Friday, January 29, 2021

Most Popular Publishing Posts of 2020

Every January I do a "year in review" of my most popular posts. This is a tradition I am loath to break, even though at this late stage in my blogging career, I am seldom surprised. Most people who visit my blog want to get published, so it's natural to assume that my most viewed posts would be calls for submissions and writing contests. 

In 2020, I published 69 posts. (My total number of posts since 2012 is 818. My how time flies.) In 2020, my two most popular posts were:

44 Writing Contests in January 2021 - No entry fees (18,801 views...and counting)

85 Calls for Submissions in December 2020 - Paying markets (10,102 views) 

Usually, page views for my posts number in the quadruple digits. But when they hit ten thousand or more, I sit up and take notice. There can be only one explanation: Somebody out there with a bigger platform than mine has promoted those posts. Whoever you are, thank you!

At this time of year, I also like to do a review of my most popular posts of all time. (All of these posts have been recently updated.)


10 Most Popular Posts - All Time


22 US Children's Book Publishers Accepting Manuscripts Directly From Writers 272,443 views

325 Paying Markets for Short Stories, Poetry, Nonfiction  148,306 views

Agents Looking for Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers 146,311 views

3 Major Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts 92,045 views

6 Publishers Accepting Unsolicited Manuscripts from Writers - No Agent Needed  74, 267 views

16 UK Children's Book Publishers Accepting Manuscripts Directly from Writers 59,072 views

Mega-List of Paying Markets for Horror, Dark Fiction and Poetry 46,440 views

40 Paying Markets for Personal Essays 37,324 views

Mega-List of Online Reviewers Who Accept Self-Published Books 37,286 views


Some Additional Popular Posts 

82 UK Literary Agencies Seeking Clients  36,405 views

21 Poetry Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts 35,295 views

27 LGBT Publishers Accepting Manuscripts - No agent required (Plus 17 paying journals) 33,241 views

13 Paying Markets for Humor 30,541 views

25 Paying Markets for Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction 27,521 views

5 Established Agents Looking for Writers - Literary fiction, Memoir, MG, YA, Fantasy, Romance and more 27,266 views

14 Publishers Accepting Unagented Short Story Collections 26,356 views

10 Agents Representing Short Story Collections 24,765 views

253 Hashtags for Writers 20,912 views

DAW Books Opens Its Doors to Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers - No agent needed 18,756 views

Thursday, January 28, 2021

71 Calls for Submissions in February 2021 - Paying markets



There are more than five dozen calls for submissions in February. 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 calls for submissions on 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.

Happy submitting!

__________________

Volney Road ReviewGenres: Fiction, poetry, CNF, art. Payment: $10. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Sexy Fantastic MagazineGenre: Fantastic erotic stories on theme of Stars. (No porn) "Any type of story with fantastic elements is acceptable, such as a metaphysical or surreal modern tale, magic realism, a dark fantasy thriller, science fiction satire, historical legend, an imaginary world fantasy adventure, etc." Payment: $100. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

The First LineGenres: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction using the first line provided. (See site.)   Payment: $25.00 - $50.00 for fiction, $5.00 - $10.00 for poetry, and $25.00 for nonfiction. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Belmont Story Review. Genre: Fiction, poetry, CNF. Payment: $50. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Nonbinary ReviewGenre: Poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and flash, up to 3000 words on theme of Apocalypse. Payment: For prose, 1¢ US per word, and $10 US per poem. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

The London Reader: Counterculture Creative WritingGenre: Stories featuring parties, protest, and the revolutionary potential of today’s and yesteryear’s countercultures. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Cosmic Roots and Eldritch ShoresGenre: Speculative stories. Payment: 6 cents/word for original work. 2 cents/word for reprints. Deadline: February 2, 2021.

Enchanted Conversation: A Fairy Tale MagazineGenre: Fairy tales, and essays on theme of “Healers, Midwives and Cunning Folk.” Payment: $100. US dollars only. Essays: $50. Deadline: February 3, 2021.

Fireside QuarterlyGenre: Short stories, poetry, nonfiction, art. Payment: 12.5 cents per word, $100 for poetry. Deadline: February 5, 2021. 

Abyss and ApexGenre: Speculative fiction and poetry. No horror. Payment: USD $.06/word (six cents a word) up to 1,250 words, and a flat payment of $75.00 for longer stories. Deadline: February 7, 2021. Opens to submissions on February 1.

HavokGenre: Flash fiction on Theme of Blue. Payment: $10 via PayPal for each story published in an Anthology. Deadline: February 7, 2021.

LightspeedGenre: Original, unpublished science fiction short story or novelette by writers who identify s BIPOC. Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: February 8, 2021.

The Other Stories PodcastGenre: Horror on theme of Newly Discovered Creatures. Payment: $5. Deadline: February 8, 2021.

Cricket Media: Faces: Go Fish! Genre: Nonfiction articles, fiction, activities for children. Send query only. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: February 8, 2021.

Moonflake PressGenre: Short stories and poems on theme of Affairs. Payment: £5 for each story/poem. Deadline: February 10, 2021.

TolkaGenre: All forms of non-fiction: personal essay, memoir, reportage, travel writing, auto-fiction and the writing that falls in between. Length: 2,000–4,000 words. Payment: €150. Deadline: February 10, 2021.

Third WednesdayGenre: Poetry, short fiction, art. Payment: $3. Deadline: February 14, 2021.

Qwerty. Genre: Poetry, art and prose about food. "We invite 2SQ+BIPOC artists to submit work that explores food(s) in relation to racial, queer, gendered, etc. identities and bodies." Payment: $10. Deadline: February 14, 2021.

