104 Calls for Submissions in September 2023 - Paying markets

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

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

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

Happy submitting!

(Image: Peakpx)

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The Wicked Bestiary: An Anthology of Monstrous Folk Tales. Genre: Horror short stories (5,000 - 8,000 words) that include creatures from legend, world myth, and folk tales.  Payment: US: $40 + author copy/non-US: $45 + ebook author copy). Deadline: September 1, 2023.

Words and Sports. Genre: Baseball/football/basketball/hockey/soccer stories & comics & poems & collages & cnf & hybrid & other genres we're not even thinking about, but we'd really love to see stuff in any way related to non-major sports! See theme. Payment: $50. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

Cincinnati Review. Genre: Prose, poetry, art. Payment: $25/page for prose in journal. $30/page for poetry in journal. Deadline: Opens on September 1, closes when cap is reached.

Alternative Milk. Genre: Short fiction, creative nonfiction, essays and other text based submissions. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: September 1, 2023. 

The Paris Review. Genres: Poetry. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: Opens September 1, 2023, and closes when they reach capacity. 

Bad Day Book. Genre: Poetry and prose. See site for themes. Payment: $40 - $75, depending on length. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

Qwerty. Genre: Fiction, CNF, Poetry. Payment: $15 CAD. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

Teach. Write.: A Writing Teachers’ Literary Journal. Genre: Fiction, poetry, CNF. Payment: $15. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

Parabola. Genre: Original essays and translations, poetry, reviews. See themes. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: September 1, 2023. 

Orion's Belt. Genre: Speculative fiction, poetry, art. Length: 1200 words max. Payment: 8 cents per word. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

Lethe Press. Genre: Speculative fiction, especially queer speculative fiction, historical fiction. Full-length manuscripts. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction on theme of Legendary Events. Payment: $50 via PayPal for each story selected for an Anthology. No payment for online publication. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

Honeyguide Magazine is a bi-annual magazine that features fiction, poetry, nonfiction, art, and blog posts about animals and their human neighbors. Payment: $25 for the story, $50 for art. Only pays for featured articles. Deadline: September 2, 2023. See themes.

Unstamatic Newsprint. Genre: Prose of 500 words or fewer; Poetry of 25 lines or fewer; Visual art of any sort. Payment: $10. Deadline: September 2, 2023. Accepts reprints.

Tin House. Restrictions: Eligible writers must not currently have an agent, and must not have previously published a book (chapbooks okay). Genre: Nonfiction Nature Writing (including Memoirs, Essay collections, and Graphic nonfiction). Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 3, 2023. Opens September 2, 2023.

Electric Literature: Recommended Reading. Genre: Short fiction between 2,000 and 10,000 words. Payment: $300. Deadline: September 3, 2023. Closes when cap is reached.

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: September 4, 2023. Note: Pitches only. See themes.

Northwords Now. Restrictions: 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. Genre: Fiction and poetry. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: September 4, 2023.

Hexagon. Genre: Speculative fiction short stories, flash fiction, poetry, graphic stories, and visual art, in English or French. Payment: $5 for accepted poetry and cartoons, 0.01$ per word for all short stories up to 7,500 words, $40/page for comics and $150 for cover art pieces. (Payment in CAD). Deadline: September 7, 2023. 

Planet Scumm. Genre: Hard sci-fi, soft sci-fi, speculative fiction, weird fiction, slipstream. Payment: $30. Deadline: Opens September 7, 2023.

Cast of Wonders. Genre: YA Speculative fiction. Podcast. Payment: $.08/word for original fiction up to 6,000 words. For reprints, a $100 flat rate for Short Fiction, and a $20 flat rate for Flash Fiction. Deadline: September 7, 2023.

Stone’s Throw. Genre: "We're looking for dark fiction, crime and noir, length between 1,000 and 2,000 words." Payment: $25. Deadline: September 7, 2023. Open to submissions the first week of every month.

Island. Restrictions: Open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and residents only. Genre: Fiction Nonfiction. Payment: 40 cents per word for print fiction, with a minimum of $700 and a maximum of $1500. Fees for print are less the cost of a 4-issue subscription if you are not a current subscriber. Deadline: September 7, 2023.

Fusion Fragment. Genre: 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: September 8, 2023.

Ampersand Review. Restrictions: Priority is given to Canadians. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, reviews. Payment: Poetry: $50 per poem/page to a maximum of $100. Fiction: $100 per story. Non-fiction: $100 per piece. Reviews: $100 per piece. Deadline: September 8, 2023.

Orion's Beau. Genre: LGBTQ fantasy: fiction, poetry, art. Payment: $3. Deadline: September 10, 2023. See theme.

Samjoko Magazine. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, play, screenplay. Payment: $20. Deadline: September 10, 2023.

The Quiet Ones. Genre: Quiet Horror and Dystopian genre works that fit the theme, “The End”. "We primarily seek creative work from those who identify as LGBTQIAP+, women, and allies. We’re especially fond of (though do not require) stories that center LGBTQIAP+ and female characters. That said, we welcome work from anyone and everyone, and we do not automatically disqualify any submissions based on the author’s identity, nor do we require our contributors to share their sexual or gender identities." Payment: $25. Deadline: September 10, 2023.

Island. Restrictions: Open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and residents only. Genre: Poetry. Payment: 40 cents per word for print fiction, with a minimum of $700 and a maximum of $1500. Fees for print are less the cost of a 4-issue subscription if you are not a current subscriber. Deadline: September 12, 2023.

Solarpunk Magazine. Genre: Solarpunk. Payment: $0.08/word for fiction, $40/poem, and $75/essay.  Deadline: September 14, 2023.

Dorothy Genre: Full-length works of feminist fiction or near fiction or about fiction. "Each fall, we publish two new books simultaneously. We work to pair books that draw upon different aesthetic traditions, because a large part of our interest in literature lies in its possibilities, its endless stylistic and formal variety." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 14, 2023.

Muse Magazine. Genre: Nonfiction articles for children. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: September 15, 2023. See themes. Queries only.

Canthius. Restrictions: Open to women, trans men, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming writers. Genres: 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: September 15, 2023.

evOke. Genre: All things Pagan, polytheist, and witchy. See themes. Payment: $5. Deadline: September 15, 2023. Open from the 1 - 15 of every month.

Book Worms Genre: All HORROR sub-genres. No romance or erotica. Payment: $0.08/word. Deadline: September 15, 2023.

Variety Pack. Genre: Fiction, flash fiction, poetry, CNF, art. Afrofuturism, Queer Futurism, Indigenous Futurism, Feminist Futurism, AAPI Futurism, Climate Futurism, etc. See theme. Payment: $10 for poetry and visual art; $20 for prose. Deadline: September 15, 2023.

Evil Cookie: Y'all Ain't Right. Genre: Extreme Horror. THEME: Southern / Backwoods / Bayou. Payment: 3 cents per word + paperback copy. Deadline: September 15, 2023.

