DAW Books Opens Its Doors to Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers - No agent needed

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DAW Books, a division of Penguin/Random House, is the oldest publishing company devoted exclusively to science fiction and fantasy. DAW has published such luminaries as Patrick Rothfuss, Tad Williams, C. J. Cherryh, Mercedes Lackey, Kristen Britain, Melanie Rawn, C.S. Friedman, and Tanith Lee.

From the site: "Science fiction and fantasy have always been genres in which creators have infinite space to explore bold and inventive new ideas, while also reflecting the multiplicity of cultures, traditions, and identities of our own world. At DAW, we are proud of the work that our authors have already done to explore and celebrate diversity. We have a history of publishing feminist and LGBTQIA+ fiction, but we are always seeking to expand our own horizons, as well as those of our readers.

To this end, DAW is actively seeking new works of science fiction and fantasy written by and/or featuring people of color, Native people, disabled people, neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, and those from other underrepresented or marginalized communities."

How to submit: DAW accepts electronic submissions through Submittable. Science fiction and fantasy novels should not be fewer than 80,000 words. Please send the entire completed manuscript with a query letter. The manuscript should be double-spaced, with at least 1″ margins. Please number your pages consecutively, and put the title of your novel at the top of each page.

No simultaneous submissions. However, if you have not heard back from them after three months, you may submit your novel elsewhere.

Read full guidelines HERE.

10 Feminist Publishers - No agent required

New Woman by Frances Benjamin Johnston - Wikimedia Commons

Although there are many women authors, writing is a man's world. In 2017, Quartz examined literary prizes in the US and found that since 1950, only a quarter have gone to women. What's more, author Nicola Griffith discovered that from 2000 to 2015, not one of the 15 Pulitzer Prize-winning books were written from the point of view of a woman or girl, regardless of who wrote them. In same period, eight of the 15 Pulitzers were given to male novelists who wrote books about men or boys.

To compensate for the domination of the male voice in the publishing world, a number of houses have sprung up that cater exclusively to women writers. Most of these are small presses, which means they rarely offer advances. The majority are feminist, meaning they represent a female perspective. None require an agent.

Note: For a list of over 150 publishers accepting work directly from writers, no agent required, see: Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts. Also see: 34 Feminist and Women's Publications That Pay Writers

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13th Moon Press publishes and promote women’s writing and art work, and to that end we also publish men’s translations of or writings about women writers. They want: Fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, both new works and reissues of out-of-print works important to feminists and / or adventurous readers of literature; Children’s books for feminist  families, or on specific issues trade  publishing is neglecting. Read guidelines HERE. (Note: Their website is hideous.)

Bedazzled Ink is a press that exclusively publishes work by women authors. They are dedicated to literary fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books that celebrate the unique and under-represented voices of women and books about women. Read guidelines HERE.

Clover Valley Press, LLC, founded in 2007, publishes quality manuscripts written by women. Genres may include fiction, poetry, or nonfiction. They are interested in book-length manuscripts (at least 50,000 words), either fiction or nonfiction, written by women. Read guidelines HERE.

The Feminist Press is an educational nonprofit organization founded to advance women's rights and amplify feminist perspectives. FP publishes classic and new writing from around the world, creates cutting-edge programs, and elevates silenced and marginalized voices in order to support personal transformation and social justice for all people. They publish fiction and nonfiction. No poetry, drama, doctoral dissertations, or literary criticism. Read guidelines HERE.

Honno publishes Welsh women writers – for the purposes of submission to Honno this means that you must be a woman born in Wales or resident in Wales at the time of submission. Honno also publishes titles of exceptional interest to women within Wales from writers who may not meet the first two criteria i.e. that they are female and that they are of Welsh birth or residence. They publish full length works of fiction and non-fiction for adults (manuscripts of between 60,000 and 120,000 words). Honno is open to all genres of fiction and is particularly interested in increasing the number of literary fiction, crime/thriller, commercial women’s fiction, science fiction and fantasy titles it publishes. Honno is also building a list of non-fiction works to include biography (untold tales of remarkable Welsh women, places and industries), memoir, nature and travel writing. Read guidelines HERE.

Inanna Publications and Education Inc. (Canada) was founded in 1978 with the goal of making current writing and research on a wide variety of feminist topics accessible to the largest possible community of women. "We welcome fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and essays on ideas, society, politics, culture and the arts that speak to the diverse lives of women around the world. While we do not restrict our always-expanding sense of what makes a contribution "feminist" -- we strive for a presentation of different perspectives -- we will not publish writing that is sexist, racist, homophobic or in any other way discriminatory or harmful to women." Read guidelines HERE.

Resolute Press publishes books rooted in African American culture and/or same-gender loving experiences. "We welcome submissions from new and established women of color writers that are committed to great storytelling and are also passionate readers." Read guidelines HERE.

Seal Press publishes original, lively, radical, empowering, and culturally diverse nonfiction that addresses contemporary issues from a woman’s perspective. Based in Berkeley, Seal Press is an imprint of Perseus Books, a Hachette Book Group Company. No fiction. Read guidelines HERE.

