Erica Verrillo's Blog, page 33

29 Writing Contests in September 2020 - No entry fees

Pxfuel This September there are more than two dozen writing contests calling for every genre and form, from poetry, to creative nonfiction, to completed novels. Prizes range from $10,000 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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Helen Schaible Shakespearean/Petrarchan Sonnet Contest. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $50, 2nd Prize $35, 3rd Prize $15, three Honorable Mentions, three Special Recognitions. Deadline: September 1, 2020.

AILACT Essay Prize. Genre: Papers related to the teaching or theory of informal logic or critical thinking, and papers on argumentation theory. Prize: $700 top prize. Deadline: September 1, 2020.

The Sator New Works Award. Genre: Debut book-length work of fiction or non-fiction by an author who identifies as trans or nonbinary. Prize: $2,500 advance and publication. Deadline: September 1, 2020.

American-Scandinavian Foundation Translation Prizes. Genre: English translations of poetry, fiction, drama, or literary prose originally written in Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, or Swedish by a Scandinavian author born after 1800. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: September 1, 2020.

PEN Prison Writing Contest. Restrictions: Anyone incarcerated in a federal, state, or county prison in the year before the September 1 deadline is eligible to enter. Genres: Poetry, fiction, drama, creative nonfiction. Prize: $200 top prize per category. Deadline: September 1, 2020.

Stories Out of School. Genre: Flash fiction. The story’s protagonist, or its narrator, must be a K-12 teacher. Stories must be between 6 and 749 words and previously unpublished. Prize: First-prize winners receive $1000; second-prize winners, $500. Deadline: September 1, 2020.

IWSG. Genre: Science Fiction. Theme: Dark Matter. Word count: 4500-6000. Prize: The winning stories will be edited and published by Dancing Lemur Press' imprint Freedom Fox Press next year in the IWSG anthology. Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title. Deadline: September 2, 2020.

#PitMad Pitch Party. #PitMad is a pitch party on Twitter where writers tweet a 280-character pitch for their completed, polished, unpublished manuscripts. Agents and editors make requests by liking/favoriting the tweeted pitch. Every unagented writer is welcome to pitch. All genres/categories are welcomed. Deadline: September 3, 2020.

On The Premises Short Story Contest. "For this contest, write a creative, compelling, well-crafted story between 1,000 and 5,000 words long in which either a specific scent, or the sense of smell in general, is important to the story." Prize: Winners receive between US$60 and US$220, and publication. Deadline: September 4, 2020.

Hubert Butler Essay Prize. Restrictions: Open to European Union citizens aged 18+. Genre: Essay on theme "Communal solidarity and individual freedom: antagonists or allies?" 3,000 words max. Prize: Up to 1,000 pounds. Deadline: September 4, 2020.

The Gotham “Manuscript-to-Market” Fellowship. Restrictions: Open to people of color who have completed a book manuscript (or nonfiction book proposal) and are ready to go to market with their book. Three fellowships will be offered every year. Prize: Admittance to the Gotham Writers Conference—the panels and presentations as well as a seat at a pitching roundtable with two agents in your genre. The Gotham course How to Get Published or Nonfiction Book Proposal. A one-on-one Agent Evaluation session and a  Query Letter Coaching session, both with a literary agent. Deadline: September 8, 2020.

Young Lions Fiction Award. Restrictions: Open to US citizens 35 years of age or younger. Genre: Novel or a collection of short stories. Each year, five young fiction writers are selected as finalists by a reading committee of Young Lions members, writers, editors, and librarians. Submissions by publisher only. Authors may not submit their own work. Prize: $10,000.00. Deadline: September 11, 2020.

Green Stories Writing Competition. Genre: Children's books about building a sustainable society.  Prize: £200 for best pre-school/illustrated book (aimed at age 2-6) and £200 for best novel in young reader’s category. Deadline: September 14, 2020.

Artist Trust: La Salle Storyteller Award. Restrictions: Open to residents of Washington State. Students enrolled in a degree-granting program are ineligible. Genre: Fiction. Grant: $10,000.   Deadline: September 14, 2020.

Toni Beauchamp Prize in Critical Art Writing. Genre: Scholarly essay. All work submitted must have been written or published within the last year. Prize: $3,000. Deadline: September 15, 2020.

What’s Your Story? Restrictions: Open to Victorian residents. (Australia) Genre: Poetry, short stories, CNF. Prize: $500. Deadline: September 15, 2020.

Toi Derricotte & Cornelius Eady Chapbook Prize. Restrictions: Open to Black poets. Genre: Chapbook-length poetry manuscript. Prize: $500 and publication. Deadline: September 15, 2020.

The QueryLetter:com Writing Contest. Genre: Back cover blurb of 100 words or fewer that sets the stage for a novel, establishes the characters, and raises the stakes in a way that makes readers want to find out more. Prize: $500 top prize. Deadline: September 15, 2020.

Harvill Secker Young Translators' Prize. Restrictions: Open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 34. Genre: Short story translation from Japanese to English. Entrants will translate ‘Yakyoku’ by Yusho Takiguchi. Prize: £1,000.00. Deadline: September 16, 2020.

Three Cheers and a Tiger. Genre: Science fiction/fantasy short story. Prize: Winning stories are published in the December issue of Toasted Cheese. If 50 or fewer eligible entries are received, first place receives a $35 Amazon gift card & second a $10 Amazon gift card. If 51 or more eligible entries are received, first place receives a $50 Amazon gift card, second a $15 Amazon gift card & third a $10 Amazon gift card. Deadline: September 20, 2020. Opens September 18.

Bodley Head/Financial Times Essay Prize. Restrictions: open to anyone between 18 and 35 years old. Genre: "A dynamic, authoritative and lively essay of no more than 3,500 words in English, on any subject." Prize: £1,500 cash and an e-publication with The Bodley Head, publication in the FT of their winning essay and a mentoring session with The Bodley Head. Two runners-up will win £500 cash each and an e-publication with The Bodley Head. Deadline: September 24, 2020.

Cullman Center Fellowships. Fellowship. The Cullman Center’s Selection Committee awards up to 15 fellowships a year to outstanding scholars and writers—academics, independent scholars, journalists, and creative writers. Foreign nationals conversant in English are welcome to apply. Award: A stipend of up to $70,000, an office, a computer, and full access to the Library's physical and electronic resources. Deadline: September 25, 2020.

Iowa Short Fiction and John Simmons Short Fiction Awards. Genre: Short story collection. The manuscript must be a collection of short stories in English of at least 150 word-processed, double-spaced pages. Prize: Publication by the University of Iowa Press, royalties. Deadline: September 30, 2020.

Jerry Jazz Musician Fiction Contest. Genre: Short fiction. Prize: $100. Deadline: September 30, 2020.

L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest is held four times a year. Restrictions: The Contest is open only to those who have not professionally published a novel or short novel, or more than one novelette, or more than three short stories, in any medium. Professional publication is deemed to be payment of at least six cents per word, and at least 5,000 copies, or 5,000 hits. Genre: Short stories or novelettes of science fiction or fantasy. Prizes: $1,000, $750, $500, Annual Grand Prize: $5,000.  Deadline: September 30, 2020.

Victoria Literary Festival Writing Competition. Genre: Short story: 1500 words, taking into consideration the theme of the 2019 VLF festival: Hats Off. Prize: First prize will receive 350 CDN$ with four runners up receiving 50 CDN$ each. Deadline: September 30, 2020.

Johnson and Amoy Achong Caribbean Writers Prize. Restrictions: Open to writers of Caribbean birth or citizenship, living and working in the Anglophone Caribbean and writing in English, over the age of 18 by 30 September, 2018 and have no previously published a book-length work in the genre in which they are making a submission.Genre: Literary non-fiction work in progress.    Prize: $20,000TT (or the equivalent in US dollars). Deadline: September 30, 2020.

Owl Canyon Press Short Story Hackathon. Genre: Short story. " Writers are invited to create and submit a short story consisting of 50 paragraphs. The contest provides the first and last paragraph and the short story writer crafts the rest." Prize: First prize is $1000, 2nd prize is $500, and 3rd prize is $250 with the winning short story published in an ebook short story anthology for Amazon, as well as an invitation to give a public reading at Inkberry Books in Niwot, CO. Twenty-four (24) Finalists will also have their short stories included in this ebook anthology. Deadline: September 30, 2020.

Michael Marks Awards for Poetry Pamphlets. Restrictions: Poetry pamphlet. Only pamphlets published in the United Kingdom between September 2018 and this year’s closing date are eligible. Genre: Poetry. Prize: £5,000. Deadline: September 30, 2020.

26 Writing Conferences in September 2020 (most held online)

Flickr matt_ze ott While many fall writing conferences have been rescheduled, most are going ahead as planned via online formats. You can still attend workshops, presentations, readings, discussions, lectures, and critiques via Zoom.

Plan ahead! Conferences often offer scholarships, but these have deadlines. If one of these conferences interests you, put the scholarship deadline date on your calendar for next year, or for whenever the conference rolls around again.

For a full list of conferences, organized by month, see Writing Conferences. While nearly all of these are in the United States, you can find links on that page that will take you to world-wide conference lists.

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The Sci-Fi Short Story Workshop. Sept 1, Sept 8, 2020. "This workshop is for sci fi short stories, but is useful to anyone who has a story they want to write. We will be focused on 1500 word, short stories, in the Science Fiction (and maybe a touch of horror or humor, or both!) genre." Will be held online. FREE!

