Comps and calls for May 2021

Hello everyone,

I have a small wrist injury – not serious, but it’s my mouse arm, and it’s making typing difficult. Apologies if this affects the listings for this month. It should be better in a month, if not healed.

Anyway, I hope you’re all well. Did you do Napowrimo? I wrote my thirty poems, but I’m not sure about the quality! Still, it’s all good exercise of the poetry muscles. I rather like this way of looking at writing exercises, and writing to a prompt and to order: you’re exercising writing muscles, so that when you come to write your masterpieces, you’ll have the stamina to keep going!

I do hope that you’re well, and enjoying the Spring sunshine (or snow! We’ve had every weather imaginable here)!

Massive thanks as always to those who donate to my Patreon or who do one-off donations. I really appreciate it, and it helps to keep the site going. You don’t get anything extra for it – you just do a good, helpful thing.

Love too to those who’d like to donate but can’t. I’ve been there. xxx

Best wishes and stay safe,

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):

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 May ‘Individuals must identify as Black to submit to the publication. The works submitted may include, but are not restricted to topics around Blackness.’ Poetry. PAYING https://writeaboutnowpoetry.com/the-cookout-literary-journal(thanks to www.erikadreifus.com for this one)

7th May Story 1000-3000 words inspired by the provided prompts, which this month are all about Chiaroscuro. PAYING https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/contests/92/

9am 5th May ‘The award is intended for unpublished creative writers in the early stage of their career and the successful candidate must be a graduate of any university in the UK, Ireland, the Commonwealth or the USA by the time they take up for post on 1 October 2021. All or part of the tenure should be spent in a country outside the UK.’ PAYING https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/creative-writers-route-success-encouraged-apply-harper-wood-award

5th May ‘Spectator Competition No. 3198: now we are rich. You are invited to supply an extract from a children’s book that is designed to explain economics to youngsters. Please email entries of up to 150 words/16 lines to lucyATspectator.co.uk by midday on 5 May.’ PAYING https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/spectator-competition-winners-racy-versions-of-the-classics (Cathy’s note: Scroll down for the comp.)

12th May Spectator Competition No. 3199: I spy ‘Are we facing a future in which we are spied on not only by Alexa, Siri and Cortana but also by our mattress, our vacuum cleaner, even our children’s toys? You are invited to supply a poem in which an inanimate object comments on its owner’s behaviour. Please email entries of up to 16 lines to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 12 May.’ PAYING https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/replies-from-shakespeare-s-dark-lady-and-frances-cornford-s-fat-woman

14th May Poetry. ‘The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 is nature and the environment and we invite your poems on this theme. Poems may also touch on themes of mental health and wellbeing, but they do not need to. The competition is free to enter and open to all.’ NON-CASH PRIZE https://exeterphoenix.org.uk/bloom-poetry-competition/

15th May An unpublished work of crime fiction by an emerging writer of colour. PAYING https://www.sistersincrime.org/page/EleanorTaylorBland

15th May ‘We’re excited to announce our 2021 Flash Fiction Contest for original (previously unpublished) stories 1,000 words or less. To celebrate our fifth year, the cash prize is our biggest yet – $500.’ PAYING https://www.thesunlightpress.com/submissions/

15th May Speculative flash fiction on the theme of Osh Tisch. PAYING https://apparitionlit.com/submissions/

27th May Poetry up to 40 lines, or story up to 500 words, on the theme of Holiday Romance. Up to 2 entries per entrant. PAYING https://erewashwriterscompetition.weebly.com/2021-free-entry-holiday-romance-themed-writing-competition.html

31st May ‘We’re excited to announce the seventh annual short fiction writing contest “Healthy Together: Innovations for One Health”… The news today is full of stories of disease and environmental destruction. We ask authors to imagine a world in which technology has improved One Health —  the health of the environment, humans, and all living things.’ 1500-3000 words. PAYING https://sapiensplurum.org/rules

31st May US and Canada only: story up to 100 words on the provided theme. PAYING https://www.storytwigs.com/competition

31st May ‘The SLF $1000 Older Writers Grant is awarded annually, since 2004, to a writer who is fifty years of age or older at the time of grant application, and is intended to assist such writers who are just starting to work at a professional level. This grant, as with all SLF grants, is intended to help writers working with speculative literature.’ PAYING https://speculativeliterature.org/grants/slf-older-writers-grant/

31st May 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 http://jerryjazzmusician.com/2013/02/short-fiction-contest-details/

1st Jun USA only: ‘Entries must be original works of fiction of no more than 5,000 words that illuminate the role of the law and/or lawyers in modern society.’ PAYING (Cathy’s note: My apologies but I seem to have lost the link for this. I decided to include it anyway as I’m sure some lawyers would be able to find it in a few seconds. Don’t sue me!)

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

2nd May Black women only: Fiction, speculative fiction and essays. PAYING https://www.midnightandindigo.com/write-for-us/

2nd May Story 800-2000 words on the theme of Order & Chaos. https://www.liarsleague.com/liars_league/writers.html

3rd May Poetry, flash and short prose on the theme of A Blessing in Disguise. http://montanamouthful.com/submission-guidelines/

4th May Poetry and prose on the theme of Homecoming. https://www.perhappened.com/submit.html

7th May SF and SF poetry. PAYING https://sciencefictionery.com/submissions

7th May ‘From Fae Folk to Folk Tales, Folklore and a sense of belonging, the word ‘folk’ conjures fantasy, togetherness. How do we see the ‘Folk’ in our lives? Homely collectives of family and friends? A breath of the fantastic helps us unlock the best meanings of ‘Folk’. Open for speculative poetry, prose (fiction & non-fiction), comics & art.’ ROYALTIES https://duotrope.com/duosuma/submit/macromicrocosm-1lhW7

8th May Writing on the theme of Social Media. https://greythoughts.info/submissions

9th May ‘This issue of the London Reader is calling for stories, poems, or art that reflect on, gaze upon, or feel the pull of the moon in any way. From myth or history, through our torn present, or gazing forward to a radically different future.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY AND/OR ROYALTIES http://londonreader.uk/

13th May Transgender, Nonbinary & gender-nonconforming writers’ edition. ‘We are looking for an engaging science fiction or fantasy story, something that gives reality a tweak on the nose – an idea that makes us stop and think.’ PAYING https://www.shorelineofinfinity.com/submissions/

14th May Poetry and fiction. https://theinterpretershouse.org/submissions

14th May Theme: Ephemeral. ‘We especially welcome flash fiction and creative nonfiction, one-line poems, and graphics that might just disappear…We welcome your previously unpublished stories, essays, poetry, graphic art, and genres that have no name.’ https://theilanotreview.submittable.com/submit (Cathy’s note: although you can submit after this date, there’ll be a fee to pay if you do.)

