Call for Submissions on Theme of "Saturn's Return": Santa Barbara Literary Journal

We are open for Submissions to Volume 6 of the Santa Barbara Literary Journal, due out in June 2021, titled "Saturn's Return."

Deadline: March 15, 2021

We have a new submission process. To offset costs of production, we're charging a $3 submission fee for short stories and poetry. To submit your work and pay the submission fee, please visit our store here. In return for paying the submission fee, you will receive a PDF of a recent copy of the journal!

We accept short stories under 5,000 words. We will consider one short story per author per submission period. Poets may submit up to three poems per submission period. Please only submit to one genre per submission period. We do not accept memoir. Lyrics are by invitation only.

Also featured in Volume 6 will be a novelette of 10,000-20,000 words, as part of our Novelette Competition! We think that novelettes, halfway between a short story and a novella, are often unfairly stranded in publishing land. We aim to remedy that in Volume 6. Any genre is welcome, as long as the story is compelling and well written. To submit your novelette for consideration, there is a $5 submission fee, payable in our store here. If your novelette is the winner of this contest, you will receive 5 copies of the journal.

Your submission should include:
1. A short (3-4 sentence) biographical paragraph explaining who you are as an author. Include any websites/social media.
2. Let us know the total word count and the genre (if it defies genre, note that too).

We aim to respond within six weeks, although it is not always possible.

Who can send us work? Everyone. Anyone. We read all work with hopes of finding a masterpiece, and we select work solely on the basis of craft. You do not have to live in Santa Barbara to be published in the journal, but let us know if you're local.

We accept simultaneous submissions but let us know if your story is accepted elsewhere. If we have accepted a story from you, please wait a year before you submit another. You are welcome to submit short essays, song lyrics, or interview proposals with notable authors in-between.

In European astrology, every thirty years, the planet Saturn returns to the same position it was in when you were born. This is when we are said to experience Saturn's Return, a time when people change directions, leave relationships, start new paths, transforming into the next phase of their lives. If you live long enough, you will experience Saturn's return at 30, 60, and 90. We do not require literal adherence to the theme; in fact, we'd prefer you be as creative with it as possible. Everything from literary fiction to science fiction and fantasy are welcome. If your work is accepted, fame and fortune await...well, perhaps infamy and certainly a PDF of Volume 5! 

Writing Competition: Bellingham Review

 

BELLINGHAM REVIEW’S ANNUAL CONTESTS for fiction, poetry, and nonfiction are open December 1 to March 15.

 

$1,000 first-place prizes.

 

$20 entry fee.

 

General submissions are open September 15 to December 1. Bellingham Review is dedicated to offering continual support to our authors. See complete submission guidelines here.

Call for Presenters and Proposals: Write on the Sound Conference

About the WOTS Conference

2021 conference will be a live-presentation online event, scheduled for Oct 1, 2 and 3.

Established in 1985 by the City of Edmonds Arts Commission, Write on the Sound is a small, high quality, affordable three-day conference focused on the craft of writing.

The conference offers in-depth pre-conference workshops and variety of sessions, half-day workshops and panel discussions for all writing levels and interests.

Conference registration is limited to approximately 275 attendees.

Session capacity ranges from 20 to 80 attendees.

Special features include one-on-one manuscript critique appointments, a writing contest for conference registrants, online bookshop hosted by Edmonds Bookshop, keynote address, community sponsored online Open Mic event, and the opportunity to network with attendees and other presenters.

WOTS does not feature a trade show hall, or appointment/pitch opportunity with agents and publishers.

Honorarium
The 75-minute session presenter honorarium is $155.
Half-day workshop honorarium start at $400.

Proposal Deadline: March 1, 2021

The Need-to-Know before submitting your proposal(s)

• If selected, presenters are required to have dedicated access to the following: computer, microphone, audio speaker, webcam, high-speed internet and the required platform application to conduct an online presentation. Additionally, presenters are expected to be reasonably familiar with the function of an online format, with proven ability to manage their own presentation. WOTS will provide a volunteer for each session to assist with management of attendees and other functions, but training will not be provided this year.

• The goal of the selection committee is to create a well-rounded conference program that offers a variety of sessions for all experience levels on the craft of fiction, nonfiction and poetry, as well as information on specialty topics, genres, publishing industry, the business of writing, and current trends.

• The WOTS attendee is an enthusiastic learner who is looking for the nuts and bolts of craft, and specific tips or insights from industry professionals to help further develop their writing skills and publishing industry knowledge.

• Eligible applicants must have proven practical knowledge and experience in their proposed topic(s). Primary consideration is given to those with proven in-person conference, classroom or workshop teaching experience, as well as online conference or distance learning classes.

• Brief writing exercises are acceptable for 75-minute sessions, but due to limited session time, proposals with a particular focus on writing exercises will not be given primary consideration.

• Contracted presenters are invited as our guest to attend any of the Saturday or Sunday sessions, and the Keynote address. Registration is not required (except for half-day workshops).

• Only presenters’ and speakers’ publications are sold at the online bookshop.

Application instructions

• Please review all information above before drafting your proposal.

• No more than 3 proposals, please. You may provide a list of additional session topics, but due to the volume of applications received, the selection committee respectfully requests applicants limit session proposals to three.

Your session proposal(s) must include the following:

• A 50-word summary of your presentation that clearly states the skill level required (Beginner/Intermediate/Advance) and the value of the content of your session.

• Three key “take away” points specifically stating how attendees will be able to apply session information to their writing projects.

• Session format (panel discussion; lecture; lecture with attendee interaction; lecture with media presentation, such as a PowerPoint; lecture and writing exercise, etc.)

• A detailed description of your proposed session(s). Maximum one page per description.

• Your resume, including previous teaching experience and/or conference presentations (Limit to 2-3 pages. Please, do not submit a complete CV).

• A list of your publication credentials.

• If you are new to WOTS: Three professional teaching, conference and/or publication references (Please provide contact information, only. Do not submit letters of recommendation).

Questions? Happy to chat! Email:

 wotsATedmondswaDOTgov (Change AT to @ and DOT to . )

Thank you!

Laurie Rose, Conference Coordinator.

Call for Submissions: Superpresent

 

Superpresent is Seeking Submissions of Poetry, Short Stories, and Art

Deadline: March 1, 2021

Superpresent is magazine of the arts. We are seeking submissions of vivid, timely poetry, nonfiction, short stories, comics, and visual arts that address the general theme of “the New Reality.” Submissions are free, and the magazine is available free online.

Please check out our call page here.

Writing Competition: The Non/Fiction Collection Prize

The Non/Fiction Collection Prize

 

Submissions open: February 1.

 

Judge: Nick White.

 

A $1,500 prize and publication with The Ohio State University Press is awarded for a collection of short stories, essays, or a combo.

 

$25 entry fee (reduced fee for BIPOC writers).

 

Visit our website for guidelines.

Writing Competition: The 2021 Orison Prizes in Poetry and Fiction

The 2021 Orison Prizes in Poetry & Fiction

Deadline: April 1, 2021

The 2021 Orison Prizes in Poetry & Fiction offer $1,500 and publication by Orison Books for a full-length manuscript in each genre. Judges: Jericho Brown (poetry) & Debra Spark (fiction).

Entry fee: $25.

Entry period: December 1, 2020 - April 1, 2021.

For complete guidelines, go here.

Call for Submissions: They Call Us

Feminist Literary Zine About Fairytales Submissions Open

Deadline: February 26, 2021

They Call Us magazine, a feminist magazine devoted to discussing everyday gender discrimination, is currently accepting free submissions of poetry, prose, art, and photography for our new edition They Call Us Damsels. This edition deals with womxn in fairytales and other media, specifically about the “Damsels in Distress” concept. You can read Submission Guidelines on our website.

All rights belong to the artists and the word count is 1,200 words. Any gender is welcome to submit, as long as it fits within the feminist or sexist notions of “Damsels”.

Submit your pieces to:

theycalluszineATgmail.DOTcom (Change AT to @ and DOT to . )

by February 26.

Writing Competition: First Pages Prize

Write Your Way to a Developmental Edit and Agent Meeting

Extended Deadline: February 21, 2021

First Pages Prize 2021 invites un-agented writers worldwide to enter your first pages (1,250 words maximum) of a fiction or creative nonfiction manuscript. FIVE winners receive a total of $5,000 USD, a developmental edit, and agent consultation. Lan Samantha Chang, director of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, will judge.

Deadline is February 7; extended deadline February 21, 2021.

Entry Fee for Feb. 7 Deadline: $20.00

Entry Fee for Feb. 21, 2021 Deadline: $35.00

For guidelines, terms & conditions, visit our website. Happy writing and we cannot wait to read your pages!

Call for Submissions: Metamorphosis Magazine

What we want:

Beautiful writing showing engaging characters in science fiction or fantasy settings.

Genre: Science fiction and fantasy prose only.

Length: We accept submissions up to a firm 10,000 word ceiling.
We prefer stories in the 1,000-6,000 word length. We have only ever bought one story <1,000 words..

Pay: We pay a flat rate of $.01/word.

Open period: We are always open for submissions.

Diversity: We welcome stories from all authors, and especially those from traditionally under-represented groups. We read entirely blind, preferring not to know anything about submitters until we’ve formed an opinion about the story.

