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The 30th annual Missouri Review Jeffrey E. Smith Editors' Prize is open for submissions!

The prize awards $5,000 and publication to prize-winners in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. All entrants are considered for publication and are guaranteed with their entry fee a 1-year digital subscription to the Missouri Review along with a free digital copy of the new collection of short stories from TMR contributors, Strange Encounters.

Deadline: October 1.

Learn more, and enter here: 
https://www.missourireview.com/contests/jeffrey-e-smith-editors-prize/

GET PAID FOR THE JOB, NOT THE HOUR


On social media, many artists and writers fuss that the public doesn't realize the hours and sweat that goes into a creation. I want to tell them to please hush. In doing so, they shift attention off the art itself and onto themselves. 

A reader doesn't care how hard the story was to write. The reader only wants a good story. They want to feel the story touches them, affects them, or entertains them. They aren't reading the story for the author. 

When we hire anyone, or purchase their services, we usually pay for the job. Think the landscaper or the surgeon.

Then there are those who charge by the hour. Suddenly you are more concerned with how long it's taking them to work, and, in the end, you are counting pennies instead of waiting to be pleased with the unveiling of completion. 

Some writers create a book in three months. Others in a year. Others longer. Do you really care as a reader? Does that make you in awe of those who write efficiently, or do you judge their work as shallow? Do you honor the one taking years or do you wonder if they just don't care enough to try harder? 

The public cares about the finished product, not how long it took to do it. Results often are all someone expects. 

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Send us your success story, telling us how FundsforWriters made a difference, opened a door, helped you get someplace you wanted to be. 

Email [email protected] 

 

Featured article

Five Ways COVID Has Changed Professional Screenwriting

By Mark Heidelberger

I know, I know. We’re all sick of talking about COVID. It’s the pandemic that just won’t go away. Unfortunately, that may be doubly true for the world of professional screenwriting. The impact of COVID has, for better or worse, changed much of Hollywood’s old reality, and many of those changes look to be with us, if not permanently, for a very long time. As a writer who plans to work in the industry for the foreseeable future, you’ll find it beneficial to understand how those changes – whether good, bad or ugly – affect you so that you can adapt.

A Virtual World

Hollywood was already slowly moving toward a new norm of virtual meetings and collaborations, but the pandemic accelerated a change that would have taken years into one that took weeks. Almost overnight, Zoom became the de facto choice for story pitches and development meetings. Recent screenwriting software like Final Draft 11, Fade In and WriterDuet began boasting quarantine-defying features like real-time collaboration, which allow multiple writers to edit the same script simultaneously from two different places. Some software, like Celtx, is completely cloud-based, allowing access no matter where you’re sheltering. And we’re not talking just on the development side. Many major film markets, from AFM to Cannes, have been holding virtual events that allow writers to “attend” without having to travel.

Representative Storylines

Executives are hungering for scripts that take our “new normal” into account. That’s not to say you should rush out a fresh screenplay centered on the pandemic. Rather it means incorporating elements like mask-wearing, social distancing or sheltering into storylines that may otherwise have nothing to do with the pandemic. Why? First, it makes the material feel timely and relevant. Second, it makes for more production-friendly content because it reduces crowd scenes, better protects on-camera talent (who can now wear masks on set), and otherwise creates safer, more contained filming environments.

The Cost of Insurance

Production insurance is not something a writer typically thinks about when crafting a screenplay, but right now, it should be. The cost of insuring a production against this new wave of liabilities has become prohibitively expensive for independent productions, meaning many of them cannot afford to start up. (Good luck producing anything without insurance!) Instead, big companies like Netflix, Amazon or Disney that can afford the increased cost or that can self-insure are the ones shooting now. By creating bigger budget, mainstream content that will appeal to them, you give yourself a better shot at getting something made.

Pilot Season’s Death Knell

Traditionally, TV pilot/staffing season occurred between February and April when networks filmed new shows that they wanted to try out during the fall. However, the advent of streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, which release new shows throughout the year, made the concept of pilot season feel antiquated. Then, the onslaught of COVID shut down production worldwide, and with no new shows for fall, the pilot season playbook was tossed altogether. Now, with major networks creating their own streaming platforms and adhering to old norms less and less, the pilot season looks to be on its last legs. What does that mean? New content will be in demand no matter the season, so pilots will get picked up all year round, giving writers more opportunities to sell. 

