Erica Verrillo's Blog, page 34

42 Calls for Submissions in June 2020 - Paying markets

Needpix There are nearly four dozen calls for submissions in June. 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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Bethlehem Writers Roundtable. Genre: Poetry and fiction on theme of Lazy, Hazy, Crazy. Payment: $20 for featured author stories; $10 for stories published on &More page $5 for poems. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Eerie River: It Calls from the Sky. Genre: Horror. "Send me your stories of lights in the sky, a storm that brings with it more than rain, comets that crash, aliens that secretly invade, or a wishing star that is hell-bent on revenge. The stories themselves do not have to take place in the sky, but the evil bad does need to come from it in some way or form." Payment: Royalties. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Eternal Haunted Summer: Holy Days. Genre: Poetry, short fiction, essays about Holy Days.  Payment: $5. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

The Bare Life Review: The Climate Issue. Restrictions: Open to immigrant and refugee authors, including foreign-born authors living in the US, and writers living abroad who currently hold refugee and/or asylum-seeker status. Also, for this issue, anyone who has been displaced by climate change. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $100 - $300. $750 for accepted full-length prose pieces. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Tales from the Moonlit Path. Genre: Dark, eerie, speculative stories. Payment: $10. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Fly on the Wall Press: Food. Genre: Poetry (up to 3 poems), flash fiction, short stories, book reviews, and artwork on the theme of Food theme. “I’m looking for personal connections with food. Cooking can be a delicate art. Sitting down at a family meal can be painful, explosive, a treasured moment; a special kind of chaotic seasonal holiday! What foods do we worship with in places of worship? What foods do we love with; give as gifts, bake with care?  Taste memory can be extremely evocative.  What kind of foods define us? What if a lack of food defines us?” Payment: Royalties. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Speculative City. Genre: Afrofuturist fiction, poetry, and essays written by authors who are specifically of Black and/or African descent. They seek speculative works that are centered within a cityscape. Payment: $20-$55. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Contrary. Genre: Poetry, fiction, CNF. Payment: $20. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores. Genre: Speculative stories. Payment: 6 cents/word for original work. 2 cents/word for reprints. Deadline: June 2, 2020.

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

Occult Detective Magazine. Genre: Mystery short stories, nonfiction, art. "We love both old-style and modern, cutting edge weird fiction, and we love folk horror; we embrace unashamed arcane adventure, and we also draw gritty noir mysteries into our domain. At the heart of all these tales are the occult detectives." Payment: $0.01/word (up to $50, up to $30 for nonfiction). Deadline: June 5, 2020.

Bronzeville Books:Rigor Morbid 2. Genre: Horror. “A collection of horror tales for Halloween.” Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: June 6, 2020.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction 300 - 1,000 words on theme of Taste. Payment: Pays for anthologies only. Deadline: June 7, 2020. See accepted genres.

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

Mslexia. Genre: Poems and stories on theme of WILDLIFE. "We’re inviting submissions on all creatures great and small. Whether it’s a mosquito or marmoset, a flea or a ferret, we’re itching to read your zoological creations." Payment: £25. Deadline: June 8, 2020.

Hippocampus Magazine: Road and Corner Anthology. Genre: Creative nonfiction about Roads and Corners. ROAD: "We're looking for (true) road trip stories of up to 5,000 words for this essay collection. While Route 66 and other now desolate U.S. highways immediately come to mind when thinking of road trips, we are certainly interested in stories from around the globe. What we are most looking for are stories with strong characters and an arc that take place in a mobile setting." CORNER: "For this essay collection, we're looking for stories of all kinds that are set in or revolve around a corner bar/dive bar (or small pub or tavern). Like for the ROAD collection, we're seeking stories up to 5,000 words with strong characters and and arc. We're open to stories that explore aspects of these establishments: we know it was not always fun and games." Payment: $50. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Eye to the Telescope: The Sex Issue. Genre: Speculative poetry. "Sexual themes can be erotic, funny, silly, serious, heart-pounding, and heart-breaking, and perhaps doubly so when viewed through a science-fiction, fantasy, and horror lens." Payment: US 3¢/word rounded up to nearest dollar; minimum US $3, maximum $25. Payment is on publication.Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Zombie Pirate: Full Metal Horror. Genre: Sci horror, cosmic horror, and bizzaro horror. Payment: $10. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Colp: Treasure. Genre: Short fiction, all genres. "For this collection, we would like your stories that feature a treasure, whether they be buried treasure, cultural treasures or any other interpretation of the word." Payment: AU$5.00 for stories under 2500 words / AU$10.00 for anything above 2500 words. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

CRICKET: Best Friends Forever? (ages 9–14) Genre: Contemporary and historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy, folk tales, myths and legends, and poetry touching on the theme of friendship. Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Spider Magazine:Wordplay (ages 6 - 9). Genre: Word games, language activities, riddles, puzzles, and more. Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Spider Magazine: Get a Move On! (ages 6 - 9). Genre: Stories, poems, nonfiction, and activities on the theme of movement and activity, from the great outdoors to the basketball court behind school. "We’re interested in the excitement, challenge, and joy of getting up, out, and moving!" Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Ladybug: Making Make Believe (ages 3 - 6). Genre: Short stories, poetry, rebus stories, and songs to fuel the young child’s imagination. "We’re interested in work with an imaginative or magical twist, whether it’s a contemporary story of children at play, a gentle fantasy, a retelling of a folk or fairy tale, or an exaggerated story told by a narrator who might not be entirely reliable. LADYBUG accepts fiction up to 800 words (shorter work is fine) and poetry up to 20 lines. For our young audience, we are looking for lively writing that begs to be read aloud, as well as playfulness, humor, and lyricism." Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Ladybug: My Family (ages 3 - 6). Genre: Short stories, nonfiction, poetry, rebus stories, and songs about family life. "Send us stories about the personal or cultural traditions that make each family special: celebrating holidays, passing down jokes and stories, annual scavenger hunts, favorite trips, and more. Whether funny or heartfelt, we’re interested in stories about the routines and rhythms that give young children a sense of belonging. LADYBUG accepts fiction up to 800 words, nonfiction up to 400 words, and poetry up to 20 lines." Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word.  Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Babybug: Beep-Beep, Vroom-Vroom! (for babies and toddlers). Genre: Poetry, action rhymes, finger plays, and simple stories about all kinds of vehicles. "For inspiration, you might think of little ones who are fascinated with construction sites or sailboat-filled harbors, or those who love watching bicycles, trains, buses, and garbage trucks. Please keep manuscripts short; poems can be up to eight lines and stories up to six sentences. When we read submissions, we are especially interested in rhythmic writing that babies and toddlers will want to hear again and again." Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Babybug: Breezy Summer. (for babies and toddlers). Genre: Poetry, action rhymes, finger plays, and very short stories that celebrate summertime. "Your work might explore sunny outings to the park or beach, the season’s special games, sights, and sounds, or some other interesting aspect of summer. We’re looking for playful writing that the very young will want to hear again and again. Please be concise; poems can be up to eight lines and stories up to six sentences." Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Journal of Compressed Creative Arts. Genre: Fiction, poetry, art, and CNF. Must be "compressed" in some way. Payment: $50. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

The Puritan. Genres: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry. Payment: $100 per nonfiction piece, $50 fiction, $15 per poem. Deadline: June 25, 2020.
Midnight and Indigo. Genre: Character-driven, speculative short stories written by Black women writers. Payment: $50 - $75. Deadline: June 28, 2020.

Dragon Soul Press: Lethal Impact. Genre: Speculative fiction. "In this post-apocalyptic anthology, nothing matters except survival. In a world full of humans pitted against each other, how can there be anyone left to trust?" Word Count – 5,000-15,000. Payment:  Royalties. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Deadite Press. Genre: Extreme horror and splatterpunk. Length: 20,000 to 100,000 words. Payment: 50% royalties. Deadline: June 30, 2020. No simultaneous submissions.

Jolly Horror Press: Coffin Blossoms. Genre: Horror.Your story must include elements of both horror and comedy. "We wanna chuckle when we read it, in between sh*tting our pants." Payment: $25. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Downstate Story. Genre: Short stories. Payment: $50. Deadline: June 30, 2020. Snail mail only.
Eraserhead Press. Genre: Bizarro fiction novels and novellas. "We want surprising, unique, well-crafted weird stories with compelling plots, eccentric characters, and never-before-seen concepts." Length: 20,000 - 100,000 words. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: June 30, 2020.
Ruminate. Genre: All styles of creative nonfiction—essays, short memoirs, literary journalism, etc—only requiring that it be in prose form (no line breaks). Payment: $20 per 400 words. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Muskeg Press Genre: Short stories, up to 5,000 words. "In 1348, the Black Plague hit Florence, Italy, and it would kill tens of thousands of the city's residents by the time the pandemic was over in 1351. Among those who lived in Florence at the time was Giovanni Boccacio, who would become famous for writing The Decameron. We're now living through a similar moment in time, as we each do our part in fighting the global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. At Muskeg Press, we look back and admire the attitude of Boccacio, who, in the midst of a terrible pestilence, wrote a great work of art that survives to the present day." Payment: $350. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

The Threepenny Review. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $400 per story or article, $200 per poem or Table Talk piece. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Podcastle. Genre: Fantasy podcast. Length: Up to 6,000 words. Payment: $0.06/word for original; $100 for reprints, $20 for flash fiction reprints. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Allegory. Genre: Speculative fiction and nonfiction about the business of writing. Payment: $15.  Deadline: June 30, 2020. Accepts reprints.

Quommunicate Publishing: Even More Queer Families: LGBTQ+ True Stories Anthology. Genre: Short personal memoirs in prose, poetry and dramatic form up to 3,500 words on the theme of family from an LGBTQ+ perspective. Payment: $5/page. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Serendipity. Genre: Poetry, prose, and art that engages with issues of race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, and intersecting identities. "LGBTQ BIPOC are strongly encouraged to submit. Please do not submit if you do not identify as BIPOC." Payment: $15. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

And Lately, The Sun. Genre: Short stories about climate change. Payment: AUD$80; one story will receive an editor’s pick payment of AUD$500. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

MORE...