Heaven Scent: A Sci-Fest L.A. Reading with Actor David Westbay. September 3, 2020.
"A FREE online reading to raise awareness for Sci-Fest LA’s short story writing competitions! “Heaven Scent” by John McCollum is a delightful story about a close encounter of the canine kind. It tells how empathy can cross all boundaries, whether they are between planets or species. Stage and TV actor David Westbay brings the story alive in a dramatic reading."

DragonCon. September 3 - 7, 2020: Atlanta, Ga. HUGE sci-fi event, with parade, autograph sessions, live performances, readings, wrestling (!), workshops on belly dancing, writing (yes, there's even some writing), art show. (This conference sounds really wild.)

WriterCon. September 4 - 6, 2020: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. "Discover if self-publishing is the best option for your book–and how to self-publish easily. See what techniques and tools you need to be your own best editor. Find out how to pitch to an agent–by email and in person. Go over the 7 steps to creating your fiction novel, so it’s ROCK SOLID every time. Learn about ghostwriting, which can be a lucrative market for authors. Dive deeper into children’s writing, writing for computer games, poetry, screenplays, songs, cookbooks and more. Witness how to publish on Kindle step-by-step. Uncover the latest tips, tricks and tools for marketing your book–and yourself–effectively. Talk to top agents, editors, publishers and publicists, and MORE."

Western Writers of America Convention. September 4 - 6, 2020: Rapid City, South Dakota. Children's, Fiction, Marketing, Non-fiction, Publishing, Young Adult. History presentations at the convention include Cats in the Old West, Border Wars/Law and Order, Mark Twain Literary Contributions, and more. Other sessions will take place related to the craft of writing, book marketing, and research sources and techniques.

Chanticleer Authors Conference. September 8 - 13, 2020. Sessions with a special focus on the business of being a working writer on topics such as marketing, publicity, platform, sales tools & strategies, publishing, production, distribution, organization, storycraft, editing, and more. Will be held online.

Kentucky Women Writers Conference. Sept. 10–15, 2020: Lexington, KY. The Kentucky Women Writers Conference is the longest running literary festival of women in the nation. About 1,000 individuals attend the conference each year. Daytime sessions attract about 150 writers at all stages of development, and free evening events gather a lively community of readers. Most come seeking literary sisterhood, help with a manuscript, or practical advice about the publishing industry. Many are students or beginning writers.

Red Ink Conference. September 11 - 12, 2020: Detroit, MI. "Here are some topics we'll cover: Writing from the Editor's Point of View, Self-Publishing Industry Secrets, How to Create a Bestselling Bio, The Bestseller Book Synopsis, Marketing to Make Money."

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference. Sept.11 - 13, 2020: Denver, CO. Keynote Speakers: Marie Force, John Gilstrap, and Anne Hillerman. Faculty includes a wide variety of published authors, marketers, editors, and agents. Opportunities to pitch projects to agents and editors. Canceled for 2020.

Poets on the Coast. Sept. 11- 13, 2020: La Conner, Washington. Workshop, one-on-one mentoring, craft classes, and yoga for women poets. The faculty includes poets Kelli Russell Agodon and Susan Rich. Tuition, which does not include lodging or meals, is $429. Will be held online.

The Colorado Writing Workshop. September 12, 2020: Denver Colorado. A full-day “How to Get Published” event. "This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more."

Slice Literary Writers’ Conference. September 12 - 13, 2020: Brooklyn, NY. Craft workshops, panels, and one-on-one agent meetings for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. Fiction and nonfiction writers Mira Jacob and Kiese Laymon will deliver the keynotes. Participating publishing professionals include agents Amy Elizabeth Bishop (Dystel, Goderich & Bourret), Sarah Bowlin (Aevitas Creative Management), Reiko Davis (DeFiore & Company), Stephanie Delman (Greenburger Associates), Mitch Hoffman (Aaron Priest Literary Agency), Annie Hwang (Folio Literary Management), Heather Jackson (Heather Jackson Literary Agency), Jacqueline Ko (Wylie Agency), Ayesha Pande (Ayesha Pande Literary), Anjali Singh (Ayesha Pande Literary), and DongWon Song (Howard Morhaim Literary Agency). The cost of the conference is $375 for both days or $275 for one day; students receive a $50 discount. Agent meetings are an additional $100 to $175; workshops are $50.

San Francisco Writing for Change. September 13 - 20, 2020: San Francisco, CA. This event is for writers of nonfiction AND fiction who want to change the world for the better through their work. Will be held online.

Digital Book World Conference. September 14 - 16, 2020. This is the premier event for digital publishers and content providers of all sizes and business models. Will be held online.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Writing Novels in Verse and Novels in Vignettes Online Course + Optional Onsite Retreat 2020. September 16, 2020 - October 21, 2020. "Optional Onsite Retreat: December 3-6, 2020. Join Us To: Explore the challenges of writing novels in verse and novels in vignettes. Discover how to use the form to its utmost advantage while taking into consideration all the foundation of storytelling. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of working within these cutting-edge forms." Will be held online.

Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Pitch. September 17 - 20, 2020: Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City. The New York Pitch Conference and writers workshop is held four times a year and features publishing house editors from major houses such as Penguin, Random House, St. Martins, Harper Collins, Tor and Del Rey, Kensington Books and many more who are looking for new novels in a variety of genres, as well as narrative non-fiction. The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work, but for having you and your work taken seriously by industry professionals.

KABAM! (Kingman Area Books Are Magic). September 19, 2020: Kingman, AZ. The KABAM! book festival & writers conference welcomes writers of all skill levels to breakout sessions, pitching tables, and other events. Faculty has included Mystic Publishers; Crystal Publishing. Headline Author: YA - Randall Platt. Headline Poet: Myrlin Hepworth. Marketing Specialist: Brian Rouff Jo A. Wilkins, author/publisher/writing coach. Richard Draude, author/graphic design.

Flathead River Writers Conference. Sept 19 - 20, 2020: Kalispell, MT. Writers help writers in this two day conference packed with energizing speakers and workshops. Features:Workshops on VOICE, HOOK, Your WORLD & TRIBE, MS preparation & submission, working with agents, movie deals, media use, & children's book publishing.

Imaginarium. September 21 - 27, 2020: Louisville KY. A three day annual event held in Louisville, Kentucky centered entirely around creative writing, including the worlds of books, movies, gaming, music, and comics/graphic novels. Imaginarium Convention features extensive programming content, with panels and workshops presented by over 150 professional guests covering everything from the craft of writing to various genres, industry-specific topics, publishing, and social media/publicity. The convention features a film festival with a full array of awards, a masquerade/costume contest, live music, gaming, an expo open to the general public, an awards banquet, a series of literary awards called the Imadjinns, and many more activities, creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that is content-rich and ideal for networking, promotion and personal development. Will be held online.

Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop. September 23 - 27, 2020: Sterling,Virginia. This event is now enhanced with new pre-event studies and pre-event phone consultation, a broader range of faculty, an array of vital workshops, as well as extended personal time with business professionals. "You can be as goal-oriented or as hesitant in approach as you wish. You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, have your work read by our writer mentors, attend our workshops, pitch a literary agent or two, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer.

PNWA Conference. September 24 - 27, 2020, Seattle, Washington, Sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. More than 50 seminars, editor/agent forums & appointments, practice pitching, keynote and featured speakers, reception, awards ceremony. Many agents and editors attending. Will be held online.

Ridgefield Writers Conference. Sept 25, 2020: Ridgefield, CT. Faculty-led workshops; agent, editor and publisher panels; networking; readings; and post-conference resources.

Idaho Writers League Annual Conference. Sept 25 -26, 2020: Sandpoint, Idaho. Workshops focusing on writing, publishing, marketing and IWL awards. Faculty has included Mary Buckham, keynoter; active settings for all fiction; pacing; one-on-ones; Jack Nisbet, memoirs, non-fiction; Janet Oakley, researching/writing historical fiction; Tom Reppert, character development, time-travel; Jim Payne, Jennifer Lamont Le. Will be held online.

North Coast Redwoods Writers' Conference. Sept 25 - 26, 2020: Crescent City, CA. Workshops on writing, poetry, memoir, editing, social media, marketing, fiction, submitting.

LiTFUSE Poets’ Workshop. September 25 - 27, 2020: Tieton, WA. The workshop features readings, performances, and meditation for poets. The past faculty included poets Susan Blair, Thom Caraway, Laura Da’, Natalie Diaz, Christopher Howell, Claudia Castro Luna, Finn Menzies, Saretta Morgan, Cynthia Neely, Matthew Nienow, Dan Peters, and Maya Jewell Zeller.

Publish & Promote Your Book Conference. September 26, 2020: Bronxville, New York. "If you’re ready to find an agent and present your book to the marketplace, come join our community of educators, writers, agents, editors, and publishers at a one day conference designed to help you succeed in your publishing ventures. In addition to panel discussions, participants can register for Pitch Sessions and discuss their book with up to three agents/editors for 10 minutes each. If you're thinking of attending a Pitch Session, consider signing up for one of our Prep For Your Pitch sessions"

Brooklyn Book Festival. September 28 - October 5, 2020: Brooklyn, NY. The festival features readings, panels, and a book fair. Participants have included poets Jericho Brown, Tina Chang, Rigoberto González, Ilya Kaminsky, and Sally Wen Mao; fiction writers Ted Chiang, Susan Choi, Edwidge Danticat, Jonathan Safran Foer, Amitav Ghosh, Aleksandar Hemon, Marlon James, N. K. Jemisin, Laila Lalami, Courtney Maum, Maaza Mengiste, Joyce Carol Oates, Téa Obreht, and Nell Zink; and nonfiction writers Christopher Bonanos, Dave Cullen, Benjamin Dreyer, Bill McKibben, Mary Norris, Rebecca Traister, and Damon Young. All events are free and open to the public.

