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Friday, January 28, 2022

6 New Agents Seeking Scifi, Fantasy, YA, Memoir, Literary Fiction, Nonfiction and more

Here are six new literary agents seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.

Leana Rupp is seeking detailed characters who grow through difficult circumstances or grow closer to their friends in the process, she will want to read your manuscript. Also, a story rich in culture, magical lore, or symbolism is a sure way to captivate her attention.

Abigail Varnado is looking for Gothic Literature, Historical Fiction , Mysteries, Young Adult Sci-Fi and Fantasy, and anything else fantastical or paranormal. 

Mona Kanin is seeking smart, resonating projects including literary fiction, memoirs that read like fiction, & non-fiction for adults that speaks to today's cultural currents

Ismita Hussain is seeking literary fiction, health-related non-fiction, YA, and short story collections. 

Elisa Saphier is open to most genres, as long as the novel or memoir is well-written, but she is partial to character-heavy stories that tell her something about herself or the world around her. 

Sarah Fisk is currently accepting submissions for young adults, middle grade, adult romance, and adult SFF (no hardcore horror).

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

NOTEDon't submit to two agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you may then submit to another.

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

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Ms. Ismita Hussain of Great Dog Literary

Ismita is a Georgia native and graduate of Emory University, where she studied Human Health and Italian. During college, she also worked for various Atlanta area hospitals in departments ranging from neonatal to geriatric care. In her Desi household, she grew up speaking Bangla, Hindi, and Urdu.

What she is seeking: Ismita is seeking literary fiction, health-related non-fiction, YA, and short story collections. Some of her favorite authors are Flannery O’Connor, Cormac McCarthy, Oscar Wilde, and Tom Perrotta. Ismita is especially drawn to fiction with a Southern setting, gritty realist writing, and any books that explore health or disability. Ultimately though, she’s a sucker for writing with a great sense of humor.

How to submit: Use her form HERE.

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Sarah N. Fisk
 of Tobias Agency 

Sarah Fisk is a former mechanical engineer who made the switch to publishing in 2011. They have worked in the publishing industry as an editorial assistant, author's assistant, publicist, and art director. Sarah is a former Pitch Wars mentor, board member, and Agent Liaison. They host the podcast Queries, Qualms, & Quirks and have a passion for spreadsheets.


What they are seeking: Sarah Fisk is currently accepting submissions for young adult, middle grade, adult romance, adult SFF (no hardcore horror). Particular areas of interest include atmospheric fantasies, speculative mysteries, books that challenge societal norms, especially gender norms. They also have a special interest in stories featuring queer characters and those with disability, neurodiversity, chronic illness, or mental health challenges. Other areas of interest are small or midwestern town settings, and complicated sibling relationships.

How to submit: Use their form HERE. (Note: Sarah will re-open to queries on October 6)

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Ms. Leana Rupp of The Booker Albert Literary Agency

CURRENTLY CLOSED TO QUERIES

Leana Rupp graduated with a BA in Professional Writing from York College of Pennsylvania and has worked on many freelance projects while assisting in content editing for various clients. When the mundane world becomes too dull, Leana looks for an escape to live vicariously through characters found in romance, fantasy, mystery, and fiction.

What she is seeking: If your story has detailed characters who grow through difficult circumstances or grow closer to their friends in the process, she will want to read your manuscript. Also, a story rich in culture, magical lore, or symbolism is a sure way to captivate her attention.

How to submit: Send your queries to: query[at]thebookeralbertagency[dot]com.

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Ms. Abigail Varnado of The Booker Albert Literary Agency

CURRENTLY CLOSED TO QUERIES

Abigail Varnado holds a BA in English from Louisiana State University and an MA in Publishing from Rosemont College. She has held a few editorial and content creation roles and is always looking for new books to read and explore. 

What she is seeking: Alongside a cup of tea or coffee, she enjoys reading Gothic Literature, Historical Fiction (open to several different eras and countries), Mysteries (that keep her on the edge of her seat), Young Adult Sci-Fi and Fantasy (with strong world building and a lot of angst), and anything else fantastical or paranormal. Books with folklore and fairytales, in particular, really turn her head as she enjoys learning more about cultures through their stories and beliefs—whether it be a spooky tale, a romance, or otherwise. Abigail is looking for something a little edgy and raw that speaks to the emotions, but also something witty and intelligent. She is drawn to strong, clever characters with complex emotional development and is drawn to well-developed/dramatic plotlines that could either end in happiness or complete disaster. The drastic opposites of the journey to the light versus the dissent into madness have always been a favorite for her.

How to submit: Send your queries to her querymanager HERE.

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Mona Kanin
of Great Dog Literary

CURRENTLY CLOSED TO QUERIES

Inspired by imagination and content creation, Mona spent 25 years designing, writing and making non-fiction media for broadcast, non-broadcast, print, and the web. Mona helped define the audience, the medium, and the message for The Human Genome Project, Weston Woods, PBS, several of the Discovery Channels, and others. Her work won top national awards. Before she was a producer, Mona was a librarian at the Boston Public Library & for several years managed a small book shop in D.C. She's always sought to forge connections—between visuals and words, trust and the collaborative process, content and authenticity/emotion. She believes in the power of books to create more empathic beings. 

What she is seeking: Mona is seeking smart, resonating projects including literary fiction, memoirs that read like fiction, & non-fiction for adults that speaks to today's cultural currents. She's closed to non-referral PB and MG fiction queries at least until Spring, 2022, when she'll re-evaluate. Authenticity/own voices always essential.