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.

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.

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: 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.

48 Writing Contests in June 2020 - No entry fees

Pxhere This June there are four dozen writing contests calling for every genre and form, from poetry, to creative nonfiction, to completed novels. Prizes range from $50,000 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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Fraser Institute Student Essay Contest. Restrictions: Canadian high school, college, and graduate students. Genre: Short essay on "The Ideas of Milton Friedman: Exploring the Connections between Economic Freedom and other Freedoms or Aspects of the Human Condition." Prize: CAD$1,500 in each age category. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

International Human Rights Art Festival: Creators of Justice Literary Award. Genre: poetry, short stories and essays which use the written word to celebrate justice. Prize: First Prize: $150; Second Prize: $100; Third Prize: $50. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Hiett Prize in the Humanities. The Hiett Prize in the Humanities is an annual award aimed at identifying candidates who are in the early stages of careers devoted to the humanities and whose work shows extraordinary promise and has a significant public component related to contemporary culture. Restrictions: All applicants must reside in the United States. Prize: $50,000. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

The PEN/Heim Translation Fund. Genre: Book-length works of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and drama in translation. Beginning in 2017, under the administering of the PEN/Heim Translation Fund, PEN will also offer the PEN Grant for the English Translation of Italian Literature. From the pool of annual submissions, judges for the PEN/Heim Translation Fund will select one project of narrative prose that has been translated into English from the Italian to receive this award, which will come with a $5,000 prize. Prize: $2000 - $4000. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Dan Veach Prize for Younger Poets. Restrictions: Open to poets aged 18-23. Genre: Poetry. Prize:  $100 and publication in the Atlanta Review. Deadline: June 1, 2020.  

Governor General's Literary Awards. Restrictions: Books must have been written by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. They do not need to be residing in Canada. Genre: The Governor General’s Literary Awards are given annually to the best English-language book in each of the seven categories of Fiction, Literary Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People’s Literature (Text), Young People’s Literature (Illustrated Books). Prize: $25,000. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Stony Brook Short Fiction Prize. Restrictions: Only undergraduates enrolled full time in United States and Canadian universities and colleges for the academic year 2017-18 are eligible. "This Prize has traditionally encouraged submissions from students with an Asian background, but we urge all students to enter." Genre: Fiction of no more than 7,500 words. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: June 1, 2020.  

Baltimore Science Fiction Society Amateur Writing Contest. Restrictions: Open to Maryland residents or students at a MD 2- or 4-year college, and not a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America or published in a professional science fiction/fantasy magazine Genre: Science fiction short stories. Prize: 1st place is $250; 2nd place is $100; 3rd place is $50. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

ABA Journal/Ross Writing Contest for Legal Short Fiction. Sponsored by the American Bar Association. Restrictions: Entrants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Genre: Original works of short fiction that illuminate the role of the law and/or lawyers in modern society. 5000 words max. Prize: $3,000 and publication in ABA Journal. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Writing for Peace. Restrictions: Open to writers ages 13-19. Genre: Poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. "Writing for Peace challenges young writers to expand their empathy skills by researching an unfamiliar culture and writing from the point-of-view of a character within that new world, while exploring social, political, and environmental pressures, and universal themes." Prize: $200.  Deadline: June 1, 2020

The Mother of All Contests. Genre: Flash fiction about motherhood (29 words max). Prize: Free Gotham 10-week workshop. Deadline: June 2, 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: June 2, 2020.

Icelandic Festival of Manitoba Poetry & Short Stories Contest. Genre: Poetry and short stories. Length; 1200 words max. Prize: $50 - $125. "You do not need to be of Icelandic descent to submit an entry however material reflecting Icelandic culture and interests will be given preference." Deadline: June 3, 2020.

Literary Taxidermy. Genre: Short story, must begin and end with lines from one of three chosen novels. Prize: Up to $1500 and publication. Deadline: June 4, 2020. Note: There is a voluntary $10 fee. Entrants are encouraged to pay the fee, but the fee will be waived in the case of financial hardship.

Neltje Blanchan/Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Awards. Restrictions: Wyoming writers. Genres: The Frank Nelson Doubleday Award is given for the best poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or script written by a woman writer. The Neltje Blanchan Memorial Writing Award is given annually for the best poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or script which is informed by a relationship with the natural world. Prize: $1,000.00. Deadline: June 4, 2020.

The Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award. Sponsored by Sisters in Crime. Restrictions: Open to emerging writers of color. An unpublished writer is preferred, although publication of one work of short fiction or academic work will not disqualify an applicant. Prize: $1,500. Deadline: June 8, 2020.

Sapiens Plurum. Genre: Short stories that personalize the consequences of climate change so readers feel as well as know them. But stories must offer hope, at least a possibility, for without hope people rarely act. This year, the contest asks brilliant imaginers such as you "Can you rewrite our children's history?" Prize: 1ST PRIZE: $1000; 2ND PRIZE: $500; 3RD PRIZE: $300. Deadline: June 9, 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: June 11, 2020.

Cave Canem Northwestern University Press Poetry Prize. Restrictions: Open to black poets of African descent who have had no more than one full-length book of poetry published by a professional press. Genre: Poetry book. Prize: $1000. Deadline: June 12, 2020.

Eden Mills Teen Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to Canadian teens. Genre: Poetry. Prize: Two $50 prizes, 2 $25 prizes. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Christopher Hewitt Award. Genre: Poetry, fiction, CNF, drama. "The award showcases outstanding responses to the AIDS pandemic and the realities of individuals living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Prize: $75 in each category. Deadline: June 15, 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: June 15, 2020.

Norton Writer's Prize. Sponsored by W.W. Norton & Company. "The Norton Writer’s Prize will be awarded annually for an outstanding essay written by an undergraduate. Literacy narratives, literary and other textual analyses, reports, profiles, evaluations, arguments, memoirs, proposals, mixed-genre pieces, and more: any excellent writing done for an undergraduate writing class will be considered." Genres: Creative Nonfiction, Scholarly Essay. Prize: $1,500. Two runner-up prizes of $1,000. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Fred Otto Prize for Oz Fiction/Warren Hollister Prize for Oz Nonfiction. Genre: Short Fiction, Art & Creative Nonfiction. All work must be related to the world of Oz. Prize: $100 in each genre. 2nd Prize $50 in each genre. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Vermont Studio Center – Full Fellowship Awards. The Vermont Studio Center offers 54 fellowships; open to anyone in the world. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Bard Fiction Prize. Genre: Published fiction book. Prize: $30,000 and a one-semester appointment as writer-in-residence at Bard College. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest for Young People. Restrictions: Open to people 25 years of age or less. Genre: Essay (max 700 words). Theme: “A Letter from Myself in 2030.” Prize: 1st US$840, 2nd US$420. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Towson University Prize for Literature. Restrictions: Open to Maryland writers. Genre: Book-length manuscript of fiction, poetry, drama or imaginative non-fiction. The work must have been published within the three years prior to the year of nomination or must be scheduled for publication within the year in which nominated. Self-published works will not be considered. Prize: $1,000.  Deadline: June 15, 2020.(?) See nomination form HERE.

Ocean Awareness Youth Contest. Restrictions: Open to students in grades 6 - 12. Genre: Art, poetry, prose, film. "Theme | Climate Hope: Transforming Crisis." Prizes: $100 - $1,500. Deadline: June 15, 2020.

Solid Essay Contest. Restrictions: Open to high school students. Genre: Essay (See site for topics.) Minimum number of words is 600 and maximum is 800. Prize: Scholarship of $1000. Deadline: June 18, 2020.

Maine Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowships. Restrictions: Open to writers who have lived in the state of Maine for at least one year. Genre: Fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction. Prize: $5,000. Deadline: June 18, 2020.

Scotiabank Giller Prize. Restrictions: Open to books published in Canada in English. Must  be nominated by publisher. Genre: Fiction. Full-length novel or collection of short stories published in English, either originally, or in translation. Prize: $100,000 to the winner and $10,000 to each of the finalists. Deadline: Books published between May 1, 2019 and June 30, 2019 must be received on or before June 19, 2020.

Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing. Genre: Editorial writing. The Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship was established to enable a mid-career editorial writer or columnist to have time away from daily responsibilities for study and research. Freelancers may also apply. Fellowship:  $75,000. Deadline: June 20, 2020.

A Midsummer Tale Narrative Writing Contest. Theme: Quarantine. Length: 1,000 words minimum; 5,000 words maximum. Prize: $35 - $50 Amazon gift card. Deadline: June 21, 2020.

African American Voices in Children's Literature Contest. Restrictions: The award is open to writers of African American heritage who are residents of Minnesota and at the time of entry are at least 18 years of age and residing in Minnesota. Genre: Fiction or nonfiction board books for ages 0-4 (50-125 words) and picture books for ages 4-8 (300-800 words) featuring contemporary African American characters and culture and focusing on one or more of the following topics: character development, self-esteem, diversity, getting along with others, engaging with family and community, or other topics related to positive childhood development. Deadline: June 22, 2020.

Great Lakes Colleges New Writers Award. Restrictions: Open to Americans and Canadians.   Genre: Poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. In each category, the submitted work must be an author’s first published volume. Prize: $500. Deadline: June 25, 2020.

Linda Flowers Literary Award. Restrictions: Entrants must live in North Carolina. "The North Carolina Humanities Council invites original, unpublished entries of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry for the Linda Flowers Literary Award. Submissions should detail examinations of intimate, provocative, and inspiring portraiture of North Carolina, its people and cultures, bringing to light real men and women having to make their way in the face of change, loss, triumph, and disappointments." Prize: $1,500. Deadline: June 25, 2020.

