Erica Verrillo's Blog, page 63

How Long Does It Take to Write a Book?

If you have set out to write a novel, a memoir, or a non-fiction book, the question "How long will this take?" almost inevitably arises - especially if you have been at it for a few months.

That question is not easily answered, because it depends entirely on what you are writing. Some projects require months of research, others only need that special "Ah!" moment when a story somehow inserts itself in the mind of the unsuspecting writer.

Now that I've claimed the question can't be answered, I am going to answer it in a most unsatisfactory manner: Like childbirth, writing a book takes as long as it takes. If you are on a manic roll, it can take a couple of months. (One of my novels took only a few weeks to write. At 90,000 words, it was an exhilarating and exhausting experience.) If you are grappling with the text, writing your book can take decades. (It has taken me twenty years, so far, to finish another one of my novels. It is only 55,000 words, so I have no idea why this book is proving so stubborn.)

If you are stuck on a project, putting it down for a while can be enormously helpful. You may find that your unconscious continues to work on it, even when you are not writing. Working on other projects is also quite helpful. I usually write two books at once. That way, when I hit a snag with one, I can simply switch off to the other.

Writing in another genre is extremely liberating. If you are a novelist, write nonfiction. If you write long form, write a short story. Write a screenplay if you have never written one. By stretching yourself in different directions, whatever roadblock preventing you from finishing your book will be removed.

The important thing is to keep writing. Write anything. It is not important what you write, it is only important that you write.

Here are some famous books whose writers either took their time, or dashed them off in a rush. As you can see, how long it took to write these books has little to do with their quality. At one end of the spectrum, John Boyne said that he wrote the entire first draft of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas in two and a half days, barely sleeping until he finished it. At 44,800 words, that amounts to 747 words an hour. It's quite possible to dash off 700 words for a few hours - that is how many of us write our short stories - but sustaining that kind of output for days is hard to imagine.

Other books on the short end of the scale include: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (6 days), A Clockwork Orange (3 weeks), A Study in Scarlet (3 weeks), A Christmas Carol (6 weeks), and As I lay Dying (6 weeks).

At the far end of the spectrum is J. R. R. Tolkien, who took 16 years to complete the Lord of the Rings. At 455,000 words, that amounts to 28,000 words a year, roughly the length of a novella.

Les Miserables took Victor Hugo 12 years to write, Catcher in the Rye and Gone with the Wind each took ten years, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone took five.

Realistically, your book should fall somewhere between Boyne's and Tolkien's.

8 Established Literary Agents Actively Seeking Clients

Here are eight literary agents actively seeking clients. Make sure you read the agency's website before submitting, especially the submissions page, for more information.

The more you know about an agent before submitting the better. An excellent resource for checking out agents is Absolute Write. (Just type Absolute Write and the agent's name into a Google search.)

Note: For a complete list of dozens of new and established agents actively seeking clients click here. 

Happy submitting!
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Danielle Smith of Lupine Grove Creative


Danielle's publishing career began with her well known book reviews and articles, of which many can still be found at There's A Book. Additionally she wrote for print & online publications such as Women's World and Parenting Magazine. She's an author, literacy advocate, professional flutist and movie lover. Danielle has also served as a judge for the Cybils Awards in the picture book category for three years as well as for the INSPYs and various other writing competitions. Danielle was formerly an agent at Red Fox Literary. She launched Lupine Grove Creative in 2017.

What she is looking for: Only submissions of the picture book, early reader, chapter book, middle grade and young adult book variety as well as illustrators will be considered. 

How to submit: Send a query via email and paste your manuscript (ten pages for novels/chapter books; full text of picture book for picture books/early readers) within the body of the email to submissions@lupinegrove.com.

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Lorin Oberweger of Adams Literary

Before joining Adams Literary, Lorin Oberweger served as a highly sought-after independent book editor and ghostwriter for more than two decades, helping to shepherd hundreds of books—including many bestsellers—to publishing success. She is particularly known for her one-on-one story development and workshops for writers of all genres of fiction and creative non-fiction. Lorin is a popular speaker at conferences around the country, including many appearances at SCBWI events. 

An award-winning author, Lorin has written for a wide variety of periodicals, and her ghostwritten books, commissioned by major publishers, have received glowing notices from the New York Times and Kirkus Reviews. Lorin is the co-author of BOOMERANG, REBOUND, and BOUNCE, under the pen name Noelle August. 

What she is looking for: Lorin is seeking middle grade and young adult in any genre with a preference for social themes, edgier/darker works (though she loves a “feel good” story, too), and characters who are either self-actualized or promise self-actualization from the start.

How to submit: Guidelines for submitting are on the Submissions page. Use submission form here.

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Victoria Marini of Irene Goodman Literary Agency 

Victoria Marini began her career as a literary agent at Gelfman Schneider and ICM Partners before joining the Irene Goodman Agency in 2016.

What she is looking for: She is interested in both Literary and Commercial Middle Grade, Young Adult and Adult fiction. From contemporary to magical realism to sci-fi/fantasy and dramatic suspense, she is always looking for unforgettable off-the-page characters, compulsive stories, and unique voices. She is a sucker for weirdness, atmosphere, secrets, things that go bump in the night, a bit of whimsy, a twist of magic, or a dash of humor.

How to submit: Email a query letter and the first ten pages, along with a synopsis (3-5 paragraphs) and bio, in the body of an email to victoria.queries@ irenegoodman.com
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Linda Kasten of Loiacono Literary Agency

Linda Kasten is a novelist who writes thrillers and romance suspense. Having received a literature degree with minors in journalism and creative writing from Newman University in her hometown, Wichita, Kansas, she has continued studying and working on honing her craft, taking advantage of writing workshops and retreats, networking through conferences, and working with critique editors. She also belongs to several writing groups within her state’s radius.

What she is seeking: Thrillers, suspense, romance, mysteries, cozies, alternate histories, adventure, and mainstream fiction.

She is not interested in: erotica, foreign language translations, horror, LGBTQ, historical fiction unless it is outstanding, or works with excess profanity or vulgarity.

How to submit: Send query to Linda@Linda.K@llallc.net. Send synopsis and complete manuscript as attached word documents. Read the submissions page carefully for specific guidelines. 

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Chris Wellbelove of Aitken Alexander Associates

Before joining Aitken Alexander Associates, Chris worked as an agent for six years at Greene & Heaton. 

What he is seeking: Literary fiction and nonfiction, including memoirs, nature writing, sports, and other nonfiction topics.

How to submit: Please send a query letter, with a short synopsis and the first 30 pages of your book as a Word attachment to submissions@aitkenalexander.co.uk

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Kathleen Schmidt of Empire Literary

An industry veteran with 20 years of experience, Kathleen Schmidt was most recently Associate Publisher of Rodale Books where she helped develop the Rodale Books publishing program, as well as new products and initiatives with current and prospective authors and brands, including The New York Times bestsellers Run Fast. Eat Slow., Thug Kitchen 101, The Code of the Extraordinary Mind, and Hustle. Prior to joining Rodale, Schmidt was VP of Marketing and Publicity at Running Press, Weinstein Books and Atria.