Alien Dimensions. Genre: Science Fiction, 5000-7000 words. Theme: First Contact. "Set the meetings in space in a hyperfuturistic space ship or bio-ball or space station or in a rift outside space and time, etc – whatever you think will shock your protagonists." Payment: $20. Deadline: September 15, 2023.

Penumbric. Genre: Speculative fiction, poetry, art, animation, and music. Payment: $10. Deadline: September 15, 2023.

Shortwave Magazine. Genre: Short horror, dark fantasy, and sci-fi fiction between 1,000 and 4,000 words. Payment: $.05/word. Deadline: September 15, 2023.

Eye to the Telescope. Genre: Speculative poetry. Payment: $0.03/word, up to $25. Deadline: September 15, 2023. See theme.

Cricket Media: ASK Magazine. Genre: Science articles for children 7–10 years old. Theme: Twins. Payment: Unspecified. Deadline: September 15, 2023. Queries only.

The Other Stories (Audio). Genre: Horror on themes. Payment: 15 GBT. Deadline: September 16, 2023. See themes.

Weird Horror Magazine. Genre: Horror and weird fiction from 500 to 6,000 words. Payment: 1.5 cents/word. Deadline: September 16, 2023.

Gutter. Genre: Poetry and prose in Scotland and beyond. Length: Poetry submissions can consist of up to five poems, totalling no more than 120 lines. Prose, up to 3000 words. Payment: £25. Deadline: September 17, 2023.

Flame Tree Publishing: African Ghost Stories. Genre: African Ghost Stories. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 17, 2023.

The Rialto. Genre: Poetry. Payment: £20. Deadline: September 17, 2023.

Acta Victoriana. Genre: Poetry, fiction, art. Payment: $20. Deadline: September 17, 2023.

Pyre. Genre: Horror, sci-fi, the weird, the macabre, fantasy, and magical realism: Flash fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, videos. Payment: $10. Deadline: September 18, 2023.

Voiceworks. Restrictions: Open to Australians under the age of 25. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art and comics. See theme. Payment: $100 for written work and art, $150 for multi-page comics or suites of art. Deadline: Deadline: September 18, 2023.

berlin lit. Genre: Poetry. Payment: 20 euros per poem. Deadline: September 20, 2023.

Reckoning. Genre: Creative writing and art about environmental justice. Poetry and prose. Payment: 8 cents a word for prose, $30 a page for poetry, art negotiable, minimum $25 per piece. Deadline: September 22, 2023.

Full House Literary. Genre: Prose, poetry, hybrid, photography and artwork. Payment: Royalties (?) Deadline: September 22, 2023.

Bright Wall/Dark Room. Genre: Essays on film and TV. See theme. Payment: $50 per essay. Deadline: September 22, 2023.

Shooter. Genre: Stories, essays, memoir and poetry to do with The Unknown. "We’re looking for stories, essays, memoir and poetry on anything to do with unfamiliar people, new places, strange experiences or foreign exploration. Work might revolve around culture clashes, romantic encounters, fears about the future, immigration, travel, or otherworldly realms altogether." Payment: £25 per story and £5 per poem. Stories that fall below the requested minimum of 2,000 words will be paid at poetry rates. Artists will be paid £25 for use of their work as magazine illustration. Deadline: September 24, 2023.

Shoreline of Infinity. Genre: Science fiction, fantasy, 6000 words max. Payment: £20/1000 words. Deadline: September 24, 2023. Accepts translations of stories originally published in another language.

Crab Tales Magazine. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: 3 cents/word. Deadline: September 24, 2023.

Middleground. Restrictions: Open to mixed-race people. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art. Payment: "it might be less than £10." Deadline: September 24, 2023.

The Ex-Puritan. Genres: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry. Payment: $100 per nonfiction piece, $50 fiction, $15 per poem. Deadline: September 25, 2023.

Off Topic Publishing: Poetry Box. Genre: Poetry. Payment $40 CAD. Deadline: September 25, 2023. This is a monthly call. Submit by the 25th of each month.

Story Unlikely. Genre: Creative Nonfiction (including memoir) and fiction (Commercial Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Cross-genre, Experimental, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Literary Fiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Short Fiction, Speculative Fiction). Payment: 8 cents/word stories up to 2,000 words. Stories longer than this are capped at $150 payment. Deadline: September 29, 2023. 

Midnight and Indigo. Genre: Short Stories, Speculative Fiction, and Personal Essays written by Black women writers. Payment: $50 - $100. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Tinderbox Poetry Journal. Genre: Poetry. Payment: $15. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Talk Vomit. Genre: Nonfiction, fiction, poetry. Theme: Personal ghost stories. Payment: $5 - $15. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Abandon Journal: Abandon Earth. Genre: Short stories, flash fiction, poetry, CNF, hybrid work, art on theme: Abandon Earth. Payment: $15. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Intrepidus Ink. Genre: Fiction. Theme: Overcoming. Payment: $.02/word for flash fiction 300 – 1,000 words. $30 flat rate for short stories 1,500 – 2,500 words. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Clinch Literary Magazine. Genre: Fiction, creative nonfiction (including memoir excerpts, up to 5,000 words), and poetry about the martial arts. Payment: $15. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Sley House. Genre: Horror, sci-fi, fantasy, dark mysteries, and thrillers that feature at least one of the Sley siblings predominantly in the story. There is no theme (other than their inclusion). Length: 6000 - 10,000 words. Payment: $25. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

The Bombay Literary Magazine. Genre: Fiction, poetry, translated fiction/poetry and graphic fiction. Payment: Indian rupees 5,000 (approx. $61) per contribution. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Crystal Lake Publishing. Genre: Book-length dark fiction and horror manuscripts: novels and novellas. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2023. 

The Theatre Phantasmagoria. Genre: Horrror flash fiction up to 2,000 words. Payment: £10. Deadline: September 30, 2023. This is a monthly call. See themes.

Aurealis. Restrictions: Australian and New Zealand writers. Genre: Science fiction, fantasy or horror short stories between 2000 and 8000 words. Payment: A$20 and A$60 per 1000 words. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

filling station.  Genre: Stories, poems, CNF, nonfiction, and art on theme: Language. Payment: $50. Deadline: September 30, 2023. 

Freefall. Restrictions: Open to Canadians. Genre: Fiction, poetry, prose, art. Payment: $10/page prose up to $100 and $25 per poem plus a copy of the issue the work is published in. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Room Magazine. Restrictions: Open to artists of marginalized genders. Genre: Fiction, creative nonfiction, visual art, and poems of utopic exploration. Payment: $50 per page. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

University of Alberta Press publishes poetry and creative nonfiction by Canadian citizens and landed immigrants. Genre: Poetry. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

UWA Publishing (University of Western Australia). Genre: Children's and YA books. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2023. 

Dark Moments. Genre: Drabble (100 words) on theme: December Holidays. Payment: $1. Deadline: September 30, 2023. Reprints accepted.

Creature Publishing. Genre: Feminist horror. Length:  20,000–60,000 words. Payment: Royalties (?) Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Little Bastards: Too-Short Horror Stories Nobody Wants. Genre: Horror. Length: Anywhere between 1000 and 2000 words. Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: September 30, 2023. 

