Erica Verrillo's Blog, page 44

53 Writing Contests in March 2019 - No entry fees

Pixabay March is a great month for writing contests. This month there are 53 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 is past, you can prepare for next year.

Good luck!
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Fountain Magazine Essay Contest. Genre: Essay. 1,500 - 2,500 words. "Should We Be Grateful?" The question is: Why do we feel grateful? What should be we grateful for? And even, should we still be grateful when we’re depressed or when our lives are a mess? Prize: 1st Place - $1,500, 2nd Place - $750, 3rd Place - $300, Two Honorable Mentions - $200 each. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

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, 2019.

Women on the Water. Restrictions: Female writers only. Genre: Short story. "Tell us how you felt about leaving (either home or the voyaging life). How did you cope? Was it worth it?  Perhaps you spent time somewhere you became particularly attached to while travelling? Stories may be any length up to 3,000 words." Prize: First $250, Second $100, Third $50. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Wiley-Silver Prize in Civil War History. Genre: First book or monograph in Civil War history published in the previous year. Books or monographs published by scholarly or popular presses are eligible. Prize: $2,000. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

United States/Japan Creative Artists Residencies. This is a 3-5 month residency in Japan. Grant: $24,000. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

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, 2019.

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 1, 2019.

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, 2019.

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 1, 2019.

Jittery Monks Essay Scholarship. Restrictions: Open to college students. Genre: Essay. (See site for topic.) Prize: $1,500. Deadline: March 1, 2019.
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The Lakefly Writers Conference. Restrictions: Open to residents of Wisconsin. Genres: Short story fiction:  1500 words or less. Any genre. Flash fiction:  500 words or less. Any genre. No theme. Poetry:  All poems, free verse to formal and everything in between—75 lines max. Theme: Wisconsin Choices. The Jean Nelson Essay for Young Adults: For young adult writers (ages 12 through 17). 2500 words or less. Theme: Notable Wisconsin figure (living or dead) who most inspires me. 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 1, 2019.

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, 2019.

Myong Cha Son Haiku Award. Restrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Haiku. Prize: First prize $1,500, and a runner-up prize $500. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Rhina P. Espaillat Poetry Award. Restrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Original poems written in Spanish and translations of English poems to Spanish. Prize: First prize $1,500, and a runner-up prize $500. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Iris N. Spencer Undergraduate Poetry Award. Restrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Poetry composed in the traditional modes of meter, rhyme and received forms. Prize: First prize $1,500, and a runner-up prize $500. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

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, 2019.

Mississippi Artists Fellowships. Restrictions: Open to permanent residents of Mississippi. Genre: Nonfiction of 15-20 pages. Prize: $5,000. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Author Mentor Match. Genre: Completed YA or MG manuscript. Prize: Mentorship by published author. Deadline: March 1 - 5, 2019.

"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 3, 2019.

Arts Club of Washington Scholarship Competition. Restrictions: Open to college students (including first two years of graduate school) aged 18-26 in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $2000 scholarship. Deadline: March 4, 2019.

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 6, 2019.

The Ungar German Translation Award is bestowed biennially in odd-numbered years. Genre: Book-length literary translation translated from German into English and published in the United States between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. Prize: $1,000, a certificate of recognition, and up to $500 toward expenses for attending the ATA Annual Conference in San Francisco, California.  Deadline: March 7, 2019.

Forward Prizes. Genre: Collections and single poems published in the UK and Ireland between September 2018 and September 2019 are eligible for the Prizes. Must be submitted by publisher. Prize: £1,000 to £10,000 Deadline: March 8, 2019.

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 11, 2019.

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, 2019.

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, 2018 and March 12, 2019. Deadline: March 13, 2019.

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, 2018 and March 12, 2019. Prizes of $2,500 will be awarded to each of the finalists. Deadline: March 13, 2019.

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 14, 2019.

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, 2019.

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, 2019.

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, 2019.

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, 2019.

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 15, 2019.

Prize: $800. Deadline: March 15, 2019.
Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition for High School Students. Restrictions: Open to students in Grades 7-12. Genre: Haiku. Prizes: $50. Deadline: March 21, 2019.

Sunken Garden Poetry Festival's Fresh Voices Competition. Restrictions: New England high school students. Prize: Reading at the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival on August 5, 2018 and publication.  Deadline: March 29, 2019.

The Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction. Genre: Novel published in 2018 (50,000 words minimum). Book has to be set in one of the original eleven states in the Confederacy. (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.) Prize: $2,500.00, and an expense paid trip to New York City. (The winner must come to NY to receive the award, attend a luncheon with the contest judges and a reception in his/her honor.) Deadline: March 29, 2019.

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, 2019.

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 2017 or 2018 in Limnisa, Greece and online publication, or five online personal tutoring sessions instead. Deadline: March 30, 2019.

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, 2019.

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, 2019.

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, 2019.

Sarah Mook Poetry Prize for Students. Restrictions: Students in grades K-12. Genre: Poetry.   Prize: $100. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

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, 2019.

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, 2019.

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, 2019.

Lake Superior State University High School Short Story Prize. Restrictions: Open to high school students students residing in the Midwestern United States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) or Ontario, Canada. Genre: Short fiction. Prize: $500 and publication.  Deadline: March 31, 2019.

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, 2019.

Value of Being Fit Scholarship Program. Restrictions: Open to students who are currently enrolled in colleges, universities or high schools. Genre: Essay, info graphics, or article (750-1000 words) on “Obesity: A New Epidemic.” Prize: $750. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Writers' HQ Flash Quarterly Contest. Genre: Unpublished flash fiction, 500 words max. Prize: 450 pounds. Top three winners win membership to Writers' HQ, a British writing resource site, and admission to three WHQ writing retreats. Winners outside the UK can substitute a manuscript critique for the retreats. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

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, 2019.

Descant. Each year, descant offers four awards:
the $500 Frank O’Connor Award for fiction (for the best short story in a issue)the $250 Gary Wilson Award (for an outstanding story in an issue)the $500 Betsy Colquitt Award for poetry (for the best poem or series of poems by a single author in an issue)the $250 Baskerville Publishers Award (for an outstanding poem or poems by a single author in an issueThere is no application process or reading fee. All published submissions are eligible for prize consideration. Simply submit your work. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

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, 2019.

27 Fabulous Writing Conferences in March 2019

​Spring is right around the corner! And writers are thawing out! There are some excellent opportunities to network, pitch your work, and attend stimulating workshops this month.

