46 Writing Contests in June 2019 - No entry fees

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June is a great month for writing contests. There are nearly four dozen contests this month, and none charge entry fees. Prizes range from tens of thousands of dollars to publication. 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 has passed, you can prepare for next year.

Good luck!

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Southern Fried Karma. Genre: Unpublished book-length fiction "with a Southern accent."   Prize: $1500 advance on a book publishing contract with SFK Press. All finalists will be eligible for contracts as well. Deadline: June 1, 2019.

Dan Veach Prize for Younger Poets. Restrictions: Open to poets aged 18-23. Genre: Poetry. Prize:  $100 and publication in the Atlanta Review. Deadline: June 1, 2019. 

Stony Brook Short Fiction Prize. Restrictions: Only undergraduates enrolled full time in United States and Canadian universities and colleges for the academic year 2017-18 are eligible. "This Prize has traditionally encouraged submissions from students with an Asian background, but we urge all students to enter." Genre: Fiction of no more than 7,500 words. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: June 1, 2019. 

ABA Journal/Ross Writing Contest for Legal Short Fiction. Sponsored by the American Bar Association. Restrictions: Entrants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.  Genre: Original works of short fiction that illuminate the role of the law and/or lawyers in modern society. 5000 words max. Prize: $3,000 and publication in ABA Journal. Deadline: June 1, 2019.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Contest. Restrictions: The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under. Genre: Essay. The theme of the contest is "A Connected Commonwealth." Prize: Past prizes have included certificates, resources for winner's school, visits to Cambridge University, a trip to London and a week of activities, work experience at international organisations, and having your entry featured in worldwide media. Deadline: June 1, 2019.

Governor General's Literary Awards. Restrictions: Books must have been written by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. They do not need to be residing in Canada. Genre: The Governor General’s Literary Awards are given annually to the best English-language book in each of the seven categories of Fiction, Literary Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People’s Literature (Text), Young People’s Literature (Illustrated Books). Prize: $25,000. Deadline: June 1, 2019.

Amy Awards. Poets & Writers presents the Amy Award each year to recognize promising women poets, age 30 and under, living in the New York City metropolitan area or on Long Island. Winners receive a modest honorarium and give a reading in New York City. The award was established in 1995 by Paula Trachtman and Edward Butscher of East Hampton, New York, in memory of Ms. Trachtman's daughter, Amy Rothholz, an actor and poet. Genre: Poetry. Deadline: June 1, 2019.

CINTAS Creative Writing Fellowship. Restrictions: Open to any Cuban author (including those of direct Cuban lineage; need not reside in Cuba). Genre: Novel excerpts, short stories, plays, or poems of up to 25 pages. Prize: $20,000 fellowship. Deadline: June 1, 2019.

Creative Futures. Restrictions: Open to under-represented UK writers. Genre: Fiction, poetry. Prize: £100. Deadline: June 2, 2019.

RBC Taylor Prize. Restrictions: Open to citizens or residents of Canada. Must be published author. Genre: Literary nonfiction. Prize: $25,000 (CAN). Deadline: June 3, 2019 for books published between November 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019.

Literary Taxidermy. Genre: Short story, must begin and end with lines from one of three chosen novels. Prize: Up to $1500 and publication. Deadline: June 4, 2019. Note: There is a voluntary $10 fee. Entrants are encouraged to pay the fee, but the fee will be waived in the case of financial hardship.

The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting. Restrictions: An address in the UK or Republic of Ireland or British Overseas Territory or British Forces Post Office. OR an entry code shared with you for submission to the International Award. Genre: Play. Prize: £16,000. Deadline: June 5, 2019.

Little, Brown Emerging Artist Award. Genre: High-quality picture books that resonate with readers of diverse backgrounds and experience. Diversity includes literal or metaphorical inclusion of characters of underrepresented ethnicity, religious background, gender identity, class, mental or physical disability, or any other nondominant populations. Prize: American Express® gift cards totaling $1,500, round trip travel to New York City, and the honor of a one-day mentorship with a Little, Brown Books for Young Readers’ professional children’s book design and editorial team. Submission will be reviewed for publication. Deadline: June 7, 2019.

BAME Short Story Prize. Restrictions: Open to a black, Asian, or minority ethnic writer aged 18+ living in the UK or Ireland. Genre: Previously unpublished story, 6,000 words maximum.  Prize: £1,000.00 and publication on the Guardian website. Deadline: June 7, 2019.

The Pandeism Collegiate Writing Competition. Restrictions: Open to undergraduate and graduate collegiate students of philosophy, theology, religious studies, social sciences, arts, literature, applied sciences, or comparable disciplines. Genre: Article presenting original thought in exploring implications of the modern theological theory of Pandeism (pantheistic Deism, belief in a Creator wholly becoming our Universe, proposed to be discernible by application of logic and reason). Papers written for course credit are acceptable. Submissions do not need to take a position in favor of or opposed to Pandeism as a theory, but must present original thought about its relative possibility, relation to other areas of theology, or implications for areas such as epistemology, ethics and morality, or science. Submissions must be a minimum of 3,000 words and a maximum of 6,000 words. Only one (1) article may be submitted by each student. Prize: $250 Amazon gift card and publication.  Deadline: June 7, 2019.

Sapiens Plurum. Genre: Short stories that personalize the consequences of climate change so readers feel as well as know them. But stories must offer hope, at least a possibility, for without hope people rarely act. This year, the contest asks brilliant imaginers such as you "Can you rewrite our children's history?" Prize: 1ST PRIZE: $1000; 2ND PRIZE: $500; 3RD PRIZE: $300. Deadline: June 9, 2019. Read rules here.

The Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award. Sponsored by Sisters in Crime. Restrictions: Open to emerging writers of color. An unpublished writer is preferred, although publication of one work of short fiction or academic work will not disqualify an applicant. Prize: $1,500. Deadline: June 9, 2019.

The Vilcek Foundation Awards. Restrictions: Applicant must have been born outside the United States; Applicant must not be more than 38 years old as of December 31, 2019 (born on or after January 1, 1981); Applicant must: be a naturalized citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) of the United States; be a holder of an H1B or O-1 visa and have been living and working in the United States for at least 5 years; or have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); Applicant must not be enrolled as a full-time student; Applicant must have published at least one full-length book (not self-published); Applicant must intend to pursue a professional career in the United States; Applicant must not be a past winner of the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Prize: $50,000. Deadline: June 10, 2019.

Neltje Blanchan/Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Awards. Restrictions: Wyoming writers. Genres: The Frank Nelson Doubleday Award is given for the best poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or script written by a woman writer. The Neltje Blanchan Memorial Writing Award is given annually for the best poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or script which is informed by a relationship with the natural world. Prize: $1,000.00. Deadline: June 12, 2019.

Daily Mail First Novel Competition (UK/IRE). Restrictions: Open to any UK/Ireland author aged 16 or older. Genre: First novels for adults of manuscript length (submit 3000-word sample and synopsis). All genres except science fiction, fantasy, and sagas are accepted. Book cannot have been self-published or previously published. Prize: £20,000 and potential Random House UK publication.  Deadline: June 14, 2019.

Scotiabank Giller Prize. Restrictions: Open to books published in Canada in English. 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: Books published between May 1, 2019 and June 30, 2019 must be received on or before June 15, 2019.

American-Scandinavian Foundation Translation Prizes. Genre: English translations of poetry, fiction, drama, or literary prose originally written in Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, or Swedish by a Scandinavian author born after 1800. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: June 15, 2019.