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles, messages from heaven, angels. Genre: True stories about miracles, angels, messages from heaven, premonitions, amazing coincidences and other unexplainable but good events! Payment: $200. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Event Magazine. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: CAD $40/page for poetry and $35/page for prose, up to a maximum of $500. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Malahat Review. Genre: Fiction. Payment: CAD $70/page. Deadline: September 30, 2023. Submissions by Canadian writers are accepted for consideration all year.

Heartlines. Restrictions: 50% of content is from writers identifying as being from Canada/Turtle Island. Genre: Speculative fiction and about relationships. "We're looking for short fiction and poetry focused on long-term relationships: platonic, romantic, or familial. We don't want the blaze of new love or the obsession of a new friend. We want pieces that show that comfort that develops when people know each other for years." Stories - 1,000 - 3,500 words. Payment: $0.08 CAD per word for short fiction (1,000-3,500 words) and $60 CAD flat per poem. Deadline: September 30, 2023. 

Kenyon Review. Genre: Prose, drama, poetry, translations, excerpts. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: September 30th, 2023. 

Nashville Review. Genre: Fiction, poetry, art, and nonfiction. Payment: $25 per poem & song selection; $100 per selection for all other categories, including featured artwork. Translators receive $25 per poem & $100 for prose selections. Deadline: September 30, 2023. 

Planisphere Quarterly. Genre: Fiction. "Ghosts - theme is hauntings. Any interpretation is welcome." Payment: $25. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Chestnut Review. Genre: Poetry, flash fiction, short fiction, creative nonfiction, essays, visual media (art/photography). Payment: $120. Deadline: September 30, 2023. Submit early in the month to avoid submission fee.

Eerie River. Genre: Horror inspired by Tarot: 1500 - 7000 firm. Payment: ¢1 per word CAD. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Red Cape Publishing: A - Z of Horror: U is for Unexplained. Genre: Horror on theme. Payment: £10. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Haven Speculative. Restrictions: Open to authors of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and other underrepresented groups. Genre: Speculative fiction and poetry. Payment: 1 cent/word for fiction and $5 - $10 for poetry. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Small Harbor Publishing. Genre: Chapbooks. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2023. All fees are waived for BIPOC identifying writers.

Dragon Soul Press: Magick and Mystery. Genre: "All witch stories for all genres." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2023. (Deadline extended)

Fanatical. Genre: Sci-fi, fantasy and horror stories between 2,000 and 6,000 words. Payment: £20. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Story. Genre: Fantasy, Literary or Dark fiction. No science and horror fiction. No reprints. Word limit is 1000-5000. Payment: $25. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Split Lip Magazine. Genre: Fiction (flash and short stories), memoirs, and poetry. with a pop-culture twist. Payment: $50 - $75 per author (via PayPal) for our web issues. Payment for print is $5 per page, minimum of $20, plus 2 contributor copies and a 1-year subscription. Deadline: September 30, 2023. Note: Submit early to avoid submission fees.

The Writer’s Chronicle. Genre: Nonfiction articles on writing. Payment: $18 per 100 words for accepted manuscripts. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

The Little Press. Genre: Full-length MG fiction and illustrators. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

So, I Married a Narcissist. Genre: Horror. "It's a golden opportunity to tell your tales of terror and woe at the hands of that most heinous of monsters, a narcissist - not necessarily a spouse - and deliver the most delicious revenge in the form of the written word." Payment: $10. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Polar Borealis. Restrictions: Canadians only. Genre: Speculative poetry. Payment: 1 cent per word. $10 for one thousand words or less. $20 for two thousand words or less (but reasonably above one thousand). $30 for three thousand words or less (but reasonably above two thousand). Deadline: September 30, 2023.

UWAP (University of Western Australia Publishing). Genre: YA and Children's. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Imagitopia. Genre: Previously published fantasy stories. Payment: 1 cent/word. Deadline: September 30, 2023. Reprints only.

AND  A FEW MORE...

Reservoir Road Literary Review. Genre: Literary short stories, lyrical creative non-fiction, photography. Payment: $5. Deadline: Opens October 1, 2023. Note: Submission window closes when their cap is reached.

Polar Borealis. Restrictions: Canadians only. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: 1 cent per word. $10 for one thousand words or less. $20 for two thousand words or less (but reasonably above one thousand). $30 for three thousand words or less (but reasonably above two thousand). Deadline: Opens October 1, 2023.

Unsettling Reads. Genre: Short story. Theme: Horror vs Thriller. Payment: $10. Deadline: October 1, 2023.

Gordon Square Review. Genre: Poetry, short stories, personal essays, and hybrid prose works.  Payment: $25 per prose piece and $10 per poem. Deadline: October 1, 2023.

little somethings. Genre: Flash fiction, flash memoir, poetry, art. Payment: "Small honorarium." Deadline: October 1, 2023.

Negative Creep. Genre: Horror inspired by Nirvana songs. Payment: $50. Deadline: October 1, 2023.

Coffee House Press is an independent book publisher and arts nonprofit based in Minneapolis, MN. Genre: Full-length fiction and nonfiction manuscripts. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: Opens October 1, 2023. Closes when cap is reached.

Sundog. Genre: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, art. Payment: $25. Deadline: Opens October1, 2023, and closes when they reach capacity. 

Toronto Journal. Genre: Short stories from anywhere in the world. "We will also consider non-fiction pieces about local history (Toronto, GTA, and surrounding)." No word limit. Payment: $50 CAD per piece. All published writers will also receive two printed copies of the issue in which they appear. Deadline: October 1, 2023.

The Last Line. Genre: Fiction that ends with the last line provided. Payment: $20-$40. Deadline: October 1, 2023.

51 Writing Contests in September 2023 - No entry fees

This September there are more than four dozen free writing contests for short fiction, novels, poetry, CNF, nonfiction, and plays. Prizes range from $15,000 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 has passed, you can prepare for next year.

Good luck!

(Image: PxHere)

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Stories Out of School. Genre: Flash fiction. The story’s protagonist, or its narrator, must be a K-12 teacher. Stories must be between 6 and 749 words and previously unpublished. Prize: First-prize winners receive $1000; second-prize winners, $500. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

Women's Prize for Fiction. Genre: Published novel by a woman. Entrants must be writing in English and must be published in the UK. All subject matters and women of any age, from any nationality or country of residence are eligible. Prize: £30,000.00. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

Owl Canyon Press – Short Story Hackathon 5. Genre: Short fiction (any genre) written by two writers. Prize: $500 - $2000. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

John Glassco Translation Prize. Sponsored by Literary Translators' Association of Canada. Restrictions: Open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents only. Genre: The work submitted must be the translator's first published book-length translation into English or French. Prize: $1000. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

The Michael Marks Environmental Poet of the Year will be given to a poet whose previously unpublished series of poems brings most powerfully, to a wide readership, the subject of the environment and the place of the human within it. Prize: The Environmental Poet of the Year will have their short portfolio of poems published in a pamphlet that will be sold by Wordsworth Grasmere and the British Library. They will also receive £1,000, and be invited to read at a winner’s event at Wordsworth Grasmere. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

On The Premises Short Story Contest. "For this contest, write a creative, compelling, well-crafted story between 1,000 and 5,000 words long based on the photograph below. For instance, specific details about the picture can inspire your story. A second approach is to have this photo represent a location where at least part of your story takes place. A third possibility is, one or more of your characters see a digital display, printout, painting, drawing, or other representation of the contents of this photo, and the image itself is somehow important to your story. Any of these approaches will work fine, as long as the judges can tell how the photo below relates to your story." Prize: Winners receive between US$75 and US$250, and publication. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

AILACT Essay Prize. Genre: Papers related to the teaching or theory of informal logic or critical thinking, and papers on argumentation theory. Prize: $700 top prize. Deadline: September 1, 2023.