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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Writing By Writers DRAFT. Application deadline: March 1, 2019: Lake Tahoe and Boulder, CO. DRAFT is an intensive program for 15 writers who are committed to completing a novel, memoir, short story, or essay collection over the course of two years. Whether starting a first draft, or working through a new revision, this program is appropriate for writers who want a rigorous and supportive community throughout their process.

Minnesota Writers Workshop.  March 2, 2019, 2019: 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.

Redrock Creative Writing Seminar, St. George, Utah, March 2, 2019. Classes and readings in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The faculty includes Kimberly Johnson, Amy Jarecki, and Reuben Wadsworth.

Publishing Workshop. March 2, 2019: Hammonton, NJ. "Do you want to publish your writing but struggle with a lack of know-how and fear of rejection? Join us for this hands-on workshop where we will guide you through the process from blank page to published piece. If you are an aspiring author you will learn how and where to submit your work. If you are experienced you will discover new markets and resources to expand your readership. Whether you are working on a novel, memoir, short stories, personal essays or poetry, you will go home with an action plan and the tools to carry it out."

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat. March 7 - 10, 2019, Colorado Springs, CO. An intensive 3-day writing retreat. SOLD OUT.

Alabama Writing Workshop. March 8, 2019: 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 9, 2019. 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."

Atlanta Writing Workshop, March 9, 2019, 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."

Algonkian Novel Retreat, Sterling, March 13 - 17, 2019:Virginia. "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.

Sleuthfest. March 14 - 17, 2019: 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

Springmingle ’19 and Illustrators’ Day. Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. Decatur, GA, March 15 -16, 2019. Conference for children's book writers and illustrators. Faculty includes writers, illustrators, agents, editors, and publishers.

Writing By Writers Boulder Generative Workshop. March 15 - March 17, 2019, 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.

University of North Dakota Writers Conference. March 20 - 22, 2019: Grand Forks, North Dakota. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as panel discussions and readings. Participating writers include poets Heid E. Erdrich and Sally Wen Mao, fiction writers Kiese Laymon and Tommy Orange, and nonfiction writer Sarah Smarsh. The conference is free, but workshop space is limited to twenty participants; registration is first come, first served.

Virginia Festival of the Book, March 20 - 24, 2019. "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.

Write Stuff Writers Conference. March 21 - 23, 2019: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 20 workshops, Agent./Editor pitch sessions, marketing consults plus lunch and Keynote address, Book Fair, Flash Literature Writing Contest, Door Prizes. Featuring Ben Wolf and Charis Crowe.

Advanced Manuscript Boot Camp. March 21 - 23, 2019: Southampton, NY. "At the Advanced Manuscript Boot Camp you will receive two hours of feedback from up to six fellow authors in workshops led by Donna Kaz and Madge McKeithen. You will discover what is working in your pages, where your readers have questions, and what your peers want to see more of. These responses will spark fresh ideas about how you can strengthen your story and inspire you to return to your desk to complete and publish your book."

Algonkian Writers New York Pitch Conference, March 21 - 24, 2019: 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."

Colrain One-Day Retreat: What is a Poetry Manuscript? March 23, 2019, 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.

Authors' Salon at Clockwork Alchemy. March 22 - 24, 2019, 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!

2019 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium & Tribute to Ntozake Shange. March 23, 2019, Brooklyn, NY. “Playwrights and Screenwriters at the Crossroads,” is a public gathering of writers, scholars, literary professionals, performers, students and the general public. It will provide a forum for examining the trends and themes addressed by Black playwrights and filmmakers; showcase the work of Black playwrights and screenwriters; and pay tribute to Ntozake Shange, Obie Award-winning renowned poet, playwright, and novelist. Ifa Bayeza, playwright, producer, novelist, and sister of Ntozake Shange is the featured speaker.

Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference. March 27 - 30, 2018, Portland, OR. "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."

34th Annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference. March 28 - March 30, 2019: 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."

The Work Conference. March 29 - 31, 2019, New York City. "The Work is a boutique writers’ conference, meaning it’s purposefully small, highly personalized, and focused on bringing 30 hard-working authors together for an unforgettable weekend." Faculty: Leon Husock, Sarah Levitt, Daniel Kirschen, Heather Flaherty, Natalie Halla, Kerin Wicks, Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, Jennifer Udden, Alex Arnold, Monica Odom, Stephanie Delman, Annie Hwang, Tiffany Liao, Laura Chasen, Katie Grimm.

WonderCon, March 29 - March 31, 2019, Anaheim, CA. HUGE comic book convention.

Maryland Writers Association: Brain to Bookshelf. March 29 - March 31, 2019: Linthicum, 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."

Kansas Writing Workshop. March 30, 2019: 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."

Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference. March 30-31, 2019: Iselin, NJ. "We are so excited about what promises to be a very special, educational, and entertaining 10th 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!"

4 UK Agents Seeking Literary Fiction, Nonfiction, Genre Fiction and more

Wikimedia - Winslow Homer These four UK agents are actively seeking to expand their client lists. Will Francis has a particular interest in literary fiction, thrillers, speculative fiction, and genre writers with a literary edge, as well as non-fiction rooted in provocative, challenging ideas. Therese Coen wants everything. Jenny Hewson is looking for literary fiction, historical fiction, book club fiction, gothic fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir and writing from academics and experts of all kinds. Judith Murray loves literary fiction and well-written genre fiction, including thrillers, crime, historical novels and women’s fiction; and literary non-fiction including history, biography, memoirs, cookery and travel writing.

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

If these agents don't suit your needs, you can find a comprehensive list of new and established agents seeking clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

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Therese Coen of Hardman & Swainson Literary Agency

"Born and raised in Belgium, on a diet of frites and Tintin, I moved to England in my late teens with my family. I then stayed in London to do a History degree and Masters at University College London. Having been brought up bilingual, French and Dutch, then picking up German and obviously English later on, translation rights seemed like the logical next step. My first job in publishing was just down the road from my university at Bloomsbury Publishing on Bedford Square, where I started as an intern and left as Rights Executive. I later hopped across the square to work at Ed Victor ltd. where I was lucky enough to learn from one of the most renowned and experienced literary agents in the world, handling huge celebrity titles alongside Booker-prize winning authors."

What she is seeking: Therese is open to everything -  fiction and nonfiction. "In terms of adult fiction, I am a total sucker for historical (ranging across the commercial spectrum), and would love some more international historical stories ranging from the Renaissance era to the 20th Century. I’d love something set in the art world, a mystery, crime or romance. I love strong female characters, especially when they go through an evolution as the story progresses and gradually find that inner strength.

