Hello all! Many thanks to those of you who’ve emailed me about your successes — you’re a talented lot! If you’re still waiting for success, remember: proofread your work properly, avoid clichés, try writing a bit outside your comfort zone, and keep trying.

As I write this everything here is chaos. We’re moving house on August 29th. Also, a treatment for a play script I wrote has been shortlisted for an award — now I have to write the play itself! This is something I have never done before.

Phew! Wish me luck with both — and maybe I’ll be less busy next month!

Best wishes,

Cathy x

Paypal/Patreon

---

Here are some writing competitions and calls for submission, all with free, electronic entry.

As usual I’m passing these on in good faith but mistakes may be made, so do check all the submission guidelines carefully. Any info in quotes comes from the website itself and any dates at the start are deadlines. Also, I don’t know the sources personally, so do check them out for yourselves.

There are three headings (click/tap to jump straight to them):

• Competitions
• Submissions With Deadlines
• Submissions Without Known Deadlines

If you aren’t a submitter (why not? Nothing to lose! Rejection is something we all share!) then the themes can make great writing prompts/exercises.

Although I mention only fiction or poetry, many publications accept non-fiction, art or other forms, so do check if interested. Good luck and do let me know of successes! The links are in the comments, and any dates at the start are deadlines.

Where possible, I have marked the relevant entries with ‘paying’, ‘contributor copy’ etc. However, you are best off checking the info for yourselves as I am not infallible and the info isn’t always available or clear. Please be aware that a contributor copy may be in print or digital format. Also, some publications offer several things, eg payment as well as a contributor copy. Where this is the case, I have assumed that payment is enough of an incentive, so I haven’t listed everything. It’s a rough guide and should be treated as such.

COMPETITIONS

Closing date unknown. ‘KEEP WRITING is a contest for Writers organized by the Enlivening Emotions. We all have beautiful Illusions in our Mind that make us Write so we Welcome you to the Family and Let’s Grow Together in the World of Writing. It can be Story, Poetry, Song, Shayari, Ghazal, Blog, Rap. All writing forms are welcome and as We know Writing is an Emotion. It has no Language but comes in every language and it’s all about expression so Let’s be expressive…’ Entries can be in Hindi, English or other language. NON-CASH PRIZE https://www.youthop.com/competitions/awards/keep-writing-writing-contest-2019-enlivening-emotions (Cathy’s note: I wasn’t sure abut this one as there’s no tangible prize, but as it’s free to enter, I thought some of you might find it fun.)

2nd Sep ‘Imagine a bottle rides the waves of the ocean until it finally washes ashore, where someone discovers the bottle, pulls out a cork, and…there is a message inside. Tell us what the message says in 27 words or fewer. The person who creates the most compelling “story in a bottle” wins a free Gotham class of his or her choosing.’ NON-CASH PRIZE https://www.writingclasses.com/contest/story-in-a-bottle-contest-2019 (thanks to www.reedsy.com for this one)

3rd Sep ‘Portland Reviewwelcomes themed prose submissions of fiction and nonfiction for the 2019 Verna Marion Nugent chapbook contest. The winner will receive $500 and publication as a chapbook included inside our Laborissue, to be published in 2020.’ Theme: Invisible Labor. PAYING https://portlandreview.submittable.com/submit

4th Sep Middle-grade fiction on the theme of Voyagers, 3500-5000 words.  ROYALTIES http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/the-2019-annual-iwsg-anthology-contest.html

8th Sep ‘Have you experienced mental health problems, or are you a family member or friend of someone who has? We’re inviting you to enter our poetry competition, Healing Words, which is back for its second year.’ Poem up to 25 lines. NON-CASH PRIZE https://www.advocacyproject.org.uk/poetry/

10th Sep ‘The Nan Shepherd Prize is a new competition to find the next voice in nature writing. It aims not only to celebrate nature writing but provide an inclusive platform for new and emerging nature writers from underrepresented backgrounds.’ PAYING https://nanshepherdprize.com/submissions/ (Cathy’s note: although ‘unpublished writers’ are specified in the guidelines, you can still enter if you have self-published, if you’ve had poetry published, or if you’ve had short pieces published in litmags.)

15th Sep TV, Film and Short Screenplays. PAYING https://thescriptlab.com/free-screenplay-contest/

16th Sep Poetry on the theme of Discovery by children from Yorkshire or Lancashire, Years 1-6 or there’s a separate category for Years 7-13. VOUCHER/OTHER http://www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk/posts/autumn-festival/childrens-poetry-competition and http://www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk/posts/news/young-peoples-poetry-competition

21st Sep ‘Send us your Halloween-themed poetry, fiction, short plays and creative non-fiction.’ PAYING https://thefuriousgazelle.com/submit/halloween-writing-contest/

27th Sep Theatre script by a writer of 55 or over, who is resident or works in the North West of England. PAYING  https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/english-literature-and-creative-writing/about-us/playwriting/

30th Sep SF/F story by new and amateur writers. PAYING https://www.writersofthefuture.com/enter-writer-contest/

30th Sep ‘Our recent survey revealed that almost half of you think there are not enough books featuring middle-aged or older female characters. In response to that, we’re delighted to announce that, together with HQ, an imprint of HarperCollins, we are launching a fiction writing competition for women writers over the age of 40. We will specifically be looking for stories featuring a leading character aged over 40.’ OTHER https://www.gransnet.com/competitions/2019/gransnet-hq-writing-competition

30th Sep ‘Three times a year, Jerry Jazz Musicianawards a writer who submits, in our opinion, the best original, previously unpublished work of short fiction. 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.’ PAYING https://jerryjazzmusician.com/2013/02/short-fiction-contest-details/

30th Sep Drabble on the theme of Treasure Hunt. PAYING https://albanlakepublishing.com/contests/drabble-contest/

1st Oct Flash fiction narrated by a teacher, or featuring a teacher as the protagonist. PAYING https://academyforteachers.org/stories-out-of-school/

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

2nd Sep Fiction 800-3000 words on the theme of  Accident and Emergency. https://www.liarsleaguenyc.com/submissions

2nd Sep or until filled: ‘Quite simply, we want Sword & Sorcery tales about immortals in the vein of Karl Edward Wagner’s Kane, Barry Sadler’s Casca, Steven Erikson’s Rhulad Sengar and Kallor, and Dennis O’Neil’s Rā’s al Ghūl.’ PAYING https://roguebladesentertainment.submittable.com/submit/130977/deaths-sting

