Archives for Grants

SUCCESSFUL PUBLISHING NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024

February Newsletter

Content of this newsletter:

– WRITING CONTESTS

– FREELANCE WRITING

– WRITERS RESIDENCIES, FELLOWSHIPS, & GRANTS

Welcome to the shortest month of the year!  A great time to promote your books if you have written anything that fits in the theme of Black History Month, Library Lovers Month, or anything related to Romance – think Valentine’s Day.  It offers an array of opportunities you can benefit from.  Through your newsletter or emails, offer a deal or discount and share some gift ideas – the choices are endless. 

Perfect occasions to show off your books!  Oh, and the Groundhog Day’s prediction: Cheers, as he predicted an early spring is in store for us.

.

WRITING CONTESTS

100,000 Giller Prize

Open to books published in Canada in English. Books must be published in Canada in English between October 1, 2023, and February 28, 2024 to be eligible for the 2023 Prize. Must be nominated by publisher. Fiction. 

Full-length novel or collection of short stories published in English, either originally, or in translation. Prize: $100,000 to the winner! $10,000 to each of the finalists. Deadline: February 16

https://scotiabankgillerprize.ca/important-dates/

.

Matthew Power Literary Reporting
The award supports the work of a promising early-career nonfiction writer on a story that uncovers truths about the human condition. Genres: Nonfiction journalism works in progress with “strong, character-driven narratives with detailed scene writing and lyrical description.” Restrictions: The award will not fund proposals to report on armed conflicts where journalists are already imperiled, nor projects that are mainly investigatory. Prize: $6,000 upon announcement of the winning proposal; $3,000 upon evidence of substantial progress (usually a first draft); and $3,500 upon completion and acceptance by the Award committee.  Deadline: February 22

https://journalism.nyu.edu/about-us/awards-and-fellowships/matthew-power-literary-reporting-award/

.

Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards

Open to authors who either are citizens or permanent residents of Western Australia. Prize: Up to A$60,000.  The book is published during the preceding calendar year in a variety of genres.  Deadline: February 26

https://slwa.wa.gov.au/whats-on/awards-fellowships/wa-premiers-book-awards

.

Toronto Star Short Story Contest

Open to Ontario residents 16 years of age or older. Short story. Prize: 1st prize – $5,000; 2nd prize – $2,000, 3rd prize – $1,000. Deadline: February 28

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/the-toronto-star-2024-short-story-contest-begins-saturday-heres-how-to-apply/article_36222630-ab1f-11ee-861f-576dbf45e30f.html

.

Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize

Open to US writers only. Genre: Full-length manuscript of creative nonfiction by a writer not yet established in the genre. Prize: $12,000 and publication. Deadline: February 28

https://www.graywolfpress.org/about-us/submissions

.

The CBC Nonfiction Prize

Deadline is February 28. The winner will receive $6,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts, have the opportunity to attend a two-week writing residency at the Banff Center for Arts, and have their work published in CBC Books
https://www.cbc.ca/books/literaryprizes/2024-cbc-nonfiction-prize-is-now-open-1.7065731

.

Fitzcerraldo Essay Prize – UK/Ireland
An annual competition for unpublished writers. The judges will be looking for essays that explore and expand the possibilities of the essay form, with no restrictions on theme or subject matter. Pays £3,000 to the best proposal for a book-length essay (minimum is 25,000 words) by a writer resident in the UK & Ireland who has yet to secure a publishing deal. In addition to the £3,000 prize the winner will have the opportunity to spend up to two months in residency at the Mahler & LeWitt Studios in Spoleto, Italy, to work on their book. The book will then be published by Fitzcarraldo Editions.  No Entry Fee. Deadline March 17

https://fitzcarraldoeditions.com/prizes/essay-prize

 

FREELANCE WRITING

Five Minutes One Hundred Words

Send us your 100-word piece about five minutes in your life and we’ll consider it for publication. The piece should be 100 words, formatted as one paragraph. Not 99. Not 101. The title, which is not part of 100 words, should be 15 characters maximum, including spaces. There should be one identifiable moment (approx. five minutes) that’s the crux of the piece. Payment is US $120 per piece, delivered on publication. We only issue payments via PayPal.
https://www.fiveminutelit.com/submissions

.

Chicken Soup for the Soul

The power of thinking positive

True stories and poems. “How did you “think positive” and how did it change your life?  Tell us your success story about using the power of positive thinking!”  Payment: $200. Deadline: February 28

https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics/

.

The New Quarterly

Open to Canadian writers. Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $275 for a short story or nonfiction entry, and $50 per poem or postscript story. Deadline: February 28

https://tnq.ca/submit/

.

Climate Home News
Send a short (<300 words) outline of what you intend to write, not the finished article. The relevant editor may have guidance on how to make it a good fit for Climate Home.  All stories must have a climate change angle and an international outlook. Topics of interest include climate finance, major energy projects, land use conflicts, loss and damage attributable to climate change, greenwash, climate diplomacy, and geopolitics.  Rates start at £0.35 a word (GBP).  A standard 600-word news story should involve interviewing (and usually quoting) at least three sources and linking to relevant data or research.  Email news pitches to Joe Lo jl@climatehomenews.com and investigative pitches to Sebastian Rodriguez sr@climatehomenews.com.

https://www.climatechangenews.com/write-for-us/

.

Condé Nast Traveler
https://www.cntraveler.com/info/how-to-pitch-conde-nast-traveler
We cover travel in a way that helps people travel better, smarter, and more safely. We are committed to telling reported and personal stories about traveling, with inclusive coverage that includes BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled communities. Your pitch should be no longer than a paragraph or two, and include a suggested headline, your angle, your sources and/or characters, and why this story should be covered now. News pegs go a long way, and we especially appreciate story pitches that reflect responsible travel. Photo suggestions are always helpful, but can be discussed after the assignment is made. Rates start at $300 for 500 to 600 words.
https://www.cntraveler.com/info/how-to-pitch-conde-nast-traveler

.

WRITERS RESIDENCIES, FELLOWSHIPS & GRANTS

Luminarts Creative Writing Fellowship

The Creative Writing Fellowship awards two $7,500 grant Fellowships for excellence in creative writing in the categories of prose and poetry, in fiction and nonfiction. Applicants submit a two-page written piece (either a stand-alone piece or an excerpt of a larger piece such as a novel or short story). Open to writers between the ages of 18 and 30 years old at the time of application; be enrolled in, or have graduated from a degree program; and live within 150 miles of the Union League Club of Chicago. Poetry or prose, fiction and nonfiction.  Prize: $7,500. Deadline: February 16

https://luminarts.org/creative-writing-opportunities

.

Casa Uno Residency

The ideal participant is an artist who wants to be able to devote time to a project for three weeks in a beautiful nurturing environment in Costa Rica. Participants may be a writer, visual artist, photographer, filmmaker, storyteller, poet, composer, performer or dancer/choreographer. Artists who are going through career changes or developing a new aspect to their work are strongly encouraged to apply. There is no fee for the residency. The participating artist is responsible for travel to and from Costa Rica.

https://mostlydance.com/1830-2

.

Nea Creative Writing Fellowships

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Literature Fellowships program offers $25,000 grants in prose (fiction and creative nonfiction) and poetry to published creative writers that enable recipients to set aside time for writing, research, travel, and general career advancement. For FY 2025, which is covered by these guidelines, fellowships in poetry are available. Fellowships in prose (fiction and creative nonfiction) will be offered in FY 2026 and guidelines will be available in January 2025.

Deadline March 13

https://www.arts.gov/grants/creative-writing-fellowships/program-description

.

February 14 is not only Valentine´s but also International Book Giving Day. Some ways you can make your book offers is by mentioning prominent charities (Book-aid international, Room to read) and organizations that donate books to children.  Encourage your customers and newsletter subscribers to donate books by offering them first access to a new feature, product, or location where your next book is launching. 
Enjoy a fabulous February, a month, which is filled with activities.

.

<><><><><>

.

 

Smart Free Marketing

 

 

Audiobooks for Success

 

Query

… and many more!

 

Tips for Successful Publishing – Newsletter November

Tips for Successful Publishing – Newsletter November 2023

by 111Publishing and SavvyBookWriters

AZ-Sedona

CONTENT of this Newsletter:

– WRITING CONTESTS

– FREELANCE WRITING

– RESIDENCIES 

– LOTS of FELLOWSHIPS
Find the most lucrative fellowships in this November Newsletter.