How to submit: Use her form HERE.

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Ms. Elisa Saphier
of MacGregor & Luedeke Literary

From her first job in a library, to being the editor-in-chief of her high school literary magazine, to working in four bookstores (and owning one), Elisa has always managed to surround herself with books and writers. Elisa long dreamed of opening her own bookstore and in 2012, after her wife decreed that no more bookshelves were allowed in their house, she took the leap. Elisa and her bookstore, Another Read Through, quickly became known as champions of local writers and local small publishers, and as community builders. She works toward equity in publishing and in writers’ career development with the nonprofit she is co-launching in 2022, Amplify Writers. She believes that books and writers have important things to say, and she wants to help writers get their work out there, and for readers to find them.

What she is seeking: As a reader and as an agent, she is open to most genres, as long as the novel or memoir is well-written, but she is partial to character-heavy stories that tell her something about herself or the world around her. She is hoping specifically to represent marginalized writers and their stories, doing her small part toward equalizing the publishing playing field. She is almost never interested in religious or experimental writing, but is otherwise open to being won over by just about any piece of excellent writing. Note: The agency is only open to nonfiction at this time.

How to submit: Please read their submission guidelines HERE.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

85 Calls for Submissions in February 2022 - Paying markets

This February there are more than seven 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 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!

(Image: Flickr)

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The Other Stories (Audio). Genre: Horror on theme of Metamorphosis. Payment: 15 GBT. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

Tales from the Moonlit PathGenre: Dark, eerie speculative fiction. Payment: $10. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

Fit For The Gods AnthologyGenre: Greek mythology. "Fit For the Gods will shine new light on these beloved myths, and bring much-needed representation to them. All genres except nonfiction are welcome (additional note: we are unable to accept art or poetry). Please note that this anthology is intended for an adult audience; we will not be considering works written for YA or younger audiences." Payment: $1500. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

MiznaRestrictions: Contributors do not need to identify as of Arab/SWANA descent, provided their work is of relevance to or in dialogue with the social realities of the SWANA/Arab region or community. Genre: Poetry, stories, creative essays, flash fiction, comics. Payment: $200. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

Please See MeGenre: Poetry, creative nonfiction/essays, fiction/short stories/flash fiction, and digital media (photography, drawings, podcasts, and short films) on theme of Women’s Health. "We are especially looking for content that connects us, make us feel something, or helps us see illness, wellness, health, or the healthcare environment differently." Payment: Not specified. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

Last Girls ClubGenre: Feminist horror: short stories and poems - see themes. Payment: Short Story-2,500 words or less. $0.01 USD per word/$25 USD and copy of magazine; Flash Fiction-less than a 1,000 words $0.01 USD per word/$10 USD; Poems-less than 200 words $10 upon acceptance and a PDF of the magazine. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

The Temz ReviewGenres: Prose (fiction and creative non-fiction) up to 10,000 words long. Payment: $20. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

Wishing WellGenre: Poetry, fiction, art on theme: Wishes. "We want stories about wishes granted. Whether they played out the way the wisher wanted is up to you." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: February 1, 2022. Reprints accepted.

Magic PortalsGenre: Poetry, fiction, art on theme: Magic Portals. "We want stories about magic portals that open up to other places, other worlds, other times, or just other." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: February 1, 2022. Reprints accepted.

CatsCastGenre: Speculative stories about cats. Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

The CenturyGenre: First-person narratives (under 1,000 words) on theme of Eye. Payment: $100. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

Samhain SorceriesGenre: Sword-and-sorcery stories where Samhain/Halloween is relevant to the plot. Payment: One cent per word, plus one copy of the paperback edition. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

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, 2022.

The Victorian Writer. Genre: Poems and articles. Payment: Poems ($70), and articles of 600 words ($100) and 1200 words ($200) in the print edition with particular interest in the craft of writing and the writing life. Deadline: February 4, 2022. Note: Pitches only.

Spring Into SciFiGenre: Science fiction short stories. Payment: $15. Deadline: February 5, 2022.

Markaz ReviewGenre: "The Markaz Review seeks creative submissions about/from/taking place in/thinking about Los Angeles from afar — TMR will consider art, comics, photography, personal essays, fiction, poetry, music and film for the upcoming LOS ANGELES/TMR 18 issue." Payment: "Honorarium." Deadline: February 5, 2022.

HavokGenre: Flash fiction on Theme of BEAUTIFUL & DANGEROUS. Payment: $10 via PayPal for each story published in an Anthology. Deadline: February 6, 2022.

VoiceworksRestrictions: Open to Australians under the age of 25. Genre: Art, comics and comic pitches. Payment: $100 - $150. Deadline: February 6, 2022.

Fantasy MagazineGenre: Fantasy short stories, flash fiction, poetry. Payment: 8 cents per word for original short stories and flash fiction. $40 per poem. Deadline: February 7, 2022. Opens to submissions on February 1.

Cossmass InfinitiesGenre: Science fiction and fantasy short stories. Payment: $0.08/word for original fiction. Deadline: February 7, 2022.

Word Balloon Books: Rockets and RobotsGenre: Science fiction adventure stories set on alien worlds, space ships, or the post-21st century future. NO FANTASY! Must be rated G. Payment: $.01 per word advanced against royalties, with a possible bonus based on crowdfunding. Deadline: February 11, 2022.