Schmidt has also led her own PR & Marketing firm, KMSPR, where her clients included New York Times bestselling author Buzz Bissinger, former WNBA player Chamiques Holdsclaw, and writers J. Courtney Sullivan, Alissa Nutting, and Dawn Tripp among others.

What she is seeking: Kathleen is looking to acquire narrative nonfiction, memoir, pop culture, health and wellness, lifestyle, and select women’s fiction. 

How to submit: Send query to Queries@empireliterary.com
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Monika Woods of Curtis Brown, Ltd. 

Monika Woods is a graduate of the Columbia Publishing Course and has worked at Trident Media Group and InkWell Management, where she worked closely with leading voices in contemporary literature.

What she is seeking: literary and commercial fiction and compelling non-fiction in food, popular culture, journalism, science, and current affairs. Monika is particularly excited about plot-driven literary novels, non-fiction that is creatively critical, unique perspectives, a great cookbook, and above all, original prose.

How to submit: Send an email with a description of your project as well as the first ten pages of your manuscript to mmw@cbltd.com. She reviews all queries sent to her within three to four weeks, and will respond if she’s interested in seeing more.
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Pamela Malpas of Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency

Pamela Malpas has spent more than two decades in publishing; before joining the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency, she was an agent with Harold Ober Associates, and prior to that, with Knox Burger Associates. She has worked with winners of the Stella Prize, and the Morton Dauwen Zabel, PEN/New England, PEN/West, and Ippy awards. Pamela represents work in several categories of fiction and narrative nonfiction. AAR member.

What she is seeking: Fiction (literary and upmarket commercial, crime and suspense) that examines moral problems, family dynamics, and human behavior. Narrative nonfiction in history, natural history, arts and culture. She does not consider nonfiction in the areas of pop culture, self-help or practical nonfiction, nor fiction in the categories of science fiction/fantasy, romance/erotica, juvenile or YA fiction.

How to submit: Send an email query to  pamela@jenniferlyonsliteraryagency.com

Freelancing: Getting Paid to Write Nonfiction Articles

If you write short form literary pieces - poems, short stories, creative nonfiction - getting paid can be an uphill battle. Most literary journals don't pay anything, or pay only a pittance.

Nonfiction writing, on the other hand, can be quite lucrative. Many magazines will pay handsomely for a nonfiction article, especially if it is instructive. The flow of information is key in the information age, and publications are always hungry for more.

Even if you primarily write poetry or short stories, you can make money as a nonfiction freelancer because everyone is an expert at something. Are you a parent? There are many parenting magazines interested in your expertise. Do you collect stamps as a hobby, own pets, have a garden? Are you a foodie or like to travel? Can you write a compelling book or movie review? There are even magazines that want to hear about your experience as a writer. What is your writing process? How do you overcome writers' block? And if you're published - how did you get your agent or publisher?

There is one important difference between creative writing and nonfiction submissions. While fiction is submitted in full, nonfiction is pitched. A pitch is a brief description of the article you want to write - one that will convince the editor your idea is a perfect fit for their publication. The pitch also includes your credentials and/or expertise, which are essential for nonfiction writing.

Do some research before you pitch. Read submissions guidelines carefully, and get familiar with the publication. Unlike literary journals, nonfiction publications respond quickly. If you don't hear back from the editor within a week, follow up with a polite email. If you still don't get a reply, move on.

Here are some helpful articles:

How to Write the Perfect Article Pitch

How to Pitch

How NOT to pitch editors
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These sites provide some great resources for freelance writers.

Who Pays Writers

This is an enormously useful site for both fiction and nonfiction writers. It gives detailed information on hundreds of publications, including how much they pay, when they pay (upon publication, 30-day net, etc.), how to submit, platform (print, online), whether there is a contract, and helpful comments.

Contently Rates Database

The Contently database is organized by date, format, category (writing, photography, etc.), and pay rate. The comments are very helpful. (It's interesting to look at this list just to see what every news outlet pays freelancers.)

Write Jobs

Write Jobs is one of my favorite resources for finding calls for submissions and writing contests. The site also features numerous opportunities for nonfiction writing, along with pay rates and detailed information for submitting. Some of these are longer term gigs with hourly pay.

Make a Living Writing

This is a site that features 92 paying markets organized by topic: Business, Career, and Finance; Essays; Family and Parenting; Health; Lifestyle and General Interest; Tech; Travel and Food; and Writing. The site also offers tips for pitching, resources for freelance writers, and many other informative articles.

And for those who are looking for something more than a one-off:

Freelance Writing

Freelance Writing is the go-to site for finding longer term writing jobs. The site compiles job offerings from a number of different sources. You can search by location, job source, skills, and sort by date. You can also apply for jobs directly from the site.

2 New Literary Agents Actively Seeking Writers

Here are two new agents seeking clients. Amanda Ayers Barnett (Donaghy Literary) is interested in mystery/thrillers and middle-grade, young adult, new adult and women’s fiction, coming of age novels and precocious main characters.

Michael Caligaris (Holloway Literary) is looking for literary fiction, autobiographical fiction, short story collections or connected stories as a novel, LGBTQ lit, novels that are set in the Midwest or could be considered Americana, crime fiction, mystery/noir, dystopian fiction, civil unrest/political uprising/war novels, memoir, New Journalism and/or long-form journalism, essay collections, satirical/humor writing, and environmental writing.

You can find many more literary agents actively looking for clients here: Agents Seeking Clients
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Michael Caligaris of Holloway Literary

About Michael: Michael Caligaris has been working in publishing since 2013. After earning an MFA in Creative Writing from St. Mary’s College, he co-founded a Bay Area literary magazine, The East Bay Review, and worked for the world’s largest academic science journal, PLOS ONE. He considers the time he taught creative writing to first-generation college students as a turning point in his career, for they inspired him to further seek out those often-overlooked authors writing about family, struggle, class, and race. As an agent for Holloway Literary, Michael strives to find emerging authors with strong voice and vision, and he promises to tirelessly campaign for their exposure.

What he is seeking: Literary fiction, autobiographical fiction (i.e., So Long, See You Tomorrow; A River Runs Through It; Sylvia), short story collections or connected stories as a novel (i.e., Jennifer Egan, Elizabeth Strout, Junot Diaz), LGBTQ lit, novels that are set in the Midwest or could be considered Americana, crime fiction, mystery/noir (i.e., Walter Mosley, Kate Atkinson, Lou Berney), dystopian fiction, civil unrest/political uprising/war novels, memoir, New Journalism and/or long-form journalism, essay collections (on art, race, mental health, music, etc.), satirical/humor writing, and environmental writing.

How to submit: Send a query and the first 15 pages pasted in the body of the e-mail to submissions [at] hollowayliteraryagency.com. Your subject line should read “Michael/[Title]/[Genre].”

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Amanda Ayers Barnett of Donaghy Literary

About Amanda: Amanda began her publishing career 20 years ago, fresh out of Middlebury College and the Radcliffe Publishing Course. She has worn many hats—publicity assistant at Random House, associate editor at Pocket Books, acquisitions editor at Re.ad Publishing, freelance book editor for New York Book Editors—all of which have given her extensive and valuable experience. She is thrilled to add literary agent to these titles, and to join the Donaghy Literary Group.