Second Story Press is a Canadian feminist press publishing books of special interest to women. Their list is a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and books for young readers. They look for manuscripts dealing with the many diverse and varied aspects of the lives of girls and women, as well as social justice, diversity, and children's empowerment. They not publish poetry, short story collections, traditional romance novels, rhyming picture books, or books with anthropomorphized animals. Canadian authors only. Read guidelines HERE.

Shade Mountain is committed to publishing literature by women, especially women from marginalized/underrepresented communities. They seek literary fiction that’s politically engaged, that challenges the status quo and gender/class/race privilege. We look for work that’s wise, raucous, joyful, angry, alive. Both realism and its various alternatives (magic realism / fabulism / slipstream / the fantastic / dystopianism) are welcome, as long as the work is literary rather than genre fiction. Read guidelines HERE.

2 Literary Agents Actively Seeking Sci-Fi, Mysteries, Thrillers, Memoir, Literary Fiction and more

Here are two agents actively building their client lists. Peter Ryan is seeking classic sci-fi, adventure, contemporary stories of life, mysteries, and thrillers. Johanna Castillo is interested in Upmarket Commercial Fiction. Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction,Memoir, Inspirational Self-Help, Latinx Fiction and Nonfiction (adult & children), Literature in Translation, Narrative Nonfiction, and Cookbooks.

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.

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Johanna Castillo of Writers House

Johanna is a seasoned professional in the publishing industry with over 18 years of experience. Formerly a Vice President & Executive Editor at Atria Books/Simon and Schuster and Editorial Director of Atria Español for fourteen years, she acquired and edited forty New York Times bestsellers by authors including Isabel Allende (The Japanese Lover), Colleen Hoover (It Ends with Us), Sharyn McCrumb (Prayers the Devil Answers) Rachael Ray (The Book of Burger), María Dueñas (The Time in Between), Rosanna Pansino (The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook), Laura Day (How to Rule the World from your Couch), Javier Sierra ( The Secret Supper), Laura Esquivel ( Malinche) and Theresa Caputo (There is More to Life Than This), as well as multiple national and international bestsellers, such as The German Girl by Armando Lucas Correa, Meat by Pat LaFrieda, and The Elizas by Sara Shepard.

What she is seeking: Commercial and literary fiction, inspirational memoirs and works of narrative nonfiction. Genres: Upmarket Commercial Fiction. Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction,Memoir, Inspirational Self-Help, Latinx Fiction and Nonfiction (adult & children), Literature in Translation, Narrative Nonfiction, and Cookbooks.

How to submit: Send a query letter and the first 25 pages of your manuscript to jcastillo@writershouse.com.

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Peter Ryan of Stimola Literary Studio

Peter Ryan is a lifelong reader of comic books and graphic novels.  His first comics were a big box of silver and golden age comics that were handed down from a friends older brother.  The comics were tattered, torn and in pieces but they were the best thing he had ever seen.  He has a broad background in business, and spent a few years working in the video game industry working on titles like Guitar Hero, Call of Duty some of the Marvel Universe.

What he is seeking: His interests are classic sci-fi, adventure, contemporary stories of life, mysteries, thrillers and books that keep him up at night thinking.

How to submit: Use the submission form HERE.

30 LGBT Publishers Accepting Manuscripts - No agent required (Plus 5 paying journals)

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If you write LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction, there are many publishers that are eager for your work, none of which require an agent. The majority of these are small publishers, which means most do not offer advances, however all pay royalties, provide editing and covers, and distribute books without any charge to authors.

Romance, including all of its subgenres, is the most sought after genre by LGBTQ publishers, but if you write poetry, biography, memoir, or scholarly work, you will find a home for it on this list.

Scroll down the list for five paying magazines that accept LGBTQ short work.

For more than 150 publishers accepting submissions directly from writers see: Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts

Note: While the list below is niche-specific, there are many mainstream publishers that accept LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction as part of their general lists. Most larger houses require an agent, however.

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Affinity Rainbow Publishing publishes works of lesbian literature in electronic media (eBooks) and Print on demand. Affinity is wholly owned by authors and the content of works will reflect their collective writing vision. No simultaneous submissions. Manuscripts sent to multiple publishers will be rejected. The genre is unlimited. No pornographic material. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Aunt Lute Books is a nonprofit multicultural women’s press based in San Francisco. For over thirty years, they have been publishing literature that voices the perspectives of women from a broad range of communities. They have published a number of well-known feminist and lesbian authors. They are seeking manuscripts, both fiction and nonfiction, by women from a variety of cultures, ethnic backgrounds and subcultures. Note: They publish very few books per year. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Bella Books the largest lesbian-owned press devoted to the publication of books written for, by and about women-loving-women. Bella’s books reach worldwide audiences through print, eBooks, translations and distribution.  They now partner with a number of other publishers and independent authors to offer a range of reading choices on their website—BellaBooks.com. Read submission guidelines HERE. No simultaneous submissions.