15th May ‘We are a biannual literary zine focused on women’s embodied experiences of perimenopause, menopause, and croning—minus the patriarchy.’ Theme: Roles. https://www.hagsonfire.com/

15th May Poems on the theme of Eggshells. https://www.horseeggliterary.com/submit

15th May Poems, stories and more on the theme of Pride in Horror. https://divinationhollow.com/current-open-calls

15th May ‘We are looking for stories about the entire holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and New Year’s. Please make sure that they are “Santa safe” so that we don’t spoil the magic for precocious readers!’ PAYING https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

15th May Writing on the theme of Waging Peace by finding common ground. https://thebezine.com/about/submission-guidelines/

15th May Poetry, flash and more. ‘For Issue 3, “Technicolor Sunrise,” we will only be accepting submissions from LGBTQIA+ creators.’ https://southchildlit.wixsite.com/website-2/submit

15th May Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Rest & Recovery. PAYING https://pleaseseeme.com/submissions/

15th May Drabble on the theme of Pestilence. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.blackinkfiction.com/submissions

15th May Poems on the theme of Hair. CHARITY/GOOD CAUSE   https://ninepens.co.uk/hair-raising

15th May or when filled:  Poetry on the theme of Love. PAYING http://www.songsoferetz.com/p/guidelines.html

15th May or when full: drabble on the theme of Festival of Fear. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.blackinkfiction.com/submissions

15th May Short horror story 4000-8000 words on the theme of L is for Lycanthropes. PAYING https://redcapepublishing.com/submissions/

15th May Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Preserves. https://www.ampleremains.com/submit.html

16th May Poetry, flash and more on the theme of Indulge. PAYING https://sonderlit.com/submissions/

20th May Poetry, essays and more on the theme of Re-aligning with Earth Wisdom. https://www.kosmosjournal.org/contribute-to-kosmos-quarterly/

22nd May Speculative fiction on the theme of Strange Religion or Strange Wars. PAYING http://tdotspec.com/submissions/

23rd May Women/non-binary writers only: writing on the theme of Disrupt. https://deardamsels.com/2021/04/10/our-next-theme-disrupt/

23rd May Theme: Screens. ‘Claw & Blossom is an online seasonal journal of short literary prose and poems that touch upon the natural world.’ PAYING  (Cathy’s note: they have a monthly quota of free submissions, so submit as soon as you can!) https://clawandblossom.com/submissions/

28th May ‘Send in poems, short stories, articles, art and other forms of writing exploring the theme of ancestry, especially African ancestry. Any length is welcome.’ https://nalubaalereview.wordpress.com/

29th May What One Wouldn’t Do. ‘I’m looking for sacrifices, risky wagers, high stakes, and especially—if you’re familiar with my own writing—the unintended consequences and fallout of said things. I’m interested in the lengths characters would go to “fill-in-the-blank-here.” I’m open to anything in the dark speculative fiction realm.’ Stories and poetry. PAYING https://www.scottjmoses.com/what-one-wouldnt-do

30th May ‘Yes, we are looking for stories, essays, experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic. No, we will not let this catastrophic event go down in History without being documented. The papers are doing their part, but we would like a more personal approach – A HUMAN STORY BEHIND THE NUMBERS AND HEADLINES.’ https://nalubaalereview.wordpress.com/

30th May ‘We’re looking for dark, scary stories featuring a classic monster or monsters (think famous creatures from pre-1960 horror movies).’ There’s a list of characters/monsters to choose from. 1500-5000 words. PAYING https://www.crystallakepub.com/authorcentral/

31st May Poetry or fiction on the theme of Water. https://www.inscribejournal.com/writeforusjournal

31st May Fiction 3000-8000 words. PAYING https://www.one-story.com/index.php?page=submit&pubcode=os

31st May Three fiction anthologies open: Strange Wars, Strange Religion and Wight Christmas. PAYING http://tdotspec.com/submissions/

31st May ‘We invite writers with disabilities, perceived or hidden, to submit their poetry, prose, and hybrid works for this issue. We especially encourage writers with disabilities who also identify as writers of color and/or as part of the LGBTQ++ community.’ Theme: Ownership. POSSIBLE PAYMENT https://santafewritersproject.submittable.com/submit (Cathy’s note: From their website: ‘Once our Submittable fees are covered, we will divide any excess funds earned through the tip jar options equally amongst the published contributors.’)

31st May BIPOC women/non-binary writers: ‘Raising Mothers is currently accepting submissions for our column, Promises for You. We want to give voice and space to those who have experienced infertility, miscarriage, and child loss at any age. Each essay should include a promise to offer other parents living similar experiences. Photo essays are also considered for the column.’ PAYING https://www.raisingmothers.com/submissions/ (Cathy’s note: It’s free to submit poetry.)

31st May (or when full) Drabble on the theme of Reaper Man. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.blackinkfiction.com/submissions

31st May Dark speculative fiction 2000-10,000 words on the theme of Identity, Security, and Community.  ‘Identity, security, and community are inexorably entwined. We’re looking for stories touching on at least one of these themes. We want you to explore the boundaries of who we are, what makes us feel safe (and at what cost), with whom we choose to surround ourselves, and our darkest secrets.’ PAYING https://www.thedreadmachine.com/submit/submit-darkness/

31st May Poetry, stories and more on the theme of Dancing with Ghosts. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://capsulestories.com/submissions/

31st May ‘Have you seen a dragon – they are truly badass m*****f*****s. Armor plated, huge, breathe fire, huge teeth and claws. Yeah, right, a single knight with a sword is going to defeat that. What we are looking for are stories that feature really badass dragons – they can be evil or good – or somewhere in between. The point is they need to live up to the power and strength we picture when we imagine a dragon.’ PAYING https://www.wolfsingerpubs.com/crunchy-guidelines

31st May ‘Let’s look on the bright side: a semi-normal summer may be possible; what’s happening on the beach? Ship us your tales of surf and sun. Send your poetry, fiction, essays, illustrations and photography.’http://www.thebrokencitymag.com/submissions.html

1st Jun ‘Let’s talk about Faery Places. This anthology is all about the places. The dark sppoky (sic) forest, or the undersea cove… the story must feature a place for the fae to play in. This anthology is not limited by genre, any will do. We are looking for the location to shine through the story the most.’ https://faecorpspublishing.wordpress.com/2021/03/22/call-for-submissions-into-the-glen/

1st Jun ‘This summer we will be publishing our first hardcover anthology. We’re looking for original 1k-8k word stories with off-beat characters, bungling detectives, or funny premises. Be creative, but make it about a mystery/crime, and make us laugh!’ PAYING https://www.mysteryweekly.com/submit.asp?p=HUMOUR

1st Jun Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of States of Play. PAYING https://conjunctions.submittable.com/submit

1st Jun or until full: Drabble on the theme of Circus of the Damned. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.blackinkfiction.com/submissions

1st Jun Poetry, stories and more on the theme of The Mind at Play. https://superpresent.wordpress.com/call/

1st Jun ‘Sliced Up Press is looking for short stories involving menopause for its latest horror fiction anthology. Menopause can be hell – so show us your demons, your darkest dreams, bloodiest crimes or scariest transformations. It’s called the change of life, but transitions can be deadly.’ 1000-4000 words. PAYING https://sliceduppress.com/submissions-2/

1st Jun Poems and stories on the theme of Hotter than Sin. PAYING https://bwgwritersroundtable.com/submissions-contacts/

1st Jun Poetry, fiction, CNF and more on the theme of Unmasking. http://www.pcsj.org/caesuracall

1st Jun ‘EHS is an ezine dedicated to 1) original poetry and 2) short fiction (Cathy’s note: and more!) about the Gods and Goddesses and heroes of the world’s many Pagan traditions.’ Theme: The Written Word. PAYING https://eternalhauntedsummer.com/about/

1st Jun Poetry, prose and more on the theme of The Virgin Mary, Venus and Hestia. ‘A literary journal about embracing the wild feminine.  Pulling from classical stories and myths, each issue will be themed around womxn who have embraced the dark and seductive. Around the cauldron womxn have moved as keepers of the house, guardians of future generations, lovers and wives, storytellers, and seers. Womxn hold a secret magic.’ http://cauldronanthology.weebly.com/submissions.html

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

(Publishers might not give out their pay rates on their submission pages, so make sure to find them out before signing a contract!)