Muse MagazineGenre: Nonfiction articles for children on theme of Science of Fear. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

LightspeedGenre: Original, unpublished science fiction short story or novelette. Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

ShenandoahGenre: Poetry. Payment: $100. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

The Best New True Crime StoriesGenre: Nonfiction, true crime accounts featuring lawbreaking couples who have joined forces to commit crime. Payment: $130, and 2 print copies of the book. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Red Cape Anthologies: J is for Jack-o’-LanternGenre: Horror. "Halloween is the theme for these stories but the Jack-o’-Lantern must play a key role.." Payment:  £10. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

WordWorksRestrictions: Open to writers in British Columbia or Yukon, Canada. Genre: Nonfiction. Theme: Publishing. Payment: Twenty-five cents a word for articles ($50 for reprints). Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Third WednesdayGenre: Poetry, fiction. Payment: $3. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Cid Pearlman: home(Body)Genre: Poetry. "(home)Body is an art installation with dance video, poetry, and live performance. This work is a collaboration between artistic director/choreographer Cid Pearlman, video artist Mara Milam, poet/dramaturge Denise Leto, and ten dance artists. The poems we commission will seek to represent a multiplicity of voices. They will inform the content we create and will function as scaffolding and inspiration for the dance and video." Payment: $500. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

EX/POST. Genre: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction. Payment: Modest honorarium. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Songs of EretzGenre: Poetry, cover art on theme of Circles. Payment: $5. Deadline: February15, 2021.

The SpectacleGenre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $50. DeadlineFebruary 15, 2021. Submit early in the month to avoid fee.

Luna Station QuarterlyGenre: Speculative fiction by woman. Payment: $5. Deadline: February 15, 2021. Accepts reprints.

Crone Rising. Genre: Creative nonfiction by women over 40. "We want you to share the experiences that shaped you. We want to hear about your inner strength and how you learned to become who you are today." Length: 7,000 - 10,000 words. Payment: $45. Deadline: February 16, 2021.

Queer Gothic Short StoriesGenre: Queer Gothic short stories between 100 and 8,000 words. Payment: £40. Deadline: February 20, 2021.

Eastern Iowa ReviewGenre: Lyric essays and prose poems, creative nonfiction and hybrid works. Theme: Winter. Payment: $10. Deadline: February 20, 2021.

Claw & BlossomGenre: Flash fiction and poetry about the natural world on theme of Water. Payment: $25. Deadline: February 21, 2021.

Flash Fiction Online. Genre: Speculative (science fiction, fantasy, slipstream, and horror) and literary fiction. Payment: $80. Deadline: February 21, 2021.

Speculative CityGenre: Speculative fiction, poetry, and essays centered in cities. See themes. Payment: $20-$55. Deadline: February 24, 2021.

The Dread Machine Press: 1986: The AnthologyGenre: Horror. "We’re seeking dread-inspiring stories that take place in 1986—either the 1986 of our reality (Stranger Things) or an alternate version (Tales From the Loop). Bring us back to a simpler, scarier time." Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: February 25, 2021.

It Gets Even Better: Stories of Queer PossibilityGenre: Speculative stories about positive queer possibility, written in English. Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: February 27, 2021.

The RumpusGenre: Essays. "We strive to be a platform for marginalized voices and writing that might not find a home elsewhere, and to lift up new voices alongside those of more established writers we love. We work to shine a light on stories that build bridges, tear down walls, and speak truth to power." Payment: $300 divided among all contributors. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Third Estate Art: QuaranzineGenre: "Send us art with an underlying social justice theme in any discipline, or any kind of activist work that you’d like an eclectic audience for. We’ll take submissions of stories, essays, Bandcamp links, visual art, artist talks, performances, instructional videos, comics, poems, and anything else that we can reasonably put into this format." Payment: $20. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

JMS Books: LGBTQ Romance: Second Chances. Genre: LGBTQ romance stories. Stories about finding love the second time around. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Decoded Genre: "Everything from experimental comics to thinly-veiled fanfiction to good old formulaic genre is right up our alley, so don’t disqualify yourself – submit! Our only requirements are that you be a queer creator and that you bring your very best work to the page." See their open calls for submissions. Payment; Flash short story (up to 1499 words) – $25, Short story (1500 to 3499 words) – $100, Long form (3500 – 7500-ish words) – $200, Comics – $75 (no limit, but keep in mind your whole comic will run in one day) Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: CatsGenre: True stories and poems. “We are looking for first-person true stories and poems up to 1,200 words. Tell us about your cat. Tell us how he made you smile. How she "rescued" you after you "rescued" her. How she brought your family closer together, helped you find love, inspired you to change something in your human life. Stories can be serious or humorous, or both. We can’t wait to read all the heartwarming, inspirational, and hysterical stories you have about your cats!” Payment: $200. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Lackington’s: BattlesGenre: Speculative fiction on theme of Battles. Payment: 1 cent/word (CAD). DeadlineFebruary 28, 2021.

Parsec Ink: Triangulation: Habitats. Genre: Fantasy, science fiction, weird fiction, and speculative horror on theme of Habitats. Payment: 3¢ per word for fiction, 25 cents per line for poetry. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

SouthwordGenre: Poetry. Payment: €40 per poem. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Apparition LitGenre: Speculative fiction and poetry on theme of Chance. Payment: $30. Deadline: February 28, 2021. Opens February 15.

Blue Mesa ReviewGenre: Fiction (up to 6,000 words), Nonfiction (up to 6,000 words), Poetry (up to 3 poems), and Visual Art. Payment: $25. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Down & Out Books: Mickey Finn – 21st Century NoirGenre: Hardboiled and noir crime fiction. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Counting Your BlessingsGenre: True stories and poems. "Please share your stories about handling challenges in your life, finding the silver linings, and counting your blessings, whether the challenges you are facing are COVID-19 related or other kinds. Stories can be serious or funny, but definitely should be inspirational and heartwarming. Attitude adjustments, finding contentment and gratitude, a new way of handling your daily life, and other great ideas to inspire readers to find their own paths to happiness and to remember to count their blessings every day are what we are looking for." Payment: $200. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Dragon Soul Press: Organic InkGenre: Poetry. "All poetry pieces are welcome. There is no theme." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Ninth LetterGenre: Prose and poetry. Payment: $25 per printed page, with a maximum payment of $150, as well as two complimentary copies of the issue in which the work appears. Deadline: February 28, 2021. No submission fee for snail mail.

SpartanGenre: Literary prose, 1500 words max. Payment: $20. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Air and Nothingness Press: The Wild HuntGenre: Stories may be of any genre as long as they fit within the idea of the Wild Hunt. "We are open to Grimdark, New Weird, Science Fiction, Fantasy and genre bending/breaking."  Payment: $0.08/word. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Air and Nothingness Press: Upon a Once TimeGenre: Choose two of your favorite fairy
tales, and a genre of your choice, and mash them up to make something new.  "We are open to Grimdark, New Weird, Science Fiction, Fantasy and genre bending/breaking."  Payment: $0.08/word.  Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Night Shift RadioGenre: Fiction, non-fiction, memoir - 7,000-10,000 words. Payment: $50 or $25. Deadline: February 28, 2021. Opens February 21.