Angela Poetry Magazine - The Lighthearted Poetry Contest #2. Genre: Lighthearted Poetry. Prize: Publication, royalties. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

McLaughlin-Esstman-Stearns First Novel Prize is awarded to the author of the best first novel published in the previous calendar year. Restrictions: Only American authors publishing in English are eligible. Non-eligible books include short story collections, flash fiction, memoirs, biographies and books published solely in electronic format. Prize: $1000. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Preservation Foundation Essay Contest for Unpublished Writers. Restrictions: The contest is open to writers whose creative writing has never produced revenues of over $750 in any single year. Genre: Biographical Nonfiction. Stories must be between 1000--10,000 words in length. Prize: First prize in each category will be $200. Runners-up will receive $100. Finalists will receive $50. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Louise Meriwether First Book Prize. Restrictions: Open to fiction and narrative nonfiction by women of color and nonbinary writers of color who are US residents. Genres: First book of fiction, including novels and short story collections, or narrative memoir, of 50,000 to 80,000 words. Prize: $5,000 and a publishing contract from the Feminist Press. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest. Restrictions: 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 and at least 5,000 copies (or 5,000 hits for online publication). Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi or Horror. 17,000 words max. Prize: $1,000 1st Prize awarded each quarter; one of those winners also receives the $5,000 annual "Golden Pen Award" grand prize. 2nd Prize $750, 3rd Prize $500. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry, Griffin Poetry Prize. Restrictions: One prize goes to a living Canadian poet or translator, the other to a living poet or translator from any country, which may include Canada. Genre: Poetry. Books must have been published in English during the calendar year preceding the year of the award. Prize: C$200,000, is awarded annually in two categories – International and Canadian. Each prize is worth C$65,000. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Letheon. Genre: Poetry related to the perioperative setting. "Are you a medical professional or related to one? Perhaps you have been anesthetized recently, or you are overly acquainted with the waiting room. If you are connected to the world of anesthesia, we encourage you to share your experience with us." Prize: $500. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Drue Heinz Literature Prize. Restrictions: The award is open to writers who have published a book-length collection of fiction or a minimum of three short stories or novellas in commercial magazines or literary journals of national distribution. Online and self-publication does not count toward this requirement. Genre: A manuscript of short stories; two or more novellas (a novella may comprise a maximum of 130 double-spaced typed pages); or a combination of one or more novellas and short stories. Novellas are only accepted as part of a larger collection. Prize: $15,000 and publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press under its standard contract. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Utah Division of Arts and Museums Original Writing Competition. Restrictions: Utah writers. Genres: Poetry and prose. Prize: $1,000 top prizes for book-length manuscripts of novels, creative nonfiction & history, collection of poetry or short stories, and juvenile book; $300 top prizes for individual poems, short stories, and personal essays. 2nd Prize $500 for the book-length categories, $150 for poetry. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

Blue Mountain Poetry Card Contest. Genre: Poetry. "Poems can be rhyming or non-rhyming, although we find that non-rhyming poetry reads better. We suggest that you write about real emotions and feelings and that you have some special person or occasion in mind as you write." Prize: First prize $300. Second prize $150. Third prize $30. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Contest. Restrictions: The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under. Genre: Essay. The theme of the contest is "A Connected Commonwealth." Prize: Past prizes have included certificates, resources for winner's school, visits to Cambridge University, a trip to London and a week of activities, work experience at international organisations, and having your entry featured in worldwide media. Deadline: June 30, 2020.

25 Writing Conferences in June 2020

Needpix Summertime is for writing conferences. In spite of the pandemic, quite a few are still being held live, while others have moved to an online format.

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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Odyssey Writing Workshop. June 1 - July 10, 2020: Manchester, NH. Since its inception in 1996, Odyssey has become one of the most highly respected workshops for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Top authors, editors and agents serve as guests, and 59% of graduates go on to professional publication.

Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop. June 7 - 12, 2020: Roanoke, Virginia. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft seminars, individual conferences with faculty members, and readings. Will be held online.

Naropa Summer Writing Program. June 7 - June 27, 2020: Boulder, CO. This is the 45th Summer Writing Program of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University.  Rescheduled for 2021.

Interlochen Writer’s Retreat. June 7 - 11, 2020: Interlochen, Michigan. Moving to an online format in 2020, the 15th Annual Writers Retreat offers a choice of four courses, each grounded in different craft concepts, across genres, with an emphasis on generating new work, and appealing to advanced and beginning writers alike. Spend four days studying the craft concept of your choice —breaking rules, humor, fiction incubator, or writing for troubled times— and write new material across an array of genres, or apply new knowledge to your existing drafts. Gain skills in the virtual classroom and write independently during "off" hours or collectively (in silence) during virtual livewriting sessions. Attend provocative presentations by the faculty, as well as readings by faculty and participants. Will be held online.

Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers. June 8 - 12, 2020: Sandy, Utah. Offers one-, two-, three- and five-day workshops. Morning workshops devoted to individual work; afternoon talks on market, craft, publication; chats w/ editors and agents; keynote; book signing. For those interested, specialized workshops--Boot Camp and Full-Novel classes. Single day programs as well. Will be held online.

Bread Loaf Translators' Conference. June 10 - 16, 2020: Ripton, VT. The Bread Loaf Translators’ Conference includes workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as lectures, craft classes, meetings with editors and agents, and readings by faculty and guests. Application deadline: March 1, 2020. Canceled for 2020.

West Virginia Writers Conference. June 12 - 14, 2020: Ripley, West Virginia. Author readings, contests and sharing your love of writing with others. Canceled for 2020.

Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Pitch. June 18 - 21, 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.

Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing Residency Writers Conference. June 18 - 28, 2020: Forest Grove, Oregon. Writers seeking to deepen their craft and expand their professional community are invited to attend the Residency Writers Conference together with MFA students, faculty and guest speakers. Join us for 10 full days of craft talks, workshops, panels, classes, readings and more featuring some of the best minds of the literary world. This residency is a rare opportunity to engage in sustained and meaningful conversation with others who share your passion for the art of writing.

Poetry at the Frost Farm. June 19 - 21, 2020:  Derry, New Hampshire. The retreat offers workshops, readings, and one-on-one consultations for formalist poets. "Join a small community of people at the historic Robert Frost Farm learning, reading and writing formal poetry with contemporary award-winning poets. Choose your focus from a series of offerings designed to provide tools for beginning poets as well as perfect the mastery of published poets." Canceled for 2020.

Get Published Conference. June 20, 2020: Bozeman, Montana. This conference is devoted to book writing, marketing and getting published. Faculty includes experienced writers who share their methods for planning, writing and finishing their books, along with practical marketing and promotional information.

Community of Writers at Squaw Valley: Poetry Workshop. June 20 - June 27, 2020: Olympic Valley, California. "We work together to create an atmosphere in which everyone might feel free to try anything. In the mornings we meet in workshops to read to each other the work of the previous twenty-four hours; each participant also has an opportunity to work with each staff poet. In the late afternoons we gather for a conversation about some aspect of craft. On several afternoons staff poets hold brief individual conferences." Registration deadline: April 15, 2020. Will be held online.

Orion Environmental Writers’ Workshop. June 21 – 26, 2020: The Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York. This program is for writers who want to learn how to write an Orion essay, short story, or poem; for writers who seek to become better advocates for the environment through their writing; for poets who are drawn to writing about nature and culture; for teachers and scholars who wish to write for a more general readership; and for environmental professionals who want to bring better writing skills to bear on their work. The program will feature small writing workshops dedicated to poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, as well as faculty readings and lectures, student readings, and presentations on publishing. Canceled for 2020.

Science Fiction & Fantasy Novel Writers Workshop. June 21 - July 3, 2020, University of Kansas, Kansas. "In conjunction with the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction, Kij Johnson teaches a two-week intensive master class on writing novels. This workshop is for those interested in the art and craft of writing a speculative novel. Our primary focus is on structure and the perils and pitfalls unique to novel-length projects. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have been presented with the tools necessary to create a novel, starting from the first idea generation, to brainstorming, to organization, to the actual writing." Will be held online.

Clarion West Speculative Fiction Writers Workshop. June 21 - July 31, 2020: Seattle, Washington. "Every summer, Clarion West holds an intensive six-week workshop in Seattle’s University District, geared to help you prepare for a professional career as a writer of speculative fiction. Each workshop is limited to 18 students, and each week features a different instructor, a highly regarded author or editor offering their unique perspective on the field. Short fiction is the workshop’s focus, with an emphasis on science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Come prepared to write several new stories, to experiment and take artistic risks, and to give and receive constructive criticism. FULL

Aspen Summer Words. June 22 - 26, 2020: Aspen, Colorado. Workshops, panels, and readings in fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as opportunities to meet with agents and editors. "Aspen Summer Words is the Rocky Mountain gateway to the literary world. Recognized as one of the country’s pre-eminent literary conferences, Summer Words welcomes visitors and locals alike to celebrate writing and writers in Aspen for a week each June. The exceptional faculty and awe-inspiring mountain scenery combine to make this a writing retreat like no other." Will be held online.

Manhattanville College Summer Writers' Week. June 22 - 26, 2020: Purchase, New York. Each day begins with a workshop, then afternoons feature craft panels and events. Evenings feature faculty readings and a keynote reader, and these evening readings are free and open to the public. For an immersive experience, housing is available on campus for workshop participants.

Stonecoast Writers’ Conference. June 22 - 27, 2020, Portland, ME. Workshops in poetry, short fiction, novel, and nonfiction/memoir, and a mixed-genre Creative Writing Bootcamp. The Stonecoast Writers’ Conference is open to students of all experience levels. However, admission is selective. Writing sample and deposit required. Canceled for 2020.

Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference. June 22 - 27, 2020: Bemidji, Minnesota. Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. Faculty: The faculty includes Elizabeth Bradfield (Poetry), Brenda Shaughnessy (Poetry), Alison Hawthorne Deming (Creative Nonfiction), Meera Subramanian (Creative Nonfiction), and Scott Russell Sanders (Fiction). And the award-winning and acclaimed author Robin Wall Kimmerer will be the Distinguished Visiting Writer. The online conference fee is $465, a reduction of $230 from the regular early bird price. Will be held online.

Chuckanut Writers Conference. June 22 - 27, 2020: Bellingham, Washington. Writers conference that includes speakers, panels, breakout sessions, authors' readings, reception with authors, pitch sessions with literary agents, book signings, open mic for attendees. Autobiography/Memoir, Children's, Fiction, Nature, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. Will be held online.

