Erica Verrillo's Blog, page 28

22 Great Writing Conferences in May 2021

Wikimedia Despite the pandemic, spring writing conferences and workshops are going ahead! This May most writing conferences will be held online. 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. During the pandemic most of these are being held virtually at reduced rates. Quite a few offer scholarships, so apply early.


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Austin SCBWI 2020 Writers & Illustrators Working Conference. May 1 - 2, 2021: 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 online.


The Loft's Wordplay Conference. May 2 - 8, 2021, Minneapolis MN. "The Loft’s Wordplay aims to be Minnesota's largest celebration of readers, writers, and great books. Imagine a weekend full of famous authors and celebrated books; a weekend of readings, conversations, workshops, kids’ activities, demonstrations, and one-of-a-kind happenings with outdoor stages, cooking stages, book signings, quiet reading corners, boisterous parties, food trucks, beer tents, and books, books, books." Will be held online.

Washington Writers Conference. May 4 & 6, 2021: Bethesda, MD. Register by April 1. "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!" Will be held online.

Annual Nonfiction Writers Conference. May 5 - 7, 2021: Conducted online.

Atlanta Writers Conference. May 7 - 9, 2021, 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. Previous participating publishing professionals have included editors Lashanda Anakwah (Simon & Schuster), Sean deLone (Atria Books), Sarah Grill (St. Martin’s Press), Carolina Ortiz (HarperCollins), and Melissa Ann Singer (Tor), and agents Lisa Abellera (Kimberley Cameron & Associates), Ashley Lopez (Waxman Literary Agency), Ann Rose (Prospect Agency), Eva Scalzo (Speilburg Literary Agency), and Saba Sulaiman (Talcott Notch Literary Services). NOTE: You must be a 2021 Atlanta Writers Club (AWC) member to participate in the conference (i.e., your dues need to be current through May 9, 2021). If you are not a current member or need to renew your membership, the registration process will add $50 in nonrefundable annual dues for the Atlanta Writers Club (AWC)–with membership valid for 365 days–to the total amount for the conference activities you select. Conducted via phone.

The Spring Writers' Conference. May 8, 2021: Rochester, MI. Lectures, Workshops, and Panel Discussions with a focus on nonfiction. Open to new writers, working journalists, and published authors. Professional development to move writers to the next level.

Expand Your Imagination: An Online Poetry Workshop. May 9 - June 13. "Join us for this five-week online poetry workshop to expand the geography of your imagination and create new poems that will surprise you. Write to inspiring prompts, get insightful feedback and connect with a supportive community of writers."

Longleaf Writers Conference. May 10 - 17, 2021: 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."

The Massachusetts Poetry Festival. May 13 - 16, 2021, 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. 

VORTEXT Returning to Indigenous Wisdom for a New Time. May 14, 2021. "Chenoa will share excerpts from The Whale Child; stories and traditions of her Lummi and S’Klallam people, and wisdom from other indigenous peoples she has come to know on her travels. Participants will be guided to connect again to their own life experiences with the Natural world and their families of origin as a way to remember how to return to harmony and balance with all beings." Conducted online.

Washington Writers Conference. May 14 - 15, 2021: Bethesda, MD. Register by April 1. "As always, the centerpiece of our annual conference is one-on-one pitch sessions (six minutes apiece) with literary agents from across the country, and this year is no exception! The only difference? You’ll be pitching your book or idea via Zoom." Will be held online.

San Diego Writing Workshop. May 14 - 15, 2021. "This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on May 14-15, 2021. In other words, it’s two days 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 “San Diego” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually."

Pennwriters Conference. May 14 - 16, 2021: Pittsburgh, PA. The 32nd 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. Conducted online.

Biographers International Organization Conference. May 14 - 16, 2021. 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 faculty includes biographers Blake Bailey, Kai Bird, David W. Blight, and Claudia Dreifus. Biographer David Levering Lewis will deliver the keynote address. The cost of the conference is $99 ($49 for BIO members). Registration is rolling through May 16. Conducted online.

VORTEXT Stars & Scars: A Poetic Constellating of the Things that Broke Us. May 15, 2021. "In this generative writing workshop, we will explore our scars—the text of healing inscribed upon the skin and within the body; and our stars—the points of brilliance and insight gathered from the movement from wound to healing. We will create a constellation of personal metaphors from which you can recognize your own distinct patterns and form your own unique narratives and mythologies." Conducted online.

Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference. May 15 - 18, 2021. The faculty for the 2021 conference will be: Francisco Cantú, Victoria Chang, Brandon Hobson, Anis Mojgani, Marie Mutsuki Mockett, and Vera Starbard. The closing speaker will be Ernestine Hayes. There will be other panels and guest speakers that will be announced as they are finalized. Conducted online.

Annual PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature. May 18 - 22, 2021 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." 

Bear River Writers’ Conference. May 20 - 23, 2021: Camp Michigania on Walloon Lake, near Petoskey, Michigan. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as readings, discussions, nature walks, and time to write.

The Writer’s Hotel Virtual Fiction Weekend. May 20 - 24, 2021. Application Deadline: April 19, 2021. "The conference features workshops, lectures on craft and publishing, one-on-one pitch sessions with agents, and readings by faculty and as well as conference attendees. The faculty includes fiction writers Chris Abani, Dan Chaon, Kwame Dawes, Elyssa East, Jeffrey Ford, Mary Gaitskill, Christina García, Tod Goldberg, Isabella Hammad, Elizabeth Hand, Pam Houston, Marie Myung-Ok Lee, Rick Moody, Nami Mun, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Justin Torres, and Lidia Yuknavitch and conference directors Shanna McNair and Scott Wolven. Participating publishing professionals include editor Kevin Larimer (Poets & Writers, Inc.). The cost of the conference is $2,000."

Big Sur on Cape Cod. May 21 - 23, 2021, North Falmouth MA. Focus on children's writing. Faculty: Andrea Brown and four of her agents, four editors and four authors. 

Boldface Conference for Emerging Writers. May 24 - 28, 2021: 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.

Balticon 55. May 28 - 31, 2021: 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. Faculty: Guest of Honor: Catherine Asaro. Multiple tracks of Programming over the four day weekend, featuring authors, artists, scientists, musicians, podcasters, publishers, editors, costumers and other creative SF luminaries. Will be held online.

Bringing Pulp Fiction Back to Life

Pulp fiction was quite popular through the 1940s, when pulp magazines generated millions of sales. Unlike literary works, pulp fiction was considered "cheap," both literally and figuratively. Pulp magazines were printed on less expensive pulp paper and the topics were often racy, characterized by a lot of action. The stories were appealing to an audience eager for adventure.

Pulp magazines, which had been the nation's single largest outlet for short stories, collapsed in the 1950s on the heels of post-WWII paper shortages. Lately there has been a resurgence of interest in pulp. But, with those magazines out of print, the stories are no longer accessible to readers. 

Enter Michael Tierney and Robert Allen Lupton, two pulp historians who have launched an impressive kickstarter campaign to resuscitate The Cosmic Courtship, a work of pulp fiction. The book is notable because it was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne's son, Julian. 

Tierney and Lupton hope to bring Hawthorne's  swashbuckling space adventure back into print. If there is enough interest and support to turn this into an ongoing project, they will work with pulp archivists to rescue these nearly lost works and make them available both in print and digitally so that they can be preserved and enjoyed by future generations.

From the website:

Julian Hawthorne was an incredibly prolific writer in his own right. Julian wrote on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from literary analysis of his father's works to poetry to period romances and adventures. Late in his career, Julian even dabbled in the emerging genre of Science Fiction [Hugo Gernsback had only recently coined the awkward term "Scientifiction" when this story was first published.]

The Cosmic Courtship was serialized in Frank A. Munsey's All-Story Weekly across four issues, beginning with the November 24, 1917 issue and running through the December 15, 1917 issue. While this story has been in the public domain for some time, it has never been collected or published elsewhere until now.

The foremost goal of this project is to get an exciting, essentially lost, classic pulp story back into print and into the hands of scifi fans, pulp aficionados, and readers in general! What do we mean by "essentially lost"? While The Cosmic Courtship is a work in the Public Domain and part of the world's common literary heritage, there's virtually no way for anyone to read it! It has only ever been printed in now very expensive and hard to find pulp magazines. Even if cost were not an object, availability often is. 


Read more about this worthy project here>>

12 Mystery and Thriller Publishers Open to Submissions - No Agent Required

Pixabay Whodunnits never go out of style, and neither do pulse-pounding thrillers, so if you write mysteries or thrillers, you are in luck. 