On the children’s fiction front, I love all things fantasy and adventure – across lands, time and space, and involving strong friendships and strong lead characters. I like very vivid, well-crafted and imaginative worlds, for example stories set in a toy factory, or an all-female pirate ship, or in an underwater world. I’d love some more adventures set in space, à la Stark Trek and Wall-E. I want mysteries, quirky characters, explorers and imaginary friends."

How to submit: For fiction: send a query, and attach a one-page synopsis as well as the full manuscript to submissions@hardmanswainson.com. For nonfiction, send a proposal, a sample chapter, and the whole work if it is completed.

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Jenny Hewson of Rogers, Coleridge & White

Jenny Hewson represents a wide range of award winning & bestselling authors from around the world, including Sarah Perry, Christos Tsiolkas, Thomas Keneally, Amy Sackville, Alexander MacLeod, Melissa Harrison and Ashley Hay.

What she is seeking: Jenny is interested in literary fiction, historical fiction (in the vein of Helen Dunmore, Kate Mosse, Elizabeth Gifford), book club fiction, gothic fiction (in the vein of The Turn of the Screw, Rebecca, Melmoth), narrative non-fiction, memoir and writing from academics and experts of all kinds who can present brilliant non-fiction ideas to a general readership, especially in the field of popular science.

How to submit: Send material to jennyh@rcwlitagency.com. For fiction send the first three chapters or approximately the first fifty pages of the work to a natural break, and a brief synopsis. Fir non-fiction send a proposal up to twenty pages in length explaining what the work is about and why you are best placed to write it.

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Judith Murray of Greene & Heaton Ltd

Judith Murray joined the agency in 1995. She studied at Wadham College, Oxford and has a First in English Literature. She has worked as an editor at a number of UK publishing houses and as a talent scout for translation publishers.

What she is seeking: Judith loves literary fiction and well-written genre fiction, including thrillers, crime, historical novels and women’s fiction; and literary non-fiction including history, biography, memoirs, cookery and travel writing.

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) to your query in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Mention the name of the agent in the subject line of your email.
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Will Francis of Janklow and Nesbit (UK)

Will Francis joined Janklow & Nesbit in 2008. He represents writers of popular science and narrative history as well as novelists. Before starting his publishing career at Random House in 2000, he studied at King’s College London, and has lived in the US, India and Australia. Will regularly lectures on publishing and the changing role of the literary agent at conferences and universities across the UK, and can be found on Twitter @zcosini. He became Director of the UK office in 2013.

What he is seeking: He has a particular interest in literary fiction, thrillers, speculative fiction, and genre writers with a literary edge, as well as non-fiction rooted in provocative, challenging ideas.

How to submit: Please attach (Word format or PDF) your synopsis, and either the first three chapters or the first fifty pages, whichever you feel is appropriate 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. 

3 New Agents Seeking Speculative Fiction, Literary Fiction, Nonfiction and Memoirs

Pixabay These three new agents are actively seeking to expand their client lists. Brenna English-Loeb is specifically looking for works of YA and adult science fiction, fantasy, and suspense, adult literary fiction; and in nonfiction, serious, groundbreaking sociological work.  Karly Caserza specializes in middle grade and young adult genre fiction (fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary). Alexandra Franklin enjoys realistic upmarket and literary fiction. Campus novels, literary thrillers, and coming-of-age novels are of particular interest. On the nonfiction side, she is interested in unusual and offbeat memoir.

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

If these agents don't suit your needs, you can find a comprehensive list of new and established agents seeking clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.


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Ms. Karly Caserza of Fuse Literary


Associate Agent Karly Caserza was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Northern California as a child. She obtained her Business Marketing degree and has been a Freelance Graphic Designer for over 10 years. In addition to designing a wide range of print and web promotional material for clients, Karly creates book covers for Short Fuse and promotional graphics for Fuse authors.

Professionally, Karly began her career in the publishing industry as a reader for Tricia Skinner at Fuse Literary. Her responsibilities quickly grew and she was promoted to Literary Assistant, a role that also included a spot on the production team of Short Fuse.

Karly is also the Marketing Coordinator of the San Francisco Writers Conference, held every President’s Day weekend. In her spare time, Karly is an Adobe Technical Trainer, freelance graphic designer, Young Adult author, video game geek, and art noob.


What she is seeking: She specializes in middle grade and young adult genre fiction (fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary).

How to submit: Please submit using this form: http://queryme.online/Karly

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Ms. Brenna English-Loeb of Transatlantic Literary Agency

Brenna English-Loeb comes to TLA after working for several years at Janklow & Nesbit Associates and Writers House, where she had the pleasure of working with New York Timesbestselling and award-winning authors across multiple genres. At TLA she’s excited to grow her list of speculative and suspenseful fiction in both YA and adult, as well as adult nonfiction, in collaboration with senior agents.

What she is seeking: Brenna is specifically looking for works of YA and adult science fiction, fantasy, and suspense, as well as some adult literary fiction. She loves space operas, myth and fairy tale retellings, survival stories, epistolary novels, and heists. She also has a soft spot for stories that blend multiple genres and for works by and about underrepresented groups and identities.

Aspects of a work that are sure to catch her eye include: evocative atmospheres, character-driven plots, a sense of adventure, and narratives that reveal a deep knowledge of a particular subject. She also loves old tropes made new again, unreliable narrators, and power imbalances.

For nonfiction, Brenna is looking for serious, groundbreaking sociological work that holds our culture up to the magnifying glass. She also loves accounts of historical events and people that deserve to be better known, as well as unusual and influential object histories.

How to submit: Please send all submissions by email, including a query letter, short synopsis and the first ten pages of your manuscript to brenna@transatlanticagency.com

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Ms. Alexandra Franklin of Vicky Bijur Literary Agency

Alexandra Franklin joined the Vicky Bijur Literary Agency after internships and assistant experience at Writers House, HSG Agency, Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents, and Scholastic’s Alliance for Young Artists and Writers.

What she is seeking: Alexandra enjoys realistic upmarket and literary fiction and is drawn to fresh, engaging voices and complex but sympathetic protagonists. Campus novels, literary thrillers, and coming-of-age novels are of particular interest. On the nonfiction side, she is interested in unusual and offbeat memoir.

How to submit: Send queries addressed to queries[at]vickybijuragency.com. Please send a query letter of no more than three paragraphs on what makes your book special and unique, a very brief synopsis, its length and genre, and your biographical information, along with the first ten pages of your manuscript. 