Word Balloon Books: Beware the BugsGenre: Stories about giant bugs (or, perhaps, normal sized bugs and tiny humans). Fantasy or science fiction are welcome. Must be rated G. Payment: $.01 per word advanced against royalties, with a possible bonus based on crowdfunding. Deadline: February 11, 2022.

Word Balloon Books: Paradoxical PetsGenre: Stories about wondrous pets, be they alien, magical, artificial, or common pets with some special power. Fantasy or science fiction are welcome. Must be rated G. Payment: $.01 per word advanced against royalties, with a possible bonus based on crowdfunding. Deadline: February 11, 2022.

Rebellious MagazineGenre: Essay on what makes you rebellious.(500 words max) Focus on women. Payment: $100. Deadline: February 11, 2022.

Ofic MagazineGenre: Fiction, nonfiction, and art up to 12k words. Payment: Small honorarium and a free copy of the issue. Deadline: February 12, 2022.

Thriller Digest: HuntedGenre: Suspense. Theme: Hunted. Length: 7,500 to 10,000 words. Payment: Revenue share. Deadline: February 13, 2022.

Suburban ReviewGenre: Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics, and art on theme of Juice. Payment: $75- $150. Deadline: February 13, 2022.

Frost Zone Zine. Restrictions: Open to women. Genre: Dark Fiction, Quiet Horror, and Poetry. Payment: Flash Fiction 400-1000 words $12.00 CAD, Poetry $8.00 CAD. Deadline: February 13, 2022.

Fusion FragmentGenre: Science fiction or SF-tinged literary fiction stories and novelettes ranging anywhere from 2,000 to 15,000 words. Payment: Both previously unpublished work and reprints pay 3.5 cents (CAD) per word, up to a maximum of $300 (CAD) per story. Deadline: February 13, 2022.   Accepts reprints.

FacesGenre: Nonfiction, activities for children 9 - 14. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: February 14, 2022. Queries onlySee themes.

London ReaderGenre: Stories featuring people in the city of London, whether living there or visiting. Also poetry and art that feature the city. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: February 14, 2022.

Songs of Eretz Poetry Review. Genre: Poetry and art. Payment: $7 per poem, $12 for cover art and $7 for inside art. Deadline: February 15, 2022. See themes.

CobblestoneGenre: Fiction, poetry and nonfiction articles of historical accuracy and lively, original approaches to the themes for children from ages 9–14. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: February 15, 2022. See themes. Queries only.

Luna Station QuarterlyRestrictions: Open to women writers only. Genre: Speculative fiction.  Payment: $5. Deadline: February 15, 2022. Some reprints accepted.

Muse MagazineGenre: Nonfiction articles for children on theme of Islands. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: February 15, 2022.

Run Amok Crime: JackedGenre: Crime fiction: short-shorts, novelettes of up to 10,000 words, and everything between. Payment: "Modest." Deadline: February 15, 2022.

En BlocGenreFiction, poetry, art and photography. Payment£35 per side. Deadline: February 15, 2022.

OrcaGenre: Literary fiction. Payment: $50 for short stories, $25 for flash fiction. Deadline: February 15, 2022. Submit early in the month to avoid submission fees.

filling station.  Genre: Stories, poems, CNF, nonfiction, and art on theme: Play. Payment: $50. Deadline: February 15, 2022.

Air and Nothingness Press: Orpheus + Eurydice Unbound AnthologyGenre: Fiction (all genres) reinterpretations of the Orpheus/Eurydice myth. Payment: $0.08/word. Deadline: February 15, 2022.

Dark Recesses PressGenre: Horror/dark fiction pieces between 500-5000 words. Payment: 5 cents/word. Deadline: February 15, 2022. Note: Only pays for print magazine.

QwertyGenre: Fractured fairytales, folk retellings, mythical drawings for their upcoming themed issue, FOLKLORE & FAIRYTALES. Payment: $10 (CDN). Deadline: February 15, 2022.

Mythic. Genre: Science fiction, fantasy short stories. Length: 2,000-5,000 words. Payment: $25. Deadline: February 15, 2022. Reprints only.

Fish Eats Lion ReduxGenre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $50 SGD and two (2) contributor copies of the published anthology. Deadline: February 15, 2022.

Mythulu Magazine: Maps & BiomesGenre: Submit short stories that feature wildly original biomes or bizarre weather. "Show us settings fundamentally at war with character needs." Short stories: 500 - 2,800 words Non-fiction articles: 200 - 1,200 words. Cartoons or graphic panels also welcome.  Payment:  $0.06/word or $15/page. Non-fiction pays $0.08/word. Creative works earn $0.04/word, with short stories capped at $75. Deadline: February 16, 2022.

Metaphysical TimesGenre: Pagan and metaphysical topics, including spirituality, religion, divination, witchcraft, and more. Payment: $0.05 USD per word up to 1200 words after editing. Deadline: February 16th, 2022.

Orion's BeauGenre: Gay fantasy: fiction, poetry, art. Payment: $3. Deadline: February 20th, 2022.

NorthwordsGenre: Poetry and prose: 3000 words max. "Writing from people living in or inspired by the Highlands and Islands is given prominence, but we also feature material linked to the wider north. That includes both other parts of Scotland and places around the northern world." Payment: Unspecified. Deadline: February 27, 2022.