‘SFK seeks book-length fiction and non-fiction by fearless authors.’ https://southernfriedkarma.com/submissions-2/

Poetry. http://www.livenudepoems.com/p/submissions.html

Erotic romance novels. https://blackvelvetseductions.com/?page_id=821

‘Thank you for your interest in becoming a Page Street author. We publish young adult (YA) fiction (for ages 12 and up), in all genres, and a variety of nonfiction books in such categories as cooking, sports, science, nature, interior design, crafts, and parenting. We also publish picture books in all genres for ages 4-8 with particular focus on new talent, artist-led narratives, engaging story arcs, and visually driven concepts. We do not publish board books, early readers, chapter books, or middle grade at this time.’ https://www.pagestreetpublishing.com/submission-guidelines

‘MacroMicroCosm is open for essays (500 – 4500 words) on personal philosophy & worldview, as part of a continued discussion on coexistence, community and tolerance. We want to give voice to the philosophical views around us, to debate and inspect them. Through inspection, to discover the commonalities which can bring beauty and compassion to this world on fire. The throne is empty. Long Live the Perilous Thought’s Throne.’  ROYALTIES  https://duotrope.com/duosuma/submit/macromicrocosm-1lhW7

Poetry, flash, short fiction and more. PAYING https://abandonjournal.com/submission-guidelines/

Poetry and more. http://www.verseville.org/poetry-and-essays-guidelines.html

SF poetry. NON-MONETARY COMPENSATION  https://www.shorelineofinfinity.com/submissions/submissions-poetry-multiverse/

‘We are always open to submissions of poetry, prose, and visual art that explore questions of ecology and spirituality from within and outside all religious traditions. We are delighted by thoughtful art, compelling stories, bewitching poems that reflect our values of curiosity, justice, and community.’ http://www.ecotheo.org/submissions/

Poetry and prose. https://burrowpress.submittable.com/submit

Open until filled: Drabbles on any of these themes: Once Upon a Fairytale, Hallowe’en Frights, Winter Shocks or Classic Monsters. https://www.ravenanddrakepublishing.co.uk/drabblecalls

Comps and calls for April 2021

Hello everyone,

You know those times when you have a thousand things to do and your head is filled with custard, or something similarly inappropriate? I’m like that at the moment. If there’s an April Fool, it’s probably me…and my traditional one in the listings. But is it really an April Fool?! Duh – duh – DUHHHH!!!!

Anyway…

Have a good April! Keep writing, keep submitting, stay safe, have fun.

Best wishes and stay safe,

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):

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

Weekly. Poem. Reprints OK. PAYING https://www.poetrynook.com/

2nd Apr Short story 1000-3000 words on the theme of Fool Me Once (use the provided prompts for inspiration). PAYING https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/contests/87/

4th Apr Writers 14 and over who live in Scotland: speculative fiction on the theme of After the Plague. PAYING https://www.cymerafestival.co.uk/short-fiction-competition

7th Apr The first 10,000 words of your completed crime novel. NON-MONETARY COMPENSATION https://www.killerreads.com/killing-it/

7th Apr Spectator Competition No. 3194: Tutti frutti. ‘Tony Harrison wrote a poem entitled ‘A Kumquat for John Keats’. You are invited to substitute your own choice of poet and fruit and submit a poem of that title. Please email entries of up to 16 lines to lucyATspectator.co.uk by midday on 7 April.’ PAYING https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-bard-responds-to-news-that-he-has-been-cancelled

12th Apr ‘In this inaugural year of our cli-fi contest, Fix is asking writers to assume the role of future ancestors, building the world they want our collective descendants to have — on paper.’ 3000-5000 words. PAYING https://grist.org/fix/climate-fiction-writing-contest-imagine-2200-prizes/

15th Apr Speculative short story on the theme of Still Waters, Deep Thoughts. ‘The contest is open to non-professional writers (those who have not met eligibility requirements for SFWA or equivalent: sale of a novel or sale of 3 stories to a large-circulation publication.’ PAYING http://parsecink.com/index.php/parsec-short-story-contest/

15th Apr Speculative flash fiction inspired by Stephanie St Clair. PAYING https://apparitionlit.com/submissions/

15th Apr Flash up to 500 words. ‘We want a feel-good fantasy story with a present day setting.’ PAYING https://www.jerseypinesink.com/ (Cathy’s note: click on ‘Events’ to find the comp.)

23rd Apr Poem on the theme of Social Justice: Human Rights. NON-CASH PRIZE https://poetryforsocialjustice.co.uk/

30th Apr Adventure story in four age categories. PAYING https://www.wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org/index.php/awards/author-of-tomorrow-2019

30th Apr ‘We call on you—poets, writers, fellow human beings—help us expose the especially heinous crimes committed against a peaceful and law-abiding group of Chinese citizens: Falun Gong practitioners.’ Poems up to 50 lines each. PAYING https://fofg.org/competitions/2021-poetry-competition/

30th Apr Fiction up to 500 words by a New England author or have a New England setting if the author is not from New England. PAYING https://crimebake.org/al-blanchard-award/

30th Apr SF short story by a new author. PAYING https://www.arcmanorbooks.com/resnick

30th Apr ‘For spring, we’re looking for stories about transhumanism. Tell us about Humanity 2.0, Homo Sapien Plus, the next stage of our species’ evolution. Do we become cyborgs? Do we digitally upload our minds to machines? Do we ascend into meat vapors of conscious gas? Send us drabbles (i.e. 100-word stories) that meet this prompt in an original, interesting way!’ PAYING https://runebear.com/submit/

30th Apr ‘Every year, QSF holds a flash fiction contest to create an amazing new anthology of queer speculative fiction stories. We ask authors to do the nearly-impossible – to submit a sci fi, fantasy, paranormal or horror LGBTIQA story that has no more than 300 words.’ Theme: Ink. https://www.queerscifi.com/flash-contest-rules/?cn-reloaded=1

1st May Women only: microfiction 20-100 words on the theme of Metamorphosis. PAYING https://spiderroadpress.com/submissions/webmicrofictionprize/

1st May Women over 60: 1-3 poems. https://persimmontree.org/submissions/

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

1st April For the perfectly reasonable sum of one million English pounds sterling, you may have the unpublished, original poem of your choice (up to five lines long) or unpublished, original story of your choice (up to 200 words long) featured on this page in perpetuity. Just pay the million English pounds (Sterling) to https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cathybryant  on 1st April 2021.

2nd Apr ‘Raising Mothers is currently seeking submissions in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, graphic narrative, and hybrid writing exploring the theme TO BE TENDER. We are interested in submissions from BIPOC women and nonbinary writers of color who explore this theme from either the child or parent perspective.’ https://www.raisingmothers.com/submissions/ (Cathy’s note: It’s free to submit poetry.)

4th Apr Speculative Flash fiction on the theme of Orange. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/upcoming-themes/ (Cathy’s note: contributors are paid if their story is used in an anthology.)

5th Apr Chapbooks of lyric essays and/or prose poetry. ‘Please know that we prefer nature-themed submissions, place-based submissions, and the like. We like hopeful, beautiful, and sculpted writing.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIEShttp://www.portyonderpress.com/guidelines.html

5th Apr Poetry and fiction on the theme of Distanced. https://ninthletteronline.submittable.com/submit

6th Apr ‘Arachne Press are looking for poems linked to The A4. 70 Mae gwasg Arachne Press yn eich gwahodd i gynnig cerddi gwreiddiol sy’n gysylltiedig efo’r A470 ar gyfer blodeugerdd. Arguably the most famous road in Wales, the A470 is 186 miles from shore to shore through the backbone of Wales, linking north to south… We want unpublished poems from Welsh poets wherever you are, and all other poets living in Wales.’ ROYALTIES https://arachnepress.submittable.com/submit

6th Apr ‘We are looking for poems, stories and essays that focus on speech / dialogue / a conversation (or more) between 2 people (or more).’ https://pureslush.com/submissions/current-submissions/conversations/

8th Apr Up to 3 poems. Optional theme: Rise. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.florencepoets.com/p/silkworm.html

9th Apr ‘Our Spring/Summer 2021 issue will be devoted to highlighting Black writers, Indigenous writers, writers of color, and writers who identify as LGBTQ+.’ Poetry, flash, short fiction andmore on the theme of Love. http://cheatriverreview.com/submissions/

9th Apr ‘At 86 Logic, we only have one real requirement for submissions—you must have worked in the hospitality industry at some point in your life…What we’ve published so far: poetry, prose, fiction, art, comics, photography, and non-fiction/journalism.’ PAYING https://86logic.com/pages/submit

9th Apr ‘HOLYFLEA! likes so many things but we particularly like: nonsense rhymes, vampires, drawings/paintings/doodles/comics/post-it note scribbles/ink spillages that look eerily like the bathtub in your old house, weird stories, diary entries, transcripts of meaningful conversations, mash up genres, something inspired by your favourite movie, poetry that is not sure if it’s poetry, a page ripped out of your dream journal, lyrics to a song you wrote when you were eight and you think still reads as particularly charming, (brackets) and, most of all, things that have a unique voice/don’t feel like they fit in elsewhere. We like the weird and the offbeat.’ https://holyflea.wordpress.com/SUBMIT/

10th Apr ‘Novellas only, standalone, original and not previously published. Speculative fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy (and their sub-genres).’ https://www.lunapresspublishing.com/submissions

10th Apr Intersectional feminist writing and more. http://sotospeakjournal.org/guidelines/

10th Apr ‘This is a new Anthology open for Young Adult and New Adult Dark Academia short stories.’ 1000-15,000 words. ROYALTIES https://alsoknownasthenovelette.wordpress.com/2020/12/13/aesthetic-a-dark-academia-anthology-submissions-open-12-20-3-10-writers-writingcommunity-amwriting-bookcommunity/

11th Apr Poetry, prose andmore on the theme of Cravings and Compulsions. https://www.parliamentlit.com/contests-submissions

11th Apr Flash fiction or poetry of up to 500 words, inspired by the photo. https://www.parliamentlit.com/contests-submissions (Cathy’s note: although this is listed as a contest, there’s no prize mentioned)

12th Apr Poetry, fiction and more. https://www.bookofmatcheslitmag.com/submit

14th Apr ‘Arachne Press is planning an anthology of fiction and poetry from UK resident writers of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage. Publication will be October 2021. We will pay royalties. Once published in an Arachne anthology you may be invited to submit a collection or  novel…We have an overarching theme for all our anthologies for the next 12-18 months of ‘maps and mapping’. You do not need to take this in any way literally – ‘the map is not the territory.’’ Poems and short stories. ROYALTIES https://arachnepress.submittable.com/submit

14th Apr ‘Arachne Press is planning an anthology of fiction and poetry by Deaf and hard-of-hearing writers, which will be produced as a printed book, an eBook and a series of videos… We have an overarching theme for all our anthologies for the next 12-18 months of ‘maps and mapping’. You do not need to take this in any way literally – ‘the map is not the territory.’’ Poems and short stories. ROYALTIES https://arachnepress.submittable.com/submit

15th Apr Story of about 50 words on the theme of Water. http://www.blink-ink.org/current-submissions/

15th Apr ‘Staying under 5,000 words is encouraged, but we will read short story, novelette, and novella fiction manuscripts of any length. We do not publish full length novels, flash fiction, non-fiction, stage plays, screenplays, poetry, hybrid works, or unsolicited interviews.’ http://www.fictioninc.com/submit

15th Apr Poetry and fiction. https://descant.submittable.com/submit (Cathy’s note: although there’s no pay as such, those who have work accepted are eligible for four awards with cash prizes. These are explained on the website)

15th Apr Theme: Petals. Poetry, prose and more. ‘We’ll always love dark elements, but petals point to the sky—so, most important to us for the coming issue will be a mystical, ethereal & seductive vibe.’ https://www.wrongdoingmag.com/submit.html

15th Apr ‘We are looking for radical, forward-thinking fiction and poetry that examines the future of our planet as it relates to Climate Change.’ PAYING https://houseofzolo.com/submit-to-hoz/

15th Apr ‘The theme for Issue #4 is “Classifieds.” We love honest and funny fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and poetry. We don’t care if you have an MFA or not, we all got a bit of that je ne sais quoi, and really, what do you got to lose? Shoot your shot, fellow writer, dreamer, lover, child of the universe.’ https://embryoconceptszine.com/contact/

15th Apr Under 25s only: ‘BreakBread Literacy Project is a space for young creatives to take root and grow. BreakBread seeks to empower and honor the voices of all young artists.’ Poetry, fiction and more. https://www.breakbreadproject.org/submissions

15th Apr Poetry and fiction MSS. https://acre-books.com/about-us/submissions/

20th Apr ‘ “Summer of Speculation” will be a themed anthology containing stories from Fantasy and Science Fiction.’ 4000-10,000 words. PAYING https://www.cloakedpress.com/summerspec/

20th Apr ‘Fill out the form below to submit for an article, publisher profile, theme poem, author feature, artists request, songwriter feature, event, or more!’ Theme: Power. https://www.opendoorpoetrymagazine.com/author-submissions

22nd Apr 500-word stories on the theme of West. ‘Must be set in the wild west or include cowboys, etc.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.blackharepress.com/submissions/

23rd Apr Poetry and fiction on the theme of Escape. PAYING https://shooterlitmag.com/submissions/

28th Apr ‘Horror stories that incorporate some element of art or craft.’ 1200-5000 words. PAYING https://www.cryoseismpress.com/pages/submissions