17 Literary Magazines Accepting Submissions from Young Writers

Pxfuel School literary magazines have long been a tradition in high schools and colleges. But since the advent of the Internet, youth-oriented literary magazines have expanded to include submissions from students all over the world. A good number of these magazines are staffed by students themselves.

Some of these magazines offer payment, but most do not. I have placed the paying markets at the top.

Also see: 18 Children's and YA Magazines That Pay Writers. For more paying markets see: Paying Markets

Happy submitting!


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One Teen Story

Age: 13 - 19
Genre: Short story
Payment: $500 and 25 copies of the journal

One Teen Story publishes 3 stories a year. "One Teen Story is looking for great short stories written by teens about the teen experience. Some examples of stories we look out for are ones that deal with issues of identity, friendship, family, and coming-of-age. Gratuitous profanity, sex, and drug use are best avoided. We’re open to all genres of well-written young adult fiction between 2,000 and 4,500 words."


Guardian Angel Kids Online Magazine

Age: Up to 14
Genre: Stories and poetry
Payment: .03 cents per word for articles and stories. Poems $10. Photos $3 each with an article. Original Artwork $5-25 per illustration-One illustration/picture per article/story.

"Guardian Angel Publishing believes we can change the world by investing in children one child at a time. Our hope is that the seeds of the influence from our books will live longer than we do. Our goal is to build a harvest of knowledge and vibrant faith in kids to help transform a time in the future that we may never see."


Highlights

Age: 16 and up
Genre: Stories and poems
Payment: $25 to $150 and up

"Highlights is a general-interest magazine for children ages 6-12. By publishing stories, puzzles, articles, and activities that are fun and engaging, we aim to inspire kids to be their best selves–creative, curious, caring, and confident. Highlights was founded in 1946 by Dr. Garry Cleveland Myers and Caroline Clark Myers, and is still owned and run by their family. The magazine accepts no outside advertising and has no religious or organizational affiliation. Highlights has a circulation of about a million and is published monthly."


Cast of Wonders

Age: "We are particularly interested in considering stories from younger writers (under 18)."
Genre: YA fiction
Payment: $.08/word for original fiction of any length. For reprints, $100 flat rate for Short Fiction, and a $20 flat rate for Flash Fiction

Cast of Wonders is a young adult short fiction market, open to stories up to 6,000 words in length. They want stories that evoke a sense of wonder, have deep emotional resonance, and have something unreal about them. "We aim for a 12-17 age range: that means sophisticated, non-condescending stories with wide appeal, and without gratuitous or explicit sex, violence or pervasive obscene language. Think Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. Stories are presented in audio format, which means our audience rarely skim past boring bits."


Stone Soup

Age: 13 and younger
Genre: Poetry and stories

Stone Soup is an established magazine for children. They have no minimum word length, but the maximum length for a story or personal narrative is 10,000 words. The majority of the stories they publish are only 2-5 pages long. "We publish stories on all subjects—dance, sports, problems at school, problems at home, magical places—and in all genres—literary fiction, science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; there is no limit to the subject matter of a Stone Soup story." They accept prose and poetry. Poems and their weekly contest are free. Fiction and CNF have fees.


The Blue Pencil

Age: 12–18
Genre: Prose and poetry

The Blue Pencil is a publication edited and produced by the Walnut Hill Writing, Film & Media Arts Department, and publishes literary work by high school writers, ages 12–18, from around the world.


The Milking Cat

Age: Teens
Genre: Comedy

The Milking Cat is an online comedy magazine dedicated to teen comedians. Founded in 2018, The Milking Cat was created by three high school juniors who wanted to spread their love of comedy.. Run by high school students across the country, the website publishes original comedy of all media types.


New Moon Girls

Age: Girls 8 and up
Genre: Fiction, poetry, personal essays, how-to articles, art, comics, photography

New Moon Magazine is aimed specifically at female tweens and teens, and offers them a place of inspiration, connection and support where they can stay deeply connected to their true interests, abilities, and hopes.  The magazine is offered in both print and electronic format.


Polyphony Lit

Age: High School students
Genre: Poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction

"Polyphony Lit is a global online literary platform for high school students. We invite high school students worldwide to submit creative writing, join our editorial staff, write blog posts, take workshops, and grow into leadership roles.  Because developing young writers is central to our mission, our editors provide feedback on every submission." Submissions are open from July 1, 2020–April 30, 2021.


Teen Ink

Age: 13 to 19
Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, reviews, art

Teen Ink is a national magazine, book series, and website devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos, and forums. For over 25 years, it’s offered teens a place to publish their creative work and opinions on issues that affect their lives.


Young Writers Project

Age: Up to age 19
Genre: All

Based in Burlington, Vermont, YWP is a community of young writers and artists who create and connect online at youngwritersproject.org, and in person, through words, photos, and art. "Since Young Writers Project started in 2006, it has been an oasis of civility and respect. More than 115,000 young people have participated in YWP, and it's this culture of civility that continues to make YWP so incredible. YWP revolves around three core areas -- the website, publications, and workshops -- for young people between ages 13 and 19 (younger with parental permission)."


The Weight

Age: High School students
Genre: All sorts of creative writing: poetry, slam, flash fiction, short fiction, creative non-fiction, hybrid, and whatever else you have.

"The WEIGHT is a literary blog for high school students who may find themselves in need of a creative outlet, about the pandemic or anything else. Everyone has something heavy to get off their chest."


Adroit

Age: High School and up
Genre: Poetry, art, and fiction

The Adroit Journal (ISSN 2577-9427) was founded in November 2010 by poet Peter LaBerge. At its foundation, the journal has its eyes focused ahead, seeking to showcase what its global staff of emerging writers sees as the future of poetry, prose, and art. "We’re looking for work that’s bizarre, authentic, subtle, outrageous, indefinable, raw, paradoxical. We’ve got our eyes on the horizon. Send us writing that lives just between the land and the sky." Adroit also offers mentorships to young writers. Has submission periods.


Élan 

Age: Students currently enrolled in grades 9 through 12
Genre: Fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screen writing, plays and visual art

The Élan international student literary magazine produces two online editions a school year, one in the Fall and another in the Spring.  The two editions are combined into a single print edition at the end of each school year. "We seek original, innovative, creative and nuanced work from around the world." Has reading periods.


School Lunch

Age: 13 - 17
Genre: Fiction, poetry, flash prose, personal essay, YA, and creative nonfiction

School Lunch is a bi-weekly publication of Lunch Ticket catering to young writers. Lunch Ticket is a publication of the MFA community of Antioch University. "With a commitment to publishing the best literary writing and visual art, we encourage submissions from underrepresented and marginalized artists and writers." Has reading periods.


Levitate

Age: High School students
Genre: Prose, poetry, art

Levitate is a publication of the Creative Writing Department, The Chicago High School for the Arts. "We strive to assemble a collection of literature and art designed and written with purpose and demonstrating a passion for the work. We are open to unconventional work, while still appreciating the traditional. We are committed to publishing literature and art that is inclusive of diverse identities, perspectives, and crafts. We encourage new voices, but accept work from established artists and writers as well." Has reading periods.


Parallax Literary Magazine

Age: High School students
Genre: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and dramatic writing

Parallax Literary Magazine has been published by the Creative Writing department of Idyllwild Arts Academy since 1997. Idyllwild Arts Academy is a college preparatory boarding high school dedicated to the arts. In 2011 Parallax expanded by adding an online component, which accepts submissions from high school students worldwide. The website also showcases student book reviews and writer interviews.

7 New Agents Seeking YA, SF/F Romance, Nonfiction, BIPOC, LGBTQ and more

Here are seven new literary agents seeking clients. Analieze Cervantes is looking for stories in YA and Adult Fiction. She specializes in Sci-Fi, Romance, Thriller, Suspense, and Mystery. Analieze is especially open to BIPOC and LGBTQ voices. Jackie Williams reads a broad range of commercial and genre fiction. In non-fiction, she looks for books that expand the reader’s empathy and self-awareness. Kianna Shore is actively looking for YA. Patrick Munnelly is interested primarily in anything LGBTQ+ (nonfiction and fiction, including romance). In genre fiction, he prefers horror & fantasy. In nonfiction, he is interested in political science, current affairs, health & wellness, and fitness. Jemiscoe Chambers-Black is currently building her client list in middle grade, YA, and adult categories. Jemiscoe is especially open to BIPOC and LGBTQ voices and stories. Vanessa Campos is looking to help bring more diverse voices to business, entrepreneurship, and self-help. Shannon Snow is seeking romance, YA, fantasy, sci-fi, thrillers.

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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Ms. Analieze Cervantes of Harvey Klinger, Inc.

Analieze is a graduate from Cal State San Bernardino where she studied English: Creative Writing along with a minor in Screenwriting. She has also worked as an Editorial Freelancer for Independent Authors. She started her career as an intern at a New York Literary Agency and was mentored by Saritza Hernandez. She then joined the Harvey Klinger Literary Agency in 2020. 

What she is seeking: Analieze is currently building her own list and is looking for stories in YA and Adult Fiction. She specializes in Sci-Fi, Romance, Thriller, Suspense, and Mystery. Analieze is especially open to BIPOC and LGBTQ voices.

How to submit: Use her form here: https://querymanager.com/query/AnaliezeCervantes

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Ms. Jackie Williams of The Knight Agency, Inc.

Jackie Williams joined the agency in July of 2020, after working as a Food & Lifestyle Editorial Fellow for Chronicle Books. She began her career in government, graduating from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Political Science and Latin American Studies, and subsequently assisted in consumer protection and international trade cases at the Federal Trade Commission. She enrolled at the George Washington School of Law, however realized she preferred the courtrooms of literary fiction to the actual courtroom.