Fordham University Retreat. June 24 - 28, 2020, New York City. "In order to help mentor the next generation of Asian American writers, Kundiman sponsors an annual Retreat in partnership with Fordham University. During the Retreat, nationally renowned Asian American poets and writers conduct Master Classes and manuscript consultations with fellows. Readings, writing circles and informal social gatherings are also scheduled. Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Asian American writers." Application Deadline: January 15th, 2020.

The Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop, June 24 - 28, 2020: Algonkian Park, Virginia. "You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, clear your head, have your work read by our writer mentors, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. You discuss with us ahead of time via the Algonkian Writer Retreat Application the goals you wish to accomplish, and we'll work with you to make it happen. Do you desire a review? A line edit? Do you wish to discuss the reality of the current fiction market, your novel project, plot and characters, or perhaps get feedback on the opening hook or a few sample chapters? Or would you simply like a relaxed and productive dialogue about your goals as a writer?"

DRC Conference Faculty & Workshops. June 25 - 27, 2020: Davenport, Iowa. Daily workshops, critiques, pitches, evening events, keynote. With five three-day workshops, book pitches with a publisher and an agent, author luncheon, concluding luncheon, free evening faculty reading and keynote address, there’s something for everyone!

The Writers’ League of Texas Agents & Editors Conference. June 26 – June 28, 2020: Austin, Tex. The conference features panel discussions, lectures, pitch sessions, receptions, and one-on-one consultations with agents and editors. PParticipating agents include Ian Bonaparte (Janklow & Nesbit), Jamie Carr (Book Group), Rebecca Gradinger (Fletcher & Company), Robert Guinsler (Sterling Lord Literistic), Sandy Lu (L. Perkins Agency), Duvall Osteen (Aragi, Inc.), and John Rudolph (Dystel, Goderich & Bourret). The cost of the conference is $469 for Writers’ League members and $529 for non-members. Lodging is available at the conference hotel for discounted rates. Admissions are rolling through June 24.

Chicago Writing Workshop. June 27, 2020: Chicago, IL. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at the historic Congress Plaza Hotel, just south of the downtown area. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers  of all genres are welcome." Features over two dozen attending agents.

Pandemic Writing Wanted - Paying markets

John William Waterhouse - The Decameron The COVID-19 pandemic is no match for writers! Literary magazines have stepped up and spawned a whole new genre - lockdown writing. How isolation affects people is varied and often unpredictable. People can become more gregarious, sympathetic and communicative, or they can drift toward the opposite side of the spectrum, becoming suspicious, angry and hostile. In all cases, the experience of isolation is disorienting.

These journals are looking for artistic, personal, and even humorous writing about life during the pandemic. All are paying markets, and none charge submission fees.

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Critical Read

"As we all adjust to life indoors, isolated from the world, we grow more aware of what gives our lives meaning. Art remains inseparable from our lives. Art is perhaps even more urgent in this time, as we turn to the people and places most important to us in order to find a sense of normalcy and safety. Critical Read is seeking 300-word personal essays about a particular work of art—be it a work of visual art, performing art, or literature—you are turning to in these uncertain times."

Payment: $25

Deadline: May 19, 2020

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Appalachia

"Those who read and write for Appalachia journal find their true selves in the backcountry and wilderness areas around the world—but especially in the Northeast. And within the Northeast, the White Mountains of New Hampshire and wild areas of Maine especially call to us.

Appalachia journal is looking for thoughtful essays in the range of 1,000 to 2,000 words on the COVID-19 pandemic. What has getting onto trails and cliffs and hills meant during this terrifying period? Do you see mountains more as life itself and less as recreation now? What is it like going to the backcountry and finding that facilities are closed, people must stay away from each other?"

Payment: Not specified. "We do our best."

Deadline: May 20, 2020.

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Muskeg Press

"In 1348, the Black Plague hit Florence, Italy, and it would kill tens of thousands of the city's residents by the time the pandemic was over in 1351. Among those who lived in Florence at the time was Giovanni Boccacio, who would become famous for writing The Decameron. The Decameron's main narrative tells the tale of seven young women and three young men who escape the plague by travelling to a countryside villa. There, they each tell one story each night for ten nights. They told stories of love, of lust, greed, of the fickleness of fortune, of the power of the human will.

We're now living through a similar moment in time, as we each do our part in fighting the global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. At Muskeg Press, we look back and admire the attitude of Boccacio, who, in the midst of a terrible pestilence, wrote a great work of art that survives to the present day.

With that in mind, we are putting out a CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for any author out there who would like to spend this time in self-isolation to write a story for a forthcoming publication of Muskeg Press. We'll select 10 stories from all the submissions, and publish them in a book around Christmastime of 2020."

Length: Up to 5,000 words.

Payment: $100. Deadline June 30, 2020.

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Funny Women Surviving Coronavirus Lockdown by Laughing Through It


You’ve laughed. You’ve cried. You’ve stopped wearing a bra and started day-drinking. Now’s the time to start writing. The Syndrome Mag is curating a book of funny essays about how women across the world are coping with quarantine, social distancing, teleworking and all the other changes we face because of the COVID-19 crisis. We are looking for hysterical first-person stories and lists on specific issues from a women’s perspective. 

Payment: $20 for each essay (800-1200 words) accepted into the book.

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Pandemic Publications

This Canadian project has a mandate to "provide relief for multi-disciplinary artists through modest bursaries, while showcasing original and thought-provoking work from a diversity of voices." They are currently seeking writing loosely based around the following three themes: All things considered; On doing nothing; When this is all over. They have particular fondness for positive or darkly comedic writing.

Payment: $120 CAD for fiction and non-fiction; $50 CAD per poem; $150 CAD for photography and illustrations.

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Plenitude

Plenitude Magazine is Canada's only queer literary magazine. They are currently seeking poetry and prose from Canadian LGBTQ2S+ writers for their “Queer Isolation in a Pandemic” call.

Payment: $35 CAD per poem and $80 CAD per prose contribution (including book reviews and articles).

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Rattle

Poets Respond is a call for poetry written within the last week about a public event that occurred within the last week. "Our only criterion for selection is the quality of the poem; all opinions and reactions are welcome."

Payment: $100

6 UK Agents Seeking Fantasy, Science Fiction, Children’s, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction and more

Here are six UK agents expanding their client lists. Stevie Finegan is seeking Fantasy, Science Fiction, Children’s, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction. Sara O'Keeffe has a particular passion for Irish writing. Harriet Moore represents literary fiction, narrative non–fiction, illustrated non–fiction and poetry. Robbie Guillory is looking for outstanding writing across a number of genres: stand-out commercial fiction, science fiction that focuses on communities and relationships whilst the galaxy looks after itself, crime and psychological thrillers with a difference, gripping historical dramas, and beautiful nonfiction with roots in the natural world. (Note: Robbie prefers UK writers.) Hilary Delamere represents a wide range of children’s book authors and illustrators from pre-school books to YA novels.

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. Stevie Finegan of Zeno Literary Agency

"I joined Zeno at the beginning of 2020 after time served working for science fiction and fantasy imprint Gollancz, adult non-fiction publisher Icon, and almost every Waterstones bookshop London has to offer. My degree specialised in children’s literature with a dissertation debating what Young Adult fiction actually is. All of the above strongly influenced the kind of books I get excited about, as well as broader narratives that explore stories connected with LGBTQIA+, BAME, disability,  mental health, and other marginalised experiences."

What she is seeking: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Children’s, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction.

How to submit: Send the first three chapters (or an equivalent segment of around 50 double-spaced pages), a synopsis, and a query letter.  The chapters should be sent in .doc, .docx or PDF format, in a legible font (no smaller than 12pt), double spaced, and with the pages numbered. Please put your name, email address, and a contact number on the title page. Send material to:  finegan@zenoagency.com

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Sara O'Keeffe of Aevitas Creative Management

Sara has come to Aevitas with twenty years’ experience in the world of publishing, having worked with a host of major brand names in fiction ranging from crime writer Minette Walters to bestselling women’s fiction author Elizabeth Buchan, Roman epic series writer Robert Fabbri and award-winning science fiction writer Chris Beckett. She was the UK editor for Kevin Kwan’s international bestseller, Crazy Rich Asians along with Robert Ludlum’s hugely successful Bourne series. She acquired and published the bestselling cult hit Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell which spent six weeks at the top of the New York Times bestseller list.

What she is seeking: Sara has a particular passion for Irish writing and has previously published rising stars in Irish fiction: Eithne Shortall, Catherine Ryan Howard and Rachel Donohue. She enjoys the process of working with authors on their ideas, honing their craft and turning their creativity and talent into commercial success. She is passionate about storytelling, with particular interest in genre and reading group fiction.

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

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Ms. Niamh O'Grady of The Soho Agency

Niamh joined the agency in 2015, having worked as a Waterstones bookseller in Manchester. She works closely with Mark Lucas and Alice Saunders on their client lists and also helps manage the agency’s speaking activity alongside Alice, providing talent for corporate and public sector live events – from literary festivals to tech conferences – around the world.

What she is seeking: Niamh is actively looking for accessible literary and reading-group fiction, and narrative non-fiction. She is drawn to books with heart and humor, thought-provoking writing and distinctive, compelling voices. She particularly loves novels that explore family and relationships and wants to read stories that leave an emotional impact, with characters that stay with her long after the final page. She is keen to find new Irish and Northern writing talent.

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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Ms. Harriet Moore of David Higham Associates Ltd

Harriet has worked at David Higham intermittently since 2006, when she spent a summer archiving Graham Greene’s contracts as part of her work experience here aged sixteen. She formally joined the agency in 2011 after graduating in English Literature from University College London.

Harriet represents literary fiction, narrative non–fiction, illustrated non–fiction and poetry, and collaborates with Lizzy Kremer on her list also. She is looking for writing which has atmosphere, ambition, style and flair with a particular interest in emotionally rigorous writers. She is drawn to the eerie and uncanny; voices which are sly, darkly jaunty and humorous; writing which is both intimate and political; and women thinking hard about other women. In non–fiction her areas of special interest are food, art and design—with an expertise in twentieth century writers and artists—and she is passionate about work which crosses disciplines, particularly the point at which memoir and biography meet.

