4 UK Agents Seeking Literary Fiction, Nonfiction, Genre Fiction and more

These four UK agents are actively seeking to expand their client lists. Will Francis has a particular interest in literary fiction, thrillers, speculative fiction, and genre writers with a literary edge, as well as non-fiction rooted in provocative, challenging ideas. Therese Coen wants everything. Jenny Hewson is looking for literary fiction, historical fiction, book club fiction, gothic fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir and writing from academics and experts of all kinds. Judith Murray loves literary fiction and well-written genre fiction, including thrillers, crime, historical novels and women’s fiction; and literary non-fiction including history, biography, memoirs, cookery and travel writing.

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

If these agents don't suit your needs, you can find a comprehensive list of new and established agents seeking clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

_______________________________

Therese Coen of Hardman & Swainson Literary Agency

"Born and raised in Belgium, on a diet of frites and Tintin, I moved to England in my late teens with my family. I then stayed in London to do a History degree and Masters at University College London. Having been brought up bilingual, French and Dutch, then picking up German and obviously English later on, translation rights seemed like the logical next step. My first job in publishing was just down the road from my university at Bloomsbury Publishing on Bedford Square, where I started as an intern and left as Rights Executive. I later hopped across the square to work at Ed Victor ltd. where I was lucky enough to learn from one of the most renowned and experienced literary agents in the world, handling huge celebrity titles alongside Booker-prize winning authors."

What she is seeking: Therese is open to everything -  fiction and nonfiction. "In terms of adult fiction, I am a total sucker for historical (ranging across the commercial spectrum), and would love some more international historical stories ranging from the Renaissance era to the 20th Century. I’d love something set in the art world, a mystery, crime or romance. I love strong female characters, especially when they go through an evolution as the story progresses and gradually find that inner strength.

On the children’s fiction front, I love all things fantasy and adventure – across lands, time and space, and involving strong friendships and strong lead characters. I like very vivid, well-crafted and imaginative worlds, for example stories set in a toy factory, or an all-female pirate ship, or in an underwater world. I’d love some more adventures set in space, à la Stark Trek and Wall-E. I want mysteries, quirky characters, explorers and imaginary friends."

How to submit: For fiction: send a query, and attach a one-page synopsis as well as the full manuscript to submissions@hardmanswainson.com. For nonfiction, send a proposal, a sample chapter, and the whole work if it is completed.

_______________________________

Jenny Hewson of Rogers, Coleridge & White

Jenny Hewson represents a wide range of award winning & bestselling authors from around the world, including Sarah Perry, Christos Tsiolkas, Thomas Keneally, Amy Sackville, Alexander MacLeod, Melissa Harrison and Ashley Hay.

What she is seeking: Jenny is interested in literary fiction, historical fiction (in the vein of Helen Dunmore, Kate Mosse, Elizabeth Gifford), book club fiction, gothic fiction (in the vein of The Turn of the Screw, Rebecca, Melmoth), narrative non-fiction, memoir and writing from academics and experts of all kinds who can present brilliant non-fiction ideas to a general readership, especially in the field of popular science.

How to submit: Send material to jennyh@rcwlitagency.com. For fiction send the first three chapters or approximately the first fifty pages of the work to a natural break, and a brief synopsis. For non-fiction send a proposal up to twenty pages in length explaining what the work is about and why you are best placed to write it.

_______________________________

Judith Murray of Greene & Heaton Ltd

Judith Murray joined the agency in 1995. She studied at Wadham College, Oxford and has a First in English Literature. She has worked as an editor at a number of UK publishing houses and as a talent scout for translation publishers.

What she is seeking: Judith loves literary fiction and well-written genre fiction, including thrillers, crime, historical novels and women’s fiction; and literary non-fiction including history, biography, memoirs, cookery and travel writing.

How to submit: Submissions should be sent by email to submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk. Please attach a synopsis and the first three chapters (or about fifty pages) to your query in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Mention the name of the agent in the subject line of your email.
_______________________________

Will Francis of Janklow and Nesbit (UK)

Will Francis joined Janklow & Nesbit in 2008. He represents writers of popular science and narrative history as well as novelists. Before starting his publishing career at Random House in 2000, he studied at King’s College London, and has lived in the US, India and Australia. Will regularly lectures on publishing and the changing role of the literary agent at conferences and universities across the UK, and can be found on Twitter @zcosini. He became Director of the UK office in 2013.

What he is seeking: He has a particular interest in literary fiction, thrillers, speculative fiction, and genre writers with a literary edge, as well as non-fiction rooted in provocative, challenging ideas.

How to submit: Please attach (Word format or PDF) your synopsis, and either the first three chapters or the first fifty pages, whichever you feel is appropriate to submissions@janklow.co.uk, including your name, the title of your work and the name of the agent you wish to submit to in the subject line. 

