Erica Verrillo's Blog, page 44

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.)

_______________________

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.
​
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! 
_____________________

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.
​_____________________

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.)
_____________________

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:
​
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.”
___________________

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.
________________

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
​
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.

_____________________


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.) 
____________________
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 .
_________________

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.
___________________
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.
​
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.
___________________

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.
___________________

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.
​
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.”
​
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.
___________________

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 .

2 Agents Actively Seeking YA, Romance, Mysteries & Suspense and more

Flickr by Cas Here are two agents actively expanding their client lists. Jessica Errera is looking for commercial women’s fiction with a fresh and fun hook, all genres of YA (especially diverse stories), contemporary romance, mysteries and suspense, the occasional historical fiction, and anything that might be read in a day on the beach. Kelli Martin is passionate about romance, focusing on contemporary romance and romantic suspense, and is also excited to discover new talent and shape content in commercial women’s fiction, including love stories, romantic comedies, suspense, family dramas, friendship dramas, beach reads, and women-coming-into-their-own stories.

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.
___________________

Jessica Errera of Jane Rotrosen Agency

Jessica has been with JRA since 2014. Jessica is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she spent four years cheering on the Tar Heels and a few fantastic months interning with Algonquin Books.

What she is seeking: She is looking for commercial women’s fiction with a fresh and fun hook, all genres of YA (especially diverse stories), contemporary romance, mysteries and suspense, the occasional historical fiction, and anything that might be read in a day on the beach.

How to submit: Submissions should be emailed to jerrera[at]janerotrosen[dot]com
Send a query letter that includes a synopsis of your work, any relevant biographical information/publishing history, and the first three chapters pasted into the body of the email.
_______________

Kelli Martin of Wendy Sherman Associates

Kelli Martin began her book publishing career over twenty years ago. She started at Simon & Schuster and rose up the editorial ladder at HarperCollins, Harlequin, and Amazon Publishing. At Amazon Publishing, Kelli acquired and edited some of the house’s highest selling, breakout authors and books in romance and commercial fiction; in addition, she served as the launch editor and public face of Montlake Romance as well as Executive Editor at Lake Union.

What she is looking for: Kelli is passionate about building the agency’s romance program, focusing on contemporary romance and romantic suspense, and is also excited to discover new talent and shape content in commercial women’s fiction, including love stories, romantic comedies, suspense, family dramas, friendship dramas, beach reads, and women-coming-into-their-own stories.
​
How to submit: Please send all e-mail submissions to submissions@wsherman.com. Include your last name, title, and the name of the agent you are submitting to in the subject line. For fiction, please include a query letter and your first 10 pages copied and pasted in the body of the email. They will not open attachments unless they have been requested.

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 .

2019 New Year’s Resolution for Writers: To Thine Own Work Be True

Every year, at about this time, I make a special New Year’s writing resolution. To my credit, I have managed to carry most of them through. In 2017 I resolved to write what I feared. That resolution had to do with stretching my boundaries. I am a fiction writer, and I have terror of writing memoirs, so I began to write one. (And it has been every bit as frightening as I thought it would be.)

The following year, in the throes of memoir-phobia, I resolved to finish. Starting new projects is fun and exciting, but actually finishing them is another matter entirely. I promised myself I would finish writing my memoir in 2018. Sad to say, I failed. (In my defense, I did write more than 80,000 words of it. And I swear I will finish it before I die.)

This year, after giving much thought to the process of writing, I have resolved to ignore my potential audience, along with the requirements of agents and editors, and simply fulfill the potential of my work the best I can. 

For writers, who lately have been saddled with all sorts of marketing tasks (“Who will read your book?” “Give us three comps,” “Do you have an online platform?” “Do you know anybody famous who will endorse your book?” and so forth.), simply maintaining loyalty to your work can get short shrift. What you have to say can get overshadowed by considerations of whether it will have market appeal, and if your hypothetical audience will want to read your words. 

​The primary loyalty of any author should be to the work itself. You have something to say? Then say it to the best of your ability, shoving all other considerations aside until you have fully and completely expressed yourself. Once you have finished your book, it will take on a life of its own, much like giving birth to a baby. It will have its own personality, and it acquire new meaning, often independent of the one you have given it. But that will only happen if you devote yourself to putting the work first, leaving all other considerations second.
Now go tell your story, the way only you can.
​_______________

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) take a look at Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity .

27 Calls for Submissions in January 2019 - Paying markets

Public Domain


There are more than two dozen calls for submissions in January 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.)
________________________ 

Crystal Lake Publishing: Tales from The Lake. Genre: Horror. Payment: $0.03/word. Deadline: January 1, 2019.

Ellipsis Zine, Five: Love Pride. Genre: Fiction celebrating LGBTQ writers and writing. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: January 3, 2019.

The Stinging Fly. Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Payment: Fiction and nonfiction: €25 per magazine page. Poetry: €40 for single poem/magazine page. Featured Poet: €200. Deadline: January 9, 2019.

Texas Home School Coalition Review. Genre: Nonfiction articles about home schooling. (See website for topics.) Payment: $40 for nonexclusive print and electronic rights to feature articles that have been published previously, or works to which the author wishes to retain the copyright. (Authors should confirm that agreements with previous publishers will not conflict with THSC’s nonexclusive rights.) $110 for the exclusive print and electronic copyright to previously unpublished works.Deadline: January 10, 2019.

Overland. Genre: Progressive fiction on theme of ‘future sex’. Payment: $150. Deadline: January 14, 2019.
Shifters United: Shifter Mix-ups. Genre: Paranormal romance/urban fantasy novellas featuring shape shifters. Length: 20,000 to 50,000 words. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: January 15, 2019.

Rattle: Instagram Poets. Genre: Poetry. The poems may be any style, length, or subject, but must have first appeared on Instagram and not yet appeared in print. Payment: $100. Deadline: January 15, 2019.

Ruminate. Ruminate welcomes submissions that both subtly and overtly engages faith from all the world religions. Genre: Poetry. Payment: $17/page of poetry (with a maximum of $60 per poem). Deadline: January 15, 2019.

Women Artists Datebook. Genre: Poetry, art. Payment: $70. Deadline: December 15, 2019.

Sanitarium Magazine. Genre: Horror. Payment: Token. Deadline: January 15, 2019.

Helios Magazine. Genres: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and art. Payment:$0.03 USD per word for the first 1,500 words and $0.01 USD after for short stories, and $0.25 USD a line for poetry. Deadline: January 15, 2019.

Great Weather for MEDIA: Annual Print Anthology. Genres: Poetry, flash fiction, short stories, dramatic monologues, and creative nonfiction. “Our focus is on the fearless, the unpredictable, and experimental but we do not have a set theme for our anthologies.” Payment: $10. Deadline: January 15, 2019.

Wizards in Space. Genres: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $30. Deadline: January 15, 2019. Reprints accepted.

Outlook Springs. Genre: “Weird, wobbly wordwork: fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.” Payment: $10 for poems, $25 for prose. Deadline: January 15, 2019.

Prairie Fire: Work Matters. Genre: Fiction, creative non-fiction, essays, and poetry on the topic of work. Payment: Print — Prose: $0.10 per word. Poetry: $40 per poem. Deadline: January 18, 2019.

18th Wall Productions: War of the Worlds — Absolute War. Genre: Short stories expanding on H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds. They’re seeking to show the entire world’s response to the Invasion. They have detailed guidelines about what they do and do not want in the stories. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: January 20, 2019.

Enchanted Conversation: A Fairy Tale Magazine. Genre: Prose or poem fairy tale on theme “Love.” Payment: $30/story; $10/poem US dollars only. Deadline: January 20, 2019.

NonBinary Review. Genre: Art and literature that “tiptoes the tightrope between now and then. Art that makes us see our literary offerings in new ways. We want language that makes us reach for a dictionary, a tissue, or both. Words in combinations and patterns that leave the faint of heart a little dizzy. We want insight, deep diving, broad connections, literary conspiracies, personal revelations, or anything you want to tell us about the themes we’ve chosen.” Theme: Books of Blood. Payment: Semi-pro. Deadline: January 23, 2019.