Here are a dozen mystery and thriller publishers that don't require an agent. All are traditional publishers. (No vanity presses) Make sure your manuscript is complete before you submit. None of these publishers accept proposals or partially completed work.
Happy submitting!

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Camel Press is the genre imprint of Coffeetown Press. (Coffeetown Press publishes memoir, nonfiction, some literary mysteries, and literary fiction). "Camel Press is a feisty little publisher with a mission: to be your trusted purveyor of popular literature—the stuff that makes you lie in the sun too long and read in bed until the cock crows, the urban chickens start clucking, or your neighbor leaves for her 6 am shift." Seeking: Genre fiction: mystery/suspense, cozy mystery, mystery thrillers, romantic suspense and romance (contemporary and historical). They also consider general fiction, historical fiction and westerns. Read their guidelines here.
Crooked Lane publishes mysteries, thrillers, and suspense. titles in both print and electronic editions. Crooked Lane Books is distributed through Legato Publishers Group, a member of the Perseus Books Group. Crooked Lane is also represented by Biagi Literary Management for subsidiary rights licensing in foreign and domestic markets, and their business relationships include Bookspan, home of the country’s largest book clubs, and Blackstone Audio, one of the nation’s largest independent audiobook publishers.  Read submission guidelines here.

Dark Edge Press is the crime imprint of Usk River Publishing (UK). They are a digital first publisher. Dark Edge accepts Psychological, Crime, Legal, Medical, Techno, and Hard-boiled Action-packed Thrillers. Procedurals, Chillers, Grip-lit, and Domestic noir.  Read submission guidelines here.

Fahrenheit Press exclusively publishes mysteries and thrillers. They accept self-published and previously published work, provided the author has all the rights. They offer a generous royalty rate of 50% on both eBooks & paperback editions for a 5 year contract.  Read submission guidelines  here.

Felony and Mayhem was launched in 2005, and now has more than 100 titles in print. Their focus is on literary mystery fiction. "We love wit, we love elegance, we love distinctive narrative voices. And while we may sound a little snotty, the truth is that we would love nothing more than to find your witty, elegant, distinctive manuscript in our inbox." The minimum length is roughly 75,000 words.  Read submission guidelines  here.

Hard Case Crime publishes old-fashioned, hard-boiled crime novels with "bare-knuckled" prose. They are unabashedly dedicated to "reviving the vigor and excitement, the suspense and thrills—the sheer entertainment—of the golden age of paperback crime novels, both by bringing back into print the best work of the pulp era and by introducing readers to new work by some of today's most powerful writers and artists. Determined detectives and dangerous women...fortune hunters and vengeance seekers...ingenious criminals and men on the run..."  Read submission guidelines  here.

Joffe Books is one of the UK’s leading independent publishers of crime and mystery novels. Many of their authors have topped the best-seller lists. They accept submissions from published authors and new writers, as well as authors who wish to relaunch their back-list titles. They are seeking mysteries, crime fiction, psychological thrillers, detective, thrillers, and suspense.  Read submission guidelines  here.

Level Best, a publisher of anthologies, has recently opened its doors to full-length manuscript submissions. They are seeking crime fiction novels in the following categories: mystery, thriller, suspense, historical, traditional, and contemporary. No works of erotica or science fiction at this time.  Read submission guidelines  here.

Lyrical Press, an imprint of Kensington, publishes suspense fiction, thrillers, and cozy mysteries. They have a penchant for romance. Submit to one editor only. (The list of editors includes the genres they are receiving.) Response time is three months.  Read submission guidelines  here.

Oceanview Press is an independent publisher of original mystery, thriller, and suspense titles.  Oceanview Publishing’s titles have received many awards and award nominations.  Read submission guidelines  here.

Seventh Street Books—where fiction is a crime—is devoted to publishing quality mystery, thriller, and crime fiction. It is an imprint of Prometheus Books, an independent publisher of progressive nonfiction. A number of their debut titles have won prestigious awards, including the Edgar Award, the Mary Higgins Clark Award, and the Anthony Award.  Read submission guidelines  here.

Tule Publishing specializes in romance and mystery ebooks. In mysteries they are looking for Domestic suspense, Cozy mysteries, Private Investigators, Mystery stories with diverse characters, Detective mysteries with women sleuths, Police Procedural, Thrillers.  Read submission guidelines  here.

6 New Agents Seeking Memoirs, Literary Fiction, SF/F, Romance, Horror and more

Here are six new literary agents actively building their client lists. Lee O'Brien is looking for books with clear stakes and an immersive world, as well as anything with lots of atmosphere, magic, monsters, intrigue, or a plot full of twists and turns across all age categories. Meridith Viguet is looking to represent adult “sweet spot” fiction that straddles the commercial and literary line as well as popular nonfiction, especially titles that examine life in rural areas in the US and around the world, and current, too-wild-to-be-true memoirs. 
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Paige Terlip is actively building her list of illustrators and is especially looking for author-illustrators and graphic novel illustrators. Isabel Kaufman is seeking young adult fiction (all genres), science fiction/fantasy, romance, historical fiction, literary fiction, thrillers, horror, and graphic novels as well as narratives focused on travel, food, and the science of beauty. Lindsay Guzzardo represents adult fiction. Rukhsana Yasmin is focusing on non-fiction but she is also building a select fiction list, in particular, genre, literary and speculative fiction.

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

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

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Rukhsana Yasmin of The Good Literary Agency (UK)

Most recently deputy editor at Wasafiri, Yasmin entered the industry through an Arts Council England (ACE) diversity in publishing scheme after completing a degree in Physics from the University of Surrey and went on to work at award-winning publishers Saqi Books, Profile Books and Jacaranda. In 2012 she was awarded The Kim Scott Walwyn Prize for Women in Publishing and was a Bookseller Rising Star in 2014. She is a trustee of the Centre for Learning in Primary Education (CLPE), with particular interest in the representation of children of colour in books. In recent years she has been working with writers from predominantly under-represented communities, offering mentorship through workshops with Spread the Word, as well as one-to-one editorial care and development in narrative nonfiction and fiction in her role as Project Officer at Commonwealth Writers, part of the Commonwealth Foundation.

What she is seeking: Yasmin is focusing on non-fiction but she is also building a select fiction list, in particular, genre, literary and speculative fiction.

How to submit: Please read their submission guidelines HERE. Note: Yasmin only accepts submissions from UK residents.

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Lee O'Brien of Irene Goodman Literary Agency

Originally from Long Island, Lee returned to New York to join IGLA after completing an MA in English literature from UC Davis. Since starting at IGLA in 2019, Lee has worked first as an intern, then as a junior agent and assistant. 

What they are seeking: Across all age categories, they’re looking for books with clear stakes and an immersive world, as well as anything with lots of atmosphere, magic, monsters, intrigue, or a plot full of twists and turns. They’re actively seeking underrepresented voices, and they have a particular soft spot for queer romance (whether it’s an epic love story or a first crush), ace rep, and trans kids with swords.

How to submit: See submission instructions HERE.

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Ms. Meridith Viguet of Writers House 

"I joined Writers House in 2019 after beginning my career at the renowned scouting agency, Maria B. Campbell Associates, where I worked under a talented senior team to scout books for the general adult trade and children’s markets for clients in 22 countries, in addition to working in the agency's capacity as the exclusive inbound licensing literary representative for Netflix Films and Series. Once at Writers House, I spent two years working closely with longtime senior agent and company chair Amy Berkower."

What she is seeking: On the fiction side, I’ll be looking to represent adult “sweet spot” fiction that straddles the commercial and literary line and would fit beautifully on a book club list; speculative literary fiction in the vein of Catherine Lacey's THE ANSWERS, Melissa Broder's THE PISCES, or Otessa Moshfegh's MY YEAR OF REST AND RELAXATION; and fresh, funny YA of all stripes, particularly titles that feature male protagonists and appeal to male and female readers alike. Across the board, I would love to represent own-voice stories that feature historically marginalized cultures.

I’m also looking to represent popular nonfiction, especially titles that examine life in rural areas in the US and around the world, and current, too-wild-to-be-true memoirs, especially those from younger authors. I’m drawn to works that dive into unique subcultures, an irresistible voice, and, above all, a sense of humor.

How to submit: Please send your query to mviguet@writershouse.com as an e-mail, along with the first 10-15 pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of the message. 

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Paige Terlip of Andrea Brown Literary Agency

Prior to becoming an Associate Agent, Paige was a Senior Assistant for Executive Agent Laura Rennert, and has been with ABLA for over three years. She comes to agenting with a background in marketing, design, and freelance editorial. She’s worked at Charlesbridge Publishing, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and a ranch in the Rockies. She has an MA in Children's Literature and an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons University. If she’s not reading, you'll find her practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, re-watching the Great British Baking Show, or hiking with her Husky-Shepherd mix.

What she is seeking: Paige Terlip is actively building her list of illustrators and is especially looking for author-illustrators and graphic novel illustrators.

How to submit: Use her submission form HERE.


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Ms. Isabel Kaufman of Fox Literary

Fox Literary is a boutique agency which represents commercial and literary fiction, along with select works of nonfiction that have broad commercial appeal.

What she is seeking: Young adult fiction (all genres), science fiction/fantasy, romance, historical fiction, literary fiction, thrillers, horror, and graphic novels. "We're always interested in books that cross genres and reinvent popular concepts with an engaging new twist (especially when there’s a historical and/or speculative element involved). On the nonfiction side: narratives focused on travel, food, and the science of beauty, as well as microhistories of all things decadent and frivolous."

How to submit: Email a query letter and the first 5 pages of your manuscript IN THE BODY OF THE EMAIL to submissions@foxliterary.com. Please include the name of the agent to whom the submission is directed in the salutation of your email.

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Ms. Lindsay Guzzardo of Martin Literary Management

Through tenures at Amazon Publishing, Guideposts Books, and Penguin/Signet, Lindsay Guzzardo acquired and edited numerous bestselling titles to fantastic customer and trade reviews, particularly in commercial fiction, women's fiction, and romance. She edited Guideposts Books’ first New York Times-bestseller, "A Sweethaven Summer," and was one of the original editors brought onboard at Amazon Publishing, where she was pivotal in launching Montlake Romance. At Amazon, she acquired debut romantic suspense author Kendra Elliot, whose titles have sold eight million+ copies, and Marina Adair's bestselling Vineyard Series, which was turned into a hit movie trilogy for the Hallmark Channel. She was also nominated for three RITA Awards, the romance industry’s highest honor.

What she is seeking: Adult genre fiction.

How to submit: Please send a query letter and the first three chapters to: Lindsay@MartinLit.com

62 Calls for Submissions in April 2021 - Paying markets

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

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

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

Happy submitting!

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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, 2021.
Constelación is a quarterly speculative fiction bilingual magazine, publishing stories in both Spanish and English. Writers can submit their stories in either language. Fifty percent of the stories we publish in every issue will be from authors from the Caribbean, Latin America, and their diaspora. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: April 1, 2021. See themes.

Temz Review. Genre: Fiction and creative non-fiction up to 10,000 words long. Payment: $20. Deadline: April 1, 2021.

Inklings: Tales From Alternate Earths. Genre: Alternative history. Payment: $50. Deadline: April 1, 2021.

Tales From the Magician’s Skull. Genre: Sword-and-sorcery fantasy. Payment: 4 cents per word.  Deadline: April 1, 2021.

Iron Horse Literary Review. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $100 per essay or story, and $50 per poem or flash piece. Deadline: April 1, 2021.

Timeless Tales: Arabian Nights. Genre: Poetry, fiction on theme of Arabian Nights. Payment: $30 per piece. Deadline: April 1, 2021.

Salamander. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: April 1, 2021.

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, 2021.

Zone3 Press. Restrictions: Open to BIPOC authors. Genre: Poetry, short stories, personal essays. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: April 1, 2021.

The HerStories Project. Restrictions: Open to Gen-X women at midlife. Genre: "Our next anthology will be about how midlife women have fared during this pandemic. We want to publish stories of how women's lives have changed — their work lives, their family lives, their marriage and partnerships, their friendships, their relationships with their community." Payment: $50. Deadline: April 1, 2021.

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

Playing With Reality. Genre: Proposals for pieces of 1200–1500 words that "critically and imaginatively probe the influence of game engines, tools, infrastructure, and logics on immersive nonfiction storytelling projects. We are also interested in how immersive and emerging forms of nonfiction interact with and in turn affect gaming platforms, spaces, narratives, and notions of audiences." Payment: $250. Deadline: April 2, 2021.

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

Space and Time. Genre: Speculative fiction and poetry. Payment: 1 cent/word. Deadline: April 3, 2021.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction on Theme of Orange. Payment: $10 via PayPal for each story published in an Anthology. Deadline: April 4, 2021.

The Other Stories (Audio). Genre: Horror on theme of Time Travel. Payment: 15 GBT. Deadline: April 5, 2021.

Scum. Genre: Feminist-friendly work of any variety, but as a general rule your piece should be under 2000 words (50 lines for poetry, max. 3 poems) and able to be classified as “fiction”, “culture”, “memoir”, “column”, “poetry”, and/or “review”. Payment: $60 AUD. Deadline: April 7, 2021.  Opens to submissions on April 1.

Luna Novella. Genre: Speculative fiction novellas. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 10, 2021.

SAND. Genre: Poetry, fiction, flash fiction, art. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: April 10, 2021.

Voiceworks, Restrictions: Open to Australians under the age of 25. Genre: Fiction and poetry on theme of Pickle. Pitches only. Payment: $100. Deadline: April 11, 2021.

Shoreline of Infinity. Genre: Science fiction, fantasy. Payment: £10/1000 words. Deadline: April 13, 2021.

Black Hare Press: Dystopia. Genre: Dystopian novellas, 20,000 - 40,000 words. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 14, 2021.

Wyldblood Press. Genre: Speculative short stories. Payment: £0.01 per word for print and digital rights, for stories up to 7,500 words with a 180 day exclusivity period. Deadline: April 14, 2021.

Narrative. Genre: Short story, novel excerpt, novella, poem, or literary nonfiction. Payment: Up to $1000. Deadline: April 14, 2021. (Narrative does not charge submission fees during the first two weeks of April.)

Epoch. Genre: Fiction, poetry, essays, cartoons, screenplays, graphic art, and graphic fiction. Payment: $50 per poem, maximum of $150 per story. Deadline: April 15, 2021.

Translunar Travelers Lounge. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $0.03 per word with a minimum of $20. Deadline: April 15, 2021. Opens March 21, 2021. 

Midnight Breakfast. Genre: Fiction and nonfiction. Payment: $50. Deadline: April 15, 2021.

House of Zolo’s Journal of Speculative Literature, Volume 3 – The Climate Change Edition. Genre: Speculative poetry, fiction  that examines the future of our planet as it relates to Climate Change.  Payment: $25 per poem, and $50-$75 per story. Deadline: April 15, 2021.

Liquid Imagination. Genre: Fiction and poetry. Payment: $8 for short stories (1001 words up to 6000 words) and poems, and $3 for flash stories (up to 1000 words). A $2 bonus will be added for authors who accept payment via Paypal. Deadline: Mid-April, 2021.

Mad Creek Books: 21st Century Essays series. Genre: Essays. Payment: Royalties? Deadline: April 15, 2021.

Lethe Press: Blood on Your Hands. Genre: Previously published homo-erotic stories about male vampires. Payment: Up to $75. Deadline: April 15, 2021.

Olit. Restrictions: Strong preference for Orlando based writers/submissions about Orlando and surrounding areas. Genre: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Artwork, Photography. Send us all kinds of stuff. We love the artfully weird. Payment: $10. Deadline: April 15, 2021.

Acre is an imprint of the Cincinnati Review. Genre: Novels, poetry, and short story collections. Read submission guidelines here. Deadline: April 15, 2021.

Dose of Dread. Genre: General horror flash fiction. Preference for dread-inducing stories. Length: 500 - 1,000 words. Payment: $10. Deadline: April 15, 2021.

The Other Stories (Audio). Genre: Horror on theme of Alternative Realities. Payment: 15 GBT. Deadline: April 19, 2021.
Cloaked Press: Summer of Speculation. Genre: Speculative short stories. Payment: $15. Deadline: April 20, 2021.

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

Story Seed Vault. Genre: Fiction based on science. Up to 200 characters. Payment: Up to $3AUD per story. Deadline: April 24, 2021.

Lemonspouting, Genre: Poetry, fiction, CNF, art. Payment: $10 per poem; $15 per short fiction; $15 per creative non-fiction; $15 art/photography and $20 for cover art. Deadline: April 24, 2021.

