Comps and calls for June 2019

Hello all! First of all I want to thank all those who replied to my question about the timing of each C&C, and whether we should change the date. As of yesterday, the majority by quite a margin wanted to keep it the way it is, while only two of you wanted to change it (though both gave excellent reasons!). My apologies to the latter, and all I can say is that I do put the odd update on the Facebook page for Comps and Calls, which you can find here: https://www.facebook.com/compsandcalls/. These updates might be useful later in the month.

There are some really odd and interesting calls this June. As always, my mantra is ‘have a go’! Even if (or perhaps especially if) it’s outside your comfort zone, give it a try. If the results aren’t great, at least you’ll have given your writing muscles a good workout. And don’t forget to submit it, even if you don’t think it’s all that good, because as long as you’ve proofread it and dealt with any clichés, it has a chance.

Have fun!

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):

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/RESIDENCIES

2nd Jun Writing by marginalised writers on the theme of Home. PAYING https://literary.creativefuture.org.uk/creative-future-writers-award-how-to-apply/

5th Jun Spectator Competition No. 3102: fan mail ‘You are invited to submit a fan letter from one well-known person from the field of fact or fiction to another (please specify). Email entries of up to 150 words to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 5 June.’ PAYING

7th Jun ‘We would like to invite a writer to undertake a residency on Durham’s ‘radical’ coast during July and August 2019.’ To be eligible to apply, writers must live and work in the North of England and have been previously published in the UK. PAYING (lots by writer standards) http://newwritingnorth.com/news/peoples-landscape-on-the-durham-coast-writing-residency/

7th Jun USA ONLY: children’s picture book. NON-CASH PRIZE http://lbartistaward.com/rules (thanks to https://fundsforwriters.com/ for this one)

9th Jun Short fiction on the theme of Better Futures. PAYING http://sapiensplurum.org/contest.html

12th Jun Spectator Competition No. 3103: talking heads ‘You are invited to submit a Shakespearean soliloquy delivered by one of the contenders for the Tory leadership in which they consider their pitch for the top job. Email entries of up to 16 lines to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 12 June.’ PAYING

14th Jun ‘We are looking for emerging writers who have yet to publish a collection of poetry (not including self-published chapbooks)… Submit a manuscript featuring 15 to 30 poems.’ PAYING https://kingdomsinthewild.com/poetryprize

15th Jun ‘Stories must include an incident of defenestrationism– the art or -ism of throwing people out windows. This need not be literal. Our team defines such an incident as follows, “a sudden, immediate, even violent shift, change, or seismical event between the beginning and the end.”’ PAYING http://defenestrationism.net/short-story-contest/

15th Jun Flash fiction that passes the Vito Russo Test. PAYING https://www.apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines/#1538347466119-241fd8cf-66ed

21st Jun Story 1000-5000 words. VOUCHER/OTHER http://www.letsgetpublished.com/

30th Jun Poetry on the theme of Anesthesiology (sic).PAYING http://anesthesiology.pubs.asahq.org/ss/letheon.aspx

30th Jun Poetry PAYING http://www.sps.com/poetry/index.html

1st Jul ‘Entries will be accepted of unpublished poetry and prose from writers who have not yet published a collection of poems, a collection of short stories or a novel.’ PAYING http://www.wintertangerine.com/wta-guidelines

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

2nd Jun Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Dance. https://shantiartsllc.submittable.com/submit/128904/the-dance-writing-submission?step=submission (Cathy’s note: some sources list the deadline as 1st June, but the Submittable page has 2nd June, so fingers crossed!)

2nd Jun ‘Some art arrives finished, while some needs to be built. Please submit examples of the effortless, the found, the whittled, the chiselled. Will we know the difference? Any topic is welcome, but prefer poems/stories about writing to focus on a mentor instead of you.’ Poetry and prose. http://www.pcsj.org/caesuracall.html

3rd Jun ‘We’re looking for personal stories of the moment when people see the fascism in front of them for what it is, accept it as real, and make the choice to fight it. Who are the canaries in the coal mine? When can the long-hidden voice no longer be ignored?’ 250-5000 words. PAYING http://crossedgenres.com/submissions/recognize-fascism-submissions/ (Cathy’s note: I emailed them to ask if they were looking for personal stories rather than speculative fiction as usual – the reply states: ‘Actually all of our submissions calls are for stories with speculative elements. I apologize if the submissions call was unclear; I’ve updated it to fix that.’)

