguished low residency MFA in Writing program. Submit up to three poems in a single word document, with a total page number not to exceed six pages.
THE CHESTER B. HIMES MEMORIAL SHORT FICTION PRIZE
http://www.kallistogaiapress.org
$20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline August 20, 2018. A prize of $750 and publication in The Ocotillo Review Winter 2019 will be awarded for a short story. Submit one story of less than 4,200 words. All entries will be considered for publication. All entrants will receive a copy of the journal containing the winning story. Antonio Ruiz-Camacho will judge. A portion of any revenue generated will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
BLUE MOUNTAIN POETRY CARD CONTEST
http://www.sps.com/poetry/index.html
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline June 30, 2018. First prize $350. Second prize $200. Third prize $100. Poems can be rhyming or non-rhyming, although we find that non-rhyming poetry reads better.
OWL CANYON PRESS
https://owlcanyonpress.submittable.com/submit
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline June 30, 2018. Writers are invited to create and submit a short story consisting of 50 paragraphs. The contest provides the first and last paragraph (see below) and the short story writer crafts the rest. First prize is $1,000, second prize is $500, and third prize is $250 with the winning short story published in an ebook short story anthology for Amazon, as well as an invitation to give a public reading at Inkberry Books in Niwot, CO. Twenty-four (24) Finalists
will also have their short stories included in this ebook anthology.
LOUISE MERIWETHER FIRST BOOK PRIZE
https://www.feministpress.org/louise-meriwether-first-book-prize/
Deadline June 30, 2018. First time authors submit your complete manuscript, either fiction or nonfiction (such as: novel, memoir, short story collection, biography, manifesto, or other work of nonfiction), of 30,000 to 80,000 words, and you could receive a $5,000 advance and publication by the Feminist Press. The Louise Meriwether First Book Prize is open to women of color and nonbinary writers of color who are: residents of the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia, and US
territories and possessions; 18 years of age or older at time of entry; and who have not had a book published or have a book under contract at the time of submission.
SERVICESCAPE SHORT STORY AWARD
https://www.servicescape.com/short-story-award
Deadline November 30, 2018. Winner receives $1,000. For this award, any genre or theme of short story is accepted. All applicants should submit their original unpublished work of short fiction or nonfiction, 5,000 words or fewer. The winner will have his or her short story featured within our blog, which reaches thousands of readers per month.
GRANTS / FELLOWSHIPS / CROWDFUNDING
SISTERS IN CRIME EDUCATION GRANTS
http://www.sistersincrime.org/default.asp?page=EdGrant
Sisters in Crime is comprised of authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers and librarians bound by an affection for the mystery genre and support of women who write mysteries. The Education Grant program will award grants of up to $150 to individual SinC members for writing-related education. Sisters in Crime will award grants to at least 100 members in 2018 on a first-come, first-served basis, until the budget of $15,000 for the scholarship program is allocated. If this program is
successful, we will continue and expand it in 2019 and 2020.
THE AGING MIND FELLOWSHIP
https://www.writerscolony.org/fellowships
$35 APPLICATION FEE. Deadline July 30, 2018. If you are writing about the effects of dementia, aging or Alzheimer’s, The Aging Mind Fellowship may be for you. Your work can be in any genre, from fiction to nonfiction to playwriting, but must focus primarily on dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s or aging. The perspective can be that of a caregiver, a medical professional or the person trying to cope with the changes and effects. Our fellowship provides for two weeks of free
residency at The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow in the historic arts village of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Each resident has a private suite with writing space, a private bath and wireless Internet. We provide uninterrupted writing time, a European-style gourmet dinner prepared five nights a week and served in our community dining room, the camaraderie of other professional writers when you want it, and a community kitchen stocked with the basics for breakfast and lunch.