New Safety Protocols

If you’re lucky enough to sell a script, be prepared for the new on-set safety protocols established by a consortium of studio, guild, and union committees. These rules include tri-weekly COVID testing prior to visiting the set, daily questionnaires and temperature checks, mandatory mask-wearing (especially around vulnerable populations like actors who may not be able to wear them), and monitors spaced out around the set rather than the traditional “video village” set-up. In addition, your production may be required to shut down should three or more individuals test positive for COVID within 14 days. Such delays in shooting may require script rewrites to address new budget concerns, lost locations and the like. 

Resources

https://kb.finaldraft.com/s/article/Does-Final-Draft-offer-real-time-collaboration
https://www.fadeinpro.com/kb/content/1/117/en/how-does-realtime-collaboration-work.html
https://www.writerduet.com/
https://www.celtx.com/index.html

BIO - Mark Heidelberger co-founded Beverly Hills-based Treasure Entertainment in 2000, serving as a film executive, producer, and literary manager until 2011 before going freelance. He has produced music videos for artists Janelle Monae, Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj and John Michael Montgomery as well as commercials for Lamborghini, Con Air and Cox Media, to name a few. Film and TV credits include Harsh Times, Comfort, Ninja Apocalypse, It's Not You It's Me, Pray for Rain and Hallmark Channel's You've Got a Friend. Often times, he also performs ghostwriting services on screenplays in addition to his producing duties. He is a member of the Producers Guild of America. He holds a BA in Film Studies from UCSB and an MFA in Producing from UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television.   

 

COmpetitions

DAISY PETTLES WRITING CONTEST
https://daisypettleswritingcontest.com/womens-writing-residency-application/
$45 ENTRY FEE. December 12, 2020. Submit A) 500-word statement with a synopsis or summary paragraph that describes the project you anticipate working on while in residence; and B) a 500-word statement that describes how this award will help you in your quest to find the time and resources to complete or polish your master work. In other words, tell us why this award is really-really important to you. Mention your financial needs. For women writers over 40. Here’s your chance to use your goddess-given writing talent to “win” a month of free rent and utilities, and a $1,000 grant, while living in a beautiful, peaceful, vintage 1920s arts and crafts bungalow and writer’s retreat house. NOTE: there is an option to request a reduced or waived fee.



SKYROCKET PRESS NOVEL WRITING CONTEST
https://www.skyrocketpress.com/submissions
$25 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 31, 2020. The winner will receive a $250 prize (via PayPal) and publication. Honorable mentions may also be offered a publishing contract. Full-length manuscripts written for adults or young adults (teens) in the following genres will be accepted. Nonfiction: How-To, Religion, Historical, Self-help, and Politics. No memoirs or cookbooks, please. Fiction: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Contemporary, Thriller/Suspense, Mystery, Horror, Historical, and Literary. No romance or erotica novels will be accepted, though a romantic element within another genre is acceptable. We will not consider works containing excessive profanity, violence, or sex. (We publish clean fiction.) Also, we are not accepting middle grade or children's fiction for this contest.



CUTBANK BIG SKY, SMALL PROSE FLASH CONTEST
https://cutbank.submittable.com/submit
$7 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 1, 2020. CutBank Literary Magazine is seeking interesting, compelling fiction and nonfiction prose - in 750 words or fewer. Lyric essays, prose poems, short essays, vignettes - send us your best, most dazzling short-form prose. First prize is $500 and publication in CutBank 92. Two runners-up will be awarded $50 and publication in CutBank 92. All other submissions will be considered with submissions for the print edition of CutBank Literary Magazine. 



WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING FALL FLASH FICTION CONTEST
https://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php
$10 ENTRY FEE. Deadline November 30, 2020. Seeking short fiction of any genre between 250 - 750 words. The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, communication, and well-rewarded recognition to contestants. Electronic submissions via email only; reprints are okay; simultaneous submissions okay; reprints okay; multiple submissions are okay as long as they are submitted in their own individual email. Open internationally. Limit 300 entries. Prizes (20 winners!)

First Place: $400, publication, interview, and $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
Second Place: $300, publication, interview, and $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
Third Place: $200, publication, interview and $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
Seven Runners Up receive $25 Amazon Gift Cards, publication, and interview
Ten Honorable mentions receive $20 Amazon Gift Card
Top ten stories are published in the WOW! Women On Writing ezine, and contestants are interviewed on WOW's blog, The Muffin.



WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING CREATIVE NONFICTION ESSAY CONTEST
https://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php#EssayContest
$12 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 31, 2020. Seeking creative nonfiction essays on any topic (200-1,000 words) and in any style - from personal essay and memoir to lyric essay and hybrid, and more! The mission of this contest is to reward bravery in real-life storytelling and create an understanding of our world through thoughtful, engaging narratives. Electronic submissions via email only; reprints are okay; simultaneous submissions okay; reprints okay; multiple submissions are okay as long as they are submitted in their own individual email. Open internationally. Limit 300 entries.

First Place: $500, publication, interview, and gift card good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store
Second Place: $300, publication, interview, and gift card good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store
Third Place: $200, publication, interview, and gift card good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store
Seven Runners Up receive $25 Amazon Gift Cards, publication, interview, and gift card good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store
Ten Honorable mentions receive a gift card good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store
 

GRANTS / FELLOWSHIPS / CROWDFUNDING

GIRLS WRITE NOW FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
https://www.girlswritenow.org/join/careers/fellowship-program/
For more than 20 years, Girls Write Now has been a leader in arts education as New York’s first and only writing and mentoring organization for girls. We match underserved teen girls and gender non-conforming youth with professional writers and digital media makers as their personal mentors. The Girls Write Now Fellowship Program offers full-time paid fellowships to 3-5 Fellows annually. Fellowships are customized, and typically last up to one year. The program is a competitive opportunity with a leading nonprofit to get on a solid track post-graduation with intensive, on-the-ground training from Girls Write Now. Fellows emerge from the program well positioned for promotion within Girls Write Now or to be competitive candidates in any career.



ILLINOIS ARTIST FELLOWSHIPS
https://arts.illinois.gov/AFA-Program
Deadline November 2, 2020. The Artist Fellowship Program's intent is to enrich and strengthen the state of Illinois by supporting accomplished Illinois artists who are the foundation of Illinois' creative environment. The Artist Fellowship Program recognizes exceptional artists who have created a substantial body of work throughout their career by providing awards to support continued artistic growth. The IACA will provide a limited number of $15,000 awards across the following discipline categories: Literature (includes sub-categories of poetry, prose, and script works); Media Arts (category includes audio art, digital art, film, and video); Music (includes sub-categories of composition music and improvisation music); Performance-Based Arts (includes sub-categories of choreography and new performance forms). A limited number of $1,500 Finalist Awards will also be given.



ILLINOIS LITERARY ARTS
https://arts.illinois.gov/literary-awards-program
Deadline November 2, 2020. Literary Awards recognize Illinois writers and promote greater awareness of non-commercial publishing in the state. The award encourages Illinois not-for-profit literary magazines to publish and disseminate new work by living Illinois writers and poets. Awards are given to both the selected writers and to the magazines (print or web-based) that published their work. Companion awards of $1,000 will be given to selected Illinois writers and to the publications that nominated their work.
 


MILLAY COLONY FOR THE ARTS
https://www.millaycolony.org/programs/residencies-artists-millay-colony-arts/apply/
Deadline October 1, 2020. Millay Colony for the Arts is a nonprofit organization that offers multidisciplinary artists residencies on-site and in the community. Located in the Hudson Valley, nestled against the Berkshire foothills of Austerlitz, New York. Our Wintertide Rustic Retreat and Steepletop Residencies allow us to host a wide community of creators to enjoy the “Millay experience.” The October deadline is for residencies occurring in May, June and July. 



ARIZONA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
https://azarts.gov/news/apply-now-2021-research-development-grant/
Deadline October 15, 2020. Artists working in any discipline who live and work in Arizona. Whether you’re just getting started or you have already experienced many career successes, the R&D Grant is available to help you take your artistic practice to the next level, including exploration of new techniques, experimentation with new materials or technologies, creation of new work, and development of new strategies for engaging your community of practice. 

 

FREELANCE MARKETS / JOBS

MODERN LOVE
https://www.nytimes.com/article/how-to-submit-a-modern-love-essay.html
Although Modern Love has evolved into a podcast, a book, a TV show and Tiny Love Stories in its 16 years, the column’s central mission remains the same: to publish honest personal essays about contemporary relationships. Love may be universal, but individual experiences can differ immensely and be informed by factors including race, socio-economic status, gender, disability status, nationality, sexuality, age, religion and culture. Limit your essay to 1,500-1,700 words. Modern Love has two submission periods, September through December and March through June. We do not accept submissions in July, August, January or February. Pays $500. 



