49 Outstanding Writing Conferences and Workshops in October 2026

This October there are more than four dozen writing conferences and workshops. Some conferences and workshops will be held online, but most will be held in person or use a hybrid format.

These writing events offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, how to market your books, discussions - there is something for everyone.

I have included conferences with deadlines that have already passed on this list to give you advance notice. If you miss an application deadline, put it on your calendar for next year. Quite a few conferences offer scholarships, so apply early. Plan ahead!

For a full list of conferences held throughout the year see Writing Conferences.

Be sure to check out Boyds Mills list of workshops. They offer many throughout the year.

[Image: Eureka Springs, AR: Wikimedia]

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The Art of the Overhaul with Cynthia Newberrry Martin. October 1, 2026: Online. You’re years into a new book, and it’s just not working. But there’s something about it you can’t let go of. In this class, we’ll discuss how to unravel, resee, reclaim, and rebuild—all the while holding onto the heart of the manuscript. There’s an art to the overhaul. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re starting again. You’ll leave with energy for your project, a renewed dedication to your vision, and a step-by-step plan for moving forward. Optional: Submit up to 300 words about the overhaul you’re facing and what you would like help with.

Middle Grade Writers: A Generative Retreat. October 1 - 4, 2026: Boyds Mills, PA. Write, wander, and connect with fellow middle grade writers as we swap ghost stories around the campfire, engage in character development exercises, and play games designed to generate new pages and revive old ones. Waitlisted.

Colorado Gold Writers Conference. October 1 - 4, 2026: Aurora, CO. An intensive three days of workshops, presenters, agents, master classes, intensives, and more!

First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Colleen Morton Busch. October 2, 2026: Online. Colleen Morton Busch is the author of Fire Monks: Zen Mind Meets Wildfire, a work of nonfiction published by Penguin Press and selected by Publishers Weekly, the San Francisco Chronicle, and Barnes and Noble as a best book of the year in 2011. Her poetry collection, Smolder, won Ex Ophidia Press’s 2025 Richard-Gabriel Rummonds Poetry Contest and was published in June 2026.

Writing Conference & Convention, sponsored by The Kansas Authors Club, Oct 2 - 4, 2026: Junction City, KS. Writing workshops, panels, and presentations. 

Write on the Sound Writers' Conference and Pre-Conference. Oct 2 - 4, 2026: Edmonds, WA. Founded in 1985, Write on the Sound writers’ conference (WOTS) is a small, affordable conference focused on the craft of writing. A variety of sessions, workshops and panel discussions are available for all levels and interests, including valuable information regarding today’s writing and publishing industry. 

Picture Book Summit. Oct 3, 2026: Online. A one day live event for picture book writers including author keynotes, interviews, workshops and agent & editor panels. Recordings provided for attendees for four months post-conference.

DFW Writers Conference. October 3 - 4, 2026: Hurst, TX. Featuring pitch sessions with literary agents, advanced classes, engaging panels, interactive workshops.

Socializing the Nature Poem: A Poetry Workshop with Elizabeth Bradfield. October 3 - November 7, 2026: Online. In this workshop we’ll embrace how our “social selves”–our race, gender, hobbies, families, cultures, and friendships–can enrich our poems centering the more-than-human world. In each class session, we’ll divide our time between doing a deep read of one or two example poems, reading and discussing them with enough time to let nuance and detail surface, and sharing new work generated from class prompts. Consider this a “soft workshop,” in that we will offer responses and suggestions as a way to reflect what is working and provide insights for possible futures.

Purposeful Page Turns: Crafting Momentum in Picture Books. October 5 - 7, 2026: Online. Explore techniques to make your picture book's page turns super engaging, because a story is only as good as the reader’s desire to see what happens next.

Diving Into Picture Books. October 6 - 27, 2026: Online. Ready to write your own picture book? Join editor Matthew Phipps to learn the process from start to finish. This workshop covers everything from brainstorming to polishing your final draft.

Whole Novel Workshop: A Virtual Course for Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers. October 6 - December 1, 2026: Online. A transformative opportunity to have your entire draft (up to 80,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program is for any writer of a middle grade or young adult novel. 

Revising Your Novel in Verse: An Online Course. October 7 - November 18, 2026: Online. The verse novel is an art all its own—sculpted through story, and the act of revision. If you’ve done the hard work of drafting your novel in verse and are now ready to immerse yourself in revisions, we invite you to join us!

Putting Pressure on Characters with Becky Mandelbaum. October 8, 2026: Online. Pressure is at the heart of any great story, but sometimes we instinctively protect our characters from experiencing it. In this class we’ll look at how to apply pressure to our characters through interiority, setting, dialogue, other characters, and plot, taking guidance from examples in popular movies, TV shows, and fairy tales. We’ll practice together with in-class exercises and you’ll leave with prompts for applying pressure in your own work.

 

Ozark Creative Writers Conference. October 8 - 10, 2026: Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Workshops by published authors, editors and agents; Publishers Row, independent publishers available to hear about your next project.

A Public Space's Weekend Writers' Retreat. October 8 - 10, 2026: Tivoli, New York. The APS Weekend Writers' Retreat is an opportunity to nurture new work and expand and explore technique. The retreat will include morning workshops with limited participants (5 to 7 per workshop); afternoon literary talks; and an array of evening events, including readings and a Saturday BBQ. There will also be opportunities for informal conversations with authors and editors and independent generative exercises, as well as complimentary tickets to events at Kaatsbaan's Annual Festival. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. There is no fee to apply. Applicants must be 21 years of age by October 10, 2026, to apply. Capacity is limited, and applying early is recommended.

New York Comicon. October 8 - 11, 2026. "New York Comic Con is your event. Where you can feel unafraid to geek out. Where you’re accepted and embraced for being yourself. Where you can experience the best in pop culture because no matter what fandom you’re passionate about, we have it waiting here for you. Be inspired by award-winning comic artists and Japanese anime creators. Get star struck over your favorite TV and film idols. Treat yourself to exclusive fandom gear and unique artwork. But most importantly, create all of those memories with the people you care about the most. Because this event is for you. To embrace your inner hero or root for the villain. To geek out as a family. To celebrate a weekend together you’ll never forget."

The 2026 Online Florida Writing Workshop. October  9 - 10, 2026: Online. This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s two days full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. And even though this is the “Florida” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually. Our WDW writers conferences have helped dozens of writers find literary agent representation.