Shooter. Genre: Fiction, poetry, CNF, art on theme of Escape. Payment: £25 per story and £5 per poem. Deadline: April 25, 2021.

Voiceworks, Restrictions: Open to Australians under the age of 25. Genre: Art, comics and comic pitches on theme of Pickle. Pitches only. Payment: $100 - $150. Deadline: April 25, 2021.
Handmade Horror Stories. Genre; Horror stories that incorporate some element of art or craft. Payment: $25.00 CAD. Deadline: April 28, 2021.

Consequence Magazine: The Culture of War. Genre: Short fiction, poetry, nonfiction, interviews, reviews, and visual art mainly focused on the culture of war. Payment: $10/page for prose (up to $250), $25/page for poetry, $15/page for translations (up to $250). Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Gaslamp Fantasy Anthology. Genre: Gaslamp fantasy. "Generally speaking, this particular realm of fantasy employs either a Victorian or Edwardian setting. The gaslamp fantasy genre is not to be confused with steampunk, which usually has more of a super-science edge and uchronic tone." Payment: .015 cents/word. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Devil's Party Press. Genre: Full-length literary fiction. Payment: Royalties? Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Nightlight. Restrictions: Open to Black writers. Genre: Horror. 10,000 words max. Audio format. Payment: $75 - $200 depending on length. $50 for reprints. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

The Fiddlehead. Restrictions: Canadians only. Genre: Fiction, including excerpts from novels, creative nonfiction, art, and poetry. Payment: $60 CAD per published page. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Colorado Review. Genre: Poetry of any style. Submit no more than five poems with a maximum of 15 pages. Also fiction and nonfiction. Payment: $10 per page ($30 minimum) for poetry and $200 for short stories and essays. Deadline: April 30, 2021; nonfiction manuscripts are read year-round. No submission fee for mailed submissions.

FIYAH. Genre: Speculative fiction, art, and poetry about African Diaspora. Length: Short fiction 2,000 – 7,000 words and novelettes up to 15,000 words. Payment: $150 per story. $50 per poem. $300 per novelette. Deadline: April 30, 2021. See themes.

Midnight From Beyond the Stars. Genre: Alien horror stories. Payment: 6 cents/word. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Propertius Press: Draw Down the Moon. Genre: Short fiction on theme of romantic love. Payment: Revenue sharing. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

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, 2021.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Counting Your Blessings. Genre: True stories and poems. "Please share your stories about handling challenges in your life, finding the silver linings, and counting your blessings, whether the challenges you are facing are COVID-19 related or other kinds. Stories can be serious or funny, but definitely should be inspirational and heartwarming. Attitude adjustments, finding contentment and gratitude, a new way of handling your daily life, and other great ideas to inspire readers to find their own paths to happiness and to remember to count their blessings every day are what we are looking for." Payment: $200. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Massachusetts Review. Genre: Fiction, poetry, hybrid, translations. Payment: $100. Deadline: April 30, 2021. Fee for online submissions. No fee for USPS.

Harbor Review. Genre: Poetry. Payment: $10. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Dragon Soul Press: Murder and Mayhem. Genre: Mystery. "A murder needs to be solved by these main characters as the stakes rise higher. Any branch of investigators can be included, even vigilantes." Word Count – 5,000-15,000. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Extraordinary Visions: Stories Inspired by Jules Verne. Genre: Short stories inspired by the writings of Jules Verne. Payment: 2¢ per word for original stories ($30 flat rate for reprints). $100 for art.  Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Draw Down the Moon. Genre: Romantic fiction. Payment: Share of net proceeds. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Eerie River Publishing: It Calls from the Doors. Genre: Horror on theme of Doorways. May have elements of Dark Fantasy, Dark Fiction and Cosmic horror. But must have the intention to scare the readers. Payment: Up to 3000 words $10.00; Up to 5000 words $15.00; Above 5001 words $20.00. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Typehouse. Genre: Poetry, short fiction, creative non-fiction and visual art. Payment: $10 - $18. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

The Arkansas International. Genre: Fiction, poetry, essays, comics, and works in translation.   Payment: $20 a printed page (capped at $250). Deadline: April 30, 2021. Submit early in the month to avoid submission fee. 

AND A FEW MORE

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, 2021.

Mythulu Magazine. Genre: Short stories that feature wildly original biomes or bizarre weather.  Payment: $0.06/word or $15/page. Non-fiction pays 0.08/word. Creative works earn 0.04/word, with short stories capped at $75. Deadline: May 1, 2021.

Hidden Timber Books. Genre: Literary fiction or narrative nonfiction in the form of a novel, a memoir, or a collection (short stories, essays, or hybrid). Payment: Royalties. Deadline: May 1, 2021.

Mudroom. Genre: Poetry, fiction, essays, and essays in translation. Payment: $15. Deadline: May 1, 2021.

Boulevard. Genre: Poems up to 200 lines. Send up to five poems. Also fiction and nonfiction.  Payment: $25-250 for poetry, and $100-300 for prose. Deadline: May 1, 2021. No submission fee for mailed submissions.

Cryptids Emerging: Tales of Dark Cheer. Genre: "Contemporary supernatural or historical fantasy about cryptids living with humans, or just at the edge of our vision, stories of what the world would look like if cryptids were real." Payment: 0.05¢ American per word for stories up to 5,000 words. Deadline: May 1, 2021.


Foglifter. Genres: Poetry, prose, cross-genre work. "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." Payment: $25. Deadline: May 1, 2021.

Nonbinary Review. Genre: Poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and flash, up to 3000 words on theme of Industrial Revolution. Payment: For prose, 1¢ US per word, and $10 US per poem. Deadline: May 1, 2021.

40 Writing Contests in April 2021 - No entry fees

Pxhere This April there are more than three dozen writing contests calling for every genre and form, from poetry, to creative nonfiction, to completed novels. Prizes range from $100,000 to publication. None charge entry fees. Some of these contests have age and geographical restrictions, so read the instructions carefully.


If you want to get a jump on next month's contests go to Free Contests. Most of these contests are offered annually, so even if the deadline is past, you can prepare for next year.
Good luck! 
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Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest. Genre: 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, 2021.
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Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize. Genre: Pieces of any genre up to 2500 words on the theme of “On Wilderness and Civilization.” Prize: The winner receives a £10,000 cash prize and is presented with the award by the poet John Burnside. A £3,000 cash prize will go to the second place, and £2,000 to the third place runner up. The winner and two runners up are invited to attend the Fjällnäs symposium.   Deadline: April 1, 2021.

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, 2021.  

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 1, 2021. 

The Great American Think-Off. Genre: Essay on the theme: “Which is more important:
to win or to play by the rules?” 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, 2021.

Cymera-Scotland’s Futures Forum-Shoreline of Infinity Prize for Speculative Short Fiction. Restrictions: Open to unpublished writers living in Scotland. Genre: Speculative short stories. "What could life in a world, any world, after a global life-changing event be like? How will we be living, young, adult, mature – what are the possibilities?" Prize: Awards are in 2 categories: 14 to 17 year old and 18+. The winning writers in each age-range category will be awarded £75. Deadline: April 4, 2021.

The American Prospect Writing Fellows Program. The American Prospect’s Writing Fellows Program offers journalists the opportunity to spend two years developing their skills with the magazine at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. (or working remotely, in pandemic times). Each fellow benefits from an intensive mentoring program with the experts on our editorial team, and is expected to contribute regularly. Two fellowships are available starting Summer 2021, running through Summer 2023. Deadline: April 5, 2021.

“You Will Be Found” Essay Challenge. Restrictions: Open to residents of the United States and its territories. Genre: Essay. "We invite 11th-grade and 12th-grade students to write a college-application style essay (no longer than 650-words) that describes how you have managed to ensure those around you were a little less alone in recent months – or, alternatively, a moment where you yourself have found comfort in connection." Prize: $10,000 college scholarship. Deadline: April 5, 2021.

Gordon Burn Prize. Restrictions: Open to permanent US or UK residents. Genre: Fiction or nonfiction book first published in the US or UK between July 1 of the preceding year and July 1 of the deadline year. Prize: 5,000 pounds and 3-month writing retreat at Gordon Burn's cottage in Berwickshire.  Deadline: April 7, 2021.
Sunken Garden Poetry Festival's Fresh Voices Competition. Restrictions: New England high school students. Prize: Reading at the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival and publication. Deadline: April 9, 2021.