Writers she admires include: Lydia Davis, Joy Williams, Rachel Cusk, Denise Riley, John Berger, MFK Fisher, Fleur Jaeggy, Jean Rhys, Natalia Ginzburg, Katherine Heiny, Elizabeth Strout, Claudia Rankine, Anne Carson, Jane Bowles.

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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Robbie Guillory of Kate Nash Literary Agency

Robbie grew up in North Norfolk and worked as a butler before moving to Glasgow in 2005 to study, obtaining a degree in Comparative Literature and Slavonics. After a brief foray in education, he embarked on a career in publishing, most recently for Saraband Books. In 2016 he was shortlisted for the Saltire Society’s Emerging Publisher of the Year Award.

What he is seeking: Robbie is looking for outstanding writing across a number of genres: stand-out commercial fiction, science fiction that focuses on communities and relationships whilst the galaxy looks after itself, crime and psychological thrillers with a difference, gripping historical dramas, and beautiful nonfiction with roots in the natural world.

How to submit: Note: This agency prefers UK writers. To submit to the Kate Nash Literary Agency Ltd., please send a query to submissions@katenashlit.co.uk along with:

a brief cover letter with some information about yourself and how you came to write your booka sample chapter or chapters (a maximum of three chapters) from your worka synopsis including where you think your book sits in the market
For non-fiction the above can either be in the body of an email or in a Word document.

For fiction send a brief cover letter with some information about yourself and how you came to write your book, the first chapter of your work and a brief synopsis (maximum the length of one A4 page, preferably more succinct) in the body of an email.

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Ms. Hilary Delamere of The Agency

Hilary joined Lemon Unna & Durbridge in the early 90s to look after the Paddington Bear titles and to build her own book list. She worked for several different publishing houses including Rights Director at Penguin Children’s Books before becoming an agent. She is now a partner at the Agency and continues to represent Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear.

What she is seeking:  Hilary represents a wide range of children’s book authors and illustrators from pre-school books to YA novels – handling their publishing deals alongside their film, TV and stage rights.

How to submit: Send a query letter, and attach a short synopsis and the first three chapters of a novel or the full picture book text (attached as a double-spaced Word document) and send to Hilary Delamere and Jessica Hare at hd-office@theagency.co.uk with ‘Children’s Book submission’ in the subject line.

4 New Agents Seeking Memoir, Short Story Collections, Literary and Commercial Fiction, Horror, Kidlit and more

Here are four new agents actively building their client lists. Siobhan McBride specializes in literary and commercial fiction—including mystery and crime, suspense, and psychological horror—and narrative nonfiction, including memoir. She is interested in reading about marginalized voices, strong females, gender issues (men and women), class divide, mental health issues, self-help and psychology, as well as dystopian themes and fantastic fiction. 

Sophie Pugh-Sellers is looking for both fiction and nonfiction projects, particularly innovative takes on classical narrative elements and stories told by radical new voices. Arlie Johansen is interested in literary fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, and feminist nonfiction. She particularly enjoys short story and essay collections, and both fiction and nonfiction that elevates traditionally underrepresented voices. Larissa Melo Pienkowski is seeking picture books, YA, speculative fiction, magical realism, memoir, narrative nonfiction, cookbooks, and poetry.

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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Siobhan McBride of Carnicelli Literary Management

Siobhan McBride, associate agent, joined CLM in 2020, after having held positions at Sobel Weber Associates and Serendipity Literary Agency and internships at W.W. Norton and Writers House. At Serendipity, she gained a thorough knowledge of young adult literature, nonfiction health, advice, and how-to, and mystery and crime fiction. At Sobel Weber, she built on her love of mystery, crime, and literary fiction and developed an interest in psychology and fantasy fiction, working with Southern crime fiction authors Tom Franklin and Brian Panowich, crime/science fiction author Dan Stout, and mystery writer Peter Swanson.

What she is seeking: Siobhan specializes in literary and commercial fiction—including mystery and crime, suspense, and psychological horror—and narrative nonfiction, including memoir. She is interested in reading about marginalized voices, strong females, gender issues (men and women), class divide, mental health issues, self-help and psychology, as well as dystopian themes and fantastic fiction. She especially loves finding stories that haunt her (physically/philosophically/spiritually) for weeks after reading.

How to submit: Please use the form HERE.

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Ms. Sophie Pugh-Sellers of The Gernert Company

Sophie joined The Gernert Company in 2019, and holds a BA in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies from Barnard College. Raised in Oakland, California and Charlottesville, Virginia, her literary palate is as eclectic and complex as her two hometowns. All of her favorite writing includes characters, language, and worlds so powerful that she misses them long after closing the book. She lives in Washington Heights.

What she is seeking: She is looking for both fiction and nonfiction projects, particularly innovative takes on classical narrative elements and stories told by radical new voices.

How to submit: Queries by e-mail should be directed to: info@thegernertco.com. Please indicate in your letter which agent you are querying.


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Arlie Johansen of Aevitas

Arlie Johansen graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a BA in English, and minors in Journalism and Creative Writing. She joined Aevitas in 2019, after attending the Columbia Publishing Course in 2017 and subsequently interning at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Soho Press, and the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency.

What she is seeking: Arlie is interested in literary fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, and feminist nonfiction. She particularly enjoys short story and essay collections, and both fiction and nonfiction that elevates traditionally underrepresented voices.

How to submit: Use Arlie's form HERE.

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Larissa Melo Pienkowski of Jill Grinberg Literary Management

Larissa Melo Pienkowski grew up outside of Boston and attended Simmons University, where she earned her degree in Social Work and Sociology, performed poetry competitively and recreationally, and edited a number of literary magazines. Larissa later went on to receive her MA in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College, where she worked with the likes of Beacon Press and Barefoot Books, before becoming the assistant publisher of a small indie press. She joined Jill Grinberg Literary Management in 2020 and is now working to build her list. The daughter of Brazilian and Polish immigrants, Larissa speaks Portuguese and Spanish and travels to experience as much of the world as possible—always with a good book in hand

What she is seeking: In fiction, she is looking for character-driven, idiosyncratic stories that center underrepresented voices; braided, multigenerational narratives that make her cry; powerful stories of migration, diaspora, and displacement; haunting, atmospheric speculative fiction and magical realism in the vein of Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties and Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits, respectively; modern re-imaginings of mythology for adult and YA readers; quirky coming-of-age stories about identity and the gritty yet relatable parts of life; and well-researched historical fiction that immerses her in another world. She has a soft spot for novels that stretch the boundaries and limitations of genre.

On the non-fiction side, she is seeking emotionally searing memoirs from underrepresented perspectives; journalistic reporting that blends seamlessly with personal narrative; cookbooks that feature diverse cuisines; essay collections that chronicle contemporary life through the lens of social justice; niche cultural history and criticism; and radically transformative spiritual/self-help titles.

Larissa likes poetry that addresses contemporary themes while striking her in the heart. She is also open to funny, whimsical picture books in which children can see a reflection of themselves.

As an advocate for authors from marginalized communities, Larissa is especially interested in representing diverse voices and experiences across all genres.

How to submit: Please submit to info@ jillgrinbergliterary.com

Your email subject line should follow this general format: QUERY: Title of Project by Your Name / Age Category/Genre / ATTN: Name of Agent.

Please paste your query letter in the body of the email and attach your materials as a docx. file.

For all fiction submissions, please send a query letter and the first fifty (50) pages of your manuscript. If we are interested in reading more, we will reach out to request the full manuscript.

For all nonfiction submissions, please send a query letter and complete proposal. Your nonfiction proposal should include a project overview or outline, proposed chapter summaries, comparable titles, a sample chapter, your biography, and a bibliography of any additional works. You may also include promotional ties/materials if relevant.

Picture book submissions should include the full text. If you are working with an illustrator or have illustrated your own book, please provide full-color images or the fully illustrated text. If applicable, you can provide a link to the illustrator’s online portfolio or website.

37 Calls for Submissions in May 2020 - Paying markets

Pikrepo While you are self-isolating, why not get published? There are more than three dozen calls for submissions in May. 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: May 1, 2020.

Bayou Magazine. Genre: Fiction, CNF, nonfiction, poetry, art. Payment for fiction is $50 for published manuscripts of 3000 words or more and $25 for those less than 3000 words. 7,500 words max. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

University Press of Kentucky New Poetry & Prose Series. Genre: Books of poetry or fiction (novels, short story collections, etc.). Payment: Royalties. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

Running Dog: Crowd / the / Revolution. Genre: Long-form essays, video, poetry, digital interfaces, fiction and creative non-fiction. This is an ongoing series investigating four major concerns that are reshaping our world. Payment: All contributors will be paid for their work. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

Songs of Eretz Poetry Review. Genre: Poetry and art on theme of Love. Payment: $5. Deadline: May 1, 2020. Opens April 10.

Hybrid Ink. Genre: Transfuturistic science-fiction. "The stories within will explore the way love, relationship, and identity issues may change over time, from the near future to far, on Earth or other planets, in humans or those from the stars." Payment: 2½¢ per word (maximum $100 per story.)  Deadline: May 1, 2020.

Bloodbath: Vampires. Genre: Horror fiction, poetry and art on theme of Vampires. "Note: For this issue, we will not be accepting work by straight, white, cisgender men." Payment: £30. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

Mud Season Review. Genre: Nonfiction up to 6,000 words. Payment: $50. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

The Evil Cookie: Brewtality – Alcohol Infused Extreme Horror. Genre: Horror. Length: Up to 3,000 words. Payment: $0.03/word. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

Boulevard. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. "While we frequently publish writers with previous credits, we are very interested in less experienced or unpublished writers with exceptional promise. If you have practiced your craft and your work is the best it can be, send it to Boulevard." Payment: Prose minimum is $100, maximum is $300. Poetry minimum is $25, maximum is $250. Deadline: May 1, 2020. $3 to submit online. No charge for postal submissions.
Enchanted Conversation: A Fairy Tale Magazine. Genre: Fairy tales, and essays on theme of Angels. Payment: $100. US dollars only. Essays: $50. Deadline: May 3, 2020. On hiatus.

