Erica Verrillo's Blog, page 13

44 Writing Contests in May 2023 - No entry fees

Pixabay This May there are more than three dozen free writing contests for short fiction, novels, poetry, CNF, nonfiction, and plays. Prizes range from $60,000 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! 

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Parsec Short Story Contest. Restrictions: Open to non-professional writers. Genre: Speculative fiction. The theme for the contest is: Preserve or Purge. This can be conveyed in the setting, plot, characters, dialogue…the only limit is your imagination. The theme must be integral to the story in some way and not just mentioned in passing. Prize: $200 and publication. Best youth story (age 19 and under) receives $50. Deadline: May 1, 2023. 

The Questions Writing Prize. Restrictions: Open to young Australian writers (18 to 30 years). Genre: Fiction and nonfiction on any topic as long as the piece remains between 1,500 and 2,000 words. Prize: $3,000 AUD top prize. Deadline: May 1, 2023. 

Queer Scifi Flash Fiction Contest. Genre: Fantasy, paranormal or horror LGBTIQA stories of no more than 300 words on the theme of Rise. Prize: The top three winners will receive cash prizes of $75, $50, and $25 respectively. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

Jane Austen Literacy Foundation Writing Competition. Genre: Original, fictional short story.  "The theme of the competition is ‘The Wonder of Words’ and you are invited to write an original, fictional short story.  Your short story can be inspired by our theme in any way." Prize: "The winning stories (the winner and two runners up) will be recorded as an audiobook by multi-award winning and best-selling Austen narrator, Alison Larkin, published WORLDWIDE and promoted for all to hear!" Deadline: May 1, 2023.  

Sunlight Press. Genre: Flash fiction. Prize: $750. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

CINTAS Creative Writing Fellowship. Restrictions: Open to any Cuban author (including those of direct Cuban lineage; need not reside in Cuba). Genre: Novel excerpts, short stories, plays, or poems of up to 25 pages. Prize: $20,000 fellowship. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

Rabbi Sacks Book Prize. Genre: Published nonfiction book that contributes significantly to the arena of modern Jewish thought. Prize: $50,000. Deadline: May 1, 2023. 

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize. Genre: Literary nonfiction, desert theme. Prize: $3,000. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

Questions Writing Prize. Restrictions: Open to authors aged 18-30. Genre: Short stories of any genre or nonfiction between 1500 and 2000 words. Prize: First place winners (or prize pool for a tie) is $2000. The work will also be published in a book. Deadline: May 1, 2023. 

West Virginia Fiction Competition. Restrictions: Open to West Virginia residents or students. Genre: Short fiction, 5,000 words max. Prize: $500. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

LIGHT Contest. Genre: Letters, short stories, art, poetry. "How might we reflect and reimagine wellness in public health through art, letters, stories, and poetry?" Prize: $500 top prize. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Non-Fiction. Genre: Literary non-fiction. Restrictions: Titles must be published in Canada and written by Canadians. Prize: $60,000 will be awarded to a literary nonfiction book published between March 1, 2023 and May 2, 2023. Deadline: May 3, 2023.

Writers' Trust Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ2S+ Emerging Writers. Restrictions: Open to Canadian LGBTQ+ writers. Genre: Debut book for books published between March 1, 2023 and May 2, 2023. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: May 3, 2023.

Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. Genre: Fiction. Restrictions: Titles must be published in Canada and written by Canadians. No self-published works. Prize: $60,000 will be awarded to a novel or short-story collection published between March 1, 2023 and May 2, 2023. Prizes of $5,000 will be awarded to each of the finalists. Deadline: May 3, 2023.

RBC PEN Canada New Voices Award. "The RBC PEN Canada New Voices Award is an annual award that aims to encourage new writing and to provide a space where unpublished Canadian writers can submit short stories, creative nonfiction, journalism, and poetry. The shortlisted submissions are judged by a distinguished jury of Canadian writers." Prize: The winning entry will receive a $3,000 CAD cash prize and mentorship from a distinguished Canadian author. Deadline: May 5, 2023.


Love the Words 2023: Dream. ‘Love the Words’ is an annual celebration of the magic and power of words, and is part of International Dylan Thomas Day. Genre: Poems on theme: Dream. Prize: Publication. Deadline: May 6, 2023.

Lab42 Essay Competition. Genre: Essay. "The objective of this Essay Challenge is to come up with ideas on how to solve the Abstraction and Reasoning Coprus (ARC) Challenge. The ARC Challenge is like an IQ test for machines. The goal of the challenge is to develop a program that can solve 100 secret ARC tasks, which are not accessible to the public." Prize: $2,000 top prize. Deadline: May 7, 2023.

Preservation Foundation Essay Contest for Unpublished Writers. Restrictions: The contest is open to writers whose creative writing has never produced revenues of over $500 in any single year. Genre: Animal Nonfiction. “Stories should be factual and true accounts of an encounter or encounters by the author with a wild animal or animals. These include, but are not limited to, birds, fish, butterflies, snails, lions, bears, turtles, wombats, etc., as long as it is not a pet.” Prize: First prize is $200. Runners-up will receive $100. Finalists will receive $50. Deadline: May 7, 2023.

Limp Wrist: Glitter Bomb Award. Restrictions: Open to LGBTQ/non-binary poets and their allies. Genre: Poem by a poet of any stage of her/his/their career. Prize: $600 and publication in Limp Wrist. Deadline: May 11, 2023.

Creative Future Writers’ Award. Restrictions: Open to underrepresented writers in the UK only, who are over 18 years old. Genre: Poetry, fiction. This year’s theme is ‘How It Started.’  Prize: Publication, unspecified monetary award (?)  Deadline: May 14, 2023.

Apparition Lit. Genre: Speculative flash fiction inspired by the monthly photograph prompt. (See site for photo.) Length: 1000 words max. Prize: $30. Deadline: May 14, 2023.

Governor General's Literary Awards. Restrictions: Books must have been written by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. They do not need to be residing in Canada. Genre: The Governor General’s Literary Awards are given annually to the best English-language and French-Language book in each of the seven categories of Fiction, Literary Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People’s Literature (Text), Young People’s Literature (Illustrated Books). Prize: $25,000. Deadline: May 15, 2023.

ABA Journal/Ross Writing Contest for Legal Short Fiction. Sponsored by the American Bar Association. Restrictions: Entrants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Genre: Original works of short fiction that illuminate the role of the law and/or lawyers in modern society. 5000 words max. Prize: $3,000 and publication in ABA Journal. Deadline: May 15, 2023.

The James Laughlin Award is sponsored by the Academy of American Poets. Genre: A second book of poetry forthcoming in the next calendar year. Must be under contract with US publisher. Restrictions: Open to US citizens and residents only. Prize: $5,000, an all-expenses-paid week long residency in Florida, and the Academy will purchase approximately 1,000 copies of the book for distribution to its members. Deadline: May 15, 2023.

Leeway Foundation: Transformation Award. Restrictions: Women and transgender poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers in the Philadelphia area who have been creating art for social change for five or more years. Writers who have lived for at least two years in Bucks, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties, who are at least 18 years of age, and who are not full-time students in a degree-granting arts program are eligible. Award: $15,000. Deadline: May 15, 2023.

Singapore Poetry Contest. Genre: Poetry. "We are looking for poems that use the word “snail” in imaginative ways." Prize: USD300, 200, and 100 will go to the top three winners. Deadline: May 15, 2023.

Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant. Genre: Articles, books, and short-form writing about contemporary art—the grants support projects addressing both general and specialized art audiences, from short reviews for magazines and newspapers to in-depth scholarly studies. The program also supports art writing that engages criticism through interdisciplinary methods and experiments with literary styles. Grant: $15,000 to $50,000. Deadline: May 17, 2023.

Roscommon New Writing Award. Restrictions: All entrants must have a connection with the county of Roscommon (born in, living in, currently working in, went to school in, etc). Genre: Short story. Prize: €600.00. Deadline: May 19, 2023.

Whole Life Soaps Haiku Contest. Genre: Haiku. Prize: $100 and publication of your haiku on packages of Whole Life Soaps, a natural soap brand based in California. 2023 theme is Aging and the Cycle of Life. Deadline: May 20, 2023.

A Voice for Animals Teen Essay Contest. Restrictions: Open to students between the ages of 14-18. Genre: Essays on an animal rights topic.  In the 16-18 year olds category, essays must be 800-1,000 words long and be accompanied by a photograph; in the 14-15 year olds category, essays should be between 1,400-1,500 words. One climate change prize (both age categories compete) will be awarded for an essay on how climate change affects a particular animal species. Prize: $500. Deadline: May 21, 2023.

RTÉ Radio Short Story Competition. Restrictions: Open to Irish writers and residents of Ireland. Genre: Short story. Prize: Up to 5,000 euros. Deadline: May 23, 2023.

Changing Light Prize for a Novel-in-Verse. Genre: Novel-in-Verse. Prize: $500 and publication for a novel-in-verse, 90-160 pages. Deadline: May 25, 2023.

Irene Adler Prize for Women Writers. Restrictions: Open to Canadian women. Genre: Creative nonfiction. Prize: $1,000 scholarship to a woman pursuing a degree in journalism, creative writing, or literature at a recognized post-secondary institution in the U.S. or Canada. Deadline: May 30, 2023.

bpNichol Poetry Chapbook Award. Restrictions: Canadian publishers only. Genre: Published poetry chapbook. Prize: The author receives $4,000 and the publisher receives $500. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

Furphy Literary Award. Genre: Short stories up to 5000 words, Theme: Australian Life in all its diversity. Prize: First prize of $15,000 in the open category (2nd prize - $ 3,000,  3rd prize - $2,000.  A junior & youth category with a prize pool of $1800 will seek entries for short stories and poetry. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Awards. Restrictions: Open to aboriginal youth, 18 years or younger, residing in Ontario, Canada. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

Jerry Jazz Musician Fiction Contest. Genre: Unpublished fiction approximately 1,000 - 5,000 words. Story should pertain to music, social history, literature, politics, art, film and theater, particularly that of the counter-culture of mid-twentieth century America. Prize: $100 and publication in Jerry Jazz Musician. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

The Wolfe Pack Black Orchid Award. Genre: Mystery novellas in the style of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe novellas. Manuscript length: 15K-20K words. Prize: $1,000, plus recognition and publication in a forthcoming issue of AAMM. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

Speculative Literature Foundation Older Writers Grant. Restrictions: Open to writers who are fifty years of age or older at the time of grant application. Genre: Speculative fiction. Prize: $500. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

Fountain Magazine Essay Contest. Genre: Essay on theme: How to focus in an era of distractions. 1,500 - 2,500 words. "We are constantly bombarded with breaking news, online notifications, unscheduled visits, calls, and so on. What are your distractions? How do you cope with them? How do you remain focused on what really matters?" Prize: 1st Place - $1,000, 2nd Place - $500, 3rd Place - $300, Two Honorable Mentions - $150 each. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

#GWstorieseverywhere. Genre: Micro fiction. Your story must be no longer than 25 words, with a max of 280 characters, including spaces and the hashtag. See themes. Prize: Free Gotham class. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

CNO Naval History Essay Contest. Genre: Scholarly essay on naval history.  Prize: First Prize: $5,000. Second Prize:$2,500. Third Prize: $1,500. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

Genesis Jewish Book Week Emerging Writers' Programme. Restrictions: Open to emerging writers over 18 years of age, of any background living in the UK. Genre: Fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Prize: Up to £1,500 and mentorship. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

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: May 31, 2023. Reprints are ok so long as you still have the rights to distribute.

36 Marvelous Writing Workshops and Conferences in May 2023

Skagway, Alaska: Wikimedia This May there are three 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. Popular conferences also tend to close early. But if you miss one that is ideal for you, put the application deadline on your calendar for next year. (Many conferences are annual events.)

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Getting Strategic About Social Media For Illustrators: A Two-Night Mini. May 1 - 3, 2023: Honesdale, PA. How do you build a social media following? Where should you focus your time to best connect with publishers and fellow artists? And is there a way to monetize your social activity? Join web comic team Lisa Burdige and John Hazard to learn how illustrators can get the most out of their posts without cannibalizing time to do their art! Will be held online.

Rhyming Picture Books: A Two-Night Mini. May 2 - 4, 2023: Honesdale, PA. Take a look at stories that sing with rhythm and rhyme, and learn how to accomplish the structure and skills needed in your own work with Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Anne Marie Pace. Will be held online.

