Erica Verrillo's Blog, page 35

3 Agents Seeking LGBTQ Fiction and Nonfiction

Here are three agents interested in LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction. Claire Draper is seeking young adult fiction, middle grade, picture books, graphic novels, or a feminist memoir/collection of essays.

​Emmy Nordstrom is looking for literary, upmarket, and commercial fiction, and narrative nonfiction, for adults and older young adults, and on the non-fiction side: memoir, deep dive journalistic accounts, investigative true crime, activism, essay collections, and progressive political and social commentary. Kiana Nguyen focuses primarily on YA Contemporary, but would love to work with low/high Fantasy (not-western/European based) and Sci-fi.

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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Emmy Nordstrom Higdon of The Rights Factory

"I am a PhD student at McMaster University, a bookseller at Another Story independent book shop, a blogger at Books Beyond Binaries, and a member of the planning team for the Festival of Literary Diversity. I am a queer, trans, non-binary colonizer originally from Newfoundland, now based in Tkaronto (Toronto, Ontario). I keep busy with research projects, spending time with my family (including adopted dogs and cats), embroidery, vegan cooking, and… obviously, a lot of reading."

What they are seeking: "Authors of literary, upmarket, and commercial fiction, and narrative nonfiction, for adults and older young adults. I specialize in LGBTQ2S+ literature. I am not currently accepting middle grade or children's literature queries. While atmospheric stories with lots of plot twists are my favourites, I'm eager to read literary fiction, feminist thrillers, book club, millennial, dark fantasy, paranormal horror, contemporary Gothic, and magical realism."

Non-Fiction: Adult and YA: "On the non-fiction side, my interests include memoir, deep dive journalistic accounts, investigative true crime, activism, essay collections, and progressive political and social commentary."

How to submit: Use their query form HERE.

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Kiana Nguyen of Donald Maass

"Newly minted Assistant Literary Agent at Donald Maass Literary Agency. I focus primarily on YA Contemporary, but would love to work with low/high Fantasy (not-western/European based) and Sci-fi. I am HUNGRY for queer and POC voices, especially if the narrative is as much driven by the main character(s) as by a high-concept plot. Think THUG, ONE OF US IS LYING, THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS. Recent Fantasy: FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS, THE FIVE DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON, WINTERSONG.

I am looking for queer gang ensemble casts in any YA genre/sub-genre that kick ass physically, mentally, at the arcade or in a high-stakes heist. Some of my favorite badass teams right now are in The Flash, Wynona Earp, The Craft (obviously), The Diviners by Libba Bray, Feral Youth edited by Shaun David Hutchinson. They all have their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks and each are wholly unique in their own ways. Also, COVENS.

I'm looking for an achingly bittersweet queer love story with thriller or genre spin like FAR FROM YOU and THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END. I want my heart broken with all things dark and twisty.

Give me the girls with skinned knees and boys weak with jealousy and queer kids who couldn't be good if they tried. All the gray morality and friendships they would kill to keep. Nothing cookie-cutter for me! I am also looking for Adult SFF, thrillers (specifically domestic suspense), and romance. Think Nicky Drayden, THE GIRL BEFORE (Rena Olsen), and Rebekah Weatherspoon."

How to submit: Submissions should be emailed to query.knguyen@maassagency.com

Begin your subject line with QUERY: title of the manuscript (e.g. QUERY: The Count of Monte Cristo).  Include:

a query letter (be sure it includes both genre and word count)the first five pages of your manuscripta short synopsis (1-2 pages) _____________________


Claire Draper of Bent Agency

Claire Draper studied Queer Diversity in Children’s Literature at New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. While a student, she interned at Rare Bird Lit, InkWell Management, and the Children’s Book Council. Originally from Southern California, she misses the beach and In-n’-Out more than possibly imaginable. She is a recent transplant to Brooklyn and enjoys heading to the park to read literary fiction, young adult fiction, graphic novels, and the latest collection of feminist essays.

What she is seeking: Young adult fiction, middle grade, picture books, graphic novels, or a feminist memoir/collection of essays. "I love a good YA romance, but will absolutely take on any other YA genre. I'm craving more YA queer romances with much more going on than the romance, like lesbian witches avoiding persecution, or your everyday trans crime-fighting teen, though both characters in the relationship need to be lovable for their own reasons, so please make sure your characters are as lovable as we want them to be. Also, I'm very much looking for YA books that handle mental illness well, especially a character who deals with having bipolar disorder."

How to submit: "By submitting a query to me, you are agreeing to address me as Claire or Mx. Draper." Include the title of your project in the subject line of your email. Then paste the first ten pages of your book in the body of your email (not as an attachment, please).

Send to: clairequeries@thebentagency.com

5 New Agents Seeking YA, Kidlit, Fiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Cookbooks and more

Here are five new agents seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients. Lori Steel represents children's and YA literature. Eryn Kalavsky is interested in narrative nonfiction, personal growth, parenting, health & fitness, cookbooks, spirituality and pop culture. Laura Mazer represents adult nonfiction only.

Michael L Joy accepts queries in the following genres: In Adult Fiction: Mystery, Crime, Suspense, Thrillers, and Graphic Novels (in script form). In Non-Fiction: Art, Music, Pop Culture, True Crime, Business Self-Help, Graphic Novels. Erin Files is most interested in upmarket young adult, middle grade and adult fiction. She also enjoys literary-leaning nonfiction in the areas of psychology, history, and popular science.

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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Laura Mazer of Wendy Sherman, Associates

Before joining the book-publishing industry, Laura oversaw editorial operations for Creators Syndicate, a global news agency representing some of the most influential opinion writers and editorial cartoonists of the day, including Hillary Clinton, Arianna Huffington, Molly Ivins, Ann Landers, and Mike Luckovich. Laura was also a senior editor at Brill’s Content magazine and the special sections editor at the Los Angeles Times.

What she is seeking: Laura represents adult nonfiction only, with a focus on progressive cultural commentary, feminism and racial justice, intelligent pop culture, keep-it-real prescriptive advice, irreverent self-help, and packaged gift or “concept” books. She adores history, biography, and celebrations of literary legacies, especially when they offer fresh stories about women. An established national platform is essential.

How to submit: Please send all e-mail submissions to submissions@wsherman.com.  Include your last name, title, and the name of the agent you are submitting to in the subject line. They will not open attachments unless they have been requested.  For non-fiction, please include your query letter and author bio.

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Ms. Lori Steel of Raven Quill Literary Agency

Lori joined the RQLA team as Agent and Agency Assistant after working with young readers’ literature for more than a decade. Her experience runs the gamut from school librarian to freelance editor to intern/assistant with two kidlit agencies. She holds degrees in history, education, as well as an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, where she currently serves as Coordinator for their Oxford/Bath summer residency program. When not holding a quill, Lori is often planning her next travel adventure or perfecting her chocolate chip cookie recipe.

What she is seeking: Children's and YA literature.

How to submit: Use her form HERE.


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Ms. Eryn Kalavsky of Salky Literary Management

Eryn Kalavsky is a veteran of the book publishing industry, having built the foundation of her career in publicity, marketing and international sales at HarperCollins Publishers. Prior to joining SLM, she worked with a list of authors and entrepreneurs as a publishing consultant strategically helping develop their book ideas while simultaneously growing their brands and platforms. She is based in Los Angeles and her approach to representation is with a long-term view of building a client’s career within the publishing world and beyond.

What she is seeking: Her interests include narrative nonfiction, personal growth, parenting, health & fitness, cookbooks, spirituality and pop culture. However, she appreciates any idea with an ability to foster connection and satisfy an audience.

How to submit: Use the query form HERE.

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Michael L. Joy of Seymour Agency

Michael L Joy is a graduate of the Stonecoast MFA Creative Writing program and a board member of the Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, where he is the co-chair of their annual mystery writing conference, SleuthFest. (SleuthFest.com). He is a professor of English, musician and recovering programmer living in Southwest Florida.

What he is seeking: Fiction: "I’m looking for character-driven commercial fiction in mystery/crime/suspense/thriller – including graphic novel script format. I’m excited to read new perspectives – #OwnVoices, race, gender, LGBTQ, or sub-culture - different POVs, obstacles and outcomes. Situational humor is good, but not required. Cozies will be a tough sell unless the “community” is something extremely different. No talking or communicative animals. No Romance."

Non-Fiction: "I’m looking for art, music, pop-culture or sub-culture topics, including positive mental and physical health for artist. True crime. Business Self-Help: How to survive and keep positive while starting a business, running a business or working a high-pressure job. I’d be excited to look at graphic novel formats for non-fiction also. No politics or religion."

How to submit: Send your query to michaeljoy@theseymouragency.com. When sending your query please include a book blurb, what topic the book targets, clear marketing/platform information (eg. Social media followers, subscribers, professional connections, etc.), your proposal, a comparison in the market, sample index page and three sample chapters. No attachments.


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Erin Files of Aevitas

Erin Files graduated from New York University with a BA in English Literature. Prior to Aevitas, she worked at several publishing houses and agencies, mostly notably Writers House and W.W. Norton in New York and Little Tiger Press in London.