30th Apr ‘THE JEWISH BOOK OF HORROR is an anthology of horror fiction focusing on the culture, history, and folklore of the Jewish people, to be published on the first night of Hannukah, 2021.’ PAYING  https://denverhorror.com/the-jewish-book-of-horror/

30th Apr ‘FIYAH is a quarterly speculative fiction magazine that features stories by and about Black people of the African Diaspora. This definition is globally inclusive (Black anywhere in the world) and also applies to mixed/biracial and Afro-appended people regardless of gender identity or orientation.’ Theme: Sound and Colour. PAYING https://www.fiyahlitmag.com/submissions/

30th Apr ‘What does it mean to be a disabled person in Africa today? How do people in Africa living with a range of physical and psychological disabilities experience and express their unique sense of embodiment? The Disabilities in African Contexts Project invites creative submissions for an anthology of original voices around the theme “Alternative Explanations / Alternative Representations of Disability in Africa.” We are open to all genres from poetry to short fiction to creative non-fiction, and everything in-between.  Submissions from African poets now living in the U.S. will also be accepted.’ Submissions should be sent to Prof Kobus Moolman at jmoolman@uwc.ac.za  (Cathy’s note: it doesn’t say that African poets living in the UK are OK to submit, but I’dbe surprised if they were excluded. If you’re interested in submitting to this then I suggest emailing Professor Moolman.)

30th Apr ‘We publish poetry, non fiction, fiction, illustrated and multi genre/hybrid chapbooks, novellas, and novels. At LAP, we focus on content from underrepresented groups, with a focus on people of color, women, the LGBTQ community, and disabled people.’ ROYALTIES https://www.lazyadventurerpublishing.com/manuscript-submissions

30th Apr ‘We are looking for poetry, prose poetry, short stories, and short essays or memoirs to include in our publication. We are interested in works that speak on  parenting and grandparenting.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY+ ROYALTIES  https://www.quillkeeperspress.com/submissions

30th Apr Horror story 2000-8000 words on the theme of Doors/Portals/Cracks in Reality. PAYING https://www.eerieriverpublishing.com/open-submission

30th April Poetry and fiction. ‘The genre must be crime or horror. Other than that, there is no specific theme. Surprise us.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY+ ROYALTIES https://tinyurl.com/y4i9xw4n

30th Apr Writing on the theme of Split Tongue: ‘Here, we invite writers to be unfiltered in their bilingual and multilingual experiences. We invite writers to share the joys, the challenges, the resistance, the anger, and the humanness of being in between languages in this country, because our voices are America.’ PAYING https://www.natbrut.com/submit

30th Apr ‘just femme & dandy is a biannual literary & arts magazine for and by the LGBTQIA+ community on fashion. We accept submissions in the glowup, sew what, triple thread(s), no scrubs, sole mates, the mane attraction, and cancel & gretel until April 30, 2021. Please take a look at our different sections to get a better sense of what we are after. We also take pitches.’ https://www.justfemmeanddandy.com/about

30th Apr Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of The Classics. https://www.amsterdamquarterly.org/submissions/

30th Apr Gaslamp fantasy story 2000-8000 words. PAYING https://bronzewoodbooks.com/gaslamp-fantasy-anthology-submission/

30th Apr ‘Silver Shamrock Publishing is announcing its Open Call for the MIDNIGHT FROM BEYOND THE STARS anthology.We are looking for original alien horror stories with a The Thing/Alien/The Blob/Critters/Night of the Creeps kind of vibe.’ 2500-6000 words. https://www.silvershamrockpublishing.com/midnight-from-beyond-the-stars-anthology

30th Apr Poetry. https://lostpilotslit.com/?page_id=96(opens%20in%20a%20new%20tab

30th Apr Stories 3000-5000 words, inspired by Jules Verne. PAYING http://najvs.org/anthology.shtml

30th Apr Poetry on the theme of Other. PAYING https://www.harbor-review.com/submit

30th Apr Writing on the theme of Solstice. https://ioliteraryjournal.submittable.com/submit

1st May Poetry. https://www.radarpoetry.com/guidelines

1st May Cryptids Emerging: Tales of Dark Cheer: Pick a cryptid from legend or make one up, we want a strange, spooky, alluring, sweet, and/or funny story of emerging. Whether that’s your cryptid coming out of hiding, a human being true to themselves, or a cryptid/human pairing falling in love, the heart of your tale is about rising, changing, growing. We’d especially love LGBTQIA+, disabled, Black, Asian, neurodiverse, and other minority characters. PAYING https://improbablepress.co.uk/blogs/improbable-press/call-for-submissions-cryptids-anthology

1st May Poetry, fiction and nonfiction on the theme of Love and War. https://halfwaydownthestairs.net/submissions/

1st May Fiction (and occasionally poetry) 300-5000 words starting with the line: ‘Lena was raised on violin lessons and minimal parental supervision. ‘ PAYING http://www.thefirstline.com/submission.htm

1st May ‘For our next issue we are seeking examples, definitions, and archives of the queer sacred.’ https://www.postjournalonline.com/submission-guidelines

1st May Theme: Industrial Revolution. ‘What we don’t want: Henry Ford, cotton gins, Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fires. Instead, think about things that might have been subject to the assembly line approach that weren’t. Or how life may have changed for someone who did a job that wasn’t made obsolete.  Or the story of a particularly Rube Goldberg or chindogu invention.’ Poetry, prose and more. PAYING https://nonbinaryreview.submittable.com/submit

1st May ‘Our first Isolation Edition captured our immediate stories and feelings about the first month of the pandemic. Now we want to go deeper and explore how our lives have been changed, how we’ve changed, after living in the pandemic for a year. Capsule Stories Second Isolation Edition will capture our stories and feelings during the yearlong coronavirus pandemic and the isolating social measures that come with it.’ Short stories, poems, and more. https://capsulestories.com/submissions/

1st May Poetry, flash and short fiction. ‘Elevate us, and share thrilling stories of horror and romance, betrayal and bloodlust. Wherever you go regarding genre or form, we yearn to read what great works have yet to be read.’ PAYING https://www.urhi.co.uk/post/urhi-submission-guide

1st May Writing on the theme of Folklore. https://www.tethersendmagazine.com/submissions

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

(Publishers might not give out their pay rates on their submission pages, so make sure to find them out before signing a contract!)