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

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

Bennington Review. Genre: Fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, film writing, and cross-genre work. Payment: $100 for prose of six pages and under, $200 for prose of over six pages, and $20 per poem, in addition to two copies of the issue the piece is published in. Deadline: May 8, 2020.

Newfound. Genre: Fiction, Flash, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Translation, and Visual Arts. Payment: $25. Deadline: May 14, 2020.

The Georgia Review. Genre: Submit up to five poems, fiction, nonfiction, and reviews. Payment: $4 per line of poetry, and $50 per page for prose. Deadline: May 14, 2020. Fee to submit online, no fee by post.

Selene Quarterly. Genre: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and art that dwells in the shadows. Payment: $0.06 word for fiction. $50 for poetry, Reprints: Any length of poetry paid $15USD and 100-17,500 words of fiction paid $0.01USD per word. Deadline: May 15, 2020.

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

Grain. Genre: Poems, sequences, or suites of poems up to a maximum of six pages or fiction or nonfiction of no more than 3,500 words. Payment: $50 per page to a maximum of $250. Deadline: May 15, 2020.

Cast of Wonders. Genre: Young adult short fiction up to 6,000 words in length. Theme: Banned Books. Audiocast. 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. Deadline: May 15, 2020.

Rogue Blades Entertainment: We Who Are About to Die. Genre: Sword & ... “Not every hero survives. All heroes pay a cost, some the ultimate sacrifice. We’re examining that theme of ultimate sacrifice as key to heroism. Not only the willingness to sacrifice all, but the act of sacrifice for the greater ’cause,’ whatever that may be." Length: 500 words initially, 2,000-9,000 words for full submissions. Payment: $30. Deadline: May 15, 2020.

Sick Cruising. Genre: Short stories with a minimum of 2000 words using their provided writing prompts. Payment: $20. Deadline: May 20, 2020.

Tinderbox Poetry Journal. Genre: Poetry. Payment: $15. Deadline: May 21, 2020.

Kweli Journal. "Kweli is the first online journal of its kind to celebrate community and cultural kinships. In this shared space, you will hear the lived experience of people of color. Our many stories. Our shared histories. Our creative play with language. Here our memories are wrapped inside the music of the Muscogee, the blues songs of the South, the clipped patois of the Caribbean." Genre: Self-contained novel excerpt, short story, or creative non-fiction piece, poetry. Length: No more than 7,000 words. Payment: "upon publication." Deadline: May 30, 2020.

Orca. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $25. Deadline: May 30, 2020. Submit early in the month to avoid submission fee. 

Nashville Review. Genre: Fiction, poetry, art, and nonfiction. Payment: $25 per poem & song selection; $100 per selection for all other categories, including featured artwork. Translators receive $25 per poem & $100 for prose selections. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

What I Thought Of Ain’t Funny: An Anthology of Short Fiction Based On the Jokes of Mitch Hedberg. Genre: “We are looking for short fiction that “yes ands” a Mitch Hedberg joke. The pieces should be “based” on a specific Mitch Hedberg joke. We are not looking for pieces that emulate or mimic the style of Mitch Hedberg with no connection to his actual existing material.” Length: Up to 4,000 words. Payment: $50. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Age Is Just a Number. Genre: True stories. "We are looking for stories about the humorous or serious sides of life after 60." Payment: $200. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Geek Out! III – Queer Pop Lit, Art & Ideas. Genre: Seeking the following, up to 7,500 words (or 5 pages for art), from LGBTQ+ writers and artists:

Genre fiction (scifi, fantasy, western, romance, thriller, horror, etc.)Nontraditional/experimental poetryCreative nonfiction, opinion essays, topical articles and reviews (non-memoir)Scripts for stage, screen or audioComics and graphic short storiesVisual Art Payment: $5/page. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Antioch Review. Genre: Nonfiction articles and fiction geared to an educated audience. Payment: $20/page. Deadline: May 31, 2020. Snail mail submissions only.

Split Lip Magazine. Genre: Fiction (flash and short stories), memoirs, and poetry. with a pop-culture twist. Payment: $50 per author (via PayPal) for our web issues. Payment for print is $5 per page, minimum of $20, plus 2 contributor copies and a 1-year subscription. Deadline: May 31, 2020. Note: Submit early in May to avoid submission fees.

AGNI. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $20/page of poetry (up to $150), $10 per printed (or printed-out) page for accepted prose. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Contemporary Verse 2. Genre: Poetry and critical writing about poetry, including interviews, articles, essays, and reviews. Payment: $30 - $150. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

One Story. Genre: Short stories between 3,000 and 8,000 words. Payment: $500. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Baltimore Review. Genre: Poetry; send up to three poems, fiction, creative nonfiction, videos (including poetry), and cross-genre work. Payment: $40. Deadline: May 31, 2020.
The Gettysburg Review. Genre: Poetry, fiction, essays. Payment: $2.00 per line for poetry and $15 per printed page for prose. Published authors also receive a copy of the issue containing their work and a one-year subscription. Deadline: May 31, 2020. Charges small fee for online submissions. No fee for snail mail.

MORE...

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

The Bare Life Review: The Climate Issue. Restrictions: Open to immigrant and refugee authors, including foreign-born authors living in the US, and writers living abroad who currently hold refugee and/or asylum-seeker status. Also, for this issue, anyone who has been displaced by climate change. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $100 - $300. $750 for accepted full-length prose pieces. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

Fly on the Wall Press: Food. Genre: Poetry (up to 3 poems), flash fiction, short stories, book reviews, and artwork on the theme of Food theme. “I’m looking for personal connections with food. Cooking can be a delicate art. Sitting down at a family meal can be painful, explosive, a treasured moment; a special kind of chaotic seasonal holiday! What foods do we worship with in places of worship? What foods do we love with; give as gifts, bake with care?  Taste memory can be extremely evocative.  What kind of foods define us? What if a lack of food defines us?” Payment: Royalties. Deadline: June 1, 2020.

11 Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazines Accepting Submissions NOW - Paying markets

Pxfuel Here are eleven well-respected science fiction and fantasy markets currently open to submissions. All of them accept submissions from previously unpublished writers, in fact, they relish discovering new talent. The majority of these are SFWA qualifying markets, which means they pay 8 cents a word or more.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) is the national organization for science fiction and fantasy writers. Writers who publish a story or poem in a qualifying market can become members. Membership benefits include help with contractual disputes, an emergency medical fund, promotion for your work, workshops, and networking opportunities. Nonmembers can take advantage of their resources as well. The SFWA site has an ample information center which includes Writer Beware, writing tips, sample contracts and other tools of the trade.

Happy submitting!


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Asimov’s Science Fiction

Asimov's is a big name among speculative fiction magazines. They are looking for “character oriented” stories, those in which the characters, rather than the science, provide the main focus for the reader’s interest. "Serious, thoughtful, yet accessible fiction will constitute the majority of our purchases, but there’s always room for the humorous as well. SF dominates the fiction published in the magazine, but we also publish borderline fantasy, slipstream, and surreal fiction. No sword & Sorcery, please. Neither are we interested in explicit sex or violence. A good overview would be to consider that all fiction is written to examine or illuminate some aspect of human existence, but that in science fiction the backdrop you work against is the size of the Universe."

Payment: Asimov’s pays 8-10 cents per word for short stories up to 7,500 words, and 8 cents for each word over 7,500. They pay $1 a line for poetry, which should not exceed 40 lines. No reprints. No simultaneous submissions.

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Fantasy & Science Fiction

Like Asimov's, F&SF prefers character-oriented stories. They receive a lot of fantasy fiction, but never enough science fiction or humor. Their word count limits are generous - up to 25,000 words.

Payment: 8-12 cents per word on acceptance. No reprints. No simultaneous submissions.

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Clarkesworld

Clarkesworld Magazine is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy magazine that publishes short stories, interviews, articles and audio fiction. Science fiction does not need to be "hard" SF, but rigor is appreciated. Fantasy can be folkloric, contemporary, surreal, etc. No horror, but dark science fiction and fantasy are accepted. Length: 1000-22000 words.

Payment: 10¢ per word. Payment via PayPal or check. (International authors may request wire transfers.) No reprints. No simultaneous submissions.

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Analog Science Fiction and Fact

Analog is a well-established magazine that exclusively publishes science fiction. Future science must be integral to the story. "The science can be physical, sociological, psychological. The technology can be anything from electronic engineering to biogenetic engineering. But the stories must be strong and realistic, with believable people (who needn't be human) doing believable things–no matter how fantastic the background might be."

Payment: 8-10 cents per word for short fiction (up to approximately 20,000 words), 6 cents per word for serials (40,000-80,000 words), 9 cents per word for fact articles, and $1 per line for poetry. No reprints. No simultaneous submissions.

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Strange Horizons

Strange Horizons publishes all kinds of speculative fiction but they are particularly interested in fiction from or about diverse perspectives and traditionally under-represented groups, settings, and cultures, written from a non-exoticizing and well-researched position. Stories must be under 10,000 words. They also publish literary, SF/F, speculative, and slipstream poetry, nonfiction and reviews.

Payment: 10¢/word USD, within 60 days of contract. No reprints. No simultaneous submissions.

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Interzone

Interzone was founded in 1982 by David Pringle, John Clute, Alan Dorey, Malcolm Edwards, Colin Greenland, Graham Jones, Roz Kaveney and Simon Ounsley. The magazine is regularly shortlisted for prestigious awards, and is a winner of the Hugo and British Fantasy Awards. Many of its stories have also won awards and/or reprints in various Year’s Best anthologies. Interzone has helped launch the careers of many important science fiction and fantasy authors, and continues to publish some of the world's best known writers.

Payment: £30/1000 words on publication (?) No reprints. No simultaneous submissions.

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Daily Science Fiction

Daily Science Fiction accepts speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, slipstream, etc.) stories from 100 to 1,500 words in length. They will consider flash series - three or more flash tales built around a common theme. Each story needs to stand on its own. They may purchase dark fantasy, but try not to publish pure horror.

Payment: 8 cents/word. No reprints. No simultaneous submissions.

