Erica Verrillo's Blog, page 43

4 Literary Agents Seeking Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Romance, MG, YA, Nonfiction and more

Ryan Hickox - Flickr Here are four literary agents actively seeking clients. Jacqueline Lipton is currently seeking submissions for middle grade and young adult, both fiction (all genres) and nonfiction. Kerstin Wolf is looking for MG, YA, Young Adult, and Romance. Victoria Loder is interested in historical, mystery, thriller, horror, fantasy, steampunk, magical realism, paranormal fantasy, narrative non-fiction, feminist manifestos, memoir (travel and foodie). Chad Luibl wants narrative nonfiction with a strong emotional pull from journalists and writers who challenge the status quo. For fiction, he is drawn to novels that are more character or plot-driven, thrillers, speculative and historical fiction, and graphic novels.

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

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


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Jacqueline Lipton of Storm Literary Agency

Jacqueline Lipton holds an M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts and regularly teaches classes on writing and on legal aspects of publishing around the country for organizations like The Writing Barn, Savvy Authors, and a variety of adult education courses,  M.A. and M.F.A. programs, and libraries. Before joining Storm Literary Agency, she was a reader for literary agent, Susan Hawk for several years and a reader and member of the social media team for The YA Review Network (Y.A.R.N.)

What she is seeking: Jacqui is currently seeking submissions for middle grade and young adult, both fiction and nonfiction. While she’ll consider all genres (so please send anything!), she has a particular interest in science fiction, a good contemporary romance, retellings of classic stories, and mysteries of all kinds. She’ll consider fantasy and urban fantasy, although (sorry to say) dragons and high fantasy aren’t really her thing so if you’re the next George R.R. Martin, you might be better off submitting to someone else!

How to submit: Please email (only) to: jacqui.stormliteraryagency@gmail.com with QUERY: TITLE OF MANUSCRIPT in the subject line. It’s a good idea to also include whether it’s middle grade or YA. Please send your query letter and the first twenty pages of the manuscript in the body of your email. It is fine to note any other submission-ready and/or projects you’re working on in your query letter.

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Kerstin Wolf of D4EO Literary Agency

After years of interning at a number of literary agencies and publishers, freelance editing, and bookselling, Kerstin Wolf got her start as an agent in training at The Booker Albert Literary Agency before joining D4EO as a literary agent in February 2019.

What she is seeking: Middle Grade: Fantasy of any kind, Science fiction, Mysteries along the lines of The 39 Clues series, York: The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby, and Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, Horror along the lines of Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud, Graphic novels.

Young Adult: Fantasy of any kind, Science fiction, Horror, Paranormal, Historical with magical elements, Steampunk along the lines of Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld, Contemporary romance along the lines of Geekerella by Ashley Poston and When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon, Graphic novels.
New Adult/Adult: Fantasy along the lines of V.E. Schwab's Shades of Magic series and Villains series and Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri
Women's fiction: Romance along the lines of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne and Josh and Hazel's, Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

How to submit: To query Kerstin Wolf, please send your query and the first 10 pages of your manuscript through Query Manager. 

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Victoria Loder of The Rights Factory

Victoria Loder is a freelance writer, editor, and publishing professional based just outside of Toronto. She holds an Honours B.A. in English and History from U of T and graduated from the Centennial College publishing program in 2017. Her writing, both fiction and academic, has won her awards from the University of Toronto, where she also served as Editor-in-Chief of Scarborough Fair magazine. She can often be found at her local Starbucks drinking a grande peppermint mocha (even in summer) and reading—historical fiction and mystery/thrillers are her favourites, but she also loves a good ghost story, or non-fiction in the vein of “Fat Girl Walking” or “Shrewed.”

What she is seeking: Historical, mystery, thriller, horror, fantasy, steampunk, magical realism, paranormal fantasy, narrative non-fiction, feminist manifestos, memoir (travel and foodie).

How to submit: Use the submission form HERE.

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Chad Luibl  of Janklow and Nesbit

A native of Virginia, Chad received a BA in English at Lynchburg University before moving to Eastern Europe to teach English for several years. While in Krakow, Poland, he got his MA in European Studies at Jagiellonian University, with a focus in Comparative Literature. He went on to get his MFA in Creative Writing at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was also the coordinator of the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award, an intern in the Literature Department at the National Endowment for the Arts, and an editor at Blackbird and Broad Street literary journals.

What he is seeking: He is interested in narrative nonfiction with a strong emotional pull from journalists and writers who challenge the status quo. For fiction, he is particularly drawn to novels that are more character or plot-driven, thrillers that are as inventive as they are suspenseful, speculative and historical fiction that offer a nuanced perspective on place, and graphic novels that push the boundaries of the genre.

How to submit: Please send your material to submissions@janklow.com addressed to Chad Luibl
For fiction submissions, send an informative cover letter, a brief synopsis and the first ten pages. If you are sending an email submission, please include the sample pages in the body of the email below your query. For non-fiction submissions, send an informative cover letter, a full outline, and the first ten pages of the manuscript. If you are sending an email submission, please include the sample pages in the body of the email below your query.

28 Calls for Submissions in April 2019 - Paying markets

Pixabay There are 28 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 speculative fiction to poetry to personal essays.

NOTE: I post upcoming calls for submissions at the end of every month. But as I am collecting them, I post them on my page, Calls for Submissions.

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Spider Magazine (for ages 6–9). Genre: Contemporary and historical fiction and non-fiction for the theme “Indigenous Stories.” Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Polis Books: Both Sides — An Anthology of Border Noir. Genre: Fiction. Theme: “The border is a powerful place where countries collide. It’s a weird space of dreams, struggles, promises, lies, fear, and redemption. It’s a multicultural and bilingual space where people know that hustling to protect your loved ones or offer them a better life is a drive strong enough to blur ethical codes. Length: 100-word pitches; stories of 5,000–7,000 words. Send pitch only. Payment: $75. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction 300–1,000 words on theme of Reform. Payment: Pays for anthologies only. Deadline: April 1, 2019. See accepted genres.

Canthius. Genre: Poetry and prose from women and genderqueer writers. Payment: $15 per poem and $50 per work of prose. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Spider Magazine (for ages 6–9). Genre: stories, poems, short plays, and activities for the theme “Enchanted Forest.” Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Spider Magazine (for ages 6–9). Genre: Contemporary and historical fiction, nonfiction, poetry, crafts, and recipes about the celebration or history of holidays around the world. Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Poems: up to $3.00 per line; $25.00 minimum. Activities and recipes: $75.00 flat rate. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Ladybug Magazine (for ages 3–6). Genre: Short stories, retellings of folk tales, rebus stories, poems, action rhymes, nonfiction, and songs about young children participating in their communities. Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Ladybug Magazine (for ages 3–6). Genre: Contemporary and historical fiction and non-fiction for the theme “Indigenous Stories.” Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Electric Lit. Genre: Poetry, flash, graphic, and experimental narratives. Payment: $100. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Babybug Magazine (for ages 6 months — 3 years). Genre: Stories, poems, action rhymes, and fingerplays about year-round outdoor play and exploration. What might a baby or toddler appreciate about the natural world in different seasons? Are there memorable games that can only be played at certain times of year? We’re looking for playful writing that the very young will want to hear again and again. Please keep manuscripts short — poems can be up to eight lines and stories up to six sentences. Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Cricket Magazine (for ages 9–14). Genre: Contemporary and historical fiction and non-fiction for the theme “Indigenous Stories.” Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Cricket Magazine (for ages 9–14). Genre: Contemporary and historical fiction, nonfiction, poetry, crafts, and recipes about the celebration or history of holidays around the world. Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Poems: up to $3.00 per line; $25.00 minimum. Activities and recipes: $75.00 flat rate. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Cricket Magazine (for ages 9–14). Genre: Contemporary and historical fiction, biographies, and nonfiction about earning money or starting an enterprise. Payment: Stories and articles: up to 25¢ per word. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Cricket Magazine (for ages 9–14). Genre: Poetry for middle-grade readers. Poems can be serious or silly and on any subject of interest to thoughtful, curious, and outgoing children — such as nature, sports, music, books, friendships, self-reflection, families, school, historical figures and events, and goofy humor. Payment: Stories and articles: Poems: up to $3.00 per line; $25.00 minimum. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