2nd Sep Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Labor. PAYING https://portlandreview.submittable.com/submit

2nd Sep or until filled: ‘Slaughter is the Best Medicine: An Heroic Anthology of Mayhem & Mirth in Melee. This one is exactly what it sounds like – pulpy battle royale with a smile!’ PAYING http://roguebladesentertain.wixsite.com/roguebladespresents/submissions?lightbox=dataItem-jrebh0k3

2nd Sep Poetry, flash and short fiction on the theme of Chance. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.popshotpopshot.com/submit/

2nd Sep ‘RBE’s first Western isn’t simply going to be filled with dusty tales of cowpokes and gunslingers no matter how romantic. Oh no – you know better than that! REACH FOR THE SKY is all about cowboys and aliens!’ 2000-9000 words. PAYING http://roguebladesentertain.wixsite.com/roguebladespresents/submissions?lightbox=dataItem-jrebh0k34

3rd Sep Poetry and fiction on the theme of The Abduction of Persephone. PAYING https://www.timelesstalesmagazine.com/submissions

3rd Sep Stories and poetry suitable for children, on the theme of Trains, Tracks and Travelers. PAYING http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/submissions.html

5th Sep or when full: ‘The first in a new series featuring retellings of fairy tales! This one will feature Snow White. We will be looking for new and fresh takes on the tale, however it has to be easily recognizable as a Snow White story.’ 500-10,500 words.  CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://fantasiadivinitymagazine.com/anthology-submission-calls

6th Sep ‘Speculative City publishes provocative works that are centered within a cityscape.’ Theme: Industry. Poetry, fiction and more.  http://www.speculativecity.com/submissions/

7th Sep Poems, stories and more on the theme of Melt. PAYINGhttps://thefureviewberlin.wordpress.com/submit/

8th Sep Poetry and prose that touch upon the natural world. Theme: Fierce. PAYING https://clawandblossom.com/submissions/

10th Sep Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of “Reforming violence | Restorative justice for everyone”. http://moonmagazine.org/submission-guidelines/

10th Sep Writing on the theme of Awareness Light. http://www.yellowmedicinereview.com/id12.html

12th Sep ‘The theme is ‘100 words, 100 years from now’. Please create pieces on any subject such as climate, politics, technology, consumersim, social media, life, love or death, etc. but they must somehow be set in 2119.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.ellipsiszine.com/six/

13th Sep ‘Latinx Screams is looking for stories by Latinx and AfroLatinx writers with protagonists facing overwhelming fears and rising to fight horrifying foes. Some will thrive, some with survive, and some will die. Give us your vanquished, and your victors.’ PAYING http://www.bronzevillebooks.com/writers/anthology-submissions/

13th Sep Spec flash on the theme of Stories that Sing: the 90s. PAYING https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/

13th Sep Story on the theme of Supernatural. 500-3000 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.stormyislandpublishing.com/submissions/

13th Sep Poetry, flash and short fiction on the theme of MYSTERY, DEATH and the DEAD, HARVEST, SEASON OF DARKNESS, and more. https://www.cleaningupglitter.com/submissions (Cathy’s note: Subs are free until they’ve used up 80% of their Submittable allocation. After that there’s a fee. So get in early.)

Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Fun House. http://www.pilgrimagepress.org/

15th Sep Dark literary fiction and twisted horror poetry. PAYING https://macabre-museum.com/submissions/

15th Sep Write a story that lasts. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES  https://www.clarendonhousebooks.com/anthologies

15th Sep Poetry, fiction and more about cartoons. ‘Please only send work that has to do with television cartoon series, not animated movies (you can save that for our Pop Culture issue).’ http://www.drunkmonkeys.us/submission-guidelines

15th Sep Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING https://thespectacle.submittable.com/submit (Cathy’s note: when they run out of free submission slots, they charge a fee, so get in early if possible.)

15th Sep 50-word story. ‘There is no payment associated with stories. However, each month a “Story of the Month” is selected, and receives a prize of $10 Canadian.’ PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS http://fiftywordstories.com/submissions/

15th Sep ‘Whether framed as deities or regular folks—as wise role models, rascally clowns, or underhanded villains—trickster figures have fascinated audiences for centuries. For the 34th issue of Eye to the Telescope, we want original work that demonstrates why this is.’ Poetry. PAYING http://www.eyetothetelescope.com/submit.html

15th Sep ‘How do you read/experience/address solidão? This issue invites intersectional critical theory from scholar-activists to confront systems of oppression that challenge the idea of universalism and the limited belief that humanity is white, skinny, heterosexual, able-bodied, U.S. American, middle class, Christian, and male.’ https://www.feministpress.org/current-call-for-papers

15th Sep ‘Zimbell House is holding open submissions for short stories about the old west and how the U.S. Marshal played a part in establishing the law of the land.’ 4000-20,000 words.  CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://zimbellhousepublishingllc.submittable.com/submit/140286/the-marshal-a-zimbell-house-anthology

15th Sep Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Confession. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.constellations-lit.com/submissions/

21st Sep Poetry and fiction on the theme of Jungle. https://wordsforthewild.co.uk/?p=5853

23rd Sep Microfiction based on Science. PAYING https://storyseedvault.com/submissions/

25th Sep ‘We will be looking for new and fresh takes on the tale, however it has to be easily recognizable as a Snow White story.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://fantasiadivinitymagazine.com/anthology-submission-calls

29th Sep Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Lore. https://talesfromtheforest.net/submissions/

30th Sep ‘Truancyis a semipro market for revised folktales, legends, myth and other traditional narratives that have been made new by your retelling or your original fiction that has these folkloric elements or mythic elements.’ Poetry also accepted. PAYING http://www.truancymag.dreamhosters.com/submissions-guidelines/

30th Sep ‘Spy Girl – Chipper Press is looking for short stories that feature a female sleuth. We want these stories to be set in a middle-grade school. It can be a spy ring or a single amateur detective. Keep in mind these tales are intended for middle-graders.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.chipperpress.com/anthology-submissions/