19 Calls for Submissions in February 2019 - Paying markets

There are 19 calls for submissions in February 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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The First Line. Genre: Short story, nonfiction or poem beginning with a pre-set first line. To celebrate 20 years of the journal, they are inviting writers to select any one of the first lines from their previous journals. Payment: $25-50 for fiction, $5-10 for poetry, $25 for nonfiction. Length: 300-5,000 words. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

yəhaw̓. Restrictions: Open to Indigenous people living in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and British Columbia. This includes residents of those states belonging to Native communities outside of the Pacific Northwest, and outside of what is currently the United States. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, visual art, experimental work, and hybrids. Payment: $75. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Nonbinary Review: Books of Blood. Genre: Poetry, fiction, essays, and art on theme of the Clive Barker series Books of Blood. (Books only) Payment:1 cent per word for fiction and nonfiction, and a flat fee of $10 for poetry (singular poems or a suite) and $25 per piece of visual art. Deadline: February 6, 2019.

Suburban Review. Genre: Fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, comics, art on theme of Luck. Payment: Up to $225AU. Deadline: February 6, 2019.

Lethe Press: Transcendent 4: The Year's Best Transgender Speculative Fiction. Genre: Transgender-themed fiction with elements of the strange, the weird, the fantastic, horror and science fiction. Stories must be related to gender and/or sex minorities. All stories must have been published in 2018. No novellas, no work longer than 15,000 words. Payment: $25 to $100 depending on the length of the work. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Luna Station Quarterly. Restrictions: Open to women. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $5. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories about Running for Good. Genre: True stories. "We are looking for true stories or poems of 1200 words or less, about all aspects of running and walking and stories about running, walking and steps to raise awareness of and funds for a cause. Stories can be funny and quirky, or they can be serious and heartwarming." Payment: $200. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Every Day Fiction. Genre: Flash fiction up to 1000 words. Payment: $3. Deadline: February 24, 2019.

Cricket Media: Faces – Chocolate. Genre: Nonfiction articles, fiction, activities for children. Send query only. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: February 25, 2019.

Ninth Letter. Genre: Poetry and essays. Payment: $25 per printed page. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Apparition. Genre: Poetry and fiction on theme of Ambition. Payment: $0.01 per word, minimum of 10.00 dollars. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Blue Mesa Review. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Payment: $25. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories about Angels. Genre: True stories. "We are looking for true personal stories about how an angel has touched your life – stories of true wonder and awe from people who have directly encountered or received help from angels. Amazing stories that will make people say “wow” or give our readers chills. Have you experienced something otherworldly or celestial? Or had a personal experience with an angel or divine being? How did your angel manifest himself or herself to you? How did your angel protect or guide you? Do you have a guardian angel?" Payment: $200. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Darkhouse Books: What We Talk About When We Talk About It . Genre: Poetry or prose on theme of love. Payment: 50% of royalties. Deadline: February 28, 2019. Some reprints accepted.

Mizna. Theme: For this special 20th anniversary year issue of our eponymous literary journal, Mizna: Prose, Poetry, and Art Exploring Arab America, we call for writing that takes stock of the last two decades in Arab America while also looking to the future-Where have we been? Where are we now? Where could we go? Genre: Poetry, stories, creative essays, flash fiction, comics, and other literary interpretation of the topic whether direct or indirect. Payment: Honorarium. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

The New Quarterly. Restrictions: Open to Canadian writers. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $250 for a short story or nonfiction entry, and $40 per poem or postscript story. Deadline: February 28, 2019. Snail mail submissions only.
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Strange Constellations. Genre: Speculative fiction between 3000-7500 words. Payment: $30.  Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Triangulation Anthology. Genre: Speculative Fiction on theme of Dark Skies. "Dark Skies is a celebration of the natural beauty of the night sky. We are looking for speculative tales that feature a sky full of stars as a meaningful element of the story. Take us to other times and other worlds, or show us our own place in the universe and explore our ability, as sentient beings, to see out into the depths of space." Payment: $120. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Understorey Magazine (CAN). Restrictions: Open to writers and artists age 12-21 who live in Canada and identify as female or non-binary. Genres: Fiction, essay, poetry. Theme is "Francophone Women in Atlantic Canada ." Payment: $30-$60 per piece. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

51 Writing Contests in February 2019 — No entry fees

Wikimedia For a month that is nasty, brutish and short, February packs a punch when it comes to writing contests. This month there are 51 contests, and none charge entry fees. Prizes range from $100,000 to a free writing class. 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 is past, you can prepare for next year.

Good luck! 
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Life Writing Prize. Restrictions: Open to UK residents. Genre: Life writing. The Prize defines life writing as ‘intended to be true’, reflects someone’s own life journey or experiences and is not fiction. Prize: Winner will receive £1,500, publication on Spread the Word’s website, an Arvon course, two years’ membership to the Royal Society of Literature and a development meeting with an editor and an agent. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

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: February 1, 2019.

Fantastica SF Prize. Restrictions: Open to Australian and New Zealand writers. Genre: Science fiction. Length: 30,000 words or more. Payment: $2000. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Paterson Fiction Prize. Genre: Published novel or collection of short fiction. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards. Genre: Poetry, up to five poems per person. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People. Genre: Most outstanding book for young people published in 2016. There is a $500 award in each category: Pre-K — Grade 3; Grades 4–6; Grades 7–12. Prize: $500. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Paterson Poetry Prize. Genre: Poetry book published in 2018. Prize: $1000. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Gannon University Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Entrants must be a US high school student or a home-schooled student in grades nine through twelve.Genre: Poetry. Each student may enter 1 or 2 poems; each poem may be no longer than 50 lines. Prize: First Place: $100.00 Second Place: $75.00 Third Place: $50.00. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

The Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award. Genre: Short story of no more than 8,000 words that shows the near future (no more than about 50–60 years out) of manned space exploration. Prize: Publication as the featured story on the Baen Books main website paid at the normal paying rates for professional story submissions. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

$1000 for 1000 Words Creative Writing Contest is sponsored by the Leyla Beban Young Authors Foundation. Restrictions: Students enrolled in grades 6–12. Genre: Short fiction of exactly 1000 words. Prize: Two $1,000 scholarship prizes will be awarded, one for grades 6–8 and one for grades 9–12. Seven $100 cash prizes will also be awarded for winning entries, one per grade level. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

The Levis Reading Prize is sponsored by the Department of English and its MFA in Creative Writing program at Virginia Commonwealth University. Restrictions: The prize is given annually for the best first or second book of poetry published in the previous calendar year. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $5000. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Milt Kessler Poetry Book Award is sponsored by the Binghamton Center for Writers-State University of New York with support from the Office of the Dean of Binghamton University’s Harpur College of the Arts & Sciences. Genre: Poetry book in English published in 2017. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

Hart Crane Memorial Poetry Award. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $100. Deadline: February 1, 2019.