American-Scandinavian Foundation Translation Prizes. Genre: English translations of poetry, fiction, drama, or literary prose originally written in Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, or Swedish by a Scandinavian author born after 1800. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: Sept 1, 2023.

Mavis Batey Essay Prize. Restrictions: Open to any student, worldwide, registered in a bona-fide university or institute of higher education, or who has recently graduated from such an institution. Genre: Nonfiction. Scholarly essay on gardening history.Prize:  £250, free membership of the Gardens Trust for a year and consideration for publication. Deadline: September 3, 2023.

Shoreline of Infinity Flash Fiction Contest. Genre: Science fiction story about a pet. 1000 words max. See theme. Prize: £50. Deadline: September 3, 2023.

Furious Fiction. Genre: Flash fiction, 500 words max. "On each competition weekend, we’ll reveal a set of story prompts and you’ll have 55 hours to submit your best story of 500-words (or fewer)." Prize: $500AUD. Deadline: September 3, 2023. 

Terrain.org Editor’s Prize. Genre: Nonfiction, fiction, and poetry focusing on place, climate, and justice. Prize: $500. Deadline: September 4, 2023.

Debra E. Bernhardt Labor Journalism Prize. Genre: Article that furthers the understanding of the history of working people. Articles focused on historical events AND articles about current issues (work, housing, organizing, health, education) that include historical context are both welcome. The work must be published in print or online between August 31, 2022 and August 30, 2023. Prize: $1000. Deadline: September 5, 2023.

Canning Dock Flash Fiction Competition (UK). Genre: 500-word stories about the history of the Canning Graving Docks. Age categories: under 11, 11 - 17, 18+  Prize: National Museums Liverpool membership for a year, a book bundle from Writing on the Wall and a voucher to spend at NML shops and cafes. Deadline: September 5, 2023.

KSP Short Fiction Competition. Restrictions: Open to Australian residents and citizens. Genre: Short fiction. Prize: $100 first place prize for youth. Deadline: September 6, 2023. (Free entry for youth only)

Spectator Competition No. 3316: Take Five. Genre: "You are invited to recast Rishi Sunak’s five pledges in verse form. Please email entries of up to 16 lines to lucy@spectator.co.uk" Prize: £30. Deadline: September 6, 2023.

Young Lions Fiction Award. Restrictions: Open to US citizens 35 years of age or younger. Genre: Novel or a collection of short stories. Each year, five young fiction writers are selected as finalists by a reading committee of Young Lions members, writers, editors, and librarians. Submissions by publisher only. Authors may not submit their own work. Prize: $10,000.00. Deadline: September 8, 2023.

International Booker Prize. The International Booker Prize for fiction translated into English is awarded annually by the Booker Prize Foundation to the author of the best (in the opinion of the judges) eligible novel or collection of short stories. The work must be published by a UK or Ireland publishing house. Authors are not permitted to enter their own works. Prize: £50,000 divided equally between the author and the translator. There will be a prize of £2,000 each of the shortlisted titles divided equally between the author and the translator. Deadline: September 8, 2023.

The Russell Freedman Award for Nonfiction for a Better World. Genre: Any nonfiction book published for children or young adults, released between January 1 and December 31, 2023, is eligible. If both an author and illustrator are listed on the book cover, the prize will be split between them. Prize: $2500 plus $1000 to purchase copies of the winning book for distribution to schools and libraries. Deadline: Opens September 12, 2023.

NorthBound Book Award. Restrictions: Open to writers living in the North of England at the time of entering and planning to remain here for at least another 12 months. Genre: Completed full-length work of fiction or narrative non-fiction. Prize: Advance against royalties of £5000, publication with Saraband and access to the Northern Writers’ Awards Network. Royalties will be paid on Saraband’s standard terms. Deadline: September 12, 2023.

Texas Teen Book Festival Fresh Ink Fiction Contest. Restrictions: Open to Texas residents enrolled in grades 6 -12. Genre: Fiction, no more than 2,000 words in length. Prize: $150. Deadline: September 13, 2023.

Apparition Lit. Genre: Speculative fiction; under 1,000 words based on prompt. Prize: $30. Deadline: September 14, 2023. See theme

Washington State Book Awards. Restrictions: Open to Washington State writers. Genre: Published book, fiction, nonfiction, poetry: adults or children. Prize: Recognition (?) Deadline: September 15, 2023. (For books published June 1-Aug.15, 2023.)

53-Word Story Contest. Genre: Flash fiction of exactly 53 words based on monthly theme. Prize: Publication and a free book. Deadline: September 15, 2023. 

Changing Skies Climate Change Contest. Genre; Art and prose on theme: Climate Change. Prize: $200 - $500. Deadline: September 17, 2023.

Green Stories Short Story Writing Competition. Genre: Short story on Microbes to the Rescue. Prize: £500 prize (or local currency equivalent). Deadline: September 21, 2023.

Starry Eyed Press’ First Drabble Contest. Genre: Drabble. Theme: The theme of this contest will be science fiction featuring one or more of the following elements: time travel, robots, colonization, military or western elements. Length: Exactly 100 words. Prize: "Cool prizes." Deadline: September 21, 2023. (Or when full)

Michael Marks Award for Poetry Pamphlets. Restrictions: Only pamphlets published in the United Kingdom are eligible. Genre: Poetry pamphlet. Prize: £5,000. Deadline: September 22, 2023.

Michael Marks Illustration Award. will recognise outstanding illustration of a poetry pamphlet published between September 18th 2021 and the closing date of September 23rd 2022. The judge will consider illustration in any medium and will be looking for a subtle and sustained relationship between image and text, as well as the overall quality of the images. Prize: £1,000. Deadline: September 22, 2023.

Dinesh Allirajah Prize for Short Fiction. Restrictions: Open to residents of UK. Genre: Short stories between 2000-6000 words on the theme "The Uncanny." Prize: £500 and 10 shortlisted authors will be published in an ebook anthology. Deadline: September 22, 2023.

Savage Science Fiction/Fantasy Writing Contest. Genre: Science fiction or fantasy short story. Prize: Winning stories are published in Toasted Cheese. If 50 or fewer eligible entries are received, first place receives a $35 Amazon gift card & second a $10 Amazon gift card. If 51 or more eligible entries are received, first place receives a $50 Amazon gift card, second a $15 Amazon gift card & third a $10 Amazon gift card. Deadline: September 24, 2023. Opens September 22, 2023.

Earth's Final Chapter. Genre: All fiction genres and cross genres. Prize: $700. Deadline: September 24, 2023.

International Booker Prize. The International Booker Prize for fiction translated into English is awarded annually by the Booker Prize Foundation to the author of the best (in the opinion of the judges) eligible novel or collection of short stories. The work must be published by a UK or Ireland publishing house. Authors are not permitted to enter their own works. Prize: £50,000 divided equally between the author and the translator. There will be a prize of £2,000 each of the shortlisted titles divided equally between the author and the translator. Deadline: September 29, 2023.

Cullman Center Fellowships. Fellowship. The Cullman Center’s Selection Committee awards up to 15 fellowships a year to outstanding scholars and writers—academics, independent scholars, journalists, and creative writers. Foreign nationals conversant in English are welcome to apply. Award: A stipend of up to $70,000, an office, a computer, and full access to the Library's physical and electronic resources. Deadline: September 29, 2023.

Don't Text and Drive Scholarship. Restrictions: You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or graduate school student of any level. Home schooled students are also eligible. There is no age limit. You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Genre: 500- to 1,000-word essay about texting while driving. Prize: $1000 scholarship. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

The César Egido Serrano Foundation: International Flash Fiction Competition. Genre: Flash fiction. Prize: 20,000 dollars is awarded for the best story in any of the languages authorized in the contest: Spanish, English, Arabic or Hebrew. Three prizes of $ 2,000 each will be awarded for the best stories in each of the other remaining languages admitted in the contest, that are not winners of the main prize. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Last Stanza Poetry Journal. Genre: Poetry on theme: I Never Knew. Prize: $100. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Shady Grove Literary. Genre: Any style, genre, tone of flash fiction. Length: 300 words max. Prize: $100. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest is held four times a year. Restrictions: The Contest is open only to those who have not professionally published a novel or short novel, or more than one novelette, or more than three short stories, in any medium. Professional publication is deemed to be payment of at least six cents per word, and at least 5,000 copies, or 5,000 hits. Genre: Short stories or novelettes of science fiction or fantasy. Prizes: $1,000, $750, $500, Annual Grand Prize: $5,000. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Iowa Short Fiction and John Simmons Short Fiction Awards. Restrictions: Any writer who has not previously published a volume of prose fiction is eligible to enter the competition. Genre: Short story collection. The manuscript must be a collection of short stories in English of at least 150 word-processed, double-spaced pages. Prize: Publication by the University of Iowa Press, royalties.  Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Jerry Jazz Musician Fiction Contest. Genre: Short fiction. Prize: $100. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Sejong International Sijo Competition. Genre: Sijo poem. Prize: $500. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

The Willie Morris Awards for Southern Fiction and Nonfiction. Genre: Novels and nonfiction books published in 2022. Book has to be set in one of the original eleven states in the Confederacy. (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.) Prize: $2,500.00. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Willie Morris Award for Southern Poetry. Genre: Poem that evokes the South. Prize: $2,500 and expenses-paid trip to award ceremony in Oxford, Mississippi. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Kit Sora Flash Fiction Photography Contest. Restrictions: Open to residents in the Atlantic Provinces. Genre: Flash fiction inspired by a Kit Sora photo, 250 words max. Prize: 10 cents/word. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

SLF Working Class Writers Grant. Genre: Speculative fiction. "These grants are awarded annually, since 2013, to assist writers of speculative literature to working class, blue-collar, poor, and homeless writers who have been historically underrepresented in speculative fiction, due to the financial barriers which have made it much harder for them to have access to the writing world. Such lack of access might include an inability to attend conventions, to purchase a computer, to buy books, to attend college or high school, to have the time to write (if, for example, you must work two jobs simply to pay rent and feed a family, or if you must spend all your waking hours job-hunting for months on end). " Prize: $1000. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Art of Unity Creative Award. Genre: Poetry; essays and short stories (under 2500 words); video; music; dance; performance or visual work around the theme: “Never again: Remembering to heal and overcome.” "The most important hallmark of Holocaust remembrance and education is the phrase ‘never again.’ Unfortunately, tribal divisions, ethnic cleansing and genocides continue in the 21st Century. We are looking for submissions in any creative media (which can be exhibited online), and which highlight aspects of human unity, and positive cross-pollination between groups, ethnicities, religions and/or nations." Prize: First ($100), Second ($75) and Third ($50) place awards, as well as three honorable mentions, in four categories: Poetry, Short Story, Essay. and Youth (18 and under) category. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

International Human Rights Art Festival: Creators of Justice Literary Award. Genre: Poetry, short stories and essays which use the written word to celebrate justice. Prize: First Prize: $150; Second Prize: $100; Third Prize: $50. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction is the most prestigious literary award in the US. Restrictions: Authors must be living American citizens. Self-published works not accepted. Genres: Novels, novellas, and collections of short stories. Publishers, literary agents, and authors may submit works of fiction (short story collections, novellas, or novels) published between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023. Prize: $15,000. Deadline: September 30, 2023.

Rattle Ekphrastic Challenge. Genre: Poem inspired by artwork. (See site for image.) Prize: $100. Deadline: September 30, 2023. This is a monthly contest.

Substack runs a monthly short story competition. Their mission is to "revive the art of the short story, support artists, and produce something wonderful." Genre: Short story. Length: 6000- 10,000 words. Prize: $100 plus 50% of subscription revenue to be sent by Paypal, Zelle, or check. Deadline: September 30, 2023. Reprints are ok so long as you still have the rights to distribute.

31 Spectacular Writing Conferences and Workshops in September 2023

This September there are more than two dozen writing conferences and workshops. Some conferences and workshops will be held online, but many will be in-person or hybrid as pandemic restrictions ease. Virtual events still offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, to how to market yourself and your books, discussions - there is something for everyone.

For a full list of conferences held throughout the year see Writing Conferences. Quite a few offer scholarships, so apply early.  

I've included conferences that have early application dates on my list. So, if you have missed a conference that is ideal for you, put the application deadline on your calendar for next year. (Many conferences are annual events.)

(Image: Tutka Bay, Alaska: Flickr)

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Kaz Conference Keep Writing Virtual Nonfiction Cohort. Sept - Oct, 2023. Are you a nonfiction writer working on a memoir? For one month this fall just 6-8 writers will gather via ZOOM -- at each workshop two writers will workshop 10 to 20 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.  Will be held online. Apply by August 24, 2023.

WriterCon. September 1 - 4, 2023: Waterford, Oklahoma. Last year's conference featured over 70 presentations from authors, editors, agents, and publishers, opportunities for pitching and private consultations, manuscript review, workshops, master classes, and open mics for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. The faculty included fiction writers Yasmin Angoe and Amy M. Le, and fiction and nonfiction writer Barry Friedman. Poet Billy Collins, novelists Robert Dugoni and Steven James, and literary agent Elizabeth Kracht (Kimberley Cameron & Associates) delivered the keynote addresses. Participating publishing professionals included agents Blythe Daniel (Blythe Daniel Agency) and Abby Saul (Lark Group), and publishers Jeanne Devlin (RoadRunner Press) and Ally Robertson (Wild Rose Press).