30th Sep Writing by Asian lesbians. http://www.sinisterwisdom.org/AsianLesbians

30th Sep ‘We are looking for stories about something that happened to you in your life – in your relationship with a partner or spouse, a parent or child, a family member or friend, at work or at home – that made you and the people around you laugh out loud.’ Stories and poems. PAYING https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/story-guidelines

30th Sep Canadian women/nonbinary only: ‘Re Nature: Writing on a World under Threat. Understorey Magazine invites submissions of critical writing & visual art – for a nature in crisis.’ PAYING https://understoreymagazine.ca/2019/04/re-nature-writing-on-a-world-under-threat/

30th Sep Crime/mystery/thriller story. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.clarendonhousebooks.com/anthologies

30th Sep ‘We are looking for stories about the humorous or serious sides of life after 60.’ Stories and poems. PAYING https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

30th Sep  ‘We want all of your travel stories, whether they’re also love stories, horror stories, success stories…you know we’re flexible here.
The only rule is the same as it always is: this trip must include music!’ https://memoirmixtapes.com/submissions/

30th Sep Poetry. https://wendpoetry.com/submissions/

30th Sep Spec fic. PAYING https://aurealis.com.au/submissions/ (thanks to www.freedomwithwriting.com for this one)

30th Sep Erotic literary fiction and erotic formal poetry. http://www.sliptongue.com/submissions.html

30th Sep Poetry and fiction on the theme of Free Will. https://theliterarynest.com/submissions/literary-submissions/

30th Sep Poetry and more. https://www.thimblelitmag.com/submissions/

30th Sep Poetry on the theme of Brink. http://oxfordpoetry.co.uk/

30th Sep Poetry, flash, short fiction and more on the theme of Night Terrors. https://tigersharkpublishing.wordpress.com/home/guidelines/

30th Sep Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Anne of Green Gables: All Thngs Anne. http://www.portyonderpress.com/all-things-anne—issue-9.html

30th Sep Poetry on the theme of Autumn. PAYING http://www.songsoferetz.com/p/guidelines.html

1st Oct Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Keep Texas Salty. PAYING http://www.quartermarchmedia.com/faq

1st Oct Poetry, prose and more on the theme of Wilderness. https://manzanomountainreview.com/submissions

1st Oct ‘Power Playis all about the action and competition of hockey combined with the drama and emotion of romance. I’m looking for consensual power exchange romance stories that revolve around the rink.’ 2500+ words. PAYING  http://www.penandkinkpub.com/home/call-for-submissions/

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

‘We seek to confront the 21st century headlong and with humanity. To publish poetry that feels crisp and new; poetry that explores rough edges of humanity instead of attempting to smooth them.’ ‘Due to Submittable limits, we are only able to offer a limited number of no-cost submissions each month. If there is no option to submit at no-cost please check back at the beginning of the next month!’ http://dovecotemag.com/submissions

Haiku. PAYING https://haikujournal.org/submit/terms.php

Poetry. PAYING https://poetryquarterly.com/submit/terms.php

Various anthology calls, all open until filled: Mythological beasts/creatures, Faeries. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES  https://ironfaeriepublishing.com/open-anthology-calls/

Poetry, flash and short fiction. https://jamandsandjournal.com/submissions

Clean fantasy and SF. PAYING https://deepmagic.co/submissions/# (thanks to www.freedomwithwriting.comfor this one)

Stories under 2000 words. PAYING https://www.intrinsick.com/guidelines.html

Fiction up to 10,000 words. PAYING https://www.fabulaargentea.com/index.php/submissions/

‘Wordwooze Publishing seeks talented authors who write stories that are out of the ordinary and feature strong plots, smooth writing, three-dimensional characters, and interesting backgrounds. If that sounds like you, we invite you to send us a copy of your manuscript.’ ROYALTIES https://www.wordwooze.com/submissions.html

‘The material chosen for Kaleidoscope challenges and overcomes stereotypical, patronizing, and sentimental attitudes about disability.We accept the work of writers with and without disabilities; however the work of a writer without a disability must focus on some aspect of disability.’ PAYING http://www.udsakron.org/kaleidoscope/enter-a-submission.aspx

‘This anthology, to be edited by Steve Berman, seeks short stories and novellettes that adapt classic fairy tales. But we want them populated with Bears! Strapping heroes are fine as long as they are stout. All the stories should have a measure of whimsy and/or wonder.’ PAYING https://www.lethepressbooks.com/call-for-submissions.html#/

Until filled: ‘We now have an OPEN call for the high fantasy anthology “Of Witches, Warriors, and Wyverns”.’ PAYING https://tanstaaflpress.com/fantasy-anthology-guidelines-of-witches-warriors-and-wyverns/

Spec fic on the theme of Whigmaleeries & Wives’ Tales. PAYING http://www.jayhenge.com/callforstories.html

Erotic spec fiction. PAYING http://www.jayhenge.com/callforstories.html

Christian flash fiction. https://transfiguredlit.wordpress.com/submission-guidelines/

Transgressive, bizarro and splatterpunk fiction. PAYING http://www.filthyloot.com/about/

MSS of various kinds. https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/page.aspx/submissions

‘We are currently open to submissions for our inaugural issue. We want work that breaks through the mundane reality of our daily lives. Send us literature that elevates thought and feeling beyond what we experience in the monotony of daily life. If it floats your boat, you can have that be as fantasy or science fiction.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://realitybreakpress.com/submission-guidelines/

‘Welcome to Poetrylandia, a new Wapshott Press journal, we are seeking book length single author poetry collections, as well as book length poems, epic poetry, saga poetry, very long poems, fiction and non-fiction in verse.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.wapshottpress.org/poetrylandia/

Spec fiction 1500-5000 words on the theme of Birds. PAYING https://lackingtons.com/submissions/

Poetry, flash, short fiction and more. PAYING http://www.drunkmonkeys.us/submission-guidelines

Hello Everyone!

We’re moving house this month, so I’m even more disorganised than usual! I’ll be making sure to submit, though—August is the second-best month to submit and enter (after December). It’s the school holidays, and people are too busy with children to write; or they’re on holiday themselves, and doing non-writerly things. Take advantage! Send your work out there!

I hope that you’re all well and enjoying your writing. There are some wonderfully odd themes this month, so even if you’re not confident, have a go for a giggle. And then submit the result… Good luck!

Best wishes,

Cathy x

Paypal/Patreon

---

Here are some writing competitions and calls for submission, all with free, electronic entry.