What she is seeking: Amanda especially loves mystery/thrillers and middle-grade, young adult, new adult and women’s fiction. She enjoys coming of age novels and precocious main characters. But more than anything, she loves an intriguing and well-written story.

How to submit: Visit Amanda’s page at the Donaghy Literary site and click on the “Submit a Query” button underneath her picture. Fill out the Query Submission form to submit.

36 Calls for Submissions in March 2017 - Paying Markets

There are 36 calls for submissions in March. Every genre and every form is welcome! All are paying markets.

Many of these journals have recurring calls for submissions, so if you miss this window, you can always submit during the next reading period.

For more literary journals seeking submissions see: Paying Markets.

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Parks & Points. Genre: Poetry. We invite poetry submissions that reflect upon nature, outdoor exploration, and accompanying moments of adventurousness or self-reflection. Submit 1-5 poems, the name of the location (park, public land, or designated outdoor space) that inspired the poem or poems. Payment: $15 per poem. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

Penny. Genres: Experimental prose, poetry, short stories, CNF. Payment: $25. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

Body Parts Magazine. Genre: horror, erotica, speculative fiction, essays and art. Theme: Killer Clowns and Freak Shows. Payment: $5 for flash fiction and $10 to $20 (depending on length) for short stories and nonfiction. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

Upstreet. Genres: Fiction, CNF. Payment: $50-$150 per work. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

Retro Future. Genre: Science fiction. Payment: SFWA minimum compensation guidelines. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

THEMA. Genres: Fiction, poetry, essays on theme "Is there a word for that?" Payment: Short story, $25; short-short piece (up to 1000 words), $10; poem. Deadline: March 1, 2017. Accepts reprints.

The Blue Route. Restrictions: Undergraduate students. Genres: Prose – Submit 1-3 pieces of fiction or creative nonfiction totaling no more than 3000 words. Poetry – Submit up to 3 poems. No genre fiction. Payment: $25. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

Rhubarb. Restrictions: Mennonites. Genres: Poetry on theme of "Play." Payment: $50. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

Contrary Magazine. Genres: Fiction and poetry. Payment: $20 per author. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

Subprimal Poetry Art. Genres: Flash fiction and poetry. "We're looking for work that enables the reader / listener to experience something that they might not otherwise in their regular life and causes them to think. We like pieces that use language in new ways. We have a special fondness for prose poems. Voices outside of the status quo keep us awake at night." Payment: $20. Reprints $10. Deadline: March 2, 2017.

Mugwump. Genre: Erotica short stories on theme of sacrilege. Payment: 1 cent per word. Deadline: March 3, 2017.

Goblin Fruit. Genre: Fantastical poetry. Payment: $15.00 USD on publication for original, unpublished poems, and $5.00 for solicited reprints. Deadline: March 3, 2017.

Psychopomp. Genre: Previously published work. Payment: None for reprints, but 2 cents a word for original stories. (See submission periods.) Deadline: March 4, 2017.

Wordworks. Genres: Short stories, poetry, CNF. Theme of Publishing. Payment: .22/word for prose submissions, $50 per poem, $100 per cover art. Deadline: March 5, 2017. Reprints accepted.

Truancy. Genre: Retold and remixed folklore and myths from authors of the African Continent & Diaspora, no matter where they may be in the world. Payment: 01 cents per word. Deadline: March 5, 2017.

The Cincinnati Review. Genres: Prose and poetry. Payment: $25 per page (prose), $30 per page (poetry). Deadline: March 15, 2017.

Southword. Genres: Prose and poetry. Payment: €30 per poem and €120 per short story. Payment to writers within the Republic of Ireland is made by cheque. Writers abroad must accept payment through Paypal. Deadline: March 15, 2017.

Supposed Crimes Publishers: Fairy Tales: A Speculative Anthology. Genre: "We are looking for stories that feature lesbian or bisexual heroines across a variety of genres, including thriller, paranormal, mystery, military, western, fantasy, and science fiction. Sexual content is not a requirement, but a compelling emotional connection between women should be a primary focus." Payment: $30 per story. Deadline: March 15, 2017. ?

The Journal of Compressed Creative Arts. Genres: Fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, mixed media, visual arts, and even kitchen sinks, if they are compressed in some way. Payment: $50 per piece. Deadline: March 15, 2017.

Arsenika. Genres: Speculative fiction and poetry up to 1,000 words long. Payment: 1¢ USD per word (including audio rights) with a $5 minimum. Deadline: March 15, 2017.

Beltane. Genres: Poetry and flash fiction of myths, folklore, legends, fables, and fairytales with a spring and summer, green and growing feel. Payment: Revenue sharing. Deadline: March 15, 2017.

Southword Journal. Genres: Fiction and poetry. Payment: €30 per poem and €120 per short story. Deadline: March 15, 2017.

Eye to the Telescope. Genre: Speculative poetry. Payment: US 3¢/word rounded to nearest dollar; minimum US $3, maximum $25. Deadline: March 15, 2017.

The Breadbox Chapbook Series. Genres: Literary fiction and narrative nonfiction from 3,000 to 5,000 words in length and collections of up to ten poems. Payment: Not specified. Deadline: March 17, 2017.

The Puritan. Genres: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry. Payment: $100 per nonfiction piece, $50 fiction, $15 per poem. Deadline: March 25, 2017.

Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores. Genre: Speculative stories. Payment: 6 cents/word for original work. 2 cents/word for reprints. Deadline: March 28, 2017.

Understorey Magazine (CAN): Issue 10: Youth on Power. 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 Power. Payment: $30-$60 per piece. Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Orford Parish Books. Genre: Fiction submissions wanted for New England folk horror anthology (worldwide). Payment:$75 per story. Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Notre Dame Review. Genres: Fiction, poetry. Payment: Small gratuity. Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Amethyst Arsenic. Genre: Poetry. Payment: $10, featured poet receives $50. Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Sycamore Review. Genres: Poetry, short stories, CNF. Payment: $50 per short story or non-fiction piece, or $25 per poem. Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Mugwump: Afrocentric Anthology: Afrofuturism. Genre: Science fiction stories in diverse settings, featuring diverse people. Payment: 1 cent/word. Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Enchanted Conversation Fairytale Magazine. Genre: Stories and poetry. Fairy tales on theme "Diamonds and Toads." Payment: Story pay: $30, Poem pay: $10. US dollars. Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: "My Kind (of) America 101 Stories about the Land of the Free. Genre: True stories about living in a kind America. "It’s time to make America kind again. We have always been known as a country filled with good people who volunteer in our communities, help people who need help, and pride ourselves on doing the right thing. Our huge and varied country is known for tolerance, energy, and spirit. We are proud of our inclusive and welcoming attitude, no matter our color, our country of origin, our sexual identity, or our religion. This is not a book about politics. This is a book about people — one at a time — doing what we do best. Tell us your positive and uplifting experiences about living in a kind America — the kind of America we know to be the true America." Payment: $200. Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Positively Happy! 101 Stories about Positive Thinking and Living a Happy Life. Genre: True stories. "Being happy is a state of mind. We can all find happiness in our lives and, even though we may have to look for it, we know that each day brings something to be grateful for. We want to hear your stories about finding your path to contentment. These success stories can be serious or funny and should inspire our readers to focus on hope, strength and optimism. How did you think positive and find happiness? Was it something as simple as an attitude adjustment? Did you make a major change in the handling of your daily life? How did you find purpose, passion and joy in your life and how do you stay positive? How do you use gratitude to be happier?" Payment: $200. Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Genre: True stories. "We all have a tendency to get in a rut. We start to say no to new things, and that can only lead to a narrower and narrower life. When we try new things, we end up feeling energized and pleased with ourselves. There is tremendous power in saying “yes” to new things, new places, and new experiences. It makes you feel more dynamic, younger, and more of a participant in the world. You’re not distancing yourself from change any more. Start now! Tell us your own stories about stepping outside your comfort zone and how that changed your life. How do you stay positive? How do you use gratitude to be happier?" Payment: $200. Deadline: March 31, 2017.