We will not accept stories that depict animal cruelty that is not essential to the story. We give bonus points for vegan-friendly stories. Stories that feature extensive hunting, fishing, etc. are not for us.

For more information and to submit, go here.

Writing Competition: Fractured Lit Ghost, Fable, and Fractured Fairy Tales Prize

$3,500 Ghost, Fable, and Fractured Fairy Tales Prize

Judged by Kevin Brockmeier

 

We invite writers to submit to the Fractured Lit Ghost, Fable, and Fractured Fairy Tales Prize through February 15, 2021. Guest judge Kevin Brockmeier will choose three prize winners from a shortlist.

 

We're excited to offer the winner of this prize $3000 and publication, while the 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive publication and $300 and $200, respectively. All entries will be considered for publication.

 

Fractured Lit is looking for stories of ghosts, fables, allegory, and fractured fairy tales in 1,000 words or less. Using these genre themes please remember that we're searching for flash that investigates the mysteries of being human, the sorrow, and the joy of connecting to the diverse population around us. We want something new. Something that scares as much as it resonates; stories that help us discover the roots of desire and conflict, that shimmer on the page, that keep us reading, and wondering long after the last period on the page. Transport us from the here and now to a new land of discovery, a new way of being terrified, a new way of embracing all of the ways we show our humanness. Fractured Lit is a flash fiction–centered place for all writers of any background and experience.

 

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15

 

$20 Reading Fee*

*Your $20 reading fee allows up to two stories of 1,000 words or fewer each per entry. 

Submit your work here.

Call for Submissions to Anthology on Theme of Turmoil and Recovery: American Writers Review

 

For our first themed issue, American Writers Review 2021 - Turmoil and Recovery, we want to reflect the world as it has tumbled around in the recent past. As we discovered with Art in the Time of COVID-19, hardship and fear can release creativity, beauty, and power.

As of this writing, the pandemic continues, killing record numbers of people. Moreover, countries that had enjoyed democratic governments are facing authoritarian attacks. Divisions run through the fabric of our homes, our families, our nations. At the same moment, there are wellsprings of hope, love, and connection.

We would like to share your experiences, your turmoil, and recovery, your hopes, and disappointments, in words and images. Please read the submission guidelines carefully before submitting. Follow the instructions on the submission page carefully.

Contest deadline: March 15, 2021

 

Entry Fee: $15.00

 

Award: $250.00

Regular Submission Deadline: April 1, 2021

Submission Fee: $5.00

Fiction Workshop for Immigrant Writers: Immigrant Writers' Fiction Workshop

Immigrant Writers’ Fiction Workshop is a free, juried workshop led by Zell Postgraduate Fellows in Creative Writing.

We’ll leverage our collective experience of workshopping at University of Michigan MFA program and our experience teaching creative writing to undergraduates to create an inclusive environment where you’ll feel supported to develop your writing skills. We’ll provide guidance on workshop and writing feedback letters, create opportunities for you to build community, and answer any of your questions.

The idea to do this conference was just that — only an idea, until a friend and a colleague got excited to do it with me. Writing is solitary work, but we need our writing friends to keep us going. Join us, and make your writing friends here too.

Workshop

Four Wednesdays, April 7-28th, 2021, 6.30-9pm EST (Zoom)

 

Reading and Q/A with Peter Ho Davies

April 7, 6:30 pm (Zoom)

Questions of Audience: Discussion Panel with Nawaaz Ahmed and Roohi Choudhry

TBD (Zoom)

 

APPLICATIONS OPEN

January 9-March 1, 2021 or until full

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, and we’ll make every effort to notify you within four weeks of application.

To apply, fill out a Google form and attach your writing sample (up to 5,000 words). The writing sample should be one short story or an excerpt from a longer work.

Based on your application, you will be assigned one of the following instructors: Nishanth Injam, Karolina Letunova.

Each class is capped at 10 participants. There is no application fee. 

 

For more information and to apply, go here.

Call for Submissions: Santa Clara Review

 

Santa Clara Review—Call for Submissions in All Genres

Deadline: February 19, 2021 

 

Send us your fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and art by February 19th for our Spring 2021 issue. We are open to all styles and themes and publish work from around the world. We are especially looking to publish writing from Black writers, Indigenous writers, writers of color, and LGBTQIA2S+ writers.

 

Your best flash nonfiction and fiction works, satires and humorous pieces, and short screenplays and plays will be sure to catch our eye! This is also a call for virtual art.

 

We publish 12 pages of full-color art and photography! For submission guidelines and details, please visit our website.

Call for Submissions: Mistake House Magazine

 

Mistake House: a space between ordinary and odd

Mistake House Magazine seeks work that speaks to the heart in a complex global context. Submissions, including work in translation, accepted through March 15, 2021 from students currently enrolled in graduate or undergraduate programs worldwide.