The Waterman Fund Essay Contest. Genre: Personal essays between 2000 and 3000 words. The topic is, simply, wilderness and wildness. Prizes: The winning essayist will be awarded $1500 and publication in Appalachia Journal. The Honorable Mention essay will receive $500. Deadline: February 2, 2019.

Charles Crupi Memorial Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to high school students in Michigan. Genre: Poetry. Prize: 1st place — $250 and publication in The Albion Review, 2nd place — $150 and publication in The Albion Review; 3rd place — $100 and publication in The Albion Review. Deadline: February 2, 2019.

Student Stowe Prize. Restrictions: Open to US high school and college students. Genre: published writing on a social justice or human rights topic, in the spirit of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Prize: Up to $2,500. Deadline: February 2, 2019.

Zocalo Public Square Poetry Prize. Restrictions: Open to US poets only. Genre: Poetry that evokes a connection to place. Prize: $500. Deadline: February 4, 2019. Note: Winning author gives up all rights.

Solid Essay Contest. Restrictions: Open to high school students. Genre: Essay (See site for topics.) Minimum number of words is 600 and maximum is 800. Prize: Scholarship of $1000. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

The University of Chester Flash (Youth). Restrictions: Open to Scottish students aged 16–19 who are studying in the UK. Genre: fFash fiction of up to 360 words. Prize: Up to £100. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

Bethesda Literary Festival Essay and Short Story Contest. The Bethesda Urban Partnership & Bethesda Magazine have partnered to honor local writers at the Bethesda Literary Festival. Genres: Essays and poetry. Adult and high school student categories. Restrictions: Residents of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia are eligible. Prizes: First Place: $500 and published in Bethesda Magazine. Second Place: $250. Third Place: $150. Honorable Mention: $75. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

Luminarts Creative Writing Program. The Creative Writing Competition awards five $5,000 grant awards and Luminarts Fellowships across categories of creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Open to writers between the ages of 18 and 30 years old at the time of application; be enrolled in, or have graduated from, a degree program; and live within 150 miles of the Union League Club of Chicago. Genre: Poetry or prose, fiction and nonfiction. Prize: $5,000 and publication in Luminarts Review, a literary journal. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

Lex Allen Literary Festival Prizes. Restrictions: Open to undergraduate college students. Genres: Poetry and fiction. Prize: $100. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

Writers’ Trust / McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize. Restrictions: Only works from writers who are Canadian citizens, whether living in Canada or abroad, or permanent residents of Canada are eligible. Genre: Short story or excerpt from a fiction work-in-progress first published by a Canadian magazine or annual anthology during the previous calendar year. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: February 8, 2019.

Library of Virginia Literary Awards. Restrictions: Open to writers who were born in or are residents of Virginia or, in the case of nonfiction, books with a Virginia theme, are eligible. Genre: Books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction published in the previous year. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: February 12, 2019.

Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook Short Story Competition. Genre: Short story. All entries must be original unpublished prose of 2,000 words or fewer. Prize: £500 and publication. Deadline: February 13, 2019.

North Carolina Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to residents of North Carolina (including students). Genre: Poetry. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 14, 2019. Snail mail entries only.

West Coast Eisteddfod Online Poetry and Short Story Competitions. Genre: Poetry, short story. (No limericks.) Prize: Poetry: $200 in each language category (Welsh and English). Short Story: $200.00 (one English-language entry) Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Judith A. Markowitz Award for Emerging LGBTQ Writers. Restrictions: The nominee must self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. The nominee must have written and published at least one but no more than two books of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Prize: $1000. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Ballard Spahr Prize for Poetry is an annual regional prize. Restrictions: Open to residents of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Michigan. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $10,000 as well as a contract for publication to the author of the winning manuscript. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Harold Morton Landon Translation Award. Genre: Poetry collection translated from any language into English and published in the previous calendar year. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Haiku Society of America Merit Book Awards for Excellence in Published Haiku, Translation, and Criticism. Genre: Published book. Books must have been published in 2018 and must clearly contain a printed 2018 copyright. A member, author, or publisher may submit or nominate more than one title. At least 50 percent of the book must be haiku, senryu, or haibun, or prose about these subjects (books mostly of tanka, for example, are not eligible). Prize: $500. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

Scotiabank Giller Prize. Restrictions: Open to books published in Canada in English. Books must be published in Canada in English between October 1, 2018 and February 28, 2019 to be eligible for the 2017 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: February 15, 2019.

Raiziss/de Palchi Translation Award. Genre: Poetry — translation into English of a significant work of modern Italian poetry. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

New York City Emerging Writers Fellowship. Restrictions: “Applicants must be current residents of one of the five boroughs, and must remain in New York City for the entire year of the fellowship. Students in degree-granting programs are not eligible to apply, even if the focus of study is not directly related to writing. This program supports emerging writers whose work shows promise of excellence. Applicants can be of any age, but must be in the early stages of their careers as fiction writers and will not have had the support needed to achieve major recognition for their work. We define “emerging writer” as someone who has not yet had a novel or short story collection published by either a major or independent publisher and who is also not currently under contract to a publisher for a work of fiction. Eligible applicants may have had stories or novel excerpts published in magazines, literary journals or online, but this is not a requirement.” Genre: Fiction. Grant: $5,000. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

The Sunday Times Audible Story Award. Restrictions: Open to any author who has been published in the UK or Ireland. Genre: Short stories of 6000 words or less. Prize: £30,000. Deadline: February 15, 2019.

The Tomorrow Prize. Restrictions: Open to high school students in Los Angeles. Genre: Science fiction, 1500 words max. Prize: $250. Deadline: February 18, 2019.

Past-Year Memoir Contest. Genre: True story about your past year in 18 words. Prize: Free Gotham class of your choosing. Deadline: February 19, 2019.

RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers. Restrictions: Candidates must be: A Canadian citizen or permanent resident; Under the age of 35; Unpublished in book form and without a book contract. Genre: Poetry. Prizes: Winner: $5,000; Finalists: $1,000. Deadline: February 18, 2019.

Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards.Restrictions: Open to authors who either are citizens or permanent residents of Western Australia. Genre: Book published during the preceding calendar year in a variety of genres. Prize: A$15,000. Deadline: February 18, 2019.

The Matthew Power Literary Reporting Award supports the work of a promising early-career nonfiction writer on a story that uncovers truths about the human condition. Genres: Nonfiction journalism works in progress with “strong, character-driven narratives with detailed scene writing and lyrical description.” Restrictions: The award will not fund proposals to report on armed conflicts where journalists are already imperiled, nor projects that are mainly investigatory. Prize: $12,500 grant and use of the NYU library. Deadline: February 19, 2019.