Mojo. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Payment: $15. Deadline: April 12, 2019.

Rattle: African Poets. Genre: Poetry. The poems may be written on any subject, in any style or length, but the poet must have been born in, or be a permanent resident of, an African country. Payment: $100. Deadline: April 15, 2019.

The Rush. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, art. “We seek high-energy pieces that reflect the rush of life.” Payment: “We’re delighted to be able to pay writers.” Deadline: April 15, 2019.

West Branch. Genres: Poetry, fiction, CNF. Payment: $50 per poem, 5 cents per word for prose. Deadline: April 15, 2019.

B Cubed Press: Tales from the Space Force. Genre: Fiction. Theme: Space Force.“Now that America has an official Space Force, we need to incorporate it into literature. What to do we want? Camp? Satire? Bug Eyed Monsters? All good. We’ll do serious stories, too. Mostly we want good stories. And if I am to confess, we want campy stories. We want the golden age of pulp to live again. … Ask yourself, what would an American Space Force do? Will there be a space wall around the International Space Station? Will NASA and the Space Force get along?” Length: 500–5,000 words. Payment: $0.02/word and royalties; for flash pieces and poetry, an option of a flat $25 fee. Deadline: April 15, 2019.

Mary. Genre: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and hybrid genres. Payment: $30. Deadline: April 15, 2019.

B Cubed Press: Alternative Apocalypses. Genre: Stories about endings, beginnings and change. “The apocalypse can be big or small, personal or world shattering. A political bent doesn’t hurt, but is not necessary. They will accept some poetry and thoughtful essays. They welcome humor and satire.” Payment: $0.02/word + royalties for fiction, $25 for very short fiction and poems. Deadline: April 15, 2019.

B Cubed Press: Alternative Bedtime Reading for Progressive Parents. Genre: Nursery rhymes, poetry, and stories that can be read and enjoyed by children of all ages. There is no lower word limit on poems or nursery rhymes. The work can be original or derived from fairy tales, bible stories, folklore, myths, or similar so long as acknowledgement is made. Payment: $0.02/word + royalties for fiction, $25 for very short fiction and poems. Deadline: April 15, 2019.

Shooter. Genre: Poetry, fiction and CNF on the theme of Identity. “Send us stories, essays, reported narratives and poetry on anything to do with the sense of self, whether personal or cultural. What defines someone — character, actions, associations, appearance? Why is identity important? What happens when it’s threatened? We particularly seek content that addresses topical issues of gender, sexuality, race, nationality, religion and occupation but, as ever, the theme is open to wide interpretation.” Payment: £25 per story and £5 per poem. Deadline: April 21, 2019.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories about Think Positive: Live Happy. Genre: True stories. “Your mind and thoughts are very powerful. Almost anything is possible if you think you can. You can dream big, overcome challenges, create the best life possible for yourself and turn adversity into opportunity. If you change your outlook and listen to your heart you can move forward and achieve the life you want. Each day holds something in it to be grateful for. How did you “think positive” and how did it change your life? Tell us your success story about using the power of positive thinking!” Payment: $200. Deadline: April 30, 2019.

Darkhouse Books: A Murder of Crows. Genre: Cozy to cozy-noir crime stories, set in any time, from dinosaurs to the present, using the collective names of groups of animals which includes mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, and insects. Payment: 50% of royalties. Deadline: April 30, 2019. Some reprints accepted.

The Fiddlehead. Genre: Creative nonfiction. Payment: $60 CAD per published page, plus two complimentary copies of the issue. Deadline: April 30, 2019.

JMS Books: Fun in the Sun. Genre: LGBTQ+ romance stories set during the sultry summer months. Length: 12,000 words minimum. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: April 30, 2019.

FIYAH. Genre: Speculative fiction and poetry about Africa 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, 2019.

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Like this article? For more articles about the publishing world, useful tips on how to get an agent, agents who are looking for clients, how to market and promote your work, building your online platform, how to get reviews, self-publishing, as well as publishers accepting manuscripts directly from writers (no agent required) visit Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity .

31 Writing Contests in April 2019 - No entry fees

Spring has sprung! Writers rejoice! This month there are 31 writing contests, and none charge entry fees. Prizes range from tens of thousands of dollars to publication. As always, read the restrictions to make sure you qualify.

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

Good luck!
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Alpine Fellowship. Genre: Pieces of any genre up to 2500 words on the theme of “Identity.”  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, 2019.

The Great American Think-Off. Genre: Essay on the theme: “Which plays a larger role in shaping one’s life: success or failure?” 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, 2019.

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, 2019.  

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, 2019.

Small But Mighty. Restrictions: Children ages 7-11 and 12-15. Genre: Fiction and poetry. Prize: Writing supplies, certificate, and publication on website. Deadline: April 1, 2019.

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize. Genre: Literary nonfiction, desert theme. Prize: $1,500.    Deadline: April 1, 2019.

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, 2019. See submission form HERE.

Go Ape Children's Writing Competition. Restrictions: Open to UK children aged 4-7 and 8-12. Parents/guardians are encouraged to enter on behalf of their child. Genre: Adventure stories. Stories must be between 100 and 500 words. Prize: Various prizes: gift vouchers, family holidays. Deadline: April 4, 2019.

Eliza So Finish-Your-Book Fellowship. Restrictions: There are two fellowships, one for immigrant writers, and one for Native Americans with affiliations to Montana. Genre: A novel, collection of stories, or memoir in progress (100 pages minimum) or poetry collection in progress (30 pages minimum). Prize: The fellowship includes room and board at Las Vegas' Writer's Block in the fall or winter of 2019, along with a $500 food stipend and $400 toward airfare. Deadline: April 5, 2019.

2018-2019 ELI Constitutional Environmental Law Writing Competition. Restrictions: Open to law students. Genre: Essay on any topic addressing developments or trends in U.S. environmental law with a significant constitutional, “federalism,” or other cross-cutting component. Prize: $2000.  Deadline: Monday, April 8, 2019.

Harold U. Ribalow Prize. Genre: Fiction on a Jewish theme, published books only. Prize: $3,000.  Deadline: April 12, 2019.

Monash Undergraduate Prize for Creative Writing. "The Prize is a significant literary award for new and emerging writers. The prize is open to both Australian and New Zealand university students, enrolled in either an undergraduate or honours degree. All types of creative writing will be accepted, including short stories, non-fiction narrative and narrative verse." Prize: $4000.  Deadline: April 14, 2019.  

2019 Parsec Short Story Contest - Noir. Restrictions: Open to non-professional writers. Genre: Speculative fiction. The theme for the 2018 contest is: NOIR. 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, 2019.

Scotiabank Giller Prize. Restrictions: Open to books published in Canada in English. Books must be published in Canada in English between March 1, 2019 and April 30, 2019 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 15, 2019.

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 15, 2019.

William Saroyan Writing Contest. Restrictions: Open to students in 1st grade through college.   Genre: Short story, 2 pages. Prize: $50 - $100. Deadline: April 15, 2019.
Hektoen International Grand Prix Essay Competition. Genre: Original essay that relates medicine to the humanities.1,600 words max. Prize: $3,000 for the winner and $800 for the runner-up. Deadline: April 15, 2019.

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 15, 2019.

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 19, 2019 (postmarked).

Jessamy Stursberg Poetry Contest for Canadian Youth. Restrictions: Canadians, grades 7-12. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $400. Deadline: April 19, 2019.

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 22, 2019. 

Gary Fincke Creative Writing Prize. Restrictions: Open to undergraduates. Genre: Poetry and prose. Prize: $100. Deadline: April 26, 2019.

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, 2019.

A Voice for Animals Teen Essay Contest. Restrictions: Open to students between the ages of 14-18. Genre: Essays on an animal rights topic.  In the 16-18 year olds category, essays must be 800-1,000 words long and be accompanied by a photograph; in the 14-15 year olds category, essays should be between 1,400-1,500 words. One climate change prize (both age categories compete) will be awarded for an essay on how climate change affects a particular animal species. Prize: $500.   Deadline: April 30, 2019.

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, 2019.

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, 2019.

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, 2016. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $25,800.  Deadline: April 30, 2019.

Irene Adler Prize for Women Writers. Restrictions: Open to Canadian women. Genre: Creative nonfiction. Prize: $1,000 scholarship. Deadline: April 30, 2019.

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, 2019.

Daisy Utemorrah Award for Indigenous Authors. Restrictions: Open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writer currently residing in Australia. Genre:  Junior/YA full-length fiction manuscript intended for readers aged 8-18. Length: 40,000 and 100,000 words. Prize: A$15,000 and possible publication. Deadline: April 30, 2019.

“The Once and Future Moon” Contest. Genre: Short stories of 1000-5000 words about Earth's moon. Prize: Publication, £10, and contributor copy. Deadline: April 30, 2019.
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28 Fabulous Writing Conferences in April 2019

Pixabay Spring is here! There are some excellent opportunities to network, pitch your work, and attend stimulating workshops in April.

I strongly urge you to plan ahead if you are thinking of attending a writing conference. Many offer scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost. And all of the intensive writing workshops have application deadlines.

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.

Beall Poetry Festival. April 3 - 5, 2019, Waco, TX. The festival features readings, panel discussions, and the Virginia Beall Ball Lecture on Contemporary Poetry. Participating poets include Mary Szybist, Donald Revell, Juan Felipe Herrera, Meg Tyler, and a Poetry Panel. All events are free and open to the public.

Tennessee Mountain Writers Annual Conference, Apr 4 - 6, 2019: Oak Ridge, TN. Speakers and session leaders include Richard Hague, Judy Goldman, Abigail DeWitt, and more!

IBPA Publishing University. April 5-6, 2019, Portland, OR. 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.

California Dreamin' Conference for Writers. April 5 - 7, 2019, Brea, CA. Workshops, pitch sessions, critiques for romance writers.

Grub Street Muse and the Marketplace Conference. April 5 - 7, 2019, 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."

Writing By Writers Manuscript Boot Camp. April 5 - 8, 2019. Tahoe City, CA. The Writing By Writers Manuscript Boot Camp is for the writer who has a full book-length manuscript (novel, memoir or short story collection) and would like to engage with a small group for a serious and productive response. The long weekend will include an intimate full manuscript workshop, craft talks, readings, an agent panel and individual agent meetings – the perfect pre-publication boot camp for any manuscript. Classes are limited to 5 participants.Tuition includes one three-day workshop, admittance to all craft talks, panels and readings, a one-on-one with an agent, all meals (dinner on Friday; three meals Saturday and Sunday; breakfast, and lunch on Sunday) and lodging in a single room for three nights. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.

Colrain Classic. April 5 - 8, 2019. Arlington, Vermont. "The Arlington Inn is a village estate built in 1847 that was later turned into a summer hotel in Arlington, Vermont. Today, the inn encompasses four buildings throughout four acres. This includes three buildings, 16 guest rooms and a restaurant. Located in the heart of The Shires of Vermont on The Shires By-Way, the Arlington Inn is just a short drive from Manchester and Bennington, Vermont; Massachusetts, and New York. Please note that we will make all reservations and arrangements for conference participants. Other details will be sent to all registrants along with the pre-conference materials." Here you will work with poet-editors Joan Houlihan and Martha Rhodes.

San Antonio Book Festival. April 6, 2019, 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.

William Paterson University Spring Writer’s Conference.  April 6, 2019: Wayne, New Jersey.  Readings and workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The faculty includes Paul Lisicky.

Northeast Texas Writers Organization. April 6, 2019, Mt. Pleasant, TX. One-day bootcamp.

Rally of Writers Conference. April 6, 2019, Lansing, Michigan. Michigan authors and educators in 15 breakout sessions and workshops on all aspects of writing, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, the Nuts & Bolts of manuscript submissions, and more.

Spring Big Apple: From Inspiration to Finished Product. April 7, 2019, NYC, NY.  Conquering your fears of Queries and Pitches, Putting your emotions on the page.

Writing on the Door: Paths to Publication. April 12 - 13, 2019: Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. Authors, agents, editors, and publishers will present on a variety of topics from freelance writing for magazines, entering contests, submitting query letters, finding an agent and more!

Great Plains Writers Conference. April 12 - 14, 2019: South Dakota State University. "Intimate conversations about the writing craft."

Poetry at Round Top Festival. April 12 - 14, 2019. Round Top, Texas. The faculty includes poets Sherwin Bitsui, Vievee Francis, Forrest Gander, Marie Howe, Major Jackson, Benjamin Alire Sáenz, and Natalia Treviño. 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.

New York Writers Workshop Fiction Pitch Conference. April 12 – 14, 2019: 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.

Writers' Day. April 14, 2019: East Longmeadow, MA. Workshops and seminars featuring Jane Yolen, Shahnaz Habib, and C. Flanagan Flynn.

Norwescon. April 18 - 21, 2019: Sea Tac, WA. Norwescon is one of the largest regional Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions in the United States.

Arkansas Literary Festival. Apr 25 - 28, 2019: 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.

Chanticleer Authors Conference. April 26 - April 28, 2019: 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.

Monadnock Pastoral Poetry Retreat. Apr 26 - 28, 2019. Greenfield, NH.  Includes workshops, individual conferences, participant & mentor readings; hiking & kayaking (weather permitting). Each workshop uses dual mentors.

Writing By Degrees. April 27, 2019, Binghamton, NY. Event is organized by Binghamton University graduate students, and designed to create a community of creative writing graduate students. The conference will feature panels, readings, and presentations by accomplished keynote speakers as well as other events and informal gatherings. There will be representatives from journals to discuss their periodicals. They will also be holding a writing contest this year. (The next conference will be held in 2019.)

Writing in the Pines. April 27, 2019, 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.

North Carolina Writers’ Network Spring Conference. April 27, 2019, 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.

Western Reserve Writers' Conference. Apr 27, 2019, 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. It occurs annually on the 4th Saturday in April.

Write Now! Apr 27, 2019, Raleigh, NC. One day writing conference hosted by Triangle Association of Freelancers.Sessions include screenwriting, financial tips for writers, pillars of freelance success, copyediting, trade pubs, column writing, publishing tips and more. Cost: $69; $59 for students with ID and seniors 65+; $80 at the door.

Crafting Successful Author Visits. April 28 - May 2, 2019, Honesdale, PA. School visits are a powerful way to get your book into the hands of readers. But how do you take what you’ve written or illustrated and turn it into an attention-grabbing presentation for kids? This workshop will give you strategies for creating and delivering engaging talks, information on developing materials for teachers and students, and guidelines for developing other promotional tools. Carmen Oliver and Jan Cheripko will advise you in the creation or revision of your presentation intended for a school audience. In addition to one-to-one feedback on your presentation, Jan and Carmen will accompany you to an on-site school visit during the workshop.

24 Publishers Accepting Picture Books - No Agent Required

Max Pixel There are dozens of children's book publishers that do not require an agent, which means children's book authors generally find it easier to break into publishing than those who write adult fiction and nonfiction. This holds true for juveniles of all ages, from birth to young adult.

Picture books are geared to children ages 3 - 8. Lengths can vary from 500 to a thousand words. In most cases, the author provides the text, while publishers arrange for an illustrator. (An exception is  made for author-illustrators.) Rarely do publishers take on both a writer and an illustrator.

You can find more children's book publishers that accept unagented writers here: Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts. All of these are traditional publishers.

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Albert Whitman & Company has been publishing award-winning children’s books since 1919. Albert Whitman’s special interest titles address subjects such as disease, bullying, and disabilities.  Submissions: Albert Whitman and Company currently has an open submissions policy. They read and review unagented manuscripts and proposals for picture books, middle-grade fiction, and young adult novels. Novellas accepted. Email submissions only.  Note: They will not review any submissions that do not follow their submission guidelines.

Peachtree Publishers, located in Atlanta Georgia, publishes 30 books per year. Seeking: Children's books, from picture books to young adult fiction and nonfiction; consumer references in health, education, and parenting; and regional guidebooks about the American South. Read their submission guidelines here.

Penny Candy Press publishes kids' books that reflect a wide range of authors and illustrators from around the globe. "We are not interested in perpetuating a publishing culture that ALL authors, illustrators, and readers do not have access to. While we will not exclude anyone from our catalog, we focus on underrepresented, unheard, or forgotten voices as part of our mission." They are open to submissions from January to March.  Please read complete author guidelines here .

Arthur A. Levine Books was founded in 1996 as an imprint of Scholastic Press. Since then, they have produced more than one hundred seventy-nine works of hardcover literary fiction and nonfiction for children, and teenagers. Submissions: Picture Books: Query letter + the full text; Novels: Query letter + the first two chapters + synopsis; Other: Query letter + five page samples (five poems, five nonfiction pages, etc.); Illustration: Three sample illustrations via attachment, and links to online portfolios. Do not send full manuscripts.  Read submission guidelines here. 

Boyds Mills Press is the trade division of Highlights for Children, Inc.They publish under five imprints. Submissions: Picture Books: Please submit the entire manuscript of your picture book; Middle Grade Fiction: Please submit the first three chapters (do not include chapters from the middle of the book) and a plot summary; Nonfiction: Include a detailed bibliography with your submission and a detailed explanation of the books in the marketplace that are similar to yours. Regular mail only.  Read guidelines here .

Flashlight Press publishes books for 4 - 8-year-olds. Books must be under 1000 words, have a universal theme, and deal with family or social situations.  Read guidelines here.

Free Spirit publishes books for infants to age 4 and picture books for ages 4 to 8 that focus on social skills and getting along, early learning, character education, self-esteem, and other topics related to positive early childhood development. They also consider fiction that relates directly to these areas of focus.  Read guidelines here.

Holiday House specializes in hardcovers, from picture books to young adult, both fiction and nonfiction for ages four and up. They do not publish mass market books, including pop-ups, activity books, sticker books, coloring books, or licensed books. Submissions: Holiday House only responds if they are interested in publishing your manuscript. Please send the entire manuscript, whether submitting a picture book or novel. They do not accept submissions by email or fax.  Read guidelines here.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publishers are the oldest publishers in the world. Submissions: They do not respond unless they are interested in publishing your work. Response time is twelve weeks. Manuscripts should be typed and submitted via regular mail. They do not accept submissions by e-mail or fax. For picture books and novels, please send the entire manuscript. For nonfiction, submit a synopsis and sample chapters. Please submit exclusively to one HMH imprint only.  Read guidelines here.

Ideals Children’s Books publishes fiction and nonfiction picture books for children ages 4 to 8. Subjects include holiday, inspirational, and patriotic themes; relationships and values; and general fiction. Submissions: Manuscripts should be no longer than 800 words. CandyCane Press publishes board books and novelty books for children ages 2 to 5. Complete manuscripts only, sent by regular mail.  Read guidelines here.

Pajama Press publishes picture books—both for the very young and for school-aged readers, as well as early chapter books, novels for middle grade readers, and contemporary or historical fiction for young adults aged 12+. PP also published nonfiction. Pajama Press is looking for manuscripts from authors of diverse backgrounds. Stories about immigrants are of special interest. See their submission guidelines here.

Pants On Fire Press publishes picture, middle-grade and young adult books. They are always on the lookout for Action, Adventure, Animals, Comedic, Dramatic, Dystopian, Fantasy, Historical, Paranormal, Romance, Sci-fi, Supernatural and Suspense stories. Submissions: Pants on Fire is acquiring Chapter Books, Middle-grade and Young Adult fiction.  Please read complete author guidelines here .

Red Deer Press is a Canadian company that publishes books for children across the ages, from picture books to young adult fiction and non-fiction.  Please read complete author guidelines here .

Ripple Grove Press is a new family-owned publisher based in Massachusetts. They are seeking picture books. Read submission policy.

Sky Pony Press is the children's book imprint of Skyhorse Publishing. They publish picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA fiction and nonfiction. "We’re open to any genre and style, and we’re always looking for something new and different. We love original concepts, fresh voices, and writing that knocks us off our feet." See their submission guidelines here.