Stonecrop ReviewGenre: Creative Non-Fiction, Fiction, Reader’s Corner, Artwork, Photography on theme of Flora. "We are particularly keen to publish works that explore nature in cities that have not been as widely represented in the urban nature canon." Payment: $20. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Cosmic Horror MonthlyGenre: Horror and dark fantasy. Payment: 1 cent per word for original fiction. 10k words = $100; 0.5 cents per word for reprints; 50 cents per line for poetry; 20 dollars for artwork chosen as interior content; 50 dollars for cover art. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Good Southern Witches AnthologyGenre: Fantasy and horror fiction and occult nonfiction. Payment: $25. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

UpstreetGenre: Fiction and nonfiction pieces 5,000 words or less. Payment: $50 - $250 for short stories or essays. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Small Harbor Publishing: Marginalia SeriesGenre: Chapbooks by  traditionally marginalized writers. Payment: 25 copies. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Thunderbird Studios: Decades of San CicaroGenre: Short stories that take place in the city of San Cicaro between the years of 1930 to 1989. Payment: $175. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Ghost Orchid Press: Dark Hearts AnthologyGenre: Stories exploring the twisted side of love.  Payment: 1 cent/word. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

NightlightRestrictions: Open to Black writers. Genre: Horror. 10,000 words max. Audio format. Payment: $75 - $200 depending on length. $50 for reprints. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

FlypaperGenre: Poems, book reviews of contemporary poetry collections, interviews with poets and essayists, essays on music, as well as short stories and CNF pieces with fewer than 3000 words Payment: $5. Deadline: February 28, 2021. Submit early in the month to avoid submission fees.

Trenchcoats, Towers, and Trolls: Cyberpunk Fairy TalesGenre: Cyberpunk fairy tales. "We are excited to mash the world of cyberpunk together with fairy tales and see what sort of magic results. Embracing the high-tech/low-life aspect of cyberpunk will give these stories both the sleek coolness of futuristic technology and the grittiness of traditional fairy tales." Length: up to 7,500 words. Payment: 1 cent/word. Deadline: February 28, 2021. Opens February 1.

PseudopodGenre: Horror. Audio format. Payment: $.08/word for original fiction, $100 flat rate for short story reprints, and $20 flat rate for flash fiction reprints (stories below 1500 words). Deadline: February 28, 2021.  Reprints accepted.

Sylvia MagazineGenre: Poetry and fiction. Payment: £1.75 per line for poetry (not including titles or line breaks) and £0.25 per word for prose. DeadlineFebruary 28, 2021.

KaleidotropeGenre: Speculative fiction and poetry—science fiction, fantasy, and horror, but also compelling work that blurs the lines between these and falls outside of neat genre categories.  Payment: For fiction, $0.01/word (1 cent a word) USD. For poetry, a flat rate of $5 USD per accepted piece. For artwork, a flat rat of $60 for cover art. DeadlineFebruary 28, 2021.

Prospectus. Genre: Poetry, art, reviews, and fiction. Payment: $25  DeadlineFebruary 28, 2021.

And a few more...

Thema: A Postcard from the PastGenre: Fiction, poetry, and art on theme: A Postcard from the Past. Payment: $10-$25 for short fiction and artwork, $10 for poetry. Deadline: March 1, 2021.  Accepts reprints.

The Blue Route. Restrictions: Only the work of current undergraduate writers will be considered.Genres: Fiction, or creative nonfiction totaling no more than 3000 words. Payment: $25. Deadline: March 1, 2021.

CanthiusGenres: Unpublished poetry and prose (both fiction and creative non-fiction – "we welcome experimental works and play excerpts). Please limit prose submissions to 3500 words and poetry submissions to five poems." Payment: $50 for one page, $75 for two pages, $100 for three, $125 for four pages, and $150 for five pages or more, regardless of genre. Deadline: March 1, 2021.

CarouselRestrictions: Open to Canadians only. Genre: Poetry and fiction. Payment: Poetry: $20 per poem — Fiction: $40–$80 per story — Experimental Reviews: $20–$40 per review. Deadline: March 1, 2021.

OUT THERE: Into the Queer New Yonder! Restrictions: Open to queer YA authors. Genre: Speculative fiction about queer teen protagonists, set in the future. Payment: $900 (US) plus a pro-rated share of any royalties received on the sale of the anthology. Deadline: March 1, 2021.

Bethlehem Writers RoundtableGenre: Short stories and poetry. See themesPayment: 20.00 USD for featured authors, or $10.00 USD for stories published on their &More page and $5.00 USD for poems. Deadline: March 1, 2021.

PTMN.TEAUGenre: Fiction & creative non-fiction; Poetry & prose; Short & long-form writing. Submissions may be no longer than 5,000 words. Payment: Unspecified. Deadline: March 1, 2021.

The Wire’s Dream MagazineGenre: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Photography, Combined Work from underprivileged individuals. Payment: $5. Deadline: March 1, 2021.

B Cubed PressGenre: Fiction, essays, and poetry on three themes: Protest Diaries: “Stories from the front lines of revolutions throughout history.” Alternative War: “War shapes the world through technology, boarders, and norms. What will come next?” Stories can take place anywhere in time and space. Alternative Deathliness: “Death brings so many options” – this anthology will be a “fun filled romp into the concept and nature of Death.” Payment: 2 cents/word plus royalties. Deadline: March 1, 2021.

Parabola: Young & OldGenre: Retellings of traditional stories: 500-1500 words, original essays and translations, poetry, reviews. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: March 1, 2021.

Cuppatea Publications: We CryptidsGenre: Urban fantasy about cryptids (like Bigfoot, Nessie, vampires, werewolves, kraken, etc) Payment: $200 + royalties. Deadline: March 1, 2021.

The Evil Cookie Publishing: Gorefest. Genre: Horror. Payment: $0.03/word. Deadline: March 1, 2021.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

65 Writing Contests in February 2021 - No entry fees

This February there are more than five dozen writing contests calling for every genre and form, from poetry, to creative nonfiction, to completed novels. 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. Most of these contests are offered annually, so even if the deadline is past, you can prepare for next year.