BLF Press is open to various types of literary work. They are especially interested in work that centers women of color and same gender loving women. Their preferred genres are short fiction, literary fiction, memoir, and creative non-fiction. Prose (fiction and non-fiction) manuscripts should be from 40,000-80,000 words; poetry collections should be at least 50 pages.  If your work is under serious consideration elsewhere, please wait until you've received a decision before submitting it here. They ask for limited print and electronic rights. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Blind Eye Books publishes science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and romance novels featuring LGBTQ protagonists. They do not publish short story collections, poetry, erotica, horror or non-fiction. Length: 70,000 to 150,000 words. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Bold Strokes Books offers a diverse collection of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer general and genre fiction. BSB genre fiction includes all romance sub-genres as well as action, adventure, crime, mystery/intrigue, and speculative fic (sci-fi/fantasy/horror). They will consider previously published works (including self-published works). Read submission guidelines HERE.  No simultaneous submissions.

Bywater Books is looking for well-written commercial fiction targeted to lesbian readers. They are especially interested the following fiction and non-fiction categories: Romance, Mystery, Action/Thriller, Science-fiction/Fantasy, Eco-fiction, Young Adult/New Adult, General Fiction, Cross-genre, Memoir, Essay, and Autobiography/Biography. They do not publish poetry or erotica. Read submission guidelines HERE. No simultaneous submissions.

Chelsea Station Editions publishes books of gay and lesbian interest. Their books are distributed by several wholesalers, including Ingram and Bella Distribution Services. Our books are easily ordered by libraries and booksellers, both online and brick-and-mortar, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powells, and TLA. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Cleis Press publishes provocative, intelligent books across multiple genres, including literary fiction, human rights, mystery, romance, erotica, LGBTQ studies, sex guides, pulp fiction, and memoirs.  Read submission guidelines HERE.

Desert Palm Press welcomes fiction and nonfiction by lesbian authors. They are interested in fiction manuscripts where the main characters are lesbians. The story should be engaging, new and fresh. DPP prefers a HEA ending, or at least a happy ending for now, but will consider all well written stories. Non-fiction will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Desert Palm Press (DPP) produces e-books and print books that are available worldwide through Amazon, Smashwords, Bella Books, and CreateSpace. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Dreamspinner Press publishes gay male romance stories in all genres. While works do not need to be graphic, they must contain a primary or strong secondary romance plotline and focus on the interaction between two or more male characters. The main characters of the story must end in a gay or gay polyamorous relationship. Other relationships (heterosexual, lesbian, mixed gender polyamory) are acceptable in secondary pairings or as part of the development of a main character. Accepts novellas. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Harrington Park Press is a specialized academic/scholarly book publisher devoted to emerging topics in LGBTQ diversity, equality, and inclusivity. They currently seek manuscripts on LGBTQ scholarship related primarily to the social and behavioral sciences, social work, mental health, counseling, health care, social history, and other major fields of study and professional practice. Distributed by Columbia University Press. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Intaglio Publications publishes lesbian fiction only. This is a very small press, with a limited number of titles. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Interlude Press focuses on LGBTQ-focused titles. They are looking for well-crafted original novels, novellas, and short stories of 10,000 to 90,000 words featuring diverse casts with lead characters from across the LGBTQ spectrum, and welcome and encourage manuscripts written by authors from all backgrounds. Read submission guidelines HERE. No simultaneous submissions.

JMS Books LLC is a small electronic press publishing gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender erotic romance, romance, and young adult romance. Length: Between 20,000 and 90,000 words. They do not pay advances. Authors earn 50% royalties on all electronic and print sales from their website and distributors. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Less Than Three Press is looking for creative LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual/pansexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual/aromantic/agender) romances in any genre. The primary focus of Less Than Three Press is romance. They are committed to the belief that romance assumes many forms and shapes: relationships built on platonic love and relationships built on romantic love. They want stories that focus on the relationship and end happily. Accepts short stories, novellas, and novels.  Read submission guidelines HERE.

ManLove Romance Press specializes in publishing male/male gay romance stories, most often in the erotic sub-genre. We make occasional exceptions for other types of extraordinary male/male storytelling - but those exceptions are rare. ManLove accepts a variety of genres in the male/male gay category: mysteries and suspense; paranormal and science fiction; historical, contemporary and futuristic; ghost or vampire; cowboy and urban; comedic or BDSM. Read submission guidelines  HERE.

New Victoria Publishers is primarily looking for well-crafted fiction in all genres featuring out lesbian protagonists with a strong sense of self-awareness.They are especially interested in lesbian or feminist manuscripts, ideally with characters who can evolve through a series of books. Mysteries should have a complex plot, and accurate legal and police procedural detail, and protagonists with full emotional lives. Romance and adventure stories can certainly be competitive in today’s market when there is a good pace, style and tension, and when the characters contain or dramatize important issues. They also consider well-researched non-fiction of interest to womyn, as well as lesbian-feminist herstory, or biography of interest to a general as well as an academic audience. In any science/speculative fiction or fantasy we prefer Amazon adventure themes and/or detailed, well crafted alternative realities, complete with appropriately original language and culture. Read submission guidelines HERE.