3 New Agents Seeking Speculative Fiction, Literary Fiction, Nonfiction and Memoirs

These three new agents are actively seeking to expand their client lists. Brenna English-Loeb is specifically looking for works of YA and adult science fiction, fantasy, and suspense, adult literary fiction; and in nonfiction, serious, groundbreaking sociological work.  Karly Caserza specializes in middle grade and young adult genre fiction (fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary). Alexandra Franklin enjoys realistic upmarket and literary fiction. Campus novels, literary thrillers, and coming-of-age novels are of particular interest. On the nonfiction side, she is interested in unusual and offbeat memoir.

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

If these agents don't suit your needs, you can find a comprehensive list of new and established agents seeking clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

___________________

Ms. Karly Caserza of Fuse Literary

Associate Agent Karly Caserza was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Northern California as a child. She obtained her Business Marketing degree and has been a Freelance Graphic Designer for over 10 years. In addition to designing a wide range of print and web promotional material for clients, Karly creates book covers for Short Fuse and promotional graphics for Fuse authors.

Professionally, Karly began her career in the publishing industry as a reader for Tricia Skinner at Fuse Literary. Her responsibilities quickly grew and she was promoted to Literary Assistant, a role that also included a spot on the production team of Short Fuse.

Karly is also the Marketing Coordinator of the San Francisco Writers Conference, held every President’s Day weekend. In her spare time, Karly is an Adobe Technical Trainer, freelance graphic designer, Young Adult author, video game geek, and art noob.

What she is seeking: She specializes in middle grade and young adult genre fiction (fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary).

How to submit: Please submit using this form: http://queryme.online/Karly

_________________

Ms. Brenna English-Loeb of Transatlantic Literary Agency

Brenna English-Loeb comes to TLA after working for several years at Janklow & Nesbit Associates and Writers House, where she had the pleasure of working with New York Timesbestselling and award-winning authors across multiple genres. At TLA she’s excited to grow her list of speculative and suspenseful fiction in both YA and adult, as well as adult nonfiction, in collaboration with senior agents.

What she is seeking: Brenna is specifically looking for works of YA and adult science fiction, fantasy, and suspense, as well as some adult literary fiction. She loves space operas, myth and fairy tale retellings, survival stories, epistolary novels, and heists. She also has a soft spot for stories that blend multiple genres and for works by and about underrepresented groups and identities.

Aspects of a work that are sure to catch her eye include: evocative atmospheres, character-driven plots, a sense of adventure, and narratives that reveal a deep knowledge of a particular subject. She also loves old tropes made new again, unreliable narrators, and power imbalances.

For nonfiction, Brenna is looking for serious, groundbreaking sociological work that holds our culture up to the magnifying glass. She also loves accounts of historical events and people that deserve to be better known, as well as unusual and influential object histories.

How to submit: Please send all submissions by email, including a query letter, short synopsis and the first ten pages of your manuscript to brenna@transatlanticagency.com

_________________

Ms. Alexandra Franklin of Vicky Bijur Literary Agency

Alexandra Franklin joined the Vicky Bijur Literary Agency after internships and assistant experience at Writers House, HSG Agency, Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents, and Scholastic’s Alliance for Young Artists and Writers.

What she is seeking: Alexandra enjoys realistic upmarket and literary fiction and is drawn to fresh, engaging voices and complex but sympathetic protagonists. Campus novels, literary thrillers, and coming-of-age novels are of particular interest. On the nonfiction side, she is interested in unusual and offbeat memoir.

How to submit: Send queries addressed to queries[at]vickybijuragency.com. Please send a query letter of no more than three paragraphs on what makes your book special and unique, a very brief synopsis, its length and genre, and your biographical information, along with the first ten pages of your manuscript. 

22 Calls for Submissions in February 2019 - Paying markets

Wikimedia

There are 22 calls for submissions in February 2019. 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 monthly calls for submissions on the last day of the previous 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.)

_______________________

The First Line. Genre: Short story, nonfiction or poem beginning with a pre-set first line. To celebrate 20 years of the journal, they are inviting writers to select any one of the first lines from their previous journals. Payment: $25-50 for fiction, $5-10 for poetry, $25 for nonfiction. Length: 300-5,000 words. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

yəhaw̓. Restrictions: Open to Indigenous people living in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and British Columbia. This includes residents of those states belonging to Native communities outside of the Pacific Northwest, and outside of what is currently the United States. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, visual art, experimental work, and hybrids. Payment: $75. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Nonbinary Review: Books of Blood. Genre: Poetry, fiction, essays, and art on theme of the Clive Barker series Books of Blood. (Books only) Payment:1 cent per word for fiction and nonfiction, and a flat fee of $10 for poetry (singular poems or a suite) and $25 per piece of visual art. Deadline: February 6, 2019.

Suburban Review. Genre: Fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, comics, art on theme of Luck. Payment: Up to $225AU. Deadline: February 6, 2019.

Blood Bath Genre: Horror: short fiction, poetry and visual art on theme of: DEMONS. Payment: £20 per 1,000 words for prose, £20 per 15 lines for poetry, and £20 per image for visual art. Deadline: February 14, 2019.

Lethe Press: Transcendent 4: The Year's Best Transgender Speculative Fiction. Genre: Transgender-themed fiction with elements of the strange, the weird, the fantastic, horror and science fiction. Stories must be related to gender and/or sex minorities. All stories must have been published in 2018. No novellas, no work longer than 15,000 words. Payment: $25 to $100 depending on the length of the work. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Luna Station Quarterly. Restrictions: Open to women. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $5. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories about Running for Good. Genre: True stories. "We are looking for true stories or poems of 1200 words or less, about all aspects of running and walking and stories about running, walking and steps to raise awareness of and funds for a cause. Stories can be funny and quirky, or they can be serious and heartwarming." Payment: $200. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Every Day Fiction. Genre: Flash fiction up to 1000 words. Payment: $3. Deadline: February 24, 2019.

Carina Press. Genre: Contemporary romance novels on Holiday theme. Minimum of 50,000 words.  Payment: Royalties. Deadline: February 14, 2019.

Cricket Media: Faces – Chocolate. Genre: Nonfiction articles, fiction, activities for children. Send query only. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: February 25, 2019.

Ninth Letter. Genre: Poetry and essays. Payment: $25 per printed page. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Apparition. Genre: Poetry and fiction on theme of Ambition. Payment: $0.01 per word, minimum of 10.00 dollars. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Blue Mesa Review. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Payment: $25. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories about Angels. Genre: True stories. "We are looking for true personal stories about how an angel has touched your life – stories of true wonder and awe from people who have directly encountered or received help from angels. Amazing stories that will make people say “wow” or give our readers chills. Have you experienced something otherworldly or celestial? Or had a personal experience with an angel or divine being? How did your angel manifest himself or herself to you? How did your angel protect or guide you? Do you have a guardian angel?" Payment: $200. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Darkhouse Books: What We Talk About When We Talk About It . Genre: Poetry or prose on theme of love. Payment: 50% of royalties. Deadline: February 28, 2019. Some reprints accepted.

Mizna. Theme: For this special 20th anniversary year issue of our eponymous literary journal, Mizna: Prose, Poetry, and Art Exploring Arab America, we call for writing that takes stock of the last two decades in Arab America while also looking to the future-Where have we been? Where are we now? Where could we go? Genre: Poetry, stories, creative essays, flash fiction, comics, and other literary interpretation of the topic whether direct or indirect. Payment: Honorarium. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

The New Quarterly. Restrictions: Open to Canadian writers. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $250 for a short story or nonfiction entry, and $40 per poem or postscript story. Deadline: February 28, 2019. Snail mail submissions only.

Strange Constellations. Genre: Speculative fiction between 3000-7500 words. Payment: $30.  Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Triangulation Anthology. Genre: Speculative Fiction on theme of Dark Skies. "Dark Skies is a celebration of the natural beauty of the night sky. We are looking for speculative tales that feature a sky full of stars as a meaningful element of the story. Take us to other times and other worlds, or show us our own place in the universe and explore our ability, as sentient beings, to see out into the depths of space." Payment: $120. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Understorey Magazine (CAN). Restrictions: Open to writers and artists age 12-21 who live in Canada and identify as female or non-binary. Genres: Fiction, essay, poetry. Theme is "Francophone Women in Atlantic Canada ." Payment: $30-$60 per piece. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Uncanny: The Disabled People Destroy Fantasy. Genre: Speculative fiction written by disabled writers. Payment: $.08 per word. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

53 Writing Contests in February 2019 - No entry fees

Wikimedia

For a month that is nasty, brutish and short, February packs a punch when it comes to writing contests. This month there are 53 contests, and none charge entry fees. Prizes range from $100,000 to a free writing class. As always, read the restrictions to make sure you qualify.

If you want to get a jump on next month's contests go to Free Contests. Most of these contests are offered annually, so even if the deadline is past, you can prepare for next year.

Good luck!
_____________________

Life Writing Prize. Restrictions: Open to UK residents. Genre: Life writing. The Prize defines life writing as ‘intended to be true’, reflects someone’s own life journey or experiences and is not fiction. Prize: Winner will receive £1,500, publication on Spread the Word’s website, an Arvon course, two years’ membership to the Royal Society of Literature and a development meeting with an editor and an agent. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Jane Martin Poetry Prize (UK). Restrictions: Open to  UK residents between 18 and 30 years of age. Genre: Poetry. Prize: £700, second prize, £300. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Fantastica SF Prize. Restrictions: Open to Australian and New Zealand writers. Genre: Science fiction. Length: 30,000 words or more. Payment: $2000. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Paterson Fiction Prize. Genre: Published novel or collection of short fiction. Prize: $1,000.   Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards. Genre: Poetry, up to five poems per person. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 1, 2019. 

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People. Genre: Most outstanding book for young people published in 2016. There is a $500 award in each category: Pre-K - Grade 3;  Grades 4 - 6;  Grades 7 - 12. Prize: $500. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Paterson Poetry Prize. Genre: Poetry book published in 2018. Prize: $1000. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Gannon University Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Entrants must be a US high school student or a home-schooled student in grades nine through twelve.Genre: Poetry. Each student may enter 1 or 2 poems; each poem may be no longer than 50 lines. Prize: First Place: $100.00 Second Place: $75.00 Third Place: $50.00. Deadline: February 1, 2019. 

The Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award. Genre: Short story of no more than 8,000 words that shows the near future (no more than about 50-60 years out) of manned space exploration. Prize: Publication as the featured story on the Baen Books main website paid at the normal paying rates for professional story submissions. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

$1000 for 1000 Words Creative Writing Contest is sponsored by the Leyla Beban Young Authors Foundation. Restrictions: Students enrolled in grades 6-12. Genre: Short fiction of exactly 1000 words. Prize: Two $1,000 scholarship prizes will be awarded, one for grades 6-8 and one for grades 9-12. Seven $100 cash prizes will also be awarded for winning entries, one per grade level.  Deadline: February 1, 2019.

The Levis Reading Prize is sponsored by the Department of English and its MFA in Creative Writing program at Virginia Commonwealth University. Restrictions: The prize is given annually for the best first or second book of poetry published in the previous calendar year. Genre: Poetry.  Prize: $5000.  Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Milt Kessler Poetry Book Award is sponsored by the Binghamton Center for Writers-State University of New York with support from the Office of the Dean of Binghamton University's Harpur College of the Arts & Sciences. Genre: Poetry book in English published in 2017. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Hart Crane Memorial Poetry Award. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $100. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

The Waterman Fund Essay Contest. Genre: Personal essays between 2000 and 3000 words. The topic is, simply, wilderness and wildness. Prizes: The winning essayist will be awarded $1500 and publication in Appalachia Journal. The Honorable Mention essay will receive $500. Deadline: February 2, 2019.

Charles Crupi Memorial Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to high school students in Michigan. Genre: Poetry. Prize: 1st place - $250 and publication in The Albion Review, 2nd place - $150 and publication in The Albion Review; 3rd place - $100 and publication in The Albion Review. Deadline: February 2, 2019.

Student Stowe Prize. Restrictions: Open to US high school and college students. Genre: published writing on a social justice or human rights topic, in the spirit of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Prize: Up to $2,500. Deadline: February 2, 2019.

Zocalo Public Square Poetry Prize. Restrictions: Open to US poets only. Genre: Poetry that evokes a connection to place. Prize: $500. Deadline: February 4, 2019. Note: Winning author gives up all rights.

White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails. Restrictions: Open to all poets who currently reside in and have had residency in one of the following states for a minimum of 12 consecutive months: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia. (Residency will be verified before prize winner is announced.). Writers who have published 2 or more full-length collections of poetry or who do not meet the residency requirements are NOT eligible. Genre: Poem on topic of Wisdom. Prize:  $1,500. Deadline: February 7, 2019. Note: Winning author gives up all rights.

Solid Essay Contest. Restrictions: Open to high school students. Genre: Essay (See site for topics.) Minimum number of words is 600 and maximum is 800. Prize: Scholarship of $1000. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

The University of Chester Flash (Youth). Restrictions: Open to Scottish students aged 16-19 who are studying in the UK. Genre: fFash fiction of up to 360 words. Prize: Up to £100. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

Bethesda Literary Festival Essay and Short Story Contest. The Bethesda Urban Partnership & Bethesda Magazine have partnered to honor local writers at the Bethesda Literary Festival. Genres: Essays and poetry. Adult and high school student categories. Restrictions: Residents of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia are eligible. Prizes: First Place: $500 and published in Bethesda Magazine. Second Place: $250. Third Place: $150. Honorable Mention: $75. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

Luminarts Creative Writing Program. The Creative Writing Competition awards five $5,000 grant awards and Luminarts Fellowships across categories of creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Open to writers between the ages of 18 and 30 years old at the time of application; be enrolled in, or have graduated from, a degree program; and live within 150 miles of the Union League Club of Chicago. Genre: Poetry or prose, fiction and nonfiction. Prize: $5,000 and publication in Luminarts Review, a literary journal. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

Lex Allen Literary Festival Prizes. Restrictions: Open to undergraduate college students. Genres: Poetry and fiction. Prize: $100. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

Writers’ Trust / McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize. Restrictions: Only works from writers who are Canadian citizens, whether living in Canada or abroad, or permanent residents of Canada are eligible. Genre: Short story or excerpt from a fiction work-in-progress first published by a Canadian magazine or annual anthology during the previous calendar year. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

Library of Virginia Literary Awards. Restrictions: Open to writers who were born in or are residents of Virginia or, in the case of nonfiction, books with a Virginia theme, are eligible. Genre: Books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction published in the previous year. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: February 12, 2019.

Writers' & Artists' Yearbook Short Story Competition. Genre: Short story. All entries must be original unpublished prose of 2,000 words or fewer. Prize: £500 and publication. Deadline: February 13, 2019.

North Carolina Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to residents of North Carolina (including students). Genre: Poetry. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 14, 2019. Snail mail entries only.

West Coast Eisteddfod Online Poetry and Short Story Competitions. Genre: Poetry, short story. (No limericks.) Prize: Poetry: $200 in each language category (Welsh and English). Short Story: $200.00 (one English-language entry) Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Judith A. Markowitz Award for Emerging LGBTQ Writers. Restrictions: The nominee must self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. The nominee must have written and published at least one but no more than two books of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Prize: $1000. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Ballard Spahr Prize for Poetry is an annual regional prize. Restrictions: Open to residents of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Michigan. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $10,000 as well as a contract for publication to the author of the winning manuscript. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Harold Morton Landon Translation Award. Genre: Poetry collection translated from any language into English and published in the previous calendar year. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Haiku Society of America Merit Book Awards for Excellence in Published Haiku, Translation, and Criticism. Genre: Published book. Books must have been published in 2018 and must clearly contain a printed 2018 copyright. A member, author, or publisher may submit or nominate more than one title. At least 50 percent of the book must be haiku, senryu, or haibun, or prose about these subjects (books mostly of tanka, for example, are not eligible). Prize: $500. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Scotiabank Giller Prize. Restrictions: Open to books published in Canada in English. Books must be published in Canada in English between October 1, 2018 and February 28, 2019 to be eligible for the 2017 Prize. Must  be nominated by publisher. Genre: Fiction. Full-length novel or collection of short stories published in English, either originally, or in translation. Prize: $100,000 to the winner and $10,000 to each of the finalists. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Raiziss/de Palchi Translation Award. Genre: Poetry - translation into English of a significant work of modern Italian poetry. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

New York City Emerging Writers Fellowship. Restrictions: "Applicants must be current residents of one of the five boroughs, and must remain in New York City for the entire year of the fellowship. Students in degree-granting programs are not eligible to apply, even if the focus of study is not directly related to writing. This program supports emerging writers whose work shows promise of excellence. Applicants can be of any age, but must be in the early stages of their careers as fiction writers and will not have had the support needed to achieve major recognition for their work. We define “emerging writer” as someone who has not yet had a novel or short story collection published by either a major or independent publisher and who is also not currently under contract to a publisher for a work of fiction. Eligible applicants may have had stories or novel excerpts published in magazines, literary journals or online, but this is not a requirement." Genre: Fiction. Grant: $5,000. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

The Sunday Times Audible Story Award. Restrictions: Open to any author who has been published in the UK or Ireland. Genre: Short stories of 6000 words or less. Prize: £30,000. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

The Tomorrow Prize. Restrictions: Open to high school students in Los Angeles. Genre: Science fiction, 1500 words max. Prize: $250. Deadline: February 18, 2019.

Past-Year Memoir Contest. Genre: True story about your past year in 18 words. Prize: Free Gotham class of your choosing. Deadline: February 19, 2019.

RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers. Restrictions: Candidates must be: A Canadian citizen or permanent resident; Under the age of 35; Unpublished in book form and without a book contract. Genre: Poetry. Prizes: Winner: $5,000; Finalists: $1,000. Deadline: February 18, 2019.

Western Australian Premier's Book Awards.Restrictions: Open to authors who either are citizens or permanent residents of Western Australia. Genre: Book published during the preceding calendar year in a variety of genres. Prize: A$15,000. Deadline: February 18, 2019.

The Matthew Power Literary Reporting Award supports the work of a promising early-career nonfiction writer on a story that uncovers truths about the human condition. Genres: Nonfiction journalism works in progress with “strong, character-driven narratives with detailed scene writing and lyrical description.” Restrictions: The award will not fund proposals to report on armed conflicts where journalists are already imperiled, nor projects that are mainly investigatory. Prize: $12,500 grant and use of the NYU library. Deadline: February 19, 2019.

Gaithersburg Book Festival Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to high school students (grades 9-12) from across the Washington Metropolitan Area (Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC). Genre: Poetry. Prize: First, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive $250, $100 and $50 gift certificates.  Deadline: February 21, 2019.

The Spotlight Books Competition (UK) Restrictions: Open to marginalized or under-represented authors in the UK. Genre: Short fiction or poetry of 8000-10,000 words/40-45 pages respectively, by Open to marginalized or under-represented authors in the UK. Prize: Publication and 10% royalties. Deadline: February 24, 2019.

Black Caucus of the American Library Association Self-Published E-Book Literary Award.  Restrictions: Open to African-Americans. Genre: Self-Published E-Book in fiction and poetry. Prize: $500. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

The Gabo Prize for Literature in Translation & Multi-Lingual Texts. Genre: Literary translations and multi-lingual texts. Prize: $200. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Diana Woods Memorial Award in Creative Nonfiction. Genre: Essay, maximum 5,000 words. Prize: $250 top prize. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Poetry Matters Literary Prizes. Restrictions: Several categories, from middle-school to senior citizens. Genre: Poetry. Prize: 1st prize- $75; 2nd prize- $50; 3rd prize-$35; Honorable Mention- $25. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Solution Loans Short Story Contest. Restrictions: Open to UK residents 18 years and up. Genre: Short fiction on theme of "A New Home." Prize: £200 and publication on the Solution Loans website. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

The Kelpies Prize (Scotland). Restrictions: Open to Scottish authors. Genre: Children’s fiction of both novel and short length. Prize: £1,000, a publishing contract, a writing retreat, and a year of mentoring by an editorial team. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

SLF Working Class Writers Grant is sponsored by the Speculative Literature Foundation. Genres: Speculative fiction, magical realism. Restrictions: Applicants must be working class (see guidelines page for definition) and demonstrate financial hardship. Available to international writers. Prize: $750. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Spirit First Meditation Poetry Contest. Genre: Poem on the theme of mindfulness or meditation.   Prize: $200.  Deadline: February 28, 2019.

The Premises. Write a creative, compelling, well-crafted story in which someone or something of importance to the story is hidden in some way from at least one important character. It is entirely up to you whether the person/place/thing that is hidden is ever found/revealed/unhidden. Genre: Short story. Length: Between 1,000 and 5,000 words. Prize: Between US$60 and US$220, and publication. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Creative Capital Award. Restrictions: Entrants must be US citizens or permanent residents, aged 25+, with 5+ years' professional writing experience, and not be full-time students. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels. Grant: Up to $50,000. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

7 Great Writing Conferences in February 2019

Pexels

Conferences are not only the best way to meet agents, get tips from other writers, and learn about the publishing industry, they make you feel like a writer. We all need community, and this is how we, as writers, get the necessary incentive to keep writing.

All of these conferences and workshops charge tuition, but some offer financial assistance. There are deadlines for applying for aid, so make sure you plan ahead.

For a month-by-month list of conferences throughout the year see: Writing Conferences. (You will also find links to resources that can help you find conferences in your area on that page.)
_____________________

The Writers Studio, sponsored by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, February 7 - 10, 2019, Los Angeles, CA. The conference offers workshops in fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as writing for television and film. Offered by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, the Writers Studio brings together a community of writing students to workshop with some of Southern California’s most accomplished writers and teachers. From among the 10 offered, participants choose one workshop in which they work closely with a professional writer in classes limited to no more than 15 people.

Get Away to Write. February 10 - 15, 2019: New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Spend an inspiring week working on your memoir or poetry. Enjoy plentiful writing time, insightful feedback, homemade meals and time to relax. Workshops and faculty:  Recasting Memory: Choice and Allegiances in Memoir with Barbara Hurd; Finding Your Authentic Voice: A Poetry Workshop with Peter E. Murphy; Plus Special Guest Pulitzer Prize Winner Stephen Dunn will offer one-on-one tutorials.

San Francisco Writers Conference, Feb. 14 -18, 2019, San Francisco, CA. Attendees will join with 100+ presenters and fellow writers from across the country and around the world at this year’s event. The SFWC events are consistently rated among the top writer’s conferences anywhere. "Our goal is to help writers become published authors as we help them become better at the craft and business of writing. The SFWC is also one of the friendliest conferences. Presenters this year will include bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers from major publishing houses.  There will be experts on self-publishing, book promotion, platform building, social media, and author websites. The San Francisco Writers Conference has one of the largest faculties of any writer’s conference to ensure the best networking with the people who can help you get published."

Southern California Writers’ Conference (and Retreat). February 15 - 17, 2019, San Diego, CA. Faculty: 60+ working, professional authors of fiction, nonfiction & screen, editors & agents. "Founded and run by professional writers the SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent with authoritative guidance to help distinguish those manuscripts that are ready for market consideration." Cost: $350-$425. Manuscript critique & one-on-one consultation additional. Limited to 175 conferees.

Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference. February 22 - 23, 2019: 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."

Genre-LA™ Creative Writing Conference. February 22 - 24, 2019: Van Nuys, CA. More than 30 best-selling authors of genre novels, literary agents, editors, publishers, industry experts, Hollywood veterans, educators, and publishing professionals will share their wisdom and experience to help take your writing to the next level.

St. Augustine Author-Mentor Novel Workshop, Feb 28 - March 3, 2019, St. Augustine, Florida. "The St. Augustine Author-Mentor Novel Workshop creates an intimate and professional environment that combines private meetings with small-group workshops, thus enabling aspiring authors to wisely approach the writing and publication of their novel. At the St. Augustine event, aspiring authors will:

1) Work one-on-one with top authors and savvy market professionals.

2) Apply advanced story and narrative technique to their novel-in-progress.

3) Hone and improve their writer voice and style.

4) Learn the necessary inside mechanics of the publishing business.

5) Leave the workshop with a detailed plan to work towards publication of their novel.

Group workshop sessions will be interspersed with agent and author consultations, workshop assignments, as well as consults with workshop leaders."

24 Paying Markets for Blog Posts

Pixabay

There are a gazillion blogs out there. Yours is probably one of them. But not all blogs are created equal. Some get considerably more traffic than others. So, if you want your views, opinions, and/or brilliant writing to be noticed in this world of non-stop communication, you may want to consider writing for a blog that has a larger audience than yours.

This can be done two ways: 1) Write for free, 2) Get paid.

Writing for free is good idea provided that the site has substantial traffic. Well-trafficked sites can offer you a boost if they include a bio, and links to your blog or website. Getting paid is the preferable option, especially if the pay is decent. These sites can also provide links to your website as well as a bio. In both cases, read their terms carefully. Many sites, whether they pay or not, acquire all rights, meaning you will not have the right to use your article in the future.

Useful articles:

List of Guest Blogging Sites (140+ best sites) - Peter Sandeen keeps a huge list of blogs. Most do not pay.

Writers in Charge also has an enormous list of blogs that accept guest posts. Some of them pay.

________________

3rd Act Magazine

3rd Act Magazine is a blog and magazine that publishes articles "that are interesting, entertaining, important and relevant to older adults in the third act of their lives." Payment: $25 - $50. "If you are a published writer with proven expertise and submit articles that are well researched and require little editing, you will be considered for our paid list of writers at a per word rate of $.25." Read their submission guidelines.

Bless This List

Bless This List originated with readers who didn’t have any experience as writers but decided to put a list together and send it in. "You don’t need to be an expert—you just need to have great English, a sense of humor, and a love for things unusual or interesting." Payment: $100. Read their submission guidelines.

Cooking Detective

CookingDetective.com (CD) is a cooking, recipe and food blog. "Here at CD we constantly publish informative articles, useful tips, how-to guide, expert interviews, experts round-up, and product reviews dedicated to cooking, cooking courses, cooking products, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, entertaining menus, fitness guides and other related topics." Payment: $70 - $150. Read their submission guidelines.

Extra Crispy

It's all about breakfast. Extra Crispy wants opinion pieces, reported stories, personal essays, works of humor, illustrated narratives, breakfast-y profiles of people, original recipes, how-tos and unusual points of view on the beloved morning meal are all welcome. No restaurant reviews. Payment: Average pay is 46 cents/word, according to Who Pays Writers. Read submission guidelines.

Freelance Mom

Freelance Mom is is a community for professional moms who believe that women can still be who they are after becoming a mom. "We believe the landscape has completely changed and that there is no better time for parents to be a freelancer or solopreneur." Your article should offer current practical and actionable advice, tips and be *in-depth enough that the reader walks away with new knowledge and new approaches. Articles should be between 900 to 1,500 words. Payment: $75 to $100. Read their submission guidelines.

The Hairpin

The Hairpin is a general-interest site aimed at women. Payment: Who Pays Writers lists average pay at 18 cents/word. Read guidelines here.

Healthy Living

Healthy Living accepts articles on health related topics. (See the site for a list of topics.) Payment: Pay rates fluctuate. Read their submission guidelines.

The Introspectionist

The Introspectionist publishes more intelligent and in-depth articles than your average woman's magazine. "We expect thought-provoking insights, uniquely informative pieces, and above all else, for you to show your work. Every article should have footnotes and links to where the reader can find more information. Reference peer reviewed articles from journals, books, and other high quality material." Read their editorial calendar and include the edition and theme for which your article idea would apply. Pitches only. Payment: $25 for department piece (from 100 to 500 words). For a feature article up to 2000 words,  $100. For a feature article up to 5000 words, $200. Short fiction pieces pay $25. Poems pay $25. Read guidelines here.

The IWA Wine Blog

The IWA Wine Blog is the official blog of International Wine Accessories. "Do you enjoy sharing your wine know-how with other wine lovers? Do you have a knack for writing original, engaging content? We’d love to hear from you!" Payment:  $20-$50. Read guidelines here.

MoneyPantry

MoneyPantry is looking for anyone with unusual and interesting, yet practical, ideas for earning and saving more money. They like detailed stories with numbers, strategies, and tips. 700 words minimum. 1000 to 2000 words preferred. Payment: $30 to $150. Read guidelines here.

Ms. Magazine

Ms. is looking for pieces from a feminist perspective. "We consider articles on politics, social commentary, popular culture, law, education, art and the environment. We do not consider articles on fashion, beauty, fitness, travel, food or of a "self-help" variety. Film, music and book reviews are covered in-house." To pitch the Ms. blog, please email blog@msmagazine.com. You may also submit completed works for consideration. Pitches should include a detailed description of what your piece will look like and when you can turn it around. Please also include links to previously published work if possible. Payment: Rates are negotiated. Read guidelines here.

Michelle Pippin

Michelle Pippin is looking for experts with first-hand experience about a business topic. "I do not want “writers” who write about “anything.” I want to share real-world experience from other business owners." Payment: $50 – $150. Read guidelines here.

My Mind Body Metabolic Workout

My Mind Body Metabolic Workout focuses on women's health. "The purpose of each post is to educate other women and provide personal insight into the realm of Health and Wellness." Posts must be at least 750 words. Payment: $50. Read guidelines here.

RebelsMarket

"We love articles that entertain, educate and inspire. If you have a strong opinion on why tattoos and fishnets are not acceptable office attire, great. Or if you think this is absolute bullshit - that's even better! We’re looking for strong opinion pieces, written with a fearless tone. But this doesn’t mean we won’t accept well thought out ‘how to’ guides and articles that are a little more neutral. Let’s face it – learning how to style a gothic corset is pretty important!" Payment: $50. Read guidelines here.

Re:Fiction

Re:Fiction is looking for informed articles about the craft, lifestyle, and business of fiction writing. "Are you an author, editor, or publisher with relevant experience to share? Drop us a line, and let's talk!" Payment: $0.06 to $0.10 per word of the final edited version. Read guidelines here.