As usual I’m passing these on in good faith but mistakes may be made, so do check all the submission guidelines carefully. Any info in quotes comes from the website itself and any dates at the start are deadlines. Also, I don’t know the sources personally, so do check them out for yourselves.

There are three headings (click/tap to jump straight to them):

• Competitions
• Submissions With Deadlines
• Submissions Without Known Deadlines

If you aren’t a submitter (why not? Nothing to lose! Rejection is something we all share!) then the themes can make great writing prompts/exercises.

Although I mention only fiction or poetry, many publications accept non-fiction, art or other forms, so do check if interested. Good luck and do let me know of successes! The links are in the comments, and any dates at the start are deadlines.

Where possible, I have marked the relevant entries with ‘paying’, ‘contributor copy’ etc. However, you are best off checking the info for yourselves as I am not infallible and the info isn’t always available or clear. Please be aware that a contributor copy may be in print or digital format. Also, some publications offer several things, eg payment as well as a contributor copy. Where this is the case, I have assumed that payment is enough of an incentive, so I haven’t listed everything. It’s a rough guide and should be treated as such.

COMPETITIONS

2nd Aug US only: Fiction up to 5000 words on the theme of Black Gold. PAYING https://www.bethuneandson.com/texasshortstorycontest.html (thanks to www.erikadreifus.com for this one)

5th Aug Review of an art exhibition by someone who has not previously had published more than three pieces of writing on art. PAYING https://frieze.com/article/frieze-writers-prize-2019

7th Aug Spectator competition No. 3111: spanish ayes– William McGonagall wrote a poem entitled ‘Beautiful Torquay’. You are invited to submit his poetic response to Magaluf. Please email (wherever possible) entries of up to 16 lines to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 7 August. PAYING

15th Aug Speculative flash fiction. ‘This is a call for Native and Indigenous writers. The flash must pass or discuss The Native Bechdel Test, which requires 1) Two (named) Native Characters, 2) Who talk to each other, 3) about something other than white people.’ PAYING https://www.apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines/#1538347466119-241fd8cf-66ed

15th Aug Writing up to 350 words on the theme of ‘Color’. PAYING https://www.headwaylit.org/contest

15th Aug Poem on the theme of Identity. Winner will be published in a broadside. NON-CASH PRIZE http://jacarpress.com/submissions/

15th Aug Flash fiction on the theme of Elves and/or Fairies. PAYING https://www.lvwonline.org/flash-fiction

21st Aug Poetry, prose and more on the theme of Environment. CHAPBOOK PUBLICATION AND CONTRIBUTOR COPIES https://www.selcouthstation.com/chapbook-submissions-now-open

29th Aug Environmental writing in various categories. ‘All genres must relate to environmental issues such as climate change, environment, conservation, and animal rights.’ PAYING https://www.peacefuldumpling.com/peaceful-dumpling-environmental-writing-prize

30th Aug Fiction on the theme of Tradition, 1000-5000 words. PAYING https://onthepremises.submittable.com/Submit

31st Aug ‘We are looking for stories (in a variety of formats: play, film, radio, book, tv) that in some way touch upon ideas around building a sustainable society. We will consider all genres – rom-com, literary fiction, science fiction, mystery, crime etc. – but stories must engage with the idea of environmentally sustainable practices and/or sustainable societies.’ Full-length novel PAYING http://www.greenstories.org.uk/about-the-competition/

31st Aug Fiction 1000-7500 words. PAYING https://www.mura.ink/contest

31st Aug Poetry. PAYING https://www.culturalweekly.com/2019-jack-grapes-poetry-prize-submissions-now-open/ (thanks to https://fundsforwriters.com/ for this one)

1st Sep Flash fiction up to 300 words on the theme of Feed Us. PAYING https://brilliantflashfiction.com/2019/06/01/feed-us-writing-contest/#more-3344

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

Until filled: poetry on the theme of Crone. ‘If that puts images in your head of an old witch stirring stuff in a cauldron, let us gently move that idea out of the way. Here’s what we are thinking: Women poets over the age of 50 are underrepresented in poetry publications. But they shouldn’t be; women over 50 have a breadth and depth of experience, knowledge, and wisdom to celebrate. So we want to hear from poets who identify as women and are over 50.’ https://www.gyroscopereview.com/home/guidelines/ (Cathy’s note: the deadline is 7th Sep or until filled – you’ve got the best chance of being in time if you get in early!)

3rd Aug Stories and poetry suitable for children, on the theme of Super Hero. PAYING http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/submissions.html

3rd Aug Speculative fiction 1500-3000 words on the theme of Longevity. PAYING https://www.thirdflatiron.com/liveSite/pages/submissions

9th Aug Spec flash on the theme of Stories that Sing: the 80s. PAYING https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/

10th Aug Poetry, flash, short fiction and more. One contributor will get £20. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS https://www.amandasteelwriter.com/440793822

10th Aug ‘This ‘Vintage Faeries’ issue of FAE will look back at faeries of the past, and bring some of them into the future! We welcome your creative ideas on this vintage faerie theme for possible publication in the autumn 2019 edition of FAE. We are happy to accept and review photo-sets (no nudity), short poems and articles.’ https://www.faemagazine.com/submissions/

10th Aug Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of “Addiction /You can never get enough of that which doesn’t satisfy”. http://moonmagazine.org/submission-guidelines/

10th Aug Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Social Justice, 100,000 Poets (and Friends) for Change. https://thebezine.com/submission-guidelines/

11th Aug Poetry on the theme of Peach. Only Australian contributors are paid. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS http://cordite.org.au/guncotton/mfk-fisher-will-poach-you-one/

11th Aug Fiction, flash and nonfiction on the theme of Reality. https://www.litro.co.uk/submit/

12th Aug Submissions should address the intersection of women’s sexuality with the issue’s theme: Menstruation. https://cliteraturejournal.com/submit

12th Aug ‘One of the most important historic Quaker testimonies stood against gambling, yet it’s a topic we rarely seem to talk about anymore. Do we participate in raffles or games of chance? Does it matter? How about investments in the stock market? Does gambling foster materialism? Is it an addiction we need to work against?’ Poetry, articles and more. https://www.friendsjournal.org/submissions/