SOUTHERN DOCUMENTARY FUND
http://southerndocumentaryfund.org/programs/apply-for-a-grant/
Deadline June 15, 2018. The Southern Documentary Fund is a nonprofit arts organization that cultivates documentary projects made in or about the American South. Since its founding in 2002, SDF has sponsored over 150 projects that have screened all over the world, won critical acclaim and prestigious awards, and inspired audiences with authentic stories that matter. SDF Research and Development Grant: Grants of $5,000 will be awarded to selected applicants residing in Alabama, Arkansas,
Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia. SDF Production Grant: Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to support production-ready projects for selected applicants residing in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia.
ZELLERBACH FAMILY FOUNDATION FOR BAY AREA PROJECTS
http://zff.org/apply/guidelines/
The foundation is accepting applications for its Community Arts Program, which supports local artists who are creating new and innovative work that is representative of the diverse cultures and communities of the Bay Area. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to projects in the areas of dance, theater, visual arts, music, festivals, poetry, literature, and publications. Priority will be given to contemporary performance-oriented. To be eligible, applicants must be a nonprofit
arts-serving organization doing its work in San Francisco, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties (west of the Caldecott Tunnels). Individual artists must work under a fiscal sponsor in order to be funded.
SUMMER NOLA WRITER'S RESIDENCY
http://keepstpetelit.org/event/summer-nola-writers-residency/
Deadline June 10, 2018. You pick a two-week block between June 20 and August 20. You will have your own 140 sq ft cabin with a locking door and air-conditioning (bathroom is inside the house). Your Algiers location, just outside of the action, will be perfect for writing: no bars for miles, no music clubs, no tourists, just quiet, pleasant space (we even have a little goat farm up the street, if petting goats inspires you). However, a car gets you over to the bridge and into the heart of
New Orleans nightlife within five minutes–or ride your bike a couple miles to the ferry, which shuttles you across the Mississippi, directly into the French Quarter (last ferry comes back around 10 pm though). Host will provide continental breakfast plus one proper meal provided each day.
FREELANCE MARKETS
IWORKWELL
https://www.iworkwell.com/smes/
iWorkwell’s members-only website is a state-of-the-art resource (information, tools & services) that improves organizations’ HR practices, lowers management costs and boosts productivity. Write/edit instructional articles you are assigned as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) when it fits into your schedule. Assuming you do a great job and on time, you can earn over $200 per article.
CHICKEN SOUP
http://www.chickensoup.com
Deadline July 1, 2018. We have decided to combine our request for submissions for three separate book titles we are working on into one call out because these topics can overlap. We are collecting stories and poems for a book on Angels, a book on Miracles, and a book on Messages from Heaven. You might have a story that fits into only one of these titles or your story might fit into all three! All stories and poems need to be true — we do not publish fiction. Stories should be no
longer than 1,200 words. You will receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100.
BROKEN EYE BOOKS
https://www.brokeneyebooks.com/submissions.html
Deadline July 1, 2018. We are now open to original short stories of urban weird fiction (so stories about cities and dealing with the complexity that is other people) for the upcoming Nowhereville: Weird is Other People. These are modern weird tales (give or take a few decades) that could only be told of the weirdness of the urban experience and our interactions with one another. Looking for 3,000-7,500 words. Pay rate of eight cents/word for first rights to digital, audio, and print
formats in English.
HOUSE LOGIC
https://www.houselogic.com/press-room/
HouseLogic.com is a site for homeowners who want smart solutions to enjoy, improve, and maintain their home; for buyers ready to find their happy place; and for sellers ready for their next chapter. No matter where you are in your home ownership journey, HouseLogic is the place to dive deep into such topics as home improvements (building equity!), the best ways to save on home expenses, house-hunting insights, and tips for prepping your home to sell — fast.
BIG GREY HORSE
http://biggreyhorse.com/texas-writers-wanted/
Needs Texas writers, preferably those who have experience with travel writing, for destination reviews: restaurants, hotels, events, music, bars, etc. All the things that make Texas the great state that it is. You can also write about unique people, cities, out of the way places, etc. Sources are required for each piece. All blog posts are written in first person POV and range from 600 to 1,000 words. Pieces pay $125-200. Photos are required and included in the payment.