NineStar Press is seeking submissions of LGBTQA+ romance fiction and literary novels. Standalones, series & serials all considered across the board. Serials must have a defined ending in each installment. Previously published or self-published books are considered. Authors with orphaned books after the folding of a publishing company are encouraged to submit. You must own all rights to the story. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Pride Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined, a romance publisher. Pride Publishing is actively acquiring empowering, enchanting and endearing storylines that are sure to capture readers’ imaginations from start to finish. We’re looking for stories with lead characters who identify as GLBTQI. 10,000 -100,000 word count per story. Series and serials will be also be considered.No advance, royalties unknown. Read submission guidelines HERE.

RedBone Press publishes work celebrating the cultures of black lesbians and gay men, and work that further promotes understanding between black gays and lesbians and the black mainstream. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Regal Crest is looking for LGBTQI novels with plots of action, adventure, drama, fantasy, mystery, thriller, romance and science fiction, or romance coupled with sub-plots of action, adventure, drama, fantasy, mystery, thriller, and science fiction.  They accept most genres, including non-fiction works. Manuscripts of 15,000 to 59,999 will be considered for eBook formats only, with the exception that manuscripts that fall between 50,000 and 59,999 words will be looked at on a case-by-case basis for print publication. Manuscripts with a minimum of 60,000 words and a maximum of 120,000 words will be considered for print and eBook publication. Longer works will need to be edited down in size or split into multiple volumes. Read submission guidelines HERE. No simultaneous submissions.

Resolute Publishing is committed to producing books rooted in African American culture and/or same-gender loving experiences. They welcome submissions from new and established women of color writers that are committed to great storytelling and are also passionate readers. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Ride the Rainbow Books is looking for well-written lesbian fiction. If your book is under 55,000 words, it may be considered a novella or a short story. If this is the case, they may combine it with other works by you or by other authors in the same book. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Riptide Publishing accepts all genres of LGBTQ romantic, erotic, and literary fiction under the following three imprints: Riptide Publishing: primarily adult genre fiction with romantic or erotic focus; all heat levels from sweet romance to erotica are welcome; Triton Books: YA genre and literary fiction; Anglerfish Press: upmarket fiction (literary genre fiction) with little or no romantic or erotic focus; HEAs are not required here. You can find details about their publishing contract on the site under FAQs. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Riverdale/Magnus is the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) imprint of Riverdale Avenue Books. They are actively looking for titles, both fiction and nonfiction, in a wide variety of areas, including popular culture, entertainment, biography/memoir, self-help, spirituality, and current affairs, among others. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Sapphire Books welcomes high-quality unsolicited manuscripts by lesbian authors. They are seeking specifically: romance, mystery/intrigue with romantic elements and young adult. Novel manuscripts must be a minimum of 50,000 words. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Supposed Crimes publishes queer fiction. The focus is on genre fiction–Westerns, Science Fiction, Horror, Action–rather than just romance. Their characters happen to love women and kick ass. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Torquere Press focuses on GLBT romance, exclusively, in all the sub-genres of romance — paranormal, contemporary, western, suspense, etc. Length: 3000 words and up. Their pricing structure is based solely on word count. Read submission guidelines HERE.

Ylva Publishing is looking for new, talented authors, who write about lesbian and bisexual heroines. Authors are not expected to contribute to the expenses involved in publishing and marketing their work; however, they are looking for authors who will actively participate in every step of the publishing process and in the marketing of their book. Length: Minimum word count 60,000. Read submission guidelines HERE. No simultaneous submissions.

Magazines

Argot Magazine

"We’re interested in writing and visual art that spans the worlds of queer culture, the feminine narrative, marginalized communities, and politics and culture. Send us your short stories, poetry, satire, comics, illustrations, and photo essays." Payment: Starts at $35 and long form investigative pieces (4000> words) peaking at $250.

Anathema

You must be a queer person of color/Indigenous/Aboriginal to submit to Anathema. Accepts fiction and nonfiction. Fiction: 1,500-6,000 words (soft min/max, but please within that general range). Original fiction only, no reprints. Must have some speculative content, however slight. No restriction on genre. Non-Fiction: 1,500-3,000 words (soft min/max, but please within that general range). Original content only, no reprints. Payment: $50 (CAD) for fiction and non-fiction, paid on publication.

The Gay & Lesbian Review

The magazine is targeted to “literate non-specialists,” i.e. well-educated readers who span a wide range of professions and interests. A high level of intellectual sophistication can be assumed; however, specialized jargon or highly academic language should be avoided. The G&LR publishes nonfiction and poetry—but not short fiction, personal memoirs, or journals. Payment: $100 for features and $50 for book reviews.

Plenitude Magazine

"Plenitude Magazine aims to promote the growth and development of LGBTTQI literature through an online publication of literary fiction, nonfiction, poetry, graphic narrative, book reviews and short film by both emerging and established LGBTTQI writers. We define queer literature and arts as works created by LGBTTQI people, rather than works which feature queer content alone. We are seeking literary fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, reviews, interviews, and novel excerpts at this time. We are not interested in genre writing, political essays, or rants." Payment: $80.

The Wanderer

"We are committed to publishing the work of artists whose lens isn’t the straight, white, cis male one that dominates our culture. If you are queer, trans, non-binary, a person of color, a woman, disabled; if you’re a beginning writer or an experienced one, The Wanderer wants to read your work. We’re also actively searching for: Poems in Spanish, Book Reviews, and Excerpts." Payment: $25; $10 for book reviews.