Speculatief is a Dutch speculative fiction magazine. Genre: Translated science fiction and fantasy short stories, poetry and audio fiction. Payment: $0.01 per word, with a max of $25 per short story. Deadline: February 27, 2022.

Rough Cut Press. Restrictions: Open to LGBTQIA writers. Genre: Experimental fiction, nonfiction, art poetry. 650 words max. Payment: $25. Deadline: February 27, 2022. See themes.

Dragon Soul Press: Beyond AtlantisGenre: "Unique retellings of Atlantis-like civilizations. Preferably with mermaids, selkies, krakens, or other mythological sea creatures included." Word Count – 5,000-15,000. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Underland ArcanaGenre: Short fiction "that veers into the numinous, the esoteric, the supernatural, and the weird. We like these stories to be mildly speculative, fantastic, mysterious, and/or horrific (if you prefer genre tags)." Length: Up to 5,000 words. Payment: $0.01 / word. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Epoch PressGenre: Creative nonfiction submissions of writing, artwork and music on theme of Roots. Payment: £15 per accepted piece. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Eerie RiverGenre: Horror on theme of Earth. Word count: 1500 - 7000 firm. Payment: ¢1 per word CAD. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

SouthwordGenre: Poetry. Payment: €40 per poem. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Stonecrop ReviewGenre: Creative Non-Fiction, Fiction, Reader’s Corner, Artwork, Photography on theme of Flora. "From weeds pushing their way up through cracks in the pavement to wildflowers planted along roadsides, from potted plants on your balcony to trees providing shade in the park, plants can shape urban landscapes. They can provide oases of calm in a bustling city; yet their roots can also wreak havoc as they crack open roads or disrupt pipelines." Payment: $20. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Queer Weird West TalesGenre: speculative fiction set in the Old West containing at least one main character belonging to the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Payment: $30. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Apparition LitGenre: Speculative fiction and poetry. Payment: $30. Deadline: February 28, 2022. Opens February 15. See themes. 

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, 2022.

Dragon Soul Press: SurgeGenre: Cyberpunk. "These characters are trying to survive in a dystopia of advanced technologies. Living alongside Artificial Intelligence has its perks, but also many deadly downfalls." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: February 28, 2022. (Deadline extended)

Cricket: Ask MagazineGenre: Nonfiction articles for children 7–10 years old who are curious about science and the world they live in. Theme: Hair. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: February 28, 2022. Pitches only.

Blue Mesa Review. Genre: 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, 2022. Submit early in the month.

Cast of WondersGenre: YA Speculative fiction. Podcast. Payment: $.08/word for original fiction of any length (yes, including flash!). For reprints, a $100 flat rate for Short Fiction, and a $20 flat rate for Flash Fiction. Deadline: February 28, 2022. See themes.

Blood Rites Horror: Death in the DeepGenre: Stories “about the big open blue. Sharks, whales, dolphins – they all inhabit this vast expanse, but what else is out there? Think isolation, think exposed, think vulnerable… think shark.” Payment: $10. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Queer Weird West AnthologyGenre: fiction and narrative submissions for the Queer Weird West Anthology require three elements: Queer: At least one main character belongs to the LGBTQ+ spectrum, defined in whatever way seems natural to them. Weird: The story contains a speculative fiction element, drawing on fantasy, horror, or science fiction. West: The setting is the Old West – or the time and place of any other frontier.” Payment: $30 - $50 USD. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

UnderblongGenre: Poetry, art. Payment: $20. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Augur Magazine: Joyful Imaginations. Restrictions: Open to creators who are Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Disabled, and/or Trans, who are also Canadian citizens/permanent residents and/or who are living within the settler-defined borders of the land colonially known as Canada. Genre: Dream-touched realism, slipstream, fabulism, magical realism and “literary” speculative fiction. "We’re looking to explore the full spectrum of joy—burgeoning, intense, uncertain, confident, playful, hopeful. Joy that exists without opposition, and in absence of confrontation, where familiar worlds thrum with life. Joy despite opposition, as resistance, and in revolution. Joy as empathy, and healing, and wonder." Payment: CAD 11 cents/word for stories up to 5,000 words, and CAD $60 for poems. $110 for flash fiction. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

ProspectusRestrictions: Open to unpublished or little-published writers. Genre: Poetry as well short prose pieces and fine-art images. Payment: $25. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

ReliquiaeGenre: "Reliquiae is a journal of landscape, nature and mythology. Your work must engage with these themes. We are particularly interested in visionary and mythopoeic writing, and in work that embraces ritual practice and esoteric philosophy. We’re also excited by translations, especially if the work has never been translated into English before." Payment: "Small." Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Flypaper LitGenre: Poems, short stories, flash fiction, CNF, and essays. Payment: $10. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Her Stories ProjectGenre: True stories about middle-aged women and about female friendships during midlife. Word count: 750-1200 words. Payment: $50. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Mud Season ReviewGenre: Poetry, Fiction, CNF, Art. Payment: $50. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

PyreGenre: Horror, sci-fi, the weird, the macabre, fantasy, and magical realism: Flash fiction, short stories, nonfiction, poetry, art, videos. Payment: $10. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

GwyllionGenre: Speculative fiction and poetry. Payment: £10 per accepted story or poem. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

bath maggGenre: Poetry. Payment: £20. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Counting your blessings/attitude of gratitudeGenre: 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." Payment: $200. DeadlineFebruary 28, 2022.