Second Story Press is a Canadian feminist press publishing books of special interest to women. Their list is a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and books for young readers. They look for manuscripts dealing with the many diverse and varied aspects of the lives of girls and women, as well as social justice, diversity, and children's empowerment. They not publish poetry, short story collections, traditional romance novels, rhyming picture books, or books with anthropomorphized animals. Canadian authors only. Read guidelines HERE.

Sleeping Bear Press is a publisher of quality children’s books. They specialize in picture books and middle grade novels. They accept both fiction and nonfiction submissions.  Please read complete author guidelines here .

Immedium publishes picture books for ages 4-8 or 6-10. The general format is 32-pages with color illustrations. "Do not submit children's picture books which you consider to be complete with "finished art", since we want the flexibility to help improve and refine your concept."   Please read complete author guidelines here .

UK PUBLISHERS

Andersen Press (UK) publishes picture books, approximately 500 words (maximum 1000), juvenile fiction 3-5000 words and older fiction up to 75,000 words. Please send all submissions on paper, by regular post, along with a stamped, addressed envelope. They do not accept International Reply Coupons. Many titles have also been adapted for Spanish editions. They publish 12-14 titles per year.  Read their submission guidelines  here.

Frances Lincoln publishes over 100 new books a year for both adults and children. Frances Lincoln Children’s Books publishes picture books, multicultural books, picture books and information books. Submissions: Proposals must be sent by regular post.  Click here for details .

Hogs Back Books is a small publishing house that publishes picture books and YA novels.  Submissions: For children’s books aged 0-10 years, send a complete manuscript along with a cover letter. For young adult novels, include a synopsis and the first three chapters of your manuscript.  Click here for details .

Nosy Crow is a small, independent company established in 2011. They publish commercial fiction and non-fiction books for children aged from 0 to 14. Submissions: They prefer email submissions, though regular postal submissions are also accepted. For novelty/picture books email the full text. For longer works, submit a short synopsis plus the first chapter (double-spaced) with a cover letter containing all relevant information about you and your work.  Click here for details .

Piccadilly Press publishes Picture Books for young children (2 to 5 years old). Texts should be 500 to 1,000 words long, Children's and Teenage Fiction, contemporary and humorous, dealing with the issues and problems which teenagers face in their own everyday lives. Children's books aiming at 6+ to 8–12 can vary in length; books for teens are intended for 11–15-year-olds, between 25,000 and 35,000 words. Teenage Non-Fiction, mostly humorous, giving practical and sympathetic advice. Submissions: By regular post only.  Click here for details .

Templar is a publisher and packager of illustrated children's fiction, novelty and picture books. They have an extensive backlist built over 30 years and sell their products in over 25 languages in more than 50 countries. Submissions: Templar is currently accepting Picture Book and Novelty Book submissions. They are not currently accepting fiction submissions.  Click here for details .

2 New Agents Seeking Science Fiction, Thrillers, Horror, Nonfiction and more

Flickr - Erin Kelly Here are two new agents expanding their client lists. Claire Harris wants psychological and commercial thrillers, serial detective stories, works of fiction inspired by actual crimes, mystery, suspense, cozies, anything involving serial killers, contemporary family dramas and nonfiction. Anne Tibbets is seeking science fiction, fantasy and horror.

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

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

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Claire Harris of Foundry Literary + Media

Claire received her B.A. in English from The University of Texas at Austin and attended the NYU Summer Publishing Institute before joining Foundry Literary + Media. She enjoys the creative process of working with writers and collaborating closely with them throughout all stages of their careers. Claire is a thriller fanatic, candy addict, and a lover of all things creepy. Her favorite place to curl up with a good book is on a screened porch during a thunderstorm. She’s been on more ghost tours than she can count. Follow her on Twitter @claire_m_harris.

What she is seeking: In fiction, Claire wants psychological and commercial thrillers, serial detective stories, works of fiction inspired by actual crimes, mystery, suspense, cozies, anything involving serial killers, and contemporary family dramas. She is a lover of the dark and twisted, and she’s happiest when reading manuscripts with unexpected endings, especially those that stay with you for days. Having grown up in Wisconsin, Claire has a special love of stories set in the Midwest.

For nonfiction, Claire looks for a range of projects, including humor, celebrity memoir, lifestyle guides, pop culture celebrations, and illustrated books for adults. While she is interested in a variety of nonfiction projects, her passion lies in true crime.

How to submit: Query Claire at chsubmissions@foundrymedia.com. For fiction, please send: Query letter, Synopsis. First three chapters of manuscript and an Author bio. For nonfiction, please send: Query letter. Sample chapters, Table of contents, Author bio.

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Anne Tibbets of Red Sofa Literary


Anne Tibbets is the author of multiple science fiction novels and a former screenwriter. She joined Red Sofa Literary as an Associate Agent in 2018. As an agent, Anne hopes to represent adult science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, and horror, with the occasional crossover YA. Bonus points if you combine genres. In her free time, Anne watches television, reads, games, and participates in a myriad of “Old Lady” hobbies. She lives in Los Angeles, but don’t hold that against her. She can be found on Twitter @AnneTibbets.

What she is seeking: Adult Science Fiction: Give me your dystopia, your utopia, your bloody, bomb-ridden, and gun-blazing shoot ‘em ups with hearts of gold and threads of hope. Earth bound or in space. Bring on your new planets and aliens of all sorts. I’m not afraid of grit, but I do detest sexism. Blow my socks off.Adult and YA Fantasy: Give me your twist on magic, urban or high fantasy. Give me a unique kingdom or city to conquer, and I will be your greatest champion. Bonus points if female driven.Adult Thrillers: Innovative thrillers only. Can’t stress this enough. ‘Just say no’ to alcoholic detectives investigating dead girls. Give me something fresh and well researched. Historical a plus. No redemptive Nazi plots. Anything else? Bring it on.Adult and YA Horror: I want demons, ghosts, ghouls, vampires, werewolves, zombies, aliens, or just really awful human beings – perhaps not all at once. Think early Stephen King mixed with Gillian Flynn. Scare me. Make me sleep with the lights on and marvel at your creepy word choice. My soul is ready.How to submit: Send a query to anne@redsofaliterary.com

5 UK Agents Seeking Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror, MG, YA, Thrillers, Nonfiction & more

Wikimedia Here are five UK literary agents seeking clients. Rebecca Carter is looking for ground-breaking new literary fiction writers, as well as writers of upmarket crime and thrillers, and some children’s and YA authors. In non-fiction, she works mainly in the fields of history, politics, social and cultural commentary, design and technology, the environment and travel, often mixed together with memoir, and with a strong emphasis on quality of writing and storytelling.

Liz Dennis is looking for middle grade and YA which challenge the stereotypes, the mysterious where things are not always as they seem, and where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Zoe Plant is looking for commercial, exciting middle-grade, young adult and adult fiction, including science fiction, fantasy and horror of all types.

Claudia Young is interested in all types of writing, in particular cooking and food journalism, comedy and travel writing, literary fiction, contemporary as well as historical novels, crime fiction and thrillers. Matthew Marland is  seeking nonfiction, crime, thrillers, historical fiction, literary and commercial fiction.

IMPORTANT: Always read the agency website and agent bio before submitting!

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

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Zoe Plant of The Bent Agency

"A Londoner by birth, I studied for my degree in Russian and Spanish at Cambridge and lived in Moscow for a year before making my way back to the UK to start my publishing career. I started out as an intern at the Bent Agency in 2014 and went on to spend five years working as a literary scout, scouring the UK market for the very best children’s and adult books to recommend to international publishers. I was named as one of the ’30 under 30′ publishing professionals to watch on the London Book Fair Trailblazer Awards shortlist in 2018. As an agent, I am delighted to now have the opportunity to work with talented authors to bring their books into the world, and I welcome submissions from authors based anywhere."

What she is seeking: "I am looking for commercial, exciting middle-grade, young adult and adult fiction. Across all age ranges, my favourite books are full of pace and plot, but have something quirky and fresh about them: a speculative or high-concept setting, an unusual twist or a voice that changes how I see the world. I particularly love fantasy, science fiction and horror, so am looking for these genres across both adult and children’s.

For middle grade and young adult fiction, I am on the hunt for action, adventure and worlds that I can fall in love with, no matter the genre. Whether it’s about spies, astronauts, zombies, or just an odd day at school, if it has a strong voice and a compelling setting I would love to read it.

On the adult side, as well as science fiction, fantasy and horror of all types, I’m looking for commercial crime and thrillers. I am open to anything—cosy or gritty, speculative, historical or contemporary, as long as it has a good hook and an inventive plot."

How to submit: Send your query to plantqueries@thebentagency.com  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).
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Rebecca Carter  of Janklow and Nesbit (UK)

Rebecca Carter joined Janklow & Nesbit in 2012, after fifteen years as a Commissioning Editor at the Random House imprints Chatto & Windus and Harvill Secker. 

What she is seeking: In fiction, she is looking for ground-breaking new literary fiction writers, as well as writers of upmarket crime and thrillers, and some children’s and YA authors. She has very varied taste in fiction, enjoying the spare and the dark as well as the rich and linguistically playful; the big family drama alongside the smaller prose poem; the bitingly contemporary as well as the reflectively historical; novels set in worlds already familiar, as well as those opening up different, distant lives and places. In non-fiction, her curiosity and tastes are similarly broad but she works mainly in the fields of history, politics, social and cultural commentary, design and technology, the environment and travel, often mixed together with memoir, and with a strong emphasis on quality of writing and storytelling.

How to submit: Please send your submission to submissions@janklow.co.uk, including your name, the title of your work and the name of the agent you wish to submit to in the subject line. Address your submission to Rebecca Carter. If you are submitting fiction, attach the first three chapters or the first fifty pages in Word format or as PDFs. If you are submitting non-fiction, submit a full outline setting out the aims of each chapter, and if possible a sample chapter. Please title all documents and your email with your full name and the title of your work for ease of reference. Your submission should be double-spaced, size 12 and in a reasonable font.

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Liz Dennis of Johnson & Alcock Ltd

Liz Dennis joined Johnson & Alcock in 2015. She is the agency’s office manager and is developing a children’s list. Inspired at an early age by a teacher who invited an author to school, Liz has always loved working in children’s fiction – and Philippa Pearce's Tom’s Midnight Garden remains a huge favourite to this day.  Drawn to children's books long after she supposedly grew up, her university dissertation was on gender images in children's fiction. After 12 years selling foreign rights for major publishing houses, including Orion, HarperCollins Children's and Orchard, she took time out to read books to her own children.

What she is seeking: Liz is looking for middle grade and YA which challenge the stereotypes, the mysterious where things are not always as they seem, and where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Above all she wants to be transported to another world and still loves a time slip fantasy.

How to submit: Please email your query to liz@johnsonandalcock.co.uk and attach a synopsis and the first three chapters (approximately 50 pages) to the email.

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Claudia Young of Greene & Heaton Ltd

Claudia Young joined the agency in 2009. Claudia also works closely with radio and television production companies, and the speakers and presenters side of the agency.

What she is seeking: Claudia is interested in all types of writing, in particular cooking and food journalism, comedy and travel writing. Claudia loves literary fiction, contemporary as well as historical novels, crime fiction and thrillers.

How to submit: Submissions should be sent by email to submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk. Please attach a synopsis and the first three chapters (or about fifty pages) in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Mention the name of your preferred agent in the subject line of your email. Children’s or YA submissions should also be clearly marked in the subject line.

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Matthew Marland of Rogers, Coleridge & White

Matthew Marland joined Rogers, Coleridge & White in 2016 after working at Conville & Walsh. He has a BA and MA in English Literature. Matthew works closely with Natasha Fairweather, Peter Robinson, and Peter Straus, and is also building his own list.

What he is seeking: Nonfiction, crime, thrillers, historical fiction, literary and commercial fiction.

How to submit: Send a query to matthewm@rcwlitagency.comubmissions For fiction send the first three chapters or approximately the first fifty pages of the work to a natural break, and a brief synopsis. Non-fiction submissions should take the form of a proposal up to twenty pages in length explaining what the work is about and why you are best placed to write it.

3 New Agents Looking for Kidlit, YA, Romance, Literary and Commercial Fiction and more

Pixabay These three new agents are actively seeking clients. Heather Cashman is currently seeking submissions for middle grade and young adult. For fiction, she’ll consider all genres and loves a good genre splice. For non-fiction, anything that takes her back to those days in the library when she wanted to learn about someone, something, and somewhere new. Cecilia Lyra is actively seeking literary and commercial adult fiction that feature diverse, layered characters and unexpected plot twists. Garrett Alwert is looking for smart, funny, contemporary stories. He enjoys romance and stories that focus on friendship, family, and all the ways those relationships come together. He also likes well paced psychological thrillers as well as stories with unique story structures and timelines.

IMPORTANT: Always read the agency website and agent bio before submitting!

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

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Heather Cashman, Associate Literary Agent of Storm Literary Agency

Heather has always loved meeting authors and working on their books as a collaborative partner. She was a professional editor for Cornerstones Literary Consultancy, editing middle grade, young adult, and adult books. She’s also helped authors by working as Managing Director of Pitch Wars, #PitMad, and Pitch Madness, as well as being a Pitch Wars mentor. 

Before becoming an associate agent at Storm Literary Agency, Heather interned for three years at The Bent Agency and Entangled Publishing. She’s helped authors from the pre-query stage to acquisitions, and she’s also worked as a freelance editor and consultant for traditional and non-traditional publishing. She’s excited to continue helping authors as their agent.

What she is seeking: Heather is currently seeking submissions for middle grade and young adult.
For fiction, she’ll consider all genres and loves a good genre splice. For non-fiction, anything that takes her back to those days in the library when she wanted to learn about someone, something, and somewhere new. For all writing, Heather enjoys unique characters formed from their own experiences in a unique world. The characters need to feel real with a distinct voice from the first line. Thematic elements and strong character arcs are a must. She loves commercial fiction that has a literary flair and inclusive books that bring us together as citizens of the world.