The Gathering. September 2 - 4, 2023. Workshops in poetry as well as readings. 2-hour Workshops & Readings Friday night, Saturday , and Sunday. Participant Open Mics Friday and Saturday night. Will be held on Zoom. 

Honing the Muse: An Online Poetry Workshop. September 7 - October 5, 2023. Each Thursday, 7:00-9:00pm EDT. Online. "The major components of our five-week workshops typically include variations of the following elements: inspiring craft models, writing assignments, discussions and sharing. The organization and emphasis of these elements is dependent on the workshop leader’s vision. Their goal is to get you inspired and writing!"

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference. September 8 - 10, 2023: Denver, CO. Round Table Critiques, Pitch-Prep Coaching, and One-on-One Mentor appointments, as well as keeping the Saturday Publishing Professionals Panel Luncheon and the Sunday Gold Rush Winners Reading Brunch.

Creatures, Crimes & Creativity. September 8 - 10, 2023: Columbia, MD. A writer's and fan's conference for genre fiction covering mystery, suspense, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk & horror.

The Alabama Writers' Conclave. September 8 - 10, 2023: Mountain Brook, Alabama. The Conclave is today one of the oldest continuing writers' organization in the United States. Writers, aspiring writers and supporters of the writing arts may join. Sharing information, developing ideas, honing skills, and receiving practical advice are hallmarks of the annual meeting. 

EPIC: Michele Bombardier Poetry Workshop. September 9, 2023. You won't want to miss this two-hour workshop presented by Award-Winning Poet Michele Bombardier. We will explore the role of vulnerability in the writing process: what kills it, how to connect with it, and how to bring power to the page. We will read examples and discuss aspects of craft. This workshop is for all levels of writers. For EPIC members only. Will be held virtually.

Letters & Lines Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference. September 9 - 10, 2023: Golden, CO. This conference offers you opportunities to learn your craft, boost your career, and get feedback on your work. The schedule includes three keynotes; a industry professionals panel; 33 breakout sessions on writing, illustrating and professional development; intensives on picture books, novels and illustration; as well as critiques, portfolio reviews and showcase, a virtual bookstore of faculty titles hosted by BookBar, and more. 

Orion Online Creative Nonfiction Workshop. September 9 - October 14, 2023: Online. Course: Nature and the Archive. In this class, we will observe ourselves as natural and consider how our relationships with the natural world were formed. Writers will spend time making meaning at the intersection of our lived experience and the historical record. We will consider the role of nature in our sense of self by troubling dominant narratives about nature and ourselves, crafting nature writing from new perspectives. This course is primarily generative and oriented toward creative nonfiction writers but open to all genre expressions. Duration: This class meets over six consecutive Saturdays from 1-4 pm ET from September 9 to October 14, 2023. Apply by August 10th.

Writing by Writers: Lake Superior Writing Adventure. September 10 - 15, 2023: Bayfield, Wisconsin. The Lake Superior Writing Adventure is a week-long workshop with Pam Houston and Luis Alberto Urrea where writers will work with both faculty members to generate new work while hiking, kayaking and exploring the pristine beauty of the Lake Superior and Apostle Islands region. The workshop is limited to 20 participants to ensure an intimate setting, plus plenty of time to write and explore all the outdoor wonders Lake Superior has to offer.

A Weekend For Words. Sept 15 - 17, 2023: Irvine, CA. 60+ working, professional authors of fiction, nonfiction & screen, editors & agents. Manuscript critique & one-on-one consultation additional.]

49 Writers Tutka Bay Retreat. September 15 - 17, 2023: Tutka Bay, Alaska. Guest Instructor: Amy Butcher.

Okoboji Writers' in-person Retreat. September 17 - 20, 2023: West Lake, IA. The annual Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, founded in 2021, is open to all skill levels. Columnist Julie Gammack is the producer. Over 30 faculty resources will be on hand to work with participants in small-group settings. Whether you come to find out how to get started or land a book deal, this retreat is a welcoming event for all.

Breakout Novel Graduate Learning Retreat. September 18 - 24, 2023: Sarasota, Florida. An intensive week of critiques, one-on-one sessions, query clinics, brainstorming and writing. Limited to 16 students. "For graduates of our Breakout Novel Weeklong Intensive." Will be held in person.

Orion Online Creative Nonfiction Workshop. September 18 - November 6, 2023. Online. Course: Writing About Food. Just as the climate, soil, and landscape of a place impart unique flavors to traditional foods (if we are wine people, we call this terroir; if we aren’t, we’re still looking for a better word for it), writing about food becomes more than just food writing when it, too, is deeply tied to the places, ecosystems, cultures, and individuals who nurture what we eat. When food is on the table, what ideas can writers have, what worlds can they reveal, what relationships can they probe? How does writing about food help us explore the personal and political forces that tie us together and tear us apart? Throughout the semester we’ll read, research, and write our own food-focused personal essays. Classes will be discussion-based and generative, with time to share work. Readings may include Ligaya Mishan, Rebecca Solnit, John McPhee, Alice B Toklas, Naben Ruthnum, Bill Buford, Ruby Tandoh, and Maya Jewell Zeller. Duration: This class meets over eight consecutive Mondays from 7-9 ET (4-6 PT) from September 18 through November 6th. Apply by August 10th.

The Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop. September 20 - 24, 2023: Algonkian Park, Virginia. "You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, clear your head, have your work read by our writer mentors, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. You discuss with us ahead of time via the Algonkian Writer Retreat Application the goals you wish to accomplish, and we'll work with you to make it happen. Do you desire a review? A line edit? Do you wish to discuss the reality of the current fiction market, your novel project, plot and characters, or perhaps get feedback on the opening hook or a few sample chapters? Or would you simply like a relaxed and productive dialogue about your goals as a writer?"

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall). September 20 - November 8, 2023: Online. OVERVIEW: Multi-Week Online Course Join novelist Jennifer Gennari for this six-week online course to build the skills needed to revise and enrich your novel. The course features live sessions with faculty, structured assignments, community interaction, and goal-setting. Live Lectures (with closed captioning).

Writing On The Door: Washington Island Literary Festival. September 21 - 23, 2023: Washington Island, Wisconsin. "The Washington Island Literary Festival is a moveable feast of writing, reading, discussion, and thought about the written word. Writers’ workshops, author panels and presentations, readings and parties are scheduled at various quaint, historic and beautiful venues around the Island. Participants have a unique opportunity to share time with prominent authors and dedicated readers in the intimate, friendly setting of Washington Island, a half-hour by ferry from the Door County mainland, in September’s color and warmth." 

PNWA Conference. September 21 - 24, 2023: Lake Washington, Washington, Sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. More than 50 seminars, editor/agent forums & appointments, practice pitching, keynote and featured speakers, reception, awards ceremony. Many agents and editors attending. Will be held in person.