Grist: Imagine 2200. Genre: Short stories. "What we’re seeking: short stories that envision the next 180 years of equitable climate progress. Our mission is to make the story of a better world so irresistible, you want it right now." Prize: First, second, and third-prize winners will be awarded $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 respectively, and nine additional finalists will each receive a $300 honorarium. Deadline: April 12, 2021.

Descant. Each year, descant offers four awards:the $500 Frank O’Connor Award for fiction (for the best short story in a issue)the $250 Gary Wilson Award (for an outstanding story in an issue)the $500 Betsy Colquitt Award for poetry (for the best poem or series of poems by a single author in an issue)the $250 Baskerville Publishers Award (for an outstanding poem or poems by a single author in an issueThere is no application process or reading fee. All published submissions are eligible for prize consideration. Simply submit your work. Deadline: April 15, 2021.

Jersey Pines Ink. Genre: Fantasy flash fiction. 500 words max. Prize: $5. Deadline: April 15, 2021.

Parsec Short Story Contest. Restrictions: Open to non-professional writers. Genre: Speculative fiction. The theme for the contest is: Still Waters, Deep Thoughts. 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. Deadline: April 15, 2020.

Scotiabank Giller Prize. Restrictions: Open to books published in Canada in English. Books must be published in Canada in English between March 1, 2021, and April 30, 2021 to be eligible for the 2019 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 16, 2021.

Science Me A Story. Genre: Scientific stories for children (ages 6-12) of up to four pages by authors over age 18. Stories can be in English or Spanish. Prize: £150, £100 or £50. Deadline: April 18, 2021.

The Lucien Stryk Asian Translation Prize. Genre: Book-length translation of Asian poetry into English. Both translators and publishers are invited to submit titles. Book must have been published in previous year. Prize: $5,000. Deadline: April 19, 2021.

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 19, 2021.

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 26, 2021. 

The Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction. Genre: Novel published in 2020 (50,000 words minimum). Book has to be set in one of the original eleven states in the Confederacy. (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.) Prize: $2,500.00, and an expense paid trip to New York City. (The winner must come to NY to receive the award, attend a luncheon with the contest judges and a reception in his/her honor.) Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Principia Perspectives Writing Contest. Restrictions: Open to middle school and high school students. Genre: Essay on theme of Family. Prize: $200. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Preservation Foundation Essay Contest for Unpublished Writers. Restrictions: The contest is open to writers whose creative writing has never produced revenues of over $750 in any single year. Genre: Animal Nonfiction. Prize: First prize is $200. Runners-up will receive $100. Finalists will receive $50. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

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 30, 2021.

Willie Morris Award for Southern Poetry. Genre: Poetry that evokes the South. Prize: $2,500 and expenses-paid trip to award ceremony in NYC. Deadline: April 30, 2021.
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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, 2021.

Queer Scifi Flash Fiction Contest. Genre: Fantasy, paranormal or horror LGBTIQA stories of no more than 300 words on the theme of Ink. Prize: The top three winners will receive cash prizes of $75, $50, and $25 respectively. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

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 30, 2021.

Irene Adler Prize for Women Writers. Restrictions: Open to Canadian women. Genre: Creative nonfiction. Prize: $1,000 scholarship. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Al Blanchard Crime Award. Restrictions: New England residents only. Genre: Crime short story.  Prize: $100. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

Daisy Utemorrah Award for Indigenous Authors. Restrictions: Open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writer currently residing in Australia. Genre:  Junior/YA full-length fiction manuscript intended for readers aged 8-18. Length: 40,000 and 100,000 words. Prize: A$15,000 and possible publication.  Deadline: April 30, 2021.

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, 2021.

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: April 30, 2021.

Claudia Ann Seaman Awards For Young Writers. Restrictions: High school students. Genre: Stories and poems. Prize: $200. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

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, 2021.

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, 2021.

SA Writer’s College Short Story Award. Restrictions: Open to unpublished writers in South Africa. Genre: Short stories. Theme: You Only Live Once. Prizes: 1st – R 10 000; 2nd – R 5 000; 3rd – R 2 000. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

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, 2021. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $25,800.  Deadline: April 30, 2021.

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, 2021.

Preservation Foundation Essay Contest for Unpublished Writers. Restrictions: The contest is open to writers whose creative writing has never produced revenues of over $750 in any single year. Genre: Animal Nonfiction. Stories must be between 1000--10,000 words in length. Prize: First prize in each category will be $200. Runners-up will receive $100. Finalists will receive $50. Deadline: April 30, 2021. See themes.

The John Byrne Award. Restrictions: Open to residents of Scotland. Genre: A piece of creative work on a chosen theme or value (written work must be no more than 15,000 words in length). Prize:  £7500. Deadline: April 30, 2021.

19 Great Writing Conferences in April 2021

Wikimedia Spring has sprung, and writers are thawing out! This April most writing conferences will be held online. 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. During the pandemic most of these are being held virtually at reduced rates. Quite a few offer scholarships, so apply early.

Photo credit: Wikimedia

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Norwescon. April 1 - 4, 2021: Sea Tac, WA. Norwescon is one of the largest regional Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions in the United States. Will be held online.

IBPA Publishing University. April 7 - 10, 2021, Redondo Beach, CA. The Independent Book Publishers Association offers 30+ educational sessions including experiential learning labs, insightful keynotes, a gala book award ceremony, networking events, and so more! Cost: $195-$475. Will be held online.

Tennessee Mountain Writers Annual Conference, Apr 8 - 10, 2021: Oak Ridge, TN. Speakers and session leaders include Joseph Bathanti, Karen Salyer McElmurray, Tracy Barrett, and more! 

Las Vegas Writer’s Conference is sponsored by the Henderson Writers’ Group, Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, Nevada. April 8 – 10, 2021. 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. This Year’s Conference is ONLINE.

Michigan Writers Conference, April 9 - 10, 2021, Detroit, MI. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit Livonia Novi. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. Will be held virtually.

San Antonio Book Festival. April 9 - 11, 2021, San Antonio, TX. The San Antonio Book Festival is a FREE, annual, daylong event that unites readers and writers in a celebration of ideas, books, libraries, and literary culture. Featuring more than 80 nationally and regionally acclaimed authors, the Festival offers programming for all ages. Will be held virtually.

Breakout Novel Intensive 2.0. April 12 - 18, 2021: Hood River, Oregon. "Writers of commercial fiction who wish to soar out of category, as well as literary novelists who want to learn how to make powerful story principles work for them, will find the Breakout Novel Intensive 2.0 an idea-packed and career enriching experience. This workshop is as ideal for those just beginning a new project as it is for those embarking on a revision of a completed work. Breakout fundamentals are also covered: strong characters, inner conflict, personal stakes, plot layers, powerful scenes, micro-tension, practical theme techniques and much more."

ASJA (American Society of Journalists and Authors) Writers Conference, April 13  - 29, 2021 NYC, NY. Focus on Autobiography/Memoir, Business/Technical, Humor, Journalism, Marketing, Nature, Non-fiction, Publishing, Religion, Screenwriting, Travel. Attending: more than 100 editors, authors, literary agents, and publicists. Will be held virtually.
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Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference. April 16  - 19, 2021. The conference features evaluation and discussion of book-length and chapbook-length manuscripts with poets, editors, and publishers. The cost of the conference is $1,000. Using the online submission system, submit a brief bio and three to four poems. Will be held virtually.

Poetry at Round Top Festival. April 19 - 23, 2021. Round Top, Texas. Past faculty includes Mark Doty, Allison Joseph, Alicia Ostriker, ire’ne lara silva, Mary Szybist, Edward Vidaurre, and Jenny Xie. The cost of the conference is $150 ($50 for students) or $75 for Saturday only. Workshops are an additional $40. Private manuscript consultations are available for an additional $70. Will be held virtually.

Grub Street Muse and the Marketplace Conference. April 21 - 25, 2021, 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.

Chanticleer Authors Conference. April 21 - 25, 2021. Writing workshops, presentations, book awards and more. Will be held online.


Nebraska Writers Guild Annual Conference and Writing Retreat. April 22 - 24, 2021: Omaha, NE. Workshops, pitch sessions with an agent and writing sessions followed by evening keynote speakers.

St. Augustine Author-Mentor Novel Workshop, April 22 - 25, 2021, St. Augustine, Florida. "The St. Augustine Author-Mentor Novel Workshop creates an intimate and professional environment that combines private meetings with small-group workshops, thus enabling aspiring authors to wisely approach the writing and publication of their novel. At the St. Augustine event, aspiring authors will:
1) Work one-on-one with top authors and savvy market professionals.
2) Apply advanced story and narrative technique to their novel-in-progress.
3) Hone and improve their writer voice and style.
4) Learn the necessary inside mechanics of the publishing business.
5) Leave the workshop with a detailed plan to work towards publication of their novel.
Group workshop sessions will be interspersed with agent and author consultations, workshop assignments, as well as consults with workshop leaders."