What she is seeking: Jackie reads a broad range of commercial and genre fiction, especially stories with psychological suspense, dark, gritty voices, speculative elements, multi-generational plots, bleak, dystopian themes, and intricate world-building; even better if the stories are set in space.  In non-fiction, she looks for books that expand the reader’s empathy and self-awareness. She’s interested in collaborating closely with writers throughout all stages of their careers and bringing more multicultural representation to the publishing landscape.

How to submit: Use her submission form here:  https://querymanager.com/query/Jackie_Williams_TKA
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Ms. Kianna Shore of Ladderbird Literary Agency

Kianna is a recent graduate from UCLA's MFA Screenwriting program and Boston University's School of Global Studies. When she's not reading manuscripts or working with authors, Kianna can be found writing, learning languages, or running.

What she is seeking: Fantasy starring a character with a disability? For sure. YA historical with a queer BIPOC lead? Send it my way. I want to champion underrepresented writers who write
their #ownvoices. Right now I am actively looking for YA, but will consider well written
MG and NA that follow the same guidelines listed below.

YA Contemporary: I’d love to see protagonists, family and friends, and circumstances
that we haven’t seen before. Give me an enticing plot that betrays expectation and
characters that subvert stereotypes. Settings that are super specific to your neck of the
woods or abroad are welcomed!

YA Crime and Thrillers: I love twists and turns I don’t see coming (that will be hard-
but try me!). Give me young women that are in control of their own destinies - and law
breaking is how they’re going to do it. Confident characters that have the swagger of
your average villain -- who aren’t the average villain.

YA Fantasy: Let’s see some non-European based fantasy! I am better versed in East
Asian culture and mythology, but will work with anyone. Make me fall in love with the
world and the people in it. Although spectacular, submitted fantasies should have
well-developed characters and a strong plot. Think Avatar the Last Airbender,
Fullmetal Alchemist, or She-Ra. Keep me engaged, keep me on my toes. Keep me
reading.

YA Historical: Queer and marginalized people have existed throughout the ages - but
you wouldn’t believe it looking at many bookshelves today! Make the setting POP and
transport me to another time period, another world. Not looking for white savior stories!
Give me characters that are in charge of their own futures.

YA Science Fiction: I’d love to see some great science fiction that is science POSITIVE.
No more technology is evil stories! There is enough of that! Fiction that re-learns how to
navigate and prioritize technology or stories that show that science is not without bias is
great. Looking for work that is character driven and with heart!

How to submit: Use her submission form here: https://querymanager.com/query/kiannashore

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Mr. Patrick Munnelly of Bond Literary Agency

Patrick Munnelly worked with Sandra as an Intern while getting his Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Denver. After graduating, he spent 2 years as an editor with Literary Wanderlust Publishing. He rejoined the BLA team in 2020 as an associate agent, and also works as an Instructor of Writing and Rhetoric for the Community College of Aurora in Colorado.

What he is seeking: He is interested primarily in anything LGBTQ+ (nonfiction and fiction, including romance). In genre fiction, he prefers anything horror & fantasy. In nonfiction, he is interested in political science, current affairs, health & wellness, and fitness.

How to submit: To send your query,  please email queries@bondliteraryagency.com addressed to Patrick. Include your query letter in the body of the email—no attachments— with the FIRST 5 PAGES IN THE BODY OF YOUR EMAIL (no attachments). If querying about nonfiction, your query letter should provide enough information about the project and your credentials for him to determine if he wants to see your book proposal.

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Ms. Jemiscoe Chambers-Black of Andrea Brown Literary Agency


Before joining the ABLA family, Jemiscoe worked for over a decade in film and television as an Assistant Director. She has a BA and MFA in creative writing in fiction, working with mentors Wiley Cash, Jo Knowles, Marcus Burke, and Richard Adams Carey. She has also been a freelance editor and writing tutor for over five years, and contributed to the online literary magazine ​The Assignment. Jemiscoe lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, three kids, and two cats.


What she is seeking: Jemiscoe is currently building her client list in the middle grade, YA, and adult categories. In middle grade, Jemiscoe is most interested in contemporary manuscripts. They can focus on hard themes, but she enjoys those that also weave in humor, whimsy, adventure, and wonder. She's also open to fantasy, which can include paranormal, low fantasy, and magical realism. Horror, mystery, and graphic novels are also of interest.

In YA, Jemiscoe would love to see romance, especially rom-coms. Give her all the love stories in whatever form they come! She loves contemporary fiction that deals with friendship - its joys and struggles. She would also like to see fantasy (except high fantasy), mystery and horror.

In the adult space, Jemiscoe is looking for romance. It can range from sweet to steamy, but she is not interested in erotica or historical romance. She is also open to psychological thrillers, mysteries, friendship stories, strong power-women stories, or laugh-out-loud stories. Jemiscoe loves literary fiction with beautiful prose and a strong cast of characters. She would also like to see adult fantasy (except high fantasy).

Jemiscoe is especially open to BIPOC and LGBTQ voices and stories.

How to submit: Use the agency's form HERE.

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Ms. Vanessa Campos of D4EO Literary Agency

Prior to joining D4EO, Vanessa was Sales and Marketing Director of Entrepreneur Press. Vanessa has worked with authors ranging from CEOs to solopreneurs and sees every book as an opportunity to launch and diversify content to a larger audience through worldwide distribution and subsidiary licensing. At Entrepreneur she first served as marketing specialist and production manager before taking on the position of Sales and Marketing Director from which she launched more than 100 business books.


What she is seeking: She is looking to help bring more diverse voices to business, entrepreneurship, and self-help.

How to submit: Use her query manager HERE.

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Ms. Shannon Snow of Creative Media Agency

Shannon Snow worked in finance and marketing for 18 years before turning to her childhood first love… books and writers.  She started her career in publishing 2018 and then joined Creative Media Agency, Inc. in 2020, first as an intern before moving up to an associate agent.  Shannon has a B.A. in English Language and Literature.

What she is seeking: All subgenres of romance, YA, fantasy, sci-fi, thrillers.

How to submit: Send your query and the first five pages to query@cmalit.com

33 Calls for Submissions in August 2020 - Paying markets

Pixabay There are more than two dozen calls for submissions in August. 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 the following month's calls for submissions toward the end 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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The First Line. Genre: Stories that use a first line provided by the journal. (See journal for first lines.) Also 500-800 word critical essays about your favorite first line from a literary work.  Payment:  $25.00 - $50.00 for fiction, $5.00 - $10.00 for poetry, and $25.00 for nonfiction (all U.S. dollars). Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Lethe Press: Burly Tales. Genre: Classic fairy tales populated with gay Bears. “Strapping heroes are fine as long as they are stout.” All the stories should have a measure of whimsy and/or wonder, and be romantic with a happily ever after or happy-for-now ending. Payment: $0.05/word. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Violent Vixens: An Homage to Grindhouse Horror. Genre: Speculative fiction. "Our second fiction anthology, Violent Vixens, will focus on Grindhouse horror films, made famous by movies such as Night of the Living Dead, Death Proof, and Suspiria." Payment: $50. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Eerie River: With Blood and Ash. Genre: Dark Fantasy. "Earth, wind, fire, water and spirit. Dark versus light. We are giving a lot of leeway for story building, but magic must play a part in your world and there must be a dark fantasy element. Create a fantasy world for this to all play out in, or build something in ours. The choice is yours. The only requirement is that you must feature elemental magic." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

18th Wall. Genre: Supernatural stories set in the 1980s. "I love the Mall. But you wouldn’t want to be trapped here alone at night…" Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Cemetery Gates Media: Personal Local Lore/Oddities Anthology. Genre: Horror. The theme is: local lore or location-based oddities. "Write something dark into a setting you’ve experienced — it could be a place you’ve lived, or even just somewhere you’ve visited on a vacation." Payment: 5 cents/word. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Mojo. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Payment: $15. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Third Flatiron: Brain Games: Stories to Astonish. Genre: SF, urban fantasy on theme of: Brain Games. Payment: 8 cents per word. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Timeworn Literary Journal. Genre: Historical fiction stories under 5,000 words. Must be set before 1996. "We're looking for "Historical Fiction from the fringe." Work with a bend toward the surreal, the dream-like, the strange. The offbeat kind of story that settles into your heart long after reading. That said, we also value beauty and warmth and a generally well-written story with soul. Romance, Mystery, Crime and the Gothic are all acceptable. Speculative elements strongly encouraged." Payment: $25. Deadline: August 1, 2020.
Rogue Blades. Genre: Heroic adventure. Theme: No Ordinary Mortals. Payment: $30. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Hawk and Cleaver: The Other Stories. Genre: Horror short stories. Theme: Underwater. Payment: $5. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

midnight & indigo. Restrictions: Open to Black women writers. Genre: Fiction and personal essays. Payment: $50 - $75. Deadline: August 2, 2020.

Third Flatiron: Infinite Lives: Short Tales of Longevity. Genre: Speculative fiction on theme of : Longevity. Payment: 8 cents per word. Deadline: August 3, 2020.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction 300 - 1,000 words on theme of Sixth Sense. Payment: Pays for anthologies only. Deadline: August 3, 2020. See accepted genres.

Enchanted Conversation: A Fairy Tale Magazine. Genre: Fairy tales, and essays on theme of Angels. Payment: $100. US dollars only. Essays: $50. Deadline: August 3, 2020.

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: August 7, 2020. Opens to submissions on August 1.

Abyss and Apex. Genre: Speculative fiction and poetry. No horror. Payment: USD $.06/word (six cents a word) up to 1,250 words, and a flat payment of $75.00 for longer stories. Deadline: August 7, 2020. Opens to submissions on August 1.