15th Aug Fiction up to 5000 words. PAYING https://psychopompmag.com/submit/

15th Aug Poetry, flash, short fiction and more on the theme of Pithy Politics. https://antilang.ca/submission-guidelines/

15th Aug ‘Lonely Cryptid Media is now accepting submissions for our new anthology: Fireweed: Stories from the Revolution. We are seeking submissions of poetry, short fiction, creative non-fiction, and visual art.’ PAYING https://lonelycryptidmedia.com/2019/07/14/call-for-submissions-fireweed-stories-from-the-revolution/

15th Aug Poetry, prose and art on the theme of Self-love. https://www.thewinnowmagazine.com/submit.html

18th Aug Fiction 2000-4000 words on the theme of either Detective Thrillers or A Dying Planet. PAYING http://blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-gothic/short-story-submissions-detective-thrillers-a-dying-planet

18th Aug ‘Our Fall theme, New Spirit, Wise Action,explores the relationship between spirituality and activism. We invite you to submit an essay up to 1000 words, a poem, or other artwork.’ https://www.kosmosjournal.org/contribute-to-kosmos-quarterly/

18th Aug Poetry and prose on the theme of Masks. https://thewriterscafemagazine.wordpress.com/2019/05/06/the-writers-cafe-magazine-issue-17-maskscallout/

19th Aug Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Industry. PAYING http://www.speculativecity.com/submissions/

19th Aug Underwater New Yorkis now open for submissions for our fall issue. While we remain interested in submissions that follow the general constraints of our mission—creative work inspired by our list of underwater objects or by New York City’s diverse waterways and waterfronts—for this issue, we are particularlyinterested in the theme of LABOR and WORK.’ PAYING http://underwaternewyork.com/submit-1

30th Aug Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Privacy. https://oreadjournal.co.uk/submissions/

31st Aug Poetry, flash and more on the theme of Astrology. https://astrosciencewriter.com/submissions/

31st Aug Poetry, prose, and more. Marginalized writers highly encouraged to submit. https://anatoliosmagazine.wordpress.com/guidelines/

31st Aug ‘ZED Press is looking for unique and interesting chapbook submissions from across the world for its third series. We’re looking for writing that is experimental in form and/or content, and we have a particular interest in cross-genre work that bends or breaks traditional genre “rules.” Show us something we’ve never seen before, whether it’s poetry, prose, or a combination of the two.’ https://zedpresswindsor.wordpress.com/submission-guidelines/

31st Aug Poetry. PAYING https://www.foundryjournal.com/submit.html

31st Aug ‘What happens when we make monsters? What happens when we confront the monsters inside ourselves? These are the grotesque things that should never have been. These are the beasts that stalk our twisted pasts. These are the ghosts of our own making that haunt our regrets. They’re the blood on our hands. They’re the obsessions in our heads. They’re the vengeance in our hearts. These are Miscreations: Gods, Monstrosities & Other Horrors.’2000-5000 words PAYING https://blog.nettirw.com/2019/07/03/miscreations-open-call-for-submissions/

31st Aug Poetry and prose. https://quiddity.submittable.com/submit

31st Aug Poem or story including these three words: Effigy, Sleepwalk, Wane. http://3elementsreview.com/submission-guidelines

31st Aug Speculative fiction and poetry on the theme of Euphoria. PAYING https://www.apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines/

31st Aug ‘Editors Harley Easton and CM Peters want lovers of a bookish nature. Give us your best librarian, book dealer, first-edition collector, or bookstore owner.’ 3000-10,000 words. ROYALTIES https://sincyrpublishing.com/open-calls/

31st Aug Nonfiction poetry on the theme of Lineages. http://rabbitpoetry.com/?page_id=35

31st Aug Poetry, fiction and more. Free subs run out quickly, so don’t delay! PAYING http://grubstreetgrackle.com/submit/

31st Aug ‘A collection of stories set in and around the town of Quonsettville, Vermont, set off by a particular event.’ (Cathy’s note: as always, read the guidelines carefully!) https://pureslush.com/submissions/current-submissions/the-shitlist/

31st Aug ‘In this anthology, Temptation Pressis looking for short stories that explore the naughty side of an affair with your boss. Any gender combination is welcome.’ 4500-20,000 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.temptationpress.com/anthology-calls-for-submissions/

31st Aug ‘For the #76 Magma Issue, ‘Resistencia’, we are seeking poems about disobedience, solidarity, human rights, bilingualism, exile, migration, that are related or linked to Latin America, or to the Latinx experience here in the UK or elsewhere.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://magmapoetry.submittable.com/submit/143464/magma-76-resistencia

31st Aug Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Power, by Asian writers. PAYING http://looseleafmagazine.ca/submissions/

1st Sep Poetry written while on a commercial airliner. PAYING https://poetryonplanes.com/

1st Sep ‘TOIL & TROUBLE:Witches, warlocks, wizards, wyverns, wights, wraiths and will-o-the-wisps (and other horror-themed things not beginning with W) haunt our Hallowe’en hallucinations this October: send in your most troubling and terrifying fiction.’ Story 800-2000 words. https://www.liarsleague.com/liars_league/forthcoming-events-themes.html

1st Sep Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Phenomenal Woman. https://www.stillpointartgallery.com/calls.html

1st Sep Poetry on the theme of Hallowe’en and Horror. PAYINGhttp://www.songsoferetz.com/p/guidelines.html

1st Sep ‘Poetic License Press is seeking poems about the experience of feeling seen or unseen, understood or misunderstood, ignored or scrutinized. Poems should reflect actual firsthand experience, not the perspective of a second party observer.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.poeticlicenseinc.net/call-for-submissions

1st Sep ‘Give us your take on the intersection of elder gods, old monsters and new technology.’ 2000-8000 words. There are various plots to pick from. PAYING https://nphzone.com/anthologies-and-contests/darkness-wired-anthology-2019/

1st Sep Poetry and stories on the theme of Family Functions (or Dysfunctions). PAYING https://sites.google.com/site/bethlehemwritersroundtable/submissions

1st Sep Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Herbal Alchemy. PAYING https://nilvx.com/pages/guidelines

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

Short Stories. PAYING http://hermineannual.com/submit.htm (thanks to www.erikadreifus.com for this one)

Fiction, poetry and more. https://theelixirmag2018.wordpress.com/submission-guidelines/