EVENT. Genres: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry. Payment: $25/page. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

The Children of Clark Ashton Smith. Genre: Fantasy inspired by CAS. Payment: One penny Sterling per word, with a minimum payment of £10 Sterling for poems and very, very short stories. For illustrations, £30 for ‘header’ illustrations to a story, £100 for full page illustrations and £200 for the cover illustration. Deadline: January 31, 2019. Reprints accepted.

Room Magazine. Genre: Feminist fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, art, interviews, and book reviews. Next issue: “Sports.” Payment: $50 CAD for one page, $60 for two pages, $90 for three pages, $120 for four pages, $150 for five or more pages. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

Freeze Frame Fiction. Genre: Flash fiction; issues are themed. Payment: $10. Deadline: January 31, 2019.
Arc. Genre: Poetry. Payment: $50 per page. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

Less than Three Press: Bound By Nothing — LGBTQIA Collection Call. Genre: Stories of shape shifters with disabilities, from the physical to mental, visible to invisible. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

To Seoul, from the World. Genre: Short stories set in and/or about the city of Seoul. Payment: 5 cents/word. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

Ashland Creek Press. Genre: Book-length fiction and nonfiction on the themes of the environment, animal protection, ecology, and wildlife. Payment: Royalties. Deadline: January 31, 2019.
​
Nashville Review. Genre: Fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Payment: $25 per poem & song selection; $100 per selection for all other categories, including featured artwork. Translators receive $25 per poem & $100 for prose selections. Deadline: January 31, 2019.
_____________________
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) take a look at Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity

43 Writing Contests in January 2019 - No entry fees

"Does this coat make me look fat?" - Pixabay

January is a great month for writing contests. This month there are 42 contests, and none charge entry fees. Prizes range from $40,000 to a camera. 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.
​

___________________ 

 On Teaching Poem Prize. Genre: Unpublished poem written about K–12 teaching and/or teachers. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: January 1, 2019.

Tony Hillerman Prize. Sponsored by St. Martin’s Press. Genre: Debut mystery novel set in Southwest. Prize: $10,000 advance against royalties and publication, Deadline: January 2, 2019.

Stop the Hate: Youth Speak Out Essay Contest Grades 6–12. Stop the Hate® is designed to create an appreciation and understanding among people of differing religions, races, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Genre: Essay, 500 words. Restrictions: Northeast Ohio 6–12th Graders. Prize: $40,000. Deadline: January 9, 2019 for Grades 6–10, January 16, 2019 for Grades 11–12.

The Mogford Prize for Food And Drink Writing. Genre: Short story which specifically includes the subjects of food and/or drink within the plot. 2500 words. Prize:£10,000 to be awarded during the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival in April 2016. Deadline: January 7, 2019.

The Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award introduces emerging writers to the New York City literary community. The prestigious award aims to provide promising writers a network for professional advancement. Since Poets & Writers began the Writers Exchange in 1984, 85 writers from 33 states and the District of Columbia have been selected to participate. Restrictions: Open to Arkansas residents. Genre: Poetry and Fiction. Prize: A $500 honorarium; A trip to New York City to meet with editors, agents, publishers, and other writers. All related travel/lodgings expenses and a per diem stipend are covered by Poets & Writers. Winners will also give a public reading of their work; and One-month residency at the Jentel Artist Residency Program in Wyoming. Deadline: January 7, 2019.

Leah Ryan’s FEWW Playwriting Prize. Restrictions: Open to women. Genre: Completed full-length work for theater. Prize: $2,500, a workshop at the Vassar Powerhouse Theater, and a reading in New York City. Deadline: January 7, 2019.

Japan Center-Canon Essay Competition. The aim of the Japan Center Essay Competition is to promote awareness and understanding of Japan in the United States and to help young Americans broaden their international horizons. Genre: Essay. Contestants should write, in English, one or more aspects of Japan including art, culture, tradition, values, philosophy, history, society, politics, business, and technology in relation to their personal views, experiences, and/or future goals. (Contestants do not need to have any experience in visiting Japan or studying Japanese. Prize: Best Essay Award in the High School Division: 1st Place: $3,000 and a Canon camera, 2nd Place: $1,500 and a Canon camera, 3rd Place: $750 and a Canon camera; Best Essay Award in the College Division: $3,000 and a Canon camera; Uchida Memorial Award: $1,000 and a Canon camera; Merit Award: $200 (each) for up to five awards. Deadline: January 8, 2019.