Ruminate. Genre: Fiction. Length: 5,500 words max. Payment: $20 per 400 words. Deadline:  August 14, 2020. Opens to submissions on August 1.

Hawk and Cleaver: The Other Stories. Genre: Horror short stories. Theme: The Dark Web. Payment: $5. Deadline: August 14, 2020.

Mizna, the only Arab lit and art journal in the United States, is seeking submissions for a special Comix Issue. Genre: Comics. "We are seeking comics submissions by Arab and SWANA artists living anywhere in the world responding to the prompt of A New World Order. These days, it seems as though revolutionary changes are happening daily. From global political upheavals to public health crises, we are living in unprecedented times that are changing the ways we think, work, act, live, and love. We may not know what the future holds, but one thing is certain: the world as we know it is changing forever. For this issue, we are seeking comics that explore what it means for reality (whether the personal micro realities that we inhabit, or the larger political realities that engulf us) to undergo radical, transformative shifts, for better or for worse." Payment: $25. Deadline: August 14, 2020.

Luna Station Quarterly. Restrictions: Open to women writers only. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $5. Deadline: August 15, 2020.

Songs of Eretz. Genre: Poetry, cover art on theme of Politics. Payment: $5. Deadline: August 15, 2020.
The New Gothic Review. Genre: Gothic fiction. Eerie atmosphere is key. Payment: $30. Deadline: August 15, 2020.

Consumed: Tales of the Wendigo. Genre: Speculative fiction. "Submissions do not have to have characters turn into a literal Wendigo. Character(s) must go through some sort of a transformation due to the “hunger.” You do not have to use the term Wendigo. We just ask that authors use the core concept of the Wendigo as inspiration for their story." Payment: $20 for the first 3,000 words, half a cent per word after that. Deadline: August 15, 2020.

Demon’s Dreaming Press: Something Good to Eat. Genre: Horror set in or around Halloween.  Payment: $100. Accepts reprints. Deadline: August 21, 2020.

Speculative City. Genre: Speculative fiction, poetry, and essays on theme of Governance. Must be set in a city. Payment: $20-$55. Deadline: August 24, 2020.
Fireside Quarterly. Genre: Short stories, poetry, nonfiction, art. Payment: 12.5 cents per word.Deadline: August 28, 2020. Opens August 24.

Satan Rides Your Daughter. Genre: Horror. "We are looking for the truly satanic and downright demonic for this anthology! 'Satan Rides Your Daughter' will be HellBound's loving homage to Dennis Wheatley, William Peter Blatty, Clive Barker, and every other documenter of hellish realms and their nefarious citizens!" Payment: $5. Deadline: August 30, 2020.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles & Divine Intervention. Genre: True stories. "Miracles are all around us if we’re open to them. Sometimes we just can’t explain how good things came about. Are they celestial, otherworldly, heavenly? However they happened, these events give us peace and comfort, guidance, hope and faith." Payment: $200. Deadline: August 31, 2020.

Mud Season Review. Genre: Poetry, Fiction, CNF. Payment: $50. Deadline: August 31, 2020.

Westerly. Genre: Short stories, poetry, memoir and creative non-fiction, essays and literary criticism. Payment: Poems: $120 for one poem or $150 for two or more poems; Stories: $180; Articles: $180; Visual art/Intro essay: $120; Reviews: $100; Online Publication: $100. "We expect our contributors to be subscribers of the Magazine. While we will accept submissions from non-subscribers, should your work be accepted for publication in this instance, you will be asked to accept a subscription to the Magazine as part payment for your work." Deadline: August 31, 2020.
Claw & Blossom Equinox Issue: Rise. Genre: Prose and poems that touch upon the natural world. Payment: $25. Deadline: August 31, 2020.

The McNeese Review. Genre: Fiction, poetry. Payment: $50. Deadline: August 31, 2020.

AND MORE...

Bethlehem Writers Roundtable. Genre: Poetry and fiction on theme of Migration. Payment: $20 for featured author stories; $10 for stories published on &More page $5 for poems. Deadline: September 1, 2020.

Bicycles and Broomsticks. Genre: Speculative short fiction that combines themes of witchcraft and bicycling, through a feminist lens. Both witchiness and bicycles must be inherent to accepted stories Payment: A portion of profits after expenses from the Kickstarter project used to fund the book is split between contributors; payments are not less than $30 each. Deadline: September 1, 2020.

16 Writing Conferences in August 2020 - Most held online

While a good number of summer writing conferences have been rescheduled, many are going ahead as planned via online formats. You can still attend workshops, presentations, readings, discussions, lectures, and critiques via Zoom.

Plan ahead! Conferences often offer scholarships, but these have deadlines. If one of these conferences interests you, put the scholarship deadline date on your calendar for next year, or for whenever the conference rolls around again.

For a full list of conferences, organized by month, see Writing Conferences. While nearly all of these are in the United States, you can find links on that page that will take you to world-wide conference lists.

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Fine Arts Work Center Summer Workshops (poetry, fiction, art, and creative nonfiction). June 7 - August 21, 2020, Provincetown, Massachusetts. The faculty and presenters include poets Erin Belieu, Traci Brimhall, Mahogany L. Browne, Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Peter Campion, Tina Chang, Michael Collier, Mark Conway, Vievee Francis, Kimiko Hahn, Terrance Hayes, Marie Howe, Major Jackson, Ada Limón, John Murillo, Eileen Myles, Porsha Olayiwola, Matthew Olzmann, Gregory Orr, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, Martha Rhodes, and Nicole Sealey; fiction writers Kristen Arnett, Andre Dubus III, Aja Gabel, Pam Houston, Reif Larsen, Wendy C. Ortiz, Shobha Rao, Victoria Redel, Sarah Schulman, Justin Torres, and Joan Wickersham; nonfiction writers Alysia Abbott, Elissa Altman, Jill Bialosky, Garrard Conley, Nick Flynn, Ann Hood, Paul Lisicky, Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, T Kira Madden, Gregory Pardlo, Dani Shapiro, Susanna Sonnenberg, Brian Turner, and Marion Winik; and graphic memoirist Nicole J. Georges. Tuition ranges from $650 to $750. The deadline for scholarship applications is April 10. General registration is first come, first served.  (See individual workshops for dates.)

Hurston/Wright Summer Writers Week. August 1 - 7, 2020: Washington, DC. For more than 20 years, the Hurston/Wright Summer Writers Workshop has offered a safe space for black writers in intensive workshop sessions and master classes. Workshops are led by award-winning writers who are influencing today’s literature. The program features critiques, craft talks, writing time and public readings. Hurston/Wright workshops serve emerging and experienced writers who are starting projects, developing projects or seeking to polish projects. More than a thousand writers have participated in workshops since the first session in 1996. Will be held virtually.

The 2020 Writers' Police Academy: Mudercon. August 6–9, 2020: Raleigh, NC. "MurderCon is a rare opportunity for writers to participate in hands-on “for law enforcement eyes only” training, using modern testing and evidence collection tools and equipment, in workshops taught by some of the world’s leading homicide investigation experts. This incredibly detailed, cutting-edge instruction has never before been available to writers, anywhere."

Cape Cod Writers Center Conference. August 6 - 9, 2020: Hyannis, Massachusetts. Supporting published and aspiring writers. Featuring distinguished authors, editors and agents in workshops on fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, poetry, mysteries and thrillers, social media, promotion and more!

The Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference, August 7 - 9, 2020: West Coast Writers Conferences presents a full weekend of panels, workshops and presentations by educators, noted speakers, and industry professionals focused on the craft and business of writing.

Colrain Classic. August 7 - 10, 2020. "A select group of poets will work with nationally known poets, publishers, and editors Joan Houlihan (Conference Founder / Lesley University MFA Program); Rusty Morrison (Co-founder/Publisher Omnidawn Press); Hilda Raz (Editor/Mary Burritt Christiansen Poetry Series, University of New Mexico Press); and Ellen Dore Watson (Smith College/Editor of Massachusetts Review). All poets with an in-progress book-length or chapbook-length manuscript are welcome to apply." Will be conducted online.

Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference. August 7 - 10, 2020: Truchas, New Mexico. The conference features evaluation and discussion of book-length and chapbook-length manuscripts with poets, editors, and publishers. The cost of the conference is $1,400, which includes lodging and meals. Using the online submission system, submit a brief bio and three to four poems.

Vermont College of Fine Arts Postgraduate Writers’ Conference. August 10 - 16, 2020: Montpelier, Vermont. The conference is designed for writers with graduate degrees or equivalent experience. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as readings, craft classes, and individual consultations with faculty members. "At the heart of the Postgraduate Writers' Conference's unique model is the small workshop size, with groups led by acclaimed faculty limited to five or six writers. The intimate format allows for an extraordinarily in-depth, far-reaching discussion of participants’ work. Beyond the daily group sessions, each member has an individual consultation with the workshop instructor. The schedule also features a rich menu of readings by faculty and participants, craft talks, generative writing sessions and social events that galvanize our vibrant, inclusive community." Will be held online.

Bread Loaf Writers' Conference. August 12- 22, 2020: Ripton, VT. Workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction are at the core of the conference. Each faculty member conducts a workshop that meets for five two-hour sessions over the course of the 10 days. Groups are kept small to facilitate discussion, and all participants meet individually with their faculty leaders to elaborate on workshop comments. Faculty members also offer lectures on issues around literary writing and one-hour classes on specific aspects of the craft. Readings by the faculty, conference participants, and guests take place throughout the day and into the night. Participants meet with visiting editors, literary agents, and publishers who provide information and answer questions, individually or in small groups. Will be rescheduled for Fall 2020.