See guidelines here.

Mistake House: a space between ordinary and odd.

Call for Submissions from Young Creatives, Ages 13-25: BreakBread Literacy Project

 

BreakBread Magazine Seeks Young Creatives 13-25

Deadline: Rolling

BreakBread Magazine is a magazine for all young creatives between the ages of 13 and 25. We are always looking for vivid, timely poetry, nonfiction, short stories, comics, and visual arts (photography, illustrated narratives, and hybrid work) that explore new directions in arts and letters.

Submissions are always free.

Go here to submit. Check out our website for more information.

Call for Submissions: The Fictional Cafe

The Fictional Café Seeks Distinctive, Cutting-Edge Short Stories and Poetry

Deadline: Rolling

The Fictional Café is a highly regarded online ‘zine, nine years old with 900 Coffee Club members in 47 countries. Fiction and poetry only, please, exploring the creative boundaries of the art. Visit our site to read recent works. Your short story or novel excerpt should be extremely well written with engaging characters and a unique, avant-garde, or unconventional plot. We welcome bold, sophisticated poetry collections of all types.

Please join our Coffee Club, then review our submissions guidelines. We reply in 30 days.

Call for Submissions on Theme of Alone and Together: Levitate

We publish one issue annually in late spring. We will open for submissions starting November 1, 2020 and close on February 28, 2021, allowing for an online publication date in early June.

We strive to assemble a collection of literature and art designed and written with purpose and demonstrating a passion for the work. We are open to unconventional work, while still appreciating the traditional. We are committed to publishing literature and art that is inclusive of diverse identities, perspectives, and crafts. We encourage new voices, but accept work from established artists and writers as well.

For issue #5, we are capping submissions so get your work in early! Also, we hope to include a themed dossier in this issue, responding to our current times. Beginning in March 2020, we have learned to live in a way that we have never lived before in our lives. We feel isolated emotionally and socially, and maybe we already felt that way before the pandemic. At the same time, there are so many things that we are waking up to now, though our awakening is long overdue: the corrupt justice system, the need for police reform, the need for reform across our government. Respond to the theme in any way that makes sense to you, but please identify the genre of your submission and follow the guidelines for that genre though you submit your work in this category.

Please upload one prose piece, up to five pages of poems, or up to five artworks per submission. Simultaneous submissions are allowed. If your submission is not accepted, you may then send a second submission for our review, but otherwise please do not send multiple submissions within one genre. If you submit work in more than one genre, please include that information in your cover letter. The title of your submission should be the title(s) of your piece(s). Submissions that fail to follow the guidelines will not receive the same careful attention that is given to correctly submitted work.

Contributors will receive free access to the online issue.

Genres:

Fiction can be no longer that 5,000 words. We welcome flash fiction, which we define as anything less than 1,000 words and more than 500 words.

Creative nonfiction can be no longer than 5,000 words, and no less than 250 words.

Poetry submissions should be no longer than 5 pages, with no single poem longer than 3 pages.

Visual Arts submissions are open to all mediums (including sculpture), but no more than 5 pieces. Please submit images as jpeg or tif, 300dpi).

Please do not send novels, novellas, or complete collections.

We will not consider previously published work.

Submissions open November 1, 2020, at 12:00AM and close February 28, 2021 at 11:59PM.

If your work is selected, we ask for First North American Serial ELECTRONIC Rights for publication.

We look forward to reading your work!

Submit your work here.

Writing Competition: 2021 Permafrost Prize in Fiction

2021 Permafrost Book Prize in Fiction

The 8th Annual Permafrost Book Prize offers publication of a book length work of fiction (novel, or short story/novella collection), $1,000, and distribution through University of Alaska Press.
 

Judge: Julie Iromuanya
 
Eligibility

The Permafrost Book Prize in Fiction welcomes manuscripts from any writer, including non-US citizens, writing in English. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but we ask that you notify us immediately if your manuscript is accepted for publication elsewhere. No past or present editorial staff members of Permafrost or the University of Alaska Press or current faculty or student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks will be eligible for the prize.

Where to Send

Send all submissions through our Submittable page.

When to Send

The deadline for submitting is March 15, 2021.

 Manuscripts

We prefer that manuscripts are at least 150 pages long.

All entries will be read anonymously. The author’s name should not appear on the manuscript. Please include two cover pages: one listing only the title of the manuscript, and the other listing the author’s name, address, telephone number, and email address. An acknowledgements page listing the publication history of individual stories may be included, if desired.

Electronic submissions only. Hard copies will not be considered.

Entry Fee

Contest entry fee is $20. 

Notification

Winners will be notified by June of 2021

Criteria and Code of Ethics

The criteria for choosing final manuscripts will be the best work submitted.

