SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

This is the book for every writer who ever needed a kick up the backside to get words on the page. It's the no-nonsense talking to you know you need. 

Shut Up And Write: The No-Nonsense, No B.S Guide to Getting Words on the Page doesn't deal with writer's block. It addresses the thousand things going on in your head that prevent you from Actually. Being. Productive. 

With her characteristic humor, practicality, and hard-earned wisdom, Mridu Khullar Relph demonstrates an understanding of the creative mind. She shows you how to write anything--- and finish it.

 










 

THE BEST THING TO DO FOR YOUR WRITING

I saw this in a recent blog post, and when I eagerly delved into the piece, it instead listed items without weight to the suggestions. The blogger interviewed several authors and asked them what they considered to be the single most important item to do to improve your writing. I didn't see mine, and the others said things like pick the right POV, work on dialogue, take an acting class, respect plot. . . which might as well have been just an outline for a writing class.

Of course what you take to heart as the most important thing might depend on what your strengths and weaknesses are, but to me, there's only one thing that encompasses novice and seasoned writers. 

Read and study good, published writing.

What's good? Well, that can be interpreted in several ways, but all must be contingent upon what you want for your own writing.

1) Do you want to sell books? Then read successful books that sold thousands of copies. 
2) Do you want to write fantastic mysteries with great twists? Then read mysteries noted for such.
3) Do you want pulse-pounding romance that doesn't sound trite? Then seek strong romance writers. 
4) Do you wish to complicate your plot? Find complicated plots.
5) Do you want dialogue that dances on the page and requires no tags to identify the characters? You know what to do. 

In other words, follow the masters. 

Some may say that means only bestsellers. Some say that neglects a lot of indie material. Nope. . . it doesn't, on both counts. Regardless of how it's published, a book is good or it isn't. Sure, there's opinion laced in there, but when the majority of a book's readers love it, and the reviews say why, then you have your markers, and who printed it doesn't matter. 

What about those books that aren't known? Then my suggestion to the authors is to get them known. Is your writing truly remarkable? Then work on distribution and reviews. Do articles, interviews, and speaking engagements to demonstrate your abilities. Is it easy? Hell no. It's not supposed to be. It can't be. Good writing, and the good writer behind that writing, has to fight to be recognized. Whether that's going traditional and fighting to be embraced by agents and New York publishers or doing indie and fighting to be seen and heard on your own, it's a fight. 

But I stand my mantra that the best way to improve your writing is to read good books. . . books that make you wish you'd written them. 

SUPER SPONSOR WORTH NOTING

THINK AGENTS DON’T NOTICE TYPOS, PLOT HOLES, AND FLAT CHARACTERS? THINK AGAIN!

Let Weeping Willow Books Publisher Marcia Meier help you polish your fiction (literary and women’s) and/or nonfiction (memoir, biography, self-help, business) manuscript so when you send it out, it sings.

Visit www.marciameier.com/coachingandediting
for details.  Go to www.weepingwillowbooks.com to see our books. Mention this ad to get 10 percent off a manuscript review.










 

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

Hi Hope,

I just wanted to say thanks for encouraging me not to give up on my dream to publish a cookbook. Castillo contacted me again in late May to author a cookbook for them. It will be on the shelves in mid-November. I signed a nondisclosure agreement on content until it is officially released. That's okay with me. I've just finished working with my developmental editor and got the complete coded manuscript to review. Listen to me, like I know what I'm talking about! Ha!

Anyway, thanks for being an inspiration to writers.

Best,
Cindy Kershner
-- 
Visit my website at cindysrecipesandwritings.com



- - - 

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

Featured article

Your Personal Writing Vision Statement: What, Why, and How

By Dan Brotzel

A personal vision statement for your writing career is a simple line that distills your values and ambitions into a practical mantra you can live and work by. Every big business has a mission statement that defines its vision and purpose in a brief, simple statement that the whole organization can get behind. 

Many of these are full of corporate speak, but the best are pithy and compelling. LinkedIn's is "to connect the world's professionals to make them more productive and successful," while Kickstarter's is simply "to help bring creative projects to life." 

As a writer, you are a business, too. Your personal vision statement will help you decide what activities to focus on and where to spend your time and energy. It's a great guide at times of indecision or difficult choices.

An example:

My writing vision statement is simply: "To earn a living as a full-time, family-first writer of humorous, engaging fiction novels and short stories." 

There's a lot packed into this for me. I'm interested in a sustainable career, rather than fame and fortune. I don't write poems or scripts (for now anyway). Humour and emotion are my key ingredients. But I don't want any of this at the expense of my family. 