2 Agents Seeking Memoir, Narrative Nonfiction, Fiction, Kidlit and more

Here are two agents actively building their client lists. Julia Kardon is seeking literary and upmarket fiction and memoir, especially with a focus on identity or with an international lens, narrative nonfiction, journalism, and history. Karyn Fischer is particularly drawn to young adult and middle grade novels.

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

If these agents do not suit your needs, go to Agents Seeking Clients for a comprehensive list of agents seeking to expand their client lists.

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Julia Kardon of  Hannigan Salky Getzler Agency

Julia Kardon was born and raised in New York City. Her first job in publishing, while in high school, was shelving fiction at the fabled Strand Bookstore. After receiving degrees in Comparative Literature, as well as in Slavic Languages and Literature at the University of Chicago, she moved to Prague to teach English for a year. Julia then returned to New York to restart her career in publishing. She joined HSG in 2018 after building a list at Mary Evans Inc and handling foreign rights.

What she is looking for: Julia is interested primarily in literary and upmarket fiction and memoir, especially with a focus on identity or with an international lens, narrative nonfiction, journalism, and history, and her clients include New York Times Best Seller Brit Bennett, Barnes & Noble Discover picks John Freeman Gill and Leah Franqui, Center For Fiction Emerging Writer Fellow Melissa Rivero, Moriel Rothman-Zecher, Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, and others. ​

How to submit: Please send a query letter and the first five pages of your manuscript (within the email–no attachments please!) to jkardon@hsgagency.com

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Karyn Fischer of BookStop Literary Agency

Karyn Fischer joined BookStop Literary Agency in 2014 and is currently looking to build her client list. Karyn holds an MFA in Creative Writing, has completed three publishing internships, and previously worked as a bookseller and buyer in a small independent bookstore. Her background has given her a unique perspective on the book industry, as well as the skills to find and promote books she loves.

What she is looking for: Karyn is particularly drawn to young adult and middle grade novels. Her favorite genres include gothic novels with twisty narratives and dark secrets, historical fiction, literary thrillers, well-drawn fantasy, and heart-tugging contemporary stories. She’s looking for anything with memorable characters, an engaging voice, and a tightrope- taut plot.

How to submit: Please paste a brief cover letter and the first ten (10) pages of your manuscript into the body of your email. E-mail submissions must be sent to info@bookstopliterary.com and must include the word "submission" in the subject line followed by your last name and the title of your manuscript. NO ATTACHMENTS.

38 Calls for Submissions in July 2018 - Paying markets

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There are more than three dozen calls for submissions in July. As usual, anything you can think of is wanted - flash fiction, speculative fiction and poetry, creative nonfiction, children's stories, along with several interesting themed issues. All of these literary magazines pay, and none charge submission fees.

Make sure to follow submission requirements carefully. Editors become cranky when writers don't follow their submission rules.

If you want to get a jump on next month's calls for submissions, check the page Calls for Submissions, which is where I post new calls as they come up.

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Cloaked Press. Genre: Fantasy stories. Payment: $10 and 3% of sales. Deadline: July 1, 2018.

Cafe Irreal. Genre: Magical realist stories. Payment: 1 cent/word. Deadline: July 1, 2018.

Alt-Minds. Genre: Fiction and non-fiction/memoir (1,000 to 3,000) of any genre and poetry (no more than 40 lines) that is related to mental health, in theme, subject matter, characterization, whatever “mental health” means to you. Payment: $50.00 CDN per fiction, non-fiction, and memoir piece, and $20.00 CDN per poem. Deadline: July 1, 2018.

Spring Song Press: Oath and Iron Anthology. Genre: Speculative fiction,fantasy. Payment: 1 cent/word. Deadline: July 1, 2018.

Coffin Hop Press: Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Holiday Crime Anthology. Genre: Dark, deadly and noirish tales of holiday havoc and yuletide woe. Length: Up to 5,000 words. Payment: $150 CAD. Deadline: July 1, 2018.

Coffin Hop Press: Knucklehead Noir. Genre: Humorous tales of dimwitted criminals and unlucky twits on the wrong side of the law. Nimrods, numbskulls and rejects. Bumbling sidekicks and idiots-gone-wrong. Length: Up to 5,000 words. $0.03/word CAD. Deadline: July 1, 2018.

Existere. Genres: All genres and forms of art and literature are welcome including and not limited to: poetry, short plays, short stories, postcard/flash fiction, art and literature reviews, critical essays, interviews, sketches, photos, etc. Payment: Small honorarium. Deadline: July 1, 2017.

Nexis Fantasy: Corporate Shadows. Genre: Speculative fiction on theme of Net Neutrality. Length: 2,000-15,000 words. Payment: $0.01 per word. Deadline: July 1, 2018.

Briarpatch Magazine. Theme: Labour. Genre: Nonfiction writing and artwork on a wide range of topics, including current events, grassroots activism, electoral politics, economic justice, ecology, labour, food security, gender equity, indigenous struggles, international solidarity, and other issues of political importance. Payment: $50-$150. Deadline: July 3, 2018.