Dedalus Press: Anthology of love poems. Restrictions: Open to Irish writers. Genre: Love poems. Payment: €50. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Haven Speculative. Genre: Speculative fiction and poetry. Payment: 1 cent/word for fiction and $5 - $10 for poetry. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

The Storyteller Series (Podcast) Genre: Fiction, non-fiction, memoir up to 10,000 words. Payment: $50. Deadline: February 28, 2022. Reprints accepted.

New Myths. Genre; Speculative fiction, flash fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Payment: 1.5 cents/word with a minimum payment of $30 for all submissions, fiction, flash fiction, nonfiction and poetry; $30 for book reviews; $60 for art. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

And a few more...

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, 2022.

The HungerGenre: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, hybrid work, art. "The Hunger publishes visceral writing. The theme of “hunger” is not confined only to food, but hungers and thirsts of all kinds: the craving for connection, the human need to be filled or emptied, the devastating desires that define our most alive moments. Hungers can be sexual, romantic, familial, individualistic, spiritual, creative, sorrowful, conflicted, humanistic, and/or existential." Payment: $10 - $50. Deadline: March 1, 2022.

The AntihumanistGenre: Fiction, nonfiction, art - all genres. "We seek to publish the most challenging and thought provoking flash fiction and essays. We believe only by confronting the bare bones of reality we understand our place in the world." Payment: 5 cents/word. Deadline: March 1, 2022.

UpstreetGenre: Fiction and nonfiction pieces 5,000 words or less. Payment: $50 - $250 for short stories or essays. Deadline: March 1, 2022.

Counting Bodies Like SheepGenre: Extreme horror. Length: 3,000 words max. Payment: 3 cents per word + 1 Paperback. Deadline: March 1, 2022.

Mermaidens. Genre: "All kinds of stories about mermaids." 7,000 words max. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: March 1, 2022.

Teach.WriteGenre: Flash fiction, short stories, poetry, CNF, Write Your Own–writing or poetry inspired by your own writing prompts that you have used successfully in class–up to 2,000 words (prose), 100 lines (poetry). Include 50-250 word prompt and/or explanation of prompt. Payment:  $15 for short stories, creative non-fiction, and essays; $10 for all other categories. Deadline: March 1, 2022.

Thema: To the Pond Genre: Fiction, poetry, and art on theme: To the Pond. Payment:  $10-$25 for short fiction and artwork, $10 for poetry. Deadline: March 1, 2022.  Accepts reprints.

ParabolaGenre: Original essays and translations, poetry, reviews. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: March 1, 2022. See themes.

Shredded: A Body Horror AnthologyGenre: Body horror in sports and fitness. Length: Stories should be between 2,000 and 4,500 words. Payment: 3 cents/word contingent on Kickstarter. Deadline: March 1, 2022. (The extended submission period for women and non-binary writers is April 1st – 7th, 2022.)

Speculative CityRestrictions: Open to writers who specifically identify as queer AND BIPOC. Genre: Speculative fiction set in the city.  Payment: $20-$55 according to the category and length of their submission. Deadline: March 1, 2022. 

Bleed ErrorGenre: Short stories, flash fiction, and poetry that runs the gamut of everything from absurdist horror to bizarre science-fiction to unsettling dark fantasy. "We love the uncanny." Payment: 1c per word, and $15 per poem (Canadian dollars.) Deadline: March 1, 2022.

The Other Stories (Podcast). Genre: Horror on themes. Payment: 15 GBT. Deadline: March 1, 2022. See themes.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

75 Writing Contests in February 2022 - No entry fees

This February there are more than five dozen free writing contests for short fiction, novels, poetry, CNF, nonfiction, and plays. Prizes range from $100,000 to a free writing class. 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!

(Image: Flickr)

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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, 2022.

Woodrow Hall Top Shelf AwardsGenre: Book of flash fiction published in 2021. Prize: $250. (Three winners) Deadline: February 1, 2022.

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, 2022.

The Roadrunner ReviewRestrictions: Open to students, graduate and undergraduate. Genre: Fiction, CNF, Poetry. Prize: $100. Deadline: February1, 2022.

Paterson Prize for Books for Young PeopleGenre: Most outstanding book for young people published in 2021. There is a $500 award in each category: Pre-K - Grade 3;  Grades 4 - 6;  Grades 7 - 12. Prize: $500. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

Paterson Poetry PrizeGenre: Poetry book published in 2021. Prize: $1000. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

Hodson Trust–John Carter Brown Library FellowshipGenre: Nonfiction (includes creative nonfiction). A book-in-process relating to the literature, history, culture, or art of the Americas before 1830. Award: $20,000. Deadline: February 1, 2022.

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, 2022.

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, 2022.

$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, 2022. 

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 1, 2022.

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, 2022. 

Spectator Competition No. 3235: a bit previousGenre: You are invited to invent a prequel to a well-known work of literature (e.g. The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea or Dante’s ‘Smouldering Rag’) and supply an extract from it. Please email entries of up to 16 lines or 150 words to lucy@spectator.co.uk. Prize: £30. Deadline: February 2, 2022.

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 4, 2022.

Narrative Magazine High School ContestRestrictions: Open to high school students aged 15-18. Genre: Poetry on theme: Blind Spots. Prize: Up to $500. Deadline: February 4, 2022.

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 6, 2022.

Max Afford Playwrights' AwardRestrictions: Open to Australian playwrights aged 18-40. Genre: Full-length plays. Prize: A$15,000. Deadline: February 6, 2022.