Using your statement

A simple statement like this is that it can give you a reason to say No to things as well as Yes. 

Should I take on that freelance opportunity? No, because although it might make me some money, it's not in my area and will eat into my time for creative writing. 

Should I go for a run? Yes, because staying fit and healthy has a positive impact on productivity. Should I enter that comp? No, because the prize is a week in a writer's retreat in Mexico and that won't work for me, family-wise. Shall I submit a flash to that magazine? No, because flash isn't my target genre. 

Should I stop writing and make my son's breakfast, even though I got up early specially to write and he shouldn't be up for another hour?! Yes, because family comes first. 

Developing your mission statement

Here's my suggestion for how to develop yours: 

1.    Jot down your perfect writing future. Is it about awards or critical kudos? Is it about a sustainable income or writing a bestseller? Do you have an idea of your ideal workspace, or how much you want to make each month?

2.    Ask: What do I want to stop doing? Do you want to give up your day job? Do you want to be able to turn down certain kinds of work?

3.    Ask: What do I want to do more of? Are you a natural world-builder or a cozy mystery type? If nonfiction, what sort of topics do you love writing about? Is there a particular book or genre you want to be writing? Where would your books sit in a bookshop?

4.    Ask: What effect do I want to have on readers? Do you want them to escape from everything for a while or make them think about society? 

Putting it all together

Now boil it down to a powerful sentence you can remember. Don't include every detail – this statement is just for you, remember, so you don't have to spell everything out. In my statement, 'family-first' is shorthand for a lot of my personal values, for example. 

Print your statement, stick it over your computer, and use it to help you stay on track. And as you get closer to your goal, be ready to update it to reflect the next stage of your journey. 

If you have a statement to share, we'd love to hear it...Hope will post some of them next week. 
 

BIO: Dan Brotzel (@brotzel_fiction) is co-author of a new comic novel, Kitten on a Fatberg (Unbound). As a reader of this newsletter, you can pre-order Kitten on a Fatberg for a 10% discount – simply quote promo code KITTEN10

 

COmpetitions

RUMINATE BROADSIDE POETRY PRIZE
https://www.ruminatemagazine.com/pages/broadside-poetry-prize
$12 ENTRY FEE. Deadline August 18, 2019. First place winner will receive a $500 cash prize, publication in Ruminate, and 15 copies of the limited-edition letterpress broadside. All entries will also be considered for publication in Ruminate. Two poems per entry at 10-30 lines each. 



MARYLAND WRITES! MONTGOMERY COUNTY WRITING CONTEST
https://marylandwriters.org/blog.php?name=id/41
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline August 15, 2019. Submit your previously unpublished fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry for the chance to win $250 and publication in Montgomery Magazine. Runners-up will receive $100 and have their work published on montgomerymag.com. Entries must be no longer than 2,000 words. Categories are fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Up to three poems may be submitted per entry but may not run longer than 2,000 words combined.



THE BODLEY HEAD/FT ESSAY PRIZE
https://survey.ft.com/jfe/form/SV_cBHSm838tN2vTDL
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline August 16, 2019. Every year, the Financial Times and The Bodley Head, one of Britain's leading publishers of nonfiction, team up to find the best young essay-writing talent from around the world. The Bodley Head/FT Essay Prize is open to anyone between 18 and 35 years old. Our judges are looking for a dynamic, authoritative and lively essay of no more than 3,500 words in English, on any subject. The winner will receive £1,500 cash and an e-publication with The Bodley Head, publication in the FT of their winning essay and a mentoring session with The Bodley Head. Two runners-up will win £500 cash each and an e-publication with The Bodley Head. 



JACK GRAPES POETRY PRIZE
https://www.culturalweekly.com/jack-grapes-poetry-contest-2019/
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline August 31, 2019. Three winners will receive $250 each, plus publication. Six finalists will receive $75 each, plus publication. Limit two poems and two pages in one document.



ACCENTS PUBLISHING'S INAUGURAL NOVELLA CONTEST
https://accents-publishing.submittable.com/submit/142578/accents-publishings-inaugural-novella-contest
$16 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 31, 2019. Prize: $500 and publication in a separate book volume. Wordcount: 15,000-35,000. At Accents Publishing we're excited about launching a novella-length series of books. All entries considered for publication. 

 

GRANTS / FELLOWSHIPS / CROWDFUNDING

DAISY PETTLES' WOMEN'S WRITING RESIDENCY AND GRANT 
https://daisypettleswritingcontest.com/womens-writing-residency/
$45 APPLICATION FEE. If you cannot afford the $45 fee, check the box that states HARDSHIP WAIVER GRANTED. Two Grand Prizes — $1,000 and a month of expense-free living (a $2,500 value), PLUS a Certificate as Honorary Writer in Residence in the Daisy Pettles House vintage 1920s arts and craft bungalow for the year awarded. Two Finalists (1st Runner-Up) Prizes: $250 Cash Award Grant; PLUS Award Certificate as Finalist – Writer in Residence at the Daisy Pettles House for the year awarded; PLUS if for any reason a Grand Prize Winner is unable to attend a residency the house residency immediately passes to the Runner-Up. Two Finalists (2nd Runner-Up) Prizes: $100 Cash Award Grant; PLUS Award Certificate as Finalist – Writer in Residence at the Daisy Pettles House for the year awarded. Two residencies are available for the following periods in 2020: SESSION 1—JUNE 2020 – June 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020 - Deadline February 15, 2020 / SESSION 2—SUMMER 2020 – July 1, 2020 through July 31, 2020 - Deadline April 15, 2020. Open to women writers who are age 40 or older at the time the residency will begin; no publication history necessary, but applicants must be able to submit up to 20 pages of a work in progress for judging, along with a 500-word statement summarizing your vision and goals for the work, along with a 500-word statement of financial need or how the award will help you, the writer, complete the project. 



OHIO INDIVIDUAL ARTS AWARDS
https://www.oac.ohio.gov/Portals/0/grants/Guidelines/Individual-Excellence.pdf
Deadline September 1, 2019. Awards give artists the resources to experiment and explore their art forms, develop skills and advance their careers and receive affirmation and acknowledgment for outstanding work. Competitive applications focused on the merit of past artistic work, combined with an open panel review conducted by nationally recognized professionals, ensure that only the most exceptional individuals receive funding. Individual Excellence Awards are $5,000. Creative artists who are residents of Ohio may apply to this program. In odd-numbered calendar years (e.g., 2019, 2021), applications are accepted in choreography; criticism; fiction/nonfiction; music composition; playwriting/screenplays; and poetry. 



KENTUCKY FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN
http://www.kfw.org/about/
The mission of the Kentucky Foundation for Women is to promote positive social change by supporting varied feminist expression in the arts. When women and girls advance, so does Kentucky. Two Grant Programs: Each year the Foundation awards $200,000 to feminist artists and allied organizations in Kentucky through two grant programs: Artist Enrichment and Art Meets Activism. Retreats and Residencies at Hopscotch provide time and space for feminist social change artists, activists, and allies to explore new ideas and artistic expressions, deepen understanding of feminism, and advance creative change.



MONTANA ARTS
https://art.mt.gov/sig
The Montana Arts Council Strategic Investment Grants provide up to $1,000 in matching funds to professional artists, nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations and Preschool – Grade 12 teachers in Montana. Grants of up to $1,000 are available and must be matched 1:1 with other funds or support (cash and/or in-kind). Grant monies will be distributed until the funding for the fiscal year (July 1-June 30) is depleted. Professional Development - Grants to help build individual art skills and knowledge, arts careers, and arts businesses. Market Expansion - Grants to help increase exposure and improve marketing or promotion, opportunities for exhibition, performance, and sales to a wider or new audience. Public Outreach Arts Activities - Grants for ongoing or one-time arts activities by arts organizations and artists that are designed to reach a new or expanded audience. Challenges and Emergencies - Grants to provide resources for artists or arts organizations experiencing challenges or emergencies that impede your ability to continue your work.



CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTARY PROJECT
http://www.cac.ca.gov/opportunities/grantdetail.php?id=1317
Deadline November 1, 2019. The California Documentary Project (CDP) is a competitive grant program that supports the research and development and production stages of film, audio, and digital media projects that seek to document California in all its complexity. Projects should use the humanities to provide context, depth and perspective and reach and engage broad audiences through multiple means, including but not limited to radio and television broadcasts, podcasts, online distribution and interactive media, community screenings and discussions, in classrooms and libraries, at cultural centers, film festivals, and beyond. 





 

FREELANCE MARKETS

OVERLAND
http://overland.org.au/submit/pitch-to-overland/
Overland is always looking for nonfiction pieces, especially for its online magazine. We update the pitch page with subjects that seem interesting – though we consider pitches on any topics. Most of all, we’re looking for thoughtful, provocative, and argumentative articles, pieces that will provoke discussion and debate. You can pitch to us on one of the topics online or submit completed articles (of between 600 and 1,000 words) to us via our submissions page. We pay $120 for published online pieces.



UPPER ROOM
http://submissions.upperroom.org/guidelines
Meditations should be 250-300 words long. Good devotional writing is, first of all, authentic. Second, good devotional writing uses sensory details. Finally, good devotional writing is exploratory. It searches and considers and asks questions. We buy the right to translate meditations for one-time use in our editions around the world, including electronic and software-driven formats, and to include them in future anthologies of Upper Room material should we choose. We pay $30 for each meditation, on publication. We also send four copies of the issue in which your work appears.



TRANSITION
http://sk.cmha.ca/get-involved/transition-magazine/
Send original, unpublished articles, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art that represent current mental health issues and reflect on their impact on individuals, especially in the Saskatchewan region of Canada where the publication is headquartered. Maximum manuscript lengths: articles - 15 pages; all other prose - 10 pages; poetry - 10 poems or 10 pages, whichever is less; visual art - 10 pieces. Payment is $50 per printed page.



TOR.COM
http://www.tor.com/page/submissions-guidelines
Tor.com welcomes original speculative fiction short stories and poetry. We define speculative fiction broadly, including SF, fantasy, horror, alternate history, and related genres. We're particularly interested in stories under 12,000 words. We will consider stories that are slightly longer than 12,000 words, but we really must put our foot down at the "novelette" mark - in other words, we will not read anything over 17,500 words. We pay 25 cents a word for the first 5,000 words, 15 cents a word for the next 5,000, and 10 cents a word after that.



VFW MAGAZINE
http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Magazine/Submissions/
Manuscripts are usually 1,000 words, depending on the subject. Simultaneous submissions are not considered. Recognition of veterans and military service is paramount at the VFW. Articles related to current foreign policy and defense along with all veterans issues are of prime interest. Topics pertaining to American armed forces abroad and international events affecting U.S. national security are particularly in demand. Articles dealing with military history must take a fresh approach. (Over the last 20 years, the magazine has covered WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and all subsequent wars extensively.) Some national political and social issues also qualify for inclusion in the magazine, especially if covered by VFW resolutions. And, of course, we are always looking for up-to-date stories on veterans concerns.



THE ELKS MAGAZINE
http://www.elks.org/elksmag/WritersGuidelines.pdf
The Elks Magazine is published ten times a year for the nearly one million members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Each year, the editors buy 20 to 30 articles. These articles consist of previously unpublished, informative, upbeat, entertaining writing on a variety of subjects, including science, technology, nature, Americana, sports, history, health, retirement, personal finance, leisure-time activities, and seasonal topics. Articles should be authoritative (please include sources) and appeal to the lay person. They should be between 1,200 and 2,000 words long. Does not need political or religious articles or poetry. We usually do not publish first-person pieces. Pays 25 cents/word.



CANADA'S HISTORY
https://www.canadashistory.ca/about-us/editorial-guidelines
Canada’s History Society publishes Canada’s History magazine (formerly The Beaver) and Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids. Canada’s History publishes well-written, well-researched, and informative articles about Canadian history that focus on all parts of the country and all areas of human activity. Subject matter covers the whole range of Canadian history, from social history, politics, exploration, discovery and settlement, to Aboriginal peoples, war, culture, business and trade. Articles run various lengths: long features (from 1,500 to 3,000 words) that provide an in-depth look at an event, person, or era; short features (from 600 to 1,200 words) that provide a narrower focus. Longer articles may be considered if their importance warrants publication. 



UPSTREET
http://upstreet-mag.org/guidelines/
Payment, upon publication, will be between $50 and $250 for short stories or essays. Each author will also receive one complimentary copy and may purchase more copies at a reduced rate.



WRITERS WEEKLY
http://writersweekly.com/misc/guidelines.php
We seek articles on how to make more money doing what you love...writing! We are also interested in other forms of home-based businesses and self-employment that may result from writing, such as self-publishing, corporate writing, ghostwriting, etc. All ideas that help writers support themselves performing the work they love are warmly welcomed. $60 for 600 words. Also seeks success stories. Pays $40 for 300 words.



THE THREEPENNY REVIEW
http://www.threepennyreview.com/submissions.html
The Threepenny Review is paying $400 per story or article, $200 per poem or Table Talk piece. This payment buys first serial rights in our print and digital editions, and the copyright then reverts to the author immediately upon publication. As a rule, critical articles should be about 1,200 to 2,500 words, Table Talk items 1,000 words or less, stories and memoirs 4,000 words or less, and poetry 100 lines or less. NOTE: Opens for submissions on January 1. They only read January 1 - June 30. 