‘We invite stories from badass Black voices that explore post-colonial themes and topics ranging from family turmoil and personal struggles, to political and social warfare.’ https://www.badassblackgirl.com/submissionguidelines

Poetry and prose. PAYING https://www.icebergtales.co.uk/contact

‘Nanoism is a twitterzine, an online publication focused on nanofiction, which in this case refers to stories that clock in at a maximum of 140 characters (conforming to the original inherent limitations of the Twitter service).’ PAYING https://nanoism.net/submit/

Novels for teens, 45,000-105,000 words. http://www.trtpublishing.co.uk/index.php/submission-guidelines

‘Here at Stick Figure Poetry we believe that poetry builds community. We prefer work that is down-to-earth and easily accessible with lots of layers and complexity buried beneath.’ https://c530.home.blog/submission-guidelines/

‘Feminist Review is a peer reviewed, interdisciplinary journal contributing to new agendas for feminism. The journal invites critical reflection on the relationship between materiality and representation, theory and practice, subjectivity and communities, contemporary and historical formations.’ https://journals.sagepub.com/home/fer

Speculative fiction up to 1200 words. PAYING https://www.orions-belt.net/submissions

Poetry, flash, and CNF. http://skinkbeatreview.com/stay-in-touch

Novellas and novels by BIPOC authors. https://www.nataliesheree.com/submissions

‘Teen Breathe is a magazine for young people that want to find time for themselves. Teen Breathe features articles across a wide spectrum, but with a core emphasis on Wellbeing, Mindfulness, Creativity and Escaping.’ https://www.teenbreathe.co.uk/submissions/

Werewolf story 3000-4500 words. PAYING https://www.thehorrorzine.com/Submission%20Guidelines.html

A novel that could start an ongoing series. https://babylonbooks.net/submissions/

‘We review submissions for children’s picture books and non-fiction books aimed at readers up to 10 years of age. Submissions do not have to be illustrated. We also review young adult novels and non-fiction books.’ http://www.hogsbackbooks.com/HBB/images/Submissions.pdf

Short story 1000-5000 words. PAYING https://www.shortstorytown.com/news

MSS of various types. https://propertiuspress.submittable.com/submit

‘GRANFALLOON is seeking works of speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, science fantasy, cyberpunk, etc. We also publish speculative/fantasy poetry and art that fits within these genres.’ https://www.granfalloon.org/submissions

Darkish poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Cities. PAYING https://www.neonmagazine.co.uk/

‘…we are open to reviewing unsolicited manuscripts for both fiction and non-fiction works in the Action and Adventure, Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic Fiction, Biography, Western, History, and Historical Fiction genres.  If you have a title outside of this genre, you are welcome to submit it for consideration as we do keep an open mind regarding all submissions and do appreciate your consideration.’ https://creativetexts.com/contact/

‘at all guts no glory, we’re interested in what’s dear to you. we want your bedroom poetry, your tumblr-era alt-pop musings, your manifestos and your dreams.’ PAYING https://www.allgutsnoglory.com/submit

Poetry and fiction on the theme of Human and Technology. PAYING http://theknicknackery.com/submission-guidelines

‘Our favourite genres are crime fiction, mysteries, psychological thrillers, cosy crime, police procedurals, chillers, suspense and domestic noir. We will also consider women’s fiction, historical fiction and romance novels.’ https://www.joffebooks.com/submissions

F and SF stories. PAYING https://www.sfsite.com/fsf/glines.htm

Fiction up to 4000 words. PAYING https://hermineannual.com/submit/ (Cathy’s note: they have a submissions quota, so submit quickly before it’s full!)

Speculative poetry and fiction. POSSIBLE PAYMENT https://mithilareview.com/submission-guidelines/

Comps and calls for March 2021

I hope you’re all well, and looking forward to better things. I’ve had my first vaccination, and I’m feeling very relieved. I just have to wait about 20 days now until there’s a level of protection against the virus. Best wishes to all of you who are still waiting.

I was lucky enough to have a lovely Valentine’s Day and a lovely Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday)  it’s rare that both go well, but I think we made a special effort to celebrate because of lockdown and not going out.

So for once I’m not complaining!

This month there are some themes that I’m sure all of you could try, and experienced writers will already have worked on: Health, History, Rebirth, Hope, Resilience, Resist, Faith, Spirit. These come up again and again – throw all your writing techniques at ’em! If they don’t get published this time, they might next time the theme comes up.

Have fun in March! The weather is less icy, and social possibilities beckon. Please be careful still, and please don’t forget to do some writing, editing and submitting.

Love to all of you and especially to the heroes who donate to my Patreon, despite getting absolutely nothing at all in return. This is pure generosity, and love for the writing community – a way to give back to all of you, from them, by keeping this website going – as this website is my way of giving back, from me.

Tl,dr? Love to all! xxx

Best wishes and stay safe,

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):

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 Mar Emerging writers only (see link for criteria): ‘In 2020 a once-in-a-century global pandemic affected almost all aspects of life, forcing us to change how we relate to the world and to one another. In this historical moment, in what ways has your connection to the natural world changed–and in what ways has it remained the same?’ Essay. PAYING https://appalachiajournal.submittable.com/submit/181459/annual-waterman-fund-wilderness-themed-essay-contest-for-emerging-writers (Cathy’s note: thanks to www.erikadreifus.com for this one)

3rd Mar Spectator Competition No. 3189: Heaven scent. ‘You are invited to submit a poem about a favourite smell. Please email entries of up to 16 lines to lucyATspectator.co.uk by midday on 3 March.’ PAYING https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/spectator-competition-winners-mischievous-acrostics

5th Mar UK residents aged 18-30 only: up to two poems. PAYING https://www.girton.cam.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2021-02/2021JMP-Flyer.pdf

10th Mar Spectator Competition No. 3190: first and worst. ‘You are invited to supply the first paragraph of your least favourite type of novel. Please email entries of up to 150 words to lucyATspectator.co.uk by midday on 10 March.’ PAYING  https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/spectator-competition-winners-topical-sea-shanties

10th Mar US only: Fill in all the necessary forms. You need to have had writing published in order to be eligible. This year is prose: next year will be poetry. PAYING https://www.arts.gov/grants/creative-writing-fellowships/award-information (Cathy’s note: apply a few days early if you can, in case there are administrative issues.)

12th Mar Open to US and Canada (excluding Quebec) only: Poem or story inspired by one of the prompts. PAYING https://ulysses.app/contest

15th Mar USA only: short fiction collection. ‘Author must not have book of short fiction published at time of entry, though novels are okay. In keeping with Tartt’s biography, we are looking for an author who has yet to publish a fiction collection.’ PAYING https://livingstonpress.uwa.edu/htm%20(web%20pages)/tartt_first_fiction_award.htm

15th Mar Those who have a record of publication in the United Kingdom: short story. PAYING (LOTS) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4Z1gg8wqDRRThQJGS4VfhX8/how-to-enter

15th Mar ‘The March Contest theme is “Intelligences”. Stories must be submitted by March 15th. 500-1500 words in any Fantasy or Science Fiction style.’ NON-CASH PRIZE https://starsandstaffs.weebly.com/submissions.html

31st Mar Poetry up to 45 lines. PAYING https://americamedia.submittable.com/submit/181645/foley-poetry-2021

31st Mar Nonfiction MS by a first-generation immigrant. PAYING https://restlessbooks.org/prize-for-new-immigrant-writing-guidelines-and-eligibility

31st Mar Speculative philosophical flash fiction. PAYING https://themeofabsence.com/speculative-philosophical-fiction-contest/

1st Apr Humor poetry. PAYING https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/wergle-flomp-humor-poetry-contest-free(Recommended! Have a go! They’ve doubled the prize money!)

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

4th Mar Lesbians only: Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Snapshots of a Moment (Zoom-in). https://www.tippingthescalesjournal.co.uk/submissions

7th Mar Speculative Flash fiction on the theme of Purple. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/upcoming-themes/ (Cathy’s note: contributors are paid if their story is used in an anthology.)

7th Mar ‘Blood & Bourbon is here to showcase all things hard, gritty, and raw.’ Poetry, fiction and more. Theme: Grace. https://blood-and-bourbon.com/submissions/

7th Mar Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Health. https://www.continuethevoice.com/post/submissions-open-for-issue-7

7th Mar Story 800-2000 words on the theme of Fools & Sages. https://www.liarsleague.com/liars_league/writers.html

8th Mar BIPOC writers only: Fantasy story 1500-10,000 words. PAYING https://adamant.moksha.io/publication/lightspeed

8th Mar Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Rebirth. https://drexelpaperdragon.com/submit/

10th Mar ‘Step right up, folks, to a show, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Circus terrors and frights, sure to delight. Here at Dark Carnival, we’ve got it all. Freaks and clowns, screams and laughter and always, a healthy side of the macabre. So, come one, come all and join us, if you dare.’ 3000-8000 words. PAYING https://macabreladies.wixsite.com/website/submissions

10th Mar YA and NA stories 1000-1500 words on the theme of Dark Academia. ROYALTIES https://alsoknownasthenovelette.wordpress.com/2020/12/13/aesthetic-a-dark-academia-anthology-submissions-open-12-20-3-10-writers-writingcommunity-amwriting-bookcommunity/

12th Mar Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Ramble. http://www.camasmagazine.org/submit

12th Mar Poetry on the theme of Mundane Joys. https://www.derailleur.press/submit.html#/

13th Mar Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Retrospect. https://causticfrolic.org/submission-info/

13th Mar ‘Pandemonia is the sustained tremor within our rooms, bodies, thoughts, and structures. It’s an object fallen from the shelf; an absent strum of touch. Bombay Gin Literary Journal is calling for submissions that unveil the pandemic’s hold on everyday life, both global and local to our bodies, the spaces newly empty. Who were you once, who are you now, and what is becoming?’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://bombaygin.submittable.com/submit

14th Mar ‘Unbound Edition Press is now open for submissions to our anthology of new American writing, to be edited by acclaimed poet and critic Peter Campion, with publication in early 2022. This collection will not be simply an anthology of experimental writing; it will be also an experimental anthology.’  PAYING https://www.unboundedition.com/unbound-edition-press-opens-submissions-for-experimental-anthology/

15th Mar Fantasy story 1500-10,000 words. PAYING https://adamant.moksha.io/publication/lightspeed

15th Mar ‘This issue will be dedicated to imagining and making the kind of future designated impossible by rulers and their collaborators. We seek analytical articles, news reports, essays, poetry and fiction relating to past, current and future radical alternatives for regenerative rising for life and freedom so vital to countering the current oppressive realities of industrial capitalist civilization.’ Short stories, plays, poetry and articles. https://www.fifthestate.org/contact-fifth-estate/call-for-submissions/

15th Mar Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Home Cooking. PAYING http://www.hungryzine.com/issue-00-call-for-submissions/

15th Mar ‘Skirting Around is a new online journal focussing on women’s clothing – exploring how it can empower and endanger, enlighten and entrap, oppress and liberate.’ Poetry, prose and more. https://www.skirtingaround.org/submissions

15th Mar Poetry, fiction and more. https://www.ligeiamagazine.com/submissions/

15th Mar ‘For this issue, we want tales of maritime disaster. Of shipwrecks and oil spills. Of bones left to decompose on the ocean floor. Of those left behind on land, never to know what’s become of their loved ones. Of lighthouse keepers forced to stand by and witness tragedy unfold. Elements of the supernatural are welcome, as are stories that utilize elements of horror and science-fiction.’ ‘We will accept short-form fiction any way you want to write it. This can include poetry, flash fiction or short stories.’ PAYING https://www.periodicalforlorn.com/submission-guidelines

15th Mar Poetry and fiction on the theme of Starry Nights. ‘We’re looking for stories, poems, and essays that feel summer-y. Send us writing about camping under the stars in your backyard or as far away in the wilderness as you can go. Taking the long way home at night so you can gaze up at the night sky.’ https://capsulestories.com/submissions/

15th Mar Speculative poetry on the theme of Weird West. PAYING http://www.eyetothetelescope.com/submit.html

15th Mar Fiction, poetry and nonfiction on the theme of Resist. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS https://www.wardslitmag.com/submit (Cathy’s note: one contributor to each genre ‘wins’ a cash ‘prize’. I’m not sure how this differs from a normal contributor payment, but maybe it’s a bit more fun.)

15th Mar Theme: Isola. ‘from Camille Wanliss: Isola, when translated to English, means “island.” It’s also the root word for isolation. This month, we’re exploring what it means to be islanded – geographically and metaphorically.’ Poetry, fiction and CNF. https://www.goldwalkmag.com/themed-issues.html

15th Mar Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Hope. http://www.newfeathersanthology.com/submit.html

15th Mar ‘We invite original short stories, poetry, drama, creative nonfiction/essays, scholarship, interviews, multimedia visual and digital art, as well as music and experimental soundscapes, created by people of the African Diaspora affiliated with historically Black colleges and universities for this special issue.’ https://obsidianlit.org/open-calls/

15th Mar Thriller story 5000-10,000 words on the theme of A Ticking Clock. PROFIT/REVENUE SHARING MODEL https://storiesrulepress.com/thriller-digest-2021-call-for-submissions/

18th Mar Poetry, CNF and more on the theme of Resilience. PAYING http://carte-blanche.org/submissions/

21st Mar ‘Sundamaged is a place for new voices about travelling, celebrating the wonder of nature and cultural discovery, but also exploring the impact of travel. Travelling can be a day trip, it can be a long journey on foot that has no fixed end point, or it can be a destructive force. All these interpretations are welcome here. We are currently open for articles, essays, CNF, fiction and prose poetry!’ PAYING https://sundamagedmag.com/issue-1/

21st Mar ‘DREAMING THE GODDESS will be a collection of short stories between 2,500 and 20,000 words. Each story must have a Pagan, Heathen, Occult influence that has a spark of truth in regards to the connection with the feminine aspect of the divine.’ ROYALTIES http://darkdragonpublishing.com/anthosub.html

22nd Mar Poetry and prose that has been previously rejected. https://www.secondchancelit.com/submit

25th Mar ‘Griffith Review 73: Hey, Utopia! asks you to consider other ways the world can be. We’re looking for new work that responds to the theme in the form of essays, reportage, creative non-fiction, fiction, memoir, visual essays and poetry.’ PAYING https://www.griffithreview.com/guidelines-for-writers/

25th Mar Story 1500-3000 words on the theme of Djinn/Jinn/Genies. PAYING https://www.eerieriverpublishing.com/open-submission

30th Mar Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of  ‘… Spring, nature, rebirth, rain, flowers, the cruelest month, etc. broadly interpreted’. https://masonstreetreview.org/submissions/

30th Mar ‘Since we’re still on lockdown for the foreseeable future, for Volume 13 we’d love to read your poems and prose about one of our favorite (now forbidden) pastimes—seeing live music. Tell us about your first concert, the time you got to see your favorite band perform at a cozy bar, the worst show you ever attended. Any live music experience is fair game. Though we asked for fiction last time around, for Vol. 13 we’re returning to our roots, so we’re looking for creative nonfiction and poetry.’ https://memoirmixtapes.com/submissions/