Ozarks Writers League Conference. April 23 - 24, 2021: 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. Will be held online.

North Carolina Writers’ Network Spring Conference. April 23 - 24, 2021, 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. Will be held online.

The Pikes Peak Writers Conference. April 23 - 25, 2021. 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 online.

Writing on the Door: Virtual Poetry Conference. April 23 - 25, 2021: Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. Poetry readings, talks, conversations with poets and more! Will be held online.

Northern Colorado Writers Conference. April 24 -  May 1, 2021, Fort Collins, CO. Workshops, seminars, speakers, entertainment, agent roundtables, pitch sessions, networking with authors and industry professionals. Will be held online and in person (April 24 workshop only).

31 Places to Publish Novellas and Long Short Stories - Paying markets

If you've written a longer piece of fiction, but not as lengthy as a novel, you may be wondering where to get it published. (As it happens, I am too, because I just wrote one.) With so many literary journals preferring a "sweet spot" of about 3,000 words, a short story of 5,000 words, much less 8,000 words can be a challenge to publish. Once you get over 10,000 words, finding a home for your work can be daunting. 

Nevertheless it is not impossible. There are literary journals and publishers that accept longer short stories, novelettes, and novellas. In case you are wondering what the word counts are for these categories, Duotrope uses these guidelines:

Short story = 1000 to 7,500 words
Novelette = 7,500 to 15,000 words
Novella = 15,000 to 40,000 words

While guidelines can be useful, word counts are hardly fixed for short fiction. A novelette can be anywhere between 7,000 and 20,000 words. But while novellas usually have a top range of 40,000 words, there is no fixed bottom range. What's more, there is a no-man's-land between 40,000 and 60,000 words. Most novels under 60,000 words are deemed "unmarketable" by agents. So, what happens to works between 40,000 and 60,000 words? It's a question for the ages. 

A  word of advice: Resist the temptation to either pare down your work, or beef it up to meet someone else's word count. All literary works determine their own length. To thine own work be true.

Here is an excellent ranking of literary magazines that includes word counts: 

Erika Krouse’s Ranking of 500-ish Literary Magazines for Short Fiction 

Photo credit: Unsplash
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AGNI

Length: No restrictions
Payment: $10 per printed (or printed-out) page

"At AGNI we see literature and the arts as integral to the broad, engaged conversation that underwrites a vital society. Our poets, storytellers, essayists, translators, and artists lift a mirror to nature and the social world. They not only reflect our age, they respond. We have no formula. We seek fresh vision and listen for dynamic voices that address our common reality." AGNI accepts manuscripts between September 1st and May 31st. 

Analog

Length: Up to 80,000 words
Payment: 8-10 cents per word for short fiction (up to approximately 20,000 words), 6 cents per word for serials (40,000-80,000 words)

​"Analog will consider material submitted by any writer solely on the basis of merit. We are eager to find and develop new, capable writers. We publish science fiction stories in which some aspect of future science or technology is so integral to the plot that, if that aspect were removed, the story would collapse. The science can be physical, sociological, psychological. The technology can be anything from electronic engineering to biogenetic engineering. But the stories must be strong and realistic, with believable people (who needn't be human) doing believable things–no matter how fantastic the background might be." Also accepts poetry.


A Public Space

Length: Novelettes and novellas
Payment: Up to $100

"A Public Space is an independent nonprofit publisher of an eponymous award-winning literary, arts, and culture magazine, and A Public Space Books. Under the direction of founding editor Brigid Hughes since 2006, it has been our mission to seek out overlooked and unclassifiable work, and to publish writing from beyond established confines." Has submission periods.

Beneath Ceaseless Skies

Length: Up to 15,000 words
Payment: 8 cents/word

Beneath Ceaseless Skies publishes “literary adventure fantasy”: stories with a secondary-world setting and some fantasy feel, but written with a literary approach. "We want stories set in what Tolkien called a “secondary world”: some other world that is different from our own primary world in some way. It could be different in terms of zoology (non-human creatures), ecology (climate), or physical laws (the presence of magic)." 

Boulevard

Length: Up to 8,000 words
Payment: Prose minimum is $100, maximum is $300.

"While we frequently publish writers with previous credits, we are very interested in less experienced or unpublished writers with exceptional promise. If you have practiced your craft and your work is the best it can be, send it to Boulevard." $3 to submit online. No charge for postal submissions. Has submission periods.

Colorado Review

Length: 15 - 25 manuscript pages
Payment: $200

Part of of the English Department at Colorado State University, "The Center for Literary Publishing partners with writers to bring exceptionally written and published fiction, poetry, and nonfiction to readers through a variety of platforms—notably, Colorado Review and CLP books. Training and cultivating the publishing professionals of tomorrow, the CLP invites graduate student interns to participate in every aspect of the publication process." No fee for snail mail submissions. Has submission periods.


Fairlight Books (UK)

Length: 25,000 to 50,000 words
Payment: Royalties

"Based in the thriving and energetic publishing hub of Oxford, we’re a young, dynamic team wanting to do things a little differently.  Since our inception, our authors have been longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, shortlisted for the Paul Torday Prize, the BBC National Short Story Award and on the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction Recommended List. As part of our mission to make quality writing more discoverable, we’ve set up Fairlight Shorts. This online short story portal showcases some fantastic, but previously unpublished, short story writing. Making all of the stories on our website freely available to readers, our aim is to fight the corner for the short story as a form of literature which until recently has been largely abandoned or hidden behind paywalls, and promote and support the writing of these talented authors. With a specific focus on quality rather than quantity, we intend to publish contemporary adult literary fiction and well-written genre fiction. Fairlight Books is open to literary submissions of short stories (no payment), novellas and novels. We are happy to accept submissions of longer fiction direct from authors."

The Fantasist

Length: 15,000 to 40,000 words, although they may consider work that is somewhat longer.
Payment: $100

"We especially like stories set in a well-researched historical setting, set in the present or the future, stories with interaction between magic and science, the Napoleonic Era, Faeries, Dragons (but no dragon tragedy!), and stories not set in Europe. We love apprenticeship narratives/magical education, people coming together, stable romantic partnerships, nuanced friendships, remotely accurate economic and political systems, realistic depictions of power, magic that isn’t explained, highly systematized magic, made up plants, medical stuff combining magic and medicine, tall tales, pastorals, 2nd person, formal weirdness, real languages other than English (bonus points for Russian), constructed languages, intricate worldbuilding, interesting things with real or fictional religion (bonus points for Islamic characters), Speculative CNF, lyric essay, stories that engages with well-known texts, stories that deal with obscure or technical bodies of knowledge, epistemological fiction, epistolary fiction, fantasy inside virtual reality inside science fiction, surrealism, dark fantasy and horror, diagrams, psychology (but do your research), disabled people having sex, fake scholarship (Especially without seeing action in that world), trans and nonbinary characters in historical fantasy, technologically and/or historically accurate seafaring fiction, sex workers, domesticity, stories set in cities about something other than crime, the black-plague as apocalypse, the ridiculous backstabby internecine warfare of the faerie poetry community in Indianapolis, fantasy in small town America, addiction storylines, 12-step programs for magical things, socialism, communism, anarchism, part way into the high flung adventure, the hero buys a nice plot of land and settles down to raise magic sheep. YA is encouraged, but we are not primarily a YA market, and publish for all ages. Special note: We are especially seeking more urban fantasy."

The Georgia Review

Length: Not restricted
Payment: $50 per printed page. All contributors receive a one-year subscription to The Georgia Review.

Founded in 1947, The Georgia Review is the University of Georgia’s journal of arts and letters.  The journal has twice taken a top prize in the annual National Magazine Awards competition, winning out over the likes of the Atlantic, Esquire, the New Yorker, and Vanity Fair, and has been a finalist twenty times in various categories. No fee to submit by regular mail.

Gettysburg Review

Length: Up to 10,000 words
Payment: $25.00 per printed page for prose

The Gettysburg Review, published by Gettysburg College, is recognized as one of the country’s premier literary journals. Since its debut in 1988, work by such luminaries as E. L. Doctorow, Rita Dove, James Tate, Joyce Carol Oates, Richard Wilbur, and Donald Hall has appeared alongside that of emerging artists such as JM Holmes, Lydia Conklin, Jessica Hollander, Emily Nemens, Charles Yu, and Ashley Wurzbacher, who was recently named a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree. They publish poetry, fiction, essays, and art.