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

3rd Jun ‘Amy is interested in all formats of poetry/prose, and would like to hear from anyone with work inspired by activism and protest. They say “I know for a lot of people just existing in public as themselves is a political statement” – so take this theme as broadly as you like!’ https://celebratingchange.blog/2019/04/20/callout-for-submissions/

6th Jun Poetry and prose with elements of the natural world, on the theme of Gnaw. PAYING https://clawandblossom.com/submissions/

7th Jun Poetry, fiction and more. https://remingtonreview.wixsite.com/remingtonreview

7th Jun or until filled Poetry. http://www.gyroscopereview.com/home/guidelines/

9-14th Jun Poetry on the theme of the 12 Dancing Princesses. PAYING https://www.timelesstalesmagazine.com/submissions

10th Jun ‘As a general rule, we welcome fiction of up to 3,000 words that in some way uses elements of the fantastic in the telling, and we tend to be less concerned with genre specifics.’ https://thefabulistwordsart.submittable.com/submit

10th Jun Poetry and fiction by women on the theme of Journey. PAYING https://mslexia.co.uk/shop/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ContributorGuidelines_JAN19-2.pdf

10th Jun Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of “Invisible people | Addressing homelessness”. http://moonmagazine.org/submission-guidelines/

10th Jun ‘For our Summer 2019 issue, Dilettante Army welcomes essay submissions on clubs and the places they live. Possible topics include: alumni groups, Masonic lodges, coffeehouses (from Early Modern Europe to the present), Boy and Girl Scouts, secret societies, book clubs, country clubs, nightclubs, gay bars, literary and academic societies, community gardens, alternative schools, cults, and The Baby-Sitters Club.’ Essays, poetry and more. PAYING http://www.dilettantearmy.com/articles/call-for-submissions-clubs

14th Jun Romantic Fantasy 1000-8000 words. PAYING http://www.stormyislandpublishing.com/submissions/

15th Jun Flash fiction up to 750 words. https://necessaryfiction.submittable.com/Submit

15th Jun Short stories of 2500-6000 words in a Lovecraftian / Steam Punk / Diesel Punk vein. ROYALTIES http://darkhousebooks.com/fearrington-road-submissions/

15th Jun Canadian women/nonbinary only:‘Understorey Magazineseeks stories that illuminate the diverse experiences of women on stage and in performance in Canada. Send us plays/performance texts that bring the lives and voices of womyn to the forefront. We are also looking for prose and poetry by women directors, actors, and producers about their experience in Canadian theatre.’ PAYING https://understoreymagazine.ca/2019/02/diverse-stories-of-women-on-stage/

15th Jun Please send 3-5 poems that touch upon racism, discrimination of any sort, divisiveness in politics and life, positive actions to bridge divides, etc. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.glasslyrepress.com/pf.html

15th Jun ‘Harrow: Believers and sceptics, welcome! We are seeking works of art and poetry with a paranormal theme. We are open to any takes on this subject–serious, quirky, and everything in between. We are looking for work containing ghosts/spirits, aliens, conspiracy theories, cryptozoology, near death experiences, glitches in the matrix, extrasensory perception, pseudoscience, and any experiences that can be considered supernatural.’ https://upthestaircasequarterly.submittable.com/submit

15th Jun ‘This market is open only to individuals who identify as anything other than cisgender. Send us excellent speculative fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, or horror). We are interested in speculative fiction of any design. As long as it’s fiction, and there’s a speculative element, send it. Send us short stories, poetry, one-act plays, or comics. Send us your cool weird shit.’ PAYING https://www.vulturebonesmag.com/submissions

15th Jun Sonnets. PAYING http://www.songsoferetz.com/p/guidelines.html

15th Jun Speculative poetry on the theme of Infection. PAYING http://www.eyetothetelescope.com/submit.html

15th Jun ‘Bridging Divides: please send poems that touch upon racism, discrimination of any sort, divisiveness in politics and life, positive actions to bridge divides, etc.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.glasslyrepress.com/pf.html

17th Jun ‘In partnership w/ Writing Our Lives, Longreads is looking for essays about the myths, ideologies & complexities of mother love for a series. (E.g. fraught mom-daughter relationships, “other” moms, relationships that change). Essays should be >1,200 words, rates start at $500.Pieces can be personal, reported, researched, or a mix. We encourage submissions from women, femmes, & non-binary writers. Email drafts + short summary to Danielle and Vanessa_LaLoba at: motherwound@longreads.com.’ PAYING (thanks to www.erikadreifus.com for this one)