New York Times ‘Win a Trip with Nick Kristof’ Contest. Restrictions: US college and graduate students. Genre: Essay. Prize: Trip with Nick Kristof. Deadline: January 11, 2019.

Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America Best First Crime Novel Competition. Restrictions: The Competition is open to any writer, regardless of nationality, aged 18 or older, who has never been the author of any published novel (except that authors of self-published works only may enter, as long as the manuscript submitted is not the self-published work) and is not under contract with a publisher for publication of a novel. Genre: Murder or another serious crime or crimes is at the heart of the story. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: January 11, 2019.

Writing with the Stars. Genre: Picture book writers and illustrators. Prize: Free three-month mentorship with a published author or author/illustrator. Mentors will help mentees further develop their craft and share invaluable advice and insight into the publishing world. Deadline: January 13, 2019.

Orwell Prize. Genre: Political writing published between 1st January and 31st January 2018. All entries must have a clear British link. Journalism and ‘exposing Britain’s social evils’. Prize: £3,000.00. Deadline: January 14, 2019. (Their website is impossible to figure out, which is ironic.)

French-American Foundation Translation Prizes. Genre: Book — best English translation of French in both fiction and non-fiction. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: January 14, 2019.

Texas Institute of Letters Literary Awards. Restrictions: Entrants must have resided in Texas for at least 2 consecutive years, or have been born in Texas. Genre: Book (published). 11 different categories. Prize: $6,000. Deadline: January 15, 2019.

Beatrice Medicine Award for Scholarship in American Indian Studies. Genre: Essay and/or book about Native American studies published in 2018. Prize: $250. Deadline: January 15, 2019.

Rattle Instagram Poets. Genre: Poem that first appeared on Instagram. Prize: $100. Deadline: January 15, 2019.
Stephen A DiBiase Poetry Prize. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $500. Deadline: January 15, 2019.

Electa Quinney Award for Published American Indian Stories. Genre: Story. “This award seeks to highlight the work of story creators who continue the tradition of teaching through narratives often crossing the boundaries of genres, formats and disciplines. To celebrate the dissemination of stories into spaces where they can be shared all published stories qualify including small press and fine arts printing.” Prize: $250. Deadline: January 15, 2019.

The Ellen Meloy Fund for Desert Writers was established in 2005 to honor the memory of Ellen Meloy. The Fund provides support to writers whose work reflects the spirit and passions embodied in Ellen’s writing and her commitment to a “deep map of place.” Ellen’s own map-in-progress was of the desert country she called home. Genre: Only literary or creative nonfiction proposals will be considered. No fiction or poetry proposals will be reviewed. Prize: $3,000. Deadline: January 15, 2019.

Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize. Restrictions: Open to women, US citizens only. Genre: Novel. All entries must be submitted by publishers who wish to have the work of their authors that were published in the year 2018 considered. No self-published works or works from vanity presses will be accepted. Prize: $7,500. Deadline: January 15, 2019.
Northern California Book Awards. Restrictions: Books written by authors based in northern California and published for the first time in 2018 are eligible for nomination. Genre: Published book. Prize: $100. Deadline: January 15, 2019.
The Page Street Kids Prize (USA). Genre: Picture books of typical length by any USA author. Prize: $1000 Visa gift card, text and art development feedback, and consideration for publication. Submit a book dummy aimed at ages 4–8 (or narrative nonfiction for ages 8–12). Deadline: January 15, 2019. More info here.

Ellipsis. Restrictions: Open to authors who have not had a collection/novel/novella published previously. Genre: Flash fiction collection. Prize: Publication and royalties. Deadline: January 17, 2019.

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest is sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. Restrictions: The contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; US students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program; and US citizens attending schools overseas. Genre: Essay on an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1956. Prize: The first-place winner receives $10,000 comprised of a $5,000 cash award and $5,000 from John Hancock. The second-place winner receives $1,000. Up to five finalists receive $500 each. Deadline: January 18, 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 held April. Genres: Essays and short stories. 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: January 18, 2019.