Towson University Prize for Literature. Restrictions: Open to Maryland writers. Genre: Book-length manuscript of fiction, poetry, drama or imaginative non-fiction. The work must have been published within the three years prior to the year of nomination or must be scheduled for publication within the year in which nominated. Self-published works will not be considered. Prize: $1,000.  Deadline: June 15, 2019.

Norton Writer's Prize. Sponsored by W.W. Norton & Company. "The Norton Writer’s Prize will be awarded annually for an outstanding essay written by an undergraduate. Literacy narratives, literary and other textual analyses, reports, profiles, evaluations, arguments, memoirs, proposals, mixed-genre pieces, and more: any excellent writing done for an undergraduate writing class will be considered." Genres: Creative Nonfiction, Scholarly Essay. Prize: $1,500. Two runner-up prizes of $1,000. Deadline: June 15, 2019.

Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest for Young People. Restrictions: Open to people 25 years of age or less. Genre: Essay (max 700 words). Theme: “Creating a Society Full of Kindness.” Prize: 1st US$840, 2nd US$420. Deadline: June 15, 2019.

Vermont Studio Center – Full Fellowship Awards. The Vermont Studio Center offers 54 fellowships; open to anyone in the world. Deadline: June 15, 2019.

Bard Fiction Prize. Genre: Published fiction book. Prize: $30,000 and a one-semester appointment as writer-in-residence at Bard College. Deadline: June 17, 2019.

Ocean Awareness Youth Contest. Restrictions: Open to students in grades 6 - 12. Genre: Art, poetry, prose, film. "Create a piece about a coastal/marine species, place, or system that will be threatened, altered, or lost due to climate change."  Prizes: $100 - $1,500. Deadline: June 17, 2019.

Peter Blazey Fellowship.  Restrictions: Applicants must either be an Australian citizen or have Australian residency. Genre: Non-fiction in the fields of autobiography, biography or life writing. Prize: $15 000, and a one-month writer-in-residency at The Australia Centre. Deadline: June 17, 2019.

Maine Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowships. Restrictions: Open to writers who have lived in the state of Maine for at least one year. Genre: Fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction. Prize: $5,000.   Deadline: June 20, 2019.

A Midsummer Tale Narrative Writing Contest. Theme: Secrets. Length: 1,000 words minimum; 5,000 words maximum. Prize: $35 - $50 Amazon gift card. Deadline: June 21, 2019.

Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing. Genre: Editorial writing. The Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship was established to enable a mid-career editorial writer or columnist to have time away from daily responsibilities for study and research. Freelancers may also apply. Fellowship:  $75,000. Deadline: June 21, 2019.

Artist Trust. Restrictions: Open to poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers who are residents of Washington State. Students enrolled in a degree-granting program are ineligible. Submit a writing sample of up to 12 pages with a project description, synopsis, budget, and résumé. Grant: $1,500.  Deadline: June 24, 2019.

Great Lakes Colleges New Writers Award. Restrictions: Open to Americans and Canadians.  Genre: Poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. In each category, the submitted work must be an author’s first published volume. Prize: $500. Deadline: June 25, 2019.

Louise Meriwether First Book Prize. The Feminist Press has partnered with TAYO Literary Magazine to launch a contest seeking the best debut books by women and nonbinary writers of color. Genres: Fiction, including novels and short story collections, or narrative memoir, of 50,000 to 80,000 words. Prize: $5,000 and a publishing contract from the Feminist Press. Deadline: June 28, 2019.

Undiscovered Voices Fellowship. "The Writer’s Center seeks promising writers in the Washington area earning less than $25,000 annually to apply. This program will provide complimentary writing workshops to the selected applicant for a period of one year, but not to exceed 8 workshops in that year (and not to include independent studies). We expect the recipient will use the year to make progress toward a completed manuscript of publishable work." Deadline: June 28, 2019.

James White Award. Restrictions: Non-professional authors from anywhere in the world. Genre: Previously unpublished science fiction stories of 6000 words or less, but the stories must be written in English. Prize: £200 plus publication in Interzone. Deadline: June 28, 2019.

Linda Flowers Literary Award. Restrictions: Entrants must live in North Carolina. "The North Carolina Humanities Council invites original, unpublished entries of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry for the Linda Flowers Literary Award. Submissions should detail examinations of intimate, provocative, and inspiring portraiture of North Carolina, its people and cultures, bringing to light real men and women having to make their way in the face of change, loss, triumph, and disappointments." Prize: $1,500. Deadline: June 28, 2019.

Green Stories Writing Competition. Genre: Stage play about building a sustainable society. Prize: £750: 1st prize £500, 2nd prize £100, third prize £50 plus £50 for best student submission (18-25 years) and £50 for best < 18 year submission. Deadline: June 30, 2019.

Writers' HQ Flash Quarterly Contest. Genre: Unpublished flash fiction, 500 words max. Prize: 450 pounds. Top three winners win membership to Writers' HQ, a British writing resource site, and admission to three WHQ writing retreats. Winners outside the UK can substitute a manuscript critique for the retreats. Deadline: June 30, 2019.

Blue Mountain Poetry Card Contest. Genre: Poetry. "Poems can be rhyming or non-rhyming, although we find that non-rhyming poetry reads better. We suggest that you write about real emotions and feelings and that you have some special person or occasion in mind as you write." Prize: First prize $300. Second prize $150. Third prize $30. Deadline: June 30, 2019.

L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest. Restrictions: Contest is open only to those who have not professionally published a novel or short novel, or more than one novelette, or more than three short stories, in any medium. Professional publication is deemed to be payment and at least 5,000 copies (or 5,000 hits for online publication). Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi or Horror.  17,000 words max. Prize: $1,000 1st Prize awarded each quarter; one of those winners also receives the $5,000 annual "Golden Pen Award" grand prize. 2nd Prize $750, 3rd Prize $500. Deadline: June 30, 2019.

Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry, Griffin Poetry Prize. Restrictions: One prize goes to a living Canadian poet or translator, the other to a living poet or translator from any country, which may include Canada. Genre: Poetry. Books must have been published in English during the calendar year preceding the year of the award. Prize: C$200,000, is awarded annually in two categories – International and Canadian. Each prize is worth C$65,000. Deadline: June 30, 2019.

Letheon. Genre: Poetry related to the perioperative setting. "Are you a medical professional or related to one? Perhaps you have been anesthetized recently, or you are overly acquainted with the waiting room. If you are connected to the world of anesthesia, we encourage you to share your experience with us." Prize: $500. Deadline: June 30, 2019.

Drue Heinz Literature Prize. Restrictions: The award is open to writers who have published a book-length collection of fiction or a minimum of three short stories or novellas in commercial magazines or literary journals of national distribution. Online and self-publication does not count toward this requirement. Genre: A manuscript of short stories; two or more novellas (a novella may comprise a maximum of 130 double-spaced typed pages); or a combination of one or more novellas and short stories. Novellas are only accepted as part of a larger collection. Prize: $15,000 and publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press under its standard contract. Deadline: June 30, 2019.

African American Voices in Children's Literature Contest. Restrictions: The award is open to writers of African American heritage who are residents of Minnesota and at the time of entry are at least 18 years of age and residing in Minnesota. Genre: Fiction or nonfiction board books for ages 0-4 (50-125 words) and picture books for ages 4-8 (300-800 words) featuring contemporary African American characters and culture and focusing on one or more of the following topics: character development, self-esteem, diversity, getting along with others, engaging with family and community, or other topics related to positive childhood development. Deadline: June 30, 2019.

55 Fabulous Writing Conferences in June 2019

Baltimore Book Festival (Wikimedia Commons)

June is bustin' out all over. This month there are more than four dozen excellent opportunities to network, pitch your work, and attend stimulating workshops from coast to coast.

I strongly urge you to plan ahead if you are thinking of attending a writing conference. Many offer scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost. And all of the intensive writing workshops have application deadlines.

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.)

I have included some sold out workshops so you can plan ahead for next year!

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Red Ink Conference. June 1, 2019: Charlotte, NC. "Here are some topics we'll cover: From the Page to the Stage: Turning Your Bestselling Book into a Script, Self-Publishing Industry Secrets, How to Create a Bestselling Bio, The Bestseller Book Synopsis, Marketing to Make Money."

Indiana University Writers’ Conference. June 1 - 5, 2019, Indiana University in Bloomington. The conference features workshops in poetry and fiction, as well as craft classes, readings, and panels for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. The cost of the conference is $385, or $635 with a workshop. Lodging and meals are not included; lodging is available in campus dormitories and in the campus hotel. The registration fee is $30; general registration is first come, first served. To attend a workshop, submit 8 to 10 pages of poetry or 15 to 25 pages of prose; admissions are made on a rolling basis.

Yale Writers' Conference. June 1 - 6 and 8 - 11, 2019: New Haven, CT. Visiting Faculty: Amy Bloom, Michael Cunningham, Lev Grossman, Claudia Rankine, Edmund White, MG Lord, Sarah Darer Littman Resident Faculty: Kirsten Bakis, Je Banach, Sybil Baker, Marc Fitten, Trey Ellis, and more. Director: Terence Hawkins. Application deadline: March 15, 2019.

Odyssey Writing Workshop. June 3 - July 12, 2019: Manchester, NH. Since its inception in 1996, Odyssey has become one of the most highly respected workshops for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Top authors, editors and agents serve as guests, and 59% of graduates go on to professional publication. Application deadline: April 1, 2019.

West Chester University Poetry Conference. June 5 - 8, 2019: West Chester, PA. The conference offers poetry workshops and features a keynote speaker, critical seminars, panel discussions, faculty readings, and an opportunity for participants to have conferences with workshop leaders and resident poets.

The Writer's Hotel. June 5 - 11, 2019, NYC. To apply, send the first 5000 words of a prose manuscript or the first 15 poems of a poetry manuscript. We work with writers of fiction, poetry and nonfiction. We do not work on scripts. International applications are welcome. It is $30 to apply. The fee for the 2018 conference is $3,000 and includes the pre-conference TWH Team Reading and NYC in-town events. Early acceptance not only reserves a writer's spot at an intimate conference, it means writers will have ample time to revise before the NYC pitch meetings. Deadline for application: March 22, 2019.

Clarksville Writers Conference. June 6 - 7, 2019: Clarksville, TN. Two days of writing workshops and presentations, a keynote banquet with the authors, and manuscript consultations.

Annual Philadelphia Writers' Conference. June 7 - 9, 2019: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Features workshops, contests and awards, critique and feedback sessions, and agent and editor speed dates. Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Horror, Journalism, Marketing, Non-fiction, Playwriting, Poetry, Publishing, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Screenwriting, Young Adult.

West Virginia Writers Conference. June 7 - 9, 2019: Ripley, West Virginia. Author readings, contests and sharing your love of writing with others.

Wyoming Writers Conference. June 7 - 9, 2019: Laramie, WY. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and self-publishing, as well as agent and editor pitch sessions, roundtable critiques, and open mics. Participating writers include poet Jovan Mays, fiction writers Tasha Alexander and Andrew Grant, and nonfiction writer Page Lambert. Participating publishing professionals include editor Eric Campbell (Down & Out Books) and agents Stephanie Hansen (Metamorphosis Literary Agency) and Angie Hodapp (Nelson Literary Agency). Fiction writer Brad Watson will deliver the keynote. The cost of the conference is $235 until May 1 and $275 thereafter, and includes a one-year membership to Wyoming Writers, Inc. Lodging is available at the conference hotel for a discounted rate of $104 per night.

Spring Writing Intensive. June 8, 2019: Annapolis MD. "In this one-day writing intensive, participants will have the opportunity to join other writers for a day devoted to writing instruction, discovery, and inspiration. Working under the guidance of award-winning authors, attendees may select four workshops from seven choices. By choosing from a menu of craft options that will include memoir, fiction, nonfiction, and publishing advice, participants will select the subjects that address their most challenging writing issues and will leave armed with new skills, understanding, and motivation. All levels are welcome." Tuition: $175.

Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop. June 9 - 14, 2019: Roanoke, Virginia. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft seminars, individual conferences with faculty members, and readings. The faculty includes poet Rebecca Lindenberg; fiction writers Pinckney Benedict, Michele Claudio, and Fred Leebron; multi-genre writers Khris Baxter, Lisa Brevard, James McKean, Thorpe Moeckel, Daniel Mueller, and Maxine Swann; agent Rachel Ekstrom Courage (Folio Literary Management); and editor Barbara Jones (Henry Holt). The cost of tuition is $795. Housing is available on campus for $225 for the week or in nearby hotels beginning at $65 per night. A campus meal plan is available for $200.

Naropa Summer Writing Program. June 9 - June 29, 2019: Boulder, CO. This is the 45th Summer Writing Program of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University. "With the title Against Atrocity we mean to signal both a committed antagonism, and a fact of relation: we live, and think, and write in an era of unrelenting ecological and political atrocity; it is the situation, the context, the defining field we’re up against. Examples of its many violences come too readily to mind, to screen, to our communities of care and concern––a vampiric regime of extraction and extinction, of cages, borders, and (surplus) populations all the more on the move, on the lam from lawless law. And as a first principle we’ll try to stand with Amié Césaire, and reject the “sterile attitude of the spectator” as the terrible array of devastations wrought through the history of racialized capitalism hurtles on and on; as artists, thinkers, and language-workers we’ll try and press our imaginations forward and against atrocity.”

Iowa Summer Writing Festival. June 9 -  July 26, 2019, Iowa City. Featuring 138 workshops with 60 instructors. Registrations for weeklong and weekend workshops are accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Class size is limited to twelve. It is a good idea to register early.

California Crime Writers Conference. June 10, 2019: Culver City, California. Faculty: William Kent Krueger: Keynote Speaker. Hallie Ephron: Keynote Speaker. "Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles and SoCal Mystery Writers of America invite emerging and established mystery writers for a weekend of invaluable guidance, insight, and community at the 2017 California Crime Writers Conference. Whether your novel is brewing in your imagination, ready to publish, or you already have several published books under your belt, our workshops, presented by agents, editors, award-winning authors, and crime investigation professionals, are geared to elevate your mystery writing skills and foster relationships on your path to publication and beyond."

Interlochen Writer’s Retreat. June 10 - 13, 2019: Interlochen, Michigan. The retreat features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft talks, readings, time to write, one-on-one manuscript consultations, and a dinner. The retreat also offers a practicum that includes additional consultations, lectures, and panel discussions on publishing. The faculty includes poet Fleda Brown, fiction writer Rebecca Makkai, fiction and nonfiction writers Eric Charles May and Rebecca McClanahan, poet and nonfiction writer Anne-Marie Oomen, and multi-genre writer Christine Maul Rice. The cost of the conference is $520. Lodging and meals are not included; lodging is available on campus for discounted rates. Registration is first come, first served.

Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers. June 10 - 14, 2019: Sandy, Utah. Offers one-, two-, three- and five-day workshops. Morning workshops devoted to individual work; afternoon talks on market, craft, publication; chats w/ editors and agents; keynote; book signing. For those interested, specialized workshops--Boot Camp and Full-Novel classes. Single day programs as well.

Wesleyan Writers Conference. June 12 - 16, 2019: Middletown, CT. The conference offers workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as master classes, craft sessions, panel discussions, readings, lectures, and manuscript consultations with agents and editors. The program includes a choice of daily seminars focused on the novel, short story, poetry, and nonfiction (memoir, short- and long-form nonfiction, and journalism). The faculty includes poet Honor Moore, fiction writers Amy Bloom and Salvatore Scibona, and nonfiction writers William Finnegan and Lis Harris. Tuition is $850, which includes access to all classes and events, plus an optional manuscript consultation. A one-day program is also available on June 16 for $225, which includes lunch and dinner; manuscript consultations are available for an additional $100. Lodging is available on campus for $50 per night or $200 for four nights, or at area hotels and inns. A meal plan is available for $275. General registration is first come, first served; workshop space is limited. To register for a manuscript consultation, submit 10 poems or up to 35 pages of prose by May 23. Scholarships and teaching fellowships are available; submit a work sample of any length, a letter of intent, and a résumé by March 15. Visit the website for the registration form and complete guidelines.

The Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop, June 12 - 16, 2019: Algonkian Park, Virginia. "You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, clear your head, have your work read by our writer mentors, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. You discuss with us ahead of time via the Algonkian Writer Retreat Application the goals you wish to accomplish, and we'll work with you to make it happen. Do you desire a review? A line edit? Do you wish to discuss the reality of the current fiction market, your novel project, plot and characters, or perhaps get feedback on the opening hook or a few sample chapters? Or would you simply like a relaxed and productive dialogue about your goals as a writer?"

Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing Residency Writers Conference. June 13 - 23, 2019: Forest Grove, Oregon. Writers seeking to deepen their craft and expand their professional community are invited to attend the Residency Writers Conference together with MFA students, faculty and guest speakers. Join us for 10 full days of craft talks, workshops, panels, classes, readings and more featuring some of the best minds of the literary world. This residency is a rare opportunity to engage in sustained and meaningful conversation with others who share your passion for the art of writing.

Gateway to Publishing Conference and Convention. June 14 - 16, 2019: St. Louis, Missouri. Workshops, literary agents, publishers, book fair, and authors. Cost: Writer’s Conference: SLWG Member $220; Students/Affiliated Organizations $230; Regular Registration $250; Gateway Con Masterclass $50 per class; Author Hall Rates: SLWG Members $125; Affiliated Organizations $145; Regular Registration $175.

Poetry at the Frost Farm. June 14 - 16, 2019:  Derry, New Hampshire. The retreat offers workshops, readings, and one-on-one consultations for formalist poets. "Join a small community of people at the historic Robert Frost Farm learning, reading and writing formal poetry with contemporary award-winning poets. Choose your focus from a series of offerings designed to provide tools for beginning poets as well as perfect the mastery of published poets."

Mountain Heritage Literary Festival. June 14 - 16, 2019, Cumberland Gap, TN. "Every year writers gather at the ancient and beloved Cumberland Gap to celebrate writing, music, and Appalachian heritage. Events include workshops, panels, readings, concerts, lectures, open mic, and more."

Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference. June 14 - 18, 2019: Homer, Alaska. Daily workshops, panel presentations, readings and craft talks. Keynote speaker: Diane Ackerman. Costs: $375. Includes luncheons, opening dinner; manuscript review $65. Post-conference workshop $400.

Get Published Conference. June 15, 2019: Bozeman, Montana. This conference is devoted to book writing, marketing and getting published. Faculty includes experienced writers who share their methods for planning, writing and finishing their books, along with practical marketing and promotional information.

The Santa Barbara Writers Conference, June 16 – 21, 2019: Santa Barbara, Calif. "Every summer, writers in many genres from around the world gather to participate in a magical week of intensive work focused on story, voice, craft, marketing, and networking with fellow writers and publishing professionals."

Aspen Summer Words. June 16 - 21, 2019: Aspen, Colorado. Workshops, panels, and readings in fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as opportunities to meet with agents and editors. "Aspen Summer Words is the Rocky Mountain gateway to the literary world. Recognized as one of the country’s pre-eminent literary conferences, Summer Words welcomes visitors and locals alike to celebrate writing and writers in Aspen for a week each June. The exceptional faculty and awe-inspiring mountain scenery combine to make this a writing retreat like no other."

Colgate Writers’ Conference. June 16 - 22, 2019: Hamilton, New York. Morning craft talks & workshops. Individual consultation with workshop instructor in the afternoon. Late afternoon participant readings and talks on publishing, storytelling. Evening readings by instructors & guests. Late night social events. "Bring a story, a book in progress, some poems, or a novel, and work with us on developing narrative strategies, verse techniques, and methods of research. Members of the publishing profession will also be here to discuss marketplace tactics."

Kenyon Review Writers Workshops. June 16 - July 13, 2019: Gambier, Ohio. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction led by an accomplished faculty. Genre workshops (Fiction, Literary Nonfiction, and Poetry) are held for three hours each morning. (See individual workshops for dates.)

Fine Arts Work Center Summer Workshops (poetry, fiction, art, and creative nonfiction). June 16 - August 23, 2019, Provincetown, Massachusetts. The faculty includes David Baker, Samiya Bashir, Jill Bialosky, Sophie Cabot Black, Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Martha Collins, Kate Daniels, Nick Flynn, Vievee Francis, Gabriel Fried, Jorie Graham, Marie Howe, Major Jackson, Fred Marchant, Gail Mazur, Jane Mead, John Murillo, Eileen Myles, Matthew Olzmann, Gregory Pardlo, Carl Phillips, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, Victoria Redel, Martha Rhodes, Brenda Shaughnessy, Nicole Sealey, Alan Shapiro, Carmen Giménez Smith, Craig Morgan Teicher and many more. Tuition ranges from $600 to $725. (See individual workshops for dates.)

Manhattanville College Summer Writers' Week. June 17 - 21, 2019: Purchase, New York. Each day begins with a workshop, then afternoons feature craft panels and events. Evenings feature faculty readings and a keynote reader, and these evening readings are free and open to the public. For an immersive experience, housing is available on campus for workshop participants.

Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference. June 17 - 23, 2019: Bemidji, Minnesota. Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. Faculty: The faculty includes poets Camille Dungy, Ada Limón, and Aimee Nezhukumatathil; fiction writer Peter Orner; and nonfiction writer Dustin Parson. The 2019 Distinguished Visiting Writer is poet Terrance Hayes. The cost of the conference, which includes a five-day workshop, seminars, and five meals, is $650 until April 1 and $750 thereafter. Half-hour manuscript consultations are available for an additional $60. An auditor option, which includes all conference events and amenities except a workshop, is available for $150. Lodging is available on campus for $225 for the week. Using the online application system, submit 5 to 10 pages of poetry or 10 to 25 pages of prose by May 1. Workshops are capped at 12 and applications are processed first-come, first-served until workshops are filled. 

Chautauqua Writers’ Festival. June 19 - 22, 2019: Chautauqua, New York. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as readings, panel discussions, individual conferences with faculty members, open mics, and time to write. The theme of the conference is “Writing and Reclamation.” The faculty includes poets Jill McDonough and Khadijah Queen, fiction writers Marie-Helene Bertino and Michael Martone, and nonfiction writer Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich. The keynote speaker is poet Jericho Brown. The cost of the full conference, which includes workshops, breakfasts, and shuttle transportation from the airport, is $500 until March 15 and $550 thereafter; the registration deadline is May 31. The cost of the conference without a workshop is $200; the registration deadline is June 19. The registration deadline is May 31.

Western Writers of America Convention. June 19 - 22, 2019: Tucson, Arizona. Children's, Fiction, Marketing, Non-fiction, Publishing, Young Adult. History presentations at the convention include Cats in the Old West, Border Wars/Law and Order, Mark Twain Literary Contributions, and more. Other sessions will take place related to the craft of writing, book marketing, and research sources and techniques.

Fordham University Retreat. June 19 - 23, 2019, New York City. "In order to help mentor the next generation of Asian American writers, Kundiman sponsors an annual Retreat in partnership with Fordham University. During the Retreat, nationally renowned Asian American poets and writers conduct Master Classes and manuscript consultations with fellows. Readings, writing circles and informal social gatherings are also scheduled. Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Asian American writers." Application Deadline: January 15th, 2019.

7th Historical Novel Society North American Conference. June 20 - 22, 2019: Oxon Hill, MD. Registration $475 (members), $550 (nonmembers) includes welcome reception, two breakfasts and lunches, and Saturday evening banquet.

Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Pitch. June 20 - 23, 2019: Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City. The New York Pitch Conference and writers workshop is held four times a year and features publishing house editors from major houses such as Penguin, Random House, St. Martins, Harper Collins, Tor and Del Rey, Kensington Books and many more who are looking for new novels in a variety of genres, as well as narrative non-fiction. The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work, but for having you and your work taken seriously by industry professionals.

Chuckanut Writers Conference. June 21 - 22, 2019: Bellingham, Washington. Writers conference that includes speakers, panels, breakout sessions, authors' readings, reception with authors, pitch sessions with literary agents, book signings, open mic for attendees. Autobiography/Memoir, Children's, Fiction, Nature, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. 

Shore Thing Writing Getaway: A One Day Retreat for Poets and Writers. June 22, 2019, Atlantic City, NJ. "Join us for this boardwalk-inspired getaway, designed for writers of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Trigger your imagination and compose new work that will surprise and please you. Spend the day immersed in the literary life: discussing writing, doing your own writing and sharing some of your new drafts." Faculty: Peter E. Murphy. Cost: $85.

Publish & Promote Your Book Conference. June 22, 2019: Bronxville, New York. "If you’re ready to find an agent and present your book to the marketplace, come join our community of educators, writers, agents, editors, and publishers at a one day conference designed to help you succeed in your publishing ventures. In addition to panel discussions, participants can register for Pitch Sessions and discuss their book with up to three agents/editors for 10 minutes each. If you're thinking of attending a Pitch Session, consider signing up for one of our Prep For Your Pitch sessions"

DFW Writers Conference. June 22 - 23, 2019: Fort Worth TX. Featuring pitch sessions with literary agents, advanced classes, engaging panels, interactive workshops.

Bread Loaf Orion Environmental Writers' Conference. June 23 - 28, 2019: Ripton, VT. The Bread Loaf Orion Environmental Writers' Conference is a week-long writers’ conference designed to hone the skills of people interested in producing literary writing about the environment and the natural world. The conference is co-sponsored by the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, Orion magazine, and Middlebury College’s Environmental Studies Program. Application deadline: May 23, 2019.

Community of Writers at Squaw Valley: Poetry Workshop. June 22 - June 29, 2019: Olympic Valley, California. "We work together to create an atmosphere in which everyone might feel free to try anything. In the mornings we meet in workshops to read to each other the work of the previous twenty-four hours; each participant also has an opportunity to work with each staff poet. In the late afternoons we gather for a conversation about some aspect of craft. On several afternoons staff poets hold brief individual conferences." Registration deadline: April 1, 2019.

Chesapeake Writers' Conference at St. Mary's College of Maryland. June 23 - 29, 2019: St. Mary's City, Maryland. "Join us on Maryland’s Western Shore-for the 8th Annual Chesapeake Writers’ Conference for a week of craft talks, lectures, panel discussions, and readings, as well as daily workshops in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, translation, songwriting, or creative nonfiction. Our excellent faculty include Liz Arnold (poetry), Matt Burgess and Patricia Henley (fiction), Angela Pelster (creative nonfiction) and Matthew Henry Hall (youth workshop). In 2019, we’ll offer three new workshops: screenwriting (with Richard Wiebe), songwriting (with Crystal Brandt), and translation (with Heather Green)."

Science Fiction & Fantasy Novel Writers Workshop. June 23 - July 5, 2019, University of Kansas, Kansas. "This summer, in conjunction with the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction and the SF Writing Workshop, Kij Johnson teaches a two-week intensive workshop on writing novels. The goal of this workshop is to help writers in the early stages of a novel create compelling, coherent plots and openings for their books. Due to a scheduling conflict for Kij, we've swapped the traditional Novel Workshop and "Repeat Offenders" Novel Workshop for writers who have already taken the traditional workshop, and this year is hosted by the ever-awesome Kevin McNeil."

Clarion West Speculative Fiction Writers Workshop. June 23 - August 2, 2019: Seattle, Washington. "Every summer, Clarion West holds an intensive six-week workshop in Seattle’s University District, geared to help you prepare for a professional career as a writer of speculative fiction. Each workshop is limited to 18 students, and each week features a different instructor, a highly regarded author or editor offering their unique perspective on the field. Short fiction is the workshop’s focus, with an emphasis on science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Come prepared to write several new stories, to experiment and take artistic risks, and to give and receive constructive criticism. FULL

Stonecoast Writers’ Conference. June 24 - 29, 2019, Portland, ME. Workshops in poetry, short fiction, novel, and nonfiction/memoir, and a mixed-genre Creative Writing Bootcamp. The Stonecoast Writers’ Conference is open to students of all experience levels. However, admission is selective. Writing sample and deposit required.

2019 ASLE Biennial Conference. June 25-29, 2019: US Davis, CA.

Steamboat Springs Writers Conference. July 26 - 27, 2019: Steamboat Springs, CO. Two instructors, seminar-type workshops for all levels, beginning to professional. Topics change each year. Limited enrollment.

Jackson Hole Writers Conference, June 27 - 29, 2019: 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 June looking for a fresh, but critical eye on their work. This event usually has at least 4 agents to pitch.

DRC Conference Faculty & Workshops. June 27 - 29, 2019: Davenport, Iowa. Daily workshops, critiques, pitches, evening events, keynote. With five three-day workshops, book pitches with a publisher and an agent, author luncheon, concluding luncheon, free evening faculty reading and keynote address, there’s something for everyone!

In Your Write Mind Workshop. June 27 - 30, 2019, Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Workshops on writing, editing & pitching; guest speaker presentations. A writer's workshop for all writers and aspiring writers! The writer's conference, hosted by Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction program alumni, attracts writers interested in commercial and genre fiction for a weekend of writing, pitches with publishing industry guest agents and editors, and critique session. The conference also includes a costume ball on Friday night and an author  book signing event featuring dozens of alumni authors on Saturday night. The 2019 theme for the costume ball is Lost in Space (sci-fi)!

The Writers’ League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference. June 28 – June 30, 2019: Austin, Tex. The conference features panel discussions, lectures, pitch sessions, receptions, and one-on-one consultations with agents and editors. Participating agents include Lauren E. Abramo (Dystel, Goderich & Bourret), Reiko Davis (DeFiore and Company), Serena Hakim (Ayesha Pande Literary), Marya Spence (Janklow & Nesbit), Paul Stevens (Donald Maass Literary Agency), Cindy Uh (Thompson Literary Agency), Kristin van Ogtrop (InkWell Management), and Kent D. Wolf (Friedrich Agency). The cost of the conference, which includes a one-on-one consultation with an agent or editor, is $479 ($419 for Writers’ League members) until April 2 and $519 ($459 for members) thereafter. Lodging is available at the conference hotel for discounted rates. Registration is first come, first served.

Colrain Classic. June 28 - July 1, 2019: Leicester, Massachusetts. The conference will be held at the beautiful Barred Owl Retreat, a 15-room, 1920′s colonial home located just outside the city of Worcester, Massachusetts. The retreat’s lovingly landscaped acreage hosts an orchard, a brook, two ponds and an abundance of wildlife including herons, beavers, otters, deer, and of course, barred owls. The property abuts a secluded 114-acre nature preserve so on the grounds one might feel away from it all, yet Barred Owl Retreat is just four miles from downtown Worcester. Here, you will work with poet-editor-educators Joan Houlihan, Rusty Morrison, and Ellen Dore Watson.

Chicago Writing Workshop. June 29, 2019: Chicago, IL. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at the historic Congress Plaza Hotel, just south of the downtown area. In other words, it’s one day 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." Features over two dozen attending agents.

16 Recurring Writing Contests - No entry fees

Charles Dickens looking for some inspiration

Winning a writing contest is a huge boost to the ego. Nothing makes a writer feel more confident than having a group of judges (who are also writers) find your work to be worthy of a prize.

But contests can serve another purpose. They are one of the best ways to get us off our duffs and locked to a keyboard, especially flash fiction contests.

Unlike journalists, fiction writers compose in a vacuum. There we are, alone in a room, typing away for nobody but ourselves. Sometimes, it's hard to get up and running. My advice is to use contests as a writing prompt!

These contests are recurring, so you will have plenty of opportunity to fail before you succeed. (Each failure is a step toward success.) None of them charge entry fees. Good luck!

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Recurring Contests

Continual

Reader's Digest 100-Word-Story Competition wants true story about you, in 100 words. Prize: $100.

Monthly

Hennessy New Irish Writing. Restrictions: Open to writers who are Irish or resident in Ireland. Prize: The winner of each category will receive a Hennessy trophy and €1,500. Winners drawn from published stories in The Irish Times on the last Saturday of each month.

The Worldwide Flash Fiction Competition. Entries must be 500 words max. Prize: First prize is £100.00 ($122.50) paid through Paypal.

Getting Sexy with Food. Entries must be 500 words or less. No profanity, vulgarity, or actual sex. Prize: $50. Enter from the 1st to the 20th of each month.

Zero Flash. Flash fiction contest, 300 words max. Enter from the 1st to the last day of every month. Prize: £10.

Write the World Competitions. Restrictions: Young writers ages 13-18. Genre: Essay. Prize: Best Entry: $100; Runner up: $50.

Writing District. Genre: short stories up to 3,000 words. Open theme. Prize: $50.

Apparition. Genre: Flash fiction. Prize: $5.

53 Word Story Contest. Genre: Flash fiction of exactly 53 words based on monthly theme. Prize: Publication and a free book. Deadline for entry is the 21st day of each month. Stories sent after the 21st will not be considered.

The Writing Quarter Competition. Genre: Short stories of up to 3,000 words (open theme). Prize: $30.

Furious Fiction. Genre: Flash fiction. Prize: $500AUD. "On the first Friday of every month, a new set of story prompts will be revealed. You will have 55 hours to submit your best 500-word (or fewer) story."

Weekly

Life of Writers holds a weekly contest. In order to enter, writers must register. (It's free.) Writers must also agree to reply to comments. Prize: (Nominal ?)

Poetry Nook offers a free weekly contest. Prize: $100, with $10 for honorable mentions. You must register to enter, but registration is free. (Thanks to John Reinhart for this tip.)

Ad Hoc Fiction is a weekly free flash fiction contest. Prize: Winning will give you free entry into the Bath Flash, a contest with a top award of 1,000 pounds.

Microcosms is a weekly, microfiction contest, the primary goals of which are to inspire creativity, get writers in the habit of writing, and entertain readers! Prize: They aren't sure yet!

Open

Camera Obscura awards a $1000 prize to the writer of a story selected for publication in each issue as determined by the editors. There is no fee for this award. All stories are eligible.

5 UK Agents Looking for Commercial Fiction, Historical Fiction, Crime, Thrillers, Nonfiction and more

Here are five UK agents actively building their client lists. Caroline Hardman accepts submissions of accessible literary fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, historical fiction, crime, suspense and thrillers. In nonfiction she is seeking popular science in the fields of human biology, medicine, psychology, ecology and sustainability, and memoir. She interested in writing on health (of the body or mind), wellness and lifestyle, and she always wants to hear from aspiring and established food writers.

Matthew Turner is looking for agenda-setting social issues – be they economic, political, scientific, environmental. Matt is looking for fiction which takes a side-long look at the world, and which hopes to speak, to some degree, about its present. Antony Topping's interests include historical thrillers, contemporary and historical literary novels, science, food, and humor.

Rachel Mills wants nonfiction books that effect positive change; books that can improve our individual lives or that campaign for a better future. Milly Reilly is interested in character-driven stories that delve deep into internal lives and the ways that people reveal themselves in friendships, families, and romantic relationships. On the non-fiction side, she is interested in memoir and narrative non-fiction, books on psychology, human behavior, illness and medicine, and political non-fiction that looks at gender, sexuality or race.

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

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

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Caroline Hardman of Hardman & Swainson Literary Agency

Before co-founding Hardman & Swainson Caroline was an agent at the Christopher Little Literary Agency and The Marsh Agency, where she also specialized in translation rights. She has an excellent understanding of global trade publishing and have had the privilege of selling rights on behalf of many renowned writers. Caroline grew up in south Manchester and she has a 1st class BA and an MA with distinction in English Literature from the University of Leeds.

What she is looking for: Caroline accepts submissions of accessible literary fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, historical fiction, crime, suspense and thrillers. In nonfiction she is seeking popular science in the fields of human biology, medicine, psychology, ecology and sustainability, and memoir. She interested in writing on health (of the body or mind), wellness and lifestyle, and she always wants to hear from aspiring and established food writers.

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

Matthew Turner of Rogers, Coleridge & White

Matthew Turner joined Rogers, Coleridge & White in 2012 working for founder Deborah Rogers until she passed away in 2014. He has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. Matt assists Peter Straus and is also curating his own list of writers.

What he is seeking: In non-fiction Matt’s tastes tend towards agenda-setting social issues – be they economic, political, scientific, environmental. Matt is looking for fiction which takes a side-long look at the world, and which hopes to speak, to some degree, about its present. It should be propelled by character, atmosphere and have a vividly realized landscape.

How to submit: Send your query to matthew@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. Non-fiction submissions should take the form of a proposal up to twenty pages in length explaining what the work is about and why you are best placed to write it.

