30 Spectacular Writing Conferences and Workshops in September 2026

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

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

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

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

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

[Image: Aspen, CO: Aspen Institute]

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Traveling at Home: A Writing Workshop with Erika Howsare. September 1 - October 27, 2026. Online. In this course we will ask how writing can be a tool for creating intimacy with our own places, the places where we live, even (and especially) if they lack destination status. We’ll be less focused on polishing finished pieces of writing and more concerned with using the notebook as a focusing device for our eyes, ears, intuition, and all other human sensory gifts, generating material that may later be refined into poems or essays. Weekly assignments will feel more like experiments. Application deadline: July 15, 2026

From Idea & Sketch to Dummy & Submission: An Author/Illustrator Online Course. September 2 - October 7, 2026: Online. If you are illustrating AND writing your own book, and wondering how to prepare your submission, this is the course for you. You will focus on the craft of writing and illustrating a picture book with an intense level of feedback from faculty Courtney Pippin-Mathur and special guests, Natasha Khan Kazi and Aram Kim. Participants who complete all assignments should be able to finish or revise a working dummy (mocked up book) in its entirety during the course, preparing for submission to editors, agents, or art directors. 24 participants max. 

DragonCon. September 3 - September 7, 2026: Atlanta, Ga. HUGE sci-fi event, with parade, autograph sessions, live performances, readings, wrestling (!), workshops on belly dancing, writing (yes, there's even some writing), art show. (This conference sounds really wild.)

WriterCon. September 4 - 7, 2026: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The annual WriterCon Conference is three days of 60+ speakers providing more than 80 sessions designed to cover all genres and all aspects of the writing experience: skills, industry knowledge, opportunities, networking, pitching, contests, opportunities to meet with writers privately, to obtain manuscript reviews or private consultations, and much more.

The Gathering. September 5 - 7, 2026. Workshops in poetry as well as readings. 2-hour Workshops & Readings Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. Participant Open Mics Friday and Saturday night. Will be held on Zoom. 

The Gift of Attention: A Poetry Workshop with Erin Coughlin Hollowell. September 5 - October 25, 2026: Online. In this eight-week course we will discuss ways to refocus our attention as poets by examining anchor texts by various contemporary poets and then trying out the techniques in our own work with some generative exercises. Poets should bring a good idea of which landscapes are often featured in their work, and they will leave with five or six new poems that re-envision those places with refreshed attention. Application deadline: July 15, 2026.

Writelines. September 7 -11, 2026: Star Island, Portsmouth, NH. We write in a group from prompts designed to awaken creativity. We write by candlelight in a stone chapel. We write in rocking chairs with a panoramic view of the ocean in all directions. We write with the sound of waves and gulls. We experiment with technique in a positive environment. Designed for writers of all skill levels.

Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Broadway Debut of For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf. September 9, 2026, 6:00-7:30PM EST: Online. Join us for an online celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Broadway debut of Ntozake Shange’s seminal work, For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf. This showcase of poets who’ve performed Shange’s work and/or been inspired by it, includes choreopoet, director and educator Monica Prince, who will lead the evening. She will be joined by an incredible lineup of poets including Shakeema Smalls, M. Mick Powell, Sullivan Summer, Jasmine Blooms and Rosa Castellano.

 

Revision Roadmap with Editor Kat Brzozowski. September 9 - 30, 2026: Online. Gain the editorial vision needed to identify narrative gaps and chart a definitive revision path for your novel in this online workshop.

Inkubator Writing Conference. September 11 - 12, 2026: Cleveland, OH. Literary Cleveland's Inkubator Writing Conference is one of the largest free writing conferences in the country, providing workshops, craft talks, panel discussions, readings, and more to empower writers, celebrate literary excellence, and amplify diverse voices. 

The Alabama Writers' Conclave. September 11 - 13, 2026: Birmingham, Alabama. The Conclave is today one of the oldest continuing writers' organization in the United States. Writers, aspiring writers and supporters of the writing arts may join. Sharing information, developing ideas, honing skills, and receiving practical advice are hallmarks of the annual meeting. 

Hold Space Retreat for Artists of Color. September 14- 20, 2026: Saugatuck, Michigan. Participants who qualify for a Hold Space Retreat can enjoy communal living, making, and opportunities to organize on Ox-Bow’s campus in Saugatuck, Michigan. Lodging, three meals per day, and access to Ox-Bow studios and spaces are provided. People of color across the creative spectrum including artists of any discipline, writers, curators, teachers, and Ox-Bow Alumni are encouraged to apply. The retreat supports individuals or groups of up to twenty for any length from one to seven nights. Application deadline: July 5, 2026.

Picture Book Authors and Illustrators: A Generative Retreat. September 16 - 19, 2026: Boyds Mills, PA. Picture book writers and illustrators: set aside time to focus on your picture book project! Here is a special retreat just for you. Join Leslie Helakoski, Darcy Pattison, Matthew Phipps, and Nancy Castaldo to immerse yourself in all things picture books. You’ll enjoy presentations, read alouds, small group discussions of your work, and so much more. In addition to the support from your faculty and fellow creatives, you’ll have ample time to work on your stories. We recommend bringing several stories at various parts of the drafting and revision processes. 

The Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop. September 16 - 20, 2025: 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?"

2026 Great Minds: Optimism, Speculative Futures, and the Worlds We Dream Into Being. September 17, 2026: Seattle, WA. We're bringing together three brilliant voices in speculative fiction: Kira Jane Buxton (Hollow Kingdom), Kathleen Alcalá (Spirits of the Ordinary), and moderator Rashida J. Smith (aka author Jasmine Silvera) for a night about the futures we have the power to write. Expect a reading by SAL’s Youth Poet Laureate, performances by Bushwick BookClub Seattle, an audience Q&A, and a reading list to take home. Readers and writers alike are invited to imagine the worlds we dream into being.

Writing On The Door: Washington Island Literary Festival. September 17 - 19, 2026: Washington Island, Wisconsin. "The Washington Island Literary Festival is a moveable feast of writing, reading, discussion, and thought about the written word. Writers’ workshops, author panels and presentations, readings and parties are scheduled at various quaint, historic and beautiful venues around the Island. Participants have a unique opportunity to share time with prominent authors and dedicated readers in the intimate, friendly setting of Washington Island, a half-hour by ferry from the Door County mainland, in September’s color and warmth." 

Creatures, Crimes & Creativity. September 18 - 20, 2026: Columbia, MD. A writer's and fan's conference for genre fiction covering mystery, suspense, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk & horror.

11th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference. September 18 - 20, 2026: Decatur, Georgia. "With one of the strongest list of authors you will ever find at a conference, we’ve added even more agents, editors and publisher representatives than ever before! Combined with educational sessions and workshops, the Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference will offer you all that you need to refine and improve your craft."

Brooklyn Book Festival. September 20 - 28, 2026: Brooklyn, NY. The mission of the Brooklyn Book Festival (BKBF) is to celebrate published literature and nurture a literary cultural community through programming that cultivates and connects readers of diverse ages and backgrounds with local, national and international authors, publishers and booksellers. To this end the Brooklyn Book Festival develops original programming that is hip, smart, diverse, and inclusive and presents free, literary, cultural events at the Brooklyn Book Festival Day & Literary Marketplace, Virtual Festival Day, and the family friendly Children’s Day. Additionally, BKBF presents Bookend events in venues across NYC and on-line, which are overwhelmingly presented free to the public.

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall). September 23  - November 11, 2026: Online. This supportive program takes all creatives (nonfiction or fiction, picture books, novels, essays, and more) from goal-stating to finished drafts. Together, we’ll move through live sessions, writing prompts, studio dates, daily inspirations, check-ins, feedback, and more. 50 participants max.

Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Write to Pitch. September 24 - 27, 2026: 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.

Central Coast Writers' Conference. September 25 - 26, 2026: San Luis Obispo, CA. "We are excited to announce our Cuesta College Central Coast Writers’ Conference returns again this year in a two-day format with a theme of Say Yes! Join us at the college’s San Luis Obispo campus on Friday and Saturday, September 25 & 26, 2026 as we celebrate 42 years of bringing writers of all backgrounds and experience levels together. It’s no surprise CCWC was named the “Best Conference in the West” by Writers Magazine, as our organizers and volunteers work together to ensure attendees enjoy insightful dialogue, networking opportunities, and unrivaled access to an esteemed staff of presenters."

The 2026 Aspen Literary Festival. September 25 - 27, 2026: Aspen, Colorado. The Aspen Literary Festival is a three-day celebration of books and ideas taking place in the beautiful mountain town of Aspen, Colorado. The festival features author talks and panel discussions, book signings, food trucks, parties and other attractions for book lovers. Most events are free with registration. Marquee events at the Wheeler Opera House are ticketed and require advance purchase. 

James River Writers Conference. September 25 - 27, 2026: Richmond, Virginia. James River Writers is excited to continue to offer both in-person and online elements for our conference. Join us for Master Classes online, on Friday, September 25. Then, join us at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (in Richmond, Virginia) for a full slate of programs focusing on the craft and business of writing. Enjoy lively panel discussions, critique sessions with literary agents, an engaging keynote, headshots mini sessions, and agent one-on-one meetings (standard with your ticket). In addition, we’ve included opportunities for networking and socializing, because community is at the heart of everything we do. Since 2003, this multi-day event has been known for its inspiring, collegial atmosphere and hospitality. Whether you’re just starting out on your writing journey, or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone.

Write on the Sound Writers' Conference and Pre-Conference. Preconference, September 26, 2026. Conference: Oct 2 - 4, 2026: Edmonds, WA. Founded in 1985, Write on the Sound writers’ conference (WOTS) is a small, affordable conference focused on the craft of writing. A variety of sessions, workshops and panel discussions are available for all levels and interests, including valuable information regarding today’s writing and publishing industry. 

Futurescapes. September 26 - 27, 2026: Online. Futurescapes is an intensive, exclusive workshop, offering writers an unparalleled chance to work with top authors and agents in speculative fiction (science fiction, horror, fantasy, paranormal). This summer, we’ll be exploring the first 100 pages of your manuscript. The workshop sessions will require work outside of meeting times as there is a generative nature to it. This workshop is smaller and more competitive than our regular workshop. In addition to workshopping a larger portion of your manuscript (25,000 words), we’ll have plenty of unstructured and semi-structured time to network with fellow students and faculty. August 1, 2026 — Orientation.

Flathead River Writers Conference. September 26 - 27, 2026: Kalispell, MT. Writers help writers in this two day conference packed with energizing speakers and workshops. Features: Workshops, MS preparation & submission, working with agents, movie deals, media use, & children's book publishing.

Okoboji Writers' Retreat. September 27 - 30, 2026: West Lake, IA. The annual Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, founded in 2021, is open to all skill levels. Columnist Julie Gammack is the producer. Over 30 faculty resources will be on hand to work with participants in small-group settings. Whether you come to find out how to get started or land a book deal, this retreat is a welcoming event for all.

Six Bridges Book Festival. September 27 - October 4, 2026: Little Rock, Arkansas. "Prestigious award-winners, screenwriters, comedians, an expert witness, artists, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet are among the diverse roster of presenters who will be providing sessions." Free. 

Travel & Words: Northwest Travel Writers Conference. September 28 - 30, 2026: Skagit Valley, Washington. TRAVEL & WORDS offers a multi-faceted conference for travel journalists interested in exploring Northwest destinations. The primary focus of the conference is to connect journalists with destinations throughout the Northwest. Attendees will have one-on-one meetings with destination marketers to learn about their destination and lay a foundation for productive working relationships. In addition, attendees will enjoy expert presentations about current topics in travel content publishing and have plenty of opportunities for networking and exploring the host destination. In more than a decade of conferences, Travel & Words has become an important force in the Northwest travel industry. Travel & Words is by invitation only. There is no registration fee for journalists. 