 

Publishers/agents

STERLING PUBLISHING
https://dhjhkxawhe8q4.cloudfront.net/sterling-wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/25085940/AuthorGuidelines.pdf
The Sterling list covers a broad range of subject areas including current events, diet and health, parenting, pop culture, reference, history, art, music, and everything in between. Sterling Epicure focuses on food, wine, and spirits. Sterling Ethos is a rich list encompassing all aspects of body, mind, and spirit. Lark Crafts publishes books on crafting, decorating, creativity, and outdoor living. Puzzle and game books—including crosswords, cryptograms, sudoku, logic puzzles, and I.Q. builders—are published under the Puzzlewright Press imprint. Sterling Children’s Books publishes both fiction and nonfiction, including classics, picture books, joke books, and novelty formats—as well as books for babies and toddlers. Our Flash Kids imprint publishes workbooks and flashcards for preschool, elementary, and middle school students in essential curriculum areas such as reading, math, writing, test preparation, and much more. They accept nothing via email. 



ARBORDALE PUBLISHING
https://www.arbordalepublishing.com/Submissions.htm
Our mission is to get children excited about science and math through fun-to-read picture book stories. We are looking for fiction or narrative nonfiction stories with science or math woven into the story. We prefer fiction over nonfiction. In every manuscript we look for a "cuddle factor" that will make parents and children want to read it together. We do accept submissions from illustrators who have written manuscripts. 



STOREY PUBLISHING
https://www.workman.com/work-with-us/author-submissions (scroll down)
The mission of Storey Publishing is to serve our customers by publishing practical information that encourages personal independence in harmony with the environment. The books we select to carry out this mission include nonfiction titles for adults and children on gardening, home reference, crafts, cooking, beer and wine, nature, raising animals, horses, building, farming, homesteading, and mind/body/spirit. We are always pleased to review new proposals on these topics directly from authors and from agents. (Note: no fiction, poetry, or children’s picture books, please.)



WORKMAN PUBLISHING
https://www.workman.com/work-with-us/author-submissions
The Workman imprint publishes exclusively nonfiction books for children and adults, as well as calendars. We do not publish novels, short stories, or poetry. We also do not accept unsolicited picture book submissions.



ADONIS DESIGNS PRESS
http://www.adonisdesignspress.com/book_submissions
We like to publish books that fall into our areas of interest including self-help, how-to, travel, dogs, spirituality, art, photography, inspiration and gardening. With that being said, we are eclectic in taste and always looking to support those that we feel need to have their voice and words in print to the benefit of others.



FELONY & MAYHEM
https://felonyandmayhem.com/pages/submissions
We publish mystery fiction for adults and, at this time, no other genres. All manuscripts must be a minimum of 80,000 words; 85,000 is preferable. 



CAMINO BOOKS
https://www.caminobooks.com/pages/submissions
Camino Books was founded in 1987 for the purpose of publishing quality nonfiction books of regional interest to people in the Middle Atlantic states. Our list is especially strong in titles about cooking, travel, gardening, and history, but we also publish biographies, local reference books, and books concerning parenting and important health issues. We occasionally publish books of national interest as well. We currently publish about six to ten books per year, and we are always looking for new material and projects.



CEDAR GROVE PUBLISHING
http://cedargrovebooks.com/submissions/
At this time, Cedar Grove Publishing accepts fiction only in the form of children’s books, middle grade and young adult novels, sci-fi/fantasy/horror, mystery, and graphic novels. We do not accept nonfiction, textbooks, or educational materials. We are willing to review unsolicited and non-agented manuscripts. We accept submissions twice a year in 45-day increments. The dates are March 1 to April 15 and August 1 to September 15.

SELF-EDITING FOR WRITERS is an online master class presented by award-winning novelist and writing teacher, Joan Dempsey.

Simple lessons with robust content and engaging assignments are designed to help you master the skill of editing your own writing.

IS SELF-EDITING FOR WRITERS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Take this course if ...

• You've completed a draft of your manuscript and don't know where to begin to edit it;
• You feel daunted by the magnitude of work it will take to finish your manuscript;
• You feel like editing won't be nearly as much fun as writing your first draft;
• You worry you don't have what it takes to bring this project to completion;
• You can't imagine making order out of your shitty first draft;
• You can't wait to revise and want to learn everything you need to know to do it well;
• You're excited about enhancing the good work you've already done.

CLASS BEGINS MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2019

Begin any time you wish after Aug 12 (even a month later if that's better for you!) — nothing's on a set schedule, you can work at your own pace, and class never closes, so you'll always have access.

SPONSORS

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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