51 Writing Contests in March 2017 - No Entry Fees

March is a great month for writing contests. There are over four dozen free contests this month, covering the full range of topics, styles and genres, from essays, to poetry, to full-length works.

In addition to the prestige of winning a contest, some of the monetary prizes this month are substantial.

Be sure to check the submission requirements carefully, as some have age and geographical restrictions.

Many contests are offered annually, so if you miss a contest you may be able to catch it next year. For a full month-by-month listing of contests see: Free Contests.

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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, 2017. How to enter: Read submission guidelines HERE.

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, 2017.

Madeline P. Plonsker Emerging Writer's Residency Prize. Restrictions: Open to an emerging poet under forty years old—with no major book publication. Genre: Poetry - manuscript in progress. Prize: Stipend of $10,000 with a housing suite and campus meals provided by the College, and three weeks in residence on the Lake Forest College campus during the Spring 2017 term. Possible publication. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

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 within the first three months of 2017 as well as free copies and discounts. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

Natan Book Award. Genre: Nonfiction. The book should address one or more of Natan’s grant areas. Broadly understood, these are: the reinvention of Jewish life and community for the 21st century; changing notions of individual and collective identity for 21st century Jews; and the evolving relationship between Israel and world Jewry. The award is open to non-fiction books that have an existing publishing contract with a recognized commercial publisher. (Academic publishers are also acceptable in certain cases where the book is intended to appeal to mainstream audiences.) Prize: The Award is a two-stage award, offering at most a total of $25,000, to be divided as follows: a cash award to the author of $10,000, to be used during the writing process; and customized support for the marketing and publicity strategy for the book, up to $15,000. This is a pre-publication award and the prize winner will be announced prior to the book's publication date. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

New Welsh Writing Awards. Restrictions: Open to all residents of the UK and Ireland, plus those who have been educated in Wales for at least six months; the Novella Prize is also open to writers based in the US and Canada. Genres: Novella and memoir. Works may be a single, long-form piece or a book divided or structured as the author sees fit. No simultaneous submissions. Deadline: March 1, 2017.

William Foster-Harris Prizes for Young Writers. Restrictions: High school and undergraduate students currently enrolled in US schools. Prizes: Two $500 prizes for short stories by high school students (maximum 1,000 words) and undergraduate students (maximum 2,000 words). Deadline: March 1, 2017.

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, 2015 and December 31, 2016. 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 2, 2017.

The Premises: SPACES. Write a creative, compelling, well-crafted story in which the idea of “space” plays an important role. You may interpret “space” any way you want, as long as your readers can figure out how you’re using it.. Genre: Short story. Length: Between 1,000 and 5,000 words. Prize: Between US$60 and US$220, and publication. Deadline: 11:59 PM Eastern US time, March 2, 2017.

Roswell Award for Short Science Fiction. Genre: Science fiction, 1500 words max. Prize: $500. Finalists have their stories read by celebrities in Hollywood. Deadline: March 3, 2017.

The Irish Post's Creative Writing Competition. Restrictions: Open to Irish residents of UK. Genre: Poetry, fiction on an Irish theme. 1000 words max. Prizes: €500, publication in the Irish Post, and a trip to the Listowel Writers’ Week in Co. Kerry. Deadline: March 3, 2017.

Austin Chronicle Short Story Contest. Genre: Short story(2500 words max). Prize: $1,500 to be divided among the five winners. Manuscript to be published in The Austin Chronicle in June 2017. Deadline: March 3, 2017.

Thresholds International Feature Writing Competition. Genre: Nonfiction feature in one of two categories: Author Profile: exploring the life, writings and influence of a single short story writer. We Recommend: personal recommendations of a collection, anthology, group of short stories or a single short story. Prize: 1st prize of £500, runner-up prize of £100 Deadline: March 5, 2017.

RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers . Genre: Short fiction. Restrictions: Candidates must be: A Canadian citizen or permanent resident; Under the age of 35 as of March 6, 2017; Previously published in an independently edited magazine or anthology; Unpublished in book form and without a book contract. Prizes: Winner: $5,000; Finalists: $1,000. Deadline: March 6, 2017.

BBC National Short Story Award 2017. 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 6, 2017.

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 8, 2017.

Nantucket Directory Poetry Contest.  Genre: poem about Nantucket Island. Prize: $250 and publication in the print and online editions of the 2016-2017 Nantucket Directory. Deadline: March 10, 2017.

North Carolina Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to residents of North Carolina (including students). Genre: Poetry. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: March 13, 2017.

Jo-Anne Hirshfield Memorial Poetry Awards. Restrictions: Open to all adult and high school age Chicago area poets. There is also an elementary and middle school category open to Evanston elementary and middle school students. Genre: Poetry. Prize: First Place: $100; Second Place: $50; Third Place: $25. Deadline: March 13, 2017.

Online Writing Tips Short Fiction Prize. Genre: Short story of 2000-5000 words. Prize: £150. Deadline: March 15, 2017. How to enter: Read submission guidelines HERE.

Limnisa Short Story Competition. Genre: Short story under 3,000 words. 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 15, 2017.

Prospero Prizes. Genre: Poems of philosophical and imaginative heft, haft, and polish. Prize: $150 and feature publication in their digital magazines. Deadline: March 15, 2017.

The Critical Junior Poet’s Award. Restrictions: Open to students between the ages of 13 and 18. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $100. Deadline: March 15, 2017.

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, 2017.

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 15, 2017.

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 15, 2017.

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 15, 2017.

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, 2017.

Binnacle Ultra-Short Competition. Genre: Short story of 150 words as well as poetry of sixteen lines or fewer and 150 words or fewer. All works should have a narrative element to them. Prize: A minimum of $300 in cash prizes will be awarded, with a minimum prize of $50. Deadline: March 15, 2017.

ESME (Empowering Solo Moms Everywhere) Contest. Restrictions: Open to current or former single mothers. Genres: Poetry, fiction, memoir, essay, blog post. Prize: First ($500), second ($350) and third ($150). Deadline: March 15, 2017.

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, 2017.

