"Small Grants for Big Ideas" Fosters Innovative Ideas to Revitalize American Economy

Jan. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- Three budding authors will have their business books published thanks to Small Grants for Big Ideas, a new program from the Association for Creative Business Writing. The grants program, launched this year, offers business-writing and publishing assistance to authors of business books that will help re-energize the American economy.

“In the summer of 2009, I read a column in the 'New York Times' by economist Thomas Friedman stating that the best way for America to get out of its economic morass is to ‘Invent, Invent, Invent,’” says Lynda McDaniel, director of the association. “I’ve been thinking about that ever since, which led to Small Grants for Big Ideas. These grants are designed to foster American ingenuity and innovative ideas that will invigorate our economy.”

How it works
Applying for Small Grants for Big Ideas is simple: a one-page application with contact information; business book overview, outline, and central message; the first 50 pages of the manuscript; and the answer to this question: “What innovative ideas does your book contain that will help invigorate America’s economic recovery?”

McDaniel asks that only those in need of financial assistance apply for these grants.

“We want to tap into ideas that may not make it to the marketplace any other way,” she explains. “I’ve seen firsthand through my writing coaching that all kinds of fabulous ideas are out there—but they need a little help and encouragement to get published.”

Grant guidelines
Grants are valued at $1,000 each and include:
1.    Author’s Advantage package from CreateSpace, Amazon’s print-on-demand publishing arm. Author’s Advantage includes cover and interior design, ISBN assignment, barcode placement, and digital proof.
2.    Business-writing coaching from the Association for Creative Business Writing, including a one-hour session with McDaniel; a copy of her award-winning book, "Words at Work"; and membership in the association’s online training, Premium Mentorship Program.
3.    Publishing coaching sessions with veteran writer and publishing coach Virginia McCullough (http://www.virginiamccullough.com). Includes professional review of first 50 pages of the manuscript, support on goal-setting and finding more time for writing, and a 45-minute phone consultation with suggestions for finishing and preparing manuscript for publication.

Apply now
Applications are being accepted through April 1, 2011. Winners will be announced May 1, 2011. Final manuscript must be ready for publication no later than October 1, 2011.
For application and complete details, visit: http://www.afcbw.com/smallgrantsbigideas.html

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Today, almost everyone at every level writes on the job. The Association for Creative Business Writing teaches students, staff, managers, and senior executives how to write effectively and creatively to get the results they need.