.

NaNoWriMo: Are you already working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel from scratch until November 30?  NaNoWriMo helps you track your progress, set milestones, connect with other writers in a vast community, and participate in events that are designed to make sure you finish your novel. Oh, and best of all, it’s free!

 

– WRITING CONTESTS

Brooklyn Non-Fiction Prize 

This $500 prize is sponsored by the Brooklyn Film & Arts Festival. Genre: Non-fiction essay between 4 to 10 pages, set in Brooklyn about Brooklyn and/or Brooklyn people/characters. (Up to 2500 words). Deadline: Nov 15

https://www.filmbrooklyn.org/

.

Treehouse Climate Action Poem Prize

Open to US poets for previously unpublished poems of any length that “help make real for readers the gravity of the vulnerable state of our environment at present.” Genre: Poetry.  Prize: Up to $1,000.  Deadline: Nov 15

https://poets.org/academy-american-poets/prizes/treehouse-climate-action-poem-prize

.

Somerset Maugham Awards 

Open to UK writers under the age of 35. Genre: Published work of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. Prize: 2,500 British pounds apiece to four winners. Prize money must be used for travel. Deadline: Nov 30

https://www2.societyofauthors.org/prizes/the-soa-awards/somerset-maugham-awards/

.

Lilith magazine—independent

Jewish & frankly feminist—seeks quality short stories with heart, soul, and chutzpah, 3,000 words or under, for our Annual Fiction Contest. First prize: $300 and publication. We especially like fresh fiction with feminist and Jewish nuance and are eager to read submissions from writers of color and emerging writers of any age. No entry fee. Deadline Dec 31

https://lilith.org/contact/writing-for-lilith/

.

The Calibre Essay Prize 

Open to all essayists writing in English. Essays of between 2,000 and 5,000 words on any subject: personal or political, literary or speculative, traditional or experimental. The winner will receive $5,000 AU. The second prize is worth $3,000 AU, and the third prize is $2,000 AU. All three winning essays will appear in the Australian Book Review in 2024 (print and online). Open internationally. Only English.  $20-$30 Entry fee. Deadline Jan 22, 2024. 

https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/prizes-programs/calibre-prize/2024

 

– FREELANCE WRITING

The Guardian

Pitch Danielle Renwick, Editor at danielle.renwick@theguardian.com. Seeking stories on climate/environmental justice and on efforts to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for the climate crisis. Pays $1/word.

https://www.theguardian.com/us

.

Chicken Soup: Holiday Book Topics

Please submit your true stories and poems about the entire December holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s festivities too. Pays $250 and ten copies for 1,200 words in first person. Deadline April 30, 2024

http://www.chickensoup.com

 

– GRANTS & WRITERS RESIDENCIES

Between the Vines Residencies

Writing Between the Vines provides self-guided writing retreats for individuals. No workshop or writing guidance is offered. There is no housing fee. Retreat stays are provided free of charge. All costs for meals, transportation, and other personal needs are the responsibility of the retreat recipient. Location Sonoma County, California. Deadline Nov 14

https://www.writingbetweenthevines.org/

.

The Gulliver Travel Grant 

The Gulliver Travel Grant is awarded annually to assist writers of speculative literature in their non-academic research. These funds are used to cover airfare, lodging, and other travel expenses. Travel may be domestic or international. You may apply for travel to take place at any point in the following year. Grant: $1000. Deadline: Nov 30

https://speculativeliterature.org/grants-3/the-gulliver-travel-grant/

.

Read also about the coolest Writer’s Residencies here:

https://electricliterature.com/the-11-coolest-writers-residencies/

 

– LOTS of FELLOWSHIPS:

Emerging writers to academics can receive from $15,000 to $90,000 – and many of these fellowships are offered on a yearly basis. If you don’t make it this year, mark your calendar for the 2024 deadlines.

 The Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University

Application deadline: November 1, 2023

Eligibility: Emerging writers in fiction and poetry

Payment: $50,000 per academic year (two-year program) plus tuition and benefits

Patrick Henry Writing Fellowship

Application deadline: November 15, 2023

Eligibility: Writers working on a broad range of topics related to American history and culture 

Payment: $45,000 stipend for nine-month residency in Chestertown, MD

Nieman Fellowships 

Application deadline: International applications due December 1; U.S. applications due Jan 31 

Eligibility: Working journalists with five or more years of full-time media experience

Payment: $80,000 stipend paid over a nine-month period 

The Steinbeck Fellows Program

Application deadline: January 5, 2024

Eligibility: Exceptional talent in the areas of creative writing, creative non-fiction, or biography

Payment: $15,000 stipend 

O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism

Application deadline: January 19, 2024

Eligibility: American journalists with at least five years of professional experience 

Payment: $75,000 stipend plus moving, research, and travel allowances

MacDowell Colony Fellowships

Application Deadline: February 10, 2024 (fall/winter); September 10, 2024 (spring/summer)

Eligibility: Artists and writers at various career stages

Payment: Residencies include room, board, and studio space

Scripps Fellowship 

Application deadline: March 1 annually

Eligibility: American journalists with 7 plus years of experience working in any medium                          Payment: $71,000

James Jones First Novel Fellowship 

Application deadline: March 15, 2024

Eligibility: American author who has not yet published a novel

Payment: $10,000

The Ben Bagdikian Fellowship Program

Application deadline: Spring 2024

Eligibility: US citizens able to commit to a year of  full-time work in investigative journalism

Payment: $22.68 per hour plus benefits

The Hodder Fellowship

Application deadline: September 2024

Eligibility: Promising writers and artists 

Payment: Academic year at Princeton; $90,000 stipend 

.

Thanksgiving is in three weeks and Christmas is in seven weeks! 

Countdown to introduce your books to reader communities, at libraries, schools, or retirement home readings. Use Draft2Digital to get into the library market for free. Organize some giveaways, and, and, and… maybe write a rough draft of your next novel.

November is a busy month for writers : ) 

.

<><><><><>

.

 

 

Smart Free Marketing

 

 

Audiobooks for Success

 

Query

Publishing-Guide

Successful Publishing Newsletter June 2023

August

Content of this Newsletter:

Writing Contests

– Book Description Help via AI

– Major Category Changes at Amazon

– Residencies & Fellowships

– How to Order a Free Canadian ISBN

Freelance Writing

Lots of sunshine and the longest days of the year are helping in June to improve our mood and energy.  Don’t forget June 8: Best Friends Day! And it is Immigrant Heritage Month.  Write about it this month…. Lots of publishing news and tips in this letter, read on:

 

Mudfish

A prize of $1,200 and publication in Mudfish is given annually for a single poem. Cash prize $1,200. Submit up to three poems of any length per entry. All poems are considered for publication. $20 Entry fee. Deadline June 15

https://mudfish.org/submissions/

.

ScotiaBank Giller Prize 

Open to books published in Canada in English. Prize: $100,000 to the winner and $10,000 to each of the finalists. Must be nominated by publisher. Genre: Fiction. Full-length novel or collection of short stories published in English, either originally, or in translation. Deadline: Books published between May 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023 must be received on or before June 16

https://scotiabankgillerprize.ca/important-dates/

.

Elegant Literature

Word Limit 500–2000 words, excluding the title. Pay is ten cents per word, including the title. All genres. Elegant Literature is the first short fiction magazine to pay professional rates but not accept submissions from pros. Our mission is to help new writers earn their first publishing credits—and their first dollar—from writing stories. Submissions must follow this month’s theme. Membership is required, but there is a no-cost membership as well.

https://www.elegantliterature.com/submission-guidelines/

.

Bardsy Anthology Contest

Grand prize: $1000 and anthology publication. All finalists will receive $50 and an anthology publication. PROMPT: This time it’s simple: your first chapter. We’re looking for the first chapters that grab our attention and leave us wanting more. Original, previously unpublished stories between 2,000 and 3,000 words. $20 Entry fee. Deadline June 20

https://bardsy.com/contest

.

Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Non-Fiction 

Genre: Literary non-fiction. Titles must be published in Canada and written by Canadians. Prize: $60,000 will be awarded to a literary nonfiction book published between May 3, 2023, and September 30, 2023. Deadline: June 28

https://www.writerstrust.com/awards/hilary-weston-writers-trust-prize-for-nonfiction/guidelines/

.

– Book Description Help via AI

Writing a compelling book description is sometimes harder than writing the first chapter. But there is maybe help on the way. At least it is worth a trial to use artificial Intelligence (AI) to get suggestions for your book description.

Instructions for using the Book Description Generator:

Select the platform you want to format the description for (Kobo, Amazon, B&N, or distributors such as etc).

Enter your book description. If you’re copying and pasting from Word Doc, use the below sub-steps to ensure you don’t bring over any hidden code from Word:

If you’re on Windows: you can use the combination Ctrl + Shift + V to paste without formatting

If you’re a Mac: you can use Option + Command + Shift + V to paste without formatting

Choose from the available formatting options. If an option is grayed out, that means it’s not supported on that particular platform. If you see other book descriptions looking different than the options available here, that means those books were grandfathered in before the current rules were put in place. 

(Optional) If you want AI to improve upon your book description, select the button that says “Once you finish your description, click here to see if AI can improve it!”

When you’ve got your book description looking the way you want, click “generate my code.” 

Paste the code into the platform you’re loading your book up. 

https://kindlepreneur.com/amazon-book-description-generator/

– MAJOR CATEGORY CHANGES AT AMAZON

Categories are the sections of the Amazon Store where customers can find your book. You can now choose three Amazon Store categories based on the primary marketplace for each title during setup. Check out this video that explains what’s changed now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvrmXj154eE

And read the explanations in detail at the Amazon Help Page

https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200652170

.

– RESIDENCIES & FELLOWSHIPS

Prairie Ronde Residencies

The Prairie Ronde Artist Residency is hosted by The Mill at Vicksburg, a redevelopment project of the former Lee Paper Company mill in the historic village of Vicksburg, MI. Residents are awarded a $2,000 stipend for a residency of between five and seven weeks, a $500 travel grant, and private housing.  Deadline June 15 

https://prairierondeartistresidency.com/

.

Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing

Editorial writing. Fellowship: $75,000. It was established to enable a mid-career editorial writer or columnist to have time away from daily responsibilities for study and research. Freelancers may also apply. Deadline: June 19

https://www.spj.org/a-pulliamfellow.asp

.

Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry, Griffin Poetry Prize

Restrictions: One prize goes to a living Canadian poet or translator, the other to a living poet or translator from any country, which may include Canada. Genre: Poetry. Books must have been published in English during the calendar year preceding the year of the award. Prize: Prizes are awarded annually in two categories – International and Canadian. Each prize is worth C$65,000. Deadline: June 30, 2023.

https://griffinpoetryprize.com/submissions/

.

South Arts Express Grants

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, Express Grants support rural organizations and communities with expedited grants of up to $3,000. Applicants must program arts experiences featuring a Southern artist. Artist fee support is awarded for: film, performing arts, literary arts, traditional arts, and visual arts. Projects must include both a public presentation and an educational/community engagement component.

https://www.southarts.org/community-organization-grants/express-grants

.

Mesa Refuge

They welcome a diverse group of writers—both emerging and established—who define and/or offer solutions to the pressing issues of our time. Particularly, it is our priority to support writers, activists, and artists whose ideas are “on the edge”, taking on the pressing issues of our time including (but not limited to): nature, environment, and climate crisis; economic, racial and gender equity; social justice and restorative justice; immigration; health care access; housing; and more. We especially want writers of nonfiction books, long-form journalism, audio and documentary film. Location Point Reyes, CA. Deadline Dec 1 (for the following spring)

https://mesarefuge.org/

Query

.

– HOW TO ORDER A FREE CANADIAN ISBN

New to publishing in Canada? Here is how to order your ISBN:

Please follow this link to log into the system:  

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/isbn-canada/app/index.php?&lang=eng

Here are some instructions to help you assign your ISBNs:

1 – Log into your account

2 – Click MANAGE LOGBOOK

3 – Click ASSIGN NEW ISBN

4 – Input your publication information

(If you need a number for different electronic versions, you need to change the Product Form to “electronic book text”, then in the title box at the end of your title indicate your format in brackets). Example: The Green Little Turtle (pdf)

5 – Click the Save button (bottom of the page).

6 – Click MANAGE LOGBOOK again. You will see your new ISBN number

For information on how to assign your ISBNs, please view the HELP page: 

http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/services/isbn-canada/Pages/isbn-canada.aspx#d

.

– FREELANCE WRITING

Grain Magazine

Fiction, literary nonfiction, and poetry. Payment: CAD50/page up to CAD250 for writing, up to CAD500 for art. Deadline: June 15

https://grainmagazine.ca/submit

.

New Orleans Review

Fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Payment: $300 for prose, $100 for poetry. In celebration of Pride, there are no submission fees for LGBTQIA2+ writers in June. We are especially interested in trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming voices. Deadline: June 30

https://www.neworleansreview.org/submit/

.

Ambrook Research 

It exists first for farmers and agriculture professionals. Stories that address the practical, financial, and social impact of changes in the ag world, relevant stories about modern agriculture. We’re interested in innovative advances across the ag world, including from startups. We prefer stories that explain the industry trends that make a new company or technology compelling, over profiles of a specific company. authors — particularly subject matter experts — are welcome to submit op-eds. Ambrook Rates will vary depending on the writer’s experience and the complexity of a particular story, generally between $0.50 and $1.00/word.

https://ambrook.com/research/writing-for-us

.

Green Building & Design

Themes: architecture, buildings, and sustainability. Writers will be required to submit at least two pieces per week—all topics will be assigned by a managing editor and will be written based on a mix of independent research and supplied press releases and materials. The projected annual income is $12,000 USD to be paid in monthly milestones of $1,000. 

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Green-Building-%2526-Design&t=Journalist&jk=aaf7d4bbbd885c78

.

Liisbeth

They are an online magazine yet publish a bit like a record label – periodically. We try to group articles and submissions by theme when it makes sense to do so. Articles are always about feminism, innovation, enterprise, and critiques of policies and systems that drive inequality. We prioritize queries from creators who believe in our mission by demonstrating they have actually read a few articles in the magazine before submitting a query, or who are members of the Feminist Enterprise Commons, and/or become newsletter subscribers. Pays up to $1,500.

https://liisbeth.com/contributors/guidelines/

.

Sierra Magazine

Combining features on green living and outdoor adventure with reporting about threats to the environment. Our standard fee for online stories is $350; the fee can increase for regular contributors. We pay a flat fee of $250 for reviews and opinion pieces. We normally do not offer a fee to professional activists/advocates or full-time academics. Feature lengths range from 3,000 words to (rarely) 4,500 words or more with payment starting at $1/word and rising to $1.50/word for well-known writers with crackerjack credentials. The following sections of the magazine are open to freelancers. Articles are 250 to 2,000 words in length. Payments are $250 to $2,000 unless otherwise noted.

https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/about-us#submission

.

BBC Work-life

Worklife is a BBC.com features site about the way we work, live, and think in a rapidly shifting world, where the boundaries between the professional and the personal are increasingly blurrier. Expect it to pay $600 or more. Please send along a pitch, no longer than three paragraphs, that includes:

How you’d sell the story in fewer than 68 characters

What the immediacy is, such as a news peg or new research

What the story is about and will accomplish

How you will plan to report the story, such as relevant expert sources or case studies

Your new take, or how you’re advancing an existing story

What the reader will learn

Where you’ve written, and why you’re the person to tell the story

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200417-bbc-worklife-author-brief

Have a wonderful June, enjoy reading, writing, and publishing – maybe even traveling!

20 years ago, the famous author Ray Bradbury spoke at Point Loma Nazrene University in San Diego, where he imparted his wisdom: “Read the greatest books, broaden your mind, and write like hell”. However, in an age of instant gratification and overnight success stories, Bradbury’s words of wisdom may fall on deaf ears. Nonetheless, those who are wise will follow Bradbury’s advice. 

Have a great summer!

.

Successful Publishing Newsletter May 2023

Tips for Successful Publishing – Newsletter May 2023

by 111Publishing and SavvyBookWriters

Content of this Newsletter:

– Download Fees

Writing Contests

– Residencies & Fellowships

– Working with Publishers

Freelance Writing

May:  It’s this time of the year – no, not tax time – when you can find the most attractive FREE residencies for writers and other artists listed.  Prepare and apply for free writing vacations in 2024, sometimes even with a generous stipend.  Don’t forget: Statistically every third application you send out “wins”.  These are our many helpful tips for publishers and authors for this month:

.

DOWNLOAD FEES

Ever wondered why Amazon deducts download fees from your book sales? 