Gaithersburg Book Festival Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to high school students (grades 9–12) from across the Washington Metropolitan Area (Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC). Genre: Poetry. Prize: First, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive $250, $100 and $50 gift certificates. Deadline: February 21, 2019.

The Spotlight Books Competition (UK) Restrictions: Open to marginalized or under-represented authors in the UK. Genre: Short fiction or poetry of 8000–10,000 words/40–45 pages respectively, by Open to marginalized or under-represented authors in the UK. Prize: Publication and 10% royalties. Deadline: February 24, 2019.

Black Caucus of the American Library Association Self-Published E-Book Literary Award. Restrictions: Open to African-Americans. Genre: Self-Published E-Book in fiction and poetry. Prize: $500. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

The Gabo Prize for Literature in Translation & Multi-Lingual Texts. Genre: Literary translations and multi-lingual texts. Prize: $200. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Diana Woods Memorial Award in Creative Nonfiction. Genre: Essay, maximum 5,000 words. Prize: $250 top prize. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Poetry Matters Literary Prizes. Restrictions: Several categories, from middle-school to senior citizens. Genre: Poetry. Prize: 1st prize- $75; 2nd prize- $50; 3rd prize-$35; Honorable Mention- $25. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Solution Loans Short Story Contest. Restrictions: Open to UK residents 18 years and up. Genre: Short fiction on theme of “A New Home.” Prize: £200 and publication on the Solution Loans website. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

The Kelpies Prize (Scotland). Restrictions: Open to Scottish authors. Genre: Children’s fiction of both novel and short length. Prize: £1,000, a publishing contract, a writing retreat, and a year of mentoring by an editorial team. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

SLF Working Class Writers Grant is sponsored by the Speculative Literature Foundation. Genres: Speculative fiction, magical realism. Restrictions: Applicants must be working class (see guidelines page for definition) and demonstrate financial hardship. Available to international writers. Prize: $750. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

Spirit First Meditation Poetry Contest. Genre: Poem on the theme of mindfulness or meditation. Prize: $200. Deadline: February 28, 2019.

The Premises. Write a creative, compelling, well-crafted story in which someone or something of importance to the story is hidden in some way from at least one important character. It is entirely up to you whether the person/place/thing that is hidden is ever found/revealed/unhidden. Genre: Short story. Length: Between 1,000 and 5,000 words. Prize: Between US$60 and US$220, and publication. Deadline: February 28, 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 .

7 Writing Conferences in February 2019

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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The Writers Studio, sponsored by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, February 7–10, 2019, Los Angeles, CA. The conference offers workshops in fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as writing for television and film. Offered by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, the Writers Studio brings together a community of writing students to workshop with some of Southern California’s most accomplished writers and teachers. From among the 10 offered, participants choose one workshop in which they work closely with a professional writer in classes limited to no more than 15 people.

Get Away to Write. February 10–15, 2019: 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: Recasting Memory: Choice and Allegiances in Memoir with Barbara Hurd; Finding Your Authentic Voice: A Poetry Workshop with Peter E. Murphy; Plus Special Guest Pulitzer Prize Winner Stephen Dunn will offer one-on-one tutorials.

San Francisco Writers Conference, Feb. 14 -18, 2019, San Francisco, CA. Attendees will join with 100+ presenters and fellow writers from across the country and around the world at this year’s event. The SFWC events are consistently rated among the top writer’s conferences anywhere. “Our goal is to help writers become published authors as we help them become better at the craft and business of writing. The SFWC is also one of the friendliest conferences. Presenters this year will include bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers from major publishing houses. There will be experts on self-publishing, book promotion, platform building, social media, and author websites. The San Francisco Writers Conference has one of the largest faculties of any writer’s conference to ensure the best networking with the people who can help you get published.”

Southern California Writers’ Conference (and Retreat). February 15–17, 2019, San Diego, CA. Faculty: 60+ working, professional authors of fiction, nonfiction & screen, editors & agents. “Founded and run by professional writers the SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent with authoritative guidance to help distinguish those manuscripts that are ready for market consideration.” Cost: $350-$425. Manuscript critique & one-on-one consultation additional. Limited to 175 conferees.

Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference. February 22–23, 2019: Tempe, AZ. “The Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference creates a unique and intimate creative writing experience where writers of all backgrounds, genres, and skill levels gather together and connect through the celebration and study of literary craft, culture, and community. Featuring over 25 faculty members teaching more than 50 sessions, we seek to create a warm and welcoming environment that meets people wherever they are, where writers can learn from and support each other as they work toward their goals. Beyond regular programming, we also feature advanced pre-conference workshops, an exhibitor fair, scholarships, and fellowships. We also offer opportunities to advertise with or sponsor the conference as well.”

Genre-LA™ Creative Writing Conference. February 22–24, 2019: Van Nuys, CA. More than 30 best-selling authors of genre novels, literary agents, editors, publishers, industry experts, Hollywood veterans, educators, and publishing professionals will share their wisdom and experience to help take your writing to the next level.

St. Augustine Author-Mentor Novel Workshop, Feb 28 — March 3, 2019, St. Augustine, Florida. “The St. Augustine Author-Mentor Novel Workshop creates an intimate and professional environment that combines private meetings with small-group workshops, thus enabling aspiring authors to wisely approach the writing and publication of their novel. At the St. Augustine event, aspiring authors will:
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1) Work one-on-one with top authors and savvy market professionals.
2) Apply advanced story and narrative technique to their novel-in-progress.
3) Hone and improve their writer voice and style.
4) Learn the necessary inside mechanics of the publishing business.
5) Leave the workshop with a detailed plan to work towards publication of their novel.
Group workshop sessions will be interspersed with agent and author consultations, workshop assignments, as well as consults with workshop leaders.”
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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 .

24 Paying Markets for Blog Posts

There are a gazillion blogs out there. Yours is probably one of them. But not all blogs are created equal. Some get considerably more traffic than others. So, if you want your views, opinions, and/or brilliant writing to be noticed in this world of non-stop communication, you may want to consider writing for a blog that has a larger audience than yours. 

This can be done two ways: 1) Write for free, 2) Get paid. 

Writing for free is good idea provided that the site has substantial traffic. Well-trafficked sites can offer you a boost if they include a bio, and links to your blog or website. Getting paid is the preferable option, especially if the pay is decent. These sites can also provide links to your website as well as a bio. In both cases, read their terms carefully. Many sites, whether they pay or not, acquire all rights, meaning you will not have the right to use your article in the future.

Useful articles:

List of Guest Blogging Sites (140+ best sites) — Peter Sandeen keeps a huge list of blogs. Most do not pay.

