SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

HOW TO GET REVIEWS

I did one of my two-minute podcasts this week on collecting reviews for books, because my mailbox is swamped with articles, podcasts, blog posts, and queries to me on how to land reviews. Just this week I heard from an author friend of mine who just released two books in a series at once. . . and still has less than ten reviews on the two combined even after the publisher sent out hundreds (yep, you read that right) of review copies. 

Week before last, I posted a call for reviewers on my Facebook page. I have four books with less than 100 reviews (82, 64, 51, and 47 for my last four books), and my goal this year is to reach 100 for all my books. 

Yes, I read reviews. Do I let a one-star destroy my day? No. Frankly, I don't breathe easy until someone has left me a pissy review, just so it's out of my system. As a matter of fact, Newberry Sin has a 4.9/5 rating on Amazon, with only one three-star review. No ones or twos. Beats me why someone hasn't bashed it yet. My editor says that's because there's nothing to bash, but she's just being sweet. Nobody writes a book everybody likes.

But how to get reviews? You coordinate them. You are going to learn that there are bookstore people, library people, and Amazon people, and usually, the bookstore people don't post reviews on Amazon. The anti-Amazon people won't post reviews on Amazon. Therefore, people who are active online and make Amazon purchases constitute the preferred reviewer. (Of course, if someone you know has a review column in a major publication, by all means, court them, but they are the exception to the rule. And I'll ask anyone, regardless who they are, if they'll write a review once I know they've read the book.)

A close second preferred reader is a strong Goodreads person. Do they make their reading choices based upon Goodreads? Then great. Ask away, though an Amazon person will most likely also post on Goodreads. 

I start with social media, setting a time period in which I am seeking reviews, making it somewhat of a big deal, like an event. I offer print or ebook. Some publishers no longer do print ARCs or review copies. They are indeed pricey, especially when many requestors do not follow through. However, be prepared to send out some print copies. Yes, the cost can add up. 

Take note of who is doing your reviews. The plus of asking on social media or having to mail/email copies of the books is that you have their contact info. You can then follow-up and ask if they received the book a couple weeks later. This is NOT so you can push them to review. NEVER push someone to review. However, if someone does not follow-through, you know never to send them a review copy again. Common sense without breaking any cardinal rules. 

After nine novels, I have a list of what I call permanent reviewers. I'll send them a copy of any new release because they always review. 

Sometimes I ask in FundsforWriters, and other times in my author newsletter C. Hope Clark (sign up at www.chopeclark.com). This past week I sent out 40 copies. Reviews are already coming in. And I thank them. . . gush over them. These people are golden and deserve to be treated accordingly. 

So, in summation. . . you build relationships. Receiving a free book isn't enough. Goodness knows there are too dang many of those out there to the point that isn't a big deal. It's the back and forth, the willingness to respect and converse with anyone, the manners to say please and thank you. It's being generous and grateful. Readers love helping you if they feel appreciated, and I feel pretty darn grateful for mine. 



 

SUPER SPONSOR WORTH NOTING

Developmental Editor and Writing Coach - Douglas Silver
 
Douglas Silver specializes in editing and providing constructive feedback for all narrative-based writing,  be it short stories, novellas, novels, memoirs, or narrative essays. While literary fiction is his primary focus, he appreciates genre-bending work that defies easy categorization. Douglas loves working with emerging and established writers committed to honing their craft and elevating their manuscripts to achieve new heights. Given that much of his fiction incorporates historical elements, he has completed extensive research in the areas of stand-up comedy, nineteenth and twentieth-century American history, post-WW II Japan, and Jewish culture. Aside from narrative manuscripts, he is eager to assist writers with book/story research and literary magazine submission strategies.

He also has considerable experience editing grants, academic papers, college and graduate school admissions essays, statements of purpose, and cover letters.  Please contact him  for rates, availability, and testimonials. For more information, visit www.DouglasSilver.com 






 

HOPE'S APPEARANCES

 
NEXT CONFERENCE! As always, when I'm asked to present at a conference, I promote it graciously in the newsletter. Here's the next one, in Sylva, NC. A one-day fun time that I hope you'll attend. 






SUCCESS QUOTE

SUccess Story

If FundsforWriters has helped your writing efforts, please, let us know and we'll share with others! Email [email protected] 

 

Featured article

Teaching Others to Write. . . Online

By Rachel Carrington

If you’ve been published for any length of time, you realize thousands upon thousands of writers still struggle to get published or to decide what they want to write. Some still need to learn the basics while others seek to be steered in the right direction. With enough experience and knowledge under your belt, you might be able to help them and, in turn, increase your writing profits. 