The Tomorrow Prize. Restrictions: Open to high school students in Los Angeles. Genre: Science fiction, 1500 words max. Prize: $250. Deadline: March 17, 2017.

Sunken Garden Poetry Festival's Fresh Voices Competition. Restrictions: New England high school students. Prize: Reading at the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 and publication. Deadline: March 17, 2017.

Jane Martin Poetry Prize (UK). Restrictions: Open to  UK residents between 18 and 30 years of age. Genre: Poetry. Prize: £700, second prize, £300. Deadline: March 17, 2017.

The Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award seeks to elevate the written arts in Indiana. Restrictions: Any living published writer who was born in Indiana or has lived in Indiana for at least five years will be eligible. Authors who have published works of fiction, prose, poetry and/or non-fiction are eligible; reference works, scholarly monographs and books of photography will not be considered. Self-published authors are considered. Prize: National Author: $10,000 cash prize and $2,500 grant for his or her hometown Indiana public library. Regional Author: $7,500 cash prize and $2,500 grant for his or her hometown Indiana public library. Emerging Author: $5,000 cash prize and $2,500 grant for his or her hometown Indiana public library. Deadline: March 17, 2017.

Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition for High School Students. Restrictions: Open to students in Grades 7-12. Genre: Haiku. Prizes: $50. Deadline: March 25, 2017.

Southern Pacific Review Short Story Contest 2016. Located in Chile. Genre: They are not sure what they want, but they'll know it when they see it. Length: 1600 words max. Prizes: $100 USD and publication in Southern Pacific Review. Deadline: March 30, 2017.

EIR Longform Lyric Essay Award. Genre: 2000 to 10,000 words of a longform lyric essay only. No personal essays, generic creative nonfiction, etc. Prize: $250 top prize.  Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Striking 13. Genre: Flash fiction on theme of "Journeys." Prize: Three Amazon voucher prizes, for the top 3 entries ($25, $15, $10). Deadline: March 31, 2017.

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, 2017.

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, 2017.

The Gover Story Prize. Genre: Short Fiction & Creative Nonfiction. Works of short prose must be less than 10,000 words, previously unpublished, or published with a circulation of less than 500. Prize: $250.00. Deadline: March 31, 2017. No reprints or simultaneous submissions.

The Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction. Genre: Novel published in 2016 (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 31, 2017.

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, 2017.

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, 2017.

Jack L. Chalker Young Writers' Contests. Restrictions: Open to writers between14 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, 2017.

Gary Fincke Creative Writing Prize. Restrictions: Open to undergraduates. Genre: Poetry and prose. Prize: $100. Deadline: March 31, 2017. 

Spank the Carp - 'Up Jumped Spring' Genre: Poetry. What does Spring mean to you? Why would it Jump Up? Can't it just sit still? You tell us! Prize: A coffee mug! (And publication) Deadline: March 31, 2017.

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 between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017 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, 2017.

Sarah Mook Poetry Prize for Students. Restrictions: Students in grades K-12. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $100. Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Loft Literary Center: Minnesota Emerging Writers' Grants. Restrictions: Open to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers who have lived in the state of Minnesota for at least one year. Writers who have published no more than two books in any genre are eligible to apply. Grant: $8,000 Deadline: March 31, 2017.

26 Writing Conferences in March 2017

If you have never been to a writers' conference, I encourage you to attend one. Conferences are the best way to meet agents, get tips from other writers, and learn about the publishing industry. In addition to providing valuable professional contacts, nothing will make you feel more like a writer.

Many conferences are offered annually, so if you miss a conference in your area this year, you can always catch it next year. For a full month-by-month list of conferences, as well as resources to find financial assistance deadlines, go here: Writing Conferences.

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.
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Redrock Creative Writing Seminar, St. George, Utah, March 4, 2017. Classes and readings in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The faculty includes poets Joel Long, Tanya Parker Mills and Colorado Western Slope Poet Laureate Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer.

Tucson Self-Publishing Expo. March 4, 2017, Tucson, AZ. Five workshops and a display area for vendors to present products and services as well as answer questions related to self-publishing and book marketing. KEYNOTES: Mark Coker of Smashwords and Robin Cutler of Ingram Spark.

Writing By Degrees. March 10-11, 2017, Binghamton, NY. Event is organized by Binghamton University graduate students, and designed to create a community of creative writing graduate students. The conference will feature panels, readings, and presentations by accomplished keynote speakers as well as other events and informal gatherings. There will be representatives from journals to discuss their periodicals. They will also be holding a writing contest this year

Springmingle. Decatur, Georgia, March 10-12, 2017. Conference for children's book writers and illustrators. Faculty includes writers, illustrators, agents, editors, and publishers.

Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference. Greenfield, MA, March 10-13, 2017. The conference features evaluation and discussion of book-length and chapbook-length poetry manuscripts with poets, editors, and publishers. The faculty includes poets and editors Joan Houlihan and Martha Rhodes. The cost of the conference is $1,675, which includes tuition, a private room, meals, and a pre-conference manuscript reading by Joan Houlihan.

Bay to Ocean Writers Conference. Wye Mills, Maryland, March 11, 2017. 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."

Algonkian Writers New York Pitch Conference, March 16 - 19, 2017, 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."

Writer’s High Retreat. March 17 - 19, 2017, Dawsonville, Georgia. The retreat features workshops for poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers, as well as readings, talks, and open mics. Participating writers include poet Megan Sexton; fiction writers Susan Crawford and George Weinstein; and nonfiction writers Jeanne Hewell-Chambers and Jedwin Smith. The cost of the retreat, which includes lodging and all meals, is $733 for a single room and $579 for a double room. Space is limited; Registration is first come, first served. The registration deadline is March 1.

Create Something Magical Conference. March 18 - 19, 2017, Woodbridge, New Jersey and Edison, New Jersey. Workshops and panels. Keynote Speakers are Jennifer L. Armentrout and Virginia Kantra.

Pele's Fire: Write to the Core. March 21 - 27, 2017, Big Island, HI. Writers' retreat in a breathtaking, in Hawaii. Three teachers, small groups, 1-on-1 consultations, readings. Faculty: Bhanu Kapil, Elena Georgiou, Rahna Reiko Rizzuto.

University of North Dakota Writers Conference. March 22 - 24, 2017, Grand Forks, North Dakota. This year's authors/artists include Viet Thanh Nguyen, NoViolet Bulawayo, Layli Long Soldier, Jeff Shotts, Mai Der Vang, and Mario Ybarra, Jr. FREE and open to the public.

Algonkian Novel Retreat, Sterling, Virginia, March 22 - 26, 2017. "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.

Virginia Festival of the Book, March 22 - 26, 2017. "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.

Mountain Valley Writers Conference. March 23 - 25, 2017, Guntersville, Alabama. Author signings, giveaways, workshops, learning sessions, and networking opportunities. Faculty: Mitzi Jane Media, Bridgette Hester, Jonathan Tripp, Katharine Grubb, Cheryl Wray Sloan, Constance Smith, Natalie Cone, Cindy Jones, William Thorton, Lawayne Orlando Childrey, Julie Ryan, Gary Gabelhouse, Tommy Blaze, Gene Hendrix, Denise Oakley.