As a member of the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP), the Permafrost book prize contest carefully follows the CLMP guide for ethical contests by providing clear contest guidelines and a published transparency of process. The series will ensure that all manuscripts are submitted to judges and reviewers anonymously to avoid conflicts of interest.
Selection Process

The Book Series Coordinator will track all manuscripts and prepare to send them to initial screeners who will read and rank manuscripts. During the first two years, the Coordinator duties will be shared by the Permafrost Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor. The initial screeners may consist of UAF graduate students, adjuncts, faculty, and appropriate community writers including UAF MFA graduates. Screeners will provide a list of top three choices and three alternatives. The top three from each reader in each genre will then be read by the Series Editorial Staff (comprised of Book Series Coordinators, Series Editors, Permafrost Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor and Permafrost Faculty Advisor) and narrowed to between 6-12 manuscripts. These manuscripts will then be forwarded to 2 advisory board members in each genre, who will comment on each manuscript and award ten points as they see fit. These comments and the finalists will then be forwarded to final judge.

For questions, email:

senfieldATalaskaDOTedu (Change AT to @ and DOT to . )

Writing Competitions: 2021 New Mexico / Arizona Book Awards

 

The New Mexico Book Co-op is pleased to announce the 15th annual New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards; the purpose of the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards is to uncover and honor the best in Arizona and New Mexico books! Entries in the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards will be judged by booksellers, librarians, teachers, and book marketing experts.

The 2021 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards will begin accepting entries starting on January 29, 2021 and will accept entries until April 30, 2021. The awards program honors the best books produced by authors or publishers from New Mexico or Arizona as well as books about or set in either state. Books will be accepted for judging in 58 categories. The awards program is open to authors and publishers anywhere; books must have a direct connection to Arizona or New Mexico, either as subject, author, or publisher. Books with a publication date or copyright date since January 1, 2019 are eligible.

Authors and publishers are encouraged to submit books for judging. All entries must include the Entry Form, payment of entry fees and three copies of the book being considered (add one copy for each additional category entered for the same book). Entry information can be found here.

Entry Fee: $50 per entry/category

All entries must be received by April 30, 2021. For more info 505-344-9382 or email: info@nmbookcoop.com

Call for Submissions from Writers 60+: Creative Nonfiction

New Nonfiction by Older Writers

Deadline February 22, 2021

What we're looking for

Creative Nonfiction is currently seeking submissions of new nonfiction work by older (60+) writers. We’re looking for personal essays/memoir, experimental work, science writing, profiles, historical nonfiction, lyric essays … any kind of lively fact-based writing. Your work might directly address issues related to age/aging, but there is absolutely no requirement that it do so.

Guidelines
4,000 word maximum; please include a word count on the first page of the essay and a cover letter with complete contact information and a brief bio.

Deadline
Submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 pm on Monday, February 22, 2021 (EST).

Submit your work here.

Call for Submissions: Jewish Fiction .net

Call for Submissions: Jewish Fiction .net

Deadline: Year-round

 Jewish Fiction .net, a prestigious literary journal now celebrating its 10th anniversary, invites submissions for its Fall 2021 issue. We are the only English-language journal devoted exclusively to publishing Jewish fiction, and we showcase the finest contemporary Jewish-themed writing (either written in, or translated into, English) from around the world. 

In our first 10 years we have published 400 stories or novel excerpts, originally written in sixteen languages and on five continents, and we have readers in 140 countries. We’ve published such eminent authors as Elie Wiesel, Savyon Liebrecht, and Aharon Appelfeld, alongside many excellent, lesser-known writers. 

For submission details, please visit our Submissions page.

Call for Submissions: Oyster River Pages

 

Oyster River Pages Seeks Submissions for Annual Issue

Deadline: May 31, 2021

Oyster River Pages is a literary and artistic collective seeking submissions of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and visual arts that stretch creative and social boundaries. We believe in the power of art to connect people to their own and others’ humanity, something we see as especially important during these tumultuous times. Because of this, we seek to feature artists whose voices have been historically decentered or marginalized.

Please see our website for submission details.

Calll for Submissions to Anthology: The Experiment Will Not Be Bound

The Experiment Will Not Be Bound: Experimental Anthology, Peter Campion, ed.

Deadline: March 14, 2021

This project reflects current times: it is a political act, and bold voices in new forms will ignite it. We are most interested in: What does America mean now — and what forms can our voices take today? Show us experimental writing that confronts the hard truths of America across identities, generations, communities, cultures, borders.

Literary experiments from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented communities hold particular power in making this anthology relevant. We will challenge the traditional anthology form too, experimenting with how the book can be (un)bound, (re)ordered, (re)read, and (co)shared.

Authors selected will be paid for their work.