You don’t need to be a New York Times bestseller or have numerous awards to your credit to teach; however, you do need strong writing skills, proof that you’ve mastered an area of writing, and the ability to convey the knowledge you have learned to others.  

Choosing the topic to teach involves research as you look into writing courses already available. You don’t want to offer a course too similar or too generic, and what you do offer should be a component of writing with which you’re extremely familiar. For instance, if you’ve gotten rave reviews on your villainous characters, you could possibly teach a course for other aspiring suspense/thriller writers. 

Teaching writing courses involves designing the course, which includes writing all of the lessons and the assignments, and setting the price, although some sites do have input on the fee. You will also review the students’ assignments and offer feedback for improvement. 

Some teachers offer an assessment test or a review wrap-up at the end of the course but neither are required. It is helpful to think creatively when you’re designing your course, though, because you must be a magnet, convincing writers why they should take your course. 

I just completed teaching a romance writing course for Wow! Women On Writing, and I have a different class, about how to strengthen your fiction, that will start on September 16th. The site takes 20 percent commission, but I factor that in when I set the price of my classes. I have been teaching for Women On Writing since 2016, and the extra income is well worth the small bit of time it takes to review student assignments. 

Sites like Women On Writing and Savvy Authors are always scouting for high-quality teachers, and once you pass their application process, you set the times you want to teach around your schedule. Plus, the material belongs to you, and you can use it as often as you’d like, whether it’s four times a year or only once.  CreativeLive is also open to new instructors, but these are recorded classes, which might be another interesting path to take. 

There is a short learning curve to teaching an online class, and it’s always beneficial to take one yourself before becoming the teacher. Become accustomed to the flow of the class to determine what you like and don’t like about particular ways of teaching. You’ll find your own way to present your information to students. You might also want to take this free course so you can learn to teach online.  

Once you’ve been teaching for a while, you could even try your hand at places like Udemy and Skillshare which offer video-based courses and a chance for you to earn even more money, though the learning curve at these sites has a bit of a wider arc. 

Finally, as a bonus, once you’re tired of a written course or don’t have the desire to teach it anymore, you can turn the classes into articles to sell. Most will need basic restructuring before you submit them for possible publication.   

BIO - Rachel Carrington has written over 400 freelance articles, works as an entertainment writer, and is a published author of 54 books. You can find her online at www.rachelcarrington.com.



 

COmpetitions

BLACK WARRIOR REVIEW CONTEST
https://bwr.ua.edu/contest-2019/
$8-20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline September 1, 2019. Awards $1,500 and publication in the three categories of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Awards $800 and publication for flash fiction. Fiction and Nonfiction: Submit up to 7,000 words. Poetry: Submit a packet of up to three poems. Flash: Submit a packet of up to three flash pieces. This can be in any genre, as long as the author considers it “flash.” We encourage experimental, hybrid, and lyrical submissions in this category. 



CHARLES WHEELER POETRY PRIZE
http://thejournalmag.org/book-prizes/wheeler-prize
$23 ENTRY FEE. Deadline September 30, 2019. In addition to publication under a standard book contract, the winning author receives the Charles B. Wheeler prize of $2,500. Entries of at least 48 typed pages of original poetry must be submitted electronically during September. 



KELSAY BOOKS METRICAL POETRY CONTEST
https://kelsaybooks.com/pages/kelsay-books-metrical-poetry-contest
$7 ENTRY FEE. Deadline September 30, 2019. Awards $500 for the best metrical poem. The winner will be the featured poet in The Orchards Poetry Journal's January 2020 issue. Poems must be 30 lines or less. Poems must be unpublished.



STORIES OUT OF SCHOOL FLASH FICTION CONTEST
https://electricliterature.submittable.com/submit/144089/stories-out-of-school
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 1, 2019. Teachers seldom appear in fiction. This annual contest was created to inspire honest, unsentimental stories about teachers and the rich and complex world of schools. This year, the Academy for Teachers has partnered with Electric Literature to publish the winning entry. The story’s protagonist or its narrator must be a  K-12 teacher. The story must be between six and 749 words long. The story must be previously unpublished. The first-prize winner will receive $1,000, and the story will be published online in The Commuter, our home for brief, diverting, and innovative writing. The second-prize winner will receive $500. 



