MC-Guide
Content Writing
Website 80: Fundsforwriters.com
How Can You Earn Money Writing For “fundsforwriters.com” Website
This guide shows you, step by step, how a beginner can learn to pitch and sell stories to fundsforwriters.com.
You will learn what fundsforwriters.com wants, how to test your idea, how to write a pitch, and how payment roughly works. You can use this like a small SOP.
Guide: How to Use FundsforWriters to Find Paid Writing Work (Beginner → Paid)
This guide walks you — step by step — from finding opportunities on FundsforWriters to submitting strong pitches, entering contests and grants, and turning acceptances into repeat income. It collects the most useful pages and templates into one clean SOP.
Key pages referenced: Markets, Submissions, Grants, and the home newsletter archive. Use the links to jump directly to the official pages. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Section 1 · What FundsforWriters is
Why FundsforWriters is one of the best places to start finding paid work
FundsforWriters (run by C. Hope Clark) publishes a long-running weekly newsletter and a website focused on telling writers where the paying opportunities are: markets that accept freelance work, contests with cash prizes, grants, jobs, and other money-for-writing leads. It’s curated — meaning the editor collects quality, semi-pro and professional-paying opportunities and shares them in a compact bulletin that saves you hours of searching. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Two features make FundsforWriters powerful for beginners:
- Curated markets: the Markets page and weekly newsletter list vetted places that pay (or contests/grants that matter). Bookmark the Markets page and subscribe to the newsletter. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Regular editorial guidance: essays and how-to posts about pitching, submission processes, and what editors want. Read a few recent editorials to understand taste and standards. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
In short: FundsforWriters is not a job board or a marketplace plugin — it is a research + curation hub. Use it as your “lead generator” and then go directly to each market’s submission guidelines to apply. This guide shows you exactly how to do that, and includes templates to send with confidence.
Section 2 · Read the Markets list like a pro
How to scan FundsforWriters’ Markets page and extract the opportunities that match you
Open FundsforWriters → Markets and treat it as a weekly “opportunity inbox.” Each entry usually includes the market name, pay, word count, and a short note (deadline, theme, or link). You must click through to the original market page for the full submission guidelines. Never assume a summarized pay or requirement: always confirm. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Pay: note whether the listing shows a flat fee, cents-per-word, or contest prize.
- Type: essay, feature, blog post, fiction, non-fiction, poem, grant, etc.
- Deadline: absolute date or rolling? Mark it in your calendar immediately.
- Submission link: follow the link to the market’s official page and read it fully.
- Exclusivity: is simultaneous submission allowed? Are reprints accepted?
- Easy wins first: short pieces paying $50–$200 or contests with straightforward prompts.
- Portfolio pieces: markets that give bylines and links (good for your bio) even if pay is modest.
- Big-ticket targets: high-paying markets or grants—prepare a larger proposal and give these more time.
Tip: the Markets list sometimes mentions FundsforWriters’ own open calls (they occasionally purchase short features). For details on how FundsforWriters itself accepts pieces and how they pay, read the Submissions page on the site. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Section 3 · Contests & grants — how to choose which to enter
Contests and grants can be your fastest route to higher earnings — but only if chosen wisely
FundsforWriters lists contests and grants on separate pages; bookmark the Grants page and watch the Markets list for contests. Grants often have eligibility rules (location, genre, career stage); contests list entry fees and submission windows. Read everything carefully — grants are worth treating like small proposals (budget, CV, explanation), while contests are often “send your best 1–3 pieces”. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Match style and size
If the contest is for flash fiction and you write personal essays, skip it. Choose contests where your strongest work fits the prompt and word-length. That increases your winning odds and saves entry fees.
Entry fees vs. prize
If a contest has a $30 entry fee and the top prize is $200, the payout may be low after multiple entries. But prizes and the prestige of the literary brand can still be worth it. Treat some contests as marketing rather than pure income.