Poetry Society of Virginia — Student Contest. Restrictions: Open to students in Virginia, grades 3–12. Prize: $10 — $25. Deadline: January 19, 2019.

Nine Dots Prize. Restrictions: Open to authors age 18+. Genre: Summary response on topic “Is there still no place like home?” 3,000 words. Prize: $100,000. Winner will be asked to write a book on the topic. Deadline: January 21, 2019.

Sweekstars Competition. Genre: Poetry and prose. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: January 22, 2019.

Driftless Unsolicited Novella Contest. Genre: Novella. Prize: $250 and publication with Brain Mill Press. Deadline: January 22, 2019.

NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowships, awarded in fifteen different disciplines over a three-year period, are $7,000 cash awards made to individual originating artists living and working in the state of New York for unrestricted use. These fellowships are not project grants but are intended to fund an artist’s vision or voice, regardless of the level of his or her artistic development. Deadline: January 23, 2019.

Roswell Award for Short Science Fiction. Genre: Science fiction, 1500 words max. Prize: $500. Finalists have their stories read by celebrities in Hollywood. Deadline: January 28, 2019.

Jerry Jazz Musician Fiction Contest. “The Jerry Jazz Musician reader has interests in music, social history, literature, politics, art, film and theater, particularly that of the counter-culture of mid-twentieth century America.” Genre: Previously unpublished work of short fiction. Prize: $100.00. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

Helen and Kurt Wolff Translator’s Prize. The annual Helen and Kurt Wolff Translator’s Prize is awarded each spring to honor an outstanding literary translation from German into English published in the USA the previous year. Genre: Published fiction or non-fiction, may include: novels, novellas, short stories, plays, poetry, biographies, essays and correspondence. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

The Danuta Gleed Literary Award for best first collection of short fiction in the English language was initiated by John Gleed in honour of his late wife to promote and celebrate the genre of short fiction, which she loved. Restrictions: Canadian residents only. Prize: A $10,000 prize will be awarded for the best first collection of published short fiction in the English language. Two finalist will also be awarded $500 each. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

Caine Prize for African Writing. Restrictions: Open to writers born in Africa, or nationals of an African country, or with a parent who is African by birth or nationality, Genre: Short fiction (published). Prize: £10,000. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

Sunburst Awards. Restrictions: Open to Canadians. Genre: Speculative fiction short stories published in 2018. Prize: ? Deadline: January 31, 2019.

Canute A. Brodhurst Prize for Short Fiction. Genre: Short story, maximum of 3,500 words or 10 pages, accepted by The Caribbean Writer. See theme. Prize: $400. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

Daily News Prize. Genre: Poem, of any length, written by a US or UK Virgin Islands resident accepted for publication by The Caribbean Writer during the deadline year. Prize: $300. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

Encore Award. Restrictions: Open to British or Commonwealth citizens. Genre: Second published novel. Book must have been first published in the UK. Prize: 10,000 pounds. Deadline: January 31, 2019.

Imagine Little Tokyo. Little Tokyo Historical Society (LTHS) seeks fictional short stories in Japanese or English for its second annual “Imagine Little Tokyo” writing contest. The setting of the story should be in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA– either past, present or future. Prize: $600. The winner of the youth division (18 or younger) will receive $400. Deadline: January 31, 2019.
 
Nelson Algren Literary Awards is a short story contest sponsored by the Chicago Tribune. This contest is open to residents of the United States. All entries must be: fiction, less than 8,000 words, double spaced, written in English. Prize: One grand prize winner will receive $3,500. Four finalists will each receive $1,000. Five runners-up will each receive $500. Total value of all prizes: $10,000. Deadline: January 31, 2019.
 
Walter Rumsey Marvin Grant. Restrictions: Open to authors under 30 years of age who have not had a book published. Applicant must have been born in Ohio or have lived in Ohio for a minimum of five years. Genre: Short fiction and creative non-fiction. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: January 31, 2019.
 
16th Michael E. DeBakey Medical Student Poetry Awards. Restrictions: Only undergraduates currently enrolled in accredited United States medical schools are eligible. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $1,000 top prize. Deadline: January 31, 2019. Note: Winners do not retain copyright.

___________________
​
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) take a look at Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity .