SUCCESSFUL PUBLISHING NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2025

Content of this newsletter

• WRITING CONTESTS
• WRITING/PUBLISHING TIPS
• WRITERS RESIDENCIES, FELLOWSHIPS, & GRANTS
• FREELANCE WRITING

Dear readers, writers, and publishers:  

It’s hard to believe that December has come and gone already. Hopefully, life has been good for all of you this past month. All the very best for the next 365 days and beyond!  I hope you enjoyed the holidays and are eager to tackle the upcoming writing and publishing season with new books.

 

• WRITING CONTESTS

Rumpus Prize for Poetry, Fiction, and Creative Nonfiction

Submit previously unpublished poetry, short stories, and/or creative nonfiction.  Prizes (6 total, 2 in each genre) $1,000 first-place prize and publication in three genres: poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.  Honorable mentions receive $200 and publication in each of the three genres.   Deadline March 2

$20 Entry Fee.  https://therumpus.net/the-rumpus-prize/

Disquiet Literary Prize

Submissions are now open for the Disquiet Literary Prize!  Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry winners will be published.  One grand prize winner will receive tuition, lodging, and travel stipend to attend.  Disquiet summer literary program in Lisbon. Cash prize available in lieu of travel.  Reading fee: $15.   Deadline: Jan 6

https://disquietinternational.org/the-program/contests-scholarships/the-disquiet-prize/

 

• WRITING/PUBLISHING TIPS

Lots of useful articles that are helpful for writing and publishing. 

Read on:

Use this free AI detector to check up to 5,000 words

https://writer.com/ai-content-detector/

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How to Write Successful Queries for Any Genre of Writing:  

What elements go into a query letter and 39 real examples of query letters 

that have worked for writers with commentary from their agents

https://www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/how-to-write-successful-queries-for-any-genre-of-writing

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Tips to writing consistently

Cross-post to gain a diverse readership

https://link.medium.com/n4mTrKcojIb

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Book Publishing and the Media are Misaligned 

https://lnkd.in/dmF6YMgV

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How ProWritingAid Can Save You Money When Self-Editing Your Book

https://writingandwellness.com/2024/01/15/how-prowritingaid-can-save-you-money-when-self-editing-your-book/

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9 Differences Between US and UK English for Writers

Some tips on how to convert between the two

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/differences-between-us-and-uk-english-for-writers

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• WRITERS RESIDENCIES, FELLOWSHIPS, & GRANTS

Weinberg Artist-in-Residence Fellowship

This fellowship is for writers, journalists, filmmakers, visual and performing artists who wish to use the Newberry’s collection to further their creative work. Preference is given to individuals working on projects that focus on social justice or reform. Stipend: $3,000/month. Length: 1 month. Applicants must be working outside of traditional academic settings. Deadline January 3

https://www.newberry.org/research/artists-in-residence/artists-in-residence-fellowship

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Outpost Fellows in Residence

The Outpost Foundation’s flagship program is a residency that offers two BIPOC writers from the United States and Latin America a $4,000 award as well as complimentary travel, lodging, and meals to spend the month of September cultivating a generative writing community in the mountains of Southern Vermont.  Deadline January 10    

https://www.outposttheresidency.org/

Indian Arts Research Center Artist-in-Residence Fellowship
The IARC offers a monthly stipend, housing, studio space, a supplies allowance, full access to the IARC collections, and travel reimbursement to and from SAR. Fellowships are intended to give artists time to explore new avenues of creativity, grapple with new ideas that can advance their work, and strengthen their existing talents. The fellowships support diverse creative disciplines, including sculpture, performance, basketry, painting, printmaking, digital art, mixed media, photography, pottery, writing, and film and video.  Deadline January 15

https://sarweb.org/iarc/native-american-artist-fellowships/

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• FREELANCE WRITING

Why I am propagating Freelance Writing so much? 

If you can get into magazines or newspapers you will earn way more than with writing books.  Consider this:

Each year about a half million new books come from traditional publishers and about two million more are self-published.  Penguin Random House alone publishes more than 15,000 titles under 300 imprints.  Every new book will be covered by millions of other books …

How many sources of income do you have?

Other Sources of Income:

• Non-Fiction writing (traditional and self-published)
• Fiction (Self-published fiction novels in print and audio)
• Speaking gigs
• On-Demand Courses about creativity and writing
• Online group membership
• Online live classes
• In-person workshops
• Prints of my art

The Globe and Mail

The newspaper’s Saturday Opinion section, which regularly publishes some of the leading writers in the world, is always looking for pitches: Anything from 700-word columns to 7,000-word reported essays. Pitch Mark Ledley at mmedley@globeandmail.com. Rates are generally $300-$400 for a 750-word op-ed. More for longer pieces. 

https://www.theglobeandmail.com

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The Huffpost

HuffPost publishes freelancer work across a wide range of topics. Sections for which we are currently accepting pitches are listed on this web page. Pitches should include a working headline, two to three paragraphs that outline why you think the story matters, with some indication of how you plan to report and tell the story (e.g., sources, key characters or narrative events).  Also, you can send just a short bio, your rates and your portfolio to photos@huffpost.com, and if our interests align, we’ll get back to you when assignments become available.  Pays at least 10-20 cents/word.

https://www.freedomwithwriting.com/freedom/uncategorized/15-calls-for-pitches-directly-from-editors-10/

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Mother Jones

Mother Jones is a nonprofit investigative news organization that delivers bold and original multi-platform reporting on the urgent issues of our time, from democracy protection and climate change to extremism and beyond. Our rates are based on a writer’s experience, our experience with the writer, article type, and the difficulty of the reporting and editing required. For print, rates start at $1.75 per word. For online, at $0.75 a word. We pay 1/3 of the fee upon submission of a first draft, and the rest as soon as possible after publication.

https://www.motherjones.com/contribute/writer-guidelines/

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The Revelator
The Revelator, a news and ideas initiative of the Center for Biological Diversity, provides editorially independent reporting, analysis, and stories at the intersection of politics, conservation, art, culture, endangered species, climate change, economics, and the future of wild species, wild places, and the planet.  Actively seeking both expert commentaries and freelance journalism.  Stories usually run 1,000-1,400 words and pay $300-$500.

https://therevelator.org/about/

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Sound Fields
We are interested in pitches for short essays (1500-2000 words) that bring us provocative ideas and surprising insights into the intersection of audio documentary practice and the idea of the archive.  Original essay pitches should be a maximum of 400 words.  Final essays will be 1500-2000 words or less. If your pitch is approved, you’ll be matched with an editorial board member who will provide two rounds of editorial feedback on your piece. $400 honorarium. Q and As/Conversations (written/transcribed) pitches should be a maximum of 400 words.  Proposed Interviewees/conversation partners must already have agreed to participate. $200 honorarium.

https://www.soundfields.org/submissions

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Positive News
Fed up with bad news but want to stay informed?  Positive News is a magazine for good journalism about the good things that are happening. Stories of social and environmental progress.  Quality, independent reporting with a focus on solutions.  Impactful photography and stunning visual design.  Boosts your wellbeing and helps you engage in the world

They like to receive pitches for news or features that showcase the best examples of progress and possibility anywhere in the world.  Pay is usually around 30p/word.  Send your ideas to editor-in-chief, Lucy Purdy, at editorial@positive.news.

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

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PublicSource
Pays $400 to $1,000. See a chart on the website for what they pay for each type of writing.  PublicSource is Pittsburgh’s home for impactful journalism and community-driven storytelling.  Through in-depth reporting and analysis alongside diverse perspectives, our nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization serves and engages the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania.  We strive to empower our audience with the knowledge and understanding needed to make informed decisions and drive positive change, on a personal level and within broader systems.

https://www.publicsource.org/publicsource-policies-for-contributor-freelance-journalist/ 

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Chicken Soup - Funny Stories

We are looking for stories about something that happened to you or someone close to you, the kind of stories that get you and your listeners laughing when you tell them. Rat out your spouse. Share that funny thing your kid said. Tell us that hilarious thing that happened when your relatives did... yeah, that thing. We want to hear about your family, your friends, your colleagues... and most importantly, that embarrassing thing that you did. Laughing at ourselves is the best! Pays $250 for up to 1,200 words written in first person, along with ten copies of the book that contains the story.  Deadline April 30.   http://www.chickensoup.com 

Create something out of the content you consume.  Do you enjoy reading?  Write some book reviews for your blog or to share on your social media pages.