Writer’s Digest Conference. August 13 - 16, 2020: New York City. Annual Writer's Digest Conference featuring: Pitch Slam, with more than fifty agents and editors in attendance, educational tracks devoted to publishing and self-publishing, platform and promotion, and the craft of writing,  speakers and instructors.

The Whole Novel Online Workshop 2020. August 16, 2020 - August 22, 2020. "This is a seven-day online workshop that features a full manuscript critique, evening “live” lectures and discussions, daily writing prompts, one-to-one mentorship, faculty Q&A, optional open mic readings and more! Online Workshop Participant Cap: 20 students. Join Us To: Have the entire draft of your novel read and critiqued." Will be held online.

Killer Nashville Writers’ Conference. August 20 - 23, 2020: Nashville, TN. The Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference was created in 2006 by author/filmmaker Clay Stafford in an effort to bring together forensic experts, writers, and fans of crime and thriller literature. "At the conference, we try diligently to ensure that the weekend has something for every writer and lover of literature, and our sessions are structured to assist writers on multiple career levels. Our learning tracks tackle the craft of writing, business of writing, marketing, and forensics. Killer Nashville features nine breakout sessions for intense smaller group interaction, an authors’ bar (free for hotel guests), a moonshine and wine tasting, free agent/editor roundtable pitch sessions, a mock crime scene designed by special agents and other law enforcement professionals, cocktail receptions, the Guest of Honor Dinner and Awards Banquet, film previews, live music performances and—of course—all the great activities one can enjoy in downtown Nashville."

North Words Writers Symposium. August 27 - 30, 2019: Skagway, Alaska. Faculty: Bill Streever, Caroline Van Hemert, Heather Lende, Eva Holland, M. Jackson, Bryan Fierro, Nicole Stellon O’Donnell. Special Theme: Writing at a time of a threatened natural world.

Romance Writers of America. August 28 - 30, 2020: San Francisco, CA. The RWA Conference is the place where career-focused romance writers meet, mingle, and get down to the business of being an author. Conference highlights include the “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing; the Keynote speech; hearing from great speakers; book signings; and the Awards Ceremony. At the conference, career-focused romance writers can anticipate: education and information, networking with fellow writers, interaction with editors, agents, publishers, booksellers, and other romance publishing industry professionals. Will be held online.

49 Writers Tutka Bay Retreat. August 28 - 30, 2020: Tutka Bay, Alaska. Guest Instructor: Elena Passarello.

Developing a Series in Chapter Books Online Workshop 2020. August 30, 2020 - September 02, 2020. "This is a four-day online workshop that features evening “live” lectures, discussions, online Q&A sessions in addition to a revision roundtable, office hours for informal discussion, hands-on sessions and an optional open mic. There will be one-to-one sessions with faculty on your series overview and first chapter. Online Workshop Participant Cap: 16." Will be held online.

6 UK Literary Agents Actively Seeking Crime Novels, Nonfiction, Literary Fiction, SF/F and more

Here are six UK agents actively seeking writers. Simon Targett's interests stretch across a wide range of non-fiction as well as historical fiction. Ben Clark loves smart non-fiction of all kinds whether narrative, prescriptive or illustrated. On the fiction side he’s currently looking for tightly plotted thrillers, crime series and science fiction and fantasy. Anthony Goff represents literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction, and also several children’s writers. Margaret Halton focuses mainly on fiction. Anne-Marie Doulton's particular interests include literary fiction, narrative non-fiction (current affairs, biography etc) and high-quality thrillers and mysteries. Allan Guthrie's main area of interest is crime 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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Mr. Simon Targett of Aevitas Creative Management

Simon Targett has been engaged in the media and publishing industry for more than 25 years as a writer, editor, historian and media consultant. An award-winning journalist and former Associate Editor of the Financial Times, he has served as a judge at the prestigious British Press Awards and written for a wide range of publications, including The Economist, the Washington Post and the Boston Globe. He served as the first Editor-in-Chief of The Boston Consulting Group and founded Thinking Cap Communications, a strategic thought leadership consultancy. Simon has a PhD from Cambridge University and lectures on journalism, PR and British and American history.

What he is seeking: Simon’s interests stretch across a wide range of non-fiction—including business and leadership, history, journalism, current affairs, biography, sport, music, popular science, nature, travel, genealogy—as well as historical fiction. The common factor is an emphasis on big ideas, great stories, and fine writing.

How to submit: Follow instructions on the agency website HERE.

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Ben Clark of The Soho Agency

Ben has been with the agency for ten years, he is an agent and actively building his list.

What he is seeking: Ben loves smart non-fiction of all kinds whether narrative, prescriptive or illustrated. Whether that is history, philosophy, memoir, technology, science, business, nature writing, or anything that explores the world we live in. He works extensively with brands, television producers and magazines in developing their IP for publication. He has a soft spot for fantasy and science fiction that transports you out of the everyday, something he feels we all need a bit more of. He is drawn to the strange and unusual, stories from the fringes that need to be seen by the mainstream or different perspectives on established narratives that challenge a status quo.

In particular he is on the lookout for academics who have a story to tell to a wide audience, experts who can help us understand what is going on in the world and people who can distill something fundamental about the human experience into the written word. On the fiction side he’s currently looking for tightly plotted thrillers, crime series and science fiction and fantasy with expert world building that reflects back something about the real world. Also anything that blurs the boundaries between genres.

How to submit: Send your query to sohoagencysubmissions@gmail.com along with the first three chapters or first thirty pages of your manuscript in word format, along with a synopsis.

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Mr. Anthony Goff of David Higham Associates Ltd

Anthony has been Managing Director of David Higham since 2000. He began his publishing career at Faber & Faber, starting in rights and then moving to editorial. After four years he decided that he preferred working with authors to sitting in meetings, and he became an agent. Anthony was President of the Association of Authors’ Agents from 2009 to the beginning of 2012.

What he is seeking: He represents many high-profile and successful authors of literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction, and also several children’s writers.

How to submit: Please send a one-page synopsis that gives a full explanation of the plot, and the first three chapters or up to fifty pages (double spaced). Read submission details HERE.

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Margaret Halton of PEW Literary

Margaret Halton joined PEW as an Agent in 2018. She studied English at Oxford and has had a varied career working for publishing houses and literary agencies on both sides of the Atlantic, including ICM and Rogers, Coleridge & White. She has been responsible for selling international rights in non-fiction titles as wide-ranging as Margaret Thatcher’s memoirs and Naomi Klein’s THE SHOCK DOCTRINE, and in novels by Toni Morrison, Richard Ford, Zadie Smith and Nick Hornby amongst many others. She worked as an editor at Granta Books where she was responsible for acquiring Mohsin Hamid’s first novel MOTH SMOKE and titles by Kamila Shamsie, Herta Muller and Colson Whitehead.

What she is seeking: Margaret focuses mainly on fiction. She loves novels that pack an emotional punch with characters you feel you get to know personally.

How to submit: Please submit the opening three chapters (or fifty pages) along with a synopsis. The synopsis should be a clear explanation of the plot from first to final chapter. Please accompany your submission with a brief cover letter that tells us a little about you as a writer. Send your work to submissions@pewliterary.com

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Ms. Anne-Marie Doulton of The Ampersand Agency


Anne-Marie Doulton has been an agent for over 10 years, and is based in London. Before joining Ampersand she worked as a commissioning editor for various general publishers and as a literary scout. Her clients at Ampersand include Philip Barclay, Sharon Bolton, Annie Caulfield, Kate London and Stephen Williams.

What she is seeking: Anne-Marie’s particular interests include literary fiction, narrative non-fiction (current affairs, biography etc) and high-quality thrillers and mysteries. 

How to submit: Send your first three chapters, together with a brief outline and some biographical details to: amd@theampersandagency.co.uk

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Allan Guthrie of The North Literary Agency

Allan has worked in the book trade since 1996 and has been a literary agent since 2005. He is also an award-winning novelist, freelance editor and former publisher. 

What he is seeking: His main area of interest is crime fiction.

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

4 New Agents Seeking Romance, Fantasy, YA, Literary Fiction, Nonfiction, Memoir and more

Here are four new literary agents actively seeking clients. Mariah Nichols is interested in adult and young adult fiction with genres including thriller, upmarket, romance/rom-com, horror, family drama, science fiction/paranormal, and women’s fiction. She is also wanting to represent nonfiction in categories such as cookbooks, memoirs, self-help, lifestyle, and how-to. Stories that showcase diversity and highlight mental health or special needs is something that she would especially like to see.

Amy Giuffrida wants middle grade and YA horror, romance, fantasy and mystery as well as adult Horror, Romance/Chic Lit/Rom Com and nonfiction. Shanna Furey is looking for Historical Fiction and Non-Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Young Adult, Comedic, or General Fiction. Devon Halliday is interested in literary and upmarket fiction with sharp, insightful writing and vivid characters. She’s partial to speculative fiction, women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, metafiction, light psychological suspense, and romcoms. She leans toward adult fiction, but will also consider YA and cross-over projects. On the nonfiction side, Devon is on the lookout for creative and narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, broad-perspective memoir, and popular science, psychology, medicine, and philosophy.

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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Devon Halliday of Transatlantic Literary Agency

Devon Halliday joined Transatlantic as a Literary Agent in the summer of 2020, with prior experience at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, Susanna Lea Associates, Writers House, Maria B. Campbell Associates, and Folio Literary management in agenting and scouting. She grew up in Athens, OH, and studied Comparative Literature at Brown University. After years in the NYC publishing scene, she has returned to Ohio and is excited to build a list at Transatlantic.

What she is seeking: On the fiction side, Devon is interested in literary and upmarket fiction with sharp, insightful writing and vivid characters. She’s partial to speculative fiction, women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, metafiction, light psychological suspense, and romcoms. She leans toward adult fiction, but will also consider YA and cross-over projects. Devon is not the right agent for most thrillers, horror, mystery, or historical fiction.

On the nonfiction side, Devon is on the lookout for creative and narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, broad-perspective memoir, and popular science/psychology/medicine/philosophy. She’s interested in any strong narrative voice that can bring a complicated or niche subject to the average reader.

How to submit: To query Devon, please send a query letter, author bio, and 20-page sample (for fiction) or proposal (for nonfiction) to querydevon@transatlanticagency.com. Please include “Query” in the subject line, and notify her if another offer of representation is received. Devon responds to all queries, though she regrets that she cannot offer personalized feedback.

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Mariah Nichols of D4EO

Mariah has a great passion for storytelling and for the publishing industry. With a BS degree in Business she wanted to apply her degree towards the world of books. After interning at Howland Literary her senior year, she soon transitioned to the role as a reader and in-house editor for the D4EO Literary Agency, working with Bob Diforio in all aspects of the business, with the intention of being named a D4EO literary agent.

What she is seeking: Mariah is interested in adult and young adult fiction with genres including thriller, upmarket, romance/rom-com, horror, family drama, science fiction/paranormal, and women’s fiction. She is also wanting to represent nonfiction in categories such as cookbooks, memoirs, self-help, lifestyle, and how-to. Stories that showcase diversity and highlight mental health or special needs is something that she would especially like to see.

How to submit: Use the agency form HERE.

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Amy Giuffrida of Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency

"My life is consumed with all things bookish. When I'm not working on books, I'm talking about stories with my classes as an 8th grade ELA (English/Language Arts) teacher. In my spare time, you can find me renovating my house, binge-watching TV shows on Hulu, or reading something scary—all while snuggling with my three rescue dogs."

What she is seeking: MIDDLE-GRADE AND YA: Horror- Give me your dark and twisted tales that make me question reality. I also love those campy stories full of tropes, so send them my way!

Fantasy/Paranormal- I want to see more stories with connection and relevance to culture and legends. I’m dying for a spooky ghost story! As for vampires? I’m totally interested in finding something unique and contemporary, especially if there’s an element of humor.

Romance- Remember your first kiss? I really want to see sweet first love stories. I want to feel that wave of butterflies first love creates and the awkwardness of a first kiss or that tension of having a crush—no matter the type of coupling (F/F, M/M, or F/M).

Contemporary- I am extremely interested in healthy female friendships, girl sport stories, and girls in rock bands. Give me girl power! I really want some darker or more serious stories as well, like kids dealing with homelessness, mental health, or adoption to name a few.

Mystery- I’d love to see stories including a group of teens that band together to solve puzzles and mysteries. Think of a modern day Goonies, Scooby-Doo, Nancy Drew (not the CW version), The Hardy Boys, or Pretty Little Liars. Make it gritty and dark for the win!

Novel in Verse- First love, discovering your true self, and growing up told in a lyrical form is exactly what I’m looking for.

ADULT: Horror- I want scary, smart stories. Show me your most devious characters and unreliable narrators. Romance/Chic Lit/Rom Com- Give me books that make me swoon, laugh, and cry all at the same time. Stories of best friends turned lovers makes me super happy, no matter the coupling. I’d love to see more of true love stemming from blind dates and making it in the face of diversity.

NONFICTION: I am looking for powerful stories from diverse voices, including cookbooks that highlight family stories or ancestral anecdotes. I also LOVE pop culture and am always searching for that fun book that gives us the scoop.

In all age categories, if you have a unique perspective on an old theme…send it to me! I am especially interested in underrepresented and diverse voices. All people need to see themselves in the characters on the page, so send me LGBTQIA, POC, #OwnVoices stories.

How to submit: For fiction, please include your query letter, synopsis, and the first 10 pages of your manuscript. For nonfiction, please send your query, proposal, and the first 10 pages. Queries should be submitted through QueryManager: http://QueryMe.Online/AmyGiuffrida

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Shanna Furey of Metamorphosis

It was uncommon growing up to find Shanna without her nose in a book. An avid reader from a young age, she began to get lost in the lives of historical figures long gone, which aided her love of history and pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts in History at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Shanna currently lives in Colorado with her husband and their two very cuddly cats. When she is not reading Shanna enjoys baking, knitting, and doing DIY projects.

What she is seeking: Historical Fiction and Non-Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Young Adult, Comedic, or General Fiction.

How to submit: Use the agency form: https://querymanager.com/query/1805

31 Calls for Submissions in July - Paying markets

Needpix There are more than two dozen calls for submissions in July. 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 the following month's calls for submissions toward the end 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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Thema: The Tiny Red Suitcase. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and art on theme: The Tiny Red Suitcase.   Payment: $10-$25 for short fiction and artwork, $10 for poetry. Deadline: July 1, 2020. Accepts reprints.

Meetinghouse. Note: This is a new journal put out by Dartmouth College. Genre: Fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry. Payment: $100 minimum for prose, and $20/page for stories over 5 pages.  Up to 7,500 words per submission; up to 3 pieces of prose and up to 3 poems. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

Jaggery. Restrictions: South Asian diasporic writers and homeland writers. "We also welcome non-South Asians with a deep and thoughtful connection to South Asian countries, who bring their own intersecting perspectives to the conversation. (By South Asia we mean Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.)" Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, art, reviews. Payment: $100 for fiction, $25 for nonfiction/poetry/art/reviews. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

Writer Shed Press: Love and Sacrifice. Genre: Short stories on theme of Love and Sacrifice.  Payment: $20. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

Binge Watching Cure. Genre: Science fiction short stories. Payment: $100. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

Hawk and Cleaver: The Other Stories. Genre: Horror short stories. Theme: Ghost Ships. Payment: $5. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

Tell-Tale Press. Genre: Fantasy, horror, mystery/crime, and/or science fiction short stories. Payment: $5 for 500 to 1000 words; $10 for 1000 to 3000 words; $25 for 3000 to 5000 words. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

The Were-Traveler: People of Color Destroy Lovecraft. Genre: Horror. They want stories with "POC characters that turn Lovecraft's racism and monsters on his/their heads." Payment: $10 for shorts, $5 for microfiction. Reprints accepted. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

carte blanche. Genre: Poetry, Translations, Photography, and Comics. Theme: Anxiety. Payment: Modest honorarium. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

Enchanted Conversation: A Fairy Tale Magazine. Genre: Fairy tales, and essays on theme of Angels. Payment: $100. US dollars only. Essays: $50. Deadline: July 3, 2020.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction 300 - 1,000 words on theme of Hearing. Payment: Pays for anthologies only. Deadline: July 5, 2020. See accepted genres.

Burial Day Books: Gothic Blue Book Vol 6 – A Krampus Carol. Genre: Short fiction and poetry. "Original Gothic Blue Books typically took place in either a monastery, convent or castle. In years past we have asked for short stories that take place in one of these locations, or a modern day location such as a morgue, haunted house or cemetery. This year, we have added a new theme – Krampus, Christmas, and ghosts / lore from the globe revolving around a major celebration." Payment: $50. Deadline: July 5, 2020.

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: July 7, 2020. Opens to submissions on July 1.

Bronzeville Books:Happy Hellidays. Genre: Horror. “Give us some twisted, unexpected holiday stories. Don’t limit yourself to Christmas — we’re looking for all kinds of special occasions gone awry.” Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: July 11, 2020.

Hawk and Cleaver: The Other Stories. Genre: Horror short stories. Theme: Immortality. Payment: $5. Deadline: July 14, 2020.

CRICKET: Takes of the Sea (ages 9–14) Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for the theme of tales of the sea. Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: July 15, 2020.

The Offing. Genre: Fiction, essays, micro fiction (tweet-length), art, lists, writing on science and the natural world. Payment: $25–$100. Deadline: July 16, 2020.

ArabLit Quarterly. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and nonfiction translated from Arabic on theme of Cats. Payment: $15/page. Deadline: Pitches for this issue should be in by July 20. Drafts of completed works should be in by August 2020.

Human/Kind. Genre: Poetry, prose and art on themes. (See site for themes.) Payment: $5 for each poem, prose, art, video, experimental or hybrid piece and $3 for each micropoem. Deadline: July 21, 2020.

Antimony and Elder Lace Press: Omens. Genre: Fiction on theme of Omens. Word Count: 1,000-7,500 words. “The idea of seeing the future or having warnings of what is to come is an idea that spans nearly every culture. Whether the omens are good or bad, there is the potential to affect us all. To be considered, your story must deal with the idea of omens in some fashion.” Payment: $0.01 per word and a percentage of royalties. Payment made upon publication. Deadline: July 25, 2020.

Paper Angel Press: Heartwreck – Romantic Disasters at Sea. Genre: Personal essays and memoir/creative nonfiction pieces. "Maybe a relationship fell apart and you got stuck with a boat you didn’t think you wanted. Maybe, after five days at sea with a partner and five months to go, you realized you can’t possibly live with that person on a small boat. Whatever the disaster, if it happened on or around boats, we want to read about it.” Payment: $0.02/word. Deadline: July 30, 2020.