Annual Maryland Writer’s Conference. October 10 - 11, 2026: Baltimore, MD. The Brain to Bookshelf Annual Conference offers over 20 workshops and agent panels. Agent pitches and critiques are available, but agent slots are limited, so register early. Keynote each day from Brigid Kemmerer.

Letters & Lines Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference. October 10 - 11, 2026: Golden, CO. This conference offers you opportunities to learn your craft, boost your career, and get feedback on your work. The schedule includes keynotes; a industry professionals panel; breakout sessions on writing, illustrating and professional development; intensives on picture books, novels and illustration; as well as critiques, portfolio reviews and showcase, a virtual bookstore of faculty titles, and more. 

Viable Paradise Science Fiction Writers' Workshop. Oct 11 - 16, 2026: Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Viable Paradise is a unique one-week residential workshop in writing and selling commercial science fiction and fantasy. The workshop is intimate, intense, and features extensive time spent with best-selling and award-winning authors and professional editors currently working in the field. VP concentrates on the art of writing fiction people want to read, and this concentration is reflected in post-workshop professional sales by our alumni. Application deadline May 15. 

But How Do We Know?: A Writing workshop with Kate Lebo. October 13 - November 17, 2026: Online. As creative nonfiction writers, how can we build our authority while embracing the essential mystery of our work? How do we become conscious of our limits and biases, find the holes in our expertise and memories, and use them to create greater risk and meaning? In this class, we’ll examine the different strategies writers use to create authority while not-knowing. We’ll explore how trusting and questioning ourselves can deepen intellectual honesty, personal vulnerability, and artistic surprise. Classes will be discussion-based and generative, with time to share work.

Ghosting the Self: Writing Through What We Avoid. October 14, 2026, 6:00-7:30PM EST: Online. Every writer has subjects they circle but never quite touch. Sometimes it’s a memory, a contradiction, an obsession, or a version of themselves that doesn’t fit the story they’re trying to tell. In this generative workshop, we’ll explore the gaps, omissions, and recurring patterns that shape our work from the margins. Through discussion, close reflection, and writing exercises, participants will identify what they tend to avoid on the page and experiment with new approaches to writing through resistance rather than around it. Writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome.

Writing the Natural World in Fiction: A workshop with Caitlin Shetterly. October 14 - November 18, 2026: Online. In this workshop, novelist Caitlin Shetterly will lead writers through a series of exercises and tasks aimed at understanding the layers great novelists from Charles Dickens to Allegra Goodman have written into their fiction in order to create depth and urgency about the natural world and their characters. This course is open to nonfiction and fiction writers alike, at any level. Bring enthusiasm, an open mind, and a desire to tell complex and deep stories.

Georgia Romance Writers: Moonlight and Magnolias. October 15 - 17, 2026: Atlanta, Georgia. Includes keynote speakers, workshops, editor/agent appointments, autographing & bookfair, awards banquet.

Women Writing the West Conference. October 15 – 17, 2026: Phoenix, Arizona. Workshops and Panels will be presented during the conference. Our guest Editors and Agents will present a panel on the state of the publishing industry, and be available for Pitch Appointments. 

PNWA Conference. October 15 - 18, 2026: Seattle, Washington. Sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. More than 50 seminars, editor/agent forums & appointments, practice pitching, keynote and featured speakers, reception, awards ceremony. Many agents and editors attending. Will be held in person and online.

Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference. October 16 - 17, 2026: Tempe, AZ. "The Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference creates a unique and intimate creative writing experience where writers of all backgrounds, genres, and skill levels gather together and connect through the celebration and study of literary craft, culture, and community. Featuring over 25 faculty members teaching more than 50 sessions, we seek to create a warm and welcoming environment that meets people wherever they are, where writers can learn from and support each other as they work toward their goals. Beyond regular programming, we also feature advanced pre-conference workshops, an exhibitor fair, scholarships, and fellowships. We also offer opportunities to advertise with or sponsor the conference as well."

Clockwork Alchemy. October 16 - 18, 2026: Redwood City, California. Our theme for 2026 will be “Rogue Makers & Air Pirates.” Leave the mundane world behind as you seize the spirit of independence. Craft wonders that others fear to dream of, and venture into the skies to feel the sun and storms on your face. We see you, spirited adventurer, and we invite you to come dance with us on the edge of the wild, wide world.

Red Clay Writers Conference. October 17, 2026: Kennesaw GA. Red Clay Writers Conference is the annual conference of Georgia Writers Association. Red Clay has been hosted since 2009 to encourage and inspire writers through literary events that focus on the art and craft of writing. 

The Rochester Writers Fall Conference. October 17, 2026: Rochester, MI. Lectures, Workshops, and Panel Discussions. Open to new writers, working journalists, and published authors. Professional development to move writers to the next level.

Craft of Writing Conference. October 17, 2026: Tulsa, Oklahoma. "Join the Tulsa NightWriters Saturday, October 17 for our 10th Annual Craft of Writing Conference: Capturing the Imagination! We will once again be at the OSU Center for Poets & Writers and are grateful for their continued support."

Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (October). October 18 - 23, 2026: Boyds Mills, PA. This intensive, transformative Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft (up to 85,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and two private consultations provided. Waitlisted.

Elk River Writers Workshop. October 18 - 23, 2026: Chico Hot Springs, MT. The Elk River Writers Workshop embodies the idea that deep, communal experiences with the wild open the door to creativity. We bring together some of the most celebrated nature writers in the United States with students who are serious about fostering a connection with the environment in their writing. It all happens at Chico Hot Springs, a historic retreat just north of Yellowstone National Park. 

Worldbuilding 101 with Editor Emma D. Dryden. October 20 - 22, 2026: Online. Every great story thrives on worldbuilding. This short course explores the physical, psychological, and emotional contexts for our stories and our characters, so that we may bring them to life for our readers.

American Literary Translators Association (ALTA) Conference. October 21 - 24, 2026: Tucson, AZ. Panels, workshops, readings, a book fair, and opportunities to meet with editors for translators. "The ALTA Annual Conference is a refreshingly collegial gathering of amateurs and professionals alike, both within the profession and outside it, all wholeheartedly committed to fostering, furthering, and supporting the practice of literary translation." 

Jackson Hole Writers Conference. October 21 - 25, 2026: Jackson Hole, WY. You will have ample opportunity to share your work with a distinguished faculty as well as writers from Massachusetts to Florida, from Texas to Washington. Serious writers pour into Jackson Hole each year looking for a fresh, but critical eye on their work. This event usually has at least 4 agents to pitch. 