In some cases, this might happen when your book has no photographs at all. 

Don’t let Amazon fleece you …

https://kindlepreneur.com/reduce-download-fees/

.

WRITING CONTESTS

Writer’s Digest Annual

One Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000, an interview in Writer’s Digest (Nov/Dec 2023 issue), and a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference. The First place winner in each category will receive $1,000 and the publication of their winning piece on WritersDigest.com   $20 Entry Fee. Deadline May 5

https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/annual-writing-competition

. 

Irene Adler Prize for Women Writers
Open to Canadian women. Genre: Creative nonfiction. Prize: $1,000 scholarship to a woman pursuing a degree in journalism, creative writing, or literature at a recognized post-secondary institution in the U.S. or Canada. Deadline: May 30
https://www.lucasaykroyd.com/scholarships
.

Furphy Literary Award
Short stories up to 5000 words, theme: Australian Life in all its diversity. Prize: First prize of $15,000 in the open category (2nd prize – $ 3,000, 3rd prize – $2,000. A junior & youth category with a prize pool of $1800 will seek entries for short stories and poetry. Deadline: May 31
https://www.furphystory.com.au/furphy-literary-award/
.

CNO Naval History Essay Contest.
Scholarly essay on naval history. Prize: First Prize: $5,000. Second Prize:$2,500. Third Prize: $1,500. Deadline: May 31
https://www.usni.org/essay-contests/2023/2023-cno-naval-history-essay-contest-professional-historian
.

The Writing District Prize

Short stories only. The maximum word count is 3,000 words. First prize $1,000, and publication on the website. Two runners-up of $100. English only. $15 Entry Fee. Deadline May 31 

https://thewritingdistrict.com/the-writing-district-prize-2023/

.

The Synopsis Skirmish

A writing contest for querying authors. Our judge, Michelle Barker, will be asking herself one question: does this synopsis convince me that I’m in the hands of an adept novelist with a unique and engaging story to tell? First place: $700 CAD. Second place: $200 CAD. Third place: $100 CAD. One page: maximum 500 words. Entry Fee $5 CAD. Deadline May 31

https://darlingaxe.com/pages/the-synopsis-skirmish

.

The Bridport Prize

Short story. 1st Prize £5,000. 5,000 words or less. 

£11-£24 ENTRY FEE. Deadline May 31

https://thebridportprize.submittable.com/submit

.

The Lascaux Prize in Creative Nonfiction
Creative nonfiction may include memoirs, chronicles, personal essays, humorous perspectives, literary journalism—anything the author has witnessed, experienced, learned, or discovered. Pieces may be previously published or unpublished, and simultaneous submissions are accepted. The winner receives $1,000 and a bronze medallion. Finalists receive $100. $15 Entry Fee. Deadline Sept 30

https://lascauxreview.com/contests/

.

GRANTS – FELLOWSHIPS – RESIDENCIES

The Studios Key West Residency
It is the premiere arts organization at the Southernmost Point of the U.S., offering a residency program for emerging and established artists and writers from around the world. They provide residencies to visual artists, writers, composers, musicians, media artists, performers, and interdisciplinary artists. Deadline May 17

https://tskw.org/residency-about/

.

Ragdale Fellowships
Fellows receive full funding for their residency, uninterrupted time, a live/work space, all meals, and the camaraderie of the other committed and passionate residents and fellows at Ragdale. Fellowships help pay for the cost of residency, public programs, travel, and materials. Location Lake Forest, IL. Deadline May 15

https://www.ragdale.org/fellowships

.
Warner Brothers Discovery Access Writers Program
Deadline is forthcoming. The Warner Bros. Discovery Access Writers Program has been expanded to a two-year program for entry-level narrative TV writers. The objective is to provide marginalized voices a pathway for entry into the television industry through instruction, mentorship, and exposure. Participants learn about the television business from internal executives and attend master classes on storytelling and collaborative creative writing with show-runners, as well as other established special guests.

https://www.warner-access.com/programs/warner-bros-discovery-access-writers-program

.
Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant
Articles, books, and short-form writing about contemporary art—the grants support projects addressing both general and specialized art audiences, from short reviews for magazines and newspapers to in-depth scholarly studies. The program also supports art writing that engages criticism through interdisciplinary methods and experiments with literary styles. Grant: $15,000 to $50,000. Deadline: May 17, 2023
https://www.artswriters.org/
.

Moondancer Fellowship
It is for authors who express their passion for the natural world and concern for the environment through their writing. This fellowship is open to poets, fiction writers, playwrights, screenwriters, essayists, memoirists, and columnists.Prior publication is not a requirement. The successful applicant will demonstrate insight, honesty, literary merit, and the likelihood of publication or production. The fellowship winner will receive a two-week residency at WCDH to focus completely on their writing. Each writer’s suite has a bedroom, private bathroom, separate writing space, 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.  Deadline May 22

https://www.writerscolony.org/fellowships

.

Marble House Project

This multi-disciplinary artist residency program fosters collaboration & the exchange of ideas by providing an environment for artists across disciplines to live and work side by side & including but not limited to visual arts, writing, choreography, music composition,  and performance. Sessions for three weeks each – from early March 

through early November. Location Dorset, VT. Deadline May 30

https://marblehouseproject.submittable.com/submit

.

Playa Residencies

Residents stay here free of charge and are responsible for their own travel costs and food while they are here. We are open to international and domestic applicants. Applicants may choose a 5, 12, or 26-day session. PLAYA’s residencies are open to the global community of scientists, naturalists, biologists, musicians, designers, sustainability leaders, social practice artists, musicians, visual artists, writers, performing artists, and collaborations and individuals engaged in creative work. Location Summer Lake, Oregon. Deadline May 31

https://playasummerlake.org/apply-for-residency/

.

Headlands Center for the Arts

Headlands’ Artist in Residence (AIR) program awards fully sponsored residencies for four to six weeks including studio space, chef-prepared meals, comfortable housing, and travel and living expense reimbursements. Location Sausalito, CA. Deadline June 5

https://www.headlands.org/

.

Prairie Rode Artist Residency

They offer artists from a range of disciplines a five- to seven-week residency in the historic Village of Vicksburg, Michigan. They do not limit our residency to any specific medium but rather are looking for diverse artists who can creatively interact with The Mill. Accepted residents receive a stipend of $2,000 for five to seven weeks, a $500 travel grant & private housing. Deadline June 15

https://prairierondeartistresidency.com/about/apply/

.

WORKING WITH PUBLISHERS

If you want to work with publishers, patience is key. From submission to rejection or acceptance, can take months in publishing. Read more about what you will discover when dealing with publishers.

https://www.writerswrite.co.za/things-youll-discover-about-publishers-when-youve-worked-with-one/

.

FREELANCE OFFERS

Positive News 

This online and print magazine is known for rigorous journalism about what’s going right. They report socially relevant and uplifting stories of progress – ranging from the global boom in renewable energy to cities that are solving homelessness – joining the dots between how people, communities, and organizations are changing the world for the better. The standard rate is 30p per word. 

https://www.positive.news/contact-us/

Studio 

They welcome article pitches from both emerging and established writers, academics, scholars, and journalists writing about contemporary Canadian craft and design and related stories. Please send pitches to pitches@studiomagazine.ca. Include in your pitch a brief bio and links to writing samples. Pays 20 cents/word or more. Deadline Sept 30

https://www.studiomagazine.ca/submission-guidelines

Enjoy Mother’s Day, Victoria Day, or Memorial Day, lots of Spring flowers, BBQ’s, long sunny days – and certainly new books – and writing them.

.

<><><><><>

.

Smart Free Marketing

.

 

Tips for Successful Publishing – Newsletter February 2023

Christmas

Content of this Newsletter:

Freelance Writing

– Book Pre-Orders

Writing Contests

– Fellowships & Grants

– Writing for Magazines

 

Hello friends, happy February.

I hope you had a great first month of the year and that you are full of energy to tackle new projects. Get lots of new ideas in this month’s newsletter:

FREELANCE WRITING

Chicken Soup for the Soul: 

Miracles. True stories and poems. “All of us have experienced events in our lives that are completely unexplainable: the strange premonition that made you take a different route home causing you to miss an accident; the eerie feeling that you should call home… now, saving someone’s life; the mysterious communication from a loved one who has passed on.” Payment: $200. Deadline: Feb 28

https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics/

.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: 

The power of positive thinking. True stories and poems. “How did you “think positive” and how did it change your life? Tell us your success story about using the power of positive thinking!” Payment: $200. 