31st Mar ‘Legion of Dorks Presents: Misspelled – Magic Gone Awry is searching for short stories no more than 7000 words exploring the theme of magic and the mishaps that could happen with its use.’ PAYING https://curseddragonship.com/submissions-2/

31st Mar ‘Tough times won’t last but tough people will. We are looking for stories about how you have been affected and how you are handling the changes in your life. We’re looking for the ups and downs, so share the tough times but also the silver linings, the unexpected blessings, and resilience and gratitude that you have discovered. We’re also looking for stories about tough times unrelated to the pandemic.’ Stories or poems. PAYING https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

31st Mar Original palindromes. PAYING (SUBJECT TO FUNDRAISER/FUNDING) https://palindromedary.us/submissions

31st Mar Short horror story 4000-8000 words on the theme of I is for Internet. PAYING https://redcapepublishing.com/submissions/

31st Mar Feminist writing on the theme of Hands. https://angstfzine.com/submissions/

31st Mar ‘Dystopian Earth. What must ordinary people do to survive?’ 20,000-40,000 words. ROYALTIES https://www.blackharepress.com/submissions/

31st Mar SF 5000-15,000 words on the theme of Spacebound. ROYALTIES https://dragonsoulpress.com/anthologies/

31st Mar Poetry, flash, short fiction and more on the theme of History. https://tigersharkpublishing.wordpress.com/home/guidelines/

31st Mar ‘Our first issue to be published June 2021 will focus on Migration and Movement. Send us your essays, creative nonfiction, short stories, flash fiction, and poems that connect the decolonial project with topics such as migration, immigration, forced removal, the Middle Passage, the Great Migration, Windrush, The Wall, gentrification, etc. Writers may submit writing in more than one genre but may only submit one essay, short story, poem, piece of creative nonfiction or flash fiction.’ https://thedecolonialpassage.net/submit-2/

31st Mar Poetry and more on the theme of Faith. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.thepoetmagazine.org/contribute

31st Mar Flash, short fiction and more on the theme of Lover Boy. https://www.superfroot.com/submit

31st Mar ‘Legion of Dorks Presents: Misspelled – Magic Gone Awry is searching for short stories no more than 7000 words exploring the theme of magic and the mishaps that could happen with its use. Your story must be an original, never-before-published creation that centers around magic, a magic user, or a magical world where something unexpected happens or something goes horribly wrong.’ PAYING, CHARITY/GOOD CAUSE https://curseddragonship.com/submissions-2/

31st Mar Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Growing Up. https://pureslush.com/submissions/current-submissions/lifespan-series/growing-up-lifespan-vol-2/

31st Mar ‘We invite writers who identify within the LGBTQ++ umbrella to submit their poetry, prose, and hybrid works for this issue. We especially encourage writers within the QTPOC umbrella.’ Unmaking/Remaking  POSSIBLE PAYMENT

https://santafewritersproject.submittable.com/submit (Cathy’s note: From their website: ‘Once our Submittable fees are covered, we will divide any excess funds earned through the tip jar options equally amongst the published contributors.’)

31st Mar ‘Black Cat Mystery Magazine Presents Cozies, a forthcoming special issue of BCMM, will open for submissions March 1 through March 31, 2021. Cozies are a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence occur off stage, the detective is an amateur sleuth, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community.’ PAYING https://wildsidepress.com/submissions/

31st Mar Microfic, drabbles, flash and short fiction on the theme of My Job is a Hellhole! ‘Working for demons, imps, devils, and other minions of hell. Your boss is a denizen of the underworld, but the story can take place in any setting. Any setting means: hell, another planet, Modern Earth, Future Earth. Heaven? Sure why not? Maybe there’s an employee exchange program between heaven and hell.’ PAYING https://the-were-traveler.weebly.com/submissions-call.html

31st Mar Spec flash and spec poetry on the theme of Sight. https://www.planisphereq.com/p/guidelines.html

31st Mar ‘We are now accepting creative nonfiction submissions of writing, artwork and music to be considered for our Summer Issue (03): ‘Roots’.’ PAYING https://epochpress.org/current-issue/

1st Apr ‘As editors we are invested in change, and seek to offer our literary platform to hear, heed, and uplift Black voices, as well as those of indigenous writers and all people of color. In the service of this effort, we will be dedicating recurring special issues to underrepresented voices, beginning with a special issue celebrating Black, Indigenous, and Voices of Color.’ PAYING https://zone3press.submittable.com/submit

1st Apr ‘Longship Press is announcing an invitation to submit poetry, short fiction, and art for our 2021 edition of Nostos. The theme of this upcoming issue is “Transition/Metamorphosis.” ‘ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.longshippress.com/

1st Apr ‘Writing submissions (fiction, creative non-fiction, essays, poetry; 5000 words maximum) on the theme The Art of Isolation: Finding a Silver Lining in the Pandemic Response.’  https://shantiartsllc.submittable.com/submit

1st Apr Poetry and prose. PAYING http://www.gordonsquarereview.org/submit.html

1st Apr Poetry and fiction on the theme of Tales of the Arabian Nights. PAYING https://www.timelesstalesmagazine.com/submissions

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

(Publishers might not give out their pay rates on their submission pages, so make sure to find them out before signing a contract!)

High dark fantasy fiction, poetry and more. PAYING https://www.commontonguezine.com/guidelines-submissions/

Poetry, fiction and more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES  https://casit.bgsu.edu/midamericanreview/submit/

Sherlock Holmes books. https://mxpublishing.com/pages/author-submission-guidelines

Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING https://www.confingopublishing.uk/submissions

‘We’re excited to present Mysterium Tremendum, a quarterly chapbook featuring fiction, nonfiction, and poetry exploring the intersection between weird fiction/horror and the holy. Please note that we are a thoroughly secular press.’ PAYING https://www.silentmotoristmedia.com/submissions

Poetry, fiction and more. http://www.birdfeastmagazine.com/fifteen/

‘Ancient Paths publishes poetry, flash fiction, photography, and art work. We do not publish articles or devotions. We welcome works by contributors of all religions, but you should be comfortable with having your work appear in a predominantly Christian publication. Works published in Ancient Paths explore spiritual themes such as redemption, sin, forgiveness, doubt, faith, gratitude for the ordinary blessings of life, spiritual struggle, and spiritual growth.’ PAYING https://www.skylarb.com/submit-your-work

‘We accept fiction that is less than 2,000 words, poems that you keep wrapped around your husband’s heart in a jar on your desk (and that are two pages max), diary entries from your attic that you swore to yourself you’d burn, and artistic interpretations of Tarot cards (in pdf form)—you may even invent a new short form of writing and send us that! We don’t care if you want to lean your elbows on the table a little, we’re all sinners here.’ https://www.grimsylitmag.com/submit

Poetry, fiction and nonfiction for The Rail. https://www.derailleur.press/submit.html#/

Open until filled: Flash and short fiction on the theme of Curst and Twysted Tarot. PAYING https://the-were-traveler.weebly.com/submissions-call.html