What she is seeking: Erin is most interested in upmarket young adult, middle grade and adult fiction—particularly issue-driven stories that mirror the depth and diversity of the world around us. She also enjoys literary-leaning nonfiction in the areas of psychology, history, and popular science.

How to submit: Use the form HERE.

28 Calls for Submissions in April 2020 - Paying markets

There are more than two dozen calls for submissions in April. 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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West Branch. Genres: Poetry, fiction, CNF. Payment: $50 per poem, 5 cents per word for prose. Deadline: April 1, 2020.

Hybrid: Future//Tense: Gender. Genre: Transfuturistic science-fiction. "Rhe stories will explore the way gender, transition, and trans issues may change over time, from the near future to far, on Earth or other planets, in humans or those from the stars. transfuturistic science-fiction. The stories within will explore the way gender, transition, and trans 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: April 1, 2020.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Listen to Your Dreams. Genre: True stories. "We want to know about your dreams. What have you learned from your dreams? Did you listen? Did any of your dreams come true? Did a dream strengthen your faith or help you change the direction your life was headed in? Did some miraculous insight serve as a warning about something that was going to happen?" Payment: $200. Deadline: April 3, 2020.

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

Excession Press. Genre: Horror, science fiction, weird western, or dark fantasy manuscripts, 30,000 - 60,000 words. Payment: $300 advance and royalties. Deadline: April 5, 2020

Scum. Genre: Feminist-friendly work of any variety, but as a general rule your piece should be under 2000 words (50 lines for poetry, max. 3 poems) and able to be classified as “fiction”, “culture”, “memoir”, “column”, “poetry”, and/or “review”. Payment: $60 AUD. Deadline: April 7, 2020. Opens to submissions on April 1.

The Other Stories (Audio). Genre: Horror on theme of Big Brother. Payment: $5. Deadline: April 13, 2020.

Cricket Media: Faces: New Zealand. Genre: Nonfiction articles, fiction, activities for children. Send query only. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: April 13, 2020.

Epoch Magazine is edited by faculty at Cornell University. Genres: Poetry in all forms, including the long poem; send up to five poems, fiction, essays, cartoons, screenplays, graphic art, and graphic fiction. Payment: $50 per poem, and $150 per short story, more for longer stories. Deadline: April 15, 2020. Snail mail submissions only.

The Rush. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, art. "We're looking for high-energy pieces that reflect the rush of life." Payment: Not specified. Deadline: April 15, 2020.

Translunar Travelers Lounge. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $0.03 USD per word with a minimum payment of $20. Deadline: April 15, 2020.

Rattle: Service Workers. Genre: Poetry. Their Fall 2020 issue will feature a tribute to service workers. "This is a field broadly interpreted, but for our purposes we're defining service workers as those who are employed in direct service to customers, typically for the purposes of convenience or leisure. This may include those in the hotel, lodging, food service, tourism, or customer service industries, as well as many others. Poems may be written on any subject, in any length, but the poet must currently be, or have been, employed as a service worker for a significant period of time (years, not months)." Payment: $50. Deadline: April 15, 2020.

Catapult: Genre: Nonfiction: Queer Life. "Pieces in this series feature queer writers examining the experience of what it means to be a queer person in the world today. Often, the essays we publish are a mix of memoir, cultural criticism, and/or reporting, though we welcome new formats as well." Payment: Not specified. Deadline: April 17, 2020.

Catapult: Genre: Nonfiction: On Writing. "Pieces in this series feature writers on their favorite topic—writing." Payment: Not specified. Deadline: April 17, 2020.

Catapult: Genre: Nonfiction: 15 Minutes. "Pieces in this series are hybrid profile-essays that feature people of interest to the writers and often explore the subjects' relationships to their communities, cultures—even the writers themselves." Payment: Not specified. Deadline: April 17, 2020.

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

The Fiddlehead. Genre: Fiction, excerpts from novels, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Payment: $60 CAD per published page, plus two complimentary copies of the issue with your work. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Is in the Air. Genre: True stories. "We are now collecting stories for our HOLIDAY 2020 book and we are looking for stories about the entire December holiday season, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and New Year’s festivities too." Payment: $200. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

The Massachusetts Review. Genre: Poetry up to 100 lines. Submit up to six poems. Also fiction and essays. Payment: $50 for work published in a single issue. Deadline: April 30, 2020. Translations, including poetry, are accepted year-round. No fee for mailed submissions.

FIYAH. Genre: Speculative fiction, art, and poetry about African Diaspora. Length: Short fiction 2,000 – 7,000 words and novelettes up to 15,000 words. Payment: $150 per story. $50 per poem. $300 per novelette. Deadline: April 30, 2020. (Check this)

JMS Books: LGBTQ Second Chances. Genre: LGBTQ stories about finding love the second time around. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Pole to Pole Publishing: Twenty Thousand Leagues Remembered. Genre: Short stories. "The anthology will contain short stories that pay tribute in some way to Jules Verne’s ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’. " Payment: $0.02/word. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Antioch Review. Genre: Poetry geared to an educated audience. Payment: $20/page. Deadline: April 30, 2020. Snail mail submissions only.

Colorado Review. Genre: Poetry of any style, fiction and nonfiction. Submit no more than five poems with a maximum of 15 pages. Payment: $10 per page ($30 minimum) for poetry and $200 for short stories and essays. Deadline: April 30, 2020. No submission fee for mailed submissions.

Queer Around & Around the World: LGBTQ+ True Stories Anthology. Genre: Short personal memoirs in prose, poetry and dramatic form up to 3,500 words on the themes of travel, immigration and multiculturalism from a LGBTQ+ perspective. Payment: $5/page. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Room Magazine. Genre: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and art by women (cisgender and transgender), transgender men, Two-Spirit and nonbinary people. They also accept pitches for book reviews. Payment: CAD50-150. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Quommunicate Publishing: Queer Around & Around the World Anthology. Genre: Short personal memoirs in prose, poetry and dramatic form up to 3,500 words on the theme of travel from an LGBTQ+ perspective. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Subterrain. Genre: Creative nonfiction, fiction and poetry on theme of Disobedience. Payment: Poetry: $50 per poem; Prose: $.10 per word (to a maximum of $500). Deadline: April 30, 2020. No fee if submitted by mail. Journal is located in Canada.

And on May 1, 2020...

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.

30 Writing Contests in April 2020 - No entry fees

This April there are more than two dozen contests calling for every genre and form, from poetry, to creative nonfiction, to completed novels. Prizes range from $100,000 to publication. None charge entry fees. 

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

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

Good luck!

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Alpine Fellowship. Genre: Pieces of any genre up to 2500 words on the theme of “Forgiveness and Retribution.”  Prize: The first place winner receives £3000 and an invitation to enter the symposium in Venice (two runners-up also receive the invitation). Deadline: April 1, 2020.

The Great American Think-Off. Genre: Essay on the theme: “Which is more important: to win or to play by the rules?” Entrants should take a strong stand agreeing or disagreeing with this topic, basing their arguments on personal experience and observations rather than philosophical abstraction. Essay should be no more than 750 words. Prize: One of four $500 cash prizes. Deadline: April 1, 2020.

The Marguerite and Lamar Smith Fellowship for Writers. Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians awards fellowships for writers to spend time in McCullers' childhood home in Columbus, Georgia. The fellowships are intended to afford the writers in residence uninterrupted time to dedicate to their work, free from the distractions of daily life and other professional responsibilities. Award: Stipend of $5000 to cover costs of transportation, food and other incidentals. Fellowship recipients will be required to introduce or advance their work through reading or workshop/forum presentations. The Fellow will work with the McCullers Center Director to plan a presentation near the end of the residency. Deadline: April 1, 2020.  

Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest. Now in its 18th year, this contest seeks today's best humor poems, published and unpublished. Please enter one poem only, 250 lines max. Prize: $2,250 in prizes, including a top prize of $1,000, and publication on Winning Writers. Deadline: April 1, 2020. 

Edna Staebler Award for Creative Non-Fiction. Restrictions: The writer must be Canadian, and an entry must be the writer's first or second published book of any type or genre and must have a Canadian locale and/or significance. Genre: Print books and ebooks of creative non-fiction published in the previous calendar year. Prize: C$10,000.00. Deadline: April 1, 2020. (Check this deadline)

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize. Genre: Literary nonfiction, desert theme. Prize: $1,500.  Deadline: April 1, 2020.

Wick Poetry Center High School Poetry Competition. Restrictions: Open to Ohio high school seniors. Genre: Poetry: 3 poems, maximum 100 lines per poem, and one-page essay describing your interest in poetry. Prize: One-time $1,500 scholarship to Kent State University. Second and third prize: $1,000 and $500 one-time scholarships. Deadline: April 1, 2020.

William Saroyan Writing Contest. Restrictions: Open to students in 1st grade through college.  Genre: Short story, 2 pages. Prize: $50 - $100. Deadline: April 1, 2020.