‘If there’s something you’re passionate about, try it out on us. Write an essay. A critique. A poem. A fanciful vision of whatever far off world it is that you daydream about. The plan is simply that the best and most inquiring of the pieces submitted to the quarterly magazine will be offered the opportunity to be worked on to eventually form books that will be published by EAP.’ http://exterminatingangel.com/ea-press/becoming-part-of-the-eap-community/

Fiction and more. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS https://www.guernicamag.com/about/submissions/ (Cathy’s note: they pay for most stuff, but not short-form pieces. Thanks to www.erikadreifus.com for this one)

Fiction by womxn. PAYING http://hotflashfiction.com/submissions/

Poetry. http://one.jacarpress.com/submissions/

‘History Through Fiction is interested in publishing high quality fiction that is based on historical research. We are looking for stories about real people and real events. Though fictionalized, our books include nonfiction elements such footnotes, endnotes, and/or a bibliography.’ ROYALTIES http://www.historythroughfiction.com/submission-guidelines/

‘Please keep in mind as well that we publish primarily literary fiction, rarely poetry or non-fiction, and that we place a heavy emphasis upon fiction that belongs to the experimental tradition of Sterne, Joyce, Rabelais, Flann O’Brien, Beckett, Gertrude Stein, and Djuna Barnes.’ http://www.dalkeyarchive.com/submission-guidelines/

‘We are currently seeking poetry submissions that align with our mission. We are especially interested in poetry from immigrant writers exploring any theme and first generation writers exploring themes of heritage and identity. Please submit 3-5 poems and include either a brief artist statement or essay on the themes of your selected work.’ PAYING https://immigrantreport.submittable.com/submit/144822/immigrant-report-poetry (thanks to www.erikadreifus.com for this one)

Short fiction and serial fiction. PAYING https://www.myweekly.co.uk/contact/

Hello everyone! Many thanks to those who’ve chipped in to help keep this site going (Paypal/Patreon). I don’t know whether you’d want your names up or not—I should have asked before this morning, really…

This month’s tip: be more organised than I am.

Anyway, a big shout-out to Steve O’Connor’s creative writing group in the wilds of Yorkshire. I know that Steve is really impressed with you, and thank you for using this site to practise submitting and entering.

Love and sympathy to those experiencing heatwaves. We had a couple of warm days here, and some humid days; but mainly, the rain’s just a bit warmer.

Much love to all of you, and may you get the weather you wish for.

Best wishes,

Cathy x

---

Here are some writing competitions and calls for submission, all with free, electronic entry.

As usual I’m passing these on in good faith but mistakes may be made, so do check all the submission guidelines carefully. Any info in quotes comes from the website itself and any dates at the start are deadlines. Also, I don’t know the sources personally, so do check them out for yourselves.

There are three headings (click/tap to jump straight to them):

• Competitions/Residencies
• Submissions With Deadlines
• Submissions Without Known Deadlines

If you aren’t a submitter (why not? Nothing to lose! Rejection is something we all share!) then the themes can make great writing prompts/exercises.

Although I mention only fiction or poetry, many publications accept non-fiction, art or other forms, so do check if interested. Good luck and do let me know of successes! The links are in the comments, and any dates at the start are deadlines.

Where possible, I have marked the relevant entries with ‘paying’, ‘contributor copy’ etc. However, you are best off checking the info for yourselves as I am not infallible and the info isn’t always available or clear. Please be aware that a contributor copy may be in print or digital format. Also, some publications offer several things, eg payment as well as a contributor copy. Where this is the case, I have assumed that payment is enough of an incentive, so I haven’t listed everything. It’s a rough guide and should be treated as such.

COMPETITIONS

Poetry. This is a free weekly poetry comp with a cash prize, yet it sometimes gets fewer than 40 entries! PAYING https://www.poetrynook.com/

3rd Jul Spectator Competition No. 3106: twister. ‘You are invited to submit a poem with an ingenious twist at the end. Please email entries of up to 16 lines to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 3 July.’ PAYING

10th Jul ‘We invite entries that engage with the subject of sex, sex-writing, desire, bodies, shame, pleasure, obscenity, intimacy, transgression, pleasure, gender, the unsaid, the screamed, made in any style or form. You are free to interpret the theme as you wish, though we will favour works that engage with and best reflect the central theme of sex.’ PAYING https://showyouminesymposium.com/prize

10th Jul Spectator Competition No. 3107: when two become one. You are invited to provide an extract (up to 150 words/16 lines) that is a mash-up of two well-known existing works of literature (please specify). Please email (wherever possible) entries to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 10 July. PAYING

15th Jul Poetry containing the word “Singapore” by anyone who is not a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident in Singapore. PAYING https://singaporeunbound.org/opportunities/

15th Jul Speculative flash. ‘The flash must pass or discuss The Topside Test which requires that the piece includes multiple trans characters who know each other and talk to each other about something other than medical transition procedures.’ PAYING https://www.apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines/#1538347466119-241fd8cf-66ed

18th Jul Poetry. Although there’s a fee for adults, young people and children may have a free entry, so this is one to interest your children! PAYING http://www.poetry-festival.co.uk/ledbury-poetry-competition/(thanks to www.prizemagic.co.ukfor this one)

30th Jul US only: story up to 5000 words on the theme of Death from Above. PAYING https://www.lumberloftpress.com/(Cathy’s note: although it says ‘unpublished authors’ in the general blurb, this is not mentioned in the official rules. It might be just that the story must be unpublished, not the author. If in doubt, please check with the organiser.)