Nonfiction Writers Conference. May 3 - 5, 2023. ONLINE EVENT. Online conference devoted to writing, publishing and promoting non-fiction books. Participation is live via phone or Skype, and recordings can be downloaded. Features 15 speakers over three days. Private Facebook group for attendees!

IBPA Publishing University. May 4 - 6, 2023: San Diego, CA. The Independent Book Publishers Association offers 30+ educational sessions including experiential learning labs, insightful keynotes, a gala book award ceremony, networking events, and more! Cost: $495. 

Asian And Asian American Voices: An In-Community Retreat. May 4 - 7, 2023: Honesdale, PA. This in-community retreat is for writers and illustrators from the Asian and Asian American Communities, with special hosts Grace Lin and Debbi Michiko Florence and their guests. It is an informally structured retreat, where the focus is on your own projects. We’ll also celebrate this diverse and talented community.

Lakefly Writers Conference. May 5 - 6, 2023: Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Workshops, talks, and a book fair for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. Previous presenters: Beth Amos, Malinda Andrews, Valerie Biel, Rebekah Bryan, R. R. Campbell and more. 

Atlanta Writers Conference. May 5 - 6, 2023: Atlanta, GA. The conference features publishing panels, pitch sessions, manuscript and query letter critiques, and a workshop on author branding for fiction writers, nonfiction writers, and graphic novelists. The goals of this conference are to give you access to eighteen top publishing acquisitions editors and literary agents (our most ever!) actively seeking new clients, help you get your work ready for them, and educate you with a workshop and talks by experienced authors and other industry professionals. The Conference Activities page details each activity you can register for: select them all, only one, or some number in between–it’s entirely up to you, so you can craft the conference experience that will be best for your growth, interests, and budget. 

The Massachusetts Poetry Festival. May 5 - 7, 2023, Salem, Massachusetts. The Mass Poetry Festival offers nearly 100 poetry readings and workshops, a small press and literary fair, panels, poetry slams, and open-air readings. More than 150 poets will engage with thousands of New Englanders. 

Picture Book Plotting A – Z. May 5 - June 8, 2023: Honesdale, PA. Are you ready to do a deep, deep dive into picture book structure? This online course with Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen features pre-recorded and/or written assignments for each letter of the “Picture Book Alphabet,” plus weekly LIVE Zoom sessions for all of your course related questions. Will be held online.

Rock Your Research & Proposals! A Two-Night Mini. May 8 - 10, 2023: Honesdale, PA. Join authors Stephanie Gibeault, Jolene Gutiérrez, and Anita Yasuda as they share the tools and strategies writers need to dig into research with confidence. Will be held online.

Writing Around the Wound of Estrangement. May 10, 2023, 6:00-7:30PM EST. "This 90-minute generative workshop will look at how we talk about estrangement and, more critically, what is left unsaid. We’ll examine the landscape of estrangement: Why do relationships fracture? Who is primarily affected? Whose voices are elevated in discussions of estrangement, and whose are silenced? We’ll use Jane Alison’s “Meander, Spiral, Explore” to consider the narrative shapes best suited to estrangement stories. What structures explain what often feels untranslatable? How do we give meaning to this wound when it requires we write about painful material, regrettable behaviors, or family secrets? We will read excerpts from Cheryl Strayed and MB Caschetta to unpack the narrative choices writers make, and what we believe this wound reveals or conceals about us. Generative writing prompts will allow writers to examine this topic in a supportive group environment. Writers will be encouraged (but not required) to share."

Annual Nonfiction Writers Conference. May 10 - 12, 2023: Conducted online. The Nonfiction Writers Conference (NFWC) is a multi-day event featuring live presentations by top speakers and industry experts, Q&A with speakers, and plenty of downloadable materials. You can attend the live webcast by computer, mobile device or phone.

Annual PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature. May 10 - 13, 2023 at various locations in New York City and Los Angeles. "Join more than 125 writers and artists representing over 50 nationalities in New York City for the 2019 PEN World Voices Festival: Open Secrets. In 60+ events in venues across New York City, the 15th anniversary of New York’s first international literary festival will gather nonfiction and fiction writers, thinkers, and activists to discuss what we reveal and what we withhold, and the opportunities and dangers inherent in the rapid reconfiguring of the public and the private in the literary, cultural, social, and political realms." 

Washington Writers Conference. May 12 - 13, 2023: Bethesda, MD. "Expert sessions with authors and publishing pros on the many paths to publishing — from writing killer query letters and landing an agent to going your own way and utilizing a self/hybrid model — and publicizing your book once it exists!" 

Florida Writing Workshop. May 12 - 13, 2023. Online. "This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. And even though this is the “Florida” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually."

Big Sur on Cape Cod. May 12 - 14, 2023, North Falmouth, MA. Focus on children's writing. Faculty: Andrea Brown and four of her agents, four editors and four authors. 

Nebula Conference. May 12 - 24, 2023: Los Angeles, CA. SFWA members and other individuals who are interested in the field of science fiction and fantasy are welcome to attend SFWA’s Nebula Conference. Attendees may participate in workshops, programming and special events throughout the weekend. You do not need to be a member of SFWA to attend. Will be held online and in person.

The 2023 Writing Conference of Los Angeles. May 13, 2023: Los Angeles, CA. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. 

Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference. May 13 - 16, 2023: Homer, Alaska. The 2023 keynote speaker will be Robin Wall Kimmerer, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. The amazing writers Francisco Cantú, Reyna Grande, Sara Eliza Johnson, J. Drew Lanham, Jason Mott, and Paisley Rekdal will be teaching at the conference. Editor Daniel Slager from Milkweed Editions and agent Jin Auh at the Wylie Agency will join the faculty to represent the publishing industry.

Longleaf Writers Conference. May 13 - 20, 2023: Seaside, Florida. "Formerly the Seaside Writers Conference, Longleaf Writers Conference is an annual gathering of creative writers from all over the nation, featuring award-winning writers in poetry and fiction and screenwriting who will offer a full week of intensive writing workshops, one day seminars, school outreach programs, and social events. This event occurs every year in May, and offers the opportunity for beginning, intermediate and advanced writers to celebrate writing, to network with other writers, and to hone their craft. There will also be seminars hosted by professional editors and literary agents who will offer one-on-one consultations. All participants who pay the full conference tuition fee will be able to take part in all daily activities, while those paying a la carte pricing will have the pick of which classes and workshops they would like to attend. The Longleaf Writers Conference is one of the only conferences in the nation to take place on one of the most beautiful beaches in the US, and every year will feature notable guest writers, literary agents, and professional editors."

Turn Up The Volume On Quiet Picture Books: A Two-Night Mini. May 16 - 18, 2023: Honesdale, PA. Sometimes feedback whispers, “this book is too quiet,” but what does that really mean? And, is there a place in the market for a “quiet” book? Join award-winning author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow to learn ways to embrace your “quiet” book, turning up the volume for your audiences. Will be held online.

Grub Street Muse and the Marketplace Conference. May 18 -  21, 2023: Boston, Massachusetts. The Muse and the Marketplace is a three-day literary conference designed to give aspiring writers a better understanding about the craft of writing fiction and non-fiction, to prepare them for the changing world of publishing and promotion, and to create opportunities for meaningful networking. On all three days, prominent and nationally-recognized established and emerging authors lead sessions on the craft of writing—the "muse" side of things—while editors, literary agents, publicists and other industry professionals lead sessions on the business side—the "marketplace." Will be held virtually.

Hedgebrook: Virtual Radical Craft Retreat. May 18 - 22, 2023:Virtual. "Our Virtual Radical Craft Retreat series brings Hedgebrook’s retreat experience into your home.  We invite you to transform your space into a writer’s sanctuary for a week.  Join us in virtual residence and study with a celebrated teacher. Creative writing workshops in a diversity of formats and genres are offered to women writers at all levels of experience. Participation in each class is limited to 10 writers to ensure individual attention and create an intimate, supportive writing community. You will enjoy 2 hour daily virtual workshops led by Mira, and a 1:1 session setup for you and Mira to dive deeply into an aspect of your project.  You will receive daily emails with creative writing prompt videos, as well as videos and photos from the current season at the Hedgebrook retreat on Whidbey Island. Each writer will also receive a lovingly curated box of goodies, just for writers, mailed right to your doorstep. Opportunities to meet virtually with other participants outside of the daily workshop sessions are offered 24/7. A private Slack channel is setup for all participants to share work, inspiration, and chat outside of the workshop sessions as well. A virtual orientation on May 17 sets the stage for your week in retreat, and offers an opportunity to meet the writers who will be in retreat with you!" Closed

Idaho Writers League Annual Conference. May 19 - 20, 2023: Sandpoint, Idaho. Workshops focusing on writing, publishing, marketing and IWL awards. Faculty has included Mary Buckham, keynoter; active settings for all fiction; pacing; one-on-ones; Jack Nisbet, memoirs, non-fiction; Janet Oakley, researching/writing historical fiction; Tom Reppert, character development, time-travel; Jim Payne, Jennifer Lamont Le. 

Pennwriters Conference. May 19 - 21, 2023: Pittsburgh, PA. The Annual Pennwriters Conference features three days of workshops, panels, networking and learning to help you learn, grow, soar! Friday, Saturday and Sunday feature an open attendance slate of one-hour workshops on all things writing. The schedule is structured with open attendance, so you can take whichever classes appeal to you. Attendees will have 40+ hours of sessions to choose from. Our faculty is comprised of published authors, literary agents and editors, and other writing industry professionals. Pitch appointments are available at no additional fee.

Biographers International Organization Conference. May 19 - 21, 2023: NY, NY. The conference features panels on current issues in biography and the craft of biography, including discussion of the topics of interviewing, writing about writers, and obituary writing. The conference also offers a unique opportunity to hear some of biography’s best—and best-known—writers share their stories. During the James Atlas Plenary, prominent biographers such as Douglas Brinkley, Annette Gordon-Reed, David Remnick, Stacy Schiff , T. J. Stiles, and Evan Thomas begin the day in casual conversation. The afternoon features a keynote lecture by the recipient of the BIO Award. Past recipients include Robert Caro, Ron Chernow, Arnold Rampersad, Jean Strouse, and Claire Tomalin. Panel sessions throughout the day provide tips for novice biographers, examination of the craft of biography, and exploration of issues aimed at seasoned biographers. And a highlight of the conference is the presentation of the Plutarch Award for the year’s best biography.

Writeaway in New Mexico. May 20 - 27, 2023: Casa Bellisima, New Mexico. $2,750 for private room; $2,350 each for friends or couple sharing a room Includes writing consultations and daily writing workshops, all meals, wine and cocktails, plus a cooking class and excursion. 

Crafting Novels In Verse: Workshop And Retreat. May 21 - 24, 2023: Honesdale, PA. From start to finish, the skills needed to craft a verse novel are unique– part poetry, part narrative, all heart. Join verse novelists Rajani LaRocca and Chris Baron, with special guest Cordelia Jensen, to explore this emotionally packed form of storytelling. We also include ample private retreat time so that you can write, wander, and connect with fellow poets.

Boldface Conference for Emerging Writers. May 22 - 26, 2023: Houston, Texas. Daily workshops, readings, craft talks, social events and professionalism panels in an intimate and supportive environment designed specifically with the needs of emerging writers in mind.

North Words Writers Symposium. May 24 - 27, 2023: Skagway, Alaska. "Exploring the Frontiers of Language," the North Words Writers Symposium welcomes all to an intimate setting with just 40 participants engaging with authors in a spectacular Alaska setting. Join this year's faculty of Alaska-NW authors for four days of panel discussions, writing workshops, readings, and adventure in Skagway, Alaska. Symposium events include activities such as hiking and writing workshops, a barbecue with live music at Alderworks Writers & Artists Retreat in Dyea; and a keynote banquet in a show garden.

The Writer’s Hotel Maine “Mini MFA”. May 24 - 30, 2023: Boothbay Harbor, Maine. "The Writer’s Hotel Maine “Mini MFA” is a unique, hybrid, comprehensive writing program. Our programming includes our TWH two-editor pre-conference Team Reading and our conference, to be held IN-PERSON at the Spruce Point Inn Resort and Spa in Boothbay Harbor, Maine! TWH Directors and Editors Shanna McNair and Scott Wolven will read and consult on each writer’s full length manuscript pre-conference in our “TWH Team Reading”. Each writer receives two sets of comments in their Team Reading—two editors read each manuscript. We also offer a follow-up phone call to discuss the comments and strategize next steps. No other writers conference delivers a full, comprehensive pre-conference manuscript reading and a conference call. We developed our program around the Team Readings—so that writers have their full manuscripts read all the way through, right from acceptance." Closed

Writing Heights Writers Conference. May 25-27, 2023: Fort Collins, CO. Workshops, seminars, speakers, entertainment, agent roundtables, pitch sessions, networking with authors and industry professionals. Will be held online and in person.

Balticon 57. May 26 - 29, 2023: Baltimore, MD. Balticon is sponsored by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society (BSFS). BSFS presents the Compton Crook Award, the Robert A. Heinlein Award, and the winner of the annual Jack L. Chalker Young Writer's Contest annually at this event. Multiple tracks of Programming over the four day weekend, featuring authors, artists, scientists, musicians, podcasters, publishers, editors, costumers and other creative SF luminaries. 

Peripatetic Writing Workshop and Retreat. May 29 - June 8, 2023: Kent, UK. The first week of the conference features daily workshops, discussions, readings, and time to write. The second week of the conference features writing time, discussions, readings, and individual manuscript tutorials. The workshop will be led by NYU teachers and authors Maureen Brady and Martha Hughes. 

ThrillerFest XIV. May 30 – June 3, 2023: New York City. This is the annual conference of the International Thriller Writers. The ThrillerFest conference has four main components: Master CraftFest, CraftFest, PitchFest, and ThrillerFest. Master CraftFest was designed as an educational tool for aspiring writers as well as debut and midlist authors to gain advanced training from the masters of the craft in an intimate, day-long training session. CraftFest was designed for all writers to learn from bestselling authors and subject experts who kindly offer their advice and assistance to advance attendees’ writing techniques and further their careers. PitchFest was designed to match writers with agents, editors, publishers, and producers. ThrillerFest, the final two days of the conference, is intended to offer readers a chance to meet the best authors in the industry and be introduced to debut and midlist authors. Expect innovative panels, spotlight interviews, and workshops to educate and inspire. 

The Crash Course In Children’s Book Publishing:Illustrator’s Edition. May 31 - July 26, 2023: Honesdale, PA. Join lead faculty Pat Cummings and Harold Underdown for this special Illustrator’s Edition of our Crash Course in Children’s Publishing. At the end of the course, you will understand how the children’s book publishing industry works for illustrators and author/illustrators, including ways to build your portfolio and engage with art-directors. Will be held online.

20 Publishers Accepting Novels, Poetry and Nonfiction Manuscripts NOW - No agent required

Wikimedia These twenty publishers have opened their doors to submissions - no agent required. They are looking for romance, thrillers, speculative fiction, kidlit, memoir, and more. All of these are traditional publishers, not vanity publishers. All pay royalties, but only the larger houses pay significant advances. 

When submitting to a publisher make sure you follow their guidelines carefully. Don't give anyone an excuse to throw out your work!

For a list of hundreds of publishers, organized by genre. that don't require an agent see Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts. 

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With Deadlines
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Verve Poetry Press. Genre: Full-length poetry manuscripts. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Propertius Press.  Genre: Literary fiction, children's fiction, YA, biography, memoir. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: May 15, 2023. May close early if cap is reached.

University Press of Kentucky. Genre: Books of poetry or fiction (novels, short story collections, etc.). Payment: Royalties. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series. Restrictions: Open to any individual living in the U.S. who identifies as an immigrant and who either (i) was born in another country, (ii) has at least one parent who was born in another country (iii) is a refugee, or (iv) lives in the United States under Asylum or a Protection Program, such as TPS or DACA. Genre: Books of poetry, prose (fiction or nonfiction), and hybrid texts of poetry and prose. Payment: In addition to publication, marketing, and a standard royalties contract from Black Lawrence Press, authors chosen for the Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series will receive a travel stipend of $500, which can be used for book tours or in any manner chosen by the authors. Deadline: May 31, 2023.

Meerkat Press. Genre: Full-length speculative fiction, novellas and novels. Darker themes. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: June 30, 2023.

No Deadlines

Avon is a commercial fiction publisher looking for crime, thriller, women’s and contemporary fiction, romance, romantic comedy, historical fiction, saga and time-slip fiction. They do not accept non-fiction, children’s books, YA or teen, sci-fi or fantasy submissions. Your submission should be between 70,000-90,000 words.  Please read full guidelines here . 
Pan Macmillan Australia accepts electronic manuscript submissions of fiction and commercial nonfiction, including memoir, directly from writers. Authors need not be Australian.  Read their submission guidelines here.

Tundra Books, Puffin Canada, and Penguin Teen Canada publish books for teens and children. They are open to direct submissions by underrepresented authors and illustrators only. Authors need not be Canadian.  Read their submission guidelines here.

Random House Canada has opened its doors to LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC writers, as well as those from other traditionally underrepresented communities. They are looking for commercial fiction in the following genres: literary, romance, speculative fiction, historical fiction, and mystery. The submissions inbox is open to writers from anywhere.  Read guidelines here.  

Unnerving publishes Horror, Crime, Mystery, & Dark General Fiction novels and novellas. The finished products will need to be between 20,000 and 110,000 words in length. 50/50 net royalties split. No contract fees. 5-year publishing terms. Unnerving also publishes anthologies.  Please read full guidelines here.

Haunted Doll House is an imprint of Agape Editions that publishes full-length novels and memoirs in print. "As our name suggests, we aren’t afraid of the dark: we live there. We want your horror stories, your mystery novels, your dark sf/f, your genre-resistant writing about the ecstasies, traumas, and terrors that took you to the very edges of yourself."  Please read full guidelines here. 

The Parliament House publishes Urban fantasy, Supernatural thriller, Paranormal romance, Dark fantasy, Horror and paranormal fiction with an emphasis on uplifting marginalized voices and unconventional narratives. "We strive to inscribe magic onto every page and to capture our passionate readership with the enduring power of storytelling. Our mission is not only to offer readers fantastical escapes, to make the impossible possible, but to share stories that are thought-provoking, evocative, and speak to the complexities of our lived reality."  Read their submission guidelines here.

Android Press is a small press that publishes science fiction, fantasy, and the various -punk subgenres. "We love stories that are full of hope and optimism. We also love stories that hold up a mirror to our society and force us reexamine our past and our values in order to move forward and build a better future." Accepts novels, graphic novels, and novellas. Read submission guidelines here.

Starry Eyed Press: 224-Verse and Galactic Treks is seeking space opera, 2,000 words to novel length. Payment: Royalty split.  Read guidelines here.

Red Dog Press is accepting crime, thriller, noir, cozy and mystery. "If you write thrillers, crime stories or mysteries with a unique voice, we want to hear from you. We'd love to find characters we haven't seen before and new angles on traditional crimes. Our small team are passionate about bringing the best stories to market, and our personal touch is aimed at bringing new voices to the crime and mystery world. We accept submissions from authors with or without agents, whether you're new to writing or already published. No standalone novels under 70,000 words, please."  Read guidelines here.


Publishers With Regional Restrictions

Penguin Random House SEA was launched in October 2018 to bring local writing from the South East Asian region to a wider audience, breaking barriers of language and geographies. "As one of the world’s premier English-language publishers, we publish across a whole range of genres and are home to some of today’s most revered names in fiction and non-fiction, poetry and prose. We are publishing and discovering new and established, local and international voices in English for adults and children primarily for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. We have a strong fiction and non-fiction list across every genre including biography, travel, business, politics, history, religion and philosophy, lifestyle and self-help."

Text Publishing Australia accepts non-fiction and fiction manuscripts, including middle grade and young adult, from Australian or New Zealand residents.
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Hachette Australia accepts work from Australian or New Zealand residents. They do not accept science fiction/fantasy, illustrated children’s books, illustrated books, cookbooks, poetry, self-help, screenplays or academic submissions.

Allen & Unwin accepts pitches for fiction and nonfiction manuscripts on Fridays. Please only apply to the Friday Pitch if you are currently living in Australia or New Zealand.

Lucent Dreaming is open to any genre, but has a preference for accessible literary, fantasy, sci-fi, speculative and/or surreal fiction. Word Limit: 40,000-80,000+ words, Pay Rate: Advance fee of £500, 20% royalties. You must be a UK resident for your work to be considered. They are especially looking for novel submissions from writers who are under-represented in UK publishing.

22 Literary Magazines Open NOW for Poetry, Short Fiction, Essays, CNF, Speculative Fiction and more — Paying markets

Lady Writing a Letter: Albert Edelfelt Here are 22 publications open for submissions now (no deadlines). All are paying markets, and none charge submission fees. Quite a few accept reprints.

You can find also upcoming calls for submissions with deadlines on my page: Calls for Submissions. Get a jump on next month's calls for submissions by checking that page periodically. (I only post paying markets.)

Don't forget to check out Paying Markets for hundreds of paying markets arranged by form and genre.

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The SFWA Blog is open to pitches for original nonfiction articles on topics that might be of interest to new and/or established creators of science fiction and fantasy. SFWA welcomes pitches from both members and nonmembers; Black, Indigenous, and other writers of color, as well as writers of other under-represented identities, are encouraged to submit article pitches. Payment: 10 cents/word.

Electric Literature's essays examine books and culture through a personal and critical lens. "We prefer full submissions on spec but accept detailed pitches as well. Instead, email a detailed pitch to editors@electricliterature.com with the subject line [ESSAY PITCH]. Pitches should describe the subject matter of the essay (which must be about books, writing, storytelling or narrative media like movies, games, and TV) and give a sense of the argument you plan to make or the story you plan to tell. We welcome thoughtful considerations of new releases, overlooked classics, childhood favorites—anything that can illuminate or be illuminated by the human experience. Requests for Electric Literature to cover your book or your client's book are not considered pitches. If your story is immediately time-sensitive or news-responsive, indicate this in your subject line; otherwise, please wait at least a week to follow up." Payment: $100.

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.


Armoured Fox Press: Indecent Exposure. Genre: Fiction. “The story MUST contain erotic content centered around public locations. This can be beaches, public parks, office buildings… wherever you might attract an audience of shocked passersby doing things you shouldn’t be doing in public... and some element must be furry (anthropomorphic animals). Length: 5,00-20,000 words, Payment: 1/2 cent/word. Deadline: Open until filled.

Bards and Sages Quarterly. Genre: All speculative genres (horror, fantasy, science fiction, slipstream, steampunk, magical realism, etc) up to 5,000 words in length. Payment: $30 for original fiction; $15 for reprints.

Goatshed Press. Genre: Short stories, flash fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Payment: £60 for stories and essays (over 1000 words) and £25 for poems and flash fiction. They are also looking to publish longer form work in 2023, including novels, novellas, graphic novels, non fiction books and short story collections. They are happy to consider any genre except children’s fiction.

Backyard Earth is a "round the world" series of books. The idea is that they will make five books - one for each continent (more or less). Each book will contain one story for every country on that continent. Submissions will stay open until they have a full complement. Short fiction only. Payment: $25.

Starry Eyed Press: 224-Verse and Galactic Treks. Genre: Space opera, 2,000 words to novel length. Payment: Royalty split. Read guidelines here.

Psychopomp. Genre: Nonfiction essays on art, short fiction, novels, movies, music, fashion, culture, entertainment, science, and more, that fall under the umbrella of goth, death, funerary, grief, loss, alternative, otherworldly themes. Payment: $50.

The International Human Rights Festival (IHRAF). Genre: Poem, short story, or essay (2500 words or less) Payment: $50.

Et Sequitur. "We are open to all genres, from literary to speculative and everything in between. Our only requirement is that your submission in some way connect with the latest Et Sequitur story, be that in character (minor, major, protagonist, antagonist), setting (neighborhood, world, workplace, house -- even a certain object could work, if it's featured prominently), or theme. Be creative! Continue the story, tell a side-character's story, take the theme and twist it in a new way. In the submission form, you'll be asked to identify which element of the previous story you've chosen to incorporate in your own." Submissions for the next issue will open once the previous issue is published (expected to be the first day of every-other month). They will temporarily close when a story has been chosen for the next issue. Payment: $25.

Assemble Artifacts is looking for stories of wonder and suspense. "We prefer stories of at least 5,000 words, but are open to longer and shorter works. Please include a one to three sentence pitch of your story, and an author bio with your submission. We are open to writers of all levels of experience." Payment: 8-10 cents per word for short fiction.