Writing Grant: The Mathew Power Literary Reporting Award

The Matthew Power Literary Reporting Award is a grant of $12,500 to support the work of a promising early-career nonfiction writer on a story that uncovers truths about the human condition.

Deadline: Feb. 16, 2021

Offered for the first time in 2015, the Award has been endowed by individuals and organizations touched by the life and work of Matthew Power, a wide-roving and award-winning journalist who sought to live and share the experience of the individuals and places on which he was reporting. Power, a longtime friend of the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, died in March 2014, while on assignment in Uganda.

The award proceeds from the recognition that many important stories need to be reported from afar, and that publications do not always have the resources to send a writer where the story is. The money need not be used exclusively for travel, but we expect that most successful applications will include such expenses.

A panel of NYU journalism professors, outside writers, and editors will review the proposals. Finalists may be asked to interview in person or by Skype.

The judges will be interested in perpetuating Power’s legacy, as his former editor Roger Hodge put it, of “strong, character-driven narratives with detailed scene writing and lyrical description.” Power was always open to the absurdity that often attends politics and international affairs; he was always searching, as he put it, for “the human truth beneath the sorry facts.” Power’s ultimate ambition, he added, was literary beauty.

That said, judges will be looking for a writer as singular in his or her own approach as Power was in his.

The award will not fund proposals to report on armed conflicts where journalists are already imperiled, nor projects that are mainly investigatory. The winner will normally receive visiting scholar privileges at NYU, including library access.

Apply here.

Writing Competitions: AWP Award Series

AWP Prize for Creative Nonfiction

The AWP Prize for Creative Nonfiction offers an award of $2,500 and publication by the University of Georgia Press.

2021 Judge: Aimee Nezhukumatathil 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

AWP Prize for the Novel

 

The AWP Prize for the Novel offers an award of $2,500 and publication by New Issues Press.
2021 Judge: TBA

 

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The Donald Hall Prize for Poetry

The Donald Hall Prize for Poetry offers an award of $5,500, supported by Amazon.com, and publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press.
2021 Judge: Ilya Kaminsky

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Grace Paley Prize for Short Fiction

The Grace Paley Prize for Short Fiction offers an award of $5,500, supported by Amazon.com, and publication by Red Hen Press.
2021 Judge: Rebecca Makkai

For guidelines and to submit, go here. 

Deadline: Feb. 28, 2021

Call for Submissions: Maintenant 15: Humanity: The Reboot

The theme for MAINTENANT 15 is: HUMANITY: THE REBOOT.

The submission period ends February 14, 2021.

ABOUT HUMANITY: THE REBOOT

If the early 20th-century Dadaist rebelled against everything that led up to the Great War, then today's Neo-Dadaist must riposte, “We will not return to normal.” With climate change, warmongering, massive inequality, pandemic, authoritarianism, and more–who needs to revive the same world?

 

Be inventive. Be satirical. Be absurd. Of course these are just words from our past as well. Take the first plunge with TO BE. And envisage how humanity can reboot its petty-grasping-self.

 

As usual with a reboot, the computer comes back on and you are sitting in the same place and the computer screen looks exactly the same except for a notification stating that you shut down your machine because of a problem. Do you want to report this problem? Well report the problem as a poem, or painting, or collage, or word art, or photo. You are the thinker in control.

 

Forget about the wounds that have healed. Perhaps Dada will reboot as AdAd? How do we circumvent the new normal that arises before it's begun? Through the creative process.

 

Send us your work through February 14, 2021.

 

Submit your work here.

Call for Submissions on Theme of Nuturing Hope: Blue Heron Review

BLUE HERON REVIEW is back for a special edition, BONUS issue!

Our theme is: *NURTURING HOPE*

Upcoming Call for Submissions:

FROM January 20th UNTIL midnight February 10th, 2021

 

In order to provide space and support for what we are all going through with the current pandemic, I wanted to temporarily re-open Blue Heron Review for people to write and share stories of hope. Mark your calendar and join us for this very special gathering of voices, as we come together to create space for HOPE in our lives. Your words make a difference. Help us raise the vibration for everyone. (Online pub date: Spring 2021)

 

(*Please carefully read our full submission guidelines on the BHR site before submitting.)

Writing Competition: The Steinberg Memorial Essay Prize

At Fourth Genre, we value great writing. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor The Steinberg Memorial Essay Prize. The contest gives us an opportunity to highlight outstanding writers and their work.

 

The first place winner will receive $1000 and publication in the next year’s spring issue. Finalists and the first-place winner will be announced on Fourth Genre’s Facebook, Twitter, and website.

 

Deadline: March 15, 2021

 

Entry Fee: $20.00

 

This year’s contest judge is Xu Xi.

 

For more information and to enter, please visit our website.