10 New Agents Seeking Literary Fiction, Genre Fiction, Nonfiction, Short Story Collections, LGBT, and more

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

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

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

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

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Ella Miller of The Kepner Agency

I graduated from Emerson College with a BFA in Creative Writing and a minor in Publishing––so being a literary agent is a total dream job! I live in the Albany area, where I also work as an Admissions Counselor at Excelsior University.

What she is seeking: I’m interested in fiction manuscripts in the following genres––literary fiction, upmarket/book club/women’s lit, grounded genre fiction (like Project Hail Mary or Sea of Tranquility), contemporary romance (literary leaning, like Normal People), and humor/satire––but I’m open to anything with an exciting plot and a strong voice. As for nonfiction, I’m interested in stories about 60s-90s band culture, medieval history, and cults. I am not interested in anything (fiction or nonfiction) related to AI.

How to submit: Email your query letter along with the first ten pages pasted into the body of your message to ella@kepneragency.com.

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Claire Lee of The Kepner Agency

I'm a graduate of The George Washington University with majors in Creative Writing and American Studies, and currently pursuing my MFA at Brown University.

What she is seeking: When it comes to manuscripts, I am most interested in acquiring character-driven literary and upmarket novels, novellas, and short story collections. Though I love any good story, I'm partial to road-trip novels and Westerns, grounded sci-fi and speculative fiction, magical realism, or anything with a particularly humorous, surreal, or even absurd note.

How to submit: Email your query letter along with the first ten pages pasted into the body of your message to claire@kepneragency.com

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Erin Gray of The Kepner Agency

I studied English and Creative Writing (Publishing) at the University of Iowa, and I now live in Cedar Rapids and work as Advancement Communications Coordinator for Coe College, in addition to my role as Associate Literary Agent.

What she is seeking: I’m interested in your adult literary, upmarket, historical, and survival fiction; family sagas; Westerns; mysteries, crime novels, and thrillers; narrative nonfiction; novellas; and short story collections. I’ve been known to enjoy grounded science fiction and fantasy, as well as folk/gothic horror, too. If your book has complex characters, a setting that functions as a character, and/or engaging pacing, send it my way! My favorite books include The Nix by Nathan Hill, The Birthday Party by Laurent Mauvignier, and Table for Two by Amor Towles, and I’m always looking to find their successors.

How to submit: Email your query letter along with the first ten pages pasted into the body of your message to erin@kepneragency.com

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Alyssa Santoleri of The Kepner Agency

Previously working in the editorial department at Dumbo Press, an indie publisher of experimental literature, I’ve handled a diverse range of genres, voices, and styles before coming to The Kepner Agency. I studied English and CW (Publishing), Theatre, and Media Management at the University of Iowa.

What she is seeking: I have a soft spot for any genre fiction including (but not limited to) fantasy, soft sci-fi, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and women's fiction and am always looking for anything with romance. Unfortunately, I’m not a good choice for any faith-based or Christian stories, or books with a plot that centers a sentient AI system.

How to submit: Email your query letter along with the first ten pages pasted into the body of your message to alyssa@kepneragency.com

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Amelia Theriault-Brown of Laura Gross Literary Agency

A lifelong Bostonian, Amelia studied psychology and worked in several research labs before pursuing an MFA in fiction at Bennington College and beginning her publishing career at Charlesbridge, an independent children’s publisher in Watertown, MA.

What she is seeking: Amelia is looking for literary and upmarket fiction, and narrative non-fiction. Across all of these, Amelia is most drawn to books with an obsessive bent. Her ideal fiction skews voicey and strange, with an indelible sense of place, written by someone who spends an unreasonable amount of time revising at the line level. She likes speculative and dark, but prefers the weird, surreal and uncanny over horror. In narrative non-fiction, she is looking for writers who celebrate or investigate the overlooked and the difficult-to-categorize, and anything to do with the natural world. Having worked in psychology and neuroscience labs, she has interest in that field—contemporary developments and the history of the science—but she has a high bar, and a low tolerance for pop psychology. She got her start in children’s publishing and is always happy to read picture book and middle grade submissions, preferably off-beat and contemporary fiction or non-fiction about things as wild and strange as kids are. Across all categories and genres, Amelia is looking to amplify underrepresented voices, and whatever stories they want to tell.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Rita Veras of Rosecliff Literary

Rita Veras is an Associate Agent at Rosecliff Literary. She started writing short stories and poetry at a young age, inspired by her upbringing in the Dominican Republic. Rita is passionately dedicated to uplifting BIPOC voices, enhancing representation, and championing diverse narratives.

What she is seeking: She’s seeking immersive, atmospheric stories across genres, especially historical fiction—gothic or moody tales, BIPOC romances rooted in heritage, and magical realism with political nuance. She welcomes feminist retellings that reclaim overlooked voices and narratives on identity and ancestry. Rita also enjoys folklore-inspired horror, blending beauty and terror. Above all, she is drawn to books that linger in your soul and stay with you long after the last page is turned.

How to submit: Use her querytracker form HERE.

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Loni Crittenden of Handspun Literary Agency

Loni Crittenden is an associate agent at Handspun Literary Agency, as well as assistant to Courtney Miller-Calihan, the agency’s founder and president. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from SUNY Oswego and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. Loni brings several years of freelance developmental editing experience across YA and speculative fiction, and completed an editorial internship with Sourcebooks. 

What she is seeking: She is currently looking for imaginative, accessible fantasies with literary crossover appeal (ex: Piranesi, The Song of Achilles, This Is How You Lose the Time War, The Fifth Season) from historically underrepresented voices. 