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Beneath Ceaseless Skies

Beneath Ceaseless Skies publishes “literary adventure fantasy”: stories with a secondary-world setting and some fantasy feel, but written with a literary approach. "We want stories set in what Tolkien called a “secondary world”: some other world that is different from our own primary world in some way. It could be different in terms of zoology (non-human creatures), ecology (climate), or physical laws (the presence of magic)." Length: Up to 15,000 words.

Payment: 8 cents/word. No reprints. Simultaneous submissions are okay.

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East of the Web

East of the Web's new imprint is seeking science fiction and fantasy short stories. Stories should be accessible, with strong plots and compelling characters, written with a good knowledge of the science fiction or fantasy canon. Stories should be at least 7,000 words.

Payment: Starts at $0.05 per word or a mix of an advance and a royalty. Reprints accepted.

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Flash Fiction Online

Flash Fiction Online publishes all genres. "We want developed, empathetic characters and discernible, resolved plots.  Please no non-fiction or poetry." Length: 500 to 1000 words.

Payment: 8 cents per word for original fiction. 2 cents per word for reprints. No simultaneous submissions.

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Escape Pod 


Escape Pod publishes science fiction in audio and text. "We are fairly flexible on what counts as science (we’ll delve into superheroes or steampunk on occasion) and are interested in exploring the range of the genre. We want stories that center on science, technology, future projections, and/or alternate history, and how any or all of these things intersect with people." Length: 1500-6000 words. 

Payment: $0.08 per word for original fiction; $100.00 flat rate for reprints of any length.

32 Writing Contests in May 2020 - No entry fees

Wallpaper Flare This May 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 $60,000 to publication. None charge entry fees.

Some of these contests have age and geographical restrictions, so read the instructions carefully.

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

Good luck!
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West Virginia Fiction Competition. Restrictions: Open to West Virginia residents or students. Genre: Short fiction, 5,000 words max. Prize: $500. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

Molly Keane Creative Writing Award. Restrictions: Open to Irish residents. Genre: Unpublished short story, maximum 2,000 words. Prize: 500 pounds. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing. Restrictions: Open to first-generation residents of the United States. “First-generation” can refer either to people born in another country who relocated to the U.S., or to American-born residents whose parents were born elsewhere. Genre: Unpublished Fiction books. Prize: $10,000 and publication. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

Questions Writing Prize. Restrictions: Open to authors aged 18-30. Genre: Short stories of any genre or nonfiction between 1500 and 2000 words. Prize: First place winners (or prize pool for a tie) is $2000. The work will also be published in a book. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

Erbacce-prize for Poetry (UK) Genre: Poetry collection. Prize: Winner will be given a publishing contract with erbacce press who will publish a perfect-bound collection of the winner's book. "We will pay all costs including the legal registering of the book and supplying copies to the major libraries. The book will be sold through our sales/shop pages and the poet will be paid 20% royalties." Deadline: May 1, 2020.

CINTAS Creative Writing Fellowship. Restrictions: Open to any Cuban author (including those of direct Cuban lineage; need not reside in Cuba). Genre: Novel excerpts, short stories, plays, or poems of up to 25 pages. Prize: $20,000 fellowship. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

Remastered Words Short Story Competition. Genre: Fantasy short story up to 5,000 words on theme of ‘One Last Chance’. Prize: £75, £50, £25. The winning stories will be produced as audio shorts by voiceover artists. Deadline: May 1, 2020. Accepts reprints.

SemiSages of the Pages. Genre: Flash fiction on prompt: You receive an odd package and have no idea who sent it to you. Length: 250-500 words. Prize: $25 Amazon gift certificate and publication. Deadline: May 1, 2020.

RTÉ Radio Short Story Competition. Restrictions: Open to Irish writers and residents of Ireland. Genre: Short story. Prize: Up to 3,000 euros. Deadline: May 8, 2020.

Leeway Foundation: Transformation Award. Restrictions: Women and transgender poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers in the Philadelphia area who have been creating art for social change for five or more years. Writers who have lived for at least two years in Bucks, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties, who are at least 18 years of age, and who are not full-time students in a degree-granting arts program are eligible. Award: $15,000. Deadline: May 15, 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: May 15, 2020.

Rachel Wetzsteon Chapbook Award. Genre: Literary fiction. 7,000-12,000 words. Prize: $250, publication, and 25 copies. Deadline: May 15, 2020. Entry is free until March 15.

Unified Caring Association Student Essay Contest. Restrictions: Open to US High School Juniors and Seniors. Genre: Essay on topic: "Choose one category: children, animals, reforestation, or elderly. Write a 500 or more word essay addressing the caring actions you would take to make change for the better in your chosen category." Prize: 10 first prizes of $350 scholarship; 10 honorable mention essays will each receive a $100 scholarship. Deadline: May 15, 2020.

The James Laughlin Award is sponsored by the Academy of American Poets. Genre: A second book of poetry forthcoming in the next calendar year. Must be under contract with US publisher.    Restrictions: Open to US citizens and residents only. Prize: $5,000, an all-expenses-paid week long residency in Florida, and the Academy will purchase approximately 1,000 copies of the book for distribution to its members. Deadline: May 15, 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 March 11, 2020 and May 19, 2020. Prizes of $2,500 will be awarded to each of the finalists. Deadline: May 20, 2020.

Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Non-Fiction. Genre: Literary non-fiction. Restrictions: Titles must be published in Canada and written by Canadians. Prize: $60,000 will be awarded to a literary nonfiction book published between March 11, 2020 and May 19, 2020. Deadline: May 20, 2020.

Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. Genre: Literary fiction, novel or short story collection. Restrictions: Titles must be published in Canada and written by Canadians. Prize: $50,000 will be awarded to a literary fiction book or short story collection published between March 11, 2020 and May 19, 2020. Deadline: May 20, 2020.

On The Premises Mini Contest. "Life isn’t much fun right now, anywhere in the world. The pandemic has touched everybody to some degree. Wrap up how you feel about life today–the good, the bad, the ugly, the inspiring, the awful, the funny, the not funny–and because this is a contest challenge, send it to us in the form of a limerick. The limerick doesn’t have to be funny, but it does have to evoke thoughts and feelings in us like everything else we ask of you." Prize: $40. Deadline: May 23, 2020.
The Canadian Women Artists’ Award. Restrictions: Open to Canadian women living in New York who are between the ages of 21 and 35 before the application deadline. Genre: Fiction, poetry.  Grant: $5,000. Deadline: May 27, 2020.

A Voice for Animals Teen Essay Contest. Restrictions: Open to students between the ages of 14-18. Genre: Essays on an animal rights topic.  In the 16-18 year olds category, essays must be 800-1,000 words long and be accompanied by a photograph; in the 14-15 year olds category, essays should be between 1,400-1,500 words. One climate change prize (both age categories compete) will be awarded for an essay on how climate change affects a particular animal species. Prize: $500.     Deadline: May 31, 2020.

The Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans. This creative writing contest for U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel is hosted by The Iowa Review and made possible by a gift from the family of Jeff Sharlet (1942–69), a Vietnam veteran and antiwar writer and activist. The contest is open to veterans and active duty personnel writing in any genre and about any subject matter. Prizes: First place: $1,000 plus publication in The Iowa Review. Second place: $750. Three runners-up: $500 each. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Cromwell Article Prize. Restrictions: Open to early career scholars. Genre: Articles published in the field of American legal history.  Prize: $2,500. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Awards. Restrictions: Open to aboriginal youth, 18 years or younger, residing in Ontario, Canada. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

CNO Naval History Essay Contest. Genre: Essay: Naval history.  Prize: First Prize: $5,000. Second Prize:$2,500. Third Prize: $1,500. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

bpNichol Poetry Chapbook Award. Genre: Published poetry chapbook. Restrictions: Canadian publishers only. Prize: The author receives $4,000 and the publisher receives $500. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

The Wolfe Pack Black Orchid Award. Genre: Mystery novellas in the style of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe novellas. Manuscript length: 15K-20K words. Prize: $1,000, plus recognition and publication in a forthcoming issue of AAMM. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Jerry Jazz Musician Fiction Contest. Genre: Unpublished fiction approximately 1,000 - 5,000 words. Story should pertain to music, social history, literature, politics, art, film and theater, particularly that of the counter-culture of mid-twentieth century America. Prize: $100 and publication in Jerry Jazz Musician. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Creative Futures. Restrictions: Open to under-represented UK writers. Genre: Fiction, poetry on theme of Tomorrow.  Prize: Up to £75. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Bacopa Literary Review. Genres: Fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry. Prizes: First ($200) and Runner-Up ($160) prizes in each genre. All published will receive $20 and a copy of the print journal. After publication, Bacopa will be promoted online. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Words Without Borders Poems in Translation Contest. Genre: Contemporary international poetry translated from other languages into English. Prize: $150 each for winning poets and translators. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Sapiens Plurum. Genre: Short stories that personalize the consequences of climate change. "This year’s short-fiction contest challenges authors to ask: How can technology increase empathy and connection? The news today is full of examples of technology creating dissension and amplifying differences. We ask authors to imagine ways that technology can improve how we relate to each other and bring us closer, even across species. We welcome stories that view life from another species’ point of view and/or explore empathy between different forms of life."  Prize: 1ST PRIZE: $1000; 2ND PRIZE: $500; 3RD PRIZE: $300. Deadline: May 31, 2020.

Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Program. Restrictions: Debuting authors and writers with fewer than three previously published books who have yet to receive a major literary award are eligible for consideration. Exceptions are sometimes made for authors who have published more titles, but have yet to break out to a larger audience. Submissions must be original publications, penned by one author. Self-published works not allowed. Genres: Published or scheduled to be published fiction and literary nonfiction. Prize: $10,000 in each genre and in-store marketing/merchandising from Barnes & Noble. 2nd Place $5,000 in each genre, 3rd Place $2,500 in each genre. Deadline: May 31, 2020. (No date given. The books are featured monthly.)

25 Writing Conferences in May 2020

Pixabay Like the May flowers that are the product of April showers, spring is usually when writing conferences start popping up.