Monsters of Any Kind. Genre: Horror stories containing at least one non-human monster/creature (and not vampires, ghosts, werewolves, zombies). Unusual creatures will be particularly appreciated. All subgenres and forms of speculative fiction are welcome. Payment: $100. Deadline: July 10, 2018.

Alien Dimensions. Genre: Speculative short stories, “Set it in space, in the far future, and include some friendly non-humanoid aliens helping to solve a pseudo-scientific problem.” Payment: US$10.00 for 3500+ words. Deadline: July 10, 2018.

The Stinging Fly. Genre: Fiction and poetry. Payment: Token. Deadline: July 12, 2018.

Shimmer. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: 5 cents/word, minimum $50. Deadline: July 14, 2018.

Helios Magazine. Theme: “Infinite Regression.” Genres: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and art. Payment: $0.03 USD per word for the first 1,500 words and $0.01 USD after for short stories, and $0.25 USD a line for poetry. Deadline: July 15, 2018.

Hinnom Magazine. Genres: Science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Payment: $0.005 cents per word with a minimum payment of $5.00 and a maximum cap of $25.00. Deadline: July 15, 2018.

Natural Wonders Anthology: Time in Nature Can Change Your Life. Genre: Essay. “Nature” can be defined in terms of the great outdoors or observations in your own backyard. City dwellers experience the natural world in a park or on a patio and can find those connections meaningful. While readers enjoy immersing themselves deep in the forest, high on an isolated mountaintop, or in the vast wilderness of a desert, nature finds its way into urban settings, too. And no matter where you find it, Nature’s Healing Spirit can help." Payment: $50. Deadline: July 15, 2018.

Malahat Review. Theme: Queer Perspectives. Restrictions: Eligible writers must self-identify as LGBTQ2S? and be Canadians, Canadian residents, or Canadian expatriates. Genres: Poetry, Fiction, CNF. Payment: $60/page. Deadline: July 15, 2018.

Third Flatiron. Genre: Speculative fiction, SF, Fantasy, Horror. Theme is "Terra! Tara! Terror!"  Payment: 6 cents/word. Deadline: July 15, 2018.

Spider Magazine. Genres: Fiction, non-fiction, activities, and poetry  for children on theme of Our Diverse World. "We want stories about real or imaginary people with interesting hobbies, jobs, traditions, or inventions. We would like to see Black, Latinx, First Nations, East Asian, South Asian, and Middle Eastern children from first, second, or third generation families. Tell us quirky, funny, heartfelt, and lesser-known stories where race, ethnicity, class, culture, and ability might intersect." Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word, Poems: up to $3.00 per line; $25.00 minimum, Activities and recipes: $75.00 flat rate. Deadline: July 15, 2018.

Ladybug. Genre: Stories and poems for children ages 3 - 6. Theme: Our Diverse World - "We want stories about real or imaginary people with interesting hobbies, jobs, traditions, or inventions. We would like to see Black, Latinx, First Nations, East Asian, South Asian, and Middle Eastern children from first, second, or third generation families. Tell us quirky, funny, heartfelt, and lesser-known stories where race, ethnicity, class, culture, and ability might intersect.. Our readers like simple yet strong plots, memorable characters, and humor. We prefer short work for young children (stories may be up to 800 words, poetry up to 20 lines)." Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Poems: up to $3.00 per line; $25.00 minimum. Deadline: July 15, 2018.

Enchanted Conversation. Genre: Fiction, poetry - fairy tales. Payment: $30 per story, $10 per poem. Deadline: July 20, 2018.

Thunderbird Studios: San Cicaro. Genre: Speculative fiction. "We’re looking for yarns of dark urban fantasy, the weird, the macabre and the hopeful. Tell us of underground cults performing their rituals for good or ill. Of hell-born creatures leaving scenes of carnage that confound the police. Stories of unbelievable sightings leaving their mark on people. Yarns of fairies leading neighborhood children to safety from that which blurs the line between monsters and men." Payment: $125. Deadline: July 21, 2018.

NonBinary Review: Wind in the Willows. Genre: Fiction, CNF, poetry, art. "We are open to submissions which relate to Kenneth Grahame's 1908 book The Wind in the Willows. Please bear in mind that we're looking for pieces that relate to the BOOK ONLY. References movies or television shows will not be accepted." 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: July 24, 2018.

Havok: Skeletons, Slashers, and Succubi. Genre: Horror between 300 and 1000 words. "Monsters, witches, creepy crawlies, things that go bump in the night, and all things terrifying are what we’re seeking in this issue. Make our skin crawl with undead delight!" Payment: 2 cents/word. Deadline: July 27, 2018.

Flame Tree: Haunted House. Genre: Speculative fiction. "The creaking floorboards, the children hiding in the mirror, the spirits that rake across the flesh of the mind, tell us your stories of hauntings and mansions. Oh, what is that sound within the walls?" Payment: 6 cents/word. Deadline: July 29, 2018.

Flame Tree: Cosy Crime. Genre: Mystery. "The armchair detectives, the murder in the vicarage, the family secrets unravelling in gossipy ears, such are the ingredients of a genteel bloodbath in an otherwise delightful village. Do you have any stories that might fit?" Payment: 6 cents/word.  Deadline: July 29, 2018.