Deadline: Feb 28.  https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics/

.

AFAR

The magazine publishes a range of reported features, personal essays, opinion pieces, photo essays, illustrated features, short fiction, poetry, and shorter middle-of-book pieces. Instead of more traditional aspirational lifestyle travel stories, we tell the stories of a place and the people who live there. Their rate starts at $1/word.

https://www.afar.com/about/pitch-guidelines

.

WIRED Magazine

A publication about change—about the ways science and technology are reshaping the world and what it means to be human. While the subjects of WIRED stories run the gamut from deep dives into the biggest tech companies to Hindu extremism to digital blackface to space food to true crime, every story has technology, science, or innovation as one of its key variables. Finished pieces tend to be in the range of 1,200 to 1,800 words. Story fees now start at about $2,500 and rise from there. Other short, online-only content starts at $500 and rises with time commitment and reporting intensity.   

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/contributor-guidelines

.

BOOK PRE-ORDERS

Apple offers a powerful marketing feature on iBooks, and even authors who upload directly to Apple can use it.  Your book title can be posted on iBooks for pre-order — up to one year before the book launch — even if you don’t have a book cover or interior file yet.  However, it’s advisable to have the cover at least. “e-Books born as pre-orders earned the authors 3 1/2 times more income than books that were simply uploaded on the day of release.

Pre-release twelve months in advance and you have got twelve months of people discovering your book before it hits the market.  It means twelve months of additional sales in those first few days.  All you need is your metadata: the book title, author, book description, price, pre-order, and release date.  A lot more favorable than Amazon’s pre-order conditions!  Easy Upload to iBooks: Authors can distribute to iBooks on their own through a direct upload route — or through an aggregator (book distributor) such as Draft2Digital.com

.

WRITING CONTESTS

The Bechtel Prize

Essays describing a creative writing teaching experience, project, or activity that demonstrates innovation in creative writing instruction. They are looking for essays that describe a project or activity that got students excited about writing and fostered a vibrant and dynamic culture of literacy in the classroom. Prize: $1,000 and publication. Deadline: Feb 10.  https://twc.org/bechtel-prize

.

The International Radio Playwriting Competition 2023

Sponsored by BBC World Service and British Council in partnership with Commonwealth Writers. Open to non-UK residents. Genre: A script for a 53-minute radio play with up to six central characters. Prize: £2,500 sterling ($3,900) & a trip to London. Deadline: Feb 12

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5J6bfwwQ4G0044HZ5Skt33w/the-international-radio-playwriting-competition-2023

.

Governor General’s Literary Awards

Books must have been written or translated by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. The best English-language & the best French-language book in each of the seven categories of Fiction, Literary Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People’s Literature (Text), Young People’s Literature & Translation (French to English). Prize: $25,000. Deadline: Feb 15

https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/prizes/governor-generals-literary-awards/guidelines-governor-generals-literary-awards

.

Luminarts Creative Writing Fellowship 

The Creative Writing Fellowship awards two $7,500 grant Fellowships for excellence in creative writing in the categories of prose and poetry, in fiction and nonfiction. Open to writers between the ages of 18 and 30 years, be enrolled in, or have graduated from, a degree program; and live within 150 miles of the Union League Club of Chicago. Genre: Poetry or prose, fiction and nonfiction.  Prize: $7,500. Deadline: Feb 17

https://luminarts.org/creative-writing-opportunities

.

Scotiabank Giller Prize 

Open to books published in Canada in English. Books must be published in Canada in English between Oct 1, 2022, and Feb 28, 2023 to be eligible. Must  be nominated by publisher. Genre: Fiction. Full-length novel or collection of short stories published in English, either originally, or in translation. Prize: $100,000 to the winner and $10,000 to each of the finalists. Deadline: Feb 17  

https://scotiabankgillerprize.ca/important-dates/

.

Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer Nonfiction 

Open to a writer committed to nonfiction work that captures the depth and complexity of lesbian/queer life, culture, and/or history. The winner of the prize will have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking and challenging work. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: Feb 17

https://lambdaliterary.org/awards/special-awards/

.

Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing 

Prize: Adventure writing novel. Prize: £10,000. Deadline: Feb 17

https://www.wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org/index.php/awards/best-published-novel-2019/submissions

.

Dr. Jim Duggins Outstanding LGBTQ Mid-Career Novelist Prize. Restrictions: Open to LGBTQ mid-career novelists who have published at least three novels. or two novels and substantial additional literary work (including poems, stories, or essays). Published book. Prize: $5,000. Deadline: Feb 17

https://lambdaliterary.org/awards/special-awards/

.

Randall Kenan Prize for Black LGBTQ Fiction. Restrictions: Open to a Black LGBTQ writer whose fiction explores themes of Black LGBTQ life, culture, and/or history. To be eligible, the winner of the prize must have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking work. Prize: $3,000. Deadline: Feb 17, 2023.  https://lambdaliterary.org/awards/special-awards/

.

J. Michael Samuel Prize for Emerging Writers Over 50. Restrictions: Open to unpublished LGBTQ writers over 50 working in any genre. Genre: All genres.  Prize: $5,000.  Deadline: Feb 17

https://lambdaliterary.org/awards/special-awards

.

The Reporting Award 

Journalism, in any medium, on an under-reported subject in the public interest. Prize: Up to $12,500. Deadline: Feb 21.  https://journalism.nyu.edu/about-us/awards-and-fellowships/the-reporting-award/

.

Wiley-Silver Prize in Civil War History

First book or monograph in Civil War history, published in the previous year. Books or monographs published by scholarly or popular presses are eligible. Prize: $2,000. Deadline: Feb 24

http://www.civilwarcenter.olemiss.edu/wileysilverinfo.shtml

.

Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize

Awarded for the best piece of writing on the theme of the Alpine Fellowship 2023 – Flourishing. The winner of the Writing Prize will receive a cash prize, and the runners-up will receive travel expense support that must be used to attend our 2023 symposium which will be held from 10th-13th August 2023 in Fjällnäs, Sweden. First place: £3,000 cash grant. Second place: £1,000 travel expense. Third place: £1,000 travel expense. Open internationally. Max. 2,500 words/entry.  Deadline March 1    https://alpinefellowship.com/writing-prize

.

Hentoen International

Students currently enrolled in a medical school or program are encouraged to submit to Hektoen International’s 2022 Medical Student Essay Contest. The winner receives $3,500, runner-up $2,500. Essays can be on any topic as it relates to medicine, art, history, and literature topics are preferred. Essays should be under 1,200 words. Deadline March 15.  https://hekint.org/

.

The Every Animal Project

We are currently accepting submissions around the theme of courageous animals for our first anthology, debuting in December 2023, The Dog Who Wooed at the World. Stories should explain how an animal’s bravery inspired and moved you. Stories must be true (non-fiction). One winning author will receive a $300 prize, and the second-place author will receive $200. All other authors with stories chosen for the book will receive a $50 award, along with a free copy of the book upon its publication. Stories not chosen for the book will have the opportunity to be featured online on the blog, with a $20 award. Please keep your submission roughly between 500 and 3,000 words.  https://www.everyanimalproject.com/contact/

.

FELLOWSHIPS & GRANTS

De Groot Foundation Grants for Writers

They welcome applications from adult writers actively engaged in a writing project and for whom a monetary boost could help further or complete the project. Applicants may be writing in any genre. In 2023, The de Groot Foundation will award grants, between $1,500 and $7,000. Deadline Feb 15   https://degrootfoundation.org/courage-to-write-guidelines/

.

Accelerate Fellowship 

It is a year-long program that gives mid-level disabled screenwriters $40,000 in funding, bespoke mentorship, industry connections and the community they need to become industry-leading creators. The money is unrestricted— Fellows can use it to cover living expenses and other project-related fees—which is intended to give them the time and space to further develop their projects. The Fellowship is for individuals that self-identify as disabled. This includes physical, intellectual, developmental, psychiatric, visible, or invisible disabilities.  https://www.inevitable.foundation/fellowship

.

Ucross Foundation Residencies
The foundation invites applications for fall 2023 residencies, providing each artist with living accommodations, meals, a workspace, and uninterrupted time so artists can focus on their creative process. There is cell phone service and wireless internet throughout residency facilities. Residents are responsible for providing their working materials and traveling to Sheridan, WY. Deadline March 1.
https://ucrossfoundation.submittable.com/submit

.