Write the proposal clearly
Grants that fund writing often ask for a summary, a budget, and your CV. Speak to the grant’s goals and show why you need support. Grants are less random than contests — tailor your project to the grant’s mission.
Section 4 · How to pitch & submit to markets listed
Most markets want a short, clear pitch. Here’s how to write one that gets read.
A typical pitch: 1–3 short paragraphs that say who you are, what the article is, why the audience cares, and what you’ll include (data, examples, or a link to a demo). Always follow the market’s submission guidelines for subject line, sample length, and attachments. If a market uses a form, use the form. If it uses email, use the subject line format they ask for. (This small obedience test proves you read the rules.) Read FundsforWriters’ Submissions page for how they prefer pitch submissions. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Line 1 (Hook): One-liner headline: “How I cut my site’s load time by 70% (React + lazy-loading)”.
- Line 2 (Audience + value): “This step-by-step tutorial helps intermediate React devs fix long LCP times.”
- Line 3 (What you’ll include): “A ready-to-run repo, code examples, before/after metrics, and troubleshooting notes.”
- Line 4 (Bio + links): “I’m Jane Doe — ex-frontend at X. Sample: [link]. Contact: youremail@example.com.”
If a market asks for a full draft, only send a complete draft that is as polished as you can make it. If they ask for a pitch/outline, send a concise outline with section headings and a sample paragraph. For contests, follow the entry formatting exactly (font, margins, subject line).
Section 5 · Build samples & a portfolio
Where to publish sample work and how to present it to editors
Editors want proof you can finish and publish. If you’re starting from zero, publish 3–5 strong samples before you chase big markets. Good sample homes include: your own blog (WordPress / static site), Medium, Dev.to (tech-focused), or smaller paid blogs. Link to GitHub repos or PDF screenshots for technical pieces.
- Clear problem statement and practical steps.
- Working examples (code, templates, or excerpts).
- A short author bio and contact details on the page.
- Proper formatting and images/screenshots where relevant.
- Your own website (best long-term), with an easy-to-find /writing or /portfolio page.
- Platform posts (Medium, Dev.to) with canonical links or cross-post notices.
- GitHub repos for technical demos or zipped files for contest entries.
- PDFs for grants that ask for attachments.
When you submit, always give the editor 1–3 links to your best samples (not a long list). Editors are busy — pick the three that best represent the type of piece you’re pitching.
Section 6 · Templates: pitch, contest entry, and follow-up
Copy-paste templates you can adapt — keep them short and personal
Quick pitch template (email or form)
Subject: Pitch — [Short headline] — [Your name] Hi [Editor Name], I’d like to pitch a [article type] titled “[Short headline].” One-line: [Short hook — what the reader will learn or achieve]. Audience: [who this helps — e.g., "indie authors", "frontend devs using React"]. What I’ll include: [bullets: code repo, screenshots, interviews/data, templates]. Estimated length: [words] Bio: [1 sentence — your relevant credentials + link to 1–2 samples] Thank you for considering this. — [Your name]
Contest entry email (if allowed)
Subject: [Contest Name] entry — [Title] — [Your name] Hello [Organizer], Attached is my entry, “[Title]” for the [Contest Name]. I confirm that this is my original work and that I meet the eligibility requirements. Word count: [XXX] Contact: [email, phone (optional)] Thank you, [Your name] — [city, country]
Follow-up template (2–3 weeks after pitch)
Subject: Follow-up: Pitch — [Short headline] Hi [Editor Name], I wanted to follow up on the pitch I sent on [date] titled “[Short headline].” I’m happy to revise the angle or provide a short draft if that helps. Thank you for your time. Best, [Your name]
These templates are intentionally short. Editors appreciate brevity and clarity. Attach samples only when requested.