Degustation Anthology. Genre: Personal essays of 1500-3000 words exploring sensual relationships with food. This anthology will be suitable for all audiences. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: July 30, 2018 (12pm, BST)

FIYAH. Genre: Speculative fiction and poetry about Africa Diaspora. The theme is Pilgrimage. "Every journey starts with a single step, and this issue is all about the trip, not the destination. We’re looking for stories of journeys to new worlds, of returning to lost worlds, and journeys of the soul. But, like always, make it weird, make it magical, make it Black." Payment: $150 per story. $50 per poem. $300 per novelette. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Haunted Waters Press. Genres: Fiction, poetry. "We welcome both the profound and the quirky. We are open to most styles and genres of fiction including speculative, dark, experimental, and literary. We love flash fiction of any word count as long as it tells a complete story. We enjoy all forms of poetry including experimental, rhyming, free verse, and invented form. While we welcome deep, meaningful poetry, we also enjoy works that are witty, peculiar, or offbeat. As a general rule, we do not accept erotica. Horror only upon request. Profanity and violence, if used, must be integral to the story." Payment: $.01 - $.04/word. Deadline: July 31, 2018. "For online SPLASH! publication and Penny Fiction submissions, we offer alternating no fee reading periods from January though July. We review the first 200 submissions per month."

Room Magazine: Magic. Restrictions: Open to women (cisgender and transgender), transgender men, Two-Spirit and nonbinary people. Payment: $50 - $150 Canadian dollars. Genre: Fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry on the theme of Magic. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

New Myths. Genre: Speculative fiction and poetry. Payment: 1.5 cents/word with a minimum payment of $30. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

INNSMOUTHBREATHERS: Cautionary Fables of Mythos Fandom! Genre: Humorous stories of a certain kind of Cthulhu Mythos fan: the rabid Lovecraft worshipper, the defender of the outmoded and outclassed, the pulp reader for whom Weird Fiction peaked somewhere in the middle of the last century. Length: 1,500-5,000 words. Payment: .03CAD per word, as well as a contributor copy (paperback) of the anthology, and copies in all electronic formats (mobi, EPUB, and PDF). Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Diabolical Plots. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Freeze Frame Fiction. Genre: Flash fiction. Payment: $10. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Virginia Quarterly Review. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $200 for poetry, $1,000 for prose. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Crannóg. Genres: Poetry, short stories. Payment: €50 per story, €30 per poem. Deadline: July 31, 2018. (Opens July 1)

Barking Sycamores is a literary journal entirely edited and operated by queer, neurodivergent people of color. Genres: Poetry, short fiction, hybrid genre, creative nonfiction, book reviews, and artwork submissions. They also welcome and publish essays about neurodivergence and the creation of literature. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Sunlight Press. Genre: Fiction, poetry and personal essays. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

25 Writing Contests in July 2018 - No entry fees

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There are more than two dozen free writing contests in July, some of which offer substantial prizes. Every genre, form, and style is covered, from short stories, to poetry, to published works. As always, read the guidelines carefully. Many contests have geographical and age restrictions.

If you want to get an idea of what kinds of contests are offered throughout the year, take a look at Free Contests. The majority of these contests are yearly events. It never hurts to plan ahead.
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Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. Sponsored by Claremont Graduate University. Restrictions: Poets must be citizens or legal resident aliens of the United States. Genre: Poetry. The work submitted must be a first book of poetry published between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. Manuscripts, CDs, and chapbooks are not accepted. Prize: $100,000. Deadline: July 1, 2018.

Fred Otto Prize for Oz Fiction/Warren Hollister Prize for Oz Nonfiction. Genre: Short Fiction, Art & Creative Nonfiction. All work must be related to the world of Oz. Prize: $100 in each genre. 2nd Prize $50 in each genre. Deadline: July 1, 2018 (electronic submissions only).

Kate Tufts Discovery Award. Sponsored by Claremont Graduate University. Restrictions: Poets must be citizens or legal resident aliens of the United States. Genre: Poetry. Book must be author's first full-length book of poetry, published between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. Self-published books are accepted. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: July 1, 2018.

Richard J. Margolis Award. Genre: Journalism. Prize is awarded annually to a promising new journalist or essayist whose work combines warmth, humor, wisdom and concern with social justice. Prize: $5,000 and one month of residency at Blue Mountain Center. Deadline: July 1, 2018.

Emmy Awards - Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award. Restrictions: Non-US citizens under the age of 30 only. Prize: $2,500, a trip to New York City, and an invitation to the International Emmy® Awards Gala in November. Deadline: July 3, 2018.

Scottish Book Trust New Writers Awards. Restrictions: Scottish writers over 18 years of age. Genres: The awards are divided into three different categories.: Fiction and Narrative Non-fiction in English and Scots, Poetry in English and Scots, Children’s and Young Adult Fiction in English and Scots. Prize: £2,000 and personal development opportunities, which can include mentoring from writers and industry professionals. Training in PR, performance and presentation training, and the opportunity to showcase work to publishers and agents. Deadline: July 4, 2018 (midday).