How to submit: Use her querytracker form HERE.

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Pronoy Sarkar of Georges Borchardt, Inc.

Previously, he worked at Little, Brown as a senior editor, where some highlights include publishing the New York Times bestselling, Heat Will Kill You First by Jeff Goodell, finalist for the Helen Bernstein Award for Excellence in Journalism, LA Times Book Prize, and PEN/EO Wilson Prize for Literary Science Writing; San Francisco Chronicle bestseller, If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal by Justin Gregg; The Everything War by WSJ reporter and Pulitzer winner Dana Mattioli, a finalist for the Financial Times Book Prize, and acquiring forthcoming books by bestselling historian Rick Perlstein, Washington Post op-ed columnist Dana Milbank, Congressman James Clyburn, and bestselling management professor at MIT, Andrew McAfee, among many others. He was also an editor at St. Martin’s Press, where he published 2030 by Mauro F. Guillen, a Wall Street Journal bestseller and Financial Times Best of the Year pick, New York Times bestselling The Fund by NYT reporter Rob Copeland, Aftershocks by Biden officials Colin Kahl and Thomas Wright, Profit and Punishment by 2019 Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Messenger, among others. Some notable authors he's worked with include Olivia Laing, Jonathan Franzen, Jonathan Safron Foer, Nobel Laureate Mario Vargas Llosa, Lucia Berlin, Daryl Pickney, Andre Aciman, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, economist Linda Yueh, diplomat Phillip Gordon, Eric Posner, Edmund Richardson, playwright Andre Gregory, and the Wu-Tang Clan. He's also held jobs at Picador US and Simon & Schuster.

What he is seeking: He is interested in bold, ambitious, and conversation shifting projects across a range of areas, including history, biography, popular science, politics and current affairs, economics/law, high concept/big think, investigative journalism, culture, and paradigm-defining works focused on feminism, race, sexuality, and the intersections thereof. Also, cultural tastemakers and critics with fresh perspectives and points of view.

How to submit: Use his querytracker form HERE.

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Erika Staiger of Spencerhill Associates

Erika Staiger re-joined Spencerhill as an assistant in 2024, following a semester-long internship in 2018. She holds an MFA in Fiction from the University of South Florida, where she also taught creative writing and worked as a writing tutor. After graduation, she worked in higher education at the University of Central Florida and as a trivia writer for Rez Events. At Spencerhill, Erika is primarily responsible for reading and responding to query submissions. Her greatest ambition in life is to turn her house into the library from Beauty and the Beast.

What she is seeking: Erika is interested in a wide range of popular fiction for adults, especially fantasy, romantasy, dystopian, horror, and all sub-genres of romance except for inspirational romance. She is also open to select science fiction projects, but only if the aliens are hot. While you are welcome to kill all the human characters you like, if you have any dogs, cats, or other animal friends in your books, they have to live happily ever after. Erika is particularly excited to work with authors with a background in writing fanfiction who are now seeking to publish original work.

How to submit: Use her querytracker form HERE.

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Sarah Kelleher of The Seymour Agency

A former book scout turned book agent, Sarah loves nothing more than getting lost in a great read! After thirteen years at the preeminent Maria B. Campbell Associates, where she served as the Vice President and Director of Young Adult & Children’s Scouting, she is thrilled to work on the flip side of the industry, representing authors from a multitude of backgrounds. 

What she is seeking: She is open to working with authors in the Adult, New Adult, and Young Adult fiction spaces, across many genres! A big Romantasy reader, she is particularly drawn to epic world building, spicy plot lines, and plenty of witty repartee. She likes both feel-good and heart-wrenching Romance - it’s all about the right mood. In the Dark Romance arena she is a devotee of morally grey protagonists and satisfying cat-and-mouse dynamics, and of course a HEA is a must. Bonus points if there are vampires! She is also a fan of the college setting for New Adult relationships, with a strong coming of age element and a will-they-won’t-they storyline with plenty of emotional angst. Horror is also a new addition to her TBR pile and she is eager to see more of it come her way. Genre mashups that include any or all of the above are also most welcome!

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

79 Calls for Submissions in August 2026 - Paying markets

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

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

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

[Image: Wikimedia]

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Acre Books. Genre: Full-length fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid forms. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: Open reading period in August.

The First Line Journal. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction and poetry using the line provided. (See theme) Payment: $25-50 for fiction, $25 for nonfiction, $10 for poetry. Deadline: August 1, 2026.

Rat Bag Lit. Genre: Short story, micro-fiction, drabbles. Payment:  1 cent/word. Deadline: Opens August 1, 2026. Accepts reprints.

We'Moon Lunar Calendar. Restrictions: Open to women only. Genre: Art, poetry and prose, 350 words maximum. Payment: Small honorarium; art up to $500. Deadline: August 1, 2026.

ryga. Genre: Poetry, prose and short plays. Payment: $50. Deadline: August 1, 2026.

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

Starship Blunder Anthology 3: Mission Hospitality. Genre: Speculative fiction. See theme. Payment: $25. Deadline: August 1, 2026.

After Happy Hour. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, comics. Payment: $2.50 per printed page, with a minimum of $15 and a maximum of $50, on publication ($25 for the cover artist). Deadline: Opens August 1, 2026. Free submissions are capped at 300, so submit early.

Saddlebag Dispatches. Genre: Short stories, poetry, and non-fiction articles about the West. Payment: $10 - $20. Deadline: August 1, 2026.

Dark Waters. Genre: Dark fiction. See theme. Payment: Up to $25. Deadline: August 1, 2026.

IHRAM Press. Genre: Poetry, fiction, esssays, art. Theme:We are opening submissions for an issue dedicated to amplifying the voices of women of colour, including transgender women and women living across cultures as expats, migrants, or in diasporic communities. Payment: $50 for writing, $25 for art. Deadline: August 1, 2026.