DOGFISH HEAD POETRY PRIZE
http://broadkillriverpress.com/
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline August 15, 2019. The 17th annual Dogfish Head Poetry Prize for the winning book-length manuscript by a poet residing in the Mid-Atlantic states (DE, MD, VA, PA, NJ, NY, WVA, NC and District of Columbia) will consist of $500, two cases of Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Beer, manuscript publication by Broadkill River Press, and ten copies of the book (in lieu of royalties). The award will be presented to the winner on Saturday evening, December 14, 2019 at the Dogfish Inn in Lewes, Delaware. The winner must agree to attend this event and to read from their winning book at a reception honoring the winner. 

 

GRANTS / FELLOWSHIPS / CROWDFUNDING

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA POETRY OUTREACH RESIDENCIES.
https://azarts.gov/arts-op/call-for-poetry-teaching-artists-educators-scottsdale-arts/
Deadline August 30, 2019. Artist-educator will lead weeklong, in-school residencies for English language arts classes with goals of inspiring students to write, encouraging a deeper level of understanding of and appreciation for poetry’s usages, and, ultimately, helping them to break down barriers and build communities through stories. Lesson plans targeting middle and high school grade levels can be provided. New lesson plan proposals are welcome. Each residency is an independently contracted service. Services may begin as early as September 2019 and extend through May 2020. Artist will be paid for residency services at a rate of $50 per hour. Approved supplies will be provided or reimbursed. Residencies are typically formatted five days (one week) with one hour per day, per class. Artist must be able to travel throughout Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale; obtain an IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card through State of Arizona Department of Public Safety; educate and engage students in a classroom setting, and be consistent and reliable.



NATIONAL PLAYWRIGHT RESIDENCIES
https://mellon.org/programs/arts-and-cultural-heritage/performing-arts/national-playwright-residency-program-call-for-applications/
Deadline September 12, 2019. The program provides three years of salary, benefits, and a flexible research and development fund for a diverse group of American playwrights at selected theaters around the country. Theaters and playwrights must apply jointly by submitting statements of intent from the playwright and artistic director; scope of work; and other specified materials to demonstrate eligibility, potential to achieve the goals of the program, and desire to participate in a growing network to advance artist-centered practices in the theater field. 



LOWER MANHATTAN CULTURAL COUNCIL CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT GRANTS
https://lmcc.net/resources/manhattan-arts-grants/creative-engagement/
Deadline September 10, 2019. Creative Engagement is an arts funding program that provides seed grants to individual artists and nonprofit organizations for projects and activities that offer Manhattan communities diverse artistic experiences. Each year, the program supports over 150 arts projects in Manhattan, including concerts, performances, public art, exhibitions, screenings, festivals, workshops, readings and more. Through this grant program LMCC will award over $600,000 for projects in neighborhoods from Inwood to the Battery taking place between January 1–December 31, 2020.



GRANADA WRITERS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAMME
https://granadaciudaddeliteratura.com/en/2019-granada-writers-in-residence-programme/
Deadline September 20, 2019. Location Granada, a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region. In 2019, two writers will be selected to spend one month in Granada, between November 1 and December 1. The residency includes travel costs and accommodation, including full board at the University of Granada’s Hall of Residency for Visitors (Corrala de Santiago). Each of the selected writers will receive opportunities to participate in the city’s literary life, including involvement with workshops, teaching, and networking opportunities with local writers. To apply, writers must provide a synopsis of the literary project that they would like to work on during their stay in Granada. 



FACEBOOK JOURNALISM PROJECT
https://facebookjournalismproject.com/article/facebook-journalism-project-community-network/
Deadline August 12 and November (date not posted yet). The FJP Community Network offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 and opportunities for grant recipients to connect with industry experts to support their projects. Whether a person or publisher is trying to build a new business around memberships, report in an underserved community, or build a tool that helps local storytellers find and engage news audiences, we want to provide runway for them to serve their community. Project proposals do not require the use of Facebook tools or products. We are partnering with The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, which will provide grant review and grantmaking support. Applications will be accepted three times in 2019 (May, July, November). Grant recipients have six months from the time of the award to complete their project and report back results.