Eliza So Finish-Your-Book Fellowship. Restrictions: This fellowship is for Native Americans.   Genre: A novel, collection of stories, or memoir in progress (100 pages minimum) or poetry collection in progress (30 pages minimum). Prize: The 2020 Eliza So Fellowship will include lodging in Missoula, along with a $1,000 stipend for food and travel. Fellows will stay in a private house on the Clark Fork river trail, just blocks from downtown, grocery shopping, farmers markets, parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Deadline: April 5, 2020.

“You Will Be Found” Essay Challenge. Genre: Essay. "Write a college-application style essay (no longer than 650-words) that describes how “You Will Be Found” resonates with and inspires you. Did it prompt you to challenge your thinking or actions in some way? Was it a catalyst for personal growth? Explain the song’s significance to you and the impact on your life. Essays should be specific, have a clear narrative arc, and adhere to the theme of the challenge." Prize: $1,500 college scholarship a and free Gotham writing class. Deadline: April 6, 2020.

Parsec Short Story Contest. Restrictions: Open to non-professional writers. Genre: Speculative fiction. The theme for the 2018 contest is: Forging. This can be conveyed in the setting, plot, characters, dialogue…the only limit is your imagination. The theme must be integral to the story in some way and not just mentioned in passing. Prize: $200 and publication. Deadline: April 15, 2020.

Gary Fincke Creative Writing Prize. Restrictions: Open to undergraduates. Genre: Poetry and prose. Prize: $100. Deadline: April 15, 2020.

Scotiabank Giller Prize. Restrictions: Open to books published in Canada in English. Books must be published in Canada in English between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020 to be eligible for the 2019 Prize. Must  be nominated by publisher. Genre: Fiction. Full-length novel or collection of short stories published in English, either originally, or in translation. Prize: $100,000 to the winner and $10,000 to each of the finalists. Deadline: April 17, 2020.

Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors. Created by the Missouri Humanities Council, the Warrior Arts Alliance, and Southeast Missouri State University Press, this series of anthologies preserves and shares military service perspectives of our soldiers and veterans of all conflicts and of their families. It is not only an outlet for artistic expression but also a document of the unique aspects of wartime in our nation's history. Genres: Poetry, Short Fiction, Essay, Photography, Interview with a Warrior. Prize: $250 and publication. Deadline: April 17, 2020 (postmarked).

Sunlight Press Flash Fiction Contest. Genre: Flash fiction, 1000 words max. Prize: $125 and publication. Deadline: April 17, 2020.

The Lucien Stryk Asian Translation Prize. Genre: Book-length translation of Asian poetry into English. Both translators and publishers are invited to submit titles. Book must have been published in previous year. Prize: $5,000. Deadline: April 20, 2020.

American Literary Translators Association Italian Prose in Translation Award. Genre: Translation of a recent work of Italian prose (fiction or literary non-fiction). Both translators and publishers are invited to submit titles. Book must have been published in previous year. Prize: $5,000. Deadline: April 20, 2020.

Whiting Foundation Creative Nonfiction Grant. Restrictions: Open to US citizens and residents only. Genre: Creative nonfiction. Whiting welcomes submissions for works of history, cultural or political reportage, biography, memoir, the sciences, philosophy, criticism, food or travel writing, and personal essays, among other categories. Writers must be completing a book of creative nonfiction that is currently under contract with a publisher. Prize: $40,000. Deadline: April 20, 2020. 

Is Royalty Relevant? Poetry Competition. Genre: Poetry. "We invite you to write a poem about a member or members of royal families from countries around the world. You can write about any aspect of royalty: their role, actions, dress sense, sense of duty, scandals, economic relevance, artistic or sporting interests, their dogs and other pets or even their handbag (what's in it?). You can be a royalist or staunch republican, that's all fine, as long as, we are moved, excited, amused, annoyed or inspired by your poem." Prize: 200 pounds and online publication. Deadline: April 27, 2020.

The John Byrne Award. Restrictions: Open to residents of Scotland. Genre: A piece of creative work on a chosen theme or value (written work must be no more than 15,000 words in length). Prize:  £7500. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

E-waste Scholarship. Restrictions: You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or graduate school student of any level. Home schooled students are also eligible. There is no age limit. You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Genre: 500- to 1,000-word essay about e-waste. Prize: $1000 scholarship. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

SA Writer’s College Short Story Award. Restrictions: Open to unpublished writers in South Africa. Genre: Short stories. Prizes: 1st – R 10 000; 2nd – R 5 000; 3rd – R 2 000. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Toronto Book Awards. Genres: All genres accepted. Restrictions: Submission "must evoke the city itself, that is, contain some clear Toronto content (this may be reflected in the themes, settings, subjects, etc.). Authors do not necessarily have to reside in Toronto. Ebooks, textbooks and self-published works are not eligible. Prize: A total of $15,000 CD will be awarded. Each shortlisted author (usually 4-6) receives C$1,000 and the winning author is awarded the remainder. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships. Restrictions: Applicants must reside in the U.S. or be U.S. citizens. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and no older than 31 years of age as of April 30, 2020. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $25,800.  Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Irene Adler Prize for Women Writers. Restrictions: Open to Canadian women. Genre: Creative nonfiction. Prize: $1,000 scholarship. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Friends of Falun Gong, Poetry Contest. Genre: Poem Submit one or two poems of no more than 50 lines each. Poems must encompass at least one of the following themes: Advocate for Falun Gong practitioner’s fundamental human rights. Expose the crimes against Falun Gong perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party. Share in the beauty, peacefulness and good nature of Falun Gong. Prizes: $500, $250, $100. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Al Blanchard Crime Award. Restrictions: New England residents only. Genre: Crime short story. Prize: $100. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Daisy Utemorrah Award for Indigenous Authors. Restrictions: Open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writer currently residing in Australia. Genre:  Junior/YA full-length fiction manuscript intended for readers aged 8-18. Length: 40,000 and 100,000 words. Prize: AU$15,000 and possible publication. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

Claudia Ann Seaman Awards For Young Writers. Restrictions: High school students. Genre: Stories and poems. Prize: $200. Deadline: April 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: General Nonfiction. Stories must be between 1000--10,000 words in length. Prize: First prize in each category will be $200. Runners-up will receive $100. Finalists will receive $50. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

30 Writing Conferences in April 2020

Wikimedia April is typically a great month for conferences and, true to form, many have been scheduled. I don't know if all of these have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it is my sincere hope that you will not attend any of them this month. This list is for informational purposes only. Keep these events on your radar for next year.

All of these conferences and workshops charge tuition, but some offer financial assistance. There are deadlines for applying for aid, so if any of these looking appealing, plan ahead for next time.

For a month-by-month list of conferences throughout the year see: Writing Conferences. (You will also find links to resources that can help you find conferences in your area on that page.)

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

IBPA Publishing University. April 3 - 4, 2020, Redondo Beach, CA. The Independent Book Publishers Association offers 30+ educational sessions including experiential learning labs, insightful keynotes, a gala book award ceremony, networking events, and so more! Cost: $195-$475. Canceled.

Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference. April 4, 2020: Clark, NJ. "We are so excited about what promises to be a very special, educational, and entertaining 11th Anniversary Conference. In addition to our wonderful and diverse keynote speakers, we have a number of editors and agents who will be attending to take pitches as well as some awesome writer and reader workshops!" Canceled. New date October 10.

Tennessee Mountain Writers Annual Conference, Apr 2 - 4, 2020: Oak Ridge, TN. Speakers and session leaders include Joseph Bathanti, Karen Salyer McElmurray, Tracy Barrett, and more! Canceled. New date April 8 - 10 2021.

Las Vegas Writer’s Conference is sponsored by the Henderson Writers’ Group, Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, Nevada. April 2 – 4, 2020. Join writing professionals, agents publishers and marketing experts for a weekend of workshops and enlightening discussions about the publishing industry. A chance to pitch your manuscript and ideas to agents. This Year’s Conference is ONLINE Thursday thru Saturday April 2-4, 2020.

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat. April 2 - 5, 2020, Colorado Springs, CO. An intensive 3-day writing retreat. Canceled.

Grub Street Muse and the Marketplace Conference. April 3 - 5, 2020, Boston, Massachusetts. The Muse and the Marketplace is a three-day literary conference designed to give aspiring writers a better understanding about the craft of writing fiction and non-fiction, to prepare them for the changing world of publishing and promotion, and to create opportunities for meaningful networking. On all three days, prominent and nationally-recognized established and emerging authors lead sessions on the craft of writing—the "muse" side of things—while editors, literary agents, publicists and other industry professionals lead sessions on the business side—the "marketplace." Canceled.

New York Writers Workshop Fiction Pitch Conference. April 3 – 5, 2020: Ripley-Grier Studios (NY Spaces) 520 Eighth Ave (36th/37th), 16th Fl. Participants polish their pitches with the help of conference leaders who are members of the New York Writers Workshop faculty, then they present them to three different editors from major New York publishing houses. Editors provide feedback and may request proposals and manuscripts after the conference.