Queer Little Daydreams. Restrictions: Contributors must identify as LGBTQIA2S+. Genre: Poetry, short fiction, and non-fiction that purposefully play with the speculative, strange, and surreal from a uniquely queer perspective. Payment: Honorarium. Deadline: August 1, 2026.

Witch House. Genre: Cosmic horror. Payment: $10. Deadline: August 2, 2026.

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

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

Crimeucopia. Genre: Crime fiction. See theme. Payment: £4 per 1,000 words. Deadline: August 4, 2026.

Again Anthology. Genre: Short stories. See theme. Payment: €200. Deadline: August 4, 2026. 

Adventitious. Genre: Speculative, surreal, and literary fiction. Length: Flash Fiction (including Micro): Up to 1,000 words; Fiction: 1,000 – 6,000 words. Novelette: 6,000 – 17,000 words. Payment: $0.08 USD per word. Deadline: August 5, 2026.

Cozy Fantasy Anthology. Genre: Cozy Fantasy. Length: 1500-4500 words. Payment: USD $0.02/word; Reprints $0.01/word. Deadline: August 6, 2026.

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

Space and Time. Genre: Speculative fiction. "We welcome poetry, art and fiction that bend rules, transcend genre and break stereotypes." Submissions accepted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French or Italian. See theme. Payment: 1 cent/word for prose, $5 for poetry. Deadline: August 7, 2026. Open the first seven days of every month.

Abyss and Apex. Genre: Speculative fiction. No horror. Payment: USD $.08/word (eight cents a word) up to 1,000 words, and a flat payment of $80.00 for longer stories. Deadline: August 7, 2026.

University of Queensland Press. Restrictions: Open to Australian citizens or permanent residents. Genre: Full-length nonfiction manuscripts. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 7, 2026.

Flame Tree: Cosmic Horror Short Stories. Genre: Cosmic Horror. Payment: 8 cents/6 pence per word for original stories, 6 cents/4 pence for reprints. Deadline: August 9, 2026.

Flame Tree: Zombie World. Genre: Zombies! Payment: 8 cents/6 pence per word for original stories, 6 cents/4 pence for reprints. Deadline: August 9, 2026.

Poetry Sango-Ota. Restrictions: Open to African poets. Genre: Poetry. "We are interested in poems with a keen connection to a sense of place, nature, or otherworldly geographies." Payment: N10,000 (ten thousand naira) per poem. Deadline: August 10, 2026. Open from the 1st to the 10th of every month. 

Sparks. Restrictions: Open to residents on the island of Ireland. Genre: Fiction, flash fiction, poetry. Payment: €20 for a Short Story, €15 for Flash Fiction and €10 for a Poem. Deadline: August 10, 2026.

Poetry Wales: The Body. Genre: Nonfiction. See theme. Payment: Reviews £67.50/1,500 words; Articles £150/3,000 words. Deadline: August 10, 2026.

Crimeucopia. Genre: Crime fiction. See theme. Payment: £4 per 1,000 words. Deadline: August 11, 2026.

Pseudopod. Genre: Horror. Payment: USD $0.08 per word for original fiction. USD $100 per story for reprint fiction. Deadline: August 11, 2026.

Raconteur Press: Hold-My-Beer Heroes. Genre: Short stories. Hold-My-Beer Heroes plays with the "superiority theory" concept of comedy. The author and the reader are in on the joke of the overconfident everyman thrust into a situation they have no business surviving, but somehow manage to end up winning the day. The ever- predictable train-wreck unfolds in real time. Length: 5,000 to 8,000 words. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 14, 2026.

Manuscrypt Magazine. Genre: Horror. See theme. Payment: $50. Deadline: August 14, 2026.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction. See themes. Payment: $50 via PayPal for each story selected for an Anthology. No payment for online publication. Deadline: August 14, 2026.

Luna Station Quarterly. Restrictions: Open to women writers only. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $10. Deadline: August 15, 2026. 

Carnage House. Genre: Splatterpunk. Payment: $5. Deadline: August 15, 2026. 

Grimalkin Press: Sweet Screams – A Taste of Darkness. Restrictions: Open to women writers and gender diverse people only. Genre: Horror stories centered around themes of sweetness, baking, cooking, desserts, and the unsettling things that can exist beneath comfort, nostalgia, celebration, or indulgence. Payment: $0.08/word. Deadline: August 15, 2026. 

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Star Wars 50th anniversary book. Genre: True stories. How has Star Wars affected you? And not just the movies. The brand has expanded to books, video games, TV shows, theme parks, toys, clothes, board games and more. Payment: $200. Deadline: August 15, 2026. 

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

Inkd Publishing: Cthulu: Awakens. Genre: Lovecraftian horror. Word Limit: 2,000 to 6,000 words. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 15, 2026. 

In a Flash: Recipes. Genre: Creative nonfiction of 500 words or less. See theme. Payment: $25. Deadline: August 15, 2026.

Beyond the Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. Genre: Fiction. Sherlock Holmes themes. Payment: $100. Deadline: August 15, 2026. 

The Lorelei Signal. Genre: Fantasy short stories, flash fiction, and poetry with strong female characters. Payment: $15 for short stories, $5 for poems and flash (<1000 wds) fiction pieces, $5 for reprints. Deadline: August 15, 2026. Accepts reprints.

The Fairy Tale Magazine. Genre: Fairy-tale inspired stories/poems. See theme. Payment: $25. Deadline: August 21, 2026.

Griffith Review. Genre: Nonfiction and fiction. See theme. Payment: AUD$0.75 per word. Deadline: August 23, 2026.

Sunday Morning. Genre: Poetry, flash fiction. Payment: $1. Deadline: August 23, 2026. (Open one day only)

Headland. Genre: Short fiction and creative nonfiction. Payment: $75. Deadline: August 24, 2026.