Steamboat Springs Writers Conference. October 23 - 24, 2026: Steamboat Springs, CO. Two instructors, seminar-type workshops for all levels, beginning to professional. Topics change each year. Limited enrollment. 

Annual Florida Writers Conference. October 23 - 25, 2026: Altamonte Springs, Florida. Over 75 workshops, major speakers, agent interviews, professional manuscript critiques, lively social events, and much more.

Early Readers and Chapter Books: A Creative Retreat. October 23 - 26: Boyds Mills, PA. Kids who are starting to read on their own need to find the books that meet them creatively, inspirationally, and more! This engaging retreat will help you understand the needs of this market and how to create with these transitional readers in mind.

WriteAngles. October 24, 2026: Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Panels and workshops, a limited number of agent meetings. Continental breakfast, and buffet lunch included. 

Ozarks Writers League Conference. October 24, 2026: Joplin, MO. The Ozarks Writers League is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting writing, literacy, photography, and art. Since 1983, OWL has welcomed individuals at all stages of their development. 

Colrain Cold Read. October 25, 2026: Online. An intimate, 5–7 poet one-day intensive built around an enactment of a real-time submission moment: a press editor reads your manuscript cold, in front of the small group, and thinks aloud—exactly as they would at their office desk. You’ll hear the real editorial questions (title/TOC, opening 5-10 pages, through-line, writing skill, structure, cohesiveness, style, etc), followed by concrete responses for all 5-6 manuscripts in the group as the editor responds to each, one by one. After the editor’s departure, a Colrain faculty member anchors interpretations and expectations so you leave with a realistic understanding of work to be done.

Novels in Verse: A Generative Retreat. October 26 - October 29, 2026: Boyds Mills, PA. Verse novelists (and those interested in writing verse novels) are welcome to join this retreat for community, daily presentations, writing exercises and a 1:1 consultation with faculty.

Publishing Trends, Market Shifts, and Opportunities. October 27 - 29, 2026: Online. Explore publishing trends in children's literature for insights into strategically positioning your work to navigate and thrive amidst industry change.

Writing By Writers Manuscript Boot Camp. October 29 - November 1, 2026: Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah. The Writing By Writers Manuscript Boot Camp is for the writer who has a full, book-length manuscript (novel, memoir, short story or essay collection) and would like to engage with a small group for a serious and productive response. The extended weekend will include an intimate manuscript workshop, craft panels, readings, and individual meetings – the perfect pre-publication boot camp for any manuscript. Classes are limited to 5 participants.

Big Sur on Cape Cod. October 30  - November 1, 2026, North Falmouth, MA. Focus on children's writing. Faculty: Andrea Brown and four of her agents, four editors and four authors. 

Ossabaw Weekend Writer’s Retreat. October 30 - November 1, 2026: Ossabaw Island, GA. Ossabaw Writers’ Retreat offers a variety of programs to address the needs of writers hoping to expand their craft and improve their work-in-progress. We hope you will join us in this great literary tradition by taking part in one or more of the various programs offered by the Ossabaw Writers’ Retreat. Where loggerhead sea turtles and endangered wood storks nest, and photographers, writers, painters, and musicians listen, watch, reflect, and create. Application deadline: October 1.

Kentucky State Poetry Society. October 31, 2026: Online.Celebrate our 60th anniversary with a full day of poetry, connection, and community featuring workshops, conversations, readings, and a keynote presentation from Ricardo Nazario y Colón alongside poets and poetry lovers from across the Commonwealth.

9 New Agents Seeking YA, MG, Picture Books, Scifi, Fantasy, Romance, Horror, Memoirs, Mysteries and more!

Here are nine new literary agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients. All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres.

Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change. 

NOTE: Don't submit to several agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another. (Some small agencies share. Be alert to a notice that "a no from one is a no from all.")

You can find a full list of agents actively seeking new clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

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Sahar Kashi of Heirloom Literary

A seasoned development executive and producer, Sahar Kashi has spent over a decade bridging literary voices and the screen. She previously served as Head of Development and Production at Three Things Productions under an overall deal with Warner Bros. Television, and as a Creative Executive at Anonymous Content, working on series including Shadow & Bone, On My Block, and 13 Reasons Why. 

What she is seeking: Sahar Kashi is open to adult and young adult fiction and memoir submissions. As an agent at Heirloom, Sahar is drawn to daring work that finds laughter alongside grief, explores mental health and emotional healing, and pushes narrative boundaries. She loves romance woven through immersive worldbuilding and stories that subvert genre expectations. She champions visionary storytellers who pair commercial insight with an authentic connection to their material.

How to submit: Please send Sahar your full manuscript and a query letter in which you succinctly describe your work, its place in the market, and anything about yourself that is pertinent to her consideration of the material. Please send all materials to QuerySahar@HeirloomLiterary.com.

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Chelsea Moyer of Raven Quill Literary Agency

Chelsea Moyer has been promoted to Literary Agent at Raven Quill Literary Agency. Prior to Raven Quill, Chelsea graduated with her Master’s Degree from the Vermont College of Fine Arts Writing for Children and Young Adults program and gaining experience in the publishing industry as an Agency intern and Adult Department Assistant.  

What she is seeking: She’s enthusiastically preparing to build a list of stories that are fantastical, fierce, and filled with “big feelings" in Middle Grade, YA, and Adult categories. "Universally, I love commercial genre fiction (especially fantasy, speculative fiction, and mysteries) but some of my absolute favorite titles are contemporary, so I usually leave that door open, too. More than anything, I’m seeking big feelings, yearning (romantic and not), interesting characters who make compelling, human decisions, pacy stories that keep me turning pages, and worlds and scenarios that set my imagination on fire."

How to submit: Use her querytracker form HERE.

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Andi Twaddle of Spencerhill Associates

Before joining Spencerhill Associates, Andi completed two in-depth internships with Creative Media Agency (CMA) and assisted two agents, including Bethany here at Spencerhill! In a previous life, she was an auditor for a Big Four accounting firm, an Assistant Controller at a High Frequency Trading firm, and an accounting specialist and bookkeeper for various companies across the world before taking down her CPA license. Andi spent a decade giving her time and energy to a career in accounting while quietly investing her heart and soul into stories through her own writing and writing community. Now, she aims to combine her favorite aspects of both worlds in service of uplifting other writers.