31st Jul Poetry chapbook. PAYING https://platypuspress.co.uk/brokenriverprize

31st Jul Scary story on the theme of either True Tales of Terror or Fantastic Frights. 1000-4000 words. PAYING https://oklahomapaganquarterly.com/spooky-samhain-2019-contest/

31st Children up to age 13: poem on the theme of Place. PAYING https://www.betjemanpoetryprize.co.uk/how-to-enter

1st Aug Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Disability. PAYING https://txdisabilities.submittable.com/submit

Short stories based on weekly prompts, which arrive by email if you sign up. PAYING https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

3rd Jul Stories and poetry suitable for children, on the theme of Conservation for Kids. PAYING http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/submissions.html

7th Jul ‘WOMEN & GIRLS:Our female-led fiction night returns for its third triumphant year! This month we’re after stories on any subject and in any genre, but both author and protagonist(s) must be women.’ Story 800-2000 words.https://www.liarsleague.com/liars_league/forthcoming-events-themes.html

7th July Fiction up to 700 words on the theme of one of the Seven Deadly Sins. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES, CHARITY/GOOD CAUSE ANTHOLOGY https://thingsinthewell.wordpress.com/Open-submissions/

8th Jul Poems, articles and more on the theme of Friends in Africa, for this Quaker mag. https://www.friendsjournal.org/submissions/

9th Jul Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Suburbia. PAYING https://thesuburbanreview.com/submit/

10th Jul  Spec and weird fiction. PAYING https://www.planetscumm.space/submissions

10th Jul Poetry on the theme of The Light Ascending. PAYING https://griffithreview.submittable.com/submit

10th Jul Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of “What’s love got to do with it? | Can spirituality transform politics?”. http://moonmagazine.org/submission-guidelines/

12th Jul Writing and art on the theme of Space, by writers aged 4-26 (or thereabouts). https://fingerscommatoes.wordpress.com/

15th Jul ‘Poetry is Dead wants your poems and creative nonfiction on the subject of small town life.’ https://www.poetryisdead.ca/call-submission-small-towns

15th Jul Poem on the theme of Water. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES

https://wacoartsfest.org/2017-website-pages/wordfest/

15th Jul 3-6 poems. http://www.ashevillepoetryreview.com/submissions

15th Jul Putrescent poems. PAYING https://www.fortytwobooks.com/putrescent-poems.html

15th Jul ‘Interactive fiction, sequential art, and interactive poetry. We do not accept prose without interactivity or a detailed plan for interactivity.’ PAYING https://sub-q.com/about/submissions/

15th Jul Fiction 3500-15,000 words on the theme of Secrets in the Water. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://zimbellhousepublishing.com/anthology_submission/

15th Jul 50-word fiction on the theme of Disappear. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.blink-ink.org/submissions/

15th Jul ‘In honour of the 150th Birthday of the Periodic Table, Rosebud Ben-Oni is guest editing a special folio for Pleiades featuring poems that delve deeply into chemistry in surprising and innovative ways. Send us your poems on all things elemental and reactive, the alkaline & acidic, the combustive & corrosive, your peculiar experiments gone awry, your alchemy & chain reactions.’ http://www.pleiadesmag.com/submit/

15th Jul Poetry and CNF on the theme of Broken/Whole. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.snapdragonjournal.com/submit.html

19th Jul Poetry, fiction and more by writers and artists of the African diaspora on the theme of Life at a Crossroads. http://centerforblackliterature.com/killens-review-fall-winter-2019/

19th Jul Poetry, short fiction and more. https://thetangerinemagazine.com/submit

20th Jul “…primarily a journal issue for those in the BDSM / kink community who are also ace / aro. It seeks to address questions such as: Does your practice of BDSM / kink counter dominant perceptions of the subculture? How do you navigate the relationship between societal ideas of sex, sexual arousal, attraction, and play as they relate to BDSM / kink? How does BDSM / kink relate to asexuality?’ http://theasexual.com/article/2019/4/19/vol-3-issue-2-bdsm-kink-asexual

24th Jul ‘We invite authors to explore each theme in any way that speaks to them: re-write a  familiar story from a new point of view, mash genres together, give us a  personal essay about some aspect of our theme that has haunted you all  your life. We also invite art that will accompany the literature.’ Theme: Homer’s The Odyssey. PAYING https://nonbinaryreview.submittable.com/submit/134831/nbr-22-the-odyssey

25th Jul or until full: ‘For our Halloween horror anthology this year, we are looking for tales of grisly and psychologically damaging isolation.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES  http://fantasiadivinitymagazine.com/anthology-submission-calls

31st Jul ‘Chipper Press is looking for short stories that depict the end of the dragon race. The last battle has been fought, and the victors are leaving the field. What happens to the remaining dragons now? Show our young readers a fantastical world where dragons and magic were real. Keep in mind the reader age rating on this anthology is 9 to 12.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.chipperpress.com/anthology-submissions/

31st Jul Poetry and flash fiction. https://rhinopoetry.org/general-submissions(thanks to www.palettepoetry.comfor this one)

31st Jul ‘We are currently open for poetry and flash fiction submissions for our upcoming anthology “Heat the Grease, We’re Frying Up Some Poetry.” The anthology is centered around the theme of cooking, either the act of cooking, watching someone cook, eating or preparing food, and observing holiday traditions centered around food. Any poetry or flash fiction which is tangentially about this theme may be considered at the discretion of the editor.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://gnashingteethpublishing.wordpress.com/submit/

31st Jul ‘We are looking for stories about something that happened to you in your life – in your relationship with a partner or spouse, a parent or child, a family member or friend, at work or at home – that made you and the people around you laugh out loud.’ Stories and poems. PAYINGhttps://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

31st Jul – but free subs are capped at 300, so submit earlier if you can! Poetry. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIEShttps://sugarhousereview.submittable.com/submit

31st Jul ‘Stories in which three (or more!) characters find happily-ever-after all together. We want ménage stories – à trois, à quatre, whatever works for your characters! Any pairing will work, but MMM and MMF seem to sell best for us.’ ROYALTIES https://www.jms-books.com/submission-guidelines-ezp-35.html

31st Jul ‘Blasphemous Rumorsis a themed anthology of religious horror stories edited by David Barnett and Regina Garza Mitchell. We are seeking dark short stories that focus on religion or spirituality, stories that may be considered blasphemous by the standards of your religion of choice. We are looking for quality dark fiction, not hate-filled rants against religion.’ PAYING https://necropublications.com/pages/guidelines-blasphemous-rumors-edited-by-regina-garza-mitchell-and-david-g-barnett

31st Jul Writing and art for children on the theme of Circles. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://rootandstar.com/pages/submit

31st Jul Fiction, poetry and more on the theme of Borderlands. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.amsterdamquarterly.org/submissions/

31st Jul ‘Roomshowcases writing and art by women (cisgender and transgender), transgender men, Two-Spirit and nonbinary people.’ Writing on the theme of Hair. PAYING http://roommagazine.com/submit

31st Jul Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Getaway. https://blood-and-bourbon.com/submissions/