Antony Topping of Greene & Heaton Ltd

Antony Topping joined the agency in 1995, having begun his professional career working as a fiction buyer for one of the major chain bookstores. He studied English at St Anne’s College, Oxford. 

What he is seeking: Antony`s interests span the full breadth of the agency’s activities, from literary representation to TV to brand consultation. His list of writing clients includes historical thriller writers, contemporary and historical literary novelists, science writers, food writers, and humorists.

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 and mention the name of your preferred agent in the subject line of your email.

Ms. Rachel Mills of Rachel Mills Literary

Before founding the agency, Rachel Mills worked as Literary Agent at Furniss Lawton agency, within the James Grant Talent Group, and before that as Agent and International Business Director for Peters Fraser and Dunlop agency, where she was a member of the Executive Board. Prior to that she worked in publishing at Penguin and Random House.

What she is seeking: Nonfiction books that effect positive change; books that can improve our individual lives or that campaign for a better future. (No fiction.)

How to submit: Send your proposal to submissions@rmliterary.co.uk

Ms. Milly Reilly of Jo Unwin Literary Agency

Milly assists Jo Unwin with her list of authors, and is now building her own list of fiction and non-fiction writers. 

What she is seeking: She loves character-driven stories that delve deep into internal lives and the ways that people reveal themselves in friendships, families, and romantic relationships. She is not looking for sci-fi or crime. On the non-fiction side, she is interested in memoir and narrative non-fiction, books on psychology, human behavior, illness and medicine, and political non-fiction that looks at gender, sexuality or race. 

How to submit: Send your query to submissions@jounwin.co.uk with the agent's name in the subject line. Please attach a one or two page synopsis and the first three chapters ONLY of the manuscript.

4 Agents Seeking YA & MG, Literary Fiction, Narrative Non-Fiction

Here are four literary agents actively seeking clients. Maria Whelan is seeking literary fiction and upmarket women’s fiction, as well as non-fiction, revolving around peculiar or overlooked facets of society. Shari Maurer is looking for YA & MG - all subgenres, Non-Fiction YA & MG, including biography, New Adult, Narrative Non-Fiction, Parenting. Maureen Moretti loves Narrative Non-Fiction, especially Biography, Culture and History but reads widely in commercial fiction with a soft spot for Upmarket Women’s Fiction. Karen Murgolo seeks expert authors with compelling book ideas in the health and wellness areas; engrossing narratives on nature, science, food, and popular culture; delicious cookbooks, transformational memoirs, and inspirational and informational books that help readers live better lives.

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

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

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Maria Whelan of InkWell Management

Maria graduated from University College Dublin with a BA in English and Drama then obtained her Masters in Modern Literature from the University of Edinburgh. With bright-eyes, she moved from Dublin to New York in the hopes of pursuing a career in publishing. Before joining InkWell, she worked as a Foreign Rights Assistant at Janklow & Nesbit and interned at Akashic Books. 

What she is seeking: Maria enjoys literary fiction and upmarket women’s fiction, as well as non-fiction, revolving around peculiar or overlooked facets of society.

How to submit: Queries should be emailed to: submissions@inkwellmanagement.com

In the body of your email, please include a query letter and a short writing sample (1-2 chapters). Emails with large attachments will be discarded. We currently accept submissions in all genres except screenplays. Due to the volume of queries we receive, we may not be able to respond to your query. If we are interested in reading more, we will respond within two months.

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Shari Maurer of Stringer Literary Agency

Shari graduated from Duke University with a degree in English, and later studied Dramatic Writing at NYU. Following a stint at The Children’s Television Workshop on international productions of Sesame Street, she published both novels and non-fiction, and worked as a writer and editor. Shari has also written Parenting & Lifestyle columns for several websites. A mother of three, she lives in New York with her husband. 

What she is seeking: YA & MG - all subgenres, Non-Fiction YA & MG, including biography, New Adult, Narrative Non-Fiction, Parenting.

How to submit: Use the online submission form HERE.

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Maureen Moretti of P.S. Literary Agency

Maureen Moretti began her publishing career as an intern with several prestigious literary agencies before joining P.S. Literary as an associate agent. She holds a B.A. from Saint Mary’s College of California, and attended the Columbia Publishing Course.

What she is seeking: She loves Narrative Non-Fiction, especially Biography, Culture and History but reads widely in commercial fiction with a soft spot for Upmarket Women’s Fiction.

How to submit: Send your query to query@psliterary.com




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Karen Murgolo of Aevitas Creative Management

Karen Murgolo has edited and published hundreds of books as a book editor.  Her authors in cookbooks included #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Gwyneth Paltrow, Daniel Boulud, Gordon Ramsay, and Gail Simmons; in wellness: Misty Copeland, Nobel Prize Winner Elizabeth Blackburn, MD and David Ludwig, MD; and in lifestyle: Bobbi Brown, Christie Brinkley, and Ellen DeGeneres. Karen has edited transformational memoirs by Pulitzer Prize nominee, Regina Brett, and others. Karen has a BA with honors in Government from Wesleyan University and attended the Radcliffe Publishing Procedures Course. Prior to joining Aevitas, she had worked at Grand Central Publishing, Bulfinch Press, and The Literary Guild/Doubleday Book Clubs.

What she is seeking: Karen seeks expert authors with compelling book ideas in the health and wellness areas; engrossing narratives on nature, science, food, and popular culture; delicious cookbooks, transformational memoirs, and inspirational and informational books that help readers live better lives.

How to submit: Use the online submission form HERE.

41 Calls for Submissions in May 2019 - Paying markets

Max Pixel

There are more than three dozen calls for submissions in May. All of these are paying markets, and none charge submission fees.

As always, every genre, style, and form is wanted, from speculative fiction to poetry to personal essays.

NOTE: I post upcoming calls for submissions at the end of every month. But as I am collecting them, I post them on my page, Calls for Submissions.

You can get a jump on upcoming calls for submissions by checking that page periodically. (I only post paying markets.)


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Havok. Genre: Flash fiction 300 - 1,000 words on theme of Recover. Payment: Pays for anthologies only. Deadline: May 1, 2019. See accepted genres.

Tiny Nightmares. Genre: Short and terrifying tales of monsters, madness, and nightmares.1200 words max. Payment: $100. Deadline: May 1, 2019.

University Press of Kentucky New Poetry & Prose Series. Genre: Books of poetry or fiction. Payment: Publishing contract. Deadline: May 1, 2019.

Mud Season Review. Genre: Fiction up to 6,000 words, poetry. Payment: $50. Deadline: May 1, 2019.

Visions. Genre: Speculative fiction on theme of "Humanity." Payment: 4 to 5p (~6¢) per word. The final fee will be decided together with the author. Deadline: May 1, 2019.

Boulevard. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Payment: $100-300 for prose, $25-250 for poetry. Deadline: May 1, 2019. Fee to submit online, no fee by post.

Serial Killers Anthology. Genre: True crime stories with serial killers, the editor is especially interested in stories about killers from outside the US. Material must be factual or fact-checked. The style can be journalistic, first-person, narrative, etc. – they are looking for something more than dry reportage. They are not looking for sensationalism. Payment: $130. Deadline: May 1, 2019.

Ellipsis Zine, ‘Woman’ zine, a celebration of female writers and writing Five. Genre: Fiction celebrating female writers and writing. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: May 6, 2019.