Write Stuff Writers Conference. March 23 - 25, 2017, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Workshops, sessions on craft and business of writing. Meetings with agents, editors, and book coaches, book fair, and more. Keynote Speaker: Michael Hauge. Pre-conference workshops: Michael Hauge, Kathryn Craft, Jamie Saloff, Deborah Riley-Magnus, Victoria Selvaggio Additionally on Saturday will be the above plus Jennifer Lader, Jordy Alberts, and Gregory Frost.

Writing on the Door: A Poetry Conference. March 24 - 25, 2017, Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Workshop topics include writing poetry for children; travel poetry; writing the poetic sequence and more. Instructors include: Sharon Auberle, Kimberly Blaeser, Katie Dahl, Alice D'Alessio, Albert DeGenova, Max Garland, Margaret Hasse, Dion Kempthorne, Estella Lauter, Laurie MacDiarmid, June Nirschl, Miranda Paul, Judy Roy.

California Dreamin' Conference for Writers. March 24 - 26, 2017, Brea, CA. Workshops, pitch sessions, critiques for romance writers.

Everything You Need to Know About Children’s Book Publishing A Crash Course. Honesdale, PA. March 24 -26, 2017. Sponsored by Highlights for children, this is an intensive workshop covering every aspect of publishing children's books.

Unicorn Writers' Conference, March 25, 2017, Purchase, NY. Make connections and get feedback with dozens of opportunities for one-on-one face time with industry insiders, including: One-on-one manuscript reading and feed-back sessions with agents and editors, Networking breakfast, lunch and dinner, After-conference networking party. Perfect Your Craft with a choice of seven workshops to attend from over thirty different sessions offered in: Fiction, Nonfiction, Memoir, Mystery, Poetry, Screenwriting, Children’s Literature, Romance, Horror/Sci-Fi. Get the insider’s edge with a vast selection of rare, how-to tutorials from every department within a publishing company, including: Marketing/Publicity, Art/Production, Contracts, Special sales, Media training, Pitching Your Work, How to appeal to agents and editors, Various writing workshops, Literary agents and editors - discussion panels.

Michigan Writers Conference, March 25, 2017, Detroit, MI. A full-day “How to Get Published” writing event. Attending Agents: Elana Roth Parker (Laura Dail Literary Agency), Paul Stevens (Donald Maass Literary). Sara Megibow (KT Literary), Jennifer Wills (The Seymour Agency), Janna Bonikowski (The Knight Agency), Kirsten Carleton (Prospect Agency), Elizabeth May (Kensington Publishing), Alice Speilburg (Speilburg Literary), Michael Caligaris (Holloway Literary Agency), Lesley Sabga (The Seymour Agency).

2017 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium “Our Miss Brooks: A Centennial Celebration.” Brooklyn, NY, March 25, 2017. The “Our Miss Brooks: A Centennial Celebration” program will include reflections on Brooks’ life, a discussion of the impact and significance of her literary works, and dramatic presentations from and inspired by her passionate and vigorous works. Dr. Haki R. Madhubuti, author, poet, and publisher, will be the keynote speaker. Poets and educators Cheryl Clarke, Marilyn Nelson, and Nicole Sealey are among the participants featured on the program.

Kansas Writing Workshop, March 25, 2017, Kansas City, KS. A full-day “How to Get Published” writing event. Attending Agents: Rebecca Bugger (Serendipity Literary Agency), Justin Wells (Corvisiero Literary Agency), Reiko Davis (DeFiore & Company), Stephanie Hansen (Metamorphosis Literary), Whitley Abell (Inklings Literary), Tricia Skinner (Fuse Literary).

32nd Annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference, March 30 - April 1, 2017, 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."

WonderCon, March 31 - April 2, 2017, Anaheim, CA. HUGE comic book convention.

Writing By Writers Boulder Generative Workshop. March 31 - April 2, 2017, 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.

Chanticleer Authors Conference. March 31 - April 2, 2017. Bellingham, Washington. Sessions with a special focus on the business of being a working writer on topics such as marketing, publicity, platform, sales tools & strategies, publishing, production, distribution, organization, storycraft, editing, and more. Faculty: Margie Lawson, Robert Dugoni, Shari Stauch, Chris Humphries, Eileen Cook, Kathy L. Murphy, Diane Isaacs, Kiffer Brown, Pamela Beason, Sara Stamey, and more.

Amazon Announces Literary Prize for Self-Publishers in UK

Amazon Announces New English Language Literary Prize - The Kindle UK Storyteller Award

Press Release

Winning author will receive £20,000 cash prize and be recognised at central London award ceremony this summer

Amazon UK has announced The Kindle Storyteller Award, a new literary prize recognising newly published work in the English language across any genre. The prize is open to all authors who publish their book through Kindle Direct Publishing on Amazon.co.uk between 20th February and 19th May 2017.

Readers will play a significant role in the competition with the award shortlist compiled based on a number of factors that measure customer interest in the titles, followed by an esteemed panel of judges - made up of both Amazon experts and literary authorities - selecting the Kindle Storyteller 2017 winner. The prize will be announced at a central London ceremony in July, with the winning author being rewarded with a cash prize of £20,000 and a marketing campaign to support the book on Amazon.co.uk, as well as the opportunity to have their book translated for international sales.

“Great books deserve to be celebrated and that’s what we want to do with the Kindle Storyteller competition,” said Alessio Santarelli, EU Kindle Content Director, Amazon. “We hope to encourage aspiring authors and those who have already been published, to get writing and make their new stories available to readers across the world. Publishing a book has never been easier, and the Kindle Storyteller Award will reward the author whose story resonates most with both readers and literary experts."

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a fast, free and easy way for authors to keep control and publish their books in print and digital to a global audience, and receive up to 70 per cent royalties on their work. On any given day, up to 25 per cent of the Top 100 books on the UK Kindle store are published through KDP.

Best-selling author Rachel Abbott, who has sold more books in the UK through KDP than any author said: “I expect the calibre of work for the first ever Kindle Storyteller Award in the English language to be impressive, whether it’s from an established author or an aspiring writer who is encouraged by this prize to publish their first book. Kindle helped me achieve my dream writing career and I believe so many people have a bestselling novel in them just waiting to be written."

Claire Allfree, the Metro’s Literary Editor added; “What is genuinely exciting about this literary prize is the fact that the winning title could be anything from a biography, to a psychological thriller, to an historical fiction novel. What matters is the quality of the writing and its ability to connect with thousands of readers around the world. I look forward to reading the shortlist.”

The Kindle Storyteller prize is open to submissions of new English Language books from all authors and genres, and entries must be submitted using Kindle Direct Publishing. Titles must be previously unpublished and a minimum of 5,000 words with no upper word limit. All books entered into the Prize will be available on Kindle and Fire devices as well as the Kindle reading app for iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets. Print copies will also available to buy on the Amazon.co.uk store.

Kindle Storyteller opens for entries on 20th of February and titles must be entered into the KDP Select programme for the entry period in order to be considered. For more information, authors can visit www.amazon.co.uk/storyteller

15 Nonfiction Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscript Proposals

In some respects, the road to publishing nonfiction books is easier to travel than fiction. If you are an expert in a field or have sufficient experience in an area (which can be anything from stamp collecting to raising chickens), many publishers will be willing to take on your book without requiring an agent.