Section 7 · Money: pay, reprints, and realistic expectations
What to expect (and how to turn a $50 piece into more)
On FundsforWriters itself (when they commission short features), and for many markets they list, pay varies widely. Public summaries and market roundups show common structures: flat fees (e.g., $50–$200), cents-per-word (e.g., $0.05–$0.50/word), and contest/grant prizes. One commonly-cited figure for FundsforWriters’ short article pay is about $50 for a 500–600 word piece, with reprint rates lower; always confirm on the Submissions page or with the editor. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Reprint rights: negotiate or confirm if you can post on your site after a short exclusivity (some markets allow reprints after X days).
- Repurpose: turn a how-to article into a short email course, a downloadable checklist, or a mini-ebook you can sell.
- Pitch sequels: if editors like your piece, offer a follow-up series — series often get higher pay and more visibility.
- Use byline as proof: include the published link on client pitches and your portfolio to get higher freelance rates.
Note: Pay details change frequently. Always verify on the market’s official page and in direct editor communication. FundsforWriters is a leads source — it points you to the market, but the market itself sets pay and contracts. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Section 8 · Track submissions and manage deadlines
A simple system to keep every pitch, contest, and grant organized
The number of opportunities you can submit to grows quickly. Use a one-page tracker (spreadsheet or Trello) with these columns:
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Market / Contest name | Who you submitted to |
| URL (FundsforWriters link + market link) | Quick access to guidelines & contact |
| Submission date & status | Track sent / rejected / accepted / paid |
| Pay / prize | ROI and expected income |
| Notes | Editor name, required subject line, exclusivity rules |
Record every interaction. When an editor replies, copy their email into your notes (payment amount, deadline for revisions, rights). Good tracking prevents accidental simultaneous-submission violations or missed follow-ups.
Section 9 · Ethics, reprints, and rights
Protect your work and respect markets’ rules
Read the market’s rights section carefully. Some markets require exclusive first serial rights (you can’t publish elsewhere until the piece runs), others require first electronic rights, and others accept simultaneous submissions. If unclear, ask the editor before submitting. Always be honest about prior publication; some markets pay a lower reprint fee or none at all for previously published work.
Respect the contest or grant rules — they often disqualify entries for technical violations (wrong file type, incorrect word count, or late entries). FundsforWriters emphasizes accuracy when pointing to markets and contests; use their link only as a starting point and verify the primary source. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Section 10 · A practical 30-day plan for beginners
Concrete steps you can take this month to start earning from markets
- Subscribe to the FundsforWriters newsletter and bookmark the Markets and Grants pages. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Read 5 market entries on the Markets page and click through to their submission pages. Add 3 that fit your voice to your tracker.
- Publish 1 sample on your blog or Medium — a complete, useful piece (1,000–1,500 words) with a clear problem & solution.
- Write 2 short pitches using the template above for the 3 markets you selected.
- Submit 1 contest entry or grant application that matches your work (follow rules exactly).
- Track responses and, if rejected, note the feedback and reuse your improved piece elsewhere.
- Rinse & repeat: schedule 2–3 hours weekly to scan FundsforWriters and send 1–2 pitches or entries each week.
Following this plan consistently will build your clips, increase acceptances, and produce income within a few months.
Section 11 · FAQ & common mistakes
Short answers to the recurring beginner questions
Section 12 · Resources & quick links
Essential links to bookmark (start here)
- FundsforWriters — Home (subscribe to the weekly newsletter). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- FundsforWriters — Markets (curated list of paying markets & contests). :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- FundsforWriters — Submissions (guidelines for sending pieces to FundsforWriters). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- FundsforWriters — Grants page (grants & funding opportunities). :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- More on Pitching to Markets — FundsforWriters advice & tips. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- Dev.to — publish technical samples (community & discoverability).
- Medium — publish articles, grow audience.
- CodePen — demos for front-end & code-heavy pieces.
- GitHub — host demos, repos, and code samples.
- Freedom With Writing — marketplaces & pay reports (includes FFW entries). :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- Duotrope — searchable database of fiction & poetry markets (paid).
- Submittable — platform many contests & grants use for entries.