WRITING FOR MAGAZINES – WORTH YOUR TIME?

Why write for magazines and newspapers?  If you write articles, you reach many more people than with books.  Your book may sell five thousand copies.  Certainly, some books turn into bestsellers, but with more than 500,000 new books per year, many books are fortunate to sell even a thousand copies.  With one article, you can reach millions of people.

Writing for magazines will give you increased confidence that you can write for publication and meet word limits and deadlines.  A fiction author recently pondered whether writing magazine articles was worth his time.  Would his time not be better spent writing for his own blog or website?  My answer was that it depends on how many subscribers and readers his website and blog had. Should your blog have less than a million readers per month, consider writing for these magazines with enormous readership numbers:

• Huffington Post: 43 million per month

• Salon: 7.7 million per month

• Travel + Leisure: 950,000 per month

• AARP The Magazine: 21,931,184

• Better Homes and Gardens: 7,624,505

If only one percent of this readership finds your article and the byline with your name, website, and book info, it’s worth it to write for these magazines. 

.

Have a wonderful February and enjoy writing and making plans for new books. “Although February is short, it is filled with growing sun, lots of love, and sweet surprises”. Enjoy the many holidays this month: Groundhog Day, Super Bowl, Rosa Parks Day, Chinese New Year, Lincoln’s Birthday, Valentine’s Day, and Presidents’ Day.

Don’t forget to visit my Author Page here:

https://books2read.com/ap/n4EYY8/Doris-Maria-Heilmann

.

<><><><><>

.

October Newsletter: Successful Publishing

Maple-Leafs

 

Content of this Newsletter

– Independent Authors

– Help a Reporter Out – HARO

– Grants

– Freelance Writing

– Writing Contests
.

Welcome to the October Newsletter. 

Are you falling for Fall like me? Pumpkin pie and spiced coffee, glorious tree colors, mild Indian Summer weather, crisp colorful leaves, delicious food and wine, country hikes – and yes, lots of new books. Get the (maybe much-needed) motivation for the busy fall season and read these valuable publishing tips:

Independent Authors

Think about it: How can you be an independent author if you are under the control of Internet giants? The only way to throw off the shackles is to become an independent publisher. You can take full control of your writing, publishing, and income.  Read more reasons why Authors Should Stay INDEPENDENT

https://www.savvybookwriters.com/10-reasons-why-authors-should-stay-independent/

.

HARO

Help a Reporter Out (HARO) platform is giving writers important opportunities. And you have the opportunity to be interviewed for a longer story. The basic subscription level for HARO is free, whether you register as a source or as a journalist, and it’s a great way to forge some new connections. As you can see above, it’s also a great resource for finding ways to promote yourself as a writer and find more paying opportunities to further your writing career.

– Discover new outlets or job opportunities. Subscribing to the free emails can introduce you to a wide variety of paying outlets in search of writers.

– Gain visibility by responding to requests for quotes

HARO IS not only for non-fiction writers and freelancers – but a way for writers to get better known:  https://www.helpareporter.com/

.

GRANTS

Neal Pierce Travel Grant

 Our travel grants of up to $1,500 enable journalists to travel to cities within the U.S. to produce one or more stories for publication. The awards, selected through a competitive review process, cover travel expenses necessary for on-the-ground reporting.  Full-time freelancers as well as journalists currently employed by a news organization are invited to apply.  Reporters, writers, editors, and photographers working in print, online, radio, television, and multimedia are eligible for travel grant awards if they have had stories published or aired in the previous three years.  Deadline October 15 https://www.nealpeircefoundation.org/apply/

.

Mass Cultural Council’s Cultural Sector Recovery Grants 

Individuals are offered unrestricted grants of $5,000 to creatives and gig workers to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and set a path for growth.  To apply for this grant, an applicant must be an artist or cultural practitioner active in any artistic discipline or cultural tradition; a teaching artist/scientist/humanist; or a cultural worker in the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences in the state of Massachusetts.  Deadline November 1.
https://massculturalcouncil.org/artists-art/cultural-sector-recovery-grants-for-individuals/

.

FREELANCE WRITING

The American Gardener

Among the topics of particular interest to us are profiles of individual plant groups; innovative approaches to garden design; profiles of prominent horticulturists whose work has a national impact; plant research and plant hunting; plant conservation, biodiversity, and heirloom gardening; events or personalities in American horticultural history; people-plant relationships (horticultural therapy, ethnobotany, and community gardening);  environmentally appropriate gardening (choosing plants suited to one’s region, using native plants, conserving water, etc.); and plant lore and literature.  Feature articles run 1,500 to 2,500 words.  Departments run 600 to 1,000 words.  Payment for feature articles ranges from $300 to $600 on publication.  Payment for departments ranges from $150 to $200.  

https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/gardening-publications/the-american-gardener/writers-guidelines/

.

The Sun

Seeking short stories and personal essays for The Sun magazine that will make the editors laugh.  When you message the editor, provide a summary of your piece. They only read finished stories and essays.  If interested, they follow up and ask you to email the submission. Direct message https://twitter.com/Barelyoutofblue (Anna Gazmarian).  Pays Nonfiction/Fiction $300 to $2,000 and Poetry $100 to $250. The Sun is an independent magazine that uses words and photographs to evoke the splendor and heartache of being human.  https://www.thesunmagazine.org

.

THE BMJ

Seeking US-based medical/health/science freelance journalists.  Query mlooi@bmj.com.  Rates vary depending on story complexity but the range is between £350-700.  The BMJ can be many things to its diverse audiences: an international research journal, a member magazine, a think tank, an investigative campaigner, an educational resource, or even a trusted and inspiring friend.
https://www.bmj.com/about-bmj/editorial-staff

.

WRITING CONTESTS

Chicken Soup for the Soul

Funny Stories. Genre: True stories. “Share your funny stories about something that happened to you in your life – in your relationship with a partner or spouse, a parent or child, a family member or friend, at work or at home – that made you and the people around you laugh out loud.  Payment: $200.  Did you mean for it to be funny?  Did the other person mean to make you laugh?  Did a situation just get out of control?  Did a misunderstanding turn into a comedy of errors?” Deadline: October 15 

https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics/

.

Women’s Prize for Fiction

Genre: Published novel by a woman. Entrants must be writing in English and must be published in the UK between 1 October 2022 and 31 November 2022.  All subject matters and women of any age, from any nationality or country of residence, are eligible.  Prize: £30,000.00.  Deadline: October 21.  https://www.womensprizeforfiction.co.uk/enter

.

National Award for Arts Writing

The Mar-field Prize, also known as the National Award for Arts Writing, is given annually by the Arts Club of Washington to nonfiction books about the arts written for a broad audience.  Prize: $10,000.  Genre: Non-fiction book. Self-published books are not accepted.  Deadline: October 28 https://themarfieldprize.com/

.

The Writer Magazine Fall Short Story Contest

Submit works in any genre – fiction OR nonfiction – in less than 2,000 words for your chance to win $1,000 and publication in our magazine. Our grand-prize winner will receive $1,000, our second-place winner will receive $500, and our third-place winner will receive $250. The first-place story will also appear in a print issue of The Writer.  $25-30 Entry Fee.  Early deadline October 25, last call deadline November 8.  https://www.writermag.com/contests/

.

“October: crisp, sunny days and cool nights, a time to curl up around the dancing flames and sink into a good book.” ~ John Sinor.  Have a great October and happy writing!

Visit my Author Page too – lots of books to help writers market their books:

https://www.books2read.com/ap/n4EYY8/Doris-Maria-Heilmann

.

<><><><><>

.

 

.

Tips for Successful Publishing – Newsletter September 2022

Tips for Successful Publishing – Newsletter September 2022

111Publishing and SavvyBookWriters

Dear friends,

Lots of celebrations in September: Labor Day on the first Monday in September, Native American Day is always celebrated on the 4th Friday of September, and Constitution Day celebrates the ratification of the governing document of the United States on September 17. Also, participate and celebrate the many awards you find in this newsletter:

WRITING CONTESTS

Michael Marks UK Award for Poetry 

Only pamphlets published in the United Kingdom are eligible. Genre: Poetry pamphlet. Prize: £5,000. Deadline: Sept 23  https://michaelmarksawards.org/awards-2022/

.
Willie Morris Awards for Southern Fiction and Nonfiction 

Novels and nonfiction books published in 2022. The book has to be set in one of the original eleven Confederacy States. Prize: $2,500.00.  Deadline: September 30

https://www.williemorrisawards.org/

.