Stone Canoe. Restrictions: Open to people who live or have lived in Upstate New York (not New York City). Genres: Drama, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art. Prize: $500 and publication. Deadline: July 8, 2018 (poetry), July 22, 2018 (fiction), July 28, 2018 (non-fiction).

Oregon Literary Fellowships. Fellowships of $3,000 each are given annually to Oregon writers to initiate, develop, or complete literary projects in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. One Women Writers Fellowship and one Writer of Color Fellowship of $3,000 each are also given annually. Submit three copies of up to 15 pages of poetry or 25 pages of prose with the required entry from. Deadline: July 9, 2018.

John Glassco Translation Prize. Sponsored by Literary Translators' Association of Canada.  Restrictions: Open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents only. Genre: The work submitted must be the translator's first published book-length translation into English or French. The book must have been published between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. Prize: $1000. Deadline: July 9, 2018.

Oregon Literary Fellowships. Restrictions: Writers must be residents of Oregon. Fellowships of $3,000 each are given annually to Oregon writers to initiate, develop, or complete literary projects in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. One Women Writers Fellowship and one Writer of Color Fellowship of $3,500 each are also given annually. Submit three copies of up to 15 pages of poetry or 25 pages of prose with the required entry form. Deadline: July 9, 2018.

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: July 13, 2018.

Langdon Review Writer-in-Residence Program. This is a two-week residency at Texas-based Tarleton State University, providing an opportunity to present at the Langdon Review Weekend festival, and publication in the school's Langdon Review journal. Prize: $500. Deadline: July 13, 2018.

Frieze Writers' Prize. Genre: Essay: Art Criticism. Aspiring art critics are invited to submit one unpublished review of a recent contemporary art exhibition, which should be 700 words in length. Prize: The winner will be commissioned to write a review for frieze magazine and will be awarded GBP£2,000. Deadline: July 16, 2018.

Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. Genre: Fiction. Restrictions: Titles must be published in Canada and written by Canadians. No self-published works. Prize: $25,000 will be awarded to a novel or short-story collection published between May 16, 2018 and September 30, 2018. Prizes of $2,500 will be awarded to each of the finalists. Deadline: July 18, 2018.

Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction. Restrictions: Books must be English-language, first-edition trade books published by a Canadian press, written by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Titles must be published between May 16, 2018 and September 30, 2018.  Genre: Literary nonfiction including, among other forms, works of personal or journalistic essays, memoirs, commentary, criticism both social and political, history, and biography.  Prize: Winner: $60,000; Finalists: $5,000. Deadline: July 18, 2018.

The Margaret and Reg Turnill Competition. Restrictions: Writers must be 21 or under on July 23. (Those over 21 can enter for a fee.) Genre: Short story on theme of "Peace." Length: 1,500 to 5,000 words. Prize: £1,000 and publication in the annual HG Wells Short Story Competition Anthology.  Deadline: July 23, 2018.

Story of the Year Contest. Genre: Short stories/nonfiction/novellas between 1000-15,000 words. Prizes: There are three prize categories: and three grand prizes as follows Diversity Award ($3000), Texas Award ($5000), and Character Award ($2000). Only the Texas Award is limited to Texans.  Deadline: July 27, 2018.

Betjeman Poetry Prize. Restrictions: Open to UK residents aged 10-13. Genre: Poem.  Prize: £500.00.  Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Carers UK Creative Writing Competition. Restrictions: Open to UK residents. Genre: Poem or short story about caring for a loved one. "We’d particularly like to receive entries on the theme of 'keeping well, keeping connected.'" Prize: £100.00 in vouchers. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award. Restrictions: Open to young poets age 11 - 17. Genre: Poetry. Prize: Publication. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Landfall Essay Competition. Restrictions: Open to New Zealand writers. Genre: Essay about New Zealand. Prize: The winner will receive $3000 and a year’s subscription to Landfall. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest. Restrictions: Open to students who are FULL TIME, undergraduate students in an AMERICAN COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY during the Spring 2015 semester. Genre: 2018 marks the 160th anniversary of the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. It will also be the bicentennial of the birth of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.  Although Lincoln had major policy disagreements with both of these men,  they also greatly influenced his political philosophy. What is the historical impact of Lincoln's relationships with Stephen Douglas and Frederick Douglass? Prize: 1st Prize $1500 | 2nd Prize $750 | 3rd Prize $500. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

SLF Diverse Writers and Diverse Worlds Grants. Restrictions: Open to writers from underrepresented and underprivileged groups, such as writers of color, women, queer writers, disabled writers, working-class writers, etc. -- those whose marginalized identities may present additional obstacles in the writing / publishing process. Genres: Book-length works (novels, collections of short stories) of speculative fiction. Prize: $500. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Polar Expressions Publications Short Story and Poetry Competition. Restrictions: Open to Canadians only. Genre: Short story, poetry. Prize: $500. Deadline: July 31, 2018.

Dragonfly Tea Short Story Competition. Restrictions: UK residents only. Genre: Short stories up to 3000 words on the theme “Journey” (or up to 500 words for youth aged 4-15). Prize: 1st £1500, 2nd £750, 3rd £500 for adults, and a £50 book voucher for kids plus £100 going to their schools.  Deadline: July 31, 2018.