Nonfiction submissions bear little similarity to fiction submissions. Fiction editors focus on plot, writing, and mass market appeal, which means they will want to see sample chapters and a synopsis. Nonfiction editors require a full proposal, which means you will have to submit detailed chapter descriptions, explain how your book will fit into the market, and establish your expertise. Even if your book is finished, a proposal is a requirement. (The sole exception is memoir, which is similar to fiction.)

Make sure to read the submission requirements of these publishers very carefully, and adhere to them. Don't give the publisher an excuse to throw out your proposal!

Note: For a list of hundreds of publishers accepting unagented books (by genre) see: Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts

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Adams Media publishes a broad range of nonfiction topics including, business and careers, parenting, pets, personal finance, self-help, travel, weddings, writing. In 2003 Adams Media was purchased by F+W, A Content + eCommerce Company one of the largest special interest publishers in the world. Read their submission guidelines here.

Allworth Press publishes business and self-help information for the general public and creative professionals. Read their submission guidelines here. Seeking: Graphic Design, Business, Performing Arts, Interior Design, Art, Theater, Web Design, Book Arts, Photography, Crafts.

Andrews McMeel Publishing is the country's premier calendar publisher. Its core publication categories include: comics and humor, puzzles and games, inspiration and gift, and comics for middle grade children. Interestingly, they also publish poetry.

Barricade Books publishes quality non-fiction manuscripts--preferably that lean toward the controversial. Send an outline, one or two chapters, and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) to Carole Stuart, Barricade Books, 2037 Lemoine Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ 07024. No email submissions.

Ben Bella publishes niche market books, works by celebrities and experts in their fields, pop culture books, and anything that is associated with a brand. Prospective authors should send a pitch.

Career Press, Inc. publishes quality, nonfiction books for adult readers seeking practical information to improve themselves in careers, college, finance, parenting, retirement, spirituality, and other related topics. Read submission policy. Seeking: Business, Career, Job Search, HR & Work Place Issues, College Preparation, Small Business/Entrepreneurship, Motivation/Self-Help, Management, Marketing/Sales, Negotiation, Study Aids, and more.

Free Spirit Publishing. "Our mission is to provide children and teens with the tools they need to overcome challenges and make a difference in the world. We publish high-quality nonfiction books and learning materials for children and teens, parents, educators, counselors, and others who live and work with young people."

Gryphon House, Inc. publishes books that help teachers and parents enrich the lives of children from birth through age eight.  They do not accept children's books . Seeking: Educational resource books for parents and teachers aimed at young children. Read submission policy.

Hohm Press is committed to publishing books that provide readers with alternatives to the materialistic values of the current culture and promote self-awareness, the recognition of interdependence and compassion. Their subject areas include religious studies, natural health, parenting, women’s issues, the arts and poetry. Read submission guidelines here.

Menasha Ridge Press and its sister company, Wilderness Press, publish primarily books on adventure, nature, and wilderness sports activities (excluding hunting and fishing). Read submission policy. 

OneWorld Publications was founded in 1986 by husband and wife team Juliet Mabey and Novin Doostdar as an independent publishing house focusing on stimulating non-fiction. Located in the UK. Read guidelines here.

Osprey is a UK publisher specializing in military history. Read submission guidelines here. (Scroll down to "Proposals.")

Skyhorse publishes a broad range of nonfiction titles. They only accept submissions that fall into their categories, so make sure you consult their list before submitting. See submission requirements here.

The New Press is a non-profit independent publisher focusing on contemporary social issues, with an emphasis on race relations, women's issues, immigration, human rights, labor and popular economics, and the media; education reform and alternative teaching materials; cultural criticisms; art and art education; international literature; and law and legal studies. The Press has also taken a leading role in publishing a wide range of new work in African American, Asian American, Latino, gay and lesbian, and Native American studies, as well as work by and about other minority groups. They are very selective.

Ulysses Press is a small house focusing on niche markets. Genres they publish include Cleanse, Arts and Crafts, Coloring, Gifty Grabs, Fashion and Beauty, Healthy Eating, Krav Maga, Mmm Bites, Pop Culture, Prepping (for the apocalypse), Fitness, Special Diets, Trivia, Working Out, Rehab and Injury Prevention.

75 Agents Seeking Muslim Writers

In response to Trump's Muslim ban, as well as the climate of fear that he and his administration have created for Muslims (aka Islamophobia), many agents are calling specifically for Muslim writers. 
Writers occupy a hallowed place in history. For one thing, we write history. We can document our experiences and worldview eloquently, and with passion. These agents (and there are more by the day) want to represent writers who can shed light on the Muslim experience - whether in fiction or nonfiction.

Note: For a comprehensive list of agents looking for writers see: Agents Seeking Clients
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From Celia Gore's website:
Like so many of you, we are gravely alarmed by the present administration’s recent broad ban on refugees and immigrants from Muslim countries. Our hearts ache for the innocent people affected. We also fear the message sent by these bans to people within our country and to those outside of our borders. But we are also heartened by the immediate and widespread opposition these bans have met. And we’d like to do our part!
Literary agents are in a unique position to help contribute to bringing more empathy, compassion, understanding and tolerance into this world through books. We seek out unheard voices so that others can hear them.
We are a group of literary agents having an open call for book submissions by Muslim writers. We all agree that the current political climate demands a need for a greater presence of authors of Muslim heritage in the book marketplace. We are taking action to help make that happen.
Here are instructions for submitting writers of Muslim heritage: (Please note that we cannot respond to queries under the Open Call that do not fit our Muslim heritage criteria)
For your manuscript to be considered, please include “Open Call” in the subject line of your email.Please abide by the individual submission guidelines laid out on our agency websites. For example, many agents do not accept attachments.Only submit to an agent if your work is one of the genres they represent. A children’s book agent can’t do anything with an adult memoir submission, etc.Whitley Abell of Inklings Literary Agency is open to middle grade, young adult, and select adult fiction (namely women’s fiction and fantasy).
Lauren Abramo of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret is looking for adult fiction (romance, women’s fiction, thrillers, general, and literary), adult nonfiction (of all kinds, especially social justice oriented), YA fiction (contemporary, romance, thrillers), and middle grade fiction (contemporary, fantasy, adventure).
Jessica Alvarez at BookEnds Literary is looking for commercial fiction, particularly women’s fiction, romance, suspense and thrillers.
Jennifer Azantian of Azantian Literary Agency is seeking middle grade, young adult and adult fiction.
Jenny Bent of The Bent Agency is seeking middle grade, young adult and adult fiction.
Laura Biagi of Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency is open to picture books, middle grade, young adult and adult fiction and nonfiction.
Michele Brower at Zachary Shuster Harmsworth is open to adult literary fiction.
Penelope Burns of Gelfman Schneider/ICM Partners is open to middle grade, young adult and adult fiction.
Linda Camacho of Prospect Agency is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction and adult fiction.
Beth Campbell at BookEnds Literary is looking for young adult, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, and romantic suspense.
Kirsten Carleton of Prospect Agency is open to speculative, literary, thriller adult and young adult novels.
Andrea Cascardi of the Transatlantic Agency is open to picture books, middle grade and young adult, fiction and nonfiction across those genres.
Minju Chang of Book Stop Literary Agency is seeking picture books, chapter books and middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as illustrators.
Steven Chudney of The Chudney Agency is open to middle grade, young adult and adult fiction.
Ann Collette of Rees Literary Agency is seeking adult mystery/thriller, historical and commercial women’s fiction, as well as memoir and narrative nonfiction.
Gemma Cooper of The Bent Agency is looking for chapter books, middle grade and young adult fiction.
Ilse Craane of Book Stop Literary Agency is seeking picture books, chapter books and middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as illustrators.
Jessica Craig of The Craig Agency is open to literary fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction and memoir, and middle grade and young adult fiction.
Laura Crockett of TriadaUS Literary Agency is seeking young adult (contemporary, fantasy) and adult (women’s fiction, contemporary, fantasy) fiction.
John Cusick of Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management is looking for picture books, middle grade and young adult novels.
Stephanie Delman of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, Inc. is open to adult literary, historical and speculative fiction, and select narrative non-fiction.
David Dunton of the Harvey Klinger Literary Agency is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction.