Red Hen Press Fiction Contest

Length 150-pages minimum of prose. Award is $1,000 and publication.  Entry Fee $25.  Deadline Sept 30    https://redhen.org/awards/red-hen-press-fiction-award/
.

Quill Prose Award

Award is $1,000 and publication. Considers 25,000-word minimum (approximately 150 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman 12pt font) of prose (fiction or nonfiction) by a queer writer only.  Entry Fee $10.  Deadline Nov 30   https://redhen.org/awards/quill-prose-award/

.

Common Mistakes Aspiring Authors Make

When you declare you want to become a full-time writer, publish books, and have your own literary fans, are you really willing to make any sacrifices? If yes, your mission is to build a small empire around your words.  To do that, you will need thick skin. There’s More to Writing a Book Than… Writing.  Find here all the traps – and how to avoid them:

https://www.savvybookwriters.com/common-mistakes-aspiring-authors-make/

 

GRANTS – FELLOWSHIPS – RESIDENCIES

Virginia Center for the Arts

Applicants will be considered for a VCCA residency and as many fully funded fellowships for which they are eligible. In addition, all eligible applicants who demonstrate a need will be considered for financial aid to help cover the cost of their residency. The VCCA residency at Mt. San Angelo includes a private bedroom with a private bath, a separate individual studio, and three meals daily in a community of cross-disciplinary artists.  Deadline Sept 15  

https://www.vcca.com/apply/fully-funded-fellowships/

 .

Ft Union National Monument Residency

Location Watrous, New Mexico, a historic outpost on the high plains and on the Santa Fe trail. Open to any and all artists, writers, musicians, or performance artists. Residency dates March 2023. Stipend $1,000.  Deadline Sept 30

https://nationalparksartsfoundation.submittable.com/submit

.

Massachusetts Cultural Sector Recovery Grants

Unrestricted grants of $5,000 to creatives and gig workers to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and set a path for growth. This one-time FY23 grant program is funded through state pandemic recovery monies Mass Cultural Council received from the Legislature. An applicant must be a full-year resident of Massachusetts, 18 years or older, and an artist or cultural practitioner active in any artistic discipline or cultural tradition, a teaching artist/scientist/humanist, or a cultural worker in the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences. Deadline Nov 1

https://massculturalcouncil.org/artists-art/cultural-sector-recovery-grants-for-individuals/

.

FREELANCE WRITING

Sun Magazine

They publish personal essays, fiction, and poetry. Personal stories that touch on political and cultural issues are welcome. Personal Essays $300 to $2,000. Fiction $300 to $2,000. 

https://www.thesunmagazine.org/submit

.

Washingtonian 

A city magazine for the DC area that publishes long, deeply reported profiles, true-crime yarns, and pieces of narrative journalism. But also trend pieces, photo essays, column-length arguments, and comprehensive lists. How the city works, or how to get the most out of Washington, home design, DIY, or real estate stories. Pays $1/word on average.  Email mmontgomery@washingtonian.com

https://www.washingtonian.com/writers-guidelines/

.

The Food Section

Our mission is to serve eaters across the American South by providing them with the information and analysis they need to enhance their food and drink experiences for original, inclusive, and independent reporting about restaurants, bars, farmers, fishermen, food artisans—and everything else that influences how and what we eat and drink. Rate: $1,000 for a 1,200-word reported piece.

https://thefoodsection.substack.com/

.

GoodRX

GoodRx is looking for freelance writers who can put a face on what it’s like to go through a health crisis. They want strong storytellers who can approach patient stories with journalistic expertise. Most stories will be 800 to 1,200 words, with a pay rate of $500 per story. 

https://jobs.lever.co/goodrx/29dee9bf-8e45-458e-8232-dcc22b841188

.

One more Tip on How to Research Literary Agents and Book Publishers
A timeless and useful article written by Virginia Lloyd
https://www.aerogrammestudio.com/2018/09/13/how-to-research-literary-agents-and-book-publishers/
.

Only 15 weeks until Christmas… What are your plans for the best time of the year to sell books?  Bundle several of your books to sell a new edition, or have a note in your print book, offering readers a free ebook download of it, as a way to contact your readers directly?  There are hundreds of marketing ideas, just scroll through our Blog and pick the ones you like best.

https://www.savvybookwriters.com/category/blog/

 

<><><><><>

 

Books by Doris-Maria Heilmann:

To the TOP

Smart Free Marketing for Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed

ebook: https://books2read.com/u/mqv8Z1

print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1988664381

ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08957T6XN/

.

Audiobooks for Success

Valuable guidebook for authors, audiobook publishers, narrators, voice-over artists, and audiobook listeners. Learn how to create, produce, publish, and market your audiobooks

https://books2read.com/u/bPRRyJ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W81MN2Z

.

111 Tips to Create Impressive Videos  
How to Plan, Create, Upload, and Market Videos
https://www.books2read.com/u/3GYnpa

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BYDH41S/

.

111 Tips To Make Money With Writing
The Art of Making a Living Full-time Writing –
An Essential Guide for More Income as a Freelancer
https://books2read.com/u/bWZMjz

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1988664187

.

111 Tips on How to Market Your Book for Free
 – Detailed Plans and Smart Strategies for Your Book’s Success
https://books2read.com/u/bMre1a

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018RA72LY

.

111 Tips to Get Free Book Reviews
 – Best Strategies for Getting Lots of Great Reviews
plus 1,200+ reviewer contact links
https://books2read.com/u/mZ5nx5

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M2Y3E5W

.

111 Tips to Create Your Book Trailer –
How to Create, Where to Upload, and How to Market Your Videos
https://books2read.com/u/mVZkjr

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CHWX6X2/

.

Book Marketing on a Shoestring
How Authors Can Promote their Books 

Without Spending a Lot of Money
https://books2read.com/u/mZ5gdp

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1988664225

.
Hello Friends, visit my Author Page here:

https://books2read.com/ap/n4EYY8/Doris-Maria-Heilmann

.

Tips for Successful Publishing – Newsletter August 2022

Blogging

Dear friends,

I hope your summer has been so far brimming with fun, sun, family, friends, and of course, lots of reading!  Nothing better to nourish the soul than a book during these long and gorgeous days of summer.  Summer has so many pleasures.  Is writing one of them for you?  Or do summer activities collide with your writing goals?  What about just collecting ideas for future books?  It doesn’t take away from your travel time.  Have a pen and paper with you and make notes about the scenery, encounters with interesting people, delicious meals, and everything in between.

 

CONTENT OF THIS NEWSLETTER:

  • GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS, RESIDENCIES
  • FREELANCE OFFERS
  • WRITING CONTESTS

.

GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS, RESIDENCIES

Prague – Unesco City of Literature Creative 2-Months Residency
It offers residency stays for foreign writers and translators. 6 residencies for 2023, each for 2 months. Return ticket, free accommodation & stipend 600 /month. Deadline Aug 31.
https://www.unescoprague.org/rezidencni-pobyty-2023
.

UCROSS Foundation Residency

Residencies in Clearmont, WY. vary in length from two weeks to six weeks. At any one time, there are up to 10 individuals in residence comprising a mix of visual artists, writers, composers, choreographers, interdisciplinary artists, performance artists, and teams of collaborators. Lunch and dinners are prepared Monday to Friday by a professional chef, and ample provisions are on hand for breakfasts and weekends.  Deadline Sept 1

https://www.ucrossfoundation.org/residency-program.html

.

Granada Residence Program
Targeted at writers residing in any country in whichever language they write. A month’s stay (30 nights) in Granada between Nov 3 and Dec 2, 2022, at the Corrala de Santiago of the University of Granada. Granada UNESCO City of Literature will cover the traveling expenses. Deadline Sept 1
https://granadaciudaddeliteratura.com/en/2022-granada-writers-in-residence-programme

===


FREELANCE OFFERS

Chatelaine 

They are delivering all the content Canadian women want, whether it’s about health, current events, food, social issues, decor, or fashion and beauty. Send a one-page query letter outlining your idea. Pays $1 CAD per word for print and $300-$800 CAD for online.

https://www.chatelaine.com/about/writers-guidelines/

.

Roadpass Digital 

They help inspire, educate, and empower millions of RVers and road-trippers to enjoy camping and the open road. Send your pitch to pitches@roadpass.com. Rates typically range from $200 to $1,000 per story, based on length, article type, and how much reporting is required. 

https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/pitch-roadtrippers-magazine/

.