San Antonio Book Festival. April 4, 2020, San Antonio, TX. The San Antonio Book Festival is a FREE, annual, daylong event that unites readers and writers in a celebration of ideas, books, libraries, and literary culture. Featuring more than 80 nationally and regionally acclaimed authors, the Festival offers programming for all ages. Next fair will be held on April 10, 2021.

Great Plains Writers Conference. April 4, 2020: South Dakota State University. "Intimate conversations about the writing craft."

Rally of Writers Conference. April 4, 2020, Lansing, Michigan. Michigan authors and educators in 15 breakout sessions and workshops on all aspects of writing, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, the Nuts & Bolts of manuscript submissions, and more. Canceled. New date April 17, 2021.

Breakout Novel Intensive 2.0. April 6 - 12, 2020: Hood River, Oregon. "Writers of commercial fiction who wish to soar out of category, as well as literary novelists who want to learn how to make powerful story principles work for them, will find the Breakout Novel Intensive 2.0 an idea-packed and career enriching experience. This workshop is as ideal for those just beginning a new project as it is for those embarking on a revision of a completed work. Breakout fundamentals are also covered: strong characters, inner conflict, personal stakes, plot layers, powerful scenes, micro-tension, practical theme techniques and much more."

Norwescon. April 9 - 12, 2020: Sea Tac, WA. Norwescon is one of the largest regional Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions in the United States. Canceled.

WonderCon. April 10 - 12, 2020, Anaheim, CA. HUGE comic book convention. Canceled.

Chanticleer Authors Conference. April 17 - April 19, 2020: Bellingham, Washington. Sessions with a special focus on the business of being a working writer on topics such as marketing, publicity, platform, sales tools & strategies, publishing, production, distribution, organization, storycraft, editing, and more. Canceled. Rescheduled for September 4 – September 6, 2020.

The Pikes Peak Writers Conference. April 17 - 19, 2020. Colorado Springs, Colorado. "The three-day conference is full of topical, in-depth workshops, dynamic keynote speakers, opportunities for one-on-one time with agents and editors, the chance to read your work aloud for constructive critique, plus time to socialize with fellow writers. Canceled.

William Paterson University Spring Writer’s Conference.  April 18, 2020: Wayne, New Jersey.  Readings and workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Featuring the poet Brenda Shaughnessy. Canceled.

North Carolina Writers’ Network Spring Conference. April 18, 2020, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina. Features intensive workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as publisher exhibits, on-site "lunch with an author" readings, and an open mic.

ASJA (American Society of Journalists and Authors) Writers Conference, April 19  - 20, 2020 NYC, NY. Focus on Autobiography/Memoir, Business/Technical, Humor, Journalism, Marketing, Nature, Non-fiction, Publishing, Religion, Screenwriting, Travel. Attending: more than 100 editors, authors, literary agents, and publicists. Canceled.

Six Bridges Book Festival. April 23 - 26, 2020: Little Rock, Arkansas. "Prestigious award-winners, screenwriters, comedians, an expert witness, artists, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet are among the diverse roster of presenters who will be providing sessions." Free. Canceled.

Ozarks Writers League Conference. April 24 - 25, 2020: Branson, MO. The Ozarks Writers League is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting writing, literacy, photography, and art. Since 1983, OWL has welcomed individuals at all stages of their development.

Idaho Writers Guild Conference. April 24 - 25, 2020, Boise, Idaho. Meet with agents, editors, and authors. Panel discussions, workshops, and a keynote speaker. Your registration - $195 for IWG members, $225 for non-members. Canceled. Rescheduled for May 21 - 22, 2020.

Poetry at Round Top Festival. April 24 - 26, 2020. Round Top, Texas. he faculty includes Mark Doty, Allison Joseph, Alicia Ostriker, ire’ne lara silva, Mary Szybist, Edward Vidaurre, and Jenny Xie. The cost of the conference is $150 ($50 for students) or $75 for Saturday only. Workshops are an additional $40. Private manuscript consultations are available for an additional $70. Canceled. Rescheduled for April 16 - 18, 2021.

Monadnock Pastoral Poetry Retreat. Apr 24 - 26, 2020. Greenfield, NH.  Includes workshops, individual conferences, participant & mentor readings; hiking & kayaking (weather permitting). Each workshop uses dual mentors.

The Spring Writers' Conference. April 25, 2020: Rochester, MI. Lectures, Workshops, and Panel Discussions with a focus on nonfiction. Open to new writers, working journalists, and published authors. Professional development to move writers to the next level.

Northeast Texas Writers Organization. April 25, 2020, Jefferson, TX. One-day bootcamp.

Michigan Writers Conference, April 25, 2020, Detroit, MI. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit Livonia Novi. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

Writing in the Pines. April 25, 2020, Stockton University, Galloway, NJ. Choose from workshops in memoir, poetry and revision. Each workshop will meet for 6 hours and will offer craft discussion, writing prompts, writing time, sharing and inspiration.

Chicago-North RWA's Spring Fling. April 30 - May 2, 2020, Oak Brook, IL. Three day Biennial writer's conference geared towards both aspiring and established writers of any genre but focused on romantic fiction. Bookseller/Blogger/Librarian event, Masterclass in Craft and Marketing, Closing Gala. Canceled.

Northern Colorado Writers Conference. April 30 -  May 2, 2020, Fort Collins, CO. Workshops, seminars, speakers, entertainment, agent roundtables, pitch sessions, networking with authors and industry professionals.

6 UK Agents seeking Nonfiction, Thrillers, Memoir, Literary Fiction and more

Here are six UK literary agents seeking writers. All are from established agencies with good track records. Elena Langtry is interested in self-help, nature, nutrition and lived experiences. For her fiction list, Elena is looking for original psychological thrillers, commercial women's fiction and ‘contemporary lives’ stories. Lina Langlee is looking for books across all genres and age groups. Alice Saunders is actively looking for new talent in crime, thrillers, epic family sagas; book club literary fiction, and memoir.

Toby Mundy is looking for gripping narrative non-fiction, and well written, mind-expanding works in the areas of history, biography, memoir, current affairs, sport, popular culture and popular science. He also represents a small number of thriller writers and literary novelists. Carrie Plitt is actively building a list of authors writing non-fiction and fiction, with a focus on debuts.

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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Lina Langlee of Kate Nash Literary Agency

Lina is originally from Sweden but moved to Scotland in 2008 to study. After graduating with a First from University of Glasgow and an MLitt (Distinction) in Publishing Studies from Stirling University, she went on to work in publishing, notably in the rights department at Canongate, and publicity at Black & White. She joined the Kate Nash Literary Agency in 2018, and is actively building her list of clients. In 2019, she was shortlisted for the RNA ‘Agent of the Year’ award.

What she is seeking: Lina is looking for books across genres: commercial fiction with a great hook, literary fiction, twisty thrillers and crime fiction with a difference, speculative or high concept books that remain very readable, fun and moving Middle Grade and any genre of Young Adult. In terms of non-fiction, Lina is interested either in ‘the small made big’ or ‘the big made small’: specialists that can make really niche subjects accessible and interesting to a wider market, or deeply personal accounts of the big issues we might all one day tackle.  She has a special interest in Scottish writing and anything with a Scandinavian angle.

How to submit: Fiction: Send a query letter, the first chapter of your work, as well as a brief synopsis in the body of the email. Non-fiction: Send maximum of three chapters which can either be pasted into the body of an email or be submitted as a Word document. More detailed synopses are also welcome. Send all materials to: submissions@katenashlit.co.uk. Note: This agency prefers writers in the UK.

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Ms. Elena Langtry of Coombs Moylett MacLean Literary Agency

Elena studied Human Biology and went on to work in marketing and advertising agencies for pharmaceutical clients. She then began her freelance career as a wellness copywriter. Researching, creating and editing content for health food brands and mental health campaigns. She continues to drive forward the ambitions of her clients with authentic and engaging content.

What she is seeking: Self-help, nature, nutrition and lived experiences. For her fiction list, Elena is looking for original psychological thrillers, commercial women's fiction and ‘contemporary lives’ stories.

How to submit: Use their submission form HERE.

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Ms. Alice Saunders of The Soho Agency

Alice loves storytelling, in all its forms. Whether it’s fiction or narrative non-fiction. Alice is active in all types of representation - literary, audio, live audiences, film and television.

What she is seeking: She is actively looking for new talent in crime, thrillers, epic family sagas; book club literary fiction, memoir – in fact everything apart from science fiction and fantasy. Asides from tight narratives and compulsive characters, she’d love to see writing with bundles of humor, heart and unusual takes on the everyday.

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

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Mr. Toby Mundy of Aevitas Creative Management

Before becoming a literary agent, Toby founded Atlantic Books Limited, where he served as chief executive and publisher from 2000 to 2014, publishing a significant number of number of bestsellers and prize-winning titles. He won ‘Editor of the Year’ and Atlantic Books also won ‘Imprint of the Year’ (2005, 2008) and ‘Independent Publisher of the Year’ (2008) at the British Book Awards.

What he is seeking: He is looking for gripping narrative non-fiction, and well written, mind-expanding works in the areas of history, biography, memoir, current affairs, sport, popular culture and popular science. He also represents a small number of thriller writers and literary novelists.

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

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Ms. Stephanie Glencross of David Higham Associates Ltd

Stephanie Glencross joined David Higham Associates in January 2018, having previously been the Editor at Gregory & Company.  Before joining Gregory & Company Stephanie was at the BBC for a number of years, first in the Radio Drama department then in the Story Department of EastEnders. During that time Stephanie learned an enormous amount about the power of characterization and cliffhangers. Stephanie has been a judge on the CWA Debut Dagger Award for three years and continues to have a love affair with crime fiction that started with Nancy Drew and was nurtured by Sara Paretsky.

What she is seeking: Stephanie is looking for commercial and upmarket fiction, including accessible literary fiction/ contemporary fiction, crime & thrillers, psychological suspense and legal thrillers/court-room dramas.

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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Ms. Carrie Plitt of Felicity Bryan Literary Agency

What she is seeking: "I am actively building a list of authors writing non-fiction and fiction, with a focus on debuts. I love well-written non-fiction by authors (often experts) who are passionate about their chosen topic, and I have a particular interest in books about the issues facing our society today, narrative non-fiction, popular science, big ideas, nature writing, history, travel, feminism and art. In fiction, the books I represent range from the very literary to those you might read in a book club. Besides excellent writing, I am often drawn to novels that have unique voices, are portraits of complex characters, examine relationships, are coming of age stories, or capture the zeitgeist. I am always on the look-out for writers from underrepresented backgrounds."

How to submit: Read guidelines HERE. Note: This agency prefers writers in ​

3 New Agents Seeking Science Fiction, MG, YA, Memoirs, Literary Fiction, Nonfiction and more

Here are three new agents seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively expanding their lists and will go the extra mile for their clients. Megan Barnard wants adult fiction, thrillers, memoirs, fairy-tale retellings, women's fiction, family sagas, and historical fiction. Ashley Herring Blake is acquiring projects in Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult fiction. Reeves Hamilton is seeking Science fiction - particularly hard Sci-Fi, space opera, climate dystopias, and alternative histories, with some other interest in dark fantasy and classic-style sword and sorcery.

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. Ashley Herring Blake of Rees Literary Agency


Ashley Herring Blake is the author of the Middle Grade novels Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World and The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James, as well as the Young Adult novels Suffer Love, How to Make a Wish, and Girl Made of Stars.


What she is seeking: She is actively acquiring projects in Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult fiction. In Middle Grade and Young Adult, she’s drawn to heartfelt contemporary and voice-driven stories, as well as magical realism, contemporary fantasy (all the fairies and witches, please), historical fiction, and graphic novels. She’s always ready for a fresh  Young Adult rom-com, especially those featuring LGBTQIA romances. Ashley is also seeking character-driven literary and upmarket Adult fiction and romance. Across all genres and ages, she is highly interested in marginalized and LGBTQIA voices, as well as stories that explore complex family relationships and friendships.

How to submit: When querying Ashley, please include your query letter and the first ten pages of your manuscript in the body of an email, with “Query” in the subject line. Ashley is only able to respond to queries she is interested in pursuing. You can contact her at ashley@reesagency.com.

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Mr. Reeves Hamilton of Vertical Ink Agency

Reeves Hamilton, a twenty-plus year veteran of the publishing industry, is a new agent at Vertical Ink.

What he is seeking: Science fiction - particularly hard Sci-Fi, space opera, climate dystopias, and alternative histories, with some other interest in dark fantasy and classic-style sword and sorcery.

How to submit: Send your query to: VIAQuery [at] Gmail [dot] com. Address your query to Reeves Hamilton in the subject line of your email. Send a concise email query and a synopsis or chapter outline for your project. In your email, please include your contact information, any relevant background information on yourself or your project, and a paragraph of description of your project.  All of this material must be included in the body of your email.
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Ms. Megan Barnard of Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency

Megan joined The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency as an associate agent in 2020, after interning for nearly three years at several top literary agencies, including P.S. Literary Agency and Folio Literary Management. She has worked as an editor and copywriter and has a BA in English (with a concentration in Creative Writing) from Hollins University. When not working, she runs, drinks coffee, and travels widely. Her favorite places to read across the globe are Île Saint-Louis in Paris, Pacific Grove, CA, and Portmagee, Ireland.

What she is seeking: Adult Fiction:Historical- I particularly want historical fiction in the vein of Kate Morton, Kate Atkinson, and Susanna Kearsley. I prefer time periods after the 19th century (but will consider others). I also love what I think of as “historical fiction with magic”. Women’s Fiction- upmarket or commercial is fine  Literary and upmarket- wonderful prose, but a strong commercial hook is important too. Family Sagas- I come from a big family, so I have a soft spot for stories about big families and/or sister/sibling relationships.  Thrillers- in the vein of The Beloveds, The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl (I love unreliable narrators). I’m looking for psychological suspense over gore. A little blood is fine, a lot, not so much. Fairy tale retellings- I’m quite picky about these, they need to be new and fresh, but I love retellings that turn old fairy tales on their heads (think The Hazel Wood, Snow Glass Apples). I’d particularly love to find retellings outside the well-known western canon. Fairy tales/stories from all cultures are welcomed and encouraged. I’m not looking for any of the following: romance, erotica, epic fantasy, SF, YA, MG, picture books, short stories, screenplays, or poetry collections.

I’m only looking for narrative non-fiction right now. I particularly love memoirs that show beauty that comes out of adversity or pain, like Once More We Saw Stars by Jayson Greene, The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, and Educated by Tara Westover. I’m also interested in nature writing like that of Robert Macfarlane and John Lewis-Stempel. If you have something that combines memoir with nature writing like Amy Liptrot’s The Outrun, I definitely want to see it.

How to submit: Use her submission form HERE. For fiction, submit your query and your first five pages. For nonfiction, submit your query and proposal. Any emailed queries will be deleted unread.

44 Calls for Submissions in March 2020 - Paying markets

There are more than three dozen calls for submissions in March. 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 Spring Fever. Payment: $20 for featured author stories; $10 for stories published on &More page $5 for poems. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Canthius. Genres: Poetry, prose. "Canthius is committed to publishing diverse perspectives and experiences and strongly encourages women of colour, including Indigenous and Black women, to submit. We welcome submissions in Indigenous languages." Payment: $15 for poetry, $50 for prose. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Southword Literary Journal. Genre: Fiction. Payment: €250 per short story. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

The Blue Route. Restrictions: Undergraduate students only. Genres: Prose – Submit 1-3 pieces of fiction or creative nonfiction totaling no more than 3000 words. Poetry – Submit up to 3 poems. No genre fiction. Payment: $25. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Sanitarium Magazine. Genre: Horror. Payment: Token. Deadline:March 1, 2020.

Thema: Not of this World. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and art on theme: Not of this World.  Payment: $10-$25 for short fiction and artwork, $10 for poetry. Deadline: March 1, 2020. Accepts reprints.

Contra Viento. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, art. "We encourage submissions that examine the boundaries between space and place, between land and landscape, between past and future, between somewhere and nowhere, between human and animal, between human and human." Payment: Honorarium. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Beatdom #20. Genre: Essays, interviews, reviews, poetry, and art related to the Beat Generation. Payment: $50 for essays. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Hybrid: Acethetic. Genre: Short stories that explore the lives of our asexual friends and family. "The stories should focus on characters anywhere on the specturm of asexuality. Aromantic characters also welcome, of course! We are particularly keen on featuring #OwnVoices authors." Payment: 2½¢ per word (maximum $100 per story). Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Hybrid: Genderful. Genre: Short stories. "We are looking for short story submissions that explore the implications of non-cisgender life within the context of furry." Payment: 2½¢ per word (maximum $100 per story). Deadline: March 1, 2020.

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

Cincinnati Review. Genre: Prose, poetry, art. Payment: $25/page for prose in journal. $30/page for poetry in journal. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Contrary Magazine. Genres: Fiction and poetry. Payment: $20 per author. Deadline: March 1, 2020.
Upstreet. Genres: Fiction, CNF. Payment: $50-$150 per work. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

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

Into the Void. Genre: Fiction, flash fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Payment: $5 CAD per printed page. Deadline: March 7, 2020. Submit on March 1 to avoid submission fees.
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: March 7, 2020. Opens to submissions on March 1.

Shoreline of Infinity. Restrictions: Open to Black, Asian, and minority ethnic writers. Genre: SFF stories and poems from right across the spectrum, from the surreal to high octane space operas and everything in between so long as it has a speculative element. Payment: £10/1000 words. Deadline: March 8, 2020.

Disturbia. Genre: Horror, Crime, Disturbing Fiction. Payment: 8 cents/word. Deadline: March 8, 2020.

Mslexia. Genre: Poems and stories on theme of ‘other worlds’ – "the mysterious space/time realms of the scientifically plausible: the ‘dust’ of Phillip Pullman’s Dark Materials, the time-travelling TARDIS, the alternate realities of Schrödinger’s cat…" Payment: £25. Deadline: March 9, 2020.

Cricket Media: Faces: Birds. Genre: Nonfiction articles, fiction, activities for children. Send query only. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: March 9, 2020.

El Chapo. Genre: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction. Word limit is 1,000. Payment: $100 per piece. Deadline: March 15, 2020.

Whispering Prairie Press: Kansas City Voices. Genre: Poetry, prose, and art of all media. Length: 2,500 word limit. Payment: $20 - $30. Deadline: March 15, 2020.

Eye to the Telescope: House and Home. Genre: Speculative poetry on theme of House and Home. Payment: $0.03/word, up to $25. Deadline: March 15, 2020.

Gay Mag. Genre: Essays/cultural criticism up to 3,500 words in length on theme of Power. "What is power? What does it mean to feel powerful or to be powerful? Is it possible to be powerful and ethical? What would that look like? What does it mean to be powerless? Have you ever abused your power? What does it mean to live in a world where power is distributed so unequally and where power and wealth are often inextricably linked? We are looking for thoughtful essays that grapple with power in al its permutations." Payment:  $1/word. Deadline: March 16, 2020. Send pitch only.

The Other Stories (Audio). Genre: Horror on theme of Trophy Hunter. Payment: $5. Deadline: March 16, 2020.

Ninth Letter. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for a special online edition. The theme for this issue is Debts. Payment: $25 per poem, $75 per story or essay and a complimentary 2-­year subscription to Ninth Letter. Deadline: March 20, 2020.

The Puritan. Genres: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry. Payment: $100 per nonfiction piece, $50 fiction, $15 per poem. Deadline: March 25, 2020.

Every Day Fiction. Genre: Flash fiction up to 1000 words. Payment: $3. Deadline: March 28, 2020.

Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores. Genre: Speculative stories. Payment: 6 cents/word for original work. 2 cents/word for reprints. Deadline: March 28, 2020.

The Other Stories (Audio). Genre: Horror on theme of Fire. Payment: $5. Deadline: March 30, 2020.

World Weaver Press: CLOCKWORK, CURSES, AND COAL: Steampunk and Gaslamp Fairy Tales. Genre: Steampunk. Payment: $0.01 per word + contributor copy. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

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

Shenandoah. Genre: Poetry. Payment: $100. Deadline: March 31, 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: March 31, 2020.

Catapult: Genre: Fiction under 1000 words. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

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: March 31, 2020. Note: Submit early in March to avoid submission fees.

Dragon Soul Press: Organic Ink. Genre: Poetry. Minimum of 2,000 words.  Payment:  Royalties.  Deadline: March 31, 2020.

JMS Books: LGBTQ Emergency!. Genre: LGBTQ stories about finding love when all hell breaks loose. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Bracken Magazine. Genre: Lyrical fiction and poetry with a strong emotional core, in which the natural world is present in setting and/or in essence. Payment: 4/cents word with minimum of $50. $15/poem. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Gordon Square Review. Genre: Poetry and prose. Payment: $10 per poem, $15 for prose. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Queer Youth: LGBTQ+ True Stories Anthology. Genre: Short personal memoirs in prose, poetry and dramatic form up to 3,500 words (for prose) or 5 pages (for poetry or scripts) for our LGBTQ+ True Stories Anthology written exclusively by and about young people, ages 17 and under (high school and under).  The only other rule is it must be a true life experience that happened to you. Payment: $5/page. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Abominable Book Club Genre: Horror -  original novels/ novellas (25,000 words or more) / or short story collections by UK -based authors, to be produced under 'The Accursed Library'. First printings of these books will be hand-numbered, contain exclusive content and artwork, and will be only available through our box on a specific release month. Further printings and e-book versions will be available through the usual channels. Payment: You will receive an initial payment when your first printing is made (depending on the volume of copies needed) and subsequent royalties on copies sold via their shop. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Route 7 Press. Genre: Poetry chapbooks. Payment: $200 - $400. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Arkansas International. Genre: Fiction, poetry, essays, comics, and works in translation. Payment: $20 a printed page (capped at $250). Deadline: March 31, 2020. (Submit early in the month to avoid submission fee.)

Here are a few on April first, for those who want to get ahead of the game.

West Branch. Genres: Poetry, fiction, CNF. Payment: $50 per poem, 5 cents per word for prose. Deadline: April 1, 2020.

Hybrid: Future//Tense: Gender. Genre: Transfuturistic science-fiction. "Rhe stories will explore the way gender, transition, and trans issues may change over time, from the near future to far, on Earth or other planets, in humans or those from the stars. transfuturistic science-fiction. The stories within will explore the way gender, transition, and trans 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: April 1, 2020.

52 Writing Contests in March 2020 - No entry fees

This March there are more than four dozen 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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Mistakes Were Made. Genre: True story about a mistake you made, in 20 words. "The year 2020 reminds us of the phrase: Hindsight is 20/20. So we invite you to look back on your life and tell us about something that, in hindsight, you would have done differently." Prize: Free Gotham class of your choosing. Deadline: March 1, 2020. 
United States/Japan Creative Artists Residencies. This is a 3-5 month residency in Japan. Grant: $24,000. Deadline: March 1, 2020. 

The Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award is sponsored by Broadside Lotus Press. Restrictions: This competition is open to African American poets only. If you have already had a book published by Lotus Press, you are ineligible. However, inclusion in a Lotus Press anthology does not disqualify you. Genres: Poetry collections of approximately 60-90 pages. Prize: $500 in cash and publication  by Broadside Lotus Press as well as free copies and discounts. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Fountain Magazine Essay Contest. Genre: Essay. 1,500 - 2,500 words. "We want to hear about your challenges and how you mentally, physically, and/or spiritually prepare for them." Prize: 1st Place - $1,500, 2nd Place - $750, 3rd Place - $300, Two Honorable Mentions - $200 each. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Beverly Hopkins Memorial Poetry Contest for High School Students. Restrictions: High school students living within 100 miles of St. Louis. Genre: Poetry. Prize: First prize $200, Second prize $125, Third prize $75. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Balticon Poetry Contest. Sponsored by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. Genre: Speculative poetry. Prize: 1st prize: $100; 2nd prize: $75; 3rd prize: $50. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Alabama Arts Council Fellowships. Restrictions: Open to any author who has lived in Alabama for at least 2 years. Genre: Fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction of 10-20 pages. Prize: $5,000.   Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Mississippi Artists Fellowships. Restrictions: Open to permanent residents of Mississippi. Genre: Fiction and poetry. Prize: $5,000. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Dark Regions Press: Survive the Night - Three at Dusk, One at Dawn. Genre: Survival horror story involving three central characters (optional secondary characters) who become trapped at dusk with one or more forces outside that are capable of killing them. Only one of the three central characters survives until dawn. Length: 3,000 to 8,000 words. Prize: $3,000 prize pool (10% of Survive the Night preorder sales at darkregions.com/survivethenight get added to the prize pool until contest ends March 1st 2020) – Prize pool will be evenly divided among the selected authors. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize. Genre: Adventure writing novel. Separate categories for published and unpublished books. Self-published books accepted. Prize: £15,000. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Lewis Galantiere Award. Restrictions: Open to US citizens or permanent residents. Genre: Translation of book-length literary work from any language, except German, into English. Entries must have been published in the US in the past two years. Prize: $1000. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

International Young Writers Prize (for High School Aged Writers). Restrictions: Open to high school students. Prize: $100. Deadline: March 1, 2020.

Grant MacEwan Creative Writing Scholarship is sponsored by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Genres: Poetry, Short Fiction & Creative Nonfiction, Drama, or Graphic Novel. Restrictions: Authors must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate creative writing program of study or mentorship. (Max age 25) Alberta residents only. Prize: $5000 (CAN). Deadline: March 2, 2020.

Christopher Tower Poetry Competition. Restrictions: Open to UK students between 16-18 years of age. Genre: Poetry, one poem, maximum 48 lines. Theme is "underwater." Prize: £5,000. Deadline: March 2, 2020.
The Premises. For this contest, write a creative, compelling, well-crafted story between 1,000 and 5,000 words in which one or more characters face this problem: there is more than one of something that there should absolutely, positively be only one of. Genre: Short story. Length: Between 1,000 and 5,000 words. Prize: Between US$60 and US$220, and publication. Deadline: March 6, 2020.

Jane Martin Poetry Prize (UK). Restrictions: Open to  UK residents between 18 and 30 years of age. Genre: Poetry. Prize: £700, second prize, £300. Deadline: March 6, 2020.

"It's All Write!" Teen Short Story Contest. Restrictions: Open to Grades 6-12. Genre: Short story, and flash fiction, unpublished. Prize: 1st Place $250, 2nd Place $150, 3rd Place $100. Deadline: March 9, 2020.

BBC National Short Story Award. Restrictions: Open to UK residents or nationals, aged 18 or over, who have a history of publication in creative writing. Genre: Short fiction. Prize: £15,000 to the winner, £3,000 for the runner-up and £500 for three further shortlisted writers. Deadline: March 9, 2020.