SARATOGA ARTS GRANTS
https://www.saratoga-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2020-AG-Guidelines-1.pdf
Deadline September 13, 2019. The mission of Saratoga Arts is to enrich the upstate New York State region. Grants in the amount of $2,500 will be awarded to individual artists residing in Fulton, Montgomery, or Saratoga county whose art reflects local community life or culture and engages the community in the creative process, either directly or indirectly. All arts disciplines are eligible and innovative interactions are encouraged. Priority will be given to requests for artist fees, art-related supplies and materials, and marketing/publicity and other outreach costs (postcards, flyers, online marketing, etc.). Projects must be open to the general public in a fully handicap accessible location in Fulton, Montgomery, or Saratoga county and take place between January 1 and December 31, 2020. Letters of Intent are due September 13. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by October 25, 2019.



OREGON LITERARY FELLOWSHIPS
https://literary-arts.org/what-we-do/oba-home/fellowships/
Oregon Literary Fellowships are intended to help Oregon writers initiate, develop, or complete literary projects. Fellowships are also awarded to support Oregon’s independent publishers, small presses, and literary magazines. The deadline to apply for a 2020 Oregon Literary Fellowship is August 2, 2019. 





 

FREELANCE MARKETS

POETRY MAGAZINE
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/submissions
We consider original works written in the English language as well as translations of poetry into English. Payment is made on publication at the rate of $10 per line (with a minimum payment of $300), and $150 per page of prose, for first serial rights. All rights will revert to the author upon publication. Authors will also receive two contributor copies of the issue in which their work appears.



MOUNTAIN LIFE
http://www.mountainlifemag.ca/
The words “Coast Mountains” are right there in our masthead so it goes without saying that the majority of our articles need to be related to the BC Coast Mountains, specifically the Vancouver to Lillooet region. We do run stories on epic trips to places near and far but usually only one per issue. The best time to send in ideas or queries is well in advance. We plan the summer issue in February, the November issue in July, and the February issue in August. The earlier we know about you and your awesome idea, the better. Many columns of many sizes but pays 30 cents/word.



HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
http://highlineonline.ca/print-magazine/contributor-guidelines/writers/
Highline Magazine is a connection to the unique mountain environment and culture of Canada's Rocky Mountains. We feature a wide range of topics - from summer and winter sports to environmental issues, local heroes, health, humor, and more. Based in the gateway to the Rockies, our content is largely local and has a distinctly authentic Bow Valley flavor.



MASSAGE MAGAZINE
http://www.massagemag.com/directory/
Massage Magazine is an internationally circulated trade publication for massage therapists and allied health professionals. Payment for articles ranges from $50 to $400, depending on the subject matter, category, length, and quality of writing.



IDEA FITNESS
http://www.ideafit.com/publications/author-guidelines
IDEA is known for publishing articles that meet the needs of the fitness professional on multiple levels. We are particularly adept at balancing theory with practical application. Our readership includes personal trainers, fitness facility staff, fitness instructors, program directors, business owners and managers, and other health and wellness professionals. Each issue of IDEA Fitness Journal includes feature articles, which are approximately 3,000-3,500 words in length and cover industry issues and research reviews.



NATIONAL RADIO PROJECT
http://www.radioproject.org/production/submission-guidelines/
Stories should avoid time-dating and should be relevant three to six months after broadcast: we distribute Making Contact to community groups and educators, and some radio stations use our website archives to fill holes in their broadcast schedules. Before pitching a story, be familiar with the mission of National Radio Project. Level 1. $800 plus travel reimbursement up to $100. Level 2. $500 plus travel reimbursement up to $100. A Full 26-minute Documentary pays $1,000 for veteran producers to produce a full documentary edition. 



PARABOLA
http://www.parabola.org/index.php
Parabola is a quarterly journal devoted to the exploration of the quest for meaning as it is expressed in the world's myths, symbols, and religious traditions, with particular emphasis on the relationship between this store of wisdom and our modern life. Each issue of Parabola is organized around a theme. Articles run 1,000-3,000 words. Book Reviews run approximately 500 words. Retellings of traditional stories run 500-1,500 words. Article payment generally ranges from $150 to $400. The payment for epicycles and book reviews is $75.



DRAFT MAGAZINE
http://draftmag.com/new/submissions/
Though many pitches have merit, DRAFT can only assign and publish the most tightly focused, error-free queries that meet our needs and guidelines. Pitches need not be beer-centric, but those that are should focus on beer/brewery news, trends and ideas, rather than the technical aspects of brewing and profiles. Aside from beer, we happily accept pitches on topics ranging from food, sports (both professional and leisure), travel, and many other topics. Whatever the focus, it must appeal to DRAFT’s audience and should cover a new idea or story, or provide a unique angle on a topic that’s already received media attention. The scope of your query should be national. Pays up to 80 cents/word.