Good luck! 

Photo credit: Geograph (UK)

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The Tomorrow PrizeRestrictions: Open to high school students in Los Angeles. Genre: Science fiction, 1500 words max. Prize: $250. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Myong Cha Son Haiku AwardRestrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Haiku. Prize: First prize $1,500, and a runner-up prize $500.  Deadline: February 1, 2021.

The Jim Baen Memorial Short Story AwardGenre: Short story of no more than 8,000 words that shows the near future (no more than about 50-60 years out) of manned space exploration. Prize: Publication as the featured story on the Baen Books main website paid at the normal paying rates for professional story submissions. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Rhina P. Espaillat Poetry AwardRestrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Original poems written in Spanish and translations of English poems to Spanish. Prize: $500. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Iris N. Spencer Undergraduate Poetry AwardRestrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Poetry composed in the traditional modes of meter, rhyme and received forms. Prize: First prize $1,500, and a runner-up prize $500. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Wil Mills AwardRestrictions: Open to poets who have published chap books but have no full-linked collections. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $200 Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Sonnet AwardRestrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Sonnet. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Villanelle AwardRestrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Villanelle. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Paterson Prize for Books for Young PeopleGenre: Most outstanding book for young people published in 2016. There is a $500 award in each category: Pre-K - Grade 3;  Grades 4 - 6;  Grades 7 - 12. Prize: $500. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Paterson Poetry PrizeGenre: Poetry book published in 2018. Prize: $1000. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

The Levis Reading Prize is sponsored by the Department of English and its MFA in Creative Writing program at Virginia Commonwealth University. Restrictions: The prize is given annually for the best first or second book of poetry published in the previous calendar year. Genre: Poetry.  Prize: $5000.  Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Gannon University Poetry ContestRestrictions: Entrants must be a US high school student or a home-schooled student in grades nine through twelve. Genre: Poetry. Each student may enter 1 or 2 poems; each poem may be no longer than 50 lines. Prize: First Place: $100.00 Second Place: $75.00 Third Place: $50.00. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

$1000 for 1000 Words Creative Writing Contest is sponsored by the Leyla Beban Young Authors Foundation. Restrictions: Students enrolled in grades 6-12. Genre: Short fiction of exactly 1000 words. Prize: Two $1,000 scholarship prizes will be awarded, one for grades 6-8 and one for grades 9-12. Seven $100 cash prizes will also be awarded for winning entries, one per grade level.  Deadline: February 1, 2021. 

North Carolina Student Poetry ContestRestrictions: Open to student poets from 3rd grade to university undergraduates attending schools in North Carolina. Genres: Unpublished poems (submit one poem). Prizes: 1st Place winners will receive a $60 check, an NCPS award certificate, and a free copy of Pinesong. 2nd Place winners receive $40, an NCPS award certificate, and a free copy of Pinesong. 3rd Place winners receive $25, an NCPS award certificate, and a free copy of Pinesong. Deadline: February 1, 2021. Snail mail entries only.

Wednesday Club Junior Poetry PrizeRestrictionsHigh School Students in Grades 9 through 12 in the St. Louis Area. Genre: Poetry. Two individual poems. Prizes: $200,  $150,  $100, $80, $50, and up to five $25 honorable mentions TEACHER AWARDS: $200, $150, $100. (Applies to teachers of first three student winners.) Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Shaughnessy Cohen Award for Political WritingRestrictions: Titles must be published in Canada. Self-published books are not eligible. Genre: A book of literary nonfiction that captures a political subject of relevance to Canadian readers and has the potential to shape or influence thinking on contemporary Canadian political life. Prize: Winner: $25,000; Finalists: $2,500. DeadlineFebruary 2, 2021 for books published between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. They have an unreadable website.

Wednesday Club Poetry PrizeRestrictions: Adults over 18; living within a 50-mile radius of St. LouisGenre: Poetry. Two individual poems. Prizes: $500, $300, $150. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Life Writing PrizeRestrictions: Open to UK residents. Genre: Life writing. The Prize defines life writing as ‘intended to be true’, reflects someone’s own life journey or experiences and is not fiction. Prize: Winner will receive £1,500, publication on Spread the Word’s website, an Arvon course, two years’ membership to the Royal Society of Literature and a development meeting with an editor and an agent. Deadline: February 1, 2021.

Spectator Competition: The state we're inGenre: Sonnet. "Shelley wrote a sonnet entitled ‘England in 1819’. You are invited to compose one called ‘England in 2021’.)" Please email entries of up to 150 words to lucy@spectator.co.uk  Prize: £30. Deadline: February, 3, 2021.

Narrative Magazine "Tell Me a Story" High School ContestRestrictions: Open to high school students aged 15-18. Genre: Poetry. Prize: Up to $500. Deadline: February 4, 2021.

The University of Chester Flash (Youth)Restrictions: Open to Scottish students aged 16-19 who are studying in the UK. Genre: flash fiction of up to 360 words. Prize: Up to £100. Deadline: February 5, 2021.

Luminarts Creative Writing Fellowship. The Creative Writing Fellowship awards two $7,500 grant Fellowships for excellence in creative writing in the categories of prose and poetry, in fiction and nonfiction. Applicants submit a two-page written piece (either a stand-alone piece or an excerpt of a larger piece such as a novel or short story). Open to writers between the ages of 18 and 30 years old at the time of application; be enrolled in, or have graduated from, a degree program; and live within 150 miles of the Union League Club of Chicago. Genre: Poetry or prose, fiction and nonfiction. Prize: $7,500. Deadline: February 5, 2021.

Bethesda Poetry ContestGenres: Poetry. Adult and high school student categories. Restrictions: Residents of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia are eligible. Prizes: First place: $350, published on The Writer's Center's blog and magazine, and a free class and membership to The Writer's Center. Second Place: $250. Third Place: $150. Honorable Mention: $75. All winners will be published on the Bethesda Urban Partnership website and honored at a special event during the Local Writer's Showcase. Deadline: February 5, 2021 for adults, February 12, 2021 for high school students.

Bath Flash Fiction AwardGenre: Flash fiction (300 words max). Prize: £1000 prize for the winner, £300 second and £100 third. Two commendations £30 each. Deadline: February 7, 2021.

Papatango New Writing PrizeRestrictions: Open to anyone resident in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Genre: Script of roughly 25 – 50 pages. Prize: £2000. Their scripts will be produced as audio plays and tour the UK in free listening stations. The scripts will also be published digitally by Nick Hern Books. Deadline: February 7, 2021.

Charles Crupi Memorial Poetry ContestRestrictions: Open to high school students in Michigan. Genre: Poetry. Prize: 1st place - $250 and publication in The Albion Review, 2nd place - $150 and publication in The Albion Review; 3rd place - $100 and publication in The Albion Review. Deadline: February 7, 2021.

Western Australian Premier's Book AwardsRestrictions: Open to authors who either are citizens or permanent residents of Western Australia. Genre: Book published during the preceding calendar year in a variety of genres. Prize: Up to A$60,000. Deadline: February 8, 2021.

NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowships are awarded in fifteen different disciplines over a three-year period. Prize: $7,000 cash awards are made to individual originating artists living and working in the state of New York for unrestricted use. These fellowships are not project grants but are intended to fund an artist’s vision or voice, regardless of the level of his or her artistic development. Deadline: February 10, 2021.

Spectator Competition No. 3186: mixed messagesGenre: Acrostic poem. "You are invited to supply an acrostic poem praising or dispraising a public figure, in which the word/s spelt out by the first letter of each line directly contradicts what the poem is saying." Email entries of up to 16 lines to lucy at spectator.co.uk. Prize: £30. Deadline: February 10, 2021.

Library of Virginia Literary AwardsRestrictions: Open to writers who were born in or are residents of Virginia or, in the case of nonfiction, books with a Virginia theme, are eligible. Genre: Books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction published in the previous year. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: February 10, 2021.

Writers' & Artists' Yearbook Short Story CompetitionGenre: Short story. All entries must be original unpublished prose of 2,000 words or fewer. Prize: £500 and publication. Deadline: February 12, 2021.

Scotiabank Giller PrizeRestrictions: Open to books published in Canada in English. Books must be published in Canada in English between October 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021 to be eligible for the 2020 Prize. Must  be nominated by publisher. Genre: Fiction. Full-length novel or collection of short stories published in English, either originally, or in translation. Prize: $100,000 to the winner and $10,000 to each of the finalists. Deadline: February 12, 2021.

Duotrope Valentine's Day Contest. Genre: Creative nonfiction about love. Prize: $50. Deadline: February 14, 2021.

Commonwealth Club of California Book AwardsRestrictions: Open to residents of California. Genre: Book of poetry, fiction or nonfiction. Prize: Gold medal. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Apparition LitGenre: Speculative flash fiction that reflect the artwork they’ve chose for each month.(See site for images.) Prize: $10 USD. Deadline: February 15, 2021. Note: This is a monthly contest.

Randall Kenan Prize for Black LGBTQ FictionRestrictions: Open to a Black LGBTQ writer whose fiction explores themes of Black LGBTQ life, culture, and/or history. To be eligible, the winner of the prize must have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking work. Prize: $3,000. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer NonfictionRestrictions: Open to a writer committed to nonfiction work that captures the depth and complexity of lesbian/queer life, culture, and/or history. The winner of the prize will have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking and challenging work. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Raiziss/de Palchi Translation AwardGenre: Poetry - translation into English of a significant work of modern Italian poetry. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Ballard Spahr Poetry PrizeRestrictions: Open to residents of MN, IA, ND, SD, WI, or MI. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $10,000 & book publication with Milkweed Editions. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

CAAPP Book PrizeRestrictions: Open to writers of African descent. Genre: First or second book by a writer of African descent and is open to the full range of writers embodying African and African diasporic experience. The book can be of any genre that is, or intersects with, poetry, including poetry, hybrid work, speculative prose, and/or translation. Prize: $3000 and publication. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Syracuse University's Veterans Writing AwardRestrictions: Open to U.S. veterans and active duty personnel in any branch of the U.S. military and their immediate family members. This includes spouses, domestic partners, and children. Women veteran writers and veterans of color are encouraged to submit. Genre: Unpublished, full-length novels or short story collections. Prize: $1000. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Ambroggio PrizeRestrictions: Poet must be a U.S. Citizen; Resident of the United States for the ten-year period prior to the submission deadline, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Legal Permanent Status (LPS), or any subsequent categories designated by the U.S. authorities as conferring similar enhanced status upon non-citizens living in the United States. Genre: Book-length poetry manuscript originally written in Spanish and with an English translation. Prize: $1000 and publication. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Judith A. Markowitz Award for Emerging LGBTQ WritersRestrictions: The nominee must self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. The nominee must have written and published at least one but no more than two books of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Prize: $1000. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Haiku Society of America Merit Book Awards for Excellence in Published Haiku, Translation, and CriticismGenre: Published book. Books must have been published in 2019 and must clearly contain a printed 2019 copyright. A member, author, or publisher may submit or nominate more than one title. At least 50 percent of the book must be haiku, senryu, or haibun, or prose about these subjects (books mostly of tanka, for example, are not eligible). Prize: $500. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Dr. Jim Duggins Outstanding LGBTQ Mid-Career Novelist PrizeRestrictions: Open to LGBTQ mid-career novelists who have published at least three novels. or two novels and substantial additional literary work (including poems, stories, or essays). Genre: Published book. Prize: $5000. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Harold Morton Landon Translation AwardGenre: Poetry collection translated from any language into English and published in the previous calendar year. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

Diana Woods Memorial Award in Creative NonfictionGenre: Essay, maximum 5,000 words. Prize: $250 top prize. Deadline: February 15, 2021.

The Matthew Power Literary Reporting Award supports the work of a promising early-career nonfiction writer on a story that uncovers truths about the human condition. Genres: Nonfiction journalism works in progress with “strong, character-driven narratives with detailed scene writing and lyrical description.” Restrictions: The award will not fund proposals to report on armed conflicts where journalists are already imperiled, nor projects that are mainly investigatory. Prize: $12,500 grant and use of the NYU library. Deadline: February 16, 2021.

Bethesda Essay ContestGenre: Essays. Adult and high school student categories. Restrictions: Residents of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia are eligible. Prizes: First place: $350, published on The Writer's Center's blog and magazine, and a free class and membership to The Writer's Center. Second Place: $250. Third Place: $150. Honorable Mention: $75. All winners will be published on the Bethesda Urban Partnership website and honored at a special event during the Local Writer's Showcase. Deadline: February 18, 2021.

Gaithersburg Book Festival Poetry ContestRestrictions: Open to high school students (grades 9-12) from across the Washington Metropolitan Area (Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC). Genre: Poetry. Prize: First, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive $250, $100 and $50 gift certificates.  Deadline: February 18, 2021.

RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging WritersRestrictions: Candidates must be: A Canadian citizen or permanent resident; Under the age of 35; Unpublished in book form and without a book contract. Genre: Poetry and fiction. Prizes: Up to C$10,000. Deadline: February 22, 2021.

Wiley-Silver Prize in Civil War HistoryGenre: First book or monograph in Civil War history published in the previous year. Books or monographs published by scholarly or popular presses are eligible. Prize: $2,000. Deadline: February 26, 2021.

The Lakefly Writers ConferenceRestrictions: Open to residents of Wisconsin. GenresShort story fiction: 1500 words or less. Any genre. Flash fiction: 500 words or fewer. Any genre. No theme. Poetry:  All poems, free verse to formal and everything in between—75 lines max. Teen short story: Open to 18 years old and younger. Maximum 1,500 words. Any genre. See theme. Prize: First place winners will receive a cash prize of $100; second place winners will receive $75; and third place winners will receive $50. Winners must be able to attend an awards ceremony. Deadline: February 26, 2021.

Make A Way Book AwardRestrictions: “American Editions invites progressive American authors to apply. Authors must have a strong, regular social media presence that is free of trolling or bias against marginalized groups.” Genre: Nonfiction book-length essay about changing the United States for the better. Prize: $700. Deadline: February 26, 2021. (Extended deadline)

The Gabo Prize for Literature in Translation & Multi-Lingual TextsGenre: Literary translations and multi-lingual texts. Prize: $200. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Ice Lolly Campaign ContestRestrictions: Open to writers ages 12-18. Genre: Nonfiction (Memoir, Personal Essay), Fiction, and Poetry. There is no specific theme but your piece must touch upon social issues or issues that are important to you. Word Count: Up to 2,000 words or up to 100 lines for poetry. Prize: $100 to one winner in each category. $50 will be given to the winner and $50 will be donated to the charity of the winner's choice. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Tales to TerrifyGenre: Horror based on image provided. Length: 1000 words max. Prize: $25. DeadlineFebruary 28, 2021.

Creative Capital AwardRestrictions: Entrants must be US citizens or permanent residents, aged 25+, with 5+ years' professional writing experience, and not be full-time students. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels. Grant: Up to $50,000. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Victor Howes Prize in PoetryRestrictions: Undergraduate English majors currently enrolled at a New England college (2-year or 4-year). Genre: Poetry. Prize: $1000. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Black Caucus of the American Library Association Self-Published E-Book Literary Award.   Restrictions: Open to African-Americans. Genre: Self-Published E-Book in fiction and poetry. Prize: $500. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Imagine Little Tokyo. Little Tokyo Historical Society (LTHS) seeks fictional short stories in Japanese or English for its “Imagine Little Tokyo” writing contest. The setting of the story should be in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA– either past, present or future. Prize: $500. DeadlineFebruary 28, 2021.

Invent a Word. Genre: "We invite you to invent a word. Not just any word. A word you think will greatly enhance the English language. Give us your word, a one-sentence definition, and use the word in a sentence." Prize: Free Gotham class of your choosing. DeadlineFebruary 28, 2021.

The Lindisfarne Crime PrizeRestrictions: Residents of the North of England, or whose work celebrates the North of England. Genre: Crime short story of up to 10,000 words. Prize: £2500.  Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Texas Review Press Southern Poetry Breakthrough Series: ArkansasRestrictions: Open to any poet born in Arkansas, or currently residing in Arkansas, who has not yet published a full-length collection of poetry. The author may have published chapbooks or books in other genres. Genre: Poetry collection. Prize: Winner will receive a standard royalty contract, and 20 copies of the published book. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Limp Wrist: Glitter Bomb AwardRestrictions: Open to LGBTQ/non-binary poets and their allies. Genre: Poem by a poet of any stage of her/his/their career. Prize: $50 and publication in the spring 2021 issue of Limp Wrist. Deadline: February 28, 2021.

Thursday, January 21, 2021

10 Great Writing Conferences in February 2021

February might be "nasty, brutish and short" but it features nine great conferences for writers. These conferences offer everything from intensive workshops and panels, to pitch sessions with agents, to how to market yourself and your books. This month there is something for everyone.

For a full list of conferences held throughout the year see Writing Conferences. During the pandemic most of these are being held virtually at reduced rates. Quite a few offer scholarships, so apply early.

(Photo credit: Shutterstock)


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Kaz Conference Keep Writing: Playwriting Intensive for Women Writers. Feb 7 - March 15, 2021. Workshops include developmental workshops as well as talks on the practical training of writers with input from editors, publicists, agents, social media experts and productivity coaches. Because reading and reviewing other work helps to strengthen ones own writing, peer review is a requirement of all sessions. Just 10 to 16 writers are accepted for each cohort. Will be held online.

Keep Writing Virtual Nonfiction Writers Conference. February 10 - March 17, 2021. "The Kaz Conference offers two to four intensive seminars for writers each spring and fall: Advanced Manuscript Boot Camp (fiction/nonfiction); Creative Nonfiction Writers Conference; Comedy Writing for Women Intensive (all genres) and Script Lab (Plays/Screenplays). All workshops include developmental workshops as well as talks on the practical training of writers with input from editors, publicists, agents, social media experts and productivity coaches. Because reading and reviewing other work helps to strengthen ones own writing, peer review is a requirement of all sessions. Just 10 to 16 writers are accepted for each cohort. The Kaz Conference Writing Workshop is committed to diversity and our faculty reflect an all-encompassing and equal world. Our goal is to challenge, inspire and foster a writers community that continues beyond the workshops." Will be held online.

Southern California Writers’ Conference (and Retreat). February 12 - 14, 2021: San Diego, CA. Faculty: 60+ working, professional authors of fiction, nonfiction & screen, editors & agents. "Founded and run by professional writers the SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent with authoritative guidance to help distinguish those manuscripts that are ready for market consideration." Cost: $350-$425. Manuscript critique & one-on-one consultation additional. Limited to 125 conferees.

San Francisco Writers Conference, February 11 -14, 2021, San Francisco, CA. Attendees will join with 100+ presenters and fellow writers from across the country and around the world at this year’s event. The SFWC events are consistently rated among the top writer’s conferences anywhere. "Our goal is to help writers become published authors as we help them become better at the craft and business of writing. The SFWC is also one of the friendliest conferences. Presenters this year will include bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers from major publishing houses. There will be experts on self-publishing, book promotion, platform building, social media, and author websites. The San Francisco Writers Conference has one of the largest faculties of any writer’s conference to ensure the best networking with the people who can help you get published." Will return in 2022.

Minnesota Writers Workshop. February 12 - 13, 2021: St. Paul, MN. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. Will be held online.

Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference. February 18 - 20, 2021: Tempe, AZ. "The Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference creates a unique and intimate creative writing experience where writers of all backgrounds, genres, and skill levels gather together and connect through the celebration and study of literary craft, culture, and community. Featuring over 25 faculty members teaching more than 50 sessions, we seek to create a warm and welcoming environment that meets people wherever they are, where writers can learn from and support each other as they work toward their goals. Beyond regular programming, we also feature advanced pre-conference workshops, an exhibitor fair, scholarships, and fellowships. We also offer opportunities to advertise with or sponsor the conference as well." Will be held online.

The Writers Studio, sponsored by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, February 18 - 21, 2021, Los Angeles, CA. The conference offers workshops in fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as writing for television and film. Offered by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, the Writers Studio brings together a community of writing students to workshop with some of Southern California’s most accomplished writers and teachers. From among the 10 offered, participants choose one workshop in which they work closely with a professional writer in classes limited to no more than 15 people. Will be held online.

Wild Seeds Writers Retreat, Winter 2021 (A Virtual Event). February 18 - 21, 2021. The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY (CBL) and the English Department at SUNY, Plattsburgh present the Wild Seeds Writers Retreat. The Retreat encourages published and emerging writers of color to participate in writing workshops focused on fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry. They will focus on the craft of writing and engage in cross-cultural conversations around literature created by writers of the African Diaspora. For the winter 2021 session, faculty leaders will be Cheryl Boyce-Taylor (poetry) and Nicole Dennis-Benn (fiction). 

Publishing Workshop. February 20 - 21, 2021: Hammonton, NJ. "Do you want to publish your writing but struggle with a lack of know-how and fear of rejection? Join us for this hands-on workshop where we will guide you through the process from blank page to published piece. If you are an aspiring author you will learn how and where to submit your work. If you are experienced you will discover new markets and resources to expand your readership. Whether you are working on a novel, memoir, short stories, personal essays or poetry, you will go home with an action plan and the tools to carry it out." Will be held online.

California Creative Writers Conference. February 26 - March 6, 2021: Los Angeles, CA.  Educational and inspirational guidance from more than 40 literary agents, veteran educators, industry professionals, professional editors, and publishers in the craft and business of writing fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting taught by Hollywood veterans. Over three days, you can learn how to take your writing to the next level and what it takes get published. Will be held online.

Monday, January 18, 2021

5 Agents Seeking Women's Fiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Memoirs, Kidlit, YA, SF/F and more

Updated 7/31/22

Here are five literary agents actively seeking writers. Eve MacSweeney is interested in narrative non-fiction and literary fiction titles that speak to her interest in emotionally driven stories, singular voices, and compelling social issues, particularly as they concern the lives of women. Susana Alvarez is looking for narrative nonfiction and memoirs. Amy Flynn wants picture books, middle-grade, or YA fiction or non-fiction. Michaela Whatnall is seeking fantasy and science fiction. She is also interested in nonfiction for both children and adults, especially narrative nonfiction in the areas of history, the creative arts, and lifestyle. Jackie Ashton looks to represent writers in the categories of popular science, business, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and upmarket fiction. She is also interested in memoir and essay collections from accomplished writers. 

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

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

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Ms. Eve MacSweeney of Calligraph

Eve MacSweeney moved into agenting after an extensive career as a journalist and editor, most recently as Features Director of Vogue, where she worked for 17 years. There she assigned writers including Elizabeth Rubin, Edmund White, Lena Dunham, Hilton Als, Sally Rooney, and Rachel Kushner, and edited several books, among them Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington and Nostalgia in Vogue, featuring essays by James Salter, Kennedy Fraser, Patti Smith, Joan Didion, and Lydia Davis.

Eve joined Calligraph after four years at Fletcher & Company, where her projects included memoirs focused on the criminal justice system, three novels by the author Jane L. Rosen, a science-based investigation into human aptitudes, and a biography of Gala Dalí. Bringing her editorial experience and close working relationships with writers to the field, Eve is developing narrative non-fiction and literary fiction titles that speak to her interest in emotionally driven stories, singular voices, and compelling social issues, particularly as they concern the lives of women.

What she is seeking: Narrative non-fiction and literary fiction titles that speak to her interest in emotionally driven stories, singular voices, and compelling social issues, particularly as they concern the lives of women.

How to submit: Please send a query letter to submissions@calligraphlit.com with a brief synopsis of your work and a short bio, along with 25 pages of sample material in the body of the email (no attachments will be opened). Include the name of the agent you are querying in the subject line of the email, along with the title of your project and its genre.  Please do not query the agent directly. 

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Susana Alvarez 
of Park & Fine Literary and Media

CLOSED TO QUERIES

Susana Alvarez works alongside Celeste Fine and the nonfiction team, working closely to ensure that author’s needs and success are met throughout the publishing process, from ideation to proposal to execution stage. 

What she is seeking: Her interests range from narrative nonfiction, where she has a penchant for memoirs, to voice-driven journalism, big idea society-changing books, cultural commentary, to the wellness industry; particularly among women and first-generation communities. Outside of nonfiction, her love of the literary world was first introduced through the great American novel, which evolved into a passion for fiction rooted in themes of: the self, coming of age, complex human relationships, and multi-generational stories against the backdrop of multiple nations and cultures.