NEW TERRITORY MAGAZINE
https://newterritorymag.com/submit/#Here
The "HERE" section is devoted to short personal essays (300-500 words) that focus on something that situates the personal in a sense of place, whether that be a specific location, a region, or even a specific object that evokes a sense of space. You should have a tie to the lower Midwest, whether that means you grew up in the region or if you are a transplant to the region. In your pitch or submission, show us your plan for the narrative arc, the story’s relevance to our focal region, your tie to the region, (including but not exclusive to Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska), and why you’re the right person to write the story. Final document will be up to 750 words. Pays $75. (thanks www.erikadreifus.com) 



TRAILER LIFE 
https://www.trailerlife.com/contact-us/
Trailer Life is America’s oldest and most popular magazine for recreational vehicle (RV) enthusiasts. Much of the magazine’s and website’s content covers the technical aspects of RVing, including RV and tow-vehicle tests, equipment evaluations, maintenance advice, how-to tips, and product guides. Other articles cover RV travel and lifestyle, primarily focusing on destinations, road trips, and activities. Typical rates for a manuscript and photos range as follows:
Technical $400–$800
Travel $400–$700
Product Roundups $400–$800
Do-It-Yourself $200–$700
Around the Bend $75–$150



TELEGRAPH
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/contact-us/editorial/
We are renowned for the analysis, perspective, opinion and insight that our journalism provides to a diverse and discerning audience. Every day the content we create – in print, online, in our apps and across many other platforms – is setting the news agenda, sparking debate and provoking comment. In recent years, we have also developed specially tailored services and experiences for our customers within the areas of travel, financial services, and events.



SLICE MAGAZINE
https://slicemagazine.org/submit/
SLICE magazine welcomes submissions for short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. We’re looking for anyone with a fresh voice and a compelling story to share, and we are particularly enthusiastic about championing emerging voices. We offer all contributors to SLICE a monetary award for their work ($400 for stories and essays, $150 for flash fiction pieces, and $100 for poems).

 

Publishers/agents

FLASHLIGHT PRESS
http://flashlightpress.com/submission-guidelines/
Flashlight Press publishes fictional children’s picture books. Make sure your manuscript targets 4–8 year olds, is under 1,000 words, has a universal theme, deals with family or social situations, and feels like a Flashlight Press book. Study our books to determine whether your story is a true fit.



HOLIDAY HOUSE
https://holidayhouse.com/
Since its beginnings in 1935 as the first American publishing house founded with the purpose of publishing only children’s books, Holiday House has been proud to gather together talented authors and illustrators and to publish quality books that entertain, enlighten, and educate children. 



CHARLESBRIDGE
https://www.charlesbridge.com/pages/submissions
Charlesbridge publishes high-quality books for young people with a goal of creating lifelong readers and learners. We believe that books for children should offer accurate information, promote a positive worldview, and embrace a child’s innate sense of wonder and fun. To this end, we seek new voices, new visions, and new directions in children’s literature. Charlesbridge publishes fiction and nonfiction board books, picture books, early readers, middle-grade fiction and nonfiction (ages 8–12), and young adult novels (ages 12+). Our nonfiction tends to focus on nature, science, math, social studies, biography, history, and the arts.



SLEEPING BEAR PRESS
https://sleepingbearpress.com/submissions
Sleeping Bear Press is a publisher of quality children’s books. We specialize in picture books and middle-grade novels. We accept both fiction and nonfiction submissions. Please browse our website or catalog for examples of the types of books we publish.



KANE MILLER
http://www.friends.kanemiller.com/submissions.html
While the majority of our titles originate from publishers outside the US, we are always looking for submissions that include great stories with engaging characters, especially the kinds that reflect our diverse world, as well as American subjects. When writing about the experiences of a particular community, we will express a preference for stories written from a firsthand experience. At this time, we are not considering holiday stories (in any age range) or self-published works.



PAGE STREET PUBLISHING
https://www.pagestreetpublishing.com/about-us
Our core is still a wide range of cookbooks, including high-end recipes from top restaurant chefs, fast and easy dishes for families from Internet phenoms, and delicious barbecue from top competition pitmasters. But applying our unique approach to other categories has led to strong selling titles in crafts, interior design and kids activities, among other lifestyle topics. We are also seeing success with our new YA list, which has received a nice batch of starred reviews and strong sales of our recent releases. 

 

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 2000-2020, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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