ACCESS Marketing Services 

Out of Washington, DC, they have a fully remote workforce with deliverables due in eastern time. And employ full-time writers but frequently need freelance ad copywriters during busy primary and general election cycles. When in our freelance pool, they keep a calendar of availability so that project managers can pull writers. The work is by the hour, paying roughly $100 per hour. Contact Olivia Hatcher at https://twitter.com/plathitude

https://www.accessmarketingservices.com/careers/

.

The Daily Best

Most of the stories they’re looking for fall under a mini-feature length, between 800 and 2,000 words. Pays up to $600. There needs to be a reason we should green-light this pitch now, whether it’s some new research or new developmental breakthrough, a new announcement, some new insight or news that the story itself is breaking, etc. If the story is unpacking a larger trend or issue that isn’t going to vanish overnight, we’re much more likely to be interested. Query Neel V. Patel, Science and Innovation Editor at neel.patel@thedailybeast.com 

.

Chicken Soup: Lessons Learned from my dog

They are looking for true stories and poems about your dog. Tell us what new thing your dog taught you. How smart she is or how she outsmarted you! How he made you smile. How she “rescued” you after you “rescued” her. How he brought your family closer together, helped you find love, and inspired you to change something in your human life. Stories can be serious or humorous, or both. Limit 1,200 words. First-person, please.  Payment is $200 and 10 copies. 

http://www.chickensoup.com

===

WRITING CONTESTS

Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence

Emerging African American writers.  Prize: $10,000. Genres: Short story collection or novel published in the current year. 

Deadline: Aug 15

https://ernestjgainesaward.org/literary-award-criteria-registration

.

Lee & Low Books New Voices Award 

The contest is open to writers of color who are residents of the US and who have not previously had a children’s picture book published. Prize: $1,000 and publication. Children’s books – fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.  Deadline: August 15

https://www.leeandlow.com/writers-illustrators/new-voices-award

.

Women’s Prize for Fiction 

Prize: £30,000.00.  Genre: A published novel by a woman. Entrants must be writing in English and must be published in the UK between 1 April 2022 and 30 Sept 2022. All subject matters and women of any age, from any nationality or country of residence, are eligible. 

Deadline: August 26

https://womensprizeforfiction.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023-WPF-Terms-and-Conditions-FINAL.docx.pdf

.

Short Story Award for New Writers

Limit 6,000 words. The winner receives a $3,000 prize and agency review, and their story will be published online in late winter/early spring. Second and third place finalists will be awarded publication, agency review, and $300/$200 prizes.  $20 Entry Fee.  Deadline Aug 28

https://mastersreview.com/short-story-award-for-new-writers/

.

Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year Award

Prize: £10,000. Open to authors aged 18-35 as of December 31 of the deadline year. Books must have been first published in the UK and/or the Republic of Ireland, in the English language, between June 23 of the preceding year and August 31 of the deadline year. Authors must be UK or Irish citizens, or residents for the three years preceding the award. Genre: Published or self-published book of poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.  Deadline: August 31

https://www2.societyofauthors.org/prizes/other-prizes/sunday-times-university-of-warwick-young-writer-of-the-year-award/

.

Writers Digest Personal Essay Awards

One Grand Prize Winner will receive $2,500, their essay title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s May/June 2023 issue, and a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference, including a coveted Pitch Slam slot. The Second Place Winner will receive $1,000, and their essay title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s May/June 2023 issue. The Third Place Winner will receive $500, and their essay title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s May/June 2023 issue. Limit 2,000 words. 

$25 Entry fee. Deadline Sept 1

https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/personal-essay-awards

.

MSLEXIA Woman’s Fiction Competition 

Our competition is open to unpublished novels of at least 20,000 words in any genre for children and/or young adult readers. Submit the first 3,000 words only in the first instance. The winner will receive £5,000. The winner and three finalists will also receive manuscript feedback from The Literary Consultancy.
£26 Entry fee. Deadline Sept 19

https://mslexia.co.uk/competitions/childrens-and-ya-novel/womens-fiction-competition-2022-childrens-ya-novel/

.

Use the lazy days of summer to browse through hundreds of books in your own genre and see what’s available and how other writers created their work. Or visit one or more than over twenty writing conferences

Enjoy a wonderful August!

.

<><><><><>

.

Tips for Successful Publishing – Newsletter May 2022

Reading

Content:

GRANTS & FELLOWSHIPS

FREELANCE OFFERS

WRITING CONTESTS

I hope you had a successful April and have lots to celebrate in May: Mother’s Day, Victoria Day, or Memorial Day, lots of Spring flowers, BBQs, long sunny days – and certainly new books. These are our many helpful tips for publishers and authors for this month:

– GRANTS & FELLOWSHIPS

Litup Fellowships

Selected fellows will participate in an all-expenses-paid writer’s retreat to develop their manuscripts and learn about the business side of publishing. Post retreat, fellows are matched with a published author for a three-month mentorship to get their book ready for market.  No Entrance Fee.  Deadline May 31.   https://reesesbookclub.com/litup/

.

Glen Arbor Arts Residency

Residencies are considered in the disciplines of creative writing, visual arts, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, ceramics, and music. Each residency is a one-person opportunity of two weeks in duration.  The artist-in-residence program offers artists a unique opportunity to work in an awe-inspiring locale within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.    https://glenarborart.org/artists/application-details/

.

– FREELANCE OFFERS

Healthy Rich

Healthy Rich has several topics in which they week pitches. Pay is $200 for articles of whatever length is needed; 1,000–1,500 words is typical.   https://www.healthyrich.co/write-for-us

.

Hudson Valley Magazine

Each month, this sophisticated lifestyle publication entertains, informs, and explores so that our loyal readers can enjoy the very best the region has to offer. The fee depends on length/section, around 30-50 cents/word. Email Francesca Furey, Associate Editor, at ffurey@hvmag.com

https://hvmag.com/contact-us

.

Gawker

Rates start at 33 cents/word for essays and 50 cents/word for reported pieces. Seeking cutting criticism, thoughtful reviews, weird essays, strong opinions, interesting reporting on a variety of topics. Pitch Jenny G. Zhang at jenny@gawker.com. Tends to gravitate toward culture, film, tv, the internet, media, race, gender, and books.   https://gawker.com/

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F_rWGwSIOl3JXGuSmrlj8XMF-bMz_d–iLIZsl8CbQ0/edit

.

Gastro Obscura 

The magazine publishes stories about food and drink that are curious, overlooked, and awesome in the “awe” sense of the word. We are the food vertical of Atlas Obscura, whose mission is to inspire wonder and catalog the world’s hidden wonders. We do not publish restaurant reviews or interviews with famous chefs.  Gastro Obscura also publishes stories with recipes. These stories must meet the same criteria as the rest of our articles. Rates start at $300 and usually pay around $0.50 per word. 

.

Grant Writer

Professionals with grant writing experience are wanted for non-profit community development organizations that specialize in small business lending and affordable housing lending in underserved communities. Familiarity with CDFI Fund, SBA, EDA, and DHHS is a plus. Pays $125 per hour.  https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Friedman-Associates&t=Grant+Writer+Consultant&jk=b80e0913d7a98a30

– WRITING CONTESTS

Emerging Writer’s Contest 

Under 6,000 words, open to writers of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry who have yet to publish or self-publish a book. Awards publication, $2,000, review, and a one-year subscription for one winner in each of the three genres. Fiction and Nonfiction.  $24 Entry Fee. Deadline May 15.  https://www.pshares.org/submit/emerging-writers-contest/guidelines

.

Aura Estrada Short Story Contest

First prize $1,000 and publication. All entries must be related to this year’s theme of Speculation. Stories must not exceed 5,000 words and must be unpublished.  $20 Entry Fee.  Deadline May 31.  https://bostonreview.submittable.com/submit

.

Did You Know?

For each print version of our books you buy, you will receive the ebook for FREE. Just send us a screenshot of your invoice or an attached scan and we will email you a mobi or an epub electronic version of the title. This is especially important when books carry lots of links.

 

Earn-Money.

Book-Reviews.

Booktrailer.

.

Audiobooks for Success.

.

.

Video Creation

.

.

Coming Soon:

Dream-Job-Pilot?

 

 

 

 

 

Have a great May and enjoy writing and publishing new books for the upcoming “Summer Reading” season.