19th Jun Poetry, prose and more on the theme of Pride. https://wellingtonstreetreview.com/submissions/

20th Jun ‘Stories My Gay Uncle Told Me’. Stories and essays. https://truthserumpress.net/submissions/anthology-submission-guidelines/stories-my-gay-uncle-told-me/

21st – 28th Jun SF, F and more (no horror). PAYING https://cosmicrootsandeldritchshores.com/submissions/

23rd Jun Poetry and prose. http://www.idkmagazine.com/submit

25th Jun Fiction on the theme of Djinn/Genies. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://fantasiadivinitymagazine.com/anthology-submission-calls

29th Jun ‘The Grumpy Gods are back for another round, and this time, we’re celebrating all those spooky myths! That’s right! Ancient cultures might not have celebrated Halloween exactly, but every mythology has stories that can be mined for great scary tales.’ 3000-4000 words. PROFIT/REVENUE SHARING MODEL https://stormdancebooks.junetakey.com/posts/category/uncategorized/

30th Jun Scroll down to find the guidelines for Illicit: ‘We want people, sex, and bodies not usually seen in mainstream ideas of sex and sexy, and we want tight, fun crime plots. Pro pay. 3,500 words or less.’PAYING http://www.bronzevillebooks.com/writers/

30th Jun Australia and New Zealand only: fiction up to 15,000 words on the theme of Aries, Taurus or Gemini. ROYALTIES https://aussiespeculativefiction.com/zodiac-series/

30th Jun ‘Space opera, urban fantasy, military sf, magical realms, hard science fiction, sword & sorcery, time travel, cyberpunk, steampunk, hopepunk, and whatever else comes before punk. Parables, poetry, zombies, and vampires are also welcome. No horror please.’ PAYING https://dreamforgemagazine.com/

30th Jun ‘For the Chew on This!anthology we are looking for food-related stories, but we need you to dig deeper and get creative when it comes to the substances that keep us alive. Food should be integral to the story in some way, but not the entire focus. The plots can revolve around a wide range of cultures and belief systems, science and superstition, settings in the future or past. Above all we want stories that are macabre, scary, unsettling, and even gross.’ 3000-7000 words. PAYING https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/chew-on-this?fbclid=IwAR2my-QpNqRB7CyX9a48UCZiRwT-S2Mw-mjz4OCXvzkNDmZbs_hpfw3bjTA

30th Jun Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Pain. https://pleaseseeme.com/submissions/

30th Jun Poetry and prose. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://euphonyjournal.org/submit/

30th Jun ‘Submissions should loosely be based upon the concept of a pause, of silence as an action, as something empty that adds to what is there, of the emptiness someone leaves in a room, of the calm before a storm.’ Poetry, prose and more. https://inquietudeslitjournal.weebly.com/submissions.html

30th Jun ‘Military action-based last-stand horror, and lots of it… Just ensure the last stand aspect is both overt and unique, and don’t forget monsters!’ PAYING https://cohesionpress.com/snafu-submissions/

30th Jun ‘We are looking for stories that will show our readers how forgiving someone or being forgiven by someone changed your life in a positive way.’ Stories or poems. PAYING https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

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

30th Jun Writing on the theme of Mental Health. https://www.prachyareview.com/36581-2/

30th Jun ‘Stories in which two people are brought together because of – or maybe in spite of – the machinations of a young child.’ ROYALTIES https://www.jms-books.com/submission-guidelines-ezp-35.html

30th Jun ‘We want lots of bugs. Gross, scary, spine-chilling, and even a little humour. If you think you can make our skin crawl, inspire us to grab the insect repellent, or make us laugh even as we shiver, then send your story our way!’ https://morpheustales.wixsite.com/morpheustales/guidelines

30th Jun Poetry and CMF on the theme of Ballads and Breakups. https://memoirmixtapes.com/submissions/

30th Jun Retropunk fiction set in World War II. PAYING https://gallerycurious.com/fiction/

30th Jun Accursed. ‘Your story must prominently feature some kind of cursed item.’ 2500-6000 words. PAYING https://www.jollyhorror.com/opencall.html

1st Jul ‘We are seeking submissions for our newest anthology, “Is it Hot in Here or is it Just Me? Women Over 40 Write on Aging.” We accept submissions from anywhere in the world. We are open to any topics regarding aging and we look to use a wide brushstroke in this regard. Our minds are open; if you think it could fit, send it. Please note: we are seeking work ONLY from women or women-identified writers for this particular submission.’ Poems, dramatic works, essays and more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