Forward Prizes. Genre: Collections and single poems published in the UK and Ireland between September 2019 and September 2020 are eligible for the Prizes. Must be submitted by publisher.  Prize: £1,000 to £10,000 Deadline: March 9, 2020.

NEA Literature Fellowships are sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. Prize: $25,000 grants in prose (fiction and creative nonfiction) and poetry to published creative writers that enable recipients to set aside time for writing, research, travel, and general career advancement. Deadline: March 11, 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 October 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020. Deadline: March 11, 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 October 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020. Prizes of $2,500 will be awarded to each of the finalists. Deadline: March 11, 2020.

Greater Yellowstone Creative Writing and Journalism Fellowship. Restrictions: Established and recognized authors are being sought, but emerging and mid-career writers are also encouraged to apply. Genre: Seeking creative writers (poetry, fiction, nonfiction), or those in the field of journalism (writer, photojournalist, videographer, documentary filmmaker, online or print media) who demonstrate serious inquiry and dedication to the Greater Yellowstone region through their work. Fellowship: $3,500. Deadline: March 11, 2020.

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: March 11, 2020.

The Lakefly Writers Conference. Restrictions: Open to residents of Wisconsin. Genres: Short story fiction:  1500 words or less. Any genre. Theme: Love. Flash fiction: 500 words or fewer. Any genre. No theme. Poetry:  All poems, free verse to formal and everything in between—75 lines max. Teen short story: Open to 18 years old and younger. Maximum 1,500 words. Any genre. Prize: First place winners will receive a cash prize of $100; second place winners will receive $75; and third place winners will receive $50. Winners must be able to attend an awards ceremony. Deadline: March 13, 2020.

White River Environmental Law Writing Competition is sponsored by the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law and Vermont Law School. Restrictions: Open to all students currently pursuing a degree (J.D. or LL.M) at an accredited law school in the United States. Submissions written as a class component, as a journal requirement, or otherwise for academic credit are acceptable. Genre: Original essays addressing any relevant topic in the fields of environmental law, natural resource law, energy law, environmental justice, land use law, animal law, and agricultural law. Prize: $1000 cash prize and an offer of publication with the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. Deadline: March 15, 2020.

Hodson Trust–John Carter Brown Library Fellowship. Genre: Nonfiction (includes creative nonfiction). A book-in-process  relating to the literature, history, culture, or art of the Americas before 1830. Award: $20,000. Deadline: March 15, 2020.

Prize: $800. Deadline: March 15, 2020.

Sunken Garden Poetry Festival's Fresh Voices Competition. Restrictions: New England high school students. Prize: Reading at the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival and publication. Deadline: March 15, 2020.

The Fitzcarraldo Editions Essay Prize. Restrictions: Open to writers resident in the UK and Ireland who have yet to secure a publishing deal. Genre: Proposal for a book-length essay (minimum 25,000 words). Prize: £3,000 advance against publication with Fitzcarraldo Editions. Deadline: March 15, 2020.

Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowships. Restrictions: Open to Kentucky poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers. Genre: Literary arts. Prize: $7,500. Deadline: March 15, 2020.

Lynn DeCaro Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to Connecticut Student Poets in Grades 9-12. Genre: Poetry. Prize: 1st $75, 2nd $50, 3rd $25. Deadline: March 15, 2020.

Governor General's Literary Awards. Restrictions: Books must have been written or translated by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. They do not need to be residing in Canada. Genre: The Governor General’s Literary Awards are given annually to the best English-language and the best French-language book in each of the seven categories of Fiction, Literary Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People’s Literature (Text), Young People’s Literature (Illustrated Books) and Translation (from French to English). Prize: $25,000. Deadline: March 15, 2020.

2020 POPP Award: Poetry of the Plains and Prairies. Genre: Poetry of any style for their annual Poetry of the Plains and Prairies chapbook publication. "While the author(s) may call any place home, their submissions must deftly capture the feeling of, as well as the reality of, living on the plains and prairies. Authors may submit any number of poems equaling thirty to thirty-five pages in length, with no more than one poem per page. (Single poems may extend more than one page.) The selected poetry collection will be published as a limited edition chapbook, hand-printed with antique letterpress equipment." Prize: Publication. Deadline: March 17, 2020.

Gordon Burn Prize. Restrictions: Open to permanent US or UK residents. Genre: Fiction or nonfiction book first published in the US or UK between July 1 of the preceding year and July 1 of the deadline year. Prize: 5,000 pounds and 3-month writing retreat at Gordon Burn's cottage in Berwickshire. Deadline: March 20, 2020.

Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition for High School Students. Restrictions: Open to students in Grades 7-12. Genre: Haiku. Prize: $50. Deadline: March 23, 2020.

Willie Morris Award for Southern Poetry. Genre: Poetry that evokes the South. Prize: $2,500 and expenses-paid trip to award ceremony in NYC. Deadline: March 23, 2020.

Limnisa Short Story Competition. Genre: Short story under 3,000 words on theme of Plastic. Prize: One-week, all-inclusive writers' retreat or workshop in Limnisa, Greece and online publication, or five online personal tutoring sessions instead. Deadline: March 29, 2020.

Daniel Pearl Investigative Journalism Initiative Grant. Restrictions: Open to journalists aged 22-38. Genre: Investigative journalism piece about modern prejudice. Prize: $5,000 grant.   Deadline: March 30, 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 nonfiction books. Prize: $10,000 and publication. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest. Restrictions: 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. Genres: Science fiction, fantasy and dark fantasy up to 17,000 words. Prizes: Three cash prizes in each quarter: a First Prize of $1,000, a Second Prize of $750, and a Third Prize of $500, in US dollars. In addition, at the end of the year the winners will have their entries rejudged, and a Grand Prize winner shall be determined and receive an additional $5,000. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Archibald Lamp­man Award. Restrictions: Open to residents of Canada's National Capital region (Ottawa). Genre: Book of any genre published by a recognized publisher. Prize: $1500. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Sarah Mook Poetry Prize for Students. Restrictions: Students in grades K-12. Genre: Poetry.     Prize: $100. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation. Genre: Poetry or literary prose. Translation of modern Arabic literature into English. Books must have been published and be available for purchase in the UK via a distributor or online. The source text must have been published in the original Arabic in or after 1967. Must be submitted by publisher. Prize: £3,000. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Jacklyn Potter Young Poets Competition. Restrictions: Open to high school students in the Washington, DC region. Genre: Poetry. Prize: A reading with honorarium in the Miller Poetry Series, a summer program occurring in June and July. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Speculative Literature Foundation Older Writers Grant. Restrictions: Open to writers who are fifty years of age or older at the time of grant application. Genre: Speculative fiction. Prize: $500.     Deadline: March 31, 2020.

The Lindisfarne Crime Prize. Restrictions: Residents of the North of England, or whose work celebrates the North of England. Genre: Crime short story of up to 10,000 words. Prize: £2500.  Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Spirit First Meditation Poetry Contest. Genre: Poem on the theme of mindfulness or meditation.   Prize: $200.  Deadline: March 31, 2020.

The Cosmos Prize. Genre: Re-write the final chapter of the 1930s sci-fi serial novel, Cosmos. Prize: $300. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Foley Poetry Contest. Genre: One unpublished poem on any topic. The poem should be 30 lines or fewer and not under consideration elsewhere. Prize: $1000. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Jack L. Chalker Young Writers' Contests. Restrictions: Open to writers between 14 and 18 years of age as of May 29 in the contest year who reside in, or attend school in Maryland. Genre: Science fiction or fantasy, 2,500 words max. Prizes: $150, $100 and $75. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

Jessamy Stursberg Poetry Contest for Canadian Youth. Restrictions: Canadians, grades 7-12. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $400. Deadline: March 31, 2020.

29 Great Writing Conferences in March 2020

Conferences are not only the best way to meet agents, get tips from other writers, and learn about the publishing industry, they make you feel like a writer. We all need community, and this is how we, as writers, get the necessary incentive to keep writing.

All of these conferences and workshops charge tuition, but some offer financial assistance. There are deadlines for applying for aid, so make sure you plan ahead.

For a month-by-month list of conferences throughout the year see: Writing Conferences. (You will also find links to resources that can help you find conferences in your area on that page.)


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Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference. March 4 - 7, 2020: San Antonio, TX. "The AWP Conference & Bookfair is an essential annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Each year more than 12,000 attendees join our community for four days of insightful dialogue, networking, and unrivaled access to the organizations and opinion-makers that matter most in contemporary literature. The 2016 conference featured over 2,000 presenters and 550 readings, panels, and craft lectures. The bookfair hosted over 800 presses, journals, and literary organizations from around the world. AWP’s is now the largest literary conference in North America."

Alabama Writing Workshop. March 6, 2020: Birmingham, Alabama. "A one-day writing workshop full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We will also have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well."