Writing Competition: Novel Slices

$150 AND PUBLICATION in Novel Slices awarded to each of our 5 novel-excerpt contest winners.

 

Submit novel excerpts of approximately 4,000–6,000 words with a $20 entry fee, which includes a digital copy of the award issue, by February 28, 2021.

 

Bethany Ball to judge.Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Call for Submissions: Apple in the Dark

APPLE IN THE DARK is a new online publication focusing on works of fiction and creative nonfiction no longer than 1,500 words apiece.

They’re taking submissions for their Winter/Spring 2021 issue until February 15.

More info here. Free submissions; donations through the “Tip Jar” appreciated.

Call for Submissions on Theme of Rediscovery: Poor Yorick Literary Journal

Poor Yorick is a journal about rediscovering the past through objects, memories, relationships, traumas, cultures, and ghosts (both literal and figurative). Finding the lost, rekindling old sparks, illuminating the shadows—Poor Yorick celebrates the joy, fear, hardship, and wonder of being human.

The journal accepts rolling submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, digital art and photography, and other innovative works. Poor Yorick is edited and published by the Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative and Professional Writing at Western Connecticut State University.

Accepts submissions year round.

More information and submission guidelines on our website.

Call for Submissions on Theme of Baseball: The Twin Bill

The Twin Bill Seeks Baseball Essays, Fiction, Poetry and Art

Deadline: March 1, accepted on a rolling basis

Submissions are open for the Spring issue of The Twin Bill, a literary baseball publication. We are looking for essays between 600-1,000 words, fiction up to 3,000 words, submissions of up to five poems, and visual art (comics, illustrations, visual representations of stats, we are open to any ideas). Please send submissions and pitches to:

tetwinbillATgmailDOTcom (Change AT to @ and DOT to . )

If you are interested in illustrating our pieces, please email us.

All submissions will receive a personal response.

There is no submission fee.

For more details, visit our website.

Writing Competition: Blackwater Press Short Story Contest

Blackwater Press Short Story Contest

Deadline: January 31, 2021

Entry Fee: $5.00

Blackwater Press is pleased to announce its first short story contest. Our theme is our logo, the Blackwater Bird. We seek entries between 1,000 and 10,000 words.

The top ten stories will be published in a collection in 2021. First place winner will receive $150; two runners up will receive $50 each.

For full details, please visit our website.

Call for Submissions: Change Seven Magazine

 

Call for Submissions January 2021 - Change Seven Magazine

Deadline: January 31, 2021

Change Seven is an online literary journal. We seek to publish the best available fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, visual art, book reviews, and more from both established and emerging talents. We publish work that has not been published elsewhere, including blogs or personal websites. It should go without saying, but we have to say it: We only publish ORIGINAL work, which means work that belongs to you because you, and you alone, created it.

We have two open reading periods each year: January 1–31 and June 1–30.

Please visit our site to see the Winter 2021 issue and to submit.

Call for Submissions to Anthology on Theme of "Borderline Love": Wordrunner eChapbook

Wordrunner eChapbook seeks Fiction, Memoir/CNF, Poetry for Themed Issue

Deadline: February 28, 2021

For our annual themed anthology, we welcome fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction, poetry or prose-poems about "Borderline Love"—love that is ambivalent, dubious, problematic, unrequited, impossible—be it familial, romantic, passionate, merciful, political—tell us about love in all its sometimes painful diversity.

Submit your best work—a short story, personal narrative, novel or memoir excerpt (up to 5,000 words), three flash fictions (750-1000 words each), or three poems (up to one page each).

Deadline: February 28, 2021. Work should not be previously published.

Submission fee: $3.

Authors are paid ($5 to $25). Complete guidelines and submittable link here.

Writing Competition for Undergraduate and Graduate Students: The Roadrunner Review

 

The Roadrunner Review Invites Students to Submit

Deadline: January 31, 2021

The Roadrunner Review invites students to submit to our third annual Roadrunner Prizes. The winners in each genre—cover art, poetry, flash fiction, and flash nonfiction—will receive $100 and publication in ISSUE 7. All submissions will be considered for publication.

Submissions are free via Submittable. 

Writing Competition: Baltimore Review Poetry Contest

 Baltimore Review Poetry Contest - Set in Maryland

Deadline: January 31, 2021

We want to see Maryland in your work. A street in Baltimore. The Ocean City Boardwalk. Eating at the Korean BBQ place in Remington. Climbing the steps in the Hooper Strait Lighthouse at St. Michaels. That time you played the slots at the Rocky Gap Casino. What happened on the Light Rail after the ballgame at Camden Yards. Just give us a glimpse of Maryland. No need to be a Maryland resident. 

Submit 1-3 poems.

$5 fee.