31st Jul Poetry and more featuring The Word Bookstore. http://scrivenercreativereview.com/call-for-submissions/

31st Jul Urban nature fiction and more on the theme of Roots/Routes. PAYING https://www.stonecropreview.com/submissions/

1st Aug ‘UNDERLANDPRESS is seeking mystery, crime, dark fantasy, horror, and other speculative types of fiction for a loosely-themed anthology to be released in the winter of 2020. This one is called “Eighteen,” and is symbolic of the great river at night, where the wolves howl and all doors are open. All thresholds are possible, and every truth is elusive. The Eighteenth Tarot card is the Moon, and those who raise their arms to her know she offers Mercy and Severity in equal measure. These are stories of mischief and mayhem. These are stories of magic.’ PAYING http://firebirdcreative.net/underland/eighteen.php

1st Aug ‘We are interested in the use of the “I” voice by emerging and established writers. We love the intersections of things: where fiction meets essay, where essay meets poetry, where poetry meets visual art. We love all forms of creative non-fiction: auto fiction, memoire, experimental essay and prose.’ https://bluehousejournal.com/submissions(thanks to https://shortstops.info/for this one)

1st Aug Prose poems. PAYING http://www.songsoferetz.com/p/guidelines.html

1st Aug Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Trouble. https://halfwaydownthestairs.net/submissions/

1st Aug Feminist Bicycle Science Fiction on the theme of Cats. PAYING http://takingthelane.com/2019/02/27/call-for-submissions-cats-and-bikes-in-space/

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

‘POETiCA REViEW exists to promote the work of new and older poets alike, the less fortunate, the dispossessed, those without a voice, but encourage the artistic talents of all, not just a privileged minority.’ https://poeticareview.wixsite.com/mysite-1/submission-guidelines

Until filled: ‘We are pleased to announce our first drabble anthology! For this anthology, we are looking for drabbles featuring the element wind. You can have a wind deity, a magic user that controls wind, or the wind as an entitiy of its own. The book will be split into four chapters: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, and Romance. Be sure to label your submission with the correct genre chapter!’CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIEShttp://fantasiadivinitymagazine.com/anthology-submission-calls

Until filled: ‘We are pleased to announce our first flash fiction anthology! For this anthology, we are looking for fantasy flash fiction. It can be epic fantasy, fairy tales, or dark fantasy. We are mostly looking for sword and sorcery type of fantasy, so we would prefer no modern stories.’CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIEShttp://fantasiadivinitymagazine.com/anthology-submission-calls

Poetry. http://www.ucityreview.com/submissions.html

‘Library Tales Publishing is an independent book publishing company founded in 2011. The company is focused on publishing, marketing and distributing self-help, memoirs and niche fiction books by qualified and talented authors.’ https://www.librarytalespublishing.com/submissions

‘We are looking for poetry and essays that speak to the mission of Tinfish, which seeks to publish experimental work of the Pacific Region, while also considering the themes of rageand hope.’ https://tinfishpress.com/?page_id=63

Microfiction on the themes of Vampires or Zombies. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://bloodsongbooks.com/submissions/anthology-calls-micro-fiction/

‘While I begin trying to get some pamphlet poets on board, to take Marble to the next level, I’m also mulling over some smaller chapbook ideas as well. So if you have a dozen or so poems that will work together as a mini collection, please send them on to pamphlets(at)marblepoetry.com. Remember, this isn’t a competition, there’s enough of those out there already. Marble tries to make its money from selling poetry, not false hopes. The only requirement is that I like it.’

‘Imagine your local movie rental store back in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, remember all those fantastic covers. Remember taking those movies home and watching in awe as the stories unfolded in nasty rainbows of gore, remember the atmosphere and textures.

Rewind or Die is a series of books I’d like produce with each title being between 25,000 and 50,000 words in length.’ Women only, at present. https://mailchi.mp/a74b98f448d5/rewind-or-die-and-more?e=e2910e4569

Finished MSS. UNKNOWN PAYMENT http://www.vegetarianalcoholicpress.com/submissives

‘New York City-based independent press specialising in high-quality literary fiction and nonfiction. Send submissions by post or email.’ http://www.tailwindspress.com/contact-us.html(Cathy’s note: although the subs page hasn’t been updated for a while, they have published books this year, so are still in action (I reckon!).)

‘Sponge is looking for original science fiction and speculative fiction from New Zealand, Australian, and Pacific writers.’ They also take poetry. https://sponge.nz/submissions

‘We accept original theoretical or research articles, book reviews, interviews, poems and short fiction.’ http://www.setumag.com/p/write-for-setu.html

‘The Stay Project is an online space where you can submit your experiences of the here and now as they relate to our president. We want your feelings, thoughts, reactions, hopes, fears – however big or small and in any form. Literary, Visual, Performative, etc. Our only criterion? No hate.’ http://www.thestayproject.us/

‘Q/A Poetry exists to amplify the voices of womxn and nonbinary poets, and to expand the subjects deemed “appropriate” for womxn to be writing about.’ https://www.qapoetry.com/

‘We prefer original works (no reprints) with (but not limited to) general, literary, magical realism, and Christian themes… Most themes are accepted though we do not publish violent, overly sexual, vulgar works.’ http://www.dormiveglia.org/submission-guidelines.html

‘Black Coffee Review was created as a way to showcase poets who write about the rawness of life– the dirt and grit of being human. We’re open to almost any style as long as it’s honest and has a kick.’ https://www.blackcoffeereview.com/submission-guidelines

Fiction, poetry and more. https://academyoftheheartandmind.wordpress.com/submit-your-work/

‘Plato’s Caves invites poetry, fiction, reviews and articles on society, culture and politics from prospective contributors of all ages.’ https://platoscavesonline.wordpress.com/submission-guidelines/

Poetry, flash and short fiction. ‘We are particularly interested in work by unpublished or emerging writers and underrepresented writers.’ https://cloverandwhite.wordpress.com/submissions/

Speculative Flash and short fiction. PAYING https://www.3lobedmag.com/submissions.html

‘We’re interested in untold stories, fresh perspectives, and original thought covering the nuances of life, politics, and culture in the American South. We publish nonfiction, poetry, and fiction, as well as state politics coverage and photo essays.’ PAYING https://www.scalawagmagazine.org/submissions/

Prose up to 1500 words. https://virtualzinemag.com/vff