WANDERLUST
https://www.wanderlust.co.uk/about-us/writers
We rarely publish narrative travel features on this site, but we do consider interesting blogs, inspirational round-ups, "listicles", guides and advice pieces. Please ensure that you are familiar with the site, our style and our audience. To suggest an idea, please email us at [email protected]. Wanderlust aims to cover all aspects of independent, semi-independent and special-interest travel. We do cover ‘soft’ adventure but leave the crampons and adrenalin
stuff to other magazines. Off-the-beaten-track destinations, secret corners of the world and unusual angles on well-known places are always of particular interest.
LIGHTHOUSE
http://lighthouse-sf.org/2015/06/04/submit/
The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco is putting out an official call for submissions. We are in search of the best and brightest writers who are blind or have low vision, to contribute stories for publication on a paid, freelance basis. We want to hear first-person stories not merely about blindness, but about what it takes to survive and strive as a human. We want to establish a new venue for exploring direct experiences surrounding the often misunderstood
and under-appreciated aspects of blindness.
Publishers/agents
#IWSGPit - TWITTER PITCH
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-twitter-pitch.html
Thursday, July 19, 2018. 8:00 am to 8:00 pm EST. Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed, polished manuscript. Leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On July 19, Tweet your pitch. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query. Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch It's a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents.
BAKER LITERARY SCOUTING, INC.
http://jbscout.com/about-us/
Founded in 2014, Baker Literary Scouting, Inc. is a full-service adult literary scouting company, advising and advocating on behalf of a select list of international publishers and domestic TV/film clients to find appropriate fiction and nonfiction projects to publish in translation or to adapt for a variety of platforms. With experience in multiple markets throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas, the company covers a broad spectrum of material, from commercial bestsellers to literary
prize-winners. Baker Literary is based in downtown Jersey City, New Jersey.
PUBLICATION RIOT GROUP
http://priotgroup.com/
Publication Riot Group, Inc. is a literary management company, representing their authors in all processes of the entertainment trajectory: from book development, to book sales, to subsidiary sales in the foreign market, television and film. Publication Riot Group, Inc. represents both fiction and nonfiction with special interest in general fiction/mainstream, literary fiction, mystery and suspense, thrillers, historicals, contemporary women’s fiction, biography and memoir, history,
business, finance, psychology, and popular science.
FUSE LITERARY
https://www.fuseliterary.com/
Fuse manages a wide variety of clients, from bestsellers to debut authors, working with fiction and non-fiction for children and adults worldwide. We combine technical efficiency with outside-the-covers creative thinking so that each individual client’s career is specifically fine-tuned for them.
VICTORIA SANDERS & ASSOCIATES
http://www.victoriasanders.com/
Victoria Sanders & Associates LLC represents writers of both fiction and nonfiction. We are always interested in new material and welcome all genres to the fold. We approach each work that stirs us, whether memoir, commercial women’s fiction, socio-political nonfiction, thrillers, humorous, or self-help/motivational just to name a few, with enthusiasm and excitement. The agency endeavors to represent writers of diverse styles, thoughts and viewpoints, and stories which capture
the flavors of all cultures.
CURTIS BROWN
http://www.curtisbrown.com/
Curtis Brown, Ltd. is one of the world’s leading literary agencies, representing a wide variety of established and emerging authors of all genres since 1914. With sixteen agents in our New York and San Francisco offices and a staff dedicated to handling film, translation, audio and digital media rights, we provide the highest standard of literary representation in all aspects of our clients’ careers. Curtis Brown is one of only a few New York literary agencies that can boast
its own full-service Film & Television Department.
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FINE PRINT
Please forward the newsletter in its entirety. To reprint any editorials, contact [email protected] for permission. Please do not assume that acknowledgements listed in your publication is considered a valid right to publish.
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E-mail: [email protected]
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