GigaNotoSaurus

Length: Up to 25,000 words
Payment: $100

GigaNotoSaurus accepts Science Fiction or Fantasy (or any combination thereof). "We could wax eloquent describing the kinds of stories we like, but it wouldn’t be useful; there are dozens of things we don’t know we like until we try them. Send us that story you really believe in–the one, maybe, that quickly ran out of places to submit it to because it’s so long. Don’t query to gauge our interest in a particular subgenre. Just submit the story. We actively seek to include stories told from and by a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and genders. We are particularly interested in #ownvoices stories."

Heroic Fantasy Quarterly

Length: Up to 10,000 words; they will serialize at a maximum of 50,000 words over four issues
Payment: $100

Heroic Fantasy Quarterly is a quarterly ezine dedicated to publishing heroic fantasy — in both prose and poetry. "We are unrepentant in our goal of elevating unapologetic sword and sorcery to a rightful high place." Accepts poetry. See submission periods.


Luna Novella

Length: 20,000 - 40,000 words
Payment: Royalties

"Luna Press Publishing™ is an award-winning independent UK press, founded in 2015 by author Francesca T. Barbini. We deal with Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Dark Fantasy, in both fiction and academia. We are also a proud member of Publishing Scotland."

The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction
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Length: Up to 25,000 words
Payment: 8-12 cents per word on acceptance

​"Fantasy & Science Fiction has no formula for fiction, but we like to be surprised by stories, either by the character insights, ideas, plots, or prose. The speculative element may be slight, but it should be present. We prefer character-oriented stories, whether it's fantasy, science fiction, horror, humor, or another genre. F&SF encourages submissions from diverse voices and perspectives, and has published writers from all over the world. Do not query for fiction; submit the entire manuscript."


Malahat Review

Length: Up to 8,000 words
Payment: $65 CAD per published page

The Malahat Review welcomes submissions in English of previously unpublished work in any of these three genres in a broad range of forms and styles, and the Editorial Boards are pleased to receive submissions from all writers who wish to send their work for consideration, including writers from communities generally under-represented in literary magazines, in particular Indigenous writers, writers of colour, 2SLGBTQIA?+ writers, and writers with disabilities. Writers at all stages of their careers are welcome to submit their work to The Malahat Review. It publishes poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction by new and established writers mostly from Canada, reviews of Canadian books, and the best writing from abroad.

McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern

Length: Not restricted.
Payment: Up to $400

"There are no rules." Has submission periods. (But nobody seems to know when they are.)

Midnight Breakfast

Length: Up to 10,000 words
Payment: $50 

"We love narratives that challenge our perceptions of the world by opening up new ways of conceiving of what’s always been around us. We want to feel electrified by prose—to be taken in by sentence-level writing, where there’s a choreography to the language, the rhythm, the cadence. Most of all, we want to read the kind of work that could only have come from you—if it comes from the gut, it’ll likely hit us in ours." Accepts fiction and nonfiction. Has submission periods.

Missouri Review

Length: Up to 12,000. They prefer under 9,000.
Payment: $40 per page

"The Missouri Review, founded in 1978, is one of the most highly regarded literary magazines in the United States. For the past four decades we’ve upheld a reputation for finding and publishing the very best writers first. We are based at the University of Missouri and publish four issues each year. Each issue contains approximately five new stories, three new poetry features, and two essays, all selected from unsolicited submissions sent by writers throughout the world."

Mocha Memoirs

Length: 30,000 to 80,000 words
Payment: Not specified

"Since 2010, Mocha Memoirs Press’s mission is to amplify marginalized voices in the areas of speculative fiction (science fiction, horror, and fantasy). We publish engaging stories that amplify diverse experiences with vivid storytelling, robust protagonists, and fearless voices."


Narrative

Length: 15,000 to 40,000 words
Payment: $1000

"Narrative accepts previously unpublished manuscripts of all lengths, ranging from short short stories to complete book-length works for serialization. Narrative regularly publishes fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, including stories, novels, novel excerpts, novellas, personal essays, humor, sketches, memoirs, literary biographies, commentary, reportage, interviews, and features of interest to readers who take pleasure in storytelling and imaginative prose. We look for quality and originality of language and content." Narrative charges for online submissions. They have a free open period during the first two weeks of April. 

New England Review

Length: Up to 20,000 words
Payment: $20 per page ($50 minimum)

"NER accepts submissions in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, drama, translation, and NER Digital’s “Confluences” series. We welcome and encourage submissions from writers of every nationality, race, religion, and gender, including writers who have never been affiliated with an MFA program and whose perspectives are often underrepresented in the literary world." Has submission periods.

Ninth Letter

Length: Up to 8,000 words
Payment: $25 per printed page, with a maximum payment of $150, as well as two complimentary copies of the issue in which the work appears.

"Ninth Letter is published semi-annually in print at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. We are interested in prose and poetry that experiment with form, narrative, and nontraditional subject matter, as well as more traditional literary work." Has submission periods.

One Story

Length: Up to 8,000 words.
Payment: $500 and 25 contributors copies. 

One Story is seeking literary short stories. "They can be any style and on any subject as long as they are good. We are looking for stories that leave readers feeling satisfied and are strong enough to stand alone." Single stories are sent to email subscribers every month. See reading periods.

Ploughshares Solos

Length: 7,500 to 20,000 words.
Payment: $450

"Ploughshares has published quality literature since 1971. Our award-winning literary journal is published four times a year; our lively literary blog publishes new writing daily. Since 1989, we have been based at Emerson College in downtown Boston." Submissions accepted June 1 to January 15. Charges for online submissions. No charge for mailed submissions.

River Styx

Length: Up to 8,000 words
Payment: $25 to $150


"As a multicultural magazine of poetry, short fiction, essays, short plays, and art, River Styx seeks to publish work that is striking in its originality, energy, and craft, from both new and established writers. The high quality of work published in River Styx has made it a leader among literary magazines for over 45 years. River Styx has been included in many editions of the Best American Poetry, Best New Poets, New Stories from the South, and Pushcart Prize anthologies." Has submission periods. Opens March 1.

Shenandoah

Length: Up to 8,000 words
Payment: $100 for every thousand words of prose—for a maximum honorarium of $500 per author)

"Shenandoah aims to showcase a wide variety of voices and perspectives in terms of gender identity, race, ethnicity, class, age, ability, nationality, regionality, sexuality, and educational background (MFAs are not necessary here). We love publishing new writers; publishing history is not a prerequisite either. Checking out our current issue is another great way to get a sense of the kind of work we like."

Silver Shamrock

Length: 30,000 to 60,000 words
Payment: Royalties

Silver Shamrock publishes hard-hitting horror novels and novellas. They are interested in unique takes on classic horror tropes: demons, witches, vampires, etc. No YA, gore, or torture.

Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR)

Length: Up to 8000 words
Payment: $1000

"VQR strives to publish the best writing we can find. While we have a long history of publishing accomplished and award-winning authors, we also seek and support emerging writers." Only opens for submissions in July.

Viva la Novella (Contest)

Length: 20,000 - 40,000 words
Prize: $1,000 and publication in Seizure
Note: Open to Australian and New Zealand writers only.

"In 2012 Seizure began a novella prize to celebrate and promote short novels – because we love the form and believe some of the greatest works in the English language are actually novellas. Even in its first year, competition was fierce with over 80 submissions. We made a shortlist in January 2013 and selected a winner, working on the book in secret until the big reveal at the Emerging Writers Festival in Melbourne where Sandy Grant spoke of the power of the form and the support of Copyright Agency which would kick in for our second year. The inaugural winner was the talented, subtle and emotionally powerful Midnight Blue and Endlessly Tall by Jane Jervis Read." Entry period opens in October and closes December 31.

Worldweaver Press

Length: 20,000 (min) to 100,000 (max)
Payment: Royalties

"World Weaver Press looks for speculative fiction. Anything that does not contain a speculative element (i.e. fantasy or science fiction) will not be considered. We are interested in standalones, duologies, or trilogies only. Longer series will not be considered at this time. We publish in both digital (ebook) and paperback (print on demand) formats. Unagented submissions welcome."

ZYZZYVA

Length: No upper limit
Payment: Token to semi-pro.