The Rumpus. Genre: Essays, Fiction, Poetry. "We strive to be a platform for marginalized voices and writing that might not find a home elsewhere, and to lift up new voices alongside those of more established writers we love. We work to shine a light on stories that build bridges, tear down walls, and speak truth to power." Payment: $300 divided among all contributors. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

Red Cape Publishing: F is for Fear. Genre: Horror. Payment: £10. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

Timeworn Literary Journal. Genre: Historical fiction stories in English under 5,000 words. They should be set before 1996, rooted in history and voice-driven. "We're looking for "Historical Fiction from the fringe." Work with a bend toward the surreal, the dream-like, the strange. The offbeat kind of story that settles into your heart long after reading. That said, we also value beauty and warmth and a generally well-written story with soul. Romance, Mystery, Crime and the Gothic are all acceptable. Speculative elements strongly encouraged." Payment: $25. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

NGY Review. Genre: Story on theme. Poetry on any theme. See site for themes. Payment: Token. (Payment in Japanese yen.) Deadline: July 31, 2020. Reprints accepted.

Existere. Genre: Poetry, prose, postcards, art. Payment: Small honorarium. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

Arc Poetry Magazine. Genre: Poetry. Payment: $50 per page. Deadline: July 31, 2020. Arc does not accept general submissions from January 1 to March 31 and from August 1 to August 31.

Dragon Soul Press: All Dark Places. Genre: Speculative fiction. "In a world where so many dark things go bump in the night, terror awaits around every corner as these authors take horror stories to the next level." Word Count – 5,000-15,000. Payment:  Royalties. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

Dragon Soul Press: Fairytale Dragons. Genre: Speculative fiction. "A new twist on fairytales with a fresh element: dragons. Each fairytale has been reimagined with these beasts based on the author’s preference. Wise dragons, evil dragons, elemental dragons, oh my! These classic characters will never see this coming." Word Count – 5,000-15,000. Payment:  Royalties. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

VQR. Genre: Poetry, short fiction, personal essays, literary criticism, reporting. Payment: For poetry, $200 per poem, up to 4 poems; for a suite of 5 or more poems, $1,000. For short fiction, $1,000 and above.  For other prose, such as personal essays and literary criticism, $1,000 and above, at approximately 25 cents per word, depending on length. Note: Genre fiction is not accepted.  Deadline: July 31, 2020. Opens July 1.

The McNeese Review: Boudin. Genre: Fiction, poetry, CNF on topic of Football. Payment: $50.   Deadline: July 31, 2020.

And a few more for luck...

The First Line. Genre: Stories that use a first line provided by the journal. (See journal for first lines.) Also 500-800 word critical essays about your favorite first line from a literary work.  Payment:  $25.00 - $50.00 for fiction, $5.00 - $10.00 for poetry, and $25.00 for nonfiction (all U.S. dollars). Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Eerie River: With Blood and Ash. Genre: Dark Fantasy. "Earth, wind, fire, water and spirit. Dark versus light. We are giving a lot of leeway for story building, but magic must play a part in your world and there must be a dark fantasy element. Create a fantasy world for this to all play out in, or build something in ours. The choice is yours. The only requirement is that you must feature elemental magic." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Cemetery Gates Media: Personal Local Lore/Oddities Anthology. Genre: Horror. The theme is: local lore or location-based oddities. "Write something dark into a setting you’ve experienced — it could be a place you’ve lived, or even just somewhere you’ve visited on a vacation." Payment: 5 cents/word.  Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Mojo. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Payment: $15. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Third Flatiron: Brain Games: Stories to Astonish. Genre: SF, urban fantasy on theme of: Brain Games. Payment: 8 cents per word. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Rogue Blades. Genre: Heroic adventure. Theme: No Ordinary Mortals. Payment: $30. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

Hawk and Cleaver: The Other Stories. Genre: Horror short stories. Theme: Underwater. Payment: $5. Deadline: August 1, 2020.

26 Writing Contests in July 2020 - No entry fees

Wallpaperflare This July there are more than two 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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Kate Tufts Discovery Award. Sponsored by Claremont Graduate University. Restrictions: Poets must be citizens or legal resident aliens of the United States. Genre: Poetry. Book must be author's first full-length book of poetry, published between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. Self-published books are accepted. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

The Novel Prize. Genre: Book-length work of literary fiction written in English. Prize: $10,000.  Deadline: July 1, 2020.

Richard J. Margolis Award. Genre: Journalism. Prize is awarded annually to a promising new journalist or essayist whose work combines warmth, humor, wisdom and concern with social justice. Prize: $5,000 and one month of residency at Blue Mountain Center. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

Emmy Awards - Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award. Restrictions: Non-US citizens under the age of 30 only. Prize: $2,500, a trip to New York City, and an invitation to the International Emmy® Awards Gala in November. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

1455’s Second Teen Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Writers aged 13-19. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $500. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. Sponsored by Claremont Graduate University. Restrictions: Poets must be citizens or legal resident aliens of the United States. Genre: Poetry. The work submitted must be a first book of poetry published between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. Manuscripts, CDs, and chapbooks are not accepted. Prize: $100,000. Deadline: July 1, 2020.

Green Stories Writing Competition. Genre: Full length adult novel about building a sustainable society. Prize: £750: 1st prize £500, 2nd prize £100, third prize £50 plus £50 for best student submission (18-25 years) and £50 for best < 18 year submission. Deadline: July 2, 2020.

The Margaret and Reg Turnill Competition. Restrictions: Writers must be 21 or under on July 6. (Those over 21 can enter for a fee.) Genre: Short story on theme of "Time." Length: 1,500 to 5,000 words. Prize: £1,000 and publication in the annual HG Wells Short Story Competition Anthology. Deadline: July 6, 2020.

Scottish Book Trust New Writers Awards. Restrictions: Scottish writers over 18 years of age. Genres: The awards are divided into three different categories.: Fiction and Narrative Non-fiction in English and Scots, Poetry in English and Scots, Children’s and Young Adult Fiction in English and Scots. Prize: £2,000 and personal development opportunities, which can include mentoring from writers and industry professionals. Training in PR, performance and presentation training, and the opportunity to showcase work to publishers and agents. Deadline: July 8, 2020 (midday).

Singapore Poetry Contest. Genre: Poetry containing the word "Singapore" by anyone who is NOT a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident in Singapore. Prize: $100. Deadline: July 15, 2020.

Best of Kindness 2020 Poetry Contest. Genre: Poetry on the theme of kindness. Prize: First Place - $100; Second Place - $50; Third Place - $25. Deadline: July 15, 2020.

New Roscommon Writing Award. Restrictions: All entrants must have a connection with the county of Roscommon (born in, living in, currently working in, went to school in, etc). Genres: Short stories. Prize: €500.00. Deadline: July 15, 2020.

Boardman Tasker Prize. Restrictions: Books published between 1st August 2019 and July 15, 2020 in the UK. Genre: Books with mountain,not necessarily mountaineering, theme whether fiction, non-fiction, drama or poetry, written in the English language. Prize: £3,000.00. Deadline: July 15, 2020.

Arablit Story Prize. Genre: Short story translated from Arabic. Prize: $500. Deadline: July 15, 2020.

Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction. Restrictions: Books must be English-language, first-edition trade books published by a Canadian press, written by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Titles must be published between May 20, 2020 and September 30, 2020. Genre: Literary nonfiction including, among other forms, works of personal or journalistic essays, memoirs, commentary, criticism both social and political, history, and biography.    Prize: Winner: $60,000; Finalists: $5,000. Deadline: July 15, 2020.

Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. Genre: Fiction. Restrictions: Titles must be published in Canada and written by Canadians. No self-published works. Prize: $25,000 will be awarded to a novel or short-story collection published between May 20, 2019 and September 30, 2020. Prizes of $2,500 will be awarded to each of the finalists. Deadline: July 15, 2020.

Stone Canoe. Restrictions: Open to people who live or have lived in Upstate New York (not New York City). Genres: Drama, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art. Prize: $500 and publication. Deadline: July 8 - 22, 2020.  (Website is not clear whether the contest will be held in 2020.)
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: July 31, 2020.

Broken River Prize. Sponsored by Platypus Press. Genre: Poetry chapbook. Prize: $250/£200.    Deadline: July 31, 2020.

Lune Spark Young Writers' Short Story Contest. Restrictions: Open to writers 10-13 years old, and 13-16 years old. (Two categories.) Genre: Short story. Prize: $500 for first place; $250, 2nd place; $100, 3rd place. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award. Restrictions: Open to young poets age 11 - 17. Genre: Poetry. Prize: Publication. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

Landfall Essay Competition. Restrictions: Open to New Zealand writers. Genre: Essay about New Zealand. Prize: The winner will receive $3000 and a year’s subscription to Landfall. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest. Restrictions: Open to students who are FULL TIME, undergraduate students in an AMERICAN COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY during the Spring 2015 semester. Genre: Essay: Abraham Lincoln: The Influence of Women on the Era of Abraham Lincoln Prize: 1st Prize $1500 | 2nd Prize $750 | 3rd Prize $500. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

Polar Expressions Publications Short Story and Poetry Competition. Restrictions: Open to Canadians only. Genre: Short story, poetry. Prize: $500. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

Jan Garton Prairie Heritage Book Award. Genre: Book published in 2018 - 19 that illuminates the heritage of North America's mid-continental prairies, whether of the tall-grass, mid-grass, or short-grass regions. Authors' first books receive extra consideration. Books may be in any genre, and topics may include but are not limited to social or natural history; prairie culture of the past or in-the-making; and interactions between society and ecology. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: July 31, 2020.

RSL Giles St Aubyn Awards for Non-Fiction. Restrictions: The writer must be a resident of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or have been a resident in the UK or ROI for the past three years. Genre: Nonfiction book. Prize: Two awards – one of £10,000, one of £5,000 – are offered to support writers to complete their first commissioned works of non-fiction. Deadline: July 31, 2020.