Now is the time to take a leap and go for it. Carry a notebook everywhere!  Ideas will come to you, and inspiration will strike in the most unlikely places.  Happy New Year! 

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Happy New Year to all Writers and Publishers

Happy New Year / Feliz Ano Nuevo / Bonne Année

Dear readers, writers, and publishers:  All the very best for the next 365 days and beyond!

I hope you enjoyed the holidays and you are eager to tackle the upcoming writing and publishing season with new books.

 

Before writing your next book, map out your plan for how and to whom you want to sell it.  For example: Set Goals for Writing and Publishing- this includes setting goals around getting your book done and launching it.

Find and Build Your Audience - really give thought to who your reading audience is, what’s important to them, and how you will connect with them. Join groups on social media where your reading audience “hangs out.”

Develop a Book Marketing Plan and Timeline- marketing and selling books is easier and more profitable when you have a plan and timeline.

Build relationships with Your Local Bookstores and Libraries – if getting into libraries and bookstores is part of your marketing plan.  Also, explore what type of author events they host.

And if this is not enough, find 52 resolutions, one for each week, here https://www.writerscookbook.com/new-years-resolutions-for-writers/

 

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WRITING CONTESTS

 

International Booker Prize The International Booker Prize for fiction translated into English is awarded annually by the Booker Prize Foundation to the author of the best (in the opinion of the judges) eligible novel or collection of short stories. The work must be published by a UK or Ireland publishing house. Authors are not permitted to enter their own works. Prize: £50,000 divided equally between the author and the translator. There will be a prize of £2,000 to each of the shortlisted titles divided equally between the author and the translator. Eligible are works published between December 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024.  Deadline: January 12   https://thebookerprizes.com/booker-prize/entering-the-booker-prizes 

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Orwell Prize Open to nonfiction first published in the UK or Ireland. (See publication deadlines.) Genre: Nonfiction, including entries addressing political, social, cultural, moral, and historical subjects. Prize: £3,000.00. Deadline: Jan 24 https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-prizes/rules/#special 

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Hillman Prize for Journalism Prize: $5,000. "Since 1950, the Sidney Hillman Foundation has honored journalists, writers and public figures that pursue investigative journalism and public policy in service of the common good." Deadline: Jan 30 https://www.hillmanfoundation.org/hillman-prize-journalism 

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Shaughnessy Cohen Award for Political Writing Titles must be published in Canada. Self-published books are not eligible. A book of literary nonfiction that captures a political subject of relevance to Canadian readers and has the potential to shape or influence thinking on contemporary Canadian political life. Prize: Winner: $25,000;  Finalists: $2,500. Deadline: Jan 31 https://www.writerstrust.com/awards/shaughnessy-cohen-prize-for-political-writing/guidelines/ 

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Edinburgh Short Story Awards First Prize £3,000 - Open to writers worldwide. Second Prize £500 - Open to writers worldwide. Isobel Lodge Award £750 - Open to unpublished writers living in Scotland. Write Mango Flash Award £300 - Open to writers worldwide. Publication is offered to authors of the top twenty stories (or more) in our next anthology.  £10 Entry Fee.  Deadline Feb 29.    https://www.scottishartstrust.org/short-story

There are many benefits for authors to participate in writing contests and awards:

• The award website usually posts a list of participating books and names of authors
• It gives you a great opportunity to talk on social media & your blog or website about your participation
• Some contests even seek votes publicly over the internet, additionally to the jury
• Literary awards such as Dzanc Books/Guernica have very attractive prizes, such as travel to Europe and a scholarship

If you win or be short-listed in an award you certainly can use this fact to advertise for and print it on your book's cover, or even place a badge on it and on any promotional material, including your website or blog, casting a positive light on your book. 