How to submit: Please email (only) to: heather.stormliteraryagency@gmail.com with "Query TITLE OF MANUSCRIPT" in the subject line of your email. (No need for the quotes.) For middle grade and young adult, send the first twenty pages in the body of your email below your query letter and signature. If interested, she'll contact you for the full. Links to social media platforms are appreciated.

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Cecila Lyra of the Rights Factory

Cecilia is a new agent with the Rights Factory in Canada. She holds a Master’s Degree in Banking and Financial Law from Boston University and is completing a graduate certificate in publishing. In 2016, she bid adieu to her life as lawyer and professor of law to become a writer and a literary agent. She blames this heretical career move on her nine-year-old-self, who was bitten by the reading bug and began to dream of the day when she would work with books. When she isn’t devouring novels—or dessert—Cecilia can be found drinking wine, writing her own novels, and snuggling with Babaganoush, her adorable English bulldog. Follow her on Twitter @ceciliaclyra


What she is seeking: Cecilia is actively seeking literary and commercial adult fiction that feature diverse, layered characters and unexpected plot twists. As a feminist, Cecilia loathes the term women’s fiction — it’s just fiction — but, for the purposes of clarity, that is her favorite genre. Cecilia is also looking for unique and compelling narrative nonfiction and memoirs (think: nonfiction that would be perfect for book clubs). She is particularly passionate about representing under- or misrepresented voices and stories that contribute to a larger cultural conversation. Do not send a manuscript where the dog dies — Cecilia can’t handle it.

How to submit: Submissions can be emailed to cecilia@therightsfactory.com

Please include (in the body of the email):a pitch;a bio (including a summary of your writing credentials and platform, if applicable); andthe first ten pages of your work.Preferred format: Times, 12-size font, justified paragraphs, 1.5 spacing. Attachments will not be opened.
Because Cecilia understands writers’ anxiety, she will respond to each and every query within 6 weeks. For more information, please visit www.therightsfactory.com

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Garrett Alwert, Associate Agent of Emerald City Literary

Prior to joining Emerald City Literary, Garrett graduated from Washington State University with a degree in business. He played professional baseball and worked as a contractor until he found his true passion in publishing. In 2016 he began interning for Mandy Hubbard then became Agency Assistant before being promoted to Associate Agent. A long-time book lover Garrett can be found reading just about anything he can get his hands on. He is currently co-representing multiple authors alongside Mandy Hubbard.

What he is seeking: Garrett is considering select Middle Grade and YA alongside Mandy Hubbard. Garrett is looking for smart, funny, contemporary stories with fresh voices, a strong hook and awesome dialogue. He enjoys romance and stories that focus on friendship, family, and all the ways those relationships come together. He also likes well paced psychological thrillers as well as stories with unique story structures and timelines. He is actively looking for projects by POC authors or with LGBTQ+ themes.

How to submit: If you would like him to consider your work, please send your query, with the first 5 pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of the email, to: QueryMandy@EmeraldCityLiterary.com. Please put “ATTN: Garrett” in the subject line if it is intended for Garrett’s review.

9 Digital Imprints of Major Publishers Accepting Submissions - No agent required

Did you know that you can get published by a major publisher without an agent? Under normal circumstances, the doors of major publishers are closed to unagented writers. But with the advent of the digital revolution, major publishers are seeing the possibility of making sales without much outlay. Publishers still have to edit ebooks and hire graphic designers for covers, but they don't have to spend anything on printing costs, at least not initially.

The advantage of digital first imprints with major publishers is that they can lead to print runs, provided the ebook sells well. You also get the advantage of having been published by a major publisher, which gives you significant bragging rights. In addition, if your first ebook does reasonably well, you can continue with the publisher.

All of these are traditional publishers.

For a list of over 150 publishers that don’t require an agent click HERE. 
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Forever Yours is a digital-only imprint of Grand Central Publishing, which is part of Hachette Book Group. Forever Yours publishes new works as well as backlist titles from its nine-year-old Forever imprint. The imprint publishes two to four e-book titles a month. What they are looking for: Forever Yours is currently accepting romance submissions from all subgenres, including but not limited to: contemporary, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, western, historical, inspirational, paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy, futuristic, urban fantasy, steampunk, time-travel, and erotica.  How to submit : They are accepting novella length works (8,000-35,000 words), as well as longer works from 35,000-100,000 words.

Tor Teen is an imprint of Tor/Forge, which is an imprint of Macmillan. Tor is one of the top sci-fi/fantasy publishers in the world, but they also publish general fiction for young adults. Since Tor Teen launched in 2003, they have published fiction by Cory Doctorow, Brandon Sanderson, Kendare Blake, David Lubar, Veronica Rossi, Susan Dennard, and Kristen Simmons, among others. Submissions: Tor's guidelines are quite detailed. Make sure you follow them to the letter, otherwise your submission will not be read. See their submission guidelines here.  

Tor/Forge is an imprint of Macmillan. They publish Science fiction and fantasy, Fiction of all other types including but not limited to general fiction, historical fiction, horror, mystery, paranormal, suspense/thriller, urban fantasy, and women's fiction, Children's and Young Adult. They also have a Children's and Young Adult Division for middle grade, and young adult audiences. They do not publish picture books. See their submission guidelines here.  

Avon Impulse (UK) is a is a division of HarperCollins. They publish Romance. Avon Impulse (digital first) wants full-length novels of approximately 50-60,000 words. Formatting choices are up to you. If they can read it, you can submit it. No need to submit to a specific editor. If a specific editor has requested your manuscript, please let them know and they’ll get it to her. No need to submit to specific imprint, either; you’ll work with the same editorial team. Response time: You should receive an answer either way in about three months. See submission instructions HERE.


Carina Press is one of Harlequin’s digital-first adult fiction single-title imprints, publishing first in digital, with releases in audio and print as well. Carina Press publishes a wide range of adult fiction genres and features books from talented authors in all genres, including romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery and more. What they are looking for: All subgenres of romance with all levels of sensuality, from the very sweet to the incredibly erotic, featuring couples (or multiples) from all walks of  life and sexual orientation, including same-sex romances. They publish novels and novellas. How to submit: Please submit queries for only completed, fully polished manuscripts, unless previously arranged otherwise with an editor. If a response has not been received after 12 weeks, please follow-up via your submittable account by adding a note to your submission log. Read full guidelines HERE.

DAW Books Inc., a division of Penguin, accepts work directly from novelists.They are looking for unsolicited submissions of science fiction and fantasy novels. They do not consider short stories, short story collections, novellas, or poetry. The average length of the novels they publish is almost never fewer than 80,000 words. For complete submission details go HERE.

Versify is a new imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers. Versify was started by author Kwame Alexander. He is looking for books that edify, electrify, and exemplify the wonders and woes of childhood. Part of their mission is to publish writers whose voices haven’t been heard before. For complete submission details go HERE.

SMP Swerve is the digital first imprint of St. Martin’s Press. They want all sub-genres of romance. Manuscripts must be between 25,000 and 100,000 words. For complete submission details go HERE.

Loveswept and Flirt are two digital imprints of Random House. They want romance. "Digital authors will have a complete and unique publishing package. Every book will be assigned to an accomplished Random House editor and a dedicated marketer and publicist. Not only do our authors benefit from working with the finest cover designers to ensure irresistibly eye-catching books, but they are also offered the unique advantage of social media tools and training that will allow them to connect directly with their readers." For complete submission details go HERE.