How to submit: Please specify the first and last name of the agent to whom you are submitting, as well as the category and genre of your submission in the subject line of the email. For adult fiction please include a query letter and approximately the first 25 pages of your work in the body of the email. For non-fiction submissions, please send a query letter only. Send your query to.queries@parkfine.com

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Michaela Whatnall
 of Dystel Goderich & Bourret LLC

Michaela Whatnall joined Dystel, Goderich & Bourret in 2019 as the assistant to Michael Bourret in the West Coast office. After graduating from Emory University with a degree in English and linguistics, Michaela completed the Columbia Publishing Course. Her background in school and library marketing accounts for her strong interest in children’s literature, from picture books up through middle grade and young adult novels and graphic novels. 

What she is seeking: In adult fiction, she is particularly seeking character-driven fantasy and science fiction. She is also interested in nonfiction for both children and adults, especially narrative nonfiction in the areas of history, the creative arts, and lifestyle. 

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Jackie Ashton
of Lucinda Literary

CLOSED TO QUERIES

Jackie is a seasoned media professional with over a decade of experience in journalism, copywriting, editing, and editorial direction. Her writing on health, lifestyle, and parenting in the digital age has appeared in publications like the New York Times, the Washington Post, Salon, Real Simple, Parents, and Redbook, among others. She has provided editorial consulting for leading brands such as Airbnb, Athleta, and Omada Health.

What she is seeking: Jackie looks to represent writers in the categories of popular science, business, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and upmarket fiction. She is also interested in memoir and essay collections from accomplished writers. In fiction, she looks for characters that jump off the page, immersive storytelling that hooks from the opening line, and unexpected forays into little-known worlds.

How to submit: Use their form HERE.

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Ms. Amy Flynn
 of Rubin Pfeffer Content

Amy Thrall Flynn joined Rubin Pfeffer Content in 2019. A former Editor with Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, she believes in the power of books to connect, inspire, and affirm the lives of young people. In addition to her experience acquiring and shepherding dozens of books to publication while an editor, Amy holds a BA in American Literature from Middlebury College in Vermont, an MA in English (Simmons), and an MA in Children’s Literature from Simmons University, Boston. Amy has two grown children, and lives with her husband and a pair of lovable scruffy dogs on a farm in Connecticut.

What she is seeking: Amy is looking for unforgettable voices and fresh perspectives in all genres, with a focus on picture books, innovative nonfiction for ages 2 - 12, and character-driven middle grade novels.

How to submit: For submissions to Amy Thrall Flynn, please address correspondence to  amy@rpcontent.com. For picture books, please send the complete manuscript as a DOC or PDF file. Queries for novels and longer works should include a synopsis in the cover letter, and an attachment with the first 50 pages. Specifically for illustrators, please attach a dummy and art samples or a link to your portfolio. 


Tuesday, January 12, 2021

5 Paying Markets for Historical Fiction and Western Short Stories

Updated 9/20/23

Westerns were all the rage in the 1920s and 30s. Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour wrote dozens of books featuring rugged gun slinging cowboys. Movies and TV shows like Bonanza fed the public’s seemingly endless appetite for stories of the “wild west.” But starting in the late 1960s, the genre all but disappeared. Currently, Westerns have been reduced to a small corner of the “pulp fiction” genre.

While the market for historical fiction novels is robust, historical fiction short stories occupy a small niche market. For writers that is both good and bad. If you write short historical fiction, you don’t have a lot of competition, which makes getting published a little easier. But your readership won’t be as wide as more popular genres.

That being said, if you have written a shoot-em-out in the O.K. Corral or invented a new adventure for the Scarlet Pimpernel, here are your go-to paying markets for historical fiction and Westerns.

Note: For many more paying markets that accept fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, see Paying Markets.

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The Fabulist

The Fabulist seeks short (up to 3,000 words) works of fantastical and genre fiction, which we define expansively. Surprise us! We do love science fiction, fantasy, intelligent horror, speculative fiction, literary fabulism, magic realism, mythic/folkloric works, near-future speculations, solarpunk/cli-fi, hopepunk, and genre subversions (crime, mystery, romance, westerns, thrillers, sea adventures, gothic, and quasi-realist works) that are anchored by some element of the fantastic. Payment: $25. See submission periods.

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"hi, we're looking for writing and art and whatever else you've got that engages with and reimagines the 'west.’ ideally you or your work will have some connection to the western usa, but this theme is wide open to your interpretation (though our print issues will be more focused and western-y than online, which will be more free-wheeling). we like  intersections and echoes, mythos and symbolism, and perspectives not as often seen. we like road stories and weird americana. most of all, tell us a great story. show us something cool. something we can't help falling in love with. our goal is to remain open to the unexpected—to what surprises us, to what moves us, to what makes us see ‘the west’ in ways we haven't before. still unsure? tune into word west radio, or catch a flick at the westword cinemas. maybe you'll find some inspiration? yeehaw" Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, books, videos and photography that engage with "the west." Payment: Short prose and poetry: $100 for each accepted print piece. $25 for each accepted online piece. Photography: $5 per photo used online. $15 per photo used in print. Video: $50 for each two week block of screening. Books: authors recieve an advance upon acceptance, 15% royalties on print sales, and 35% on ebook sales, paid out quarterly. Has two submission periods per year.

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Open Range is an online publication focusing on art and writing from rangelands and the American West. They are open for submissions of fiction and poetry, as well as essays, reviews, profiles, interviews, photo stories, reportage, and other. They offer an honorarium.

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Prairie Rose Publications is a publishing company devoted to publishing westerns and western romances written about women. PRP's imprints include westerns, historical fiction, mystery, futuristic, paranormal, and fantasy. In addition to novels, they accept short stories and novellas. Short stories are available in digital format only (10,000 to 29,999 words). The exception is anthologies, which are available in both print and digital formats. Payment: A percentage of net royalties. Has submission periods.

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Length: Up to 8,000 words
Payment: $25

In addition to novels, History Through Fiction publishes short story and novel excerpt submissions that are published in the member-only content area of their website. Stories and excerpts must be previously unpublished and should be between 2,000 and 8,000 words long. HTF prefers stories that are based on real historical events and/or people. However, all stories with any kind of historical setting will be considered – this includes those with elements of fantasy and alternative history. 
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