Jay Henge: The Back Forty. Genre: Speculative fiction. "In The Back Forty, we are looking for your stories that explore new, lawless frontiers, backwater towns, self-appointed sheriffs, lonesome explorers, bounty hunters, and other Wild West in Outer Space kinds of themes." Payment: $5 USD per 1000 words. Length: Up to 15k words. Open until filled.

Jay Henge: Sunshine Superhighway. Genre: Speculative fiction. "Solarpunk, cyberpunk, other planets, alternate worlds that might be nearly lost through our own hubris; futuristic fantasy and speculative-fiction stories of all kinds that are hopeful and leave us with the idea that despite the doom and gloom in the universe, things can possibly work out if we strive to make life better, even if in a small way." Payment: $5 USD per 1000 words. Length: Up to 15k words. Open until filled.

Jay Henge: The Kafka Protocol & the Burden of Compliance. Genre: Speculative fiction. "Do you have a story to tell about the struggles of navigating an endless sea of paperwork, the tedium and surrealism of bureaucratic procedures, the tyranny of faceless institutions, or some other aspect of the absurdity of Kafka-esque politics? We are excited to read your speculative fiction (SFF+) submissions and to bring together a collection of stories that will transport readers to a world that is both bizarre and thought-provoking." Payment: $5 USD per 1000 words. Length: Up to 15k words. Open until filled.

Radon. Genre: Short stories and poetry containing elements of anarchism, transhumanism, dystopia, and/or science fiction. Payment: 1 cent per word for original work, half a cent per word for reprints.

The Hungur Chronicles. Genre: Horror. Vampires or creatures with vampiric themes. Payment: The pay for original stories is $25.00; for reprints, $12.00. Payment for poems is $5. The pay for illustrations is $8.00. The payment for articles is $10. The pay for cover art is $25.00.

The Were-Traveler: Curst & Twysted Tarot. Genre: Short fiction. Choose an image you would like to write a story about. Payment: $10 for flash, $15 for short stories. Open until filled.

Fantasy Magazine. Restrictions: Open to BIPOC authors. Genre: Fantasy short stories, flash fiction, poetry. Payment: 8 cents per word; $40 per poem. 

Through the Gate: Fantastical poetry "We are looking for fantastical poetry of literary and emotional depth from a diversity of voices and perspectives. Our definition of fantastical is quite fluid, encompassing fantasy, magic realism, myth, folklore, surrealism and slipstream. We desire poetry that is atypically beautiful, unconventionally imaginative, and boundary-crossing. We are not interested in work that is strictly science fiction or mainstream, but poetry that blurs the lines between such genres and the fantastical is welcome." Length: Up to three poems. Payment: $20 per poem. Deadline: Open now.

Three-lobed Burning Eye. "Original speculative fiction: horror, fantasy, and science fiction. We're looking for short stories from across the big classifications and those shadowy places between: magical realism, fantastique, slipstream, interstitial, and the Weird. We will consider suspense or western, though we prefer it contain some speculative element. We like voices that are full of feeling, from literary to pulpy, with styles unique and flowing, but not too experimental. All labels aside, we want tales that expand genre, that value imagination in character, narrative, and plot. We want to see something new and different." Length: Short fiction 1000–7000 words, Flash fiction 500–1000 words, (2000–5000 preferred). Payment: $100 for short fiction, $30 for flash fiction; + 1 print annual. Deadline: Open now.

The Dark The Dark publishes dark fantasy and horror. "Don’t be afraid to experiment or to deviate from the ordinary; be different—try us with fiction that may fall out of “regular” categories. However, it is also important to understand that despite the name, The Dark is not a market for graphic, violent horror." Length: 2,000 – 6,000 words. Payment: 6 cents/word for original fiction up to 6,000 words on publication for first world rights; and 1 cent/word for reprint fiction up to 6,000 words on publication for nonexclusive reprint rights. Deadline: Open now.

6 New Agents Seeking Literary Fiction, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Nonfiction, Kidlit, YA and more

Here are six 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 everything from pop culture to fantasy. 

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

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Ms. Daisy Chandley of Peters Fraser & Dunlop (UK) 

Daisy Chandley is an Associate Agent and assistant to Head of Books Tim Bates and Senior Agent Annabel Merullo. After graduating from the University of Oxford with a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she joined Peters, Fraser & Dunlop. She works alongside Tim Bates as the UK sub-agent for New Directions Publishing in the US.

What she is seeking: I’m actively building a list of both fiction and non-fiction authors across a range of genres.

On the non-fiction side, I’m looking for bold new insights and underrepresented voices on popular science, nature writing, relationships, social issues and politics, and am always especially interested in fresh, playful and exciting writing on pop culture, love and the internet. I’d also love to see illuminating narrative non-fiction, whether a beautiful and lyrical exploration, or an enthralling and explosive deep-dive.

With fiction, my reading broadly falls into two main categories: sharp, witty and clever novels across a range of genres with just the right balance of emotion and edge, and things with a darker side, be it unputdownable thrillers, mysteries, or even a good old-fashioned ghost story. Whether it’s a delightfully fun and scandalous page-turner, or something more literary and experimental, if it’s stylish and smart, I’d love to see it. And I must admit – I’m an absolute sucker for a really good twist.

I’m also definitely interested in literary speculative fiction, though I’m not generally looking for SFF. Across the board, I’m always looking for stories that explore sexuality, race, gender, and disability, and would love to hear from writers whose voices and experiences aren’t given enough space in publishing.

Just a few(ish) of the writers whose work I love include Patricia Lockwood, Raven Leilani, Torrey Peters, Gillian Flynn, Shirley Jackson, Max Porter, Carmen Maria Machado, Virginia Woolf, Sayaka Murata, Kiley Reid, Laurie Colwin, Sally Rooney (sorry), George Saunders, Joan Didion, Amy Liptrot, Elif Batuman, Sarah Waters, Ottessa Moshfegh, Donna Tartt, Tana French, & Fernanda Melchor.

I’m also very keen to see anything that shares themes or style with wonderful shows like Succession, The White Lotus, I May Destroy You, or Severance – anything that has you on the edge of your seat one minute (even if just from the world’s most awkward conversation), laughing the next, and feeling punched in the chest by the time the credits roll.


How to submit: Please send the first three chapters (or around fifty pages) of your novel, as well as a full synopsis and a covering letter, with a brief CV of your writing career, if appropriate. For non-fiction projects, please send a detailed proposal, alongside the covering letter and CV to dchandley@pfd.co.uk

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Roma Panganiban of Janklow & Nesbit 

Roma Panganiban graduated from Allegheny College with a degree in English and Psychology before taking on graduate studies in Modern and Contemporary Literature & Culture at the University of York (UK), a writing internship in Nicaragua, academic tutoring in the suburbs of New Jersey, and office management for a theatrical costume studio in Manhattan. She began her publishing career at The Gernert Company before joining Janklow & Nesbit, where she now assists Chris Clemans and Chad Luibl and works with writers across the adult and children’s markets.

What she is seeking: Roma's taste leans literary, but she is open to a broad range of fiction, including novels and collections that embrace genre elements—speculative, historical, mystery, sci-fi, fantasy—as well as those that defy categorization altogether. She values prose that is thoughtful, clear, clever, and beautiful; compelling, idiosyncratic voices; and fresh, unexpected perspectives, particularly those of writers from underrepresented communities.

Roma is also interested in narrative nonfiction that reorients our understanding of history, culture, science, society, education, and ourselves, whether by established experts or fiercely curious upstarts, as well as creative nonfiction that appeals equally to the heart, mind, and sense of humor.

In children’s fiction, Roma prefers more high-concept, plot-driven MG and more introspective, character- and voice-driven YA, especially featuring protagonists who don’t often see themselves as the main character. In children’s nonfiction, she looks for books that help young readers better understand each other, themselves, and the universe around them.


How to submit: Read submission guidelines HERE.

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Chandler Wickers of Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency 

Chandler Wickers joined Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency in 2021 after an early career working in tech. She graduated from Washington and Lee University, where she played Division III soccer and earned a degree in English and Film, then going on to complete the Columbia University Publishing Course. 


What she is seeking: She is interested in representing adult fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, she is drawn to voice-driven literary fiction with a strong sense of place, and novels featuring coming of age stories, family sagas, and dark humor. In non-fiction, she is interested in journalism that flows like a good novel, comprehensive histories, war reporting, and adventure stories. As a San Francisco native and Brooklyn transplant, she is keen on stories that intersect tech and pop culture, and narratives that demystify a subculture or reveal an underbelly.

How to submit: Please send a query letter and the first few (up to 10) pages of your manuscript or proposal in the body of an email (not an attachment) to cw@skagency.com

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Ms. Kiya Evans of Mushens Entertainment

Kiya Evans has been working as Juliet Mushens' assistant since 2021. After graduating with a BA in History and English from Oxford University, she completed two internships at Mushens Entertainment, and joined as a full-time member of the team in February 2021.

What she is seeking: For fiction, Kiya is looking for: historical, reading group, literary, upmarket millennial, romcoms, and thrillers/psychological fiction. For non-fiction, Kiya is looking for: Narrative non-fiction that explores psychology, popular history or science. Kiya would love to see… a fresh take on the classic love story, something steeped in gothic tones or dark academia, and queer stories in all their forms.

How to submit: Please follow the agency's guidelines HERE. 
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Ms. Jess Hoare of The Zoe Pagnamenta Agency 

Jess Hoare joined the Zoë Pagnamenta Agency after internships at W.W. Norton and the Maria Carvainis Agency. Originally from Australia, she has a degree in English Literature with a minor in Gender Studies and Social Analysis from the University of Adelaide. 
What she is seeking: Jess is looking to represent both fiction and non-fiction, she’s interested in literary fiction, voice-driven upmarket fiction, food writing, narrative non-fiction, journalism, and cultural criticism.
How to submit: Please send a query letter to submissions@zpagency.com with a brief synopsis of your work and a short bio, along with up to 25 pages of sample material in the body of the email (no attachments will be opened)
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Caroline Miranda of Don Congdon Associates 

After graduating from New York University with a B.A. in English & American Literature in 2018, Caroline interned with Don Congdon Associates and the Lotts Agency before rejoining DCA as their assistant in 2019. Caroline is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents’ DEI committee. She also serves on the Literary Agents of Change’s Board of Directors and co-directs its Fellowship Program. 

What she is seeking: Caroline is looking to represent diverse voices in speculative fiction, in both the children’s and adult markets, as well as select nonfiction. In fiction, Caroline is interested in representing gothic horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Within those genres, she particularly enjoys high-concept, plot-driven work with strong world-building, character development, and compelling emotional stakes. Caroline is also seeking short stories in any speculative genre collected around a theme and with a strong sense of purpose. 

As for Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction, Caroline gravitates to lovable casts of characters, coming-of-age stories, and adventure plots. 

In nonfiction, Caroline is looking for engrossing narrative nonfiction with an intersectional perspective that guides readers through history or science in an approachable and deeply personal way.

How to submit: Use her query manager HERE.

85 Calls for Submissions in April 2023 - Paying markets

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

I post 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.
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Happy submitting!

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Totally Entwined: All Hallow's Harem/Paranormal. Genre: Novellas, 30,000 - 50,000 words. Theme: Harem with paranormal characters. LGBTQ focus. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

Riddlebird. Genre: Literary fiction, personal essays, genre fiction. "For our summer issue, we will specifically be looking for humorous work, lighthearted pieces, or works that explore the humor woven through struggles." Payment: $100. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

Clinch. Genre: Fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. “Submissions do not have to mention the martial arts—though we prefer those that do. Instead, all submissions must share in the virtues of martial arts, those of patience, meditation, and surprise, whether that be in their technique or in their content.” Payment: $15 honorarium per accepted work, payable via Venmo on the day of publication. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

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


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: April 1, 2023. 

Ninth Letter. Genre: Poems, nonfiction, and short fiction. Payment: $25 for poetry, $75 for prose. Deadline: April 1, 2023. See theme.

The Other Stories (Audio). Genre: Horror on themes. Payment: 15 GBT. Deadline: April 1, 2023. See themes.

Salamander. Genre: Poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

The Woodward Review. Genre: Poetry, prose, art, and digital media from anyone, anywhere. Payment: $25. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

Violent Delights & Midsummer Dreams: An Anthology of Shakespeare Retellings. Genre: Dark/Gothic Shakespeare retellings (5,000 - 8,000 words) "We want stories that bring fresh new perspectives on the classic stories, bonus points for providing a Gothic twist. Give us Romeo & Juliet with Zombies or the real story of the Wayward Sisters. Deconstruct tropes and bring unique voices to life." Payment: US: $40 + author copy/non-US: $45 + ebook author copy). Deadline: April 1, 2023.

West Branch. Genre: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and translation. Payment: $50 per submission of poetry, and $.05/word for prose with a maximum payment of $100. Deadline: April 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: April 1, 2023.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction on theme of Sky's the Limit. Payment: $50 via PayPal for each story selected for an Anthology. No payment for online publication. Deadline: April 2, 2023.

Witness. Genre: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction. Payment: $50. Deadline: April 2, 2023. Free submissions for Black and Indigenous writers only. May close early.


Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores. Genre: Speculative stories. Payment: 8 cents/word for original work. 2 cents/word for reprints. Deadline: April 2, 2023. Opens April 1.

Arkana: Micro Issue. Genre: Poetry, flash fiction, short CNF (500 words max). "We want work that celebrates its smallness, amplifies the tiniest voices with the most to say, and challenges society’s perceptions of the marginal, modest, and miniscule." Payment: All entries will be considered for an editor's choice payment of $50. Deadline: April 2, 2023.

Shoreline of Infinity. Genre: Science fiction, fantasy, 6000 words max. Payment: £20/1000 words. Deadline: April 2, 2023. Accepts translations of stories originally published in another language.

Voices from the Mausoleum. Genre: Horror short story that tells a complete story in a bathroom scene. Length: 1,500-4,000 words. Payment: $20 per piece. Deadline: April 3, 2023.

Bright Wall/Dark Room. Genre: Essay on theme: Katharine Hepburn. "We're looking for thoughtful, engaging pieces that offer fresh or unique perspectives on Hepburn and the artistry she brought to the screen.” Payment: $50. Deadline: April 6, 2023.

Poetry Wales. Genre: Poetry, reviews, articles. See theme. Payment: Poems £20/page. Reviews £67.50/1500-word review. Articles £200/3000 word, or in that proportion, depending on number of published words. Deadline: April 7, 2023.

Lightspeed. Genre: Science fiction. Payment: 8 cents per word. Deadline: April 7, 2023. 

The Fabulist. Genre: Fantastical and genre fiction. Payment: $25. Deadline: April 8, 2023. See theme.

Griffith Review: The Leisure Principle. Genre: Nonfiction and fiction. "The leisure principle is one of work hard to play hard, a rigorous pursuit of monetarised hedonism: YOLO, live your best life, have a good time all the time. It has rendered the world a pleasure garden – for those who can afford it – of interminable excess and consumption without end. From the ecstasy of the digital to the monied spectacle that is sport, the gamification of everyday life to the flourishing hierarchy of influencers, new codes and disciplines have emerged from this regimentation of recreation." Payment: Negotiated. Deadline: April 10, 2023.

Mslexia. Restrictions: Open to women. Genre: Fiction poetry, nonfiction. Payment: £25. Deadline: April 10, 2023.

So to Speak. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and visual art. "We are looking for work that matches our intersectional feminist viewpoint." Payment: $100 per contributor. Deadline: April 10, 2023. No submission fee for Black/Indigenous writers.

Samjoko Magazine is devoted to publishing "exemplary work from content creators around the world. Focusing mainly upon the written word, we hope to create an immersive digital and print platform that stands out for its honesty and desire to take risks for the sake of artistic expression. We have no set aesthetic, though different themes will be focused upon periodically. We aim to publish seasonally, with our inaugural issue expected to be released early 2022. Response times vary  between 1 day to 4 months. Apologies in advance for form rejections. Our goal is to publish 15 pieces per issue." Payment: $20. Deadline: April 10, 2023.

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

Narrative. Genre: Short story, novel excerpt, novella, poem, or literary nonfiction. Payment: Up to $1000. Deadline: April 14, 2023. (Narrative does not charge submission fees during the first two weeks of April.)


Cast of Wonders. Genre: YA Speculative fiction. Podcast. Theme: Banned Books Week. 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: April 14, 2023. 

All Women are Werewolves: An Anthology of Womanhood. Restrictions: Open to women, inclusive of those who identify as non-binary and trans women. Genre: Short stories. "This anthology is a collection of stories about the transformative experiences that shape womanhood; dark, uncanny, curious and captured by vivid, varied feminine voices." Payment: £100 plus author copies of the book. Deadline: April 14, 2023. 

Translunar Travelers Lounge. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $0.03 per word with a minimum of $20. Deadline: April 15, 2023. (Note: April 15-21 is reserved for writers of color)

Gallery of Curiosities. Genre: Speculative fiction up to 7,500 words. See themes. Payment:1 cent/word for reprints, 5 cents/word for original stories. Podcast. Print anthology is not paying at this time. Deadline: April 15, 2023. Accepts reprints.


Room Magazine. Restrictions: Room publishes fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and art by folks of marginalized genders, including but not limited to women (cisgender and transgender), transgender men, Two-Spirit and nonbinary people. See theme. Genre: Original short stories, poems, creative non-fiction, or art. Payment: $50 (CAD) for one page 60 for two pages, $90 for three pages, $120 for four pages, $150 for five or more pages. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

House of Zolo’s Journal of Speculative Literature. Genre: Short stories and poetry that explore possibilities for the future. Theme: Artificial Intelligence. Word count: up to 5,000 words. Payment: $25 CND for poems and between $50 and $75 CND per short story. Deadline: April 15, 2023. Reprints accepted, provided they are not currently available for free online.


Over/Exposed. Restrictions: "We prioritize the work of graduate students, so please indicate in your submission if you are a graduate student, including your university, and department." Open internationally. Genre: Flash, short fiction, and non-fiction personal essays/memoir, poetry, reviews, experimental, art. "We are focused on the publication of works that are vulnerable, experimental, a little bit weird and sexy." Payment: CAD $15, Deadline: April 15, 2023.

FlowerSong Press. Restrictions: Open to Latinx authors. Genre: Horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Length: 75,000 to 150,000 words. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

Bull City Press: Inch. Genre: Small collections—a minimum of three stories or essays, or a constellation of poems, between 10-16 pages in length. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

Consequence Magazine: The Culture of War. Genre: Short fiction, poetry, nonfiction, interviews, reviews, and visual art mainly focused on the culture of war. Payment: $20 - $60 for prose and poetry, $150 for art. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

The Devil Take You: Tales of Medieval Horror. Genre: Weird tales set in the medieval period that explore the human (and inhuman) experience through the lens of horror. Payment: $125 - $200. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

Gival Press, LLC. Genre: Full-length fiction, non-fiction (essays / educational texts), and poetry. Publications are in English, French, and Spanish. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 15, 2023. Queries only.

Dose of Dread. Genre: Horror flash fiction. Length: 500 – 1,000 words. Payment: 2c/word. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

Invisible City. Genre: Prose up to 5,000 words, all genres. Payment: $20. Deadline: April 16, 2023.

Daikaijuzine. Genre: Speculative fiction, poetry, art. Payment: $10.00 for each short story, and $5.00 for each poem and flash fiction piece. Deadline: April 16, 2023.

Flash Fiction Online. Genre: Speculative (science fiction, fantasy, slipstream, and horror) and literary flash fiction. Length: 500- to 1000-words. Payment: $80. Deadline: April 21, 2023.

Hoax. Genre: "Creative work that incorporates text." Payment: £50. Deadline: April 23, 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: April 23, 2023. Nonfiction pitches.
Mudroom. Genre: Poetry, fiction, essays, and essays in translation. Payment: $15. Deadline: April 25, 2023.

Off Topic Publishing: Poetry Box. Genre: Poetry. Payment $40 CAD. Deadline: April 25, 2023.


Strange Horizons. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: 10¢/word USD. Deadline: Opens on April 26, 2023. Submissions capped at 1,000.

The Other Stories (Audio). Genre: Horror on themes. Payment: 15 GBT. Deadline: April 29, 2023. See themes.

Ofic. Genre: Short fiction, flash fiction, nonfiction, art. "Send us your dead doves, your blorbos, your plinkos, your wretched meow meows yearning to be free; that thing you wrote that made you think, “I don’t know where this belongs”; the stuff you’d never show anyone you know IRL. Give us your shameless, self-indulgent smut; the manuscript to the video essay you dictated to your YouTube subscribers in your head; your thoughtful explorations of trauma and identity; your Pepe Silvia wall; your sci-fi, your fantasy, your romance, your realism. We want anything and everything. As long as you identify as a fan, we want to read your work." (Up to 12,000 words). Payment: Small honorarium. Deadline: April 30, 2023.


Strange Machines: An Anthology of Dark User Manuals. Genre: "We are looking for your darkest, strangest microfiction in the form of user manuals, FAQs, and how-to guides for the use of (or by) robots!" Length: 250 words max. Payment: $10. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Boulevard. Genre: Poems up to 200 lines. Send up to five poems. Also fiction and nonfiction. Payment: $50-$250 for poetry, and $100-300 for prose. Deadline: April 30, 2023. No submission fee for mailed submissions.


Massachusetts Review. Genre: Fiction, poetry, hybrid, translations. Payment: $100. Deadline: April 30, 2023. Fee for online submissions. No fee for USPS.


Shoreline of Infinity. Genre: Science fiction, fantasy, 6000 words max. Theme: Climate Change. Payment: £20/1000 words. Deadline: April 30, 2023. Accepts translations of stories originally published in another language.

After Happy Hour. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, comics. Payment: $10. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

The Haunted Zone. Restrictions: Open to those who identify as a woman and have served in the military. Genre: Horror. THEME: Hauntings/to be haunted/to haunt. Payment: 3 cents/word. $10 minimum. Deadline: April 30, 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: April 30, 2023. Fiction, completed nonfiction and poetry.

Inklings Press. Genre: Fantasy, sci fi and horror with a strong mystery or investigation theme. Length: around 5,000 words. Payment: $100. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

The Temz Review. Genre: Prose (fiction and creative non-fiction) up to 10,000 words long. Payment: $20. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Otoroshi Journal. Genre: Horrorku, horror tanka, and horror haibun, art. Payment: Poetry, $1. Art, $10. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Read on the Run. Genre: Short fiction. Word count: 1,200 to 7,000 words. Theme: Weather. Payment: $20. Deadline: April 30, 2023. Accepts reprints.

Planisphere Quarterly. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $25. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Nine Arches. Genre: Poetry collections. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Plenitude Magazine "Plenitude Magazine aims to promote the growth and development of LGBTTQI literature through an online publication of literary fiction, nonfiction, poetry, graphic narrative, book reviews and short film by both emerging and established LGBTTQI writers. We define queer literature and arts as works created by LGBTTQI people, rather than works which feature queer content alone." Payment: $50 - $100. Deadline: April 30, 2023 for international writers. Rolling submissions for Canadians.

Mythic. Genre: Science fiction, fantasy short stories. Length: 2,000-5,000 words. Payment: 1 cent/word for original fiction, $25 for reprints. Deadline: April 30, 2023.


Hub City Press. Genre: Books of literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, regional nonfiction, nature, and art. "We are seeking new and extraordinary voices from the American South." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 30, 2023. Note: Submit nonfiction only.

Strange Aeon. Genre: Stories in a cosmic horror/Lovecraftian vein. Payment: $20 - $35. Deadline: April 30, 2023, or until filled. See theme,


Variant Lit. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction Payment: $10. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Haven Speculative. Genre: Speculative fiction and poetry. Payment: 1 cent/word for fiction and $5 - $10 for poetry. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Terrain.org. Genre: Poetry, nonfiction, fiction, artwork, videos, and other contributions on place, climate, and justice. Payment: $50. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

The Threepenny Review. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $400 per story or article, $200 per poem or Table Talk piece. Deadline: April 30, 2023. (Nonreading period: May 1 through December 31.)

Mythaxis. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $20. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

JMS Books. Genre: LGBTQ romance stories, 12,000 words minimum. See theme. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

The Rabbit Hole. Genre: Weird stories and poems. Theme: “Destination: Journey”. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Soul Ink: Volume 1. Genre: Poetry. 1,000 word count minimum (not line count) Payment: Royalties (?). Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Dark Recesses Press. Genre: Horror/dark fiction pieces 500-5000 words. Payment: 5 cents/word. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Brick. Genre: Nonfiction. Payment: $55–660, depending on the length of accepted work, plus two copies of the issue the work appears in and a one-year subscription to the magazine. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Dragon Soul Press: Pirate Gold. Genre: "All stories featuring pirates are welcome. From Pirates of the Caribbean to Treasure Planet and everything in between." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Mud Season Review. Genre: Poetry, Fiction, CNF, Art. Payment: $50. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Harbor Review. Genre: Poetry, art. Payment: $10. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Psychopomp. Genre: Speculative fiction or literary novellas between 20,000 to 40,000 words. See themes. Payment: advance against royalties of $750, as well as 25% of net net receipts. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Martian: The Magazine of Science Fiction Drabbles. Genre: Science fiction of exactly 100 words. Payment: Original fiction, 8 cents/word. Reprints, 4 cents/word. Deadline: April 30, 2023. Reprints accepted.

khōréō. Restrictions: Open to writers who identify as an immigrant or member of a diaspora in the broadest definitions of the terms. "This includes, but is not limited to, first- and second-generation immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented migrants, persons who identify with one or more diaspora communities, persons who have been displaced or whose heritage has been erased due to colonialism/imperialism, transnational/transracial adoptees, and anyone whose heritage and history includes ‘here and elsewhere’. We especially encourage BIPOC creators who identify as the above to submit their work." Genre: Stories, essays, and art: fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and any genre in between or around it, as long as there’s a speculative element. Payment: 0.08/word for fiction, $100 for nonfiction, and $40-300 for art. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Lightspeed. Restrictions: Open to BIPOC writers only. Genre: Fantasy short fiction. Payment: 8 cents per word. Deadline: April 30, 2023.


And a few more...

Cemetery Gates. Genre: Horror novels and novellas. Payment: Novel: $500-2,000 advance, 60% royalties to author. Novella: $500-1,000 advance, 60% royalties to author. Deadline: Opens May 1, 2023. 

Struggle Magazine. Genre: Poetry, short stories (1000-7500 words), personal essays (1000-4500 words), art criticism (1000-4500), short plays, and play excerpts. "We are not genre specific, just looking for good and honest writing. We highlight writers who have some kind of a connection to the DC, Maryland, Virginia area." Payment: $75 per contributor. Deadline: May 1, 2023
The First Line. Genres: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction using the first line provided. (See site.) Payment: $25.00 - $50.00 for fiction, $5.00 - $10.00 for poetry, and $25.00 for nonfiction. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

Nonbinary Review: Epic Fail. Genre: Poetry, fiction, essays, and art around the theme of Epic Fail. Payment: 1 cent per word for prose, and a flat fee of $10 for poetry. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

Last Girls Club. Genre: Feminist horror: short stories and poems - see themes. Payment: Short Story-2,500 words or less. $0.01 USD per word/$25 USD and copy of magazine; Flash Fiction-less than a 1,000 words $0.01 USD per word/$10 USD; Poems-less than 200 words $10 upon acceptance and a PDF of the magazine. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

Foglifter. Genre: Foglifter is a biannual compendium of  queer and trans writing. It’s a space where LGBTQ+ writers celebrate, mourn, rage, and embrace. "Foglifter welcomes daring and thoughtful work by queer and trans writers in all forms, and we are especially interested in cross-genre, intersectional, marginal, and transgressive work. We want the pieces that challenged you as a writer, what you poured yourself into and risked the most to make. But we also want your tenderest, gentlest work, what you hold closest to your heart. Whatever you're working on now that's keeping you alive and writing, Foglifter wants to read it." Payment: $25. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

Tales of the Apocalypse. Genre: Post-Apocalyptic. Length: 5,000 to 10,000 words. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

Rich People Being Shitty: Tales of the Super Wealthy and Depraved. Genre: Fictional short stories ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 words examining the ways in which the most affluent among us commit wrongs. Payment: Either $25 or $35, Deadline: May 1, 2023.

Grumpy Old Gods Anthology. Genre: Speculative fiction stories about retired gods. Theme: "Grumpy Gods, particularly those who might be using their abilities in a post-internet environment.  Maybe Mercury is heavily invested in Google.  Janus might be the reason for crypto.  Heck, I bet that Aphrodite owns 90% of every single florist in the country.  Do your gods still have the juice, or have their powers gotten a little wonky as they have gotten older?  Make it Grumpy.  Make it funny." Length: 3,000-4,000 words. Payment: A percentage of the profits. Deadline: May 1, 2023.

51 Writing Contests in April 2023 - No entry fees

Wallpaper Flare This April there are more than four dozen free writing contests for short fiction, novels, poetry, CNF, nonfiction, and plays. Prizes range from $100,000  to publication. None charge entry fees.Some of these contests have age and geographical restrictions, so read the instructions carefully.

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

Good luck! 

____________________


PEN America’s U.S. Writers Aid Initiative. Restrictions: Applicants must be professional writers based in the United States, and be able to demonstrate that this one-time grant will be meaningful in helping address a short-term emergency situation. Prize: Grant, amount not specified. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest. This contest seeks today's best humor poems, published and unpublished. Please enter one poem only, 250 lines max. Prize: $3,500 in prizes, including a top prize of $2,000, and publication on Winning Writers. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

Tales to Terrify. Genre: Horror based on image provided. Length: 1500 words max. Prize: $50. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

The Kentucky State Poetry Society Student Contest. Restrictions: Open to public, private, and homeschool students in grades 3-12. Genre: Poetry. Prize: Winners are invited to read their poems at the annual meeting. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

The Marguerite and Lamar Smith Fellowship for Writers. Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians awards fellowships for writers to spend time in McCullers' childhood home in Columbus, Georgia. The fellowships are intended to afford the writers in residence uninterrupted time to dedicate to their work, free from the distractions of daily life and other professional responsibilities. Award: Stipend of $5000 to cover costs of transportation, food and other incidentals. Fellowship recipients will be required to introduce or advance their work through reading or workshop/forum presentations. The Fellow will work with the McCullers Center Director to plan a presentation near the end of the residency. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

EACWP Flash Fiction Contest. Restrictions: The contest is open to any participant living in Europe (including countries culturally linked to Europe such as Russia, Turkey, and Israel). Eleven different European languages will be leading this year’s competition: English, Spanish, Catalan, Portuguese, French, German, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, Hebrew and Czech. Genre: Flash fiction. Length: 100 words. The topic is "Incorrect." Prize: €600 top prize. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

Mike Resnick Memorial Award: Best Unpublished Science Fiction Short Story by a New Author. Restrictions: Open to an author who has not had any work published (including short stories, novelettes, novellas, and novels in paper, digital or audio form) that has been paid a per-word rate of 6 cents a word or more or received a payment for any single work of fiction totaling more than $50. Genre: Science fiction short story, up to 7,499 words. Prize: $250.00 and publication. Deadline: April 1, 2023.

The Great American Think-Off. Genre: Essay on the theme: “Which is more important to protect: the environment or the economy?” Entrants should take a strong stand agreeing or disagreeing with this topic, basing their arguments on personal experience and observations rather than philosophical abstraction. Essay should be no more than 750 words. Prize: One of four $500 cash prizes. Deadline: April 1, 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: April 3, 2023.

Gwenn A. Nusbaum / WWBA “Poets To Come” Award. Restrictions: Open to poets at the beginning of their careers, ages 25-35 years. Prize: $1500 scholarship. Deadline: April 3, 2023.

Booker International Prize. The Booker International 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. 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: For books published between April 1 and Sept 30, 2023 the entry form is due by April 3, 2023.

FSG Fellowship. Restrictions: Open to emerging writers from an underrepresented community. US resident or citizen. Genre: Debut work  of poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. Submit work samples as part of the application: 8-12 pages for poetry, and 40-50 pages for prose. Work samples can include previously published work and need not be from a single selection of the work. Prize: Stipend of $15,000 and mentorship. Fellowship begins on September 1, 2023. Note: Farrar, Straus & Giroux is part of Macmillan. Deadline: April 3, 2023. 


Randall Albers Young Writers Award. Restrictions: Open to  all Chicago-area students currently enrolled in grades 9–12. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction. Prize: $500 top prize, Deadline: April 3, 2023.

Invisible City Blurred Genre Flash Contest. Genre: Flash fiction, prose poetry or a combination. Length: 750 words max. Prize: $500, $200 and $100. Deadline: April 7, 2023. See theme.

Furious Fiction. Genre: Flash fiction. "On the first Friday of every month, a new set of story prompts will be revealed. You will have 55 hours to submit your best 500-word (or fewer) story." Prize: $500AUD. Deadline: April 9, 2023. Opens on April 7.

Scotiabank Giller Prize. Restrictions: Open to books published in Canada in English. Books must be published in Canada in English between March 1, 2023, and April 30, 2023 to be eligible for the 2023 Prize. Must  be nominated by publisher. Genre: Fiction. Full-length novel or collection of short stories published in English, either originally, or in translation. Prize: $100,000 to the winner and $10,000 to each of the finalists. Deadline: April 14, 2023.

Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships. Restrictions: Applicants must reside in the U.S. or be U.S. citizens. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and no older than 31 years of age as of April 30, 2023. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $27,000.  Deadline: April 14, 2023. Please register for the online portal by April 10, 2023 if you intend to apply.

Hefner Heitz Kansas Book Award in Poetry (Kansas Book Award). Restrictions: Author must establish a connection to Kansas by birth, education, employment, residence or other significant claim. Genre: Novel or collection of short stories. The nominee's book must have a publication date of 2020, 2021, or 2022. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

Dancing Poetry Festival. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $100 top prize. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

The F. Sean Hodge Prize for Poetry in Medicine. Restrictions: Open to current medical students, residents, or fellows or physicians who have completed post-graduate training. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $250. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

Superhero Competition. Genre: Graphic novel that incorporates green solutions. Prize: The winner will receive a £500 prize, and a scene from the winner’s story turned into a 1-page comic strip, made by a professional artist. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

53-Word Story Contest. Genre: Flash fiction of exactly 53 words about a date. Prize: Publication and a free book. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

Brilliant Flash Fiction. Genre: Flash fiction. Word limit: 400 words, excluding title. Prize: $200 first prize, $100 second prize, $50 third prize. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

Wick Poetry Center Undergraduate Poetry Competition. Restrictions: The competition is open to any undergraduate currently enrolled at Kent State University. Genre: Poem, maximum 100 lines long. Prize: One-time $1,500 scholarship to Kent State University. Second and third prize: $1,000 and $500 one-time scholarships. Deadline: April 15, 2023. 

Margaret Gibson Poet Laureate Poetry Award. Genre: Poem on nature in a time of global climate crisis. Prize: 1st – $300; 2nd – $200; 3rd - $100. Deadline: April 15, 2023. 

If There's Anyone Left. Restrictions: Open to those who identify as a person of color, LGBTQ+, disabled, or of a marginalized gender. Genre: Speculative micro-fiction. Length: Up to 500 words. Prize: $250 US. Second prize: $100. 3rd Prize: $50. Deadline: April 15, 2023.

Bacopa Literary Review. Genres: Fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry. Prizes: First ($200) and Runner-Up ($160) prizes in each genre. All published will receive $20 and a copy of the print journal. After publication, Bacopa will be promoted online. Deadline: April 16, 2023.

The Lucien Stryk Asian Translation Prize. Genre: Book-length translations into English of either a) poetry or b) source texts from Zen Buddhism (which must not consist solely of commentaries). Both translators and publishers are invited to submit titles. Book must have been published in previous year. Prize: $6,000. Deadline: April 17, 2023.

American Literary Translators Association Italian Prose in Translation Award. Genre: Translation of a recent work of Italian prose (fiction or literary non-fiction). Both translators and publishers are invited to submit titles. Book must have been published in previous year. Prize: $5,000. Deadline: April 17, 2023. 

The Women’s Prize for Playwriting. Restrictions: Open to female or non-binary residents in the UK, Republic of Ireland or in a British Overseas Territory, or have a British Forces Post Office address. Genre: Play. Prize: £12,000 top prize. Deadline: April 17, 2023. 

Write the World Competitions. Restrictions: Young writers ages 13-19.5. Genre: Poem: Particles of Life. Prize: Best Entry: $100; Runner up: $50. Deadline: April 18, 2023. (Note: This is a monthly contest)

Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors. Created by the Missouri Humanities Council, the Warrior Arts Alliance, and Southeast Missouri State University Press, this series of anthologies preserves and shares military service perspectives of our soldiers and veterans of all conflicts and of their families. It is not only an outlet for artistic expression but also a document of the unique aspects of wartime in our nation's history. Genres: Poetry, Short Fiction, Essay, Photography, Interview with a Warrior. Prize: $250 and publication. Deadline: April 21, 2023.