BECKETT COINAGE
http://coinagemag.com/writers-guidelines/
The primary audience for COINage is coin collectors and investors. The magazine provides a refreshing review for the experienced collector and an introduction to key concepts for the less experienced. COINage contributors understand that their submission is a work for hire, and that by signing the independent contractor agreement they grant U.S. copyright and all rights in it to the Company (Beckett Media). COINage pays $250 for a full-length feature submission, consisting of 2,000 or more words, plus eight to ten high-resolution photos with captions and credits. Shorter articles may be accepted but will not receive full payment.



AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL
https://americanbeejournal.com/contact/writers-guidelines/
The American Bee Journal, the oldest English language beekeeping publication in the world, is a magazine for professional, sideline and hobbyist beekeepers, as well as those with interest in bee-related subjects. Feature articles typically begin at $150 for up to 1,500 words (about two magazine pages more or less, depending on photos/illustrations). Larger articles generally pay about $100/page, though rarely over $500. Stories solicited by the editor may pay more. Other factors include the quantity and quality of supplied photos and the degree of editing required on our end. 



FLAME TREE PRESS
http://blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-gothic/short-story-submissions-detective-thrillers-a-dying-planet
Deadline August 18, 2019. We are now open for submissions for two exciting new anthologies: Detective Thrillers and A Dying Planet. Due to be published in early 2020, these add to our Gothic Fantasy series. Word length is most likely to be successful at 2,000–4,000, but we will still read stories slightly outside this range. From these two titles onwards, we will pay eight cents/six pence per word for new work and continue to pay six cents/four pence per word for reprints. This will bring us into line with the new qualifying rates for SWFA.

 

Publishers/agents

 
ANNIE BOMKE LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.abliterary.com/Submissions.aspx
Annie Bomke Literary Agency is interested in representing a wide variety of adult and YA fiction and nonfiction, including commercial and literary fiction, upmarket fiction, mysteries (from hilarious cozies to gritty police procedurals and everything in between), historical fiction, women’s fiction, psychological thrillers, literary/psychological horror, self-help, business, health/diet, cookbooks, memoir, relationships, current events, psychology, and narrative nonfiction. I'm especially looking for books that feature diverse characters.



TRIADAUS LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.triadaus.com/sub-guidelines.html
Multiple agents on staff, each with their own desires. See the individual agents for needs at present, to include children's books. 



KENSINGTON BOOKS
https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/page.aspx/submissions
We are currently not accepting Children’s, Middle Grade, Young Adult or Poetry submissions. A wide list of editors on this publishing staff, each with specific desires across a broad spectrum. 



HOLIDAY HOUSE
https://holidayhouse.com/faqs/
Holiday House is a publisher of children’s books only. We specialize in quality hardcovers, from picture books to young adult, both fiction and nonfiction. We publish children’s books for ages four and up. We do not publish mass-market books, including, but not limited to, pop-ups, activity books, sticker books, coloring books, or licensed books.

 

SPONSORS

I’m delighted to share the news that my friend, the author and writing teacher, Joan Dempsey is once again offering a free online class, which is open now and immediately available as soon as you enroll. I cannot say enough good about this lady and her skills. This time she is covering a topic that we can all use more knowledge of, and I suggest you attend her free class. That's part of what I love about Joan . . . she legitimately gives you something free, and you walk away educated whether or not you buy whatever comes at the end of the program. Trust me. . . the class is without strings, and you'll be a better writer for attending. 

Her newest class is called Self-Editing for Writers: An Introduction.

In this free class, you will . . .

• Explore the difference between a shitty first draft vs. the ongoing edit;
• Learn how listening carefully can help you assume your role as editor;
• Determine which of the four approaches to self-editing will work best for you;
• Find out why it's important to open strong and avoid backstory; and
• See how using specific action rather than pointless activity can enhance your scenes.

I encourage you to check it out—Joan’s always got great advice for writers!

Learn More and Enroll Today (It’s Free)

Enjoy!

C. Hope Clark

www.fundsforwriters.com/advertising 

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.

C. Hope Clark
E-mail: [email protected]
140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036
http://www.fundsforwriters.com

Copyright 2000-2019, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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