Melissa Edwards of Stonesong is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction, commercial women’s fiction, mysteries and thrillers.
Alyssa Eisner Henkin of Trident Media is open to middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction.
Linda Epstein of Emerald City Literary Agency is looking for picture books, middle grade, and young adult, both fiction and nonfiction.
Jessica Faust at BookEnds Literary is looking for adult fiction and nonfiction.
Moe Ferrara at BookEnds Literary is looking for middle grade, young adult, and adult genre fiction.
Caitie Flum of Liza Dawson Associates is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction, women’s fiction, romance and historical fiction.
Lilly Ghahremani of Full Circle Literary is open to adult nonfiction.
Adria Goetz of Martin Literary Management is open to picture books and adult lifestyle books.
Jenny Goloboy of Red Sofa Literary is open to adult science fiction, fantasy and historical nonfiction.
Tara Gonzalez of Erin Murphy Literary Agency is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction.
Clelia Gore of Martin Literary Management is open to picture books, chapter books, middle grade and young adult, fiction and nonfiction across those genres.
Wendi Gu of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, Inc is seeking picture books, middle-grade, and young adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as select adult literary fiction about the first-generation American experience.
Erin Harris of Folio is seeking literary adult fiction and young adult fiction.
Alyssa Jennette of Stonesong is seeking picture books, middle grade, young adult and upmarket adult.
Jennifer Johnson-Blalock of Liza Dawson Associates is seeking commercial and upmarket fiction, especially thrillers/mystery/suspense, women’s fiction, contemporary romance, young adult and middle grade fiction, as well as all nonfiction.
Christa Heschke of McIntosh & Otis is open to picture books, middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction.
Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency is looking for young adult and middle grade fiction.
Pete Knapp of Park Literary & Media is looking for middle grade and young adult across all genres.
Abigail Koons at Park Literary & Media is looking for narrative non-fiction (current events, history, women’s issues and popular science) and commercial fiction (suspense, thrillers, contemporary and anything with an international focus).
Sarah LaPolla of Bradford Literary Agency is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction and adult contemporary and speculative fiction.
Daniel Lazar of Writers House is seeking middle grade, young adult and adult fiction, especially books with a great sense of history and maybe even a touch of magic.
Becky LeJeune of Bond Literary agency is open to adult and young adult horror, mystery/thriller, historical fiction, sci fi, fantasy and gen fic.
Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary Agency is open to picture books, middle grade and young adult, fiction and nonfiction across those genres.
Kim Lionetti at BookEnds Literary is looking for adult and young adult fiction.
Lauren MacLeod of The Strothman Agency is open to young adult and middle grade fiction and nonfiction as well as adult narrative nonfiction.
Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary is looking for picture book, middle grade and young adult fiction and non-fiction. She is also open to picture book illustrators.
Kendra Marcus of Book Stop Literary Agency is seeking picture books, chapter books and middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as illustrators.
Taylor Martindale Kean of Full Circle Literary is open to middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction.
Jim McCarthy of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret is open to middle grade, young adult and adult fiction.
Lydia Moëd of The Rights Factory is seeking middle grade and young adult fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction and narrative nonfiction.
Penny Moore of Empire Literary is seeking picture book, middle grade and young adult fiction.
Ammi-Joan Paquette of Erin Murphy Literary Agency is open to middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction.
Sharon Pelletier of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret is seeking adult and young adult submissions, with a special interest in narrative nonfiction, book club fiction, and young adult suspense.
Carrie Pestritto of Prospect Agency is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction.
Rubin Pfeffer of Rubin Pfeffer Content is open to nonfiction and memoir geared for children, from picture books to YA.
Maggie Riggs of The Riggs Agency is open to adult literary fiction.

Lisa Rodgers of Jabberwocky Literary Agency is looking for adult romance, science fiction, and fantasy, and for YA/middle grade science fiction, fantasy, and contemporaries.
Rena Rossner of The Deborah Harris Agency is seeking picture books, middle grade, young adult and adult fantasy, sci fi, thrillers, historical fiction and literary fiction.
Eddie Schneider of Jabberwocky Literary Agency is open to middle grade and YA fiction and middle grade and YA graphic novels.
Brooks Sherman of the Bent Agency is open to picture books, middle grade and young adult fiction and adult contemporary and speculative fiction.
Jessica Sinsheimer at Sarah Jane Freymann is looking for picture book, middle grade, young adult fiction, women’s/romance, thriller/mysteries and literary fiction.


Eric Smith of P.S. Literary Agency is looking for young adult fiction as well as adult sci-fi and fantasy.
Kelly Sonnack at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency is looking for children’s fiction and nonfiction for all age groups (this includes picture books, readers, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, poetry).
Lauren Spieller of Triada Literary Agency is look for picture books, middle grade and young adult fiction.
Becca Stumpf of Prospect Agency is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction.
Saba Sulaiman of Talcott Notch Literary Services is seeking middle grade and young adult fiction, adult literary fiction, women’s fiction, romance, suspense/thriller, memoir and humor nonfiction.
Jaida Temperly of New Leaf Literary is open to all adult fiction.
Meg Thompson of Thompson literary is open to adult nonfiction.
Amy Tipton of Signature Literary Agency is seeking reality-based, girl-centric young adult and women’s issues/feminist nonfiction.
Cindy Uh of Thompson Literary is open to picture books, young adult and adult, fiction and nonfiction across those genres.
Jennifer Unter of The Unter Agency is seeking picture book, middle grade, young adult and adult fiction.
Emily van Beek of Folio Jr. / Folio Literary Management is open to picture books, chapter books, middle-grade, and young adult novels.
Roseanne Wells of The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency is open to picture books, middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as adult sci-fi, fantasy, upmarket mysteries, and literary fiction.
See more agents here: https://cleliagore.com/open-call/