The Rooted in Rights

The Rooted in Rights Blog is a platform dedicated to amplifying the authentic perspectives of disabled writers. "We’re seeking articles and op-eds on disability rights topics, written by people who identify as disabled. In order to have your piece considered for publication, keep in mind that it’s important to interweave your personal insights and experiences with broader cultural and disability rights issues. We accept a mix of narrative and reported pieces." Payment: $100. Read guidelines here.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Blog 

The SFWA Blog is open to nonfiction submissions that might be of interest to new and/or established writers of science fiction and fantasy. Length: 500-1000 words. Payment: 6 cents per word. Read guidelines here.

SlickWP

SlickWP  is a blog focused on teaching people how to get the most out of WordPress and the Genesis Theme Framework. They are mainly interested in publishing WordPress and Genesis focused tutorials or reviews of WordPress themes and plugins. Payment: $100. Read their submission guidelines.

Submittable

Submittable is interested in sharing your work about the publishing industry, creativity, and digital media. They prefer submissions of 1000 words or less. Payment: $50 per post, payable upon publication. Read their submission guidelines.

Travel Fashion Girl

The title says it all. This site is all about traveling literally in style - just for women. Payment: 5 cents/word. Read guidelines here.

WeAreTeachers

WeAreTeachers welcomes submissions on a wide range of topics pertaining to education and teacher life. We also accept submissions for our sister site, School Leaders Now. Payment: If we publish your submission, you will receive a $100 honorarium. Plus, if you’re a blogger, we’ll include a link to your blog or website. Most of their blog posts run between 500–700 words.Read their submission guidelines.

What Culture

What Culture (UK) covers TV, Gaming, Music, History, Science, Technology, Comics, Sport, and Literature, and become the biggest unofficial Wrestling website in the world. "List-driven written features are our bread and butter. But we'll also consider Quizzes, Galleries, Video submissions or News pieces." Payment: £0.50 for every 1,000 views generated in the first 28 days of publication. Read submission guidelines.

Women on Writing

WOW! welcomes queries from its audience of women writers. "We are now open to general queries, as long as it relates to the craft of writing and publishing. We are particularly looking for how-tos on a variety of writing and publishing topics, and interviews/round-ups with acquiring editors/literary agents/publishers. All articles must have takeaway value for fellow writers." Payment: $50 or $75. Read submission guidelines here.

Women's Voices for Change

Women's Voices for Change invites submissions of news commentaries, personal essays, and expert analysis. "We encourage all WVFC readers to take part in the ongoing conversation aimed at redefining the way women over 40 are seen in the culture, and how we see ourselves. Previously unpublished nonfiction work is preferred." Payment: $50 per post. Read their submission guidelines.

Write Naked

Write Naked is a blog about writing. Topics include: Interviews, Publishing Trends, Writing Essentials, Behind the Pen, and Day-in-the-Life of a Writer. Posts must be 450-650 words. See submission periods. Payment: $75.00 per post. Read their submission guidelines.

Writer's Weekly

WritersWeekly.com focuses on “selling” the written word. "We do not seek articles on how to write. Rather, we seek articles on how to make more money doing what you love….writing! We are also interested in other forms of home-based businesses and self-employment that may result from writing, such as self-publishing, corporate writing, ghostwriting, etc. All ideas that help writers support themselves performing the work they love are warmly welcomed." Payment: $60. Read their guidelines here.

Being a Writer Is the Fastest Way to Starve to Death

Wikimedia

When my son was contemplating various professions, I told him, "Whatever you do, don't become a writer. It's the fastest way to starve to death." It turns out I was right. (I hate being right all the time.)

The Authors Guild, of which I am a proud member, has released a report on writing income for American authors. In their terms, we are facing a “'crisis of epic proportions for American authors'” when it comes to making a living from writing, especially for literary authors." I would like to think this is why I've gotten over a thousand rejections. I'm just too literary! But in fact, every writer's income has dropped dramatically.

So, all you young and old writers, keep your day job. You're gonna need it.

(My son, much to my chagrin, is a writer. He is starving to death in Los Angeles.)

____________________

New Guild Report Finds More Declines in Author Earnings

By Calvin Reid, January 7, 2019

In what the Authors Guild is calling the “largest survey of U.S. professional writers ever conducted,” the organization reports the median income published American authors received for all writing-related activity in 2017 was $6,080 in 2017, down from $10,500 in the guild's 2009 survey. The survey further found that the median income for specifically book-related income for published authors declined 21%, to $3,100, in 2017 from $3,900 in 2013 and just over 50% from 2009’s median book earnings of $6,250.

The survey was conducted by the Authors Guild in collaboration with 14 other writer and publishing related organizations, and includes data from more than 5,000 published book authors. Previous surveys had focused mainly on guild members and drew a smaller number of responses. A guild spokesperson acknowledged that the surveys have different pools of respondents, but said the guild still believes the figures indicate the general income decline holds true for guild members and for published authors as whole.

Read the rest of this depressing article HERE.