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WRITERS RESIDENCIES 

  

Essere Residency 

The Essere Residency is a program designed to encourage the creative and personal growth of writers and artists at all stages in their career, as well as those exploring new forms of self-expression.  Sept. 21 - Oct 5, 2024.  Tuscany, Italy.   Deadline Jan 15 https://essereresidency.org/ 

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Volland Foundation The is committed to providing time and space for creative practitioners of a wide range of disciplines to gather in a community setting for work, thought and exchange of ideas, and to experience immersion in a unique ecosystem and rural culture. About 100 miles west of Kansas City, Volland is located in one of the most picturesque valleys in the Flint Hills of Kansas.  Deadline Jan 19  https://vollandfoundation.org/2024-volland-residencies/ 

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  Montello Foundation Residency The artist retreat at the Montello Foundation is meant to be a retreat from the urban environment. It will provide a new perspective for residents’ work and give residents space and time for undisturbed experimentation and reflection for two weeks. We are accepting national and international applications. There is no fee for artists to stay at the retreat, but artists are responsible for their travel expenses and for their meals. A residency is always for two weeks. The residency season is always from the beginning of May until the beginning of November. The retreat is located on 80 acres in an undeveloped valley near Montello in the North-Eastern corner of Nevada.  Deadline Jan 21 https://www.montellofoundation.org/pages/montello_retreat_main.htm 

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Japan/USA Creative Fellowship Program Each collaborative U.S.-Japan team will receive a $25,000 grant and will have one year to complete their project.  This grant may be utilized for any expenses directly associated with the project, including but not limited to travel between Japan and the United States, any living expenses in Japan, project materials, etc. Applicants are required to apply as a U.S.-Japan collaborative team. All proposals must involve collaborations between a U.S. artist (or group of artists) and a Japanese artist (or group of artists) who is either a citizen or permanent resident of Japan and maintains their professional practice within Japan.  Both the U.S. applicant and their Japanese collaborator are expected to have the status of professional creative artists. This means the artist(s) must have presented to the public/published or the equivalent in the last 2-5 years.  Deadline Feb 1 https://www.jusfc.gov/creative-artists-programs/ 

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FREELANCE WRITING OFFERS 

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Dollars & Sense  

A progressive economics magazine that explains in a popular way both the workings of the economy and struggles to change it. Articles may be on any economic issue, including the environment, community organizing, urban conflict, inflation, unemployment, union reform, welfare, changes in government regulation... a broad range of topics, as long as the article has an economic theme. Features (1500 to 3000 words): In-depth articles on a broad range of topics. Active Culture (250 to 400 words): Briefs on activism—a shareholder campaign, union victory, etc. Reviews (700 words): Coverage of recent books, movies, and other media. Pays up to $400 per article. https://dollarsandsense.org/write.html 

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House Digest Home design and lifestyle site House Digest is looking for enthusiastic, hard-working freelance writers with love and expert-level understanding of gardening to join our team. Ideal candidates have at least three years of experience writing content for print or the web with a focus on plant care, gardening, and the outdoor space as it relates to home. We are looking for creative individuals who are self-sufficient and versatile. These positions are work-from-home with flexible, stable hours. Location does not matter; U.S. and international candidates are encouraged to apply. Research, pitch, and write 2600- to 3000-word articles in a custom CMS with a one-week to one-day turnaround, depending on the topic and timeliness of the article. https://www.mediabistro.com/jobs/static-media/job/88647594-freelance-plants-and-gardening-feature-writer-housedigest-com  

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  As the holiday season winds down, a new sense of excitement is in the air.  Now is the time to take a leap and go for it. Carry a notebook everywhere!  Ideas will come to you, and inspiration will strike in the most unlikely places.  Don’t be caught without a notebook or pen handy!  Happy New Year! 

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        ... and many more!