The Georgia Review. Genre: Submit up to five poems, fiction, nonfiction, and reviews. Payment: $4 per line of poetry, and $50 per page for prose. Deadline: May 14, 2019. Fee to submit online, no fee by post.

Vallum Magazine is a Canadian poetry magazine. Genre: Poems on the theme of  Fear. “It has been said by writers like William Golding that fear is the most destructive of human emotions. It may be a fear of the known or of the unknown, a fear that seems overwhelming and unbeatable. Franklin D. Roosevelt said “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” How is fear represented in poetry, specifically in your poetry? What are we afraid of?” Send 4-7 poems (by mail only). They also accept essays, interviews, reviews, and audio and video poems. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: May 15, 2019.

Tinderbox Poetry Journal. Genre: Poetry. Payment: $15. Deadline: May 15, 2019.

Once Upon Anthology: The Enchanted Forest. Genre: Short stories with magical/witchcraft elements, and romance must be included in some manner. Payment: $75. Deadline: May 15, 2019.

Bennington Review. Genre: Fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, film writing, and cross-genre work. Payment: $100 for prose of six pages and under, $200 for prose of over six pages, and $20 per poem, in addition to two copies of the issue the piece is published in. Deadline: May 15, 2019.

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

Visions: Humanity. Genre: Speculative fiction on theme of Humanity. Payment: $0.06/word.    Deadline: May 15, 2019.

Lamplight. Genre: Dark fiction. Payment: $0.03/word, up to $150. Deadline: May 15, 2019.  Accepts reprints.

Alaska Quarterly Review. Genre: Fiction, short plays, poetry, photo essays, and literary non-fiction in traditional and experimental styles. Payment: $50-$200 for prose; $10-$50 for poetry. Deadline: May 15, 2019. Snail mail submissions only.

Cast of Wonders Podcast. Genre: Speculative fiction for teens. Length: 3,000 words max. Theme: Banned Books Week, an annual international event celebrating the freedom to read and raising awareness of the immense social value of free and open access to information. Payment: 6 cents/word. Deadline: May 15, 2019.

Gay. Genre: Cultural criticism; thoughtful, clever and beautiful personal essays; short fiction; original artwork and photography. See themes. Payment: $1 a word for work up to 3,500 words in length. Deadline: May 17, 2019.

Pedestal Magazine. Genre: Poems. Payment: $50 for each poem accepted. Deadline: May 26, 2019.

Matchbook. Genre: Short fiction, under 1000 words. Payment: $20. Deadline: May 27, 2019.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories about Forgiveness. Genre: True stories. "We are looking for stories that will show our readers how forgiving someone or being forgiven by someone changed your life in a positive way. Were you able to reestablish a relationship after forgiving or being forgiven? Did letting go of your hurt feelings heal you and bring you a sense of peace? Help others find the same resolution by sharing your story." Payment: $200. Deadline: May 30, 2019.

Kweli Journal. "Kweli is the first online journal of its kind to celebrate community and cultural kinships. In this shared space, you will hear the lived experience of people of color. Our many stories. Our shared histories. Our creative play with language. Here our memories are wrapped inside the music of the Muscogee, the blues songs of the South, the clipped patois of the Caribbean." Genre: Self-contained novel excerpt, short story, or creative non-fiction piece, poetry. Length: No more than 7,000 words. Payment: "upon publication." Deadline: May 30, 2019.

Apparition. Genre: Poetry and fiction on theme of Retribution. Payment: $0.01 per word, minimum of 10.00 dollars. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Ruminate. Ruminate welcomes submissions that both subtly and overtly engages faith from all the world religions. Genre: Nonfiction. Payment: $15/poem and $15/400 words for prose. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

The Lifted Brow. Genre: Translated fiction, comics, essays, experimental non-fiction, and poetry on theme of  "Digital Intimacies." Payment: $75 - $300. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

AGNI. Genre: Poetry and prose. Payment: $10 per printed (or printed-out) page for accepted prose, and $20 per page for accepted poetry, up to a maximum of $150. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Contemporary Verse 2. Genre: Poetry and critical writing about poetry, including interviews, articles, essays, and reviews. Payment: $30 - $150. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

One Story. Genre: Short stories between 3,000 and 8,000 words. Payment: $500. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

ZYZZYVA. Genre:  fiction, poetry, essays, and artwork. Payment: Token to semi-pro. Deadline: May 31, 2019. Snail mail submissions only.

Nashville Review. "Nashville Review seeks to publish the best work we can get our hands on, period. From expansive to minimalist, narrative to lyric, epiphanic to subtle—if it’s a moving work of art, we want it." Genre: Short stories and poems. Payment: $100/story, $25/poem. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Grain. Genre: Poems, sequences, or suites of poems up to a maximum of six pages or fiction or nonfiction of no more than 3,500 words. Payment: $50 per page to a maximum of $250. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Baltimore Review. Genre: Poetry; send up to three poems, fiction, creative nonfiction, videos (including poetry), and cross-genre work. Payment: $40. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Highlights Magazine is a magazine for children ages 6-12. Genre: Poems up to 10 lines, especially non-rhyming and/or humorous poetry. No poems with nature or seasonal themes or poems about dogs. Also publish short stories (see guidelines for current themes), puzzles, articles, activities, and cartoons. Payment: $40 and up for poems, crafts, and puzzles, and $175 and up for fiction and nonfiction. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

The Gettysburg Review. Genre: Poetry, fiction, essays. Payment: $2.00 per line for poetry and $15 per printed page for prose. Published authors also receive a copy of the issue containing their work and a one-year subscription. Deadline: May 31, 2019. (Charges small fee for online submissions. No fee for snail mail.)

Antioch Review. Genre: Nonfiction articles, fiction and poetry geared to an educated audience. Payment: $20/page. Deadline: May 31, 2019. Snail mail submissions only.

New Rivers Press: Wild Gods: The Ecstatic in Contemporary Poetry and Lyric Prose Anthology. Genre: Poems, prose poems, or lyric nonfiction shorts.  Payment: Royalties (?) Please inquire.  Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Escape Pod. Genre: Science fiction - audio and text. "We are fairly flexible on what counts as science (we’ll delve into superheroes or steampunk on occasion) and are interested in exploring the range of the genre. We want stories that center on science, technology, future projections, and/or alternate history, and how any or all of these things intersect with people." Length: 1500-6000 words. Payment: $0.06 per word for original fiction; $100.00 flat rate for reprints of any length. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Lockjaw Magazine. Genre: Fiction, Art, Music, Video. "We are primarily interested in work from writers and makers of color, queer folx, creators with disabilities, socioeconomic disadvantage, and any and all marginalized groups. Lockjaw is a platform; our priority is providing that platform to artists who are often denied one. We have an abiding preference for the experimental and postmodern, though we value clarity, coherence, and strong intention (we like weirdness, but usually not solely for its own sake). We’re not generally looking for more traditional genre work, and we’re not currently a home for nonfiction or personal essay. We have a preference for shorter work, though we’re always happy to look at anything you’d like to send us." Payment: $10. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Hellfire Crossroads 7: Introducing… Genre: Horror and dark fantasy that is subtle, sophisticated and disturbing, as well as slipstream stories that make some kind of sense, no matter how extreme, and traditional horror with a new spin. Writers should send an introductory note along with the submission. Restrictions: Open to new writers only. Length: 3,000-8,000 words. Payment: £20; £100 for the editor’s personal favourite story. Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Angry Robot. Genre: Science fiction and fantasy novels. Payment: Advance and royalties.  Deadline: May 31, 2019.