Hey Alma's Short Fiction Contest. Genre: Jewish short stories. Length: 3,000 words max. Prize: $250 top prize. Deadline: April 24, 2023. 

Whiting Foundation Creative Nonfiction Grant. Restrictions: Open to US citizens and residents only. Genre: Creative nonfiction. Whiting welcomes submissions for works of history, cultural or political reportage, biography, memoir, the sciences, philosophy, criticism, food or travel writing, and personal essays, among other categories. Writers must be completing a book of creative nonfiction that is currently under contract with a publisher. Prize: $40,000. Deadline: April 25, 2023.

Toronto Book Awards. Genres: All genres accepted. Restrictions: Submission "must evoke the city itself, that is, contain some clear Toronto content (this may be reflected in the themes, settings, subjects, etc.). Authors do not necessarily have to reside in Toronto. Ebooks, textbooks and self-published works are not eligible. Prize: A total of $15,000 CD will be awarded. Each shortlisted author (usually 4-6) receives C$1,000 and the winning author is awarded the remainder. Deadline: April 28, 2023. (For books published between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023) 

Friends of Falun Gong, Poetry Contest. Genre: Poem. Submit one or two poems of no more than 50 lines each. Poems must encompass at least one of the following themes: Advocate for Falun Gong practitioner’s fundamental human rights. Expose the crimes against Falun Gong perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party. Share in the beauty, peacefulness and good nature of Falun Gong. Prizes: $500, $250, $100. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Under the Madness Teen Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to any teen between the ages of 13-19 years old living on Planet Earth. Genre: Poem. Prize: $250. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Space Crone Prize. Restrictions: The prize is open to UK-based entrants who identify as one or more of: women, intersex, non-binary, agender, genderfluid and trans. Genre: Speculative fiction. The Space Crone Prize invites short fiction that speculates about questions about difference and gender. Prize: £1,000 top prize. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Al Blanchard Short Crime Story Award. Genre: Crime short story. 5,000 words maximum, with a New England setting (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island) or by a New England writer. Mystery, thriller, suspense, caper, and horror genres all welcome. Prize: $100. Deadline: April 30, 2023. (?? Website appears to be on the fritz)

The Astra International Picture Book Writing Contest. Genre: Picture book. Prize: $5,000 top prize. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Baen Fantasy Adventure Award. Genre: Adventure fantasy, 8K words max. Prize: Winner will be published as the featured story on the Baen Books main website and paid at industry-standard rates for professional story submittals. The author will also receive a handsome engraved award and a prize package containing $500 of free Baen Books. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Author of Tomorrow. Restrictions: Open to children and youth up to age 21. Genre: Adventure writing. Prize: 11 and Under | 500 words | Prize: £100 plus £150 book tokens for your school; 12-15 years | 1,500 - 5,000 words | Prize: £100 plus £150 book tokens for your school; 16-21 years | 1,500 - 5,000 words. Prize: £1,000. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Claudia Ann Seaman Awards For Young Writers. Restrictions: High school students. Genre: Stories and poems. Prize: $200. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Erbacce-prize for Poetry (UK) Genre: Poetry collection. Prize: Winner will be given a publishing contract with erbacce press who will publish a perfect-bound collection of the winner's book. "We will pay all costs including the legal registering of the book and supplying copies to the major libraries. The book will be sold through our sales/shop pages and the poet will be paid 20% royalties." Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Jessamy Stursberg Poetry Contest for Canadian Youth. Restrictions: Open to Canadian citizens or residents attending junior high or high school. Genre: Poetry. Prize: C$400 in each of two age categories: Junior (grades 7-9) and Senior (grades 10-12). Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Storyhouse. Genre: Nonfiction animal stories. Stories must be true, not semi-fictional accounts. 1000 - 10,000 words in length. Stories must be suitable for children. Prize: $200. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

E-waste 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 e-waste. Prize: $1000 scholarship. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

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: April 30, 2023. Reprints are ok so long as you still have the rights to distribute.

The Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction. Genre: A book-length work of imaginative fiction written by a single author published in the U.S. in English or in translation to English. (In the case of a translated work winning the Prize, the cash prize will be equally divided between author and translator) Publication date between May 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. Prize: $25,000. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

#GWstorieseverywhere. Genre: Micro fiction. Your story must be no longer than 25 words, with a max of 280 characters, including spaces and the hashtag. See themes. Prize: Free Gotham class. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Ralph Angel Poetry Prize. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $250 and publication. Deadline: April 30, 2023.

30 Awesome Writing Conferences and Workshops in April 2023

Monterey PICRYL This April there are more than two dozen writing conferences and workshops. Some conferences and workshops will be held online, but some 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.

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Rananim online classes Courses run for eight weeks from April through May. "Participants receive personalized feedback on assignments from their instructor, as well as responses from classmates on discussion board forums. All instructors are university professors and/or working professional writers, who have experience teaching at the Taos Summer Writers’ Conference. Classes are limited to 15 students who will engage in conversation with you and your work. Firm deadlines and feedback help keep you writing and improving your work throughout the class." International students accepted. Cost: $400 per class.

Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference. April 1, 2023: NJ. "In addition to our wonderful and diverse keynote speakers, we have a number of editors and agents who will be attending to take pitches as well as some awesome writer and reader workshops!" 

Norwescon. April 6 - 9, 2023: Sea Tac, WA. Norwescon is one of the largest regional Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions in the United States. 

Authors' Salon at Clockwork Alchemy. April 7 - 9, 2023: San Mateo, California. Clockwork Alchemy is the San Francisco area's own steampunk convention. Originally a part of FanimeCon, Clockwork Alchemy is now its own independent event celebrating music, makers, dancing, writing, crafting, fashion, and fun related to steampunk!

"Writing in Proximity to History" April 7, 14, 21, 28, 3:00-6:00 PM EST. "This workshop will introduce participants to the creative practice of memory work and is designed for those who are just beginning a family or community history project. During our time together, we will journey to sites of our respective pasts, gather fragments and traces we find there, revisit family myths and origin stories, and write into the gaps between memory and history. Each two-hour session will introduce you to the work of other next generation writers and artists, offer creative research exercises and guided writing prompts, and provide a space to write together and workshop your writing with others." NOTE: This is a live online workshop. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link one week in advance of the workshop. Registration closes at noon on March 31, 2023.

Cognitive Dissonance Unlocked: Persona Poems that Give More than Poetry. April 12, 2023, "A common trend when reading poetry is to conflate the poet with the speaker. The easiest way to unlock the cognitive dissonance of hearing a voice that does not match the person it comes from is to view performances of persona poems from established artists who are masters at the task. Some of these literary greats include Airea Dee Matthews and Patricia Smith. In this 90-minute workshop, we will watch performances and discuss not only the feelings evoked by the poems but how the words and images presented conjure ideals for us that do not match the performer of the words." Held via Zoom. Free.

Las Vegas Writer’s Conference April 13 – 15, 2023: Las Vegas, Nevada. Join writing professionals, agents publishers and marketing experts for a weekend of workshops and enlightening discussions about the publishing industry. A chance to pitch your manuscript and ideas to agents. 

The Monterey Writer Retreat in California. April 13 - 17, 2023: Monterey, CA. Participants in the Monterey Writer Retreat will work one-on-one with two of the best literary "closers" in the business: Paula Munier, Michael Neff, and Jennifer Sander combine 60 years of working with aspiring authors and ushering them to publication. They will be available for multiple private consultations from 9 AM to noon and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM each day of the retreat. Choice of sessions and focus will be up to each individual writer. 

The 2023 Writing Workshop of San Francisco. April 14 - 15, 2023: Online. A full-day “How to Get Published” event. "This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more." Online format.

Rally of Writers Conference. April 15, 2023. Lansing, Michigan. Michigan authors and educators in 15 breakout sessions and workshops on all aspects of writing, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, the Nuts & Bolts of manuscript submissions, and more. 

Spring in Bloom. April 15, 2023: Chicago, Ill. "The story structure of a romance doesn't get talked about a lot, but structure is just as important in a romance as it is in a mystery or a work of speculative fiction. In this hands-on, example-driven workshop, we'll break down a romance into its essential skeletal blocks and then reconnect the bones to the sinews of the story (plot, character, motivation, etc) to show how all the components work together." In person and via Zoom.
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Emerge with Katey Schultz: A Free Writing Program. April 19 through May 4, 2023, weekdays from 12:00-1:15 pm ET: Online. "Join late, leave early, come to all sessions, come to a few sessions–there’s no wrong way to participate in the two-week EMERGE livewriting sessions. It is free, and everyone is welcome to join."


Nebraska Writers Guild Annual Conference and Writing Retreat. April 20 - 22, 2023: Omaha, NE. Workshops, pitch sessions with an agent and writing sessions followed by evening keynote speakers.

Colrain Classic. April 21 - 24, 2023: Arlington, Vermont. "The Colrain Manuscript Classic is a highly focused, 3.5 day conference designed for poets with manuscripts in progress. The Classic features in-depth pre-conference work and candid, realistic evaluation and feedback from nationally-known poets, editors and publishers. In preparation, participants work at home on pre-conference assignments and then, in the workshop, review, arrange, and winnow their work based on the pre-conference work. In addition to the manuscript preparation workshop and editor sessions, there will be an editorial Q&A, and an after-conference strategy session."

The Creativity Workshop in New York. April 21-24, 2023: New York, New York. "The Creativity Workshops take away the fear of writing and open the way to new ideas. They are especially helpful for writers in fiction, poetry, memoir, theatre and film to get over writing blocks. In our Creativity Workshop Retreats you will generate both new work and ideas for the work you are in the midst of creating. We use many different techniques to help you find your way through the novel, essay, poem, memoir, or script you are writing or hope to write. In The Creativity Workshop you will be doing free writing, writing from guided visualizations, collaborative writing, journaling and memoir work and even some rudimentary drawing, collage and photography." Apply by April 18.

Philadelphia Writing Workshop. April 22, 2023: Philadelphia, PA.  This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Philadelphia Convention Center. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

North Carolina Writers’ Network Spring Conference. April 22, 2023: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina. Features intensive workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as publisher exhibits, on-site "lunch with an author" readings, and an open mic. 

Writing in the Pines. April 22, 2023 (in person), Stockton University, Galloway, NJ. Choose from workshops in memoir, poetry and revision. Each workshop will meet for 6 hours and will offer craft discussion, writing prompts, writing time, sharing and inspiration. 

Creating Picture Books with Humor and Heart: A Working Retreat. April 23 - 126, 2023: Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Sponsored by Highlights Foundation. With Sunita Apte, Elise Broach and Emily Jenkins.

Breakout Novel Intensive 2.0. April 24 - 30, 2023: Hood River, OR. Included are new or revised units on story discovery, strong voice, standout characters, the inner journey, compelling story worlds, beautiful writing, creating resonance and finding meaning in both story and process. Breakout fundamentals are also covered: strong characters, inner conflict, personal stakes, plot layers, powerful scenes, micro-tension, practical theme techniques and much more. Instructor: Donald Maass. 

Chanticleer Authors Conference. April 27 - 30, 2023: Bellingham, Wash. Sessions with a special focus on the business of being a working writer on topics such as marketing, publicity, platform, sales tools & strategies, publishing, production, distribution, organization, storycraft, editing, and more. 

The Pikes Peak Writers Conference. April 27 -  April 30, 2023: Colorado Springs, Colorado. "The three-day conference is full of topical, in-depth workshops, dynamic keynote speakers, opportunities for one-on-one time with agents and editors, the chance to read your work aloud for constructive critique, plus time to socialize with fellow writers. Will be held in person.

Ozarks Writers League Conference. April 28 - 29, 2023: Branson, MO. The Ozarks Writers League is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting writing, literacy, photography, and art. Since 1983, OWL has welcomed individuals at all stages of their development. 

Malice Domestic. April 28 - 30, 2023, Bethesda, MD. Malice Domestic™ is an annual fan convention in the metropolitan DC area that celebrates the traditional mystery, books best typified by the works of Agatha Christie. The genre is loosely identified as mysteries which contain no explicit sex, or excessive gore, or violence. 