LiTFUSE Poets’ Workshop. September 22 - 24, 2023: Tieton, WA. The workshop features readings, performances, and meditation for poets. The past faculty included poets included Ching-In Chen, Christopher Howell, Brooke Matson, Diana Khoi Nguyen, Dennis Nurkse, Kelly Schirmann, Chad Sweeney, Dujie Tahat, Alexandra Teague, and Tobias Wray. 

8th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference. September 23 - 24, 2023: Dunwoody, Georgia. "With one of the strongest list of authors you will ever find at a conference, we’ve added even more agents, editors and publisher representatives than ever before! Combined with educational sessions and workshops, the 8th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference will offer you all that you need to refine and improve your craft." 

UCLA Extension Writing Retreat at Lake Arrowhead. Sept 24 - 29, 2023: Lake Arrowhead, CA. Join a small group of committed writers for four full days of uninterrupted writing time at UCLA’s beautiful conference center at Lake Arrowhead. Participants will enjoy private bedrooms, private baths, and three gourmet meals each day, along with complimentary beverages all day long. The Writers’ Program will coordinate some structured activities, including pre-dinner social hours and nightly open mic events, but your time will ultimately be yours to accomplish your writing goals at your own pace. 

Brooklyn Book Festival. September 24 - October 2, 2023: Brooklyn, NY. This year’s Festival Day and Literary Marketplace, a day-long celebration of authors and books, will take place in person in Downtown Brooklyn as well as virtually. At our live BKBF Children’s Day, families will enjoy a full day of readings, workshops, performances, book signings, yoga, and art projects with favorite authors and illustrators.  All events are free and open to the public.

Six Bridges Book Festival. Septmeber 25 - October 1, 2023: Little Rock, Arkansas. "Prestigious award-winners, screenwriters, comedians, an expert witness, artists, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet are among the diverse roster of presenters who will be providing sessions." Free. 

Vermillion Writing and Literature Conference. September 28 - 30, 2023: Vermillion, South Dakota. The 2023 conference theme, “Beginnings: New Approaches in Creative Writing, Literary Studies, and Pedagogy,” looks with hope to possibilities for new voices, ideas, forms, and projects in the literary arts. VWALC’s panel sessions and public readings will address these and other overlapping concerns.

Hedgebrook Writers Conference 2023. September 28 - October 1, 2023, Whidbey Island, WA. "Hedgebrook is a community of visionary women writers whose stories and ideas have shaped our culture in the past, now, and for generations to come. We have tapped into this community to collectively build Hedgebrook’s first-ever Writers Conference – a three-day (virtual) intensive for writers across the globe. If you aspire to improve your craft, come learn from seasoned writers that are equipped to challenge, engage, and inform.  Our illustrious alumnae instructors craft and guide participants through interconnected lessons over the course of three days, proving “No Writer Is An Island.” Will be held online and in person.

Native Creatives: An In-Community Retreat. September 28 - October 1, 2023: Boyds Mills, PA. OVERVIEW: In-person 4-Day/3-Night, In-Community Retreat “Time with fellow Native creatives helps sustain me along this author’s journey. I look forward to a weekend together to share our stories, write, create art, and talk practically about how we navigate the publishing industry.” —Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation) This in-community retreat is for Native writers and illustrators with host Traci Sorell and special guests, author Monique Gray Smith and senior editor Karen Boss.

Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Pitch. September 28 - October 1, 2023: Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City. The New York Pitch Conference and writers workshop is held four times a year and features publishing house editors from major houses such as Penguin, Random House, St. Martins, Harper Collins, Tor and Del Rey, Kensington Books and many more who are looking for new novels in a variety of genres, as well as narrative non-fiction. The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work, but for having you and your work taken seriously by industry professionals.

Flathead River Writers Conference. September 29 -  October 1, 2023: Kalispell, MT. Writers help writers in this two day conference packed with energizing speakers and workshops. Features: Workshops, MS preparation & submission, working with agents, movie deals, media use, & children's book publishing.

The Creativity Workshop in New York. September 29 - October 2, 2023: NY, NY. "The Creativity Workshop is an experiential course of doing and experimenting. Our exercises and instructors’ talks focus on helping you learn practical techniques to stimulate your imagination and innovative thinking." 

12 New Agents Seeking Fantasy, Kidlit, Picture Books, YA, Nonfiction, Memoir, Romance, Horror and more

Updated 12/8/23

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

All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres.

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

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

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

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Ms. Alison Thompson of The Bukowski Agency (CANADA)

NO LONGER LISTED ON THE AGENCY WEBSITE

Alison joined the Bukowski Agency as an intern while enrolled in Toronto Metropolitan University’s publishing program. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and minor in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. After graduating, Alison spent a few years working in law and in the non-profit arts and culture sector before pursuing her passion for books. 

What she is seeking: Alison is currently building her client list and accepting new submissions. She is primarily looking for character-driven genre fiction and compelling non-fiction.

How to submit: Follow the agency's submission guidelines HERE. Accepting queries by referral only/

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CoCo Freeman of Linda Chester Literary Agency

CoCo Freeman recently joined the agency. She is a graduate of Bard College with a B.A. in Written Arts. Before joining Linda Chester, CoCo worked for Tom Yoon Productions developing projects and editing existing material.

What she is seeking: CoCo is looking for smart adult commercial fiction, mysteries, thrillers, historical fiction, young adult, middle grade and select picture books.

How to submit: CoCo Freeman is accepting queries at coco@lindachester.com. Please include a short synopsis along with the first two chapters in the body of the email.

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D. Patrick Miller of Linda Chester Literary Agency

D. Patrick Miller joined the Chester Agency as an Associate Agent in 2023. He continues to independently provide editing, manuscript assessments, and Assisted Publishing services to new and working writers under his long-established company Fearless Literary Services.

Whar he is seeking: His fields of interest include spirituality, human potential, health and wellness, creativity, and the arts. 

How to submit: Patrick Miller is accepting queries at dpatrick@lindachester.com. Please include a short synopsis along with the first two chapters in the body of the email.

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Ms. Valerie Frankel of Aevitas Creative Management

Valerie Frankel has collaborated with celebrities, public figures, and experts on more than thirty books, including two #1 New York Times bestsellers, Unhinged by Omarosa Manigault Newman and Melania and Me by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff. Other bestsellers she’s ghostwritten include Stay Hungry by Sebastian Maniscalco and A Shore Thing by Snooki. Before becoming a ghostwriter, Frankel, a Dartmouth grad, has been an award-winning journalist and author (she’s written twenty-one books under her own name, novels, memoirs, and self-help guides), and served as Articles Editor at Condé Nast’s Mademoiselle for a decade. She’s based in Brooklyn, New York, and loves cats.

What she is seeking: Valerie is interested in non-fiction (memoir, health and wellness, business, lifestyle) and fiction (thriller, mystery, romance, YA). 