The Golden Triangle Golden Haiku poetry contest. Genre: Haiku on theme “Reboot and Rebloom.” Prize: Up to $500. Deadline: February 6, 2022.

Young Authors Sacred Essay ContestRestrictions: Open to US students aged 13-18. Genre: Essay on racial justice. Prize: $100 and publication. Deadline: February 7, 2022.

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, 2022.

Walter Rumsey Marvin GrantRestrictions: Open to authors under 30 years of age who have not had a book published. Applicant must have been born in Ohio or have lived in Ohio for a minimum of five years. Genre: Short fiction and creative non-fiction. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 10, 2022.

Joel Gay Creative FellowshipsRestrictions: Open to emerging writers. Genre: Newsletter, prose. Prize: "Fellows will receive a $25,000 stipend, paid monthly from the initial publication of their newsletter, as well as up to $15,000 in services from Substack, including editorial support, design assistance in developing a logo for your newsletter, access to Getty Images, Substack Defender, and other business support services. Fellows will contract directly with Substack for the stipend." Deadline: February 10, 2022.

Stop the Hate: Youth Speak Out Essay Contest Grades 6 - 12. Stop the Hate® is designed to create an appreciation and understanding among people of differing religions, races, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Genre: Essay, 500 words. Restrictions: Northeast Ohio 6-12th Graders. Prize: $40,000. Deadline: Grade 6-10: Thur, February 10, 2022. Grade 11-12: Thur, February 17, 2022.

The Bechtel PrizeGenre: Essays describing a virtual creative writing teaching experience, project or activity that demonstrates innovation in creative writing instruction. "We are looking for essays that describe a project or activity that got students excited about writing and fostered a vibrant and dynamic culture of literacy in the virtual classroom. We welcome essays about projects that carved a space for students to reflect on the events of the past year (eg. public health, social distancing, racial justice protests, etc.)." Prize: $1000 and publication. Deadline: February 11, 2022.

Lex Allen Literary Festival PrizesRestrictions: Open to undergraduate college students. Genres: Poetry and fiction. Prize: $100. Deadline: February 11, 2022.

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 11, 2022.

Writers' & Artists' Yearbook Short Story CompetitionGenre: Short story. All entries must be original unpublished prose of 2,000 words or fewer. Prize: A place on one of Arvon's residential writing courses and publication. Deadline: February 11, 2022.

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 13, 2022.

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 14, 2022.

Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing PrizeGenre: Adventure writing novel. Prize: £10,000. Deadline: February 14, 2022.

Tree2mydoor Valentines Day Poetry competitionRestrictions: Open to UK citizens. Genre: Witty or soppy, romantic or silly Valentines Day poems. Prize: £100 worth of Tree2mydoor gift vouchers.  Deadline: February 14, 2022.

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, 2022.

New England Youth Outdoor Writing ContestRestrictions: Open to students in grades 6-12 in the New England states. Genre: Nonfiction essay about the outdoors. Prize: Up to $150. Deadline: February 15, 2022.

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, 2022.

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, 2022.

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, 2022.

J. Michael Samuel Prize for Emerging Writers Over 50Restrictions: Open to unpublished LGBTQ writers over 50 working in any genre. Genre: All genres. Prize: $5000. Deadline: February 15, 2022.

Raiziss/de Palchi Translation AwardGenre: Poetry - translation into English of a significant work of modern Italian poetry. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: February 15, 2022.

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, 2022.

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, 2022.

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, 2022.

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, 2022.

Governor General's Literary Awards. Restrictions: Books must have been written or translated by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. They do not need to be residing in Canada. Genre: The Governor General’s Literary Awards are given annually to the best English-language and the best French-language book in each of the seven categories of Fiction, Literary Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People’s Literature (Text), Young People’s Literature (Illustrated Books) and Translation (from French to English). Prize: $25,000. Deadline: February 15, 2022.

Haiku Society of America Merit Book Awards for Excellence in Published Haiku, Translation, and CriticismGenre: Published book. Books must have been published in 2021 and must clearly contain a printed 2021 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, 2022.

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, 2022. Note: This is a monthly contest.

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, 2022.

Scotiabank Giller PrizeRestrictions: Open to books published in Canada in English. Books must be published in Canada in English between October 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022 to be eligible for the 2022 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 18, 2022.

Green Stories Adult Short Stories CompetitionRestrictions: Entrants must show they have read at least one chapter from successfully published pieces from the Green Stories project. Genre: Short story. "All submissions must conform to the green stories criteria of showcasing positive visions of a more sustainable society or incorporating green solutions into the context of an otherwise mainstream story." Prize: £200. Deadline: February 21, 2022.

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 21, 2022.

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 21, 2022.

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 21, 2022.

Sonnet AwardRestrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Sonnet. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 21, 2022.

Villanelle AwardRestrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Villanelle. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 21, 2022.

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 22, 2022.

Call for Artists: Building Vaccine Confidence. "The Wyoming Arts Council (WAC) is initiating a call for Wyoming-based artists and artist collectives who are interested in creating innovative work that will harness the power of the arts to engage audiences and participants of all ages in overcoming COVID-19 and influenza vaccine hesitancy within the state. Artists of all mediums (to include, but not limited to: visual arts, music, theatre, dance, literary arts, folk and traditional arts) are encouraged to apply. Four selected artists or artist collectives will receive $10,000 each to create a selection of work. WAC will work with a local marketing firm to create a statewide marketing campaign featuring the work."   Deadline: February 22, 2022.

The Reporting AwardGenre: Journalism, in any medium, on an under-reported subject in the public interest. Prize: Up to $12,500. Deadline: February 22, 2022.

Solarpunk Climate FictionGenre: Speculative micro-fiction. Length: 250 words max. Prize: $25.  Deadline: February 24, 2022.

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 25, 2022.

Buckman Journal Poetry AwardRestrictions: Open to Oregon and SW Washington residents only. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $300. Deadline: February 27, 2022.

Preservation Foundation Essay Contest for Unpublished WritersRestrictions: The contest is open to writers whose creative writing has never produced revenues of over $750 in any single year. First prize winners of previous contests, while ineligible for prizes in regular contests, can compete in this one.  Genre: Nonfiction. Prize: First prize is $200. Runners-up will receive $100. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

The Orwell Prize for Political FictionRestrictions: The Orwell Prize for Political Fiction is open to novels and short story collections first published in the UK or Ireland. (See publication deadlines.) Genre: Fiction that explores ideas and issues, political themes, dilemmas and injustices through imagined narratives. Prize: £3,000.00. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

The Orwell Prize for Political WritingRestrictions: The Orwell Prize for Political Writing is open to nonfiction first published in the UK or Ireland. (See publication deadlines.) Genre: Nonfiction, including entries addressing political, social, cultural, moral and historical subjects. Prize: £3,000.00. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Graywolf Press Nonfiction PrizeRestrictions: Open to US writers only. Genre: Full-length manuscript of creative nonfiction by a writer not yet established in the genre. Prize: $12,000 and publication.   Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Diana Woods Memorial Award in Creative NonfictionGenre: Essay, maximum 5,000 words. Prize: $250 top prize. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

The Gabo Prize for Literature in Translation & Multi-Lingual TextsGenre: Literary translations and multi-lingual texts. Prize: $200. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Texas Review Press Southern Poetry Breakthrough Series: West VirginiaRestrictions: Open to any poet born in West Virginia, or currently residing in West Virginia, 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, 2022.

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, 2022.

The Kelpies Prize (Scotland)Restrictions: Open to Scottish authors. Genre: Children’s fiction and illustration. Prize: £1,000, a publishing contract, a writing retreat, and a year of mentoring by an editorial team. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant WritingRestrictions: Open to first-generation residents of the United States. “First-generation” can refer either to people born in another country who relocated to the U.S., or to American-born residents whose parents were born elsewhere. Genre: Unpublished nonfiction books. Prize: $10,000 and publication. Deadline: February 28, 2022. (Extended to March 31)

Black Caucus of the American Library Association Self-Published E-Book Literary AwardRestrictions: Open to African-Americans. Genre: Self-Published E-Book in fiction and poetry written by African-Americans that depict the "cultural, historical, or sociopolitical aspects of the Black Diaspora." Prize: $2,5000. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Past Year Memoir Contest. Genre: "We want you to tell us a true story from your life in 2021…in 21 words or fewer. We want a personal story from your life, which can be hilarious, heartbreaking, puzzling, uplifting, or just plain strange. Look for something intriguing, perhaps something with emotional or intellectual resonance. It’s fine if you want to include current events from the year, as long as it’s mostly about you, or how you feel about it." Prize: Free Gotham class of your choosing. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

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: February 28, 2022. Reprints are ok so long as you still have the rights to distribute.

#GWstorieseverywhere. Genre: Micro fiction. Your story must be no longer than 25 words, with a max of 280 characters, including spaces and the hashtag. See themesPrize: Free Gotham class. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Anansi Archive writing awardsGenre: Flash fiction, poetry, short stories. Prize: First £50, runner-up £20. Deadline: February 28, 2022.

Neukom Institute Literary Arts AwardsGenre: Play that addresses the question: “What does it mean to be a human in a computerized world?” Prize: $5000. Deadline: February 28, 2022. 
 

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

9 Literary Magazines Open to Fiction, Poetry, Essays NOW - Paying markets

Updated 9/5/22

Here are ten literary magazines open to submissions right now.

These publications want everything from horror, to SFF, to social commentary, to anarchist poetry. The sky's the limit. None charge submission fees and all are paying markets.

For a list of hundreds of paying markets, broken down by genre, see PAYING MARKETS.

(Image: "Woman writing a letter with her maid" by Johannes Vermeer)

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Ahoy Comics. Genre: Short fiction and social commentary. "We seek smart, weird, funny articles or stories, which run between 500 and 1,500 words." Payment. $200. 

The Bureau DispatchGenre: Short stories between 500 to 1,500 words. "We want your best work. We want fiction that is compelling and beautifully-crafted; narratives that leave the reader breathless and changed. The kind of story that, when all is said and done, elicits a resounding "sh*t, yeah! We are open to all narratives, but are currently partial to ones that explore the theme of DISPATCH." Payment: $50.

Neon. Genre: "We prefer darker pieces, especially those with an element of the surreal or speculative, but are open to anything and like to be surprised. Images, comics, and graphic poems are also welcome, as are self-contained extracts. If you have any doubts about whether something is suitable, go ahead and send it anyway." Theme: Cuisine. Payment: Prose 2p per word; Poetry 20p per line; Photography £5 per image; Comics £5 per page. Minimum payment of £10 per contributor.