Bay to Ocean Writers Conference. Wye Mills, Maryland, March 7, 2020. Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Writers Association. "The BTO conference features workshops, presentations, and panel discussions on a wide variety of topics pertaining to the craft of writing, publishing, marketing, the Internet, and the intricacies of particular genres. It is an opportunity to meet with many writing peers in the region. Speakers include accomplished authors, poets, film writers, writing instructors, editors, and publishers. BTO also offers one-on-one manuscript reviews with experienced writing instructors and editors for registered attendees for a fee."

Minnesota Writers Workshop.  March 7, 2020: St. Paul, MN. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront. 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.

Atlanta Writing Workshop, March 7, 2020, Atlanta, GA. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome."

Redrock Creative Writing Seminar. March 7, 2020: St. George, Utah. Classes and readings in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The faculty includes Bryan Hyde, Krysten Decke, and Rob Carney.

Orion in the Wilderness. March 7 -14, 2020: Portal, AZ. The Orion in the Wilderness retreat, cosponsored by the Omega Institute, will be held at the American Museum of Natural History’s Southwestern Research Station in Cave Creek Canyon in Portal, Arizona, surrounded by the Chiricahua Mountains, known for its abundant bird life and hiking trails. The retreat includes workshops, readings, lectures, manuscript consultations with faculty, presentations on local ecology and lore, and optional birding and hikes for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. The faculty includes poet Sherwin Bitsui and fiction and nonfiction writers Joe Wilkins and Joy Williams. The cost of the conference, which includes tuition, lodging, and meals, ranges from $1,100 to $1,900, depending on lodging. Using only the online application system, submit up to six poems or up to 1,500 words of prose by February 1.

Algonkian Novel Retreat, Sterling. Virginia, March 11 - 15, 2020. "In keeping with the spirit of this place and the goals of this retreat, you can be as goal-oriented or as hesitant in approach as you wish. 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 of your short stories or flash fiction? 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?" Registration is first come, first served.

Write Stuff Writers Conference. March 12 - 14, 2020: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 20 workshops, Agent./Editor pitch sessions, marketing consults plus lunch and Keynote address, Book Fair, Flash Literature Writing Contest, Door Prizes. Featuring Jonathan Dylan Barker.

Springmingle ’20 and Illustrators’ Day. Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. Homewood, AL, March 13 -14, 2020. Conference for children's book writers and illustrators. Faculty includes writers, illustrators, agents, editors, and publishers.

Writing By Writers Boulder Generative Workshop. March 13 - March 15, 2020, Boulder, Colorado. Lectures, craft talks, writing exercises and class discussions. Each participant will have the opportunity to work in a small group setting with all three faculty members.

Get Away to Write. March 15 - 20, 2020: New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Spend an inspiring week working on your memoir or poetry. Enjoy plentiful writing time, insightful feedback, homemade meals and time to relax. Workshops and faculty:  TBA

Virginia Festival of the Book, March 18 - 21, 2020. "The Festival is the largest community-based book event in the Mid-Atlantic region and has attracted audiences of more than 20,000 for each of the past thirteen years. We have presented a captivating list of authors, ranging from international bestsellers to topical specialists to debut authors." Book exhibits, talks by authors, readings, workshops on book promotion, finding an agent, poetry, publishing, agents roundtable - you name it, this conference has it.

The Furious Flower Poetry Center Collegiate Summit. March 19 -21, 2020. Harrisonburg, VA. Open to undergraduate and graduate students from any college or university program, this three-day summit invites participants to explore how poetry reaches across geographical borders and beyond conventional literary and ideological boundaries. This year's summit attendees will explore the theme of “Power, Presence, and Performance” through workshops, panels, and discussions that examine ways of engaging audiences and maximizing the reach and impact of their words. The registration fee is $50 per person. Registration is open until full.

Algonkian Writers New York Pitch Conference, March 19 - 22, 2020: NY, NY. "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. More importantly though, it is also a diagnostic method for workshopping the plot, premise, and other elements of the story to determine quality and marketability. Simply put, you cannot successfully pitch a viable commercial novel if you don't have a viable commercial novel. Our goal, therefore, is to set you on a realistic path to publication."

Power of Narrative. March 20 - 21, 2020: Boston, MA. Over 30 journalists, directors, producers and editors lead three days of lively discussions geared to advance the knowledge of narrative storytellers. Approximately 500 persons attend. Early registration is encouraged.

Authors' Salon at Clockwork Alchemy. March 20 - 22, 2020: Burlingame, California. Clockwork Alchemy is the San Francisco area's own steampunk convention. Originally a part of FanimeCon, Clockwork Alchemy is now its own independent event celebrating music, makers, dancing, writing, crafting, fashion, and fun related to steampunk!

Colrain One-Day Retreat: What is a Poetry Manuscript? March 21, 2020, Barred Owl Retreat, Leicester, Massachusetts.The Colrain One-Day Informational Retreat is designed for poets who wish to learn the basics of a poetry manuscript before submitting to presses and/or applying to the Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference.  In a small group (8-10 poets) team-led by two seasoned Colrain Poetry Manuscript facilitators.

University of North Dakota Writers Conference. March 25 - 27, 2020: Grand Forks, North Dakota. Founded in 1970 and held every year since, the UND Writers Conference is a three day event featuring six to eight authors annually. Authors ranging from Gwendolyn Brooks and August Wilson to Tommy Orange and Colson Whitehead, the UND Writers Conference is committed to community outreach, engagement, and finding ways to increase audience access to literature. The conference is free, but workshop space is limited to twenty participants; registration is first come, first served.

Beall Poetry Festival. March 25 - 27, 2020, Waco, TX. The festival features readings, panel discussions, and the Virginia Beall Ball Lecture on Contemporary Poetry. Participating poets include Forrest Gander, Layli Long Soldier, Evie Shockley, Meghan O’Rourke, and a Poetry Panel. All events are free and open to the public.

35th Annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference. March 25 - March 28, 2020: Weber State University, Ogden, UT. "Each year, nearly 200 undergraduate writers and poets throughout North America, and sometimes beyond, come to Weber State University to present their work and learn from some of the most important writers in contemporary literature."

Diverse Communities and the Writer’s Voice sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Engaged Humanities Consortium’s Writers’ Community and the Moravian College Writers’ Conference. March 26 - 27, 2020: Bethlehem, PA. Keynote speaker: Daisy Hernandez. Plus additional workshops and a writers’ roundtable featuring area writers on Friday, March 27. FREE

2020 National Black Writers Conference. March 26 - 29, 2020, Brooklyn, NY. “Activism, Identity, and Race: Playwrights and Screenwriters at the Crossroads” is a public gathering of writers, scholars, literary professionals, performers, students and the general public. "Over the last decade, we have seen an increase in the writing and works by Black playwrights, screenwriters, and scriptwriters. These writers, at a crossroad, are focused on breaking new ground; creating bold new work in theater, film, and television; and expanding the narrative of the Black experience in America and throughout the African Diaspora. During this year’s four-day conference, panelists and special guests will examine the ways race, identity, politics, and popular culture shape the production of plays, films, and television shows. The conference features roundtable conversations, panel discussions, a town hall, film screenings, author readings, writing workshops, and more."

Sleuthfest. March 26 - 29, 2020: Boca Raton, FL. Sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America a conference for writers and fans. Features writing workshops, social events, and pitch sessions, including:
* Agent Appointments to pitch your finished work
* Critiques of your 10 page manuscript submission
* Forensic track with current forensic techniques & hands-on workshops
* Social events to mingle with agents, editors and your favorite authors
* Auction to purchase critiques of your work by bestselling authors
* Sessions on the craft of writing
* Sessions on marketing and promoting your work
* Practice your Pitch sessions with experienced authors

The Work Retreat. March 27 - 29, 2020: Dedham, MA. "The Work Retreat is designed for authors of fiction and narrative non-fiction, whose works-in-progress are intended for traditional publication. Participants will workshop up to 50 pages of a WIP in a series of supportive, constructive, small-group sessions led by an editor or agent, and you’ll meet one-on-one with your workshop leader, too. All-faculty panel discussions on topics of craft, revision and industry give participants a chance to hear from and engage with all our experts. You’ll have plenty of time to write throughout the weekend, and the sprawling mansion and estate provide ample space to find your perfect writing nook."

Kansas Writing Workshop. March 28, 2020: Kansas City, MO. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at the Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Country Club Plaza. 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."

Western Reserve Writers' Conference. March 28, 2020, South Euclid, Ohio. This free one-day writing conference takes place at Cuyahoga County Public Library's William N. Skirball Writers' Center, located in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch library. It features a choice of breakout sessions, a keynote address, and private sessions with editors.

Meet the Publishers! March 28, 2020:Tulsa, OK. Meet different publishers, traditional to self-published, magazines, newspapers, etc. Learn what they are looking for and how the industry is changing. FREE.

Maryland Writers Association: Brain to Bookshelf. March 28 - March 29, 2020: College Park, MD.
"The Brain to Bookshelf conference offers over 20 workshops, several intensive sessions, for more detailed learning along with agents presenting panels, hearing pitches and providing critiques. Agent slots are limited, so register early."