Carte Blanche (Canada). Restrictions: Open to Quebec- and Canada-based contributors. Genre: Poetry, fiction, CNF, translations. comics, photography. Payment: $75 CAD. Deadline: August 24, 2026.

Poetry and polar science. Genre: Poetry on theme of polar science. Payment: $100. Deadline: August 26, 2026.

Not/Feeling Better. Genre: Poetry, short fiction, and memoir on theme: Not/Feeling Better. Payment: £10. Deadline: August 29, 2026.

Augur Press. Genre: Speculative literature that breaks down walls between literary and sci-fi/fantasy spaces. We seek work across genres: poignant dark fantasy, crisp science fiction, lush secondary world adventures, contemporary gothic, quiet myth-building, and dreamy realism. Length: Novellas and novelettes. Payment: Advance and royalties. Deadline: August 30, 2026.

Room Magazine. Restrictions: Open to Canadian artists of marginalized genders. Genre: Fiction, creative nonfiction, visual art, and poems. See theme. Payment: $50 per page. Deadline: August 31,. Closes when cap is reached.

Carmen et Error. Genre: Poems, 40(ish) lines max. Fiction, 400(ish) words max. Payment: £5. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Tasavvur. Genre: South Asian speculative fiction. Payment: 3 cents per word, up to a maximum of 5,000 words. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Uncanny Magazine. Genre: Speculative poetry. Payment: $40. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Owl Hollow Press: The Unopened Door. Genre: Short stories. See theme. Payment: $50. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Reckoning. Genre: Art, poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction up to 15,000 words in length. See theme. Payment: 10 cents per word (US) for prose, $50 per page for poetry and art. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Ruadan Books. Genre: Full-length dark thrillers and speculative fiction. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Altar Literary Magazine: Golden Hour. Genre: Fiction, Poetry, CNF. See theme. Payment: $5. Deadline: August 31, 2026 or until filled.

Saraband: Inklings. Genre: Narrative non-fiction. "The Inklings is a series of pocket-sized pop culture books that introduce readers to a wide range of topics they might only have an inkling about!" Pitches only. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Nonbinary Review. Genre: Speculative fiction, poetry, art. Length: Up to 3,000 words for prose; up to 3 pages for poetry. See theme. Payment: $0.01/word for prose, $10 for poetry. $25 flat fee for visual art, or $50 for pieces chosen as cover art. Deadline: August 31, 2026. Accepts reprints.

Ampersand Review. Restrictions: Open to Canadians. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, reviews. Payment: Poetry: $50 per poem/page to a maximum of $100. Fiction: $100 per story. Non-fiction: $100 per piece. Reviews: $100 per piece. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Event Magazine. Genre: Poetry, fiction. Payment: CAD $40/page for poetry and $35/page for prose, up to a maximum of $500. Deadline: August 31, 2026. Note: Closes when cap is reached.

JMS Books. Genre: LGBTQ stories, 5,000 - 9,500 words. See themes. Payment: $30. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Escape Pod. Genre: Science fiction (Audio and written format). Payment: USD $0.08 per word for original fiction. USD $100 per story for reprint fiction. Deadline: August 31, 2026. Reprints accepted.

Passing Strange: Queer Weird Arthurian Tales. Genre: Queer Arthuran stories. Word count: Between 3,000 and 10,000 words. Payment: A rate of $0.05 USD per word to a maximum of $500 USD will be offered. $200 for art. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Broken Sleep Books. Genre: Non-fiction prose pamphets (up to 150 pages). Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Hellbound Books Anthology of Body Horror. Genre: Body Horror. Payment: $5. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Hellbound Books Anthology of Found Footage Horror. Genre: Found Footage Horror. Payment: $5. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Hellbound Books Anthology of Technological Horror. Genre: Technological Horror. Payment: $5. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Propel Disability Poetry Book Series. Restrictions: Open to disabled poets. Genre: Poetry. Payment: Royalties. One poet wins a $2000 prize. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Cast of Wonders. Restrictions: Open to young authors. Genre: YA Speculative fiction. Podcast. Payment: $.08/word for original fiction up to 6,000 words. For reprints, a $100 flat rate for Short Fiction, and a $20 flat rate for Flash Fiction. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Dragon Soul Press: ONCE UPON A TALE. Genre: Fairytale retellings across all genres. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Dragon Soul Press: CURSES & CRYSTALS. Genre: Witch-themed stories across all genres. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Chicken Soup for the Soul. Genre: True humorous stories. "Share your funny stories about something that happened to you in your life – in your relationship with a partner or spouse, a parent or child, a family member or friend, at work or at home – that made you and the people around you laugh out loud. Did you mean for it to be funny? Did the other person mean to make you laugh? Did a situation just get out of control? Did a misunderstanding turn into a comedy of errors?" Payment: $200. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Slapshots in Space & Magical Marathons: A Speculative Sports Anthology. Genre: Speculative fiction on theme: Sports. Payment: $50/story, flat rate. $20 per poem. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Manawaker Studio: 100 Word Project. Genre: Speculative fiction of exactly 100 words. See theme. Payment: $1. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Haven Speculative. Genre: Speculative fiction and poetry. Payment: 8¢ per word for fiction and $20 for poetry. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Sundress. Genre: Full-length poetry manuscripts. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 31, 2026. Submission fee is waived for all BIPOC writers.

Heartlines Spec. Restrictions: "Since Heartlines Spec is primarily a Canadian magazine, we're looking to feature writers identifying as being from Canada/Turtle Island. This includes expats, new immigrants, and people who refuse/resist Canadian Identity. Our goal for each issue is to publish at least 50% Canadian content." Genre: Short fiction and poetry focused on long-term relationships: platonic, romantic, or familial. "We want stories and poetry with strong, confident relationships amid all the sci-fi/fantasy. We are especially interested in stories featuring queer platonic relationships, ace/aro love stories, and polycules." Payment: $0.08 CAD per word for short fiction and $80 CAD flat for poetry. Deadline: Early submission period for equity-deserving groups August 24-31.