ZYZZYVA is a print journal based in San Francisco. "We have established a vigorous tradition of finding and fostering new talent, in our backyard and beyond. For over thirty years ZYZZYVA has nurtured emerging writers, many of whom go on to spectacular careers (Haruki Murakami, Po Bronson, F.X. Toole, Kay Ryan, Sherman Alexie) and whose work in ZYZZYVA is recognized by the Pushcart Prize, the Best American series, the O. Henry Prize Stories, and other awards organizations." They publish fiction, poetry, essays, and artwork. They accept submissions from January 7 through May 31, and September 1 through November 19. Snail mail submissions only.

10 Speculative Literary Magazines Open for Submissions NOW - Paying markets

Piqsels
These ten speculative fiction and poetry magazines are currently open for submissions. All are paying markets and none charge submission fees. They are looking for a wide range of speculative fiction, including horror, dark fantasy, science fiction, fantasy, magical realism, and anything else that falls within the untrammeled bounds of your wild imagination.

Image credit: Piqsels
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Asimov’s Science Fiction

Asimov’s Science Fiction magazine is an established market for science fiction stories. "In general, we’re looking for “character oriented” stories, those in which the characters, rather than the science, provide the main focus for the reader’s interest. Serious, thoughtful, yet accessible fiction will constitute the majority of our purchases, but there’s always room for the humorous as well. SF dominates the fiction published in the magazine, but we also publish borderline fantasy, slipstream, and surreal fiction. No sword & Sorcery, please. Neither are we interested in explicit sex or violence." Payment: Asimov’s pays 8-10 cents per word for short stories up to 7,500 words, and 8 cents for each word over 7,500. They seldom buy stories shorter than 1,000 words or longer than 20,000 words, and they don’t serialize novels. They pay $1 a line for poetry, which should not exceed 40 lines. 

Analog

"Analog will consider material submitted by any writer solely on the basis of merit. We are eager to find and develop new, capable writers. We publish science fiction stories in which some aspect of future science or technology is so integral to the plot that, if that aspect were removed, the story would collapse. The science can be physical, sociological, psychological. The technology can be anything from electronic engineering to biogenetic engineering. But the stories must be strong and realistic, with believable people (who needn't be human) doing believable things–no matter how fantastic the background might be." Payment: Analog pays 8-10 cents per word for short fiction (up to approximately 20,000 words), 6 cents per word for serials (40,000-80,000 words), 9 cents per word for fact articles, and $1 per line for poetry.

The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction

"Fantasy & Science Fiction has no formula for fiction, but we like to be surprised by stories, either by the character insights, ideas, plots, or prose. The speculative element may be slight, but it should be present. We prefer character-oriented stories, whether it's fantasy, science fiction, horror, humor, or another genre. F&SF encourages submissions from diverse voices and perspectives, and has published writers from all over the world. Do not query for fiction; submit the entire manuscript. We publish fiction up to 25,000 words in length." Payment: Payment is 8-12 cents per word on acceptance. 

THE HORROR ZINE'S BOOK OF WEREWOLF STORIES

Requirements: Must be original, never previously published, no reprints. Between 3K and 4,500K words. Must be on a word or RTF document, single spaced with indented paragraphs. No PDF files. Must type "Werewolf Submission" in the subject line. "Please include your name and email address upon your submission. Don't create Lon Chaney Jr.--think outside the box. Email your stories to thehorrorzine@gmail.com" Payment: $20 per accepted story. 

DL Russell Books: Big Man Selling Calendars

Genre(s): Horror, Dark Fantasy, Paranormal. "We're looking for Dark and strange here. People you meet and come to wonder if there's something wrong with them? Those who make us ask if  they're demented, dangerous, or even human?" Word Count: 1500 - 3500."Well written, character driven horror has the best chance within this anthology.  Email Submissions to dlrussellbooks@gmail.com with "Calendar People Submission in the Subject Heading." Payment: $25 and 3 Print Copies plus additional copies at cost. 

Orion’s Belt

"Orion’s Belt is the home of bold, experimental literary science fiction and fantasy. We want stories that make us think about our place in the universe and our relationships with each other. We want stories that blur the line between “genre” fiction and literary fiction. We want stories that reach toward the stars while never forgetting the people on the ground. And we want it all in under 1200 words. It’s a difficult challenge, but we have faith in you, fellow cosmonauts. Payment: 8 cents USD ($.08) per word. This is the industry-standard, SFWA-approved professional rate. Thus, if your story is 1000 words (not counting title, byline, etc.), you will receive $80 after publication. If your story is 500 words, you will receive $40." 

Mysterium Tremendum

Mysterium Tremendum is a quarterly chapbook. "Nonfiction, short fiction, and poetry that in some way examines or exists within this liminal space is welcome here. We’re paying flat fees of $50 for nonfiction (film studies welcome) and fiction of 3,000 to 6,000 words in length. All nonfiction should be formatted using Chicago Manual of Style, no exceptions. Each chapbook will be around 45 pages in length and available in limited numbers from the SMM website. Each issue will also be made available on Amazon Kindle." Payment: $25 for all poems. 

Nightshade and Moonlight

Genre: Fantasy (anthology excludes erotic). Word count: 3k-8kAll stories must contain a dark fae as either the main character or sidekick. Authors may submit up to 2 stories for consideration.  Payment: Accepted authors will receive $20.00 per author. 

Nevermore

Genre: Supernatural and horror. Word count: 3k-8k. All stories must contain a supernatural and horror element. Authors may submit up to 2 stories for consideration. Payment: Authors will receive $20.00 per author. 

Constraint 280
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Constraint 280 is a venue for narrative speculative work up to 280 characters long. This usually means microfiction and poetry, but things like Twitter bots that generate tweets are also welcome. Experimental and interactive forms are very much welcome. Code may exceed 280 characters if the printed output is 280 characters or under. Payment: $2.80.

"Conservative" Publishing and the First Amendment

A recent letter to the editor in Publishers Weekly addresses several important points concerning freedom of speech, the first of which is a clarification of the First Amendment, as it applies to publishing. The First Amendment simply prohibits Congress from passing any law that restricts freedom of speech. It does not guarantee that your speech will be published. That comes under the auspices of free market, not free speech. In short, you can talk, but nobody is obliged to listen, or to give your speech a platform. In addition, there are numerous forms of speech that are not protected under the First Amendment, including lies, libel, slander, incitement to violence, seditious speech, threats, child pornography, fraud, commercial speech, plagiarism, and advocating any criminal behavior.

The second point made in this letter is whether publishing companies have an obligation to consider the harm they do when they publish "violence and vitriol," while excluding those on the receiving end. This is not necessarily a legal consideration (until their companies are sued) but it is certainly an ethical one. Does the quest for the almighty dollar relieve publishers of responsibility when what they publish leads to persecution, destruction, and death? In fact, that responsibility does rest with publishers. Inciting violence is a felony, and hate speech can be punishable if it results in assaults and murders. So, while publishers may wish to make a profit from thinly veiled white supremacists masquerading as "conservatives," they may want to consider the implications should those publications be used as justification for violence or insurrection. If and when they are sued, neither the authors nor their publishers will be able to claim "freedom of speech" as a defense.
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Letter to the Editor: We Need to Define 'Conservative Publishing' 
Elham Ali and Anita Ragunathan | Feb 05, 2021, Publisher's Weekly 
As cultural institutions, publishing houses certainly have a responsibility to document the many faces of society, including the 74 million Americans who voted for Trump. However, the framing of these viewpoints is an even more daunting task. From an innocent pat on the former president’s head by a late-night television host to the publication of a noted transphobic professor, the output of cultural institutions has an impact on the collective consciousness of American society. When the messenger upholds the dehumanization of Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBT+, and disability communities, their message can and has led to violence against these communities.
For many years, publishers have been quietly profiting off of this violence and vitriol, all the while systematically excluding those on the receiving end from the publishing world. And even in the last decade when strides have been made, largely led by a “new generation” of publishing professionals and smaller indie publishers, to be more inclusive of minority communities both in books and offices, these “controversial” authors have continued to be published under the cloak of “conservative” presses.
The demise of “conservative” publishing is being framed as an issue of liberalism v. conservatism or left v. right. This is not only wrong but dangerous rhetoric. Younger industry members are not calling for the halt to reprints of Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman or the muzzling of Grover Norquist, for a more contemporary example. Conservative houses and imprints like Regnery are responsible for publishing and giving a platform to a particular brand of conservative: far right and inflammatory.
Read more HERE.