What she is seeking: Andi is looking for upmarket and commercial fiction for the adult & new adult markets. Across all genres, Andi wants stories that are dark, gritty, visceral, and perhaps a bit unhinged (okay, a lot unhinged). Please send her Romance - particularly Romance blended with Horror or Fantasy, fresh sports romance, and historical or contemporary with a magical or speculative bent. All spice levels welcome, but please no religious/inspirational romance, erotica, non-con, or dub-con. Andi particularly loves Sci-Fi and Fantasy - from grounded to epic - but must have the character first to be fully invested. She is open to a wide range of Horror, with a strong preference for indigenous North American (Canada & US) voices and anything that feels like mythology or folklore. Andi will also be looking for select Women's Fiction and Book Club fiction with dark, feminist vibes, gallows humor, and/or a speculative edge.

In KidLit, Andi is looking for Graphic Novels (author/illustrator only) for early readers to a young middle grade audience. She is also seeking Picture Books (authors and author/illustrators welcome) particularly with a subversive, wry, or quirky bent.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Ryan Nuzzo of Speilburg Literary Agency

Ryan enjoys collaborating and is always open to having ideas bounced off of him, no matter how wild. Author career strategy chats are just as fun for him as conversations about character arcs and magic systems. His background in stage management means he isn't afraid to break down each scene of a manuscript into a spreadsheet.  

Ryan lives in Connecticut with a bunch of swords. He does Tai Chi, Jianfa (Chinese sword fencing), and HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) so if you need help choreographing a fight scene, you know who to call. He is excited to grow his client list and create lasting partnerships.

What he is seeking: Ryan is interested in science fiction, fantasy, LitRPG, horror, and romance in both adult and YA and would love to open doors for underrepresented voices. 

How to submit: Use his querymanager HERE.

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Olivia Greenan of Speilburg Literary Agency

Olivia joined Speilburg Literary Agency in 2024 as an intern under Eva Scalzo until becoming the agency’s Administrative Assistant. She is now an Associate Agent. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in English Literature Honors and subsequently earned her Master’s of English from Binghamton University.

What she is seeking. She is excited to be accepting clients in the Adult and YA space. As a lifelong mystery reader, she is particularly interested in detective novels. Olivia is also interested in representing Gothic romances, darker Fantasy, and high concept horror, among others. 

How to submit: Use her querytracker form HERE.

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Ms. Diana DeVault of The Rights Factory

Diana DeVault is an agency assistant with a background as a writer, editor, and author's aide. Calling the American East Coast home, she lives in New Jersey with her partner, their nine cats, and enough books to qualify as her own library. She has a bachelor's degree in English from Randolph College and a master’s degree in creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University. Diana’s hobbies include reading, writing, playing video games, learning everything she can, and pretty much any activity that falls under the “cozy” umbrella. 

What she is seeking: She is excited to work with authors who write young adult, middle grade, science fiction, fantasy, and anything with a touch of magic, she is especially captivated by LGBTQIA+ content and underrepresented voices. She is interested in anything cozy, but specifically fantasy or science fiction. Open to all cozy genres though, including mystery, romance, and horror.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Ms. J.D. Myall of The Tobias Literary Agency

J.D. Myall is an editorial agent and the author of the YA fantasy Heart’s Gambit and its sequel, Pawn’s Fate, from Wednesday Books. Having navigated querying, submission, revisions, and publication herself, she brings an author’s perspective to her work with clients.

She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Drexel University, where she teaches, and a BS in Criminal Justice from West Chester University. She has worked as a sensitivity reader, judged Writer’s Digest competitions, and written for Writer’s Digest, Ms. Magazine, and HuffPost. She also hosts the Craft Chat Chronicles podcast.

What she is seeking: J.D. represents picture books, middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as graphic novels and illustrators. She is especially excited to grow her middle grade and young adult lists.

For middle grade, give her kids with big problems, questionable plans, and plenty of heart. She loves unexpected friendships, wild adventures, mysteries that need solving, and stories just creepy enough to make turning off the bedroom light feel like a bad idea. Humor is always welcome.

For YA, she especially loves fantasy, romantasy, and horror, and welcomes thrillers, mysteries, speculative fiction, magical realism, and contemporary stories. She’s drawn to magic with consequences, secrets that refuse to stay buried, and characters with something to lose. Bring on the yearning, impossible relationships, and falling in love when everything else is going wrong. Friendships and family relationships can break her heart just as easily.

Her criminal justice background informs her interest in crime, motive, and the reasons people do what they do.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE

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Sarah Fox of Belcastro Agency

Sarah’s first word was “book,” and she’s been talking about them non-stop ever since. She decided to pursue her love of medieval literature and dead languages by getting her BA in English Literature from Loyola University Maryland and her MA in English Language and Literature from The Catholic University of America. She has had the joy of working with hundreds of authors through her own editing company, One Sitting Books. She’s so thrilled she can help writers’ dreams come true as an agent at Belcastro Agency. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband, daughter, two corgis, and thousands of books.

What she is seeking: Across all genres, I’m looking for adult books from diverse writers that make me accidentally stay up until midnight reading.

Romance

• I am yearning for a high-concept contemporary romance.
• I’m a fan of romances with a speculative twist (like B.K. Borison’s Good Spirits) or are a genre blend.
• My favorite tropes are small town, workplace romance, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers (of course), fake dating, only one bed, and second chance romance, but I’d love to see a fresh spin on them.
• I adore stories where both the female main character and male main character are well-developed, messy people. I actually love a third act breakup and the miscommunication trope, but they both have to be earned and are realistic.
• I prefer open-door romances, but I’m open to closed-door romance as long as it remains sex positive.
• I’m dying for a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey or Mansfield Park. I also would love to read a modern version of Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte.

Thriller

• I’m a sucker for domestic thrillers; ever since I read Gone Girl, I’ve been hooked! I’m particularly drawn to those that deal with themes of motherhood like Ashley Audrain’s The Push.
• I also love thrillers set in glamorous places or deal with the wealth and class disparities. Bonus points if the protagonist is a conman or the plot involves a heist.
• Ever since I read Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, I’m dying for a Gothic thriller. Even better if there’s an element of satire.
• I desperately want dark academia. If you have a book like The Maidens, send it to me!
• I am on the hunt for unreliable narrators and “unlikable” main characters.
• I’m not a fan of political, legal, spy, or military thrillers. I especially don’t want anything that involves AI or cybercrime.

Women’s Fiction

• I can’t stop reading weird girl lit, so please send me your manuscripts! I really can’t get enough of it. The weirder, the better.
• I’m a fan of unlikable female characters. I will like them!
• I enjoy books that explore ideas of new motherhood, but I’m looking for a fresh take.
• I’m on the lookout for manuscripts about female friendships, especially the messy and complicated parts of them.
• I’m an only child fascinated by sister dynamics.
• I also love upmarket and book club fiction.

Literary

• I love gorgeous writing, but there must also be a strong plot and developed characters.
• I’m a huge fan of writers who play with narrative form or conventions (like Trust by Hernan Diaz).

Non-Fiction

• For all non-fiction, I need a large platform, a fresh concept, and a hook that grabs me.
• For memoir, I love a book that reads like fiction and has a larger message (like Maid by Stephanie Land).
• I’m interested in non-fiction books that focus on pop culture, the arts, celebrities, history, biography, and parenting.
• I also would love a book by an adoptee or a birth parent on adoption.
• Journalists are my favorite people. Please, please send me your books!

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Phoebe Schmidt of Britt Siess Creative Management

Phoebe Schmidt BSCM after working as an independent scout and a book-to-film agent at Paradigm Talent Agency. She works primarily with upmarket science fiction and fantasy. She is a hands on agent with a developmental approach, and loves projects that turn everyday life upside down.

What she is seeking: Phoebe is actively growing her list, and has a particular interest in Sci-Fi and Fantasy. She’s always interested in stories by queer and BIPOC authors, and she’s excited to help writers develop their projects in a way that feels most authentic to each of them.

How to submit: Please send all queries to phoebe@brittsiesscreative.com with “Query” in the subject line.

108 Calls for Submissions in September 2026 - Paying markets

This September there are nine dozen calls for submissions. All of these are paying markets, and none charge submission fees. As always, every genre, style, and form is wanted, from short stories to poetry to essays.

I post upcoming calls for submissions shortly before the first day of every month. But as I am collecting them, I post them on my page, Calls for Submissions. You can get a jump on next month's calls for submissions by checking that page periodically throughout the month. (I only post paying markets.)

Also see Paying Markets for hundreds of paying markets arranged by form and genre.

[Image: Rawpixel]

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Philadelphia Stories. Restrictions: Open to authors living in, or originally from, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New Jersey. Genre: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and art. Payment: $50. Deadline: September 1, 2026.

Rat Bag. Genre: Drabble. See theme. Payment: $1. Deadline: Opens September 1, 2026.

The Forge Literary Magazine. Genre: Prose. They prefer stories under 3,000 words. Payment: $100. Deadline: September 1, 2026. Free submissions open on the 1st of each month and close when cap is reached. 

WWPH: Capital Translation. Restrictions: Open to residents of DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Genre: Translations of poetry or prose. All languages accepted. Payment: $25. Deadline: September 1, 2026, or until filled.

“Psycho Pulp” Anthology. Genre: Crime, horror, psychological thriller, western, science fiction, or any sub-genre or blend of these. Payment: $20. Deadline: September 1, 2026.

Exquisite Undead: An Anthology of Vampires. Genre: Vampire fiction and poetry. Payment: $30/flash or poetry, $65 for longer stories. Deadline: September 1, 2026.

Wyldblood Press (UK) Genre: Short speculative fiction. Length: 5000 words max. Payment: £0.01 cent/word. Deadline: Opens September 1, 2026. Open for one day only.

Okay Donkey. Genre: One flash fiction OR one poem per author, per submission period. See website for details. Payment: $25. Deadline: Opens September 1, 2026. Closes when cap is reached.

The Cincinnati Review. Genre: Literary nonfiction (up to 20 pages), fiction (up to 40 pages), poetry, poetry translations, drama, and art. Payment: $25/page for prose in the journal, $30/page for poetry, $25 for miCRo posts or special features. Deadline: Opens September 1, 2026. Note: Opens on the first day of the month and closes once they hit the submissions cap.

Pacific Northwest Gothic. Restrictions: Open to current residents of Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and British Columbia. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and art "that explore the region’s shadowed forests, coastal fog, urban isolation, and the quiet unease that lingers beneath its natural beauty." Payment: $25. Deadline: September 1, 2026.

Ricochet Editions. Genre: Hybrid/Experimental work between 40 and 200 pages. "We are looking for purposeful experimentation with language and form that challenges or plays with convention." Payment: $500 and 50 copies of the perfect-bound book. Deadline: September 1, 2026. No submission fee for POC and Indigenous writers and writers facing financial hardship.

Teach. Write. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, flash fiction, poetry, CNF. "I prefer writing that is either written by composition teachers and writing students OR about teaching and learning." Payment: $15. Deadline: September 1, 2026.

University of Wisconsin Press. Genre: Novels, short story collections, and works in translation. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 1, 2026.

Phi Kappa Phi Forum. Genre: Poetry. See theme. Payment: $4/ line. Deadline: September 2, 2026.

Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores. Genre: Speculative stories. Payment: 8 cents/word for original work. 2 cents/word for reprints. Deadline: September 2, 2026. Opens September 1.

Raconteur Press: Giant Killer Kaiju. Genre: Short stories. “Daishikyuu hinan shite kudasai!” Take shelter, please! The kaiju are back and ready to rumble. See mankind’s desperate defenders pull out all the stops before there’s no planet Earth left! Wonder at the sheer size and power of all manner of giant beasts! Ponder the mysteries of time and space, like how do these things get around the inverse square law? Length: 5,000 to 8,000 words. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 4, 2026.

Stone’s Throw. Genre: "We're looking for dark fiction, crime and noir, length between 1,000 and 2,000 words." Payment: $25. Deadline: September 4, 2026. Open to submissions the first three days of every month.

Liars’ League. Genre: Short stories. Length: 800-2,000 words. See theme. Payment: £20, reading of your story by a professional actor, as well as podcast, video and online publication of your work. Deadline: September 6, 2026.

#EnbyLife Journal: Tribute, Restrictions: Open to non-binary and gender diverse creatives only. Genre: Poetry, microfiction (under 100 words), and art. See theme. Payment: $30 AUD. Deadline: September 7, 2026. Accepts reprints.

Black Inc. Restrictions: Open to Australians. Genre: Full-length general, literary and commercial non-fiction – including history, current affairs, memoir and biography. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 7, 2026. This is a monthly call.

University of Queensland Press. Restrictions: Open to Australian citizens or permanent residents. Genre: Non-fiction, literary fiction (including short stories), poetry, children’s and young adult. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 7, 2026.

Uncanny Magazine. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: 10 cents/word. Deadline: September 7, 2026.

Sunlight Press. Genre: Poetry, CNF. Payment: $50. Deadline: Opens September 8, 2026.

The Icarus Writing Collective. Genre: Stories that retell, adapt, or transcend literary classics and mythology. See theme. Payment: $5. Deadline: September 10, 2026.

Shenandoah. Genre: Fiction. Payment: $80 per 1000 words of prose up to $400. Deadline: Opens September 10, 2026, and closes when they reach capacity.

Samjoko Magazine. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, play, screenplay. Payment: $20. Deadline: September 10, 2026.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction. See themes. Payment: $50 via PayPal for each story selected for an Anthology. No payment for online publication. Deadline: September 11, 2026.

Fourteen Poems Genre: Poems. "We want to represent all that's thrilling about the new wave of LGBT+ poets. If you’re a poet, even if you’ve never been published before, we want to read your work. Every issue we publish 14 of the best queer poems we’ve found, and we want to include you! We publish 4 times a year, but take submissions all year round. To be considered, email up to 5 poems, preferably in a pdf format, with a small paragraph about yourself." Payment: £30 for each poem published. Deadline: September 11, 2026.

Flame Tree: Romantic Fantasy: Of Love Forbidden and Of Fae & Fire. Genre: Romantic Fantasy. See themes. Payment: 8 cents/6 pence per word for original stories, 6 cents/4 pence for reprints. Deadline: September 13, 2026.

Cursed Morsels: A Food Systems Horror Anthology. Genre: Horror and Weird fiction. See theme. Payment: $0.05/word. Deadline: September 14, 2026.

Cursed Morsels. Genre: Single-author horror and Weird fiction short story collection. Length: 40K to 60K words. Payment: $500 advance. 50% royalties split paid quarterly.. Deadline: September 14, 2026.

Penumbric. Genre: Speculative fiction, poetry, art, animation, and music. Payment: $10. Deadline: September 15, 2026.

Orion Magazine. Genre: Poetry. See theme. Payment: $200. Deadline: September 15, 2026. 

Fifth Wheel Press. Genre: Poetry, prose poetry, short prose (<1500 words), and other experimental writing by queer, trans, and gender variant writers. Visual components and hybrid formats are welcome. See theme. Payment: $5. Deadline: September 15, 2026.

Waxen: Labor. Genre: Short fiction, poetry, and art. “We are interested in the weird, the occult, the surreal, and the horrific. We love experimentation.” See theme. Payment: $50. Deadline: September 15, 2026.

Philly Poetry Chapbook Review. Genre: Reviews of chapbooks coming soon or published in the past three years, essays on the crafts of poetry and chapbook making or publishing, and features about authors or publishers of chapbooks. Payment: $10. Deadline: September 15, 2026.

Metphrastics: Words. Genre: Poetry focusing on Words, responding to works in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s permanent collection and special exhibits  "This can be a literal or abstract wound depicted in a painting, a “wounded” or damaged work of art itself, kintsugi and other artistic repairs of “wounds,” weapons that have caused wounds, having your heart broken in the Egyptian Wing, or any other way you’d like to interpret this prompt.” Payment: $10 per poem. Deadline: September 15, 2026.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings. Genre: Nonfiction. One of the most important keys to contentment and happiness is the ability to count your blessings. Even during the toughest times, if we can find gratitude and count our blessings we feel better. Each day holds something to be thankful for and it could be just as simple as having the sun shine or having food on the table. Payment: $200. Deadline: September 15, 2026 extended deadline.

Constellations of Becoming: Queer Futures and Other Worlds. Genre: Speculative fiction centering queer voices, characters and imaginations. Word Limit: 2,000 to 6,000 words. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 15, 2026.

Plott Hound. Genre: Speculative fiction and poetry starring animals. Payment: 8 cents/word for original fiction. $20 - $100 for reprints. $50 for poetry. $300 for art. Deadline: September 15, 2026. Accepts reprints.

Midnight and Indigo. Restrictions: Open to Black women. Genre: Speculative Fiction. Payment: 7 cents/word. Deadline: September 15, 2026. 

Women with Weapons. Genre: Stories featuring women with weapons. Payment: INR 3000 for each accepted original English story PLUS INR 3 per word. (About USD $31.50 + $0.03 per word).  Deadline: September 15, 2026. 

Slashed Budgets: An Anthology of Corporate Horror. Genre: Horror. See theme. Payment: $10. Deadline: September 15, 2026. 

Liminal Lit. Genre: Poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction. See theme. Payment: $100.  Deadline: September 15, 2026. 

Exoplanet. Genre: Science fiction, fantasy, horror, slipstream, weird fiction, and cross-genre stories. Payment: $0.01/word with a $5 minimum. Deadline: September 15, 2026. 

Three-Lobed Burning Eye. Genre: Horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Payment: $0.08/word. Deadline: September 16, 2026.

The Green Sheaf. Restrictions: Open to female and gender-fluid writers over 50. Genre: Flash fiction and poetry on theme: The Crone. Payment: $50. Deadline: September 18, 2026.

Island Online. Restrictions: Open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and residents only. Genre: Fiction, Nonfiction. Payment: $600. Deadline: September 18, 2026.

Reject. Genre: Poetry, short stories (8,000-word limit), essays, lyrics, and articles. "We accept writing that wasn’t accepted by a publication, institution, contest, etc. Hell, even your school newspaper and family Christmas newsletter counts!" Payment: $50. Deadline: September 19, 2026.

Griffith Review. Genre: Poetry. See theme. Payment: AUD$200. Deadline: September 20, 2026.

Translunar Travelers Lounge. Restrictions: September 15 - 21 is reserved for writers of color. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $0.03 per word with a minimum of $20. Deadline: September 21, 2026.

Strange Pilgrims. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction. "The work we’re drawn to is surreal, philosophical, sincere, and unforgettable — stories and essays that get under your skin and reach the heart of the human condition." Payment: $200 per short story/essay, $50 per flash piece. Deadline: Opens September 21, 2026 for a 24-hour period.

The Deadlands. Genre: Poetry. "The Deadlands exists in liminal spaces between life, death, and elsewhere. We are looking for fiction that concerns itself with death—but also everything death may involve." Payment: $50. Deadline: September 21, 2026. Accepts reprints.

The Ex-Puritan. Genre: Poetry, fiction, reviews, interviews, essays, and experimental work. "The Ex-Puritan now seeks to publish the best in all forms of writing." Payment: $100 - $200 (CAD). Deadline: September 25, 2026.

Rough Cut Press. Genre: Short prose from the LGBTQIA community on theme. See theme. Payment: $25. Deadline: September 27, 2026.

Flame Tree: Knock on Wood: Tales of Superstition. Genre: Stories based on Superstitions. See theme. Payment: 8 cents/6 pence per word for original stories, 6 cents/4 pence for reprints. Deadline: September 27, 2026.

Iron Faerie Publishing: Watchers & White Knights. Genre: This is a tribute anthology honouring the legacy of actors Nicholas Brendon & Anthony Head. We’re looking for original stories that explore themes such as friendship, found family, courage, loyalty, hope, sacrifice, mentorship, redemption, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 28, 2026.

 
Red Wolf Editions. Genre: Poems on theme: “The Delights of Love.” Payment: Royalties? Deadline: September 29, 2026.

Raw Blood and Nerve. Genre: Horror. Payment: $0.01 per word or $50, whichever is greater, with a $100 bonus for exceptional work. Deadline: September 29, 2026.

Black Hare Press. Genre: Dark stories, in any genre. Length: 5,000 - 50,000 words. Payment: $20 - $50, depending on length. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Socrates on the Beach. Genre: Longer essays and fiction at least 3000 to 10,000 words. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Dragon Soul Press: A WINTER IN LOVE. Genre: All Christmas-themed stories are welcome. All genres accepted. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Hearth Stories. Genre: Speculative fiction. "We publish fiction and poetry that explore connection, family, relationships, comfort, and the natural world. The stories often fall into a fantasy, science-fiction, or magical realism sort of “slice of life.” No non-vegan stories. Payment: 1¢ per word for accepted stories (with a minimum of $20 regardless of length. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Bethlehem Writers Roundtable. Genre: Short stories and poetry. See themes. Payment: $50.00 USD for featured authors, or $20.00 USD for stories published on their &More page and $10.00 USD for poems. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Space Ace. Genre: Science fiction. "Stories must feature at least one asexual and/or aromantic character in a prominent role. This is inclusive of related identities within the wider asexual spectrum such as demi-sexual, demi-romantic, grey-ace. While we are primarily looking for human representation, we will consider stories with non-human (e.g. alien, robot, sentient computer, etc.) aromantic or asexual characters." Payment: £0.02 GBP per word. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Air and Nothingness Press: Are You Everything Alright. Genre: Apocalypse stories. See theme. Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Air and Nothingness Press: Endings. Genre: Fiction submissions comprising the last 15 minutes of the action/SF/fantasy story/film/book. Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

The Bombay Literary Magazine. Genre: Fiction, poetry, translated fiction/poetry and graphic fiction. Payment: Indian rupees 5,000 (approx. $61) per contribution. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

long con. Restrictions: Canadian residents only. Genre: Prose and poetry about art. Payment: $20 CAD. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Black Anchor Publishing: Yuletide – A Horror Anthology. Genre: Horror on theme:Yuletide. Payment: $0.01/word. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Fear in Dust: Portals. Genre: Horror poetry. See theme. Payment: $5. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Infernal Museum: Galactic Mindsea Empire – Wonderdomes. Genre:Stories set in the Galactic Mindsea Empire. Payment: $0.04/word. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Canid Literary & Art. Genre: Poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction, and artwork that pays tribute to our best friend: dogs. Payment: $5. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Hookers and Handguns Anthology: Crime Fiction Solved by Strippers, Streetwalkers and Other People of the Night. Genre: Short stories on theme: Crime Fiction Solved by Strippers, Streetwalkers and Other People of the Night. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Laughing Man Press: Smitten Land Magazine – The Plagues. Genre: Fiction with religious horror and biblical plagues. Payment: $10. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Swords Against! Genre: Sword & sorcery fiction from 1,500 to 5,000 words. Payment: 0.04/word. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

DILIM Press: Sirena's Song. Genre: Tales of thalassophobia, oceanic terror, underwater kingdoms, origins of the Yonaguni monument, creatures from Lemuria, musical echoes in the depths, or the dance of the stars in the heavens. See theme. Payment: $0.07/word for originals. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Heartlines Spec. Restrictions: "Since Heartlines Spec is primarily a Canadian magazine, we're looking to feature writers identifying as being from Canada/Turtle Island. This includes expats, new immigrants, and people who refuse/resist Canadian Identity. Our goal for each issue is to publish at least 50% Canadian content." Genre: Short fiction and poetry focused on long-term relationships: platonic, romantic, or familial. "We want stories and poetry with strong, confident relationships amid all the sci-fi/fantasy. We are especially interested in stories featuring queer platonic relationships, ace/aro love stories, and polycules." Payment: $0.08 CAD per word for short fiction and $80 CAD flat for poetry. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Split Lip Magazine. Genre: Fiction (flash and short stories), memoirs, and poetry. with a pop-culture twist. Payment: $75 for poems, memoirs, flash, fiction, and art, $50 for interviews/reviews, and $25 for mini-reviews web issues. Deadline: September 30, 2026. Closes when they reach capacity, so submit early.

The New Quarterly. Restrictions: Open to Canadian writers. Genre: Fiction, poetry. Payment: $400. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Harbor Editions. Genre: Chapbook. Length: Chapbooks should be between 20-40 pages of poetry or 20-50 pages of prose. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2026. No submission fee for BIPOC writers.

Manawaker Studio: 100 Word Project. Genre: Speculative fiction of exactly 100 words. See theme. Payment: $1. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

JMS Books. Genre: LGBTQ stories, 5,000 - 9,500 words. See theme. Payment: $30. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Cast of Wonders. Genre: YA Speculative fiction. Podcast. Payment: $.08/word for original fiction up to 6,000 words. For reprints, a $100 flat rate for Short Fiction, and a $20 flat rate for Flash Fiction. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Podcastle. Genre: Fantasy podcast. Length: Up to 6,000 words. Payment: $0.06/word for original; $100 for reprints, $20 for flash fiction reprints. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Positive Thinking. Genre: Nonfiction. We are looking for stories of optimism, faith and strength to encourage our readers to use positive thinking. What was the situation that inspired you to use positive rather than negative thinking? How did you change your attitude -- from negative to positive? How did that turn your life around? These inspirational stories will remind readers to use positive thinking, focus on hope and show them that each day holds something to be grateful for. Payment: $200. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Random Acts of Kindness. Genre: Nonfiction. We are looking for true stories about random acts of kindness that have happened to you or stories about a kindness that you performed for someone else. Stories can be serious or funny but they should definitely inspire our readers to look for ways in which they can perform kind acts. Payment: $200. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Aurealis. Restrictions: Australian and New Zealand writers. Genre: Science fiction, fantasy or horror short stories between 2000 and 8000 words. Payment: A$20 and A$60 per 1000 words. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Gutter. Genre: Poetry and prose in Scotland and beyond. Length: Poetry submissions can consist of up to three poems, totaling no more than 100 lines. Prose, up to 2500 words. Payment: £50. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Chestnut Review. Genre: Poetry, flash fiction, short fiction, creative nonfiction, essays, visual media (art/photography). Payment: $120. Deadline: September 30, 2026. Submit early to avoid submission fee.

Myths and Legends. Genre: Stories based in the world and legends of Robin Hood. Payment: $50 for original fiction, $20 for reprints. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Book Worms. Genre: Horror: fiction, poetry, and essays. See theme. Length: Up to 1,500 words. Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Freefall. Restrictions: Open to Canadians. Genre: Short story and novel excerpts; non-fiction, writing-related or general-audience topics; creative non-fiction; plays; and postcard stories. Payment: $10 per page in the magazine (to a maximum of $100) and one copy of the issue your piece is published in. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

The London Magazine. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: September 30, 2026. Closes when cap is reached.

The Haiku Shack Anthology. Genre: Haiku. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Queer Love Project. Genre: CNF. Think “Modern Love”—but only queer stories. Payment: $75. Deadline: September 30, 2026. (Note: You must register to submit. Registration is free.)

Verlagi. Genre: Full-length nonfiction and fiction. "We publish novels driven by an idea: speculative and near-future stories, science fiction that takes its science seriously, and thrillers where the premise does the work." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Nashville Review. Genre: Fiction, poetry, art, and nonfiction. Payment: $25 per poem & song selection; $100 per selection for all other categories, including featured artwork. Translators receive $25 per poem & $100 for prose selections. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

The Phantom Pulse. Genre: Traditional horror, sci-fi horror, dark fantasy, and the weird. We have diverse reading tastes and are open to experimental forms and stories. Payment: $0.05 per word for unpublished fiction and $0.01 per word for reprints. Deadline: September 30, 2026. Accepts reprints.

Acre is an imprint of the Cincinnati Review. Genre: Poetry. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2026. Read submission guidelines here.

Kenyon Review. Genre: Prose, drama, poetry, translations, excerpts. See theme. Payment: $0.08 per published word of prose (minimum $80, maximum $450) and $0.16 per published word of poetry (minimum $40, maximum $200). Deadline: September 30th, 2026. 

Apex Magazine. Genre: Science fiction, fantasy, horror. Payment: $.08 per word up to 9,000 words. Additoinal 1 cent/word if podcast. Minimum of $50. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Flash Fiction Online. Genre: Speculative flash fiction. Theme: "Human-Shaped". Payment: $100. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Gordon Square Review. Genre: Poetry, short stories, personal essays, and hybrid prose works. Payment: $25 per prose piece and $10 per poem. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Metonymy Press. Restrictions: Open to queer or trans writers. Genre: Novels, short story collections, essay collections, poetry collections, translated works (especially by Canadian writers) and hybrid texts. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2026.

Short Story Substack accepts one short story every month. Genre: All genres. Word count 6,000 - 10,000 words. Payment: Base Pay of $100 for the chosen story + 50% of subscription revenue to be sent by Paypal, Zelle, or check. Deadline: September 30, 2026. Reprints accepted.

Poetry Substack accepts one poem every month. Genre: Poem. Must have a rhyme scheme or a rhythm scheme. No blank verse or free verse. Payment: Base Pay of $10 for the chosen poem + 50% of subscription revenue to be sent by Paypal, Zelle, or check. Deadline: September 30, 2026. Reprints accepted.

AND A FEW MORE...

Sundog. Genre: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, art. Payment: $50. Deadline: Opens October 1, 2026, and closes when they reach capacity.

Adventitious. Genre: Speculative, surreal, and literary fiction. Length: Flash Fiction (including Micro): Up to 1,000 words; Fiction: 1,000 – 6,000 words. Novelette: 6,000 – 17,000 words. Payment: $0.08 USD per word. Deadline: Opens October 1, 2026, and closes when they reach capacity.

Okay Donkey. Genre: One flash fiction OR one poem per author, per submission period. See website for details. Payment: $25. Deadline: Opens October 1, 2026. Closes when cap is reached.

Mudroom. Genre: Poetry, fiction, essays, and essays in translation. Payment: $15. Deadline: Opens October 1, 2026.

Rat Bag. Genre: Microfiction. Payment: 1 cent/word. Deadline: Opens October 1, 2026.

The Paris Review. Genres: Poetry, prose. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: Opens October 1, 2026, and closes when they reach capacity.

Independence Literary Review. Genre: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and art of any theme. Payment: $25 - $200. Deadline: October 1, 2026.

Flash Fiction Online. Genre: Speculative flash fiction. Payment: $100. Deadline: Opens October 1, 2026. Closes when cap is reached.

The Last Line. Genre: Fiction that ends with the last line provided. Payment: $20-$40. Deadline: October 1, 2026.

Foglifter. Genre: Foglifter is a biannual compendium of queer and trans writing. It’s a space where LGBTQ+ writers celebrate, mourn, rage, and embrace. "Foglifter welcomes daring and thoughtful work by queer and trans writers in all forms, and we are especially interested in cross-genre, intersectional, marginal, and transgressive work. We want the pieces that challenged you as a writer, what you poured yourself into and risked the most to make. But we also want your tenderest, gentlest work, what you hold closest to your heart. Whatever you're working on now that's keeping you alive and writing, Foglifter wants to read it." Payment: $100. Deadline: October 1, 2026.

Thinking Ink Press: The Neurodiversiverse – Bridging Worlds. Genre: Speculative fiction, poetry, and art. See theme. Payment: $100 per short story; $50 per flash fiction; $50 per poem. Deadline: October 1, 2026.

Independence Literary Review: Healthcare and Healing Folio. Genre: Nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. See theme. Payment: $50-200. Deadline: October 1, 2026.

Wyldblood Press (UK) Genre: Short speculative fiction. Length: 5000 words max. Payment: £0.01 cent/word. Deadline: Opens October 1, 2026. Open for one day only.

Delirious Doubles. Genre: Science fiction of at least 5,000 words that have pirates as their main characters. Payment: $30. Deadline: October 1, 2026.

The Forge Literary Magazine. Genre: Prose. They prefer stories under 3,000 words. Payment: $100. Deadline: October 1, 2026. Free submissions open on the 1st of each month and close when cap is reached.