Short Story Substack accepts one short story every month. Genre: All genres. Word count 6,000 - 10,000 words. Payment: Base Pay of $100 for the chosen story + 50% of subscription revenue to be sent by Paypal, Zelle, or check. Reprints accepted. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

AND A FEW MORE...

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

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

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

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

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

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

46 Writing Contests in August 2026 - No entry fees!

This August there are more than three dozen free writing contests for short fiction, novels, poetry, CNF, nonfiction, and plays. Prizes range from $100,000 to publication. None charge entry fees.

Some of these contests have age and geographical restrictions, so read the instructions carefully.

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

Good luck!  

[Image: Deviant Art]

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Epigram Books Fiction Prize. Restrictions: Authors must be Singaporean, Singaporean permanent resident or Singapore-born. Genre: A full-length, original and unpublished novel written in the English language. Prize: $20,000. Deadline: August 1, 2026.

Iron Horse Prize. Genre: First book of collected prose. Prize: $1000, and the collection will be published by Texas Tech University Press. Deadline: August 1, 2026. Free submissions on August 1, 2026 only.

Iron Horse Photofinish. Genre: Brief ekphrastic work that pushes beyond an absolute litera.l read of a photo prompt. "We're looking for work that recognizes what's hidden in the world we see, responding to the physical details that the picture offers or what emotion it conveys or both. We provide the photo on our website and social media platforms every mid-May. Responses should be no longer than 500 words for prose or 15 lines for poetry. Prize:  Winner receives $250. The finalists receive: $75. Deadline: August 1, 2026. Free submissions on August 1, 2026 only.

Granum Foundation Prize helps U.S.-based writers complete substantive literary works—such as poetry books, essay or short story collections, novels, and memoirs—or to help launch these works. Additionally, a Granum Foundation Translation Prize will be awarded to support the completion of a work translated by a U.S.-based writer. Prize: One winner will receive $5,000; up to three finalists will be awarded $500 or more; $500 or more will be awarded to one writer working in translation. Deadline: August 1, 2026. Closes when cap is reached so submit early.

NOMAD Review. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, visual art, industry specials, and criticism/reviews/interviews on theme. See website. Prize: $75. Deadline: August 1, 2026.

Delaware Division of the Arts Individual Artist Fellowships. Restrictions: Delaware poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers who have lived in Delaware for at least one year prior to application and who are not enrolled in a degree-granting program. Genres: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction. Prize: Established Professional Fellowships of $6,000 each and Emerging Artist Fellowships of $3,000 each. Deadline: August 3, 2026.

Leeway Foundation Art and Change Grants. Restrictions: Open to women and trans artists in Greater Philadelphia to fund art for social change projects. People living in Bucks, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties Delaware who are 18 years of age or older and who are not full-time students in a degree-granting arts program are eligible. Genre: Art in traditional or nontraditional modes, mediums or disciplines. Prize: $2500. Deadline: August 3, 2026.

Oregon Literary Fellowships. Two fellowships (one $10,000 grant and one $3,500 grant) are reserved specifically for writers of color. There are also fellowships for women/gender-nonconforming writers as well as special fellowships for fiction writers who have lived in Oregon over the past 5 years. Deadline: August 7, 2026.

Only Poems Poem of the Month. Genre: Poetry. See theme. Prize: $40. Deadline: August 7, 2026.

Toi Derricotte & Cornelius Eady Chapbook Prize. Restrictions: Open to Black poets. Genre: Chapbook-length poetry manuscript. Prize: $1000 and publication. Deadline: August 7, 2026.

Giller Prize. Restrictions: Open to books published in Canada in English between  July 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026. 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: August 14, 2026.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction. See themes. Payment: $25 - $50 via PayPal for one story selected for an Anthology. No payment for online publication. Deadline: August 14, 2026.

Waterford Poetry Prize. Restrictions: Open to residents of Ireland. Genre: Poem. Prize: First prize is €400 plus attendance at a designated writing course. Deadline: August 14, 2026.

Ligonier Valley Writers. Genre: Flash fiction on theme;1000 words max. Prize: The first prize winner will receive $50, second prize $25, and third prize $15. Deadline: August 15, 2026.

The Gotham Publish a Book Scholarship. Restrictions: Open to people of color who have completed a book manuscript (or nonfiction book proposal) and are ready to go to market with their book. Three fellowships will be offered every year. Prize: Admittance to a Gotham Writers Conference—the panels and presentations as well as a seat at a pitching roundtable with two agents in your genre. The Gotham course How to Get Published or Nonfiction Book Proposal. A one-on-one Agent Evaluation session and  a Query Letter Coaching session, both with a literary agent. Deadline: August 15, 2026.

53-Word Story Contest. Genre: Flash fiction of exactly 53 words based on monthly theme. Prize: Publication and a free book. Deadline: August 15, 2026. (Note: This is a monthly contest)

Berggruen Prize Essay Competition. Genre: Essay. "We are inviting essays that follow in the tradition of renowned thinkers such as Rousseau, Michel de Montaigne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Submissions should present novel ideas and be clearly argued in compelling ways for intellectually serious readers." Prize: $50,000 USD for essays submitted in English and $50,000 USD for essays submitted in Chinese. Deadline: August 17, 2026.

Collaborature. Restrictions: Submissions must be written by more than one author or include a collaboration of two people (i.e., art and poetry). Genre: Poetry, fiction. Prize: $20. Deadline: August 17, 2026. Note: This is a monthly contest.

Stone Canoe. Restrictions: Open to people who live or have lived in Upstate New York (not New York City). Genre: Poetry. Prize: $250 and publication. Deadline: August 18, 2026. (It is difficult to find this information on their website.) 