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Ms. Yezanira Venecia of JABberwocky Literary Agency

NO LONGER LISTED ON THE AGEMCY WEBSITE

Yezanira Venecia grew up in Texas and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She started her career in publishing seven years ago and previously held editorial positions at Skyhorse Publishing, Soho Press, and Melville House.

What she is seeking: YA and Adult Fiction: When it comes to fiction, I’m not tied down to one specific genre, although I do love crime fiction/horror, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and graphic novels (including manga).

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Mira Landry of Corvisiero Literary Agency

Currently closed to queries

Born and raised in British Columbia, Mira Landry has lived on four continents, traveled to over eighty countries, and now resides in Colorado with her husband where she still seeks adventure in both real life and on the page. After a decade building her own business as a photographer, she’s eager to help authors turn their art into a career. As a Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers member, she’s dedicated to building writing and literary communities through events and educational programming, and was co-chair for their Colorado Gold Conference. She has a Bachelors in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia and a Certificate of Creative Writing from Simon Fraser University.

What she is seeking: Mira is seeking upmarket adult fiction, ideally character-driven literary explorations with efficient, stunning prose and commercially appealing plots. She’d love to see experimental, artful writing that reels her in with continuously building tension and curiosity. She likes when speculative aspects are well-woven amid the protagonist’s journey and mostly set within our current reality without too many dragons, vampires, or aliens. She prefers romance that is embedded in women’s fiction, and mysteries rich in visceral settings and complex characters. Mira would specifically love to see more work from Indigenous/First Nations authors, as well other historically marginalized and underrepresented voices.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Micah Brocker of Corvisiero Literary Agency

Micah Brocker has spent the last five years in the business world helping entrepreneurs and artists fulfill the financial and legal knowledge needed to succeed. It has been her lifelong dream to foster careers for all artists, in particular authors and screenwriters. At Corvisiero Literary Agency, she is interested in fostering her client’s careers from the start and building their businesses with them. Located in Seattle, WA, you can find her hiking or running in the rain when she is not indoors reading with her trusty cat at her side.

What she is seeking: In both film and novels, she is interested in YA contemporary stories that deal with messy relationships and issues that can help young adults put words to their experiences. She is also looking for YA science fiction and urban fantasy that provide an escape while still helping us connect to the everyday troubles of growing up. In adult fiction, she loves women’s fiction and upmarket fiction that deals with burdensome secrets, messy relationships, and a character with a deep desire to change their life, the world etc., especially with a psychological, sci-fi, or romantic twist!

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Catherine Ross of Corvisiero Literary Agency

Currently closed to queries.

Catherine is a recent graduate of Howard University School of Law. Always knowing that her love of books would somehow find its way into her career, Catherine strived to learn about publishing and copyrights law. Along the way, she fell in love with agency work as well. Catherine hopes to bridge both legal and agent services together to serve clients at each stage of the process, and is excited to learn more from Corvisiero.

What she is seeking: Catherine loves anything from the fantasy genre, from urban to high fantasy, young adult to new adult, she’ll read it all! But honestly she loves anything that has strong world-building, complex characters, and a twist. When Catherine is not reading (a rarity) she is likely watching old horror films or finding new places to travel.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Alexandra Grana of Corvisiero Literary Agency

Currently closed to queries.

Alex is a recent graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law. She has always loved writing and literature, having completed her B.A. in Professional Writing at Miami University, and is excited to dedicate herself to helping fellow writers pursue publication. When she isn’t reading, she can be found trying a new recipe in the kitchen or prepping for her next DnD session.

What she is seeking: Alex’s favorite genres are fantasy and horror. She is a sucker for a good magic system, reimagined fairy tales, and poetic prose. Stories by marginalized writers are of particular interest to her.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.

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Morgan Hughes of FinePrint Literary Management

Morgan Hughes grew up in the midwest before relocating to Texas as soon as she turned eighteen. There, she attended Texas Tech University and earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English literature. Morgan was previously an intern and Agency Assistant at Pippin Properties before joining FinePrint Literary in 2023 as an Associate Agent. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and their dog.

What she is seeking: Morgan is seeking Middle Grade and YA fantasy / adventure with a particular interest in graphic novels. She is also interested in YA, New Adult, and Adult romance. She loves unique narratives, strong voices, and impressive world-building, but is also drawn to small town vibes and sports settings. She is currently not seeking picture books, science-fiction, thrillers/mysteries, or nonfiction.

How to submit: To query Morgan, send a query letter to submissions@fineprintlit.com and write "Dear Morgan" in the body of the email. Include the opening 3 or 4 pages embedded in the body of your email. 

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Ms. Lisa Rambert-Valaskova of Transatlantic Literary Agency

Currently closed to queries.

Lisa Rambert-Valaskova has a law degree from the University of McGill and a degree in French Language and Literature from the University of Toronto, Trinity College. Prior to joining Transatlantic she worked with several agents and authors as an independent literary consultant and editor. After living in Ottawa, Rome, Toronto, Prague, New York and (almost) Paris (twice!) – she now lives in beautiful Montreal with her husband, three children, and a sweet-as-honey Small Munsterlander named Tessa. 

What she is seeking: Lisa is ONLY open to children’s picture book and middle grade queries at the moment.

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE. 

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Carey Blankenship-Kramer of Belcastro Agency

NO LONGER LISTED ON THE AGENCY WEBSITE

After growing up surrounded by books and people who loved to read them, Carey dreamed of bringing more books to the hands of avid readers like herself. She graduated from Berry College with a dual degree in English and Creative Writing. She later received her master’s in Writing and Digital Communications from Agnes Scott College. She has experience working with both publishing houses and literary agencies and loves her role as Junior Agent at Belcastro Agency. As an editorial agent, she loves working closely with her authors to ensure their stories come to life on the page.

What she is seeking: While her sweet spot is horror and middle grade, Carey’s tastes are wide and varied. From mystery to fantasy to science fiction, she loves anything that can draw her in and have her rooting for the main characters. 

Specifics Across All Genres and Age Groups:

• Diverse stories from Ownvoices. 
• HORROR. Horror, horror, horror! If you have something remotely spooky, Carey wants to see it. 
• Neurodiversity rep. As someone with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, neurodiversity is extremely important to Carey. 
• Queer stories, especially those with happy endings. 
• Quiet, coming of age stories for MG audiences, especially if the word count is on the smaller side with a twinge of magic.
• Stories with animal sidekicks / main characters / or just fluffy pals. Especially horses. 
• Video game stories. 
• Dragons! Or anything with mythological creatures. 
• Tennis centered books.
• Stories set in the South. 

Middle Grade

• Adventure
• Contemporary
• Fantasy
• Graphic Novel
• Historical
• Horror 
• Mystery
• Paranormal
• Science Fiction
• Literally everything. Carey LOVES Middle Grade. 

Young Adult 

• Adventure
• Contemporary
• Fantasy
• Graphic Novel
• Horror 
• Mystery
• Paranormal
• Science Fiction

New Adult/Adult

• Contemporary
• Fantasy
• Horror
• Mystery
• Romance
• Science Fiction

How to submit: Use her querymanager HERE.