Writers in Charge also has an enormous list of blogs that accept guest posts. Some of them pay.
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3rd Act Magazine

3rd Act Magazine is a blog and magazine that publishes articles “that are interesting, entertaining, important and relevant to older adults in the third act of their lives.” Payment: $25 — $50. “If you are a published writer with proven expertise and submit articles that are well researched and require little editing, you will be considered for our paid list of writers at a per word rate of $.25.” Read their submission guidelines.

Bless This List

Bless This List originated with readers who didn’t have any experience as writers but decided to put a list together and send it in. “You don’t need to be an expert — you just need to have great English, a sense of humor, and a love for things unusual or interesting.” Payment: $100. Read their submission guidelines.

Cooking Detective

CookingDetective.com (CD) is a cooking, recipe and food blog. “Here at CD we constantly publish informative articles, useful tips, how-to guide, expert interviews, experts round-up, and product reviews dedicated to cooking, cooking courses, cooking products, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, entertaining menus, fitness guides and other related topics.” Payment: $70 — $150. Read their submission guidelines.

Extra Crispy

It’s all about breakfast. Extra Crispy wants opinion pieces, reported stories, personal essays, works of humor, illustrated narratives, breakfast-y profiles of people, original recipes, how-tos and unusual points of view on the beloved morning meal are all welcome. No restaurant reviews. Payment: Average pay is 46 cents/word, according to Who Pays Writers. Read submission guidelines.

Freelance Mom

Freelance Mom is is a community for professional moms who believe that women can still be who they are after becoming a mom. “We believe the landscape has completely changed and that there is no better time for parents to be a freelancer or solopreneur.” Your article should offer current practical and actionable advice, tips and be *in-depth enough that the reader walks away with new knowledge and new approaches. Articles should be between 900 to 1,500 words. Payment: $75 to $100. Read their submission guidelines.

The Hairpin

The Hairpin is a general-interest site aimed at women. Payment: Who Pays Writers lists average pay at 18 cents/word. Read guidelines here.

Healthy Living

Healthy Living accepts articles on health related topics. (See the site for a list of topics.) Payment: Pay rates fluctuate. Read their submission guidelines.

The Introspectionist

The Introspectionist publishes more intelligent and in-depth articles than your average woman’s magazine. “We expect thought-provoking insights, uniquely informative pieces, and above all else, for you to show your work. Every article should have footnotes and links to where the reader can find more information. Reference peer reviewed articles from journals, books, and other high quality material.” Read their editorial calendar and include the edition and theme for which your article idea would apply. Pitches only. Payment: $25 for department piece (from 100 to 500 words). For a feature article up to 2000 words, $100. For a feature article up to 5000 words, $200. Short fiction pieces pay $25. Poems pay $25. Read guidelines here.

The IWA Wine Blog

The IWA Wine Blog is the official blog of International Wine Accessories. “Do you enjoy sharing your wine know-how with other wine lovers? Do you have a knack for writing original, engaging content? We’d love to hear from you!” Payment: $20-$50. Read guidelines here.

MoneyPantry

MoneyPantry is looking for anyone with unusual and interesting, yet practical, ideas for earning and saving more money. They like detailed stories with numbers, strategies, and tips. 700 words minimum. 1000 to 2000 words preferred. Payment: $30 to $150. Read guidelines here.

Ms. Magazine

Ms. is looking for pieces from a feminist perspective. “We consider articles on politics, social commentary, popular culture, law, education, art and the environment. We do not consider articles on fashion, beauty, fitness, travel, food or of a “self-help” variety. Film, music and book reviews are covered in-house.” To pitch the Ms. blog, please email blog@msmagazine.com. You may also submit completed works for consideration. Pitches should include a detailed description of what your piece will look like and when you can turn it around. Please also include links to previously published work if possible. Payment: Rates are negotiated. Read guidelines here.

Michelle Pippin

Michelle Pippin is looking for experts with first-hand experience about a business topic. “I do not want “writers” who write about “anything.” I want to share real-world experience from other business owners.” Payment: $50 — $150. Read guidelines here.

My Mind Body Metabolic Workout

My Mind Body Metabolic Workout focuses on women’s health. “The purpose of each post is to educate other women and provide personal insight into the realm of Health and Wellness.” Posts must be at least 750 words. Payment: $50. Read guidelines here.

RebelsMarket

“We love articles that entertain, educate and inspire. If you have a strong opinion on why tattoos and fishnets are not acceptable office attire, great. Or if you think this is absolute bullshit — that’s even better! We’re looking for strong opinion pieces, written with a fearless tone. But this doesn’t mean we won’t accept well thought out ‘how to’ guides and articles that are a little more neutral. Let’s face it — learning how to style a gothic corset is pretty important!” Payment: $50. Read guidelines here.

Re:Fiction

Re:Fiction is looking for informed articles about the craft, lifestyle, and business of fiction writing. “Are you an author, editor, or publisher with relevant experience to share? Drop us a line, and let’s talk!” Payment: $0.06 to $0.10 per word of the final edited version. Read guidelines here.

The Rooted in Rights

The Rooted in Rights Blog is a platform dedicated to amplifying the authentic perspectives of disabled writers. “We’re seeking articles and op-eds on disability rights topics, written by people who identify as disabled. In order to have your piece considered for publication, keep in mind that it’s important to interweave your personal insights and experiences with broader cultural and disability rights issues. We accept a mix of narrative and reported pieces.” Payment: $100. Read guidelines here.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Blog

The SFWA Blog is open to nonfiction submissions that might be of interest to new and/or established writers of science fiction and fantasy. Length: 500–1000 words. Payment: 6 cents per word. Read guidelines here.
SlickWP

SlickWP is a blog focused on teaching people how to get the most out of WordPress and the Genesis Theme Framework. They are mainly interested in publishing WordPress and Genesis focused tutorials or reviews of WordPress themes and plugins. Payment: $100. Read their submission guidelines.

Submittable

Submittable is interested in sharing your work about the publishing industry, creativity, and digital media. They prefer submissions of 1000 words or less. Payment: $50 per post, payable upon publication. Read their submission guidelines.

Travel Fashion Girl

The title says it all. This site is all about traveling literally in style — just for women. Payment: 5 cents/word. Read guidelines here.

WeAreTeachers

WeAreTeachers welcomes submissions on a wide range of topics pertaining to education and teacher life. We also accept submissions for our sister site, School Leaders Now. Payment: If we publish your submission, you will receive a $100 honorarium. Plus, if you’re a blogger, we’ll include a link to your blog or website. Most of their blog posts run between 500–700 words.Read their submission guidelines.