$300 and publication for the winning poem. All poems considered for publication in the spring issue and payment at regular rate.

Call for Submissions: The New Gothic Review

We are currently OPEN for submissions until Feb. 7th.

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What we’re looking for:

• We’re looking for previously unpublished short stories that embrace and reimagine Gothic fiction for the 21st century.

• Compelling plots with a strong literary bend.

• Eerie atmosphere is key.

• Stories with Weird Fiction and Folk Horror elements are strongly welcome.

• You can’t have Gothic without a little bit of terror & horror… that being said, we are not a horror fiction magazine.

What we’re not looking for:

• Stories that contain gruesome violence, gore, or explicit sexual content.

• Stories written in Victorian Era prose.

• Fantasy.

• Strong science fiction.

• True Crime.

Word count: 1,500 – 6,000 words

Rights: We want authors to retain all the rights to their work. We ask for non-exclusive rights, meaning you are free to take your work elsewhere even after we publish it.

Payment: We currently pay $30 for short stories upon acceptance. In this early stage, we acknowledge that this payment is merely a token; however, as we grow, increasing our compensation for writers is our highest priority.

How to submit: Please submit your work to:

newgothicreviewATgmailDOTcom (Change AT to @ and DOT to . )

using the subject line (Submission-[your name]). In the body of the email please include a brief 1-3 sentence bio.

Please, only submit one work at a time. If you submit a second work while your first work is still being considered, it’ll will be deleted. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please let us know if your work is accepted elsewhere.

For more information, visit our website.

Call for Conference Proposals: 2021 Historical Novel Society Conference

As announced previously, the 2021 Historical Novel Society Conference will be an all-virtual event, held June 21-27. We are excited to have writers of all historical fiction subgenres join us for real-time presentations, panels, cozy chats, agent pitches, query critiques, fun and games, and networking opportunities.

As you consider attending, please know that there is also an opportunity for you to participate in the programming. Our Call for Proposals is now open and we will be receiving submissions through January 31. Since this is our first time conducting an entirely virtual conference, please review our new guidelines carefully.

In order to submit a proposal, solo presenters and lead panelists will first need to create an account on Submittable.com. You may use your account for multiple submissions.

Our programming committee, led by programming chair Vanitha Sankaran, will review all submissions and inform you prior to the opening of conference registration (February 15) whether your proposal has been accepted.

Thank you for helping us learn, share, connect, and inspire, at the conference for historical fiction.

Call for Submissions: The Raven's Perch

The RavensPerch is an independent literary magazine published bi-monthly.Our mission is to promote emerging voices, support established writers, unite writers across generations, and help launch careers of unknown writers.

 

We publish the best submissions of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual art from writers of all ages. The RavensPerch is not afraid of experimentation. We love voices with a keen attention to crafting imagery and language. We want to be surprised by truths told in fresh ways.We publish writers who are daring enough to break our hearts with delight and force us to want more.

 

Guidelines and submission link here.

Writing Competition: The Iowa Review Awards

The Iowa Review Awards

We accept submissions to the Iowa Review Awards during the month of January. Judges for the 2021 Awards are Melissa Febos (nonfiction), Tracie Morris (poetry), and Jamel Brinkley (fiction).
 

About the Contest

Each January since 2003, The Iowa Review has invited submissions to The Iowa Review Awards, a writing contest in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Winners receive $1,500; first runners-up receive $750. Winners and runners-up are published in each December issue.

Contest Rules

Submit up to 25 pages of prose (double-spaced) or 10 pages of poetry (one poem or several, but no more than one poem per page). Work must be previously unpublished. Simultaneous submissions are fine assuming you inform us of acceptance elsewhere.

To submit, visit our submission link during the month of January and follow these instructions:

• Select the appropriate genre category. If you'd like to purchase a discounted yearlong subscription to The Iowa Review for $10, please choose a genre marked "(subscription)." Otherwise, choose "(no subscription)."

• Include a cover letter listing your name, address, e-mail address and/or telephone number, and the title of each submitted work. (Please use the "Cover Letter" form field in Submittable; do not include the cover letter as part of your uploaded document.)

• Do not include your name on the manuscript itself.

• Upload your entry. Multiple poems or prose pieces can comprise a single entry if the total number of pages does not exceed 25 for prose or 10 for poetry. For instance, you may submit two short stories of ten pages each as a single entry; the stories would be read and judged separately. But please do not mix genres: a ten-page story and a two-page poem constitute separate entries.

• Pay the $20 entry fee using Paypal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.

• If you submit more than one entry, even within the same genre, you must submit the $20 entry fee with each entry.

• Submit between January 1 and January 31. 

 

Judges will select winners from a group of finalists chosen by Iowa Review editors. All manuscripts, whether selected as finalists or not, are considered for publication.