In spite of the pandemic, you can still attend these conferences. Quite a few will be held virtually, including the famous Nebula conference, and others have been postponed. You may be self-quarantined, but don't give up on your writing career.

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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Malice Domestic. May 1 - 3, 2020, Bethesda, MD. Malice Domestic™ is an annual fan convention in the metropolitan DC area that celebrates the traditional mystery, books best typified by the works of Agatha Christie. The genre is loosely identified as mysteries which contain no explicit sex, or excessive gore, or violence. Rescheduled for April 29 - May 2, 2021.

Gold Rush Writers Conference. May 1 - 3, 2020, Mokelumne Hill, CA. "Writing professionals will guide you to a publishing bonanza through a series of panels, specialty talks, workshops and celebrity lectures. Go one-on-one with successful poets, novelists, biographers, memoirists and short story writers." Writing workshops in Autobiography/Memoir, Children's, Fiction, Marketing, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing, Romance, Travel, Young Adult. Individual sessions available. Rescheduled for October 2 - 4, 2021.

Hedgebrook VORTEXT Salon. May 1 - 3, 2020, Whidbey Institute on Whidbey Island, about 35 miles northwest of Seattle. Workshops, panel discussions, lectures, open mics, and time to write in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for women writers. Postponed.

Colrain Classic. May 1 - 4, 2020. Arlington, Vermont. "The Arlington Inn is a village estate built in 1847 that was later turned into a summer hotel in Arlington, Vermont. Today, the inn encompasses four buildings throughout four acres. This includes three buildings, 16 guest rooms and a restaurant. Located in the heart of The Shires of Vermont on The Shires By-Way, the Arlington Inn is just a short drive from Manchester and Bennington, Vermont; Massachusetts, and New York. Please note that we will make all reservations and arrangements for conference participants. Other details will be sent to all registrants along with the pre-conference materials." Here you will work with poet-editors Joan Houlihan and Martha Rhodes. Will be conducted online.

Write Now!  May 2, 2020, Raleigh, NC. One day writing conference hosted by Triangle Association of Freelancers.Sessions include screenwriting, financial tips for writers, pillars of freelance success, copyediting, trade pubs, column writing, publishing tips and more. Cost: $89; $75 for students with ID, seniors 65+ and retired/active duty military; $109 at the door. Canceled.

Austin SCBWI 2020 Writers & Illustrators Working Conference. May 2 - 3, 2020: Austin, TX. Conference on children's books with keynotes; general sessions; breakout sessions for writing, professional development and illustration; intensives for novels, picture books and illustration; critiques; pitches and more. Will be held online.

Travel & Words: Northwest Travel Writers Conference. May 3 - 5, 2020. Bend, OR. Workshops, panels, networking and Writer Matchmaking: Writers attending Travel & Words are looking for story ideas and possibly press trips. These “speed dating” sessions connect destination marketers with freelance writers and bloggers on the “Experienced” track. Postponed until Fall 2020.

Annual PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature. May 4 - 9, 2020 at various locations in New York City and Los Angeles. "Join more than 125 writers and artists representing over 50 nationalities in New York City for the 2019 PEN World Voices Festival: Open Secrets. In 60+ events in venues across New York City, the 15th anniversary of New York’s first international literary festival will gather nonfiction and fiction writers, thinkers, and activists to discuss what we reveal and what we withhold, and the opportunities and dangers inherent in the rapid reconfiguring of the public and the private in the literary, cultural, social, and political realms." Canceled.

Columbus State Community College Writers Conference. May 6, 2020, Columbus, Ohio. Workshops in Autobiography/Memoir, Business/Technical, Fiction, Journalism, Marketing, Non-fiction, Playwriting, Poetry, Publishing, Screenwriting. This one-day conference is free of charge. Rescheduled for July 18, 2020.

10th Annual Nonfiction Writers Conference. May 6 - 8, 2020: Conducted online.

Lakefly Writers Conference. May 8 - 9, 2020, Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Workshops, talks, and a book fair for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. Presenters: Beth Amos, Malinda Andrews, Valerie Biel, Rebekah Bryan, R. R. Campbell and more. Rescheduled for May 6-7, 2021.

Atlanta Writers Conference. May 8 - 9, 2020, Atlanta, GA. The conference features publishing panels, pitch sessions, manuscript and query letter critiques, and a workshop on author branding for fiction writers, nonfiction writers, and graphic novelists. Participating publishing professionals include editors Lashanda Anakwah (Simon & Schuster), Sean deLone (Atria Books), Sarah Grill (St. Martin’s Press), Carolina Ortiz (HarperCollins), and Melissa Ann Singer (Tor), and agents Lisa Abellera (Kimberley Cameron & Associates), Ashley Lopez (Waxman Literary Agency), Ann Rose (Prospect Agency), Eva Scalzo (Speilburg Literary Agency), and Saba Sulaiman (Talcott Notch Literary Services). The cost of a single session ranges from $50 to $170, depending on the activity; the cost of the full conference is $620. For nonmembers of the Atlanta Writers Club, an additional $50 membership fee is also required. Lodging is available at the conference hotel for a discounted rate of $125 per night until April 16. The deadline to register for a manuscript critique is April 7. Space is limited; registration is first come, first served. The general registration deadline is May 7. May be held online (?)

Washington Writers Conference 2020. May 8 - 9, 2020: Bethesda, MD. Pitch sessions, expert sessions, author talks, and a luncheon, plus panels on how to query, how to pitch, and more publishing pros’ insights, are just some of the highlights. Past speakers include Bob Woodward, Bob Schieffer, Kitty Kelley, Judith Viorst, Alice McDermott, Ron Charles, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Susan Coll, E.J. Dionne, and Jeffery Deaver. Canceled.

Big Sur on Cape Cod. May 8 - 10, 2020, North Falmouth MA. Faculty: Andrea Brown and four of her agents, four editors and four authors. Children's writing. FULL. Rescheduled for September 11 - 13, 2020.

The Loft's Wordplay Conference. May 9, 2020, Minneapolis MN. "The Loft’s Wordplay aims to be Minnesota's largest celebration of readers, writers, and great books. Imagine a weekend full of famous authors and celebrated books; a weekend of readings, conversations, workshops, kids’ activities, demonstrations, and one-of-a-kind happenings with outdoor stages, cooking stages, book signings, quiet reading corners, boisterous parties, food trucks, beer tents, and books, books, books." Will be held online.

Longleaf Writers Conference. May 9 - 16, 2020: Seaside, Florida. "Formerly the Seaside Writers Conference, Longleaf Writers Conference is an annual gathering of creative writers from all over the nation, featuring award-winning writers in poetry and fiction and screenwriting who will offer a full week of intensive writing workshops, one day seminars, school outreach programs, and social events. This event occurs every year in May, and offers the opportunity for beginning, intermediate and advanced writers to celebrate writing, to network with other writers, and to hone their craft. There will also be seminars hosted by professional editors and literary agents who will offer one-on-one consultations. All participants who pay the full conference tuition fee will be able to take part in all daily activities, while those paying a la carte pricing will have the pick of which classes and workshops they would like to attend. The Longleaf Writers Conference is one of the only conferences in the nation to take place on one of the most beautiful beaches in the US, and every year will feature notable guest writers, literary agents, and professional editors."

Pennwriters Conference. May 14 - 17, 2020: Pittsburgh, PA. The 32nd Annual Pennwriters Conference features three days of workshops, panels, networking and learning to help you learn, grow, soar! Friday, Saturday and Sunday feature an open attendance slate of one-hour workshops on all things writing. The schedule is structured with open attendance, so you can take whichever classes appeal to you. Attendees will have 40+ hours of sessions to choose from. Our faculty is comprised of published authors, literary agents and editors, and other writing industry professionals. Pitch appointments are available at no additional fee. Postponed until 2021.

Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp. May 17 - 23, 2020: West Bend WI. 6-day, residential workshop-retreat for writers in all genres working on a novel or creative nonfiction book. Workshops in Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Publishing, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult. Registration is limited to 30 people.

Boldface Conference for Emerging Writers. May 18 - 22, 2020: Houston, Texas. Daily workshops, readings, craft talks, social events and professionalism panels in an intimate and supportive environment designed specifically with the needs of emerging writers in mind.

Balticon 54. May 22 - 25, 2020: Baltimore, MD. Balticon is sponsored by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society (BSFS). BSFS presents the Compton Crook Award, the Robert A. Heinlein Award, and the winner of the annual Jack L. Chalker Young Writer's Contest annually at this event. Faculty: Guest of Honor: Catherine Asaro. Multiple tracks of Programming over the four day weekend, featuring authors, artists, scientists, musicians, podcasters, publishers, editors, costumers and other creative SF luminaries. Will be held online.

Crafting Successful Author Visits. May 26 - May 30, 2020, Honesdale, PA. School visits are a powerful way to get your book into the hands of readers. But how do you take what you’ve written or illustrated and turn it into an attention-grabbing presentation for kids? This workshop will give you strategies for creating and delivering engaging talks, information on developing materials for teachers and students, and guidelines for developing other promotional tools. May be canceled.

Nebula Conference. May 28th - 31st, 2020, Los Angeles, CA. SFWA members and other individuals who are interested in the field of science fiction and fantasy are welcome to attend SFWA’s Nebula Conference. Attendees may participate in workshops, programming and special events throughout the weekend. You do not need to be a member of SFWA to attend. Will be held online.

Bear River Writers’ Conference. May 28 - June 1, 2020: Camp Michigania on Walloon Lake, near Petoskey, Michigan. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as readings, discussions, nature walks, and time to write.

Sundress Academy for the Arts Summer Poetry Writing Retreat. May 29 - 31, 2020: Knoxville, Tennessee. The three-day, two-night camping retreat will be held at SAFTA's own Firefly Farms in Knoxville, Tennessee. All SAFTA retreats focus on generative poetry writing, and this year's poetry retreat will also include break-out sessions on writing political poetry, writing confession, kicking writer's block, publishing, and more.

Tallahassee Writers Conference.  "Whether you are a beginner or an advanced writer of poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, you will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with other writers, editors, agents, cover designers, publishers and more!" Dates TBD.