What Culture

What Culture (UK) covers TV, Gaming, Music, History, Science, Technology, Comics, Sport, and Literature, and become the biggest unofficial Wrestling website in the world. “List-driven written features are our bread and butter. But we’ll also consider Quizzes, Galleries, Video submissions or News pieces.” Payment: £0.50 for every 1,000 views generated in the first 28 days of publication. Read submission guidelines.

Women on Writing

WOW! welcomes queries from its audience of women writers. “We are now open to general queries, as long as it relates to the craft of writing and publishing. We are particularly looking for how-tos on a variety of writing and publishing topics, and interviews/round-ups with acquiring editors/literary agents/publishers. All articles must have takeaway value for fellow writers.” Payment: $50 or $75. Read submission guidelines here.

Women’s Voices for Change

Women’s Voices for Change invites submissions of news commentaries, personal essays, and expert analysis. “We encourage all WVFC readers to take part in the ongoing conversation aimed at redefining the way women over 40 are seen in the culture, and how we see ourselves. Previously unpublished nonfiction work is preferred.” Payment: $50 per post. Read their submission guidelines.

Write Naked

Write Naked is a blog about writing. Topics include: Interviews, Publishing Trends, Writing Essentials, Behind the Pen, and Day-in-the-Life of a Writer. Posts must be 450–650 words. See submission periods. Payment: $75.00 per post. Read their submission guidelines.

Writer’s Weekly
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WritersWeekly.com focuses on “selling” the written word. “We do not seek articles on how to write. Rather, we seek articles on how to make more money doing what you love….writing! We are also interested in other forms of home-based businesses and self-employment that may result from writing, such as self-publishing, corporate writing, ghostwriting, etc. All ideas that help writers support themselves performing the work they love are warmly welcomed.” Payment: $60. Read their guidelines here.

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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 .

Being a Writer Is the Fastest Way to Starve to Death

Wikimedia When my son was contemplating various professions, I told him, “Whatever you do, don’t become a writer. It’s the fastest way to starve to death.” It turns out I was right. (I hate being right all the time.) 

The Authors Guild, of which I am a proud member, has released a report on writing income for American authors. In their terms, we are facing a “‘crisis of epic proportions for American authors’” when it comes to making a living from writing, especially for literary authors.” I would like to think this is why I’ve gotten over a thousand rejections. I’m just too literary! But in fact, every writer’s income has dropped dramatically. 

So, all you young and old writers, keep your day job. You’re gonna need it.

 (My son, much to my chagrin, is a writer. He is starving to death in Los Angeles.) 
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New Guild Report Finds More Declines in Author Earnings
By Calvin Reid, January 7, 2019 

In what the Authors Guild is calling the “largest survey of U.S. professional writers ever conducted,” the organization reports the median income published American authors received for all writing-related activity in 2017 was $6,080 in 2017, down from $10,500 in the guild’s 2009 survey. 

The survey further found that the median income for specifically book-related income for published authors declined 21%, to $3,100, in 2017 from $3,900 in 2013 and just over 50% from 2009’s median book earnings of $6,250. 

The survey was conducted by the Authors Guild in collaboration with 14 other writer and publishing related organizations, and includes data from more than 5,000 published book authors. Previous surveys had focused mainly on guild members and drew a smaller number of responses. A guild spokesperson acknowledged that the surveys have different pools of respondents, but said the guild still believes the figures indicate the general income decline holds true for guild members and for published authors as whole.

Read the rest of this depressing article HERE .
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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 .

3 UK Agents Seeking Thrillers, Narrative Nonfiction, Horror, Speculative Fiction and More

These three UK agents are actively seeking to expand their client lists. Claire Paterson Conrad represents a wide range of subjects and authors, both fiction and non-fiction, literary and commercial. Joanna Swainson is looking for crime and thrillers, ghost stories, speculative fiction, horror, and narrative nonfiction. Cara Jones is looking for exciting new voices in fiction, particularly crime and thrillers, and is also interested in thought-provoking narrative non-fiction. 

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

If these agents don’t suit your needs, you can find a comprehensive list of new and established agents seeking clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.
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Cara Jones of Rogers, Coleridge & White
 
Cara Jones started her career in publishing in 2002 at Random House and joined Rogers, Coleridge & White in 2006.
What she is seeking: Cara is looking for exciting new voices in fiction, particularly crime and thrillers, and is also interested in thought-provoking narrative non-fiction.
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How to submit: Send a query letter to cara@rcwlitagency.com. 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 include a proposal up to twenty pages explaining what the work is about and why you are best person to write it. Material should be in 12 point font, double-spaced.
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Claire Paterson Conrad of Janklow and Nesbit (UK)
Claire Paterson Conrad began her publishing career at Chatto & Windus, went on to work for Granta and Canongate Books, then subsequently moved to New York, where she lived for five years and worked for the New York Review of Books. There she became Publisher of the NYRB Classics series, an imprint which republishes great and sometimes forgotten literature. Claire returned to the UK in 2002, and joined Janklow & Nesbit as a literary agent.

What she is seeking: She represents a wide range of subjects and authors, both fiction and non-fiction, literary and commercial.

How to submit: Please include a covering letter in the body of your email and attach other components in Word format if possible, or as PDFs. 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. If you are submitting fiction, you should include a covering letter, synopsis, and either the first three chapters or the first fifty pages, whichever you feel is appropriate. Your covering letter and synopsis should ideally be no longer than a page each. If you are submitting non-fiction, you should include a covering letter, 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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Joanna Swainson of Hardman & Swainson Literary Agency (UK) 

After a degree in French Joanna ran a business for several years, providing a range of copy writing and editing services. Her love of books and an interest in writing led her to freelance for a number of literary agents, including one of the most commercial agencies in London as well as a specialist children’s agent.
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What she is seeking: “In fiction, I am looking for complex, larger-than-life characters. I love crime and thrillers at both ends of the commercial / literary spectrum. I also love a good ghost story and accessible speculative fiction, as well as a bit of horror. Whatever the genre, whether literary or commercial, for adults or children, historical or contemporary, thriller or crime, I’m looking for originality and distinctive voices. On the non-fiction front, I enjoy narrative non-fiction, especially popular history and science. I’m very partial to a memoir. I also enjoy nature writing.”
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How to submit: Send a query, and attach a one-page synopsis as well as the full manuscript, and send by email to: submissions@hardmanswainson.com. For nonfiction send an email outlining your book, why it has a place on the bookshelf and why you are qualified to write it, along with a proposal and a sample chapter of the whole work, if it is completed. Please include the sample material along with the query — either as an attachment or in the body of the email.
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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 .