Poetry at Round Top Festival. April 28 - 30 2023: Round Top, Texas. Featuring: Camille Dungy, Victoria Chang, Pamela Uschuk, Lauren Camp, Cyrus Cassells, Ire’ne Lara Silva, David Meischen. 

Michigan Writers Workshop. April 29, 2023: Detroit, MI. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. .

Seattle Writers Workshop. April 29, 2023: Seattle, WA. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. 

San Diego Writing Workshop. April 29, 2023: San Diego, CA. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. 

Northeast Texas Writers Organization. April 29, 2023, Jefferson, TX. (?) One-day bootcamp. 

Austin SCBWI 2023 Writers & Illustrators Working Conference. April 29 -  30, 2023: Austin, TX. Conference on children's books with keynotes; general sessions; breakout sessions for writing, professional development and illustration; intensives for novels, picture books and illustration; critiques; pitches and more. Will be held in person.

Random House Opens to LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC Writers - No agent required

From the website:

Random House Canada is excited to open our submission policy exclusively to LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC writers, as well as those from other traditionally underrepresented communities. Effective immediately, unsolicited and unagented work can be sent directly to our editors within the RHC division at randomhousecanadasubmissions@penguinrandomhouse.com. 

Our hope is that this will go a small way toward removing some of the barriers that have existed for writers developing their craft outside of traditional avenues of literary exposure.

The submissions inbox is open to writers from anywhere.

What We’re Looking For

In particular, our editors are looking for high quality commercial fiction in the following genres: literary, romance, speculative fiction, historical fiction, and mystery. Please note that we do not currently accept screenplays, stage plays, young adult fiction, children’s fiction, or picture book queries. All non-fiction submissions must be submitted via a literary agent.

For a full manuscript, there are no strict restrictions on length. As a guideline, fiction manuscripts often fall between 70,000 and 100,000 words (or up to 120,000 words for speculative fiction).

The submissions inbox is open year-round. Work can be submitted to randomhousescanadasubmissions@penguinrandomhouse.com at any time.

For full submission requirements, click HERE. 

9 New Agents Seeking Cookbooks, Kidlit, Nonfiction, YA, Literary and Genre Fiction, Memoir and more

Danielle Matta Here are nine new literary agents actively seeking writers. 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 everything from cookbooks to thrillers. 

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. Danielle Matta of Robin Straus Agency, Inc 

Danielle Matta is a Junior Agent at the Robin Straus Agency. She graduated from NYU with a BA in English, specializing in Creative Writing and Post-Colonial Literature, and joined RSA in May of 2020 after her internships at McIntosh & Otis and Writers House. Although Danielle has lived in NYC since 2015, she grew up in Virginia, and therefore has a life-long love for farmers markets, cornbread, and green spaces.

What she is seeking: She gravitates towards inclusive fiction and non-fiction with distinct, lyrical storytelling and—being first-generation herself—underrepresented voices of diasporic and immigrant communities. She also loves an unorthodox ghost story or psychological thriller. 

How to submit: Please follow the agency guidelines here. 

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Ms. Erika Stevens of Salky Literary Management 

Erika Stevens (she/hers) has acquired, edited, and developed the work of a wide range of authors over the course of two decades in publishing. She recently wrapped up twelve years with indie Coffee House Press, finishing her time there as editorial director. She began her career at academic presses, including Duke, UNC, and UGA Presses. Authors whose work she has shepherded include Eloisa Amezcua, Allison Adelle Hedge Coke, Kyle Dargan, Latasha N. Nevada Diggs, Saeed Jones, Eugene Lim, Dawn Lundy Martin, Bao Phi, Justin Phillip Reed, Natasha Trethewey, Anne Waldman, Karen Tei Yamashita, and many others. Her authors have been awarded or named finalists for the National Book Award, the Hurston Wright Award, the Kingsley and Kate Tufts Award, the PEN/Osterweil Award, the Whiting Award, the Pulitzer Prize, the Kate Tufts Award, the NBCC Award, the Lambda Awards, and others.

What she is seeking: She is looking for projects that excite, invigorate, and surprise in the genres of poetry, literary nonfiction/essay, literary and experimental fiction, hybrid work, translation, criticism, music writing (à la Ellen Willis), and food writing/cookbooks (à la Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor and MFK Fisher). In the realm of children’s literature, she’s looking for picture books and books for early readers that speak to children with gender-expansive identities and families.

How to submit: Use her query manager HERE.  

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Ms. Elise Howard of DeFiore and Company 

Prior to joining DeFiore & Company, Elise Howard was the founding publisher of Algonquin Young Readers, an imprint of Workman Publishing, which she led from 2011 to 2022. Elise was previously SVP and associate publisher at HarperCollins Children's Books, where she oversaw the publication of many award-winning and bestselling books. Some of the authors she has worked with include Masuma Ahuja, Avi, Tracey Baptiste, Kelly Barnhill, Sara Farizan, Neil Gaiman, Kelly Jensen, and Nova Ren Suma. Books she has edited have won the Newbery Medal twice, the Edgar Allen Poe Award for best juvenile novel twice, and many other awards and honors. She began her career as a book packager, conceiving, selling to publishers, and developing juvenile and adult fiction and non-fiction projects.

What she is seeking: Elise is generally not looking for genre fiction, but she may take on a book with a great love story at its heart or one with elements of fantasy. She is looking for a twisty, well-done mystery, especially if it features a great new sleuth with many stories to tell. She’s also eager to represent eye-opening narrative non-fiction, particularly stories of the natural world, visible or invisible, including the human mind and body, or of people and events previously unknown or overlooked.

How to submit: Please email queryelise@defliterary.com with the title of your work and its category (e.g., adult n.f., middle-grade fiction) in the subject line. Please include in the body of your email:
• A brief, compelling description introducing your book.
• A paragraph (not more!) about you, relevant to your submission.
• For non-fiction, a concise synopsis that compels me to read on and the opening chapter.
• For fiction, the opening chapter.
• For graphic novels, the first chapter or the first twenty-five pages.
• For picture books, the full manuscript.
No attachments, please. Submissions that include them won’t be opened.
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Ms. Christie Megill of The CAT Agency  

Christie Megill joined The CAT Agency in 2022 after interning with Writers House, Triada US, and Cardinal Rule Press. She’s overjoyed to be working with artists and children’s book authors, offering long-term support in their careers and creative journeys. Christie comes from a background in elementary education and before pursuing education, she previously worked as an editorial assistant at an academic press in New York City, as a volunteer at the Housing Works Bookstore in SoHo, and as a bookseller at the bygone Borders Books and Music in Columbus Circle. She holds a BA in English Literature from Fordham University. Born and raised in Connecticut, she now considers New York City her forever home. 

What she is seeking: Christie Megill: is eager to work with illustrators, author/illustrators, and picture book authors, offering long-term support in their careers and creative journeys. Please send her: children’s illustration portfolios, picture book dummies, picture book manuscripts, children’s graphic novel pitches, and the select chapter book project. While her taste is broad, she’s especially excited to find fresh stories and artwork from voices that have previously been underrepresented.

How to submit: Illustrators: send 4-6 jpegs of samples, a live link to your website and a short letter of introduction. Please send work that shows character development, style, color and narrative story-telling. 

Author/Illustrators: email a brief synopsis of your manuscript, along with several accompanying illustrations or samples of your artwork. If we are interested in reviewing your dummy, we will request that you send it. 

Please submit to SUBMISSIONS@CATAGENCYINC.COM & let us know who you are submitting to in the subject line!
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Ms. Lola Bellier of Creative Artists Agency

A graduate of New York University, Lola is building her list, focusing on upmarket and commercial fiction, speculative fiction, and young adult and middle grade across all genres. She will occasionally consider nonfiction, especially in the pop science and pop culture arenas, as well as select memoirs.

Lola is drawn to narratives that explore larger truths within unique settings. She loves an element of surprise and is fond of stories with a touch of speculative, magical realism, or something that’s just a little off. General themes she gravitates towards are family dynamics, complex friendships, and reflections on one’s place in the world.

For Young Adult and Middle Grade, Lola is drawn to opinionated characters whose journeys force them, and the reader, to rethink what they thought they knew.

How to submit: Use the agency's submission form here.

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Mr. Gideon Pine of InkWell Management


Gideon Pine has a B.A in Political Science from Indiana University. Prior to working in publishing, he worked in commercial production and advertising.

What he is seeking: Gideon is primarily interested representing nonfiction, with a focus on big idea books, unknown histories, and anything sports related. On the fiction side, thrillers and romance novels are always welcome.

How to submit: Queries should be emailed to: submissions [at] inkwellmanagement [dot] com

You may specify the name of the agent to whom you are submitting in the subject line of your query or address your query to the agency at large. In the body of your email, please include a query letter and a short writing sample (1-2 chapters).

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Ms. Aliza Hoover of The CAT Agency 

Aliza began her Publishing career at Candlewick Press, where she spearheaded & coordinated illustrator searches and negotiated illustrator contracts. With a degree in Classics and a background in visual art, she is passionate about storytelling and the magical place where words and images collide. She is incredibly grateful to have joined the CAT Agency family, and excited to support artists & creators in bringing stories into the world.

What she is seeking: Aliza represents illustrators and author-illustrators. She is looking for visual storytellers with distinctive, unique portfolios that will stand out in a crowded market. She is drawn to work that showcases expressive characters, timeless palettes, and atmospheric scenes. She will happily review your comics, book cover designs, and picture book dummies.
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Aliza believes in a world where all young people can see themselves reflected in children’s books. She is particularly interested in illustrators from diverse backgrounds and portfolios that depict diverse characters and experiences.

to submit: Illustrators: send 4-6 jpegs of samples, a live link to your website and a short letter of introduction Please send work that shows character development, style, color and narrative story-telling. 

Author/Illustrators: email a brief synopsis of your manuscript, along with several accompanying illustrations or samples of your artwork. If we are interested in reviewing your dummy, we will request that you send it. 
Please submit to SUBMISSIONS@CATAGENCYINC.COM & let us know who you are submitting to in the subject line!
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Ms. Maria Brannan of Greyhound Literary (UK)Maria handles translation rights on behalf of Greyhound Literary's clients and is building her own list of authors. She previously spent over five years working as a literary scout at Maria B. Campbell Associates in London, where she advised international publishers in over 12 countries on the adult and children's publishing market, and scouted multiple books for their film/tv client, Netflix.

What she is seeking: Maria has very wide ranging tastes in fiction and is interested in writing for adult, new adult/crossover and YA readers.

She loves character-driven novels with a commercial bent that spark imagination or discussion. In particular she has a passion for genre fiction - especially fantasy with memorable characters and great world-building (Six of Crows, The First Law trilogy, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries); horror with a unique concept or perspective (Into the Drowning Deep, The Only Good Indians); and softer, genre-crossing science fiction (The After Wife, Station Eleven). She is also keen on voice-led and emotive reading group fiction (Boy Swallows Universe, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot); love stories and rom-coms that make you fall for both of leads (Frederica, The Love Hypothesis); unnerving, twisty crime writing (The Whisper Man, She Lies in Wait); thrillers with a great hook (The Last House on Needless Street, The Silent Patient) and anything with a high concept or speculative edge (The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, Tell Me an Ending).

Some of her old and new favourite authors include: Olivie Blake, Chloe Gong, Sabaa Tahir, Patrick Ness, Garth Nix, Erin Morganstern, Tamora Pierce, Joe Abercrombie, Scott Lynch, Alex North, S J Bolton, Alex Pavesi, Stuart Turton, Trent Dalton, Jo Harkin, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Sara Jafari, Kiley Reid, Bonnie Garmus, Jodi Picoult, Jenny Han, Ali Hazelwood, Beth O'Leary, Georgette Heyer, Thomas Olde Heuvelt, Stephen Graham Jones, and Mira Grant.

​How to submit: Read submissions guidelines here. Note: "If you are based in an English-speaking country outside the UK or the Republic of Ireland in which there are well-established literary agencies, we would expect you to have a convincing reason for wanting to be represented by an agency in the UK."
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Ms. Daniele Hunter of McIntosh & Otis, Inc. 

I’m a queer, chronically ill, disabled junior agent at McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency, and my pronouns are she/her. I have a B.A. in English from Drew University, with concentrations in literary criticism, creative writing, and poetry. I’m a member of the AALA and serve on their DEI committee through Literary Agents of Change, too!

What she is seeking: I’m looking for (in order of priority) young adult, middle grade, and picture books.


How to submit: Use her query manager here.