28 Calls for Submissions in March 2019 - Paying markets

Henriette Browne, Girl Writing - Wikimedia
There are 28 calls for submissions in March 2019. 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 monthly calls for submissions on the last day of the previous 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.)

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THEMA. Genre: Short stories, flash fiction, poems, art on theme of "Six before Eighty." Payment: short story, $25; short-short piece (up to 1000 words), $10; poem, $10; artwork, $25 for cover, $10 for interior page display. Deadline: March 1, 2019. Reprints accepted.

Copper Nickel. Genre: Poetry, fiction, essays, and translation folios. Payment: $30 per printed page + two copies of the issue in which the author’s work appears + a one-year subscription. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Contrary Magazine. Genres: Fiction and poetry. Payment: $20 per author. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction 300 - 1,000 words on theme of Relocate. Payment: Pays for anthologies only. Deadline: March 1, 2019. See accepted genres.

Jaggery. Genre: Art, poetry, reviews, and fiction connecting South Asian diasporic writers and homeland writers; "we also welcome non-South Asians with a deep and thoughtful connection to South Asian countries, who bring their own intersecting perspectives to the conversation. (By South Asia we mean Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.) Our hope with Jaggery is to create a journal that offers the best writing by and about South Asians and their diaspora." Payment: $25 for art, poetry, reviews and essays, $100 for fiction. Deadline: March 1, 2019. (Possibly March 31. Website is unclear.)

The Blue Route. Restrictions: Undergraduate students. 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, 2019.

World Weaver Press: Glass & Gardens: Solarpunk Winters Anthology. Genre: Fiction. "For this anthology, I want to see solarpunk stories that take place in winter. That might mean working together to survive extreme blizzards, or feeling the heat in places that no longer see snow. Which renewable tech works best during long winter nights? How do solarpunk societies celebrate the winter holidays? Keep it planet-based (Earth or other), and optimistic. Solarpunk worlds aren’t necessarily utopias, but they definitely aren’t dystopias." Payment: TBD (Determined by Kickstarter success. $10 minimum.) Deadline: March 1, 2019.

The Cincinnati Review. Genres: Prose and poetry. Payment: $25 per page (prose), $30 per page (poetry). Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Upstreet. Genres: Fiction, CNF. Payment: $50-$150 per work. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Goblin Fruit. Genre: Fantastical poetry. Payment: $15.00 USD on publication for original, unpublished poems, and $5.00 for solicited reprints. Deadline: March 3, 2019.

Tell-Tale Press: Creatures. Genre: Fantasy, horror, mystery and science fiction stories about creatures: animals, insects, arachnids, dinosaurs, aliens, monsters, cryptids, legends, mythical, or mythological. Payment: $5-25; $50 for novelette. Deadline: March 4, 2019.

Wordworks. Restrictions: Canadian writers? (Not clear from site) Genres: Short stories, poetry, CNF. Theme of Publishing. Payment: .22/word for prose submissions, $50 per poem, $100 per cover art. Deadline: March 5, 2018. (No indication of year on site.) Reprints accepted.

Riddled With Arrows. Genre: Writing-related fiction and metafiction, ars poetica, creative essays, non-classifiable written objects and visual art exploring the relationships between writing and the places where writing congregates. Payment: Unpublished Poetry & Prose – USD 3¢/word, minimum $5, maximum $25; Reprints: USD $5 Flat Rate; Visual Art: USD $10 Flat Rate.  Deadline: March 8, 2019.

The Ordinary Chaos of Being Human: Tales From Many Muslim Worlds. Genre: First-person, unpublished literary/creative non-fiction. 2500-4000 words, in English. Translations of excellent quality are welcome. "This is not a book about religion; it is a collection of personal stories revealing the multi-faceted and universal experiences of people living all over the world. Each story follows Joseph Campbell’s classic hero’s journey, that classic narrative arc on which the most successful stories of our time have been based." Payment: Honorarium of 100 SGD and a copy of the book. Deadline: March 10, 2019.

The Lifted Brow. Genre: Translations only. Writing that focuses on the arts, gender, race, ecology, economics, politics, work, and sexuality. Australian focus preferred. Payment: $75-$100. Deadline: March 10, 2019.

Mslexia. Genre: Stories, poems and scripts on the theme of clothes. Length: Stories up to 2,200 words, poems up to 40 lines, and short scripts up to 1,000 words (including character names and stage instructions). Payment: £25. Deadline: March 11, 2019.

Pentimento. Genre: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction and art by individuals with a disability or a community member.  "If you are an individual with a disability or part of the disability community as a family member, caregiver, special educator, or in any way connected to disability, we want to see your disability-related writing." Payment: $25 - $250. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Shenandoah. Genre: Fiction. Payment: $50/page. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Gordon Square Review. Genre: Poetry and prose. Payment: $10 per poem, $15 for prose. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Southword. Genres: Prose and poetry. Payment: €30 per poem and €120 per short story. Payment to writers within the Republic of Ireland is made by cheque. Writers abroad must accept payment through Paypal. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Eye to the Telescope. Genre: Speculative poetry. Payment: US 3¢/word rounded to nearest dollar; minimum US $3, maximum $25. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

The Puritan. Genres: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry. Payment: $100 per nonfiction piece, $50 fiction, $15 per poem. Deadline: March 25, 2019.
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Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores. Genre: Speculative stories. Payment: 6 cents/word for original work. 2 cents/word for reprints. Deadline: March 28, 2019.

Hippocampus Magazine: Ink Anthology. Genre: Creative nonfiction about small town America.  "We want to hear about small family-owned businesses, such as the stores and specialty shops that used to rule Main Street America. What did you family sell? Make? Fix? Build? How did these businesses define you or your family members? How did they evolve over time? While we’re open to all time periods, we’re most interested in business that began in the pre-Internet era—and we’re especially interested in places that span generations." Payment: $25. Deadline: March 30, 2019.

Orbannin Books: Letters from the Grave – A Collection of Epistolary Horror. Genre: Horror. “The epistolary form has a long, proud tradition in the horror genre. From the classics such as Frankenstein and Dracula, through modern classics like World War Z. We want to see your fresh takes on the idea. Remember that the epistolary genre doesn’t just include letters. It can be stories created from nearly any kinds or combinations of documents, i.e. crime scene reports, diary entries, interview transcripts, etc. This can include modern electronic and digital “documents” such as texts, voicemails, Tweets, blog posts, and more.” Length: 2,000-10,000 words. Payment: $0.05/word. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Darkhouse Books: Mid-Century Murders. Genre: Cozy to cozy-noir crime stories set in the late forties through the very early sixties. Payment: 50% of royalties. Deadline: March 31, 2019. Some reprints accepted.

Arkansas International. Genre: fiction, poetry, essays, comics, and works in translation. Payment: $20 a printed page (capped at $250). Deadline: March 31, 2019. (Submit early in the month to avoid submission fee.)

Notre Dame Review. Genres: Fiction, poetry. Payment: Small gratuity. Deadline: March 31, 2019.