Galaxy's Edge. Genre: Speculative fiction. Flash fiction, short stories and novelettes up to 10,000 words. Payment: 7 cents per word for new fiction. 

Off Topic Publishing: Poetry Box. Genre: Poetry. Payment $40 CAD. Submit by the 25th of each month.

Propertius Press. Genre: Various categories: Cozy mystery, short stories,  BIPOC historical fiction, poetry, memoir, biography. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: Various deadlines.

In Space, No One Can Hear You Laugh – A Comedy AnthologyGenre: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Comedy, Satire "Space opera can often be a wonderous, cold and scientific place.  But it doesn’t have to be!  Ever hear of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy? Galaxy Quest? The Adventures of Pluto Nash? Red Dwarf?" Word count: 2,000 to 8,000 words. Payment: Royalty split. Deadline: Open until filled.

Flash Point Science Fiction. Genre: Speculative fiction stories from 100 to 1,000 words in length. "Send us your science fiction, fantasy, slipstream, and everything in between, so long as it’s short." Payment: $15.

Infinite Worlds/Infinite Horrors. Genre: Science fiction, horror between 1500–5000 words in length. Payment: 8 cents/word. Also accepts art.

Monday, January 24, 2022

8 Fabulous Writing Conferences in February 2022

February is a short, dark month, but you can liven it up with writing workshops and conferences. This February there are eight writing conferences and workshops covering every aspect of writing, from poetry, to memoir, to how to get published. 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.

(Image: Max Pixel)

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Keep Writing Virtual Nonfiction Writers Conference. MAR/APRIL 2022 (5 weeks) meeting Wednesdays from 2 to 4PM EST. "Are you a nonfiction writer working on a memoir? For 5 weeks this spring just 6-8 writers will gather via ZOOM -- at each workshop two writers will workshop 10 to 16 pages of a work of creative nonfiction/memoir. The sessions include discussions on the business of being a writer i.e. publishing, legal issues, agents and self promotion. The Kaz Conference was founded by award winning author Donna Kaz (UN/MASKED, Memoirs of a Guerrilla Girl) and is committed to diversity. Our conference faculty, mentors and cohorts reflect an all-encompassing and equal world and our goal is to challenge, inspire and foster a writers community that continues beyond the workshop because the stories we tell become the world we live in. In this workshop you will discover what is working in your pages, where your readers have questions, and what your peers want to see more of. These responses will spark fresh ideas about how you can strengthen your story and inspire you to return to your desk to complete and publish your work. Virtual workshop tuition: $375 for 5 weeks - includes at least two reviews of your writing samples from Donna Kaz and your cohort." Will be held online. Apply by February 2, 2022.

Michigan Writers Conference, February 4 - 5, 2022: Detroit, MI. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. 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 virtually.

Getting Started with Memoir. February 16 – Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Each Wednesday, 7:00-9:00pm EST/EDT. "Everybody has a story to tell. It does not need to be earth-shattering to be compelling; it just needs to be well written. We will start with a “snapshot” of memory—a recalled taste, sound, texture or smell—and learn to make it rich with sensory details, well-chosen words and a clear point of view. We will examine memoir excerpts to discuss how these authors create dialogue, move around in time or capture a sense of place. You will write in response to prompts that guide you to tap into your memories, experiences and ideas, practice new storytelling techniques and learn how fictional tools help the memoir writer. As we share our developing stories, we will also discuss how to expand them into publishable pieces." Led by Constance Adler. Limited to 12 participants. Cost: $350-$450. Will be held virtually.

Extending the Document: An Online Poetry Workshop. Thursday, February 17 – Thursday, March 17, 2022 Each Thursday, 7:00-9:00pm EDT/EST. "Join us for this five-week online poetry workshop focused on documentary poetics. Write to inspiring prompts, get insightful feedback and connect with a supportive community of writers." Led by Stephanie Cawley. Limited to 12 participants. Will be held virtually.

San Francisco Writers Conference, February 17 - 20, 2022: San Francisco, CA. Attendees will join with 100+ presenters and fellow writers from across the country and around the world at this year’s event. The SFWC events are consistently rated among the top writer’s conferences anywhere. "Our goal is to help writers become published authors as we help them become better at the craft and business of writing. The SFWC is also one of the friendliest conferences. Presenters this year will include bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers from major publishing houses. There will be experts on self-publishing, book promotion, platform building, social media, and author websites. The San Francisco Writers Conference has one of the largest faculties of any writer’s conference to ensure the best networking with the people who can help you get published." 

Southern California Writers’ Conference (and Retreat). February 18 - 20, 2022: San Diego, CA. Faculty: 60+ working, professional authors of fiction, nonfiction & screen, editors & agents. "Founded and run by professional writers the SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent with authoritative guidance to help distinguish those manuscripts that are ready for market consideration." Cost: $350-$425. Manuscript critique & one-on-one consultation additional. Limited to 175 conferees.

The Writers Studio, sponsored by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, February 24 - 27, 2022, 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. February 24 - 27, 2022. The Wild Seeds Writers Retreat (formerly the North Country Institute & Retreat for Writers of Color), a collaboration with the Center for Black Literature, the English Department at SUNY, Plattsburgh, and the Paden Institute and Retreat for Writers, provides a writing community where established and newly discovered writers of color can focus on the craft of writing and create cross-cultural conversations around the literature created by writers of the African diaspora. The cost of the Retreat is $500 and there is a one-time nonrefundable $25 application fee.