Daniel Pearl Investigative Journalism Initiative Grant. Genre: Investigative journalism addressing hate and prejudice. Prize: $2000 - $5,000 grant. Deadline: August 20, 2026. Note: There are two dates listed on the website, June 1 and August 20, 2026.

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. Prize: $1000. Deadline: August 21, 2026.

Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival Poetry Competition. Restrictions: Open to residents and citizens of Ireland only. Genre: Poem. See theme. Prize: €150.00. Deadline: August 21, 2026.

Faber Children’s: Faber and Andlyn BAME (FAB) Prize. Restrictions: Open to undiscovered BAME writers and illustrators; entrants must be of black, Asian or minority ethnic background, and UK- or Ireland-based. Genre: Text or artwork for children. Prize: £1,500 and £500 each for a writer and an illustrator. Deadline: August 21, 2026.

Ink of Ages Fiction Prize. Genre: Historical fiction and mythological fiction. See themes. Prize: $500 for the winner in the adults category; second and third prizes are $100 and $50 respectively to spend in the WHE store; youth winner gets custom artwork inspired by their story. Deadline: August 22, 2026.

Penguin UK: Merky Books New Writers’ Prize. Restrictions: Open to Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic writers who are aged between 18 and 35 and residing in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Applicants will need to be unpublished and un-agented in order to apply. Genre: Unpublished manuscript. Prize: Publishing contract with #Merky Books. All shortlisted writers will also be invited to our Writers’ Camp, where they will get the chance to participate in writing workshops, panel talks, editorial one-to-ones and meet the #Merky Books team. Deadline: August 24, 2026.

Coppercoat Brian Black Memorial Award. Genre: The judges are looking for article and photographs that capture an inspiring encounter that you have had with marine wildlife or the marine environment more generally that impacted, inspired and changed you in some way. The photo competition is open to adults with a separate category for young people aged 16 or under.. Prize: £3,000. Deadline: August 30, 2026.

Katherine Mansfield Society Essay Prize 2026. Genre: Essays that address any aspect of the theme of Katherine Mansfield. Prize: £200 and the winning essay will be considered for publication in Katherine Mansfield Studies. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Diana Woods Memorial Award in Creative Nonfiction. Genre: Essay, maximum 5,000 words. Prize: $250 top prize. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Gabo Prize for Literature in Translation or Multi-Lingual Texts. Restrictions: Translators and authors of multi-lingual texts. Genres: Poetry and prose. Prize: $200. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

After the Storm—A Short Story Contest. Genre: Short story. See theme. Prize: $200. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Propel Disability Poetry Book Series. Restrictions: Open to disabled poets. Genre: Poetry. Payment: Royalties. One poet wins a $2000 prize. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Preservation Foundation Biographical Nonfiction Contest. Restrictions: The contest is open to writers whose creative writing has never produced revenues of over $250 in any single year. Genre: Biographical Nonfiction. Prize: First prize is $200. Runners-up will receive $100. Finalists will receive $50. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

PADIBA Awards 2027. Genre: Traditionally published PB/GN and MG/YA novel that features intersectional protagonists. Prize: $1500. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Eugene Paul Nassar Poetry Prize. Genre: Poetry collection (in English), at least 48 pages long, published between July 1 of the previous year and June 30 of the deadline year by an upstate New York author. Prize: $2000. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Iowa Short Fiction and John Simmons Short Fiction Awards. Restrictions: Any writer who has not previously published a volume of prose fiction is eligible to enter the competition. Genre: Short story collection. The manuscript must be a collection of short stories in English of at least 150 word-processed, double-spaced pages. Prize: Publication by the University of Iowa Press, royalties.  Deadline: August 31, 2026.

“Kusamakura” Haiku Competition. Genre: Haiku. Prize: (Grand Prize) to one winner : goods worthy of ￥20,000. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Val Wood Prize for Creative Writing. Genre: Short story with an overall word-count of 1500 on theme. Prize: £100. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Morioka International Haiku Contest. Genre: Haiku. Prize: Not specified. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Toni Beauchamp Prize in Critical Art Writing. Genre: Scholarly essay. All work submitted must have been written or published within the last year. Prize: $3,000. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Debra E. Bernhardt Labor Journalism Prize. Genre: Article that furthers the understanding of the history of working people. Articles focused on historical events AND articles about current issues (work, housing, organizing, health, education) that include historical context are both welcome. The work must be published in print or online between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2026. Prize: $1000. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Kindle Storyteller Award (UK). Restrictions: The prize is open to all authors who publish their book through Kindle Direct Publishing on Amazon.co.uk. Genre: Book. Prize: £20,000. Deadline: August 31, 2026.

Voice.club. Genre: Flash fiction, 350 words max. See theme. Prize: $25 Amazon gift card. Deadline: August 31, 2026. Note: You have to join in order to enter. See themes.

Apex Flash Fiction Contest. Genre: Speculative fiction, 1000 words max. Prize: 8 cents/word or $10, which ever is greater. Deadline: August 31, 2026. Note: Apex Magazine’s Flash Fiction Contest is open from the 7th until the final day of each month. The contest is themed.

PolyPolyphony Lit Summer Contest 2026. Restrictions: Open to High school students (aged 14-18) from anywhere in the world. Genre: Fiction and poetry on theme Home. Prize: Publication. Deadline: August 31, 2026. Free submissions cap of 200.

Rattle Ekphrastic Challenge. Genre: Poem inspired by artwork. (See site for image.) Prize: $100. Deadline: August 31, 2026. This is a monthly contest.

Substack runs a monthly short story competition. Their mission is to "revive the art of the short story, support artists, and produce something wonderful." Genre: Short story. Length: 6000- 10,000 words. Prize: $100 plus 50% of subscription revenue to be sent by Paypal, Zelle, or check. Deadline: August 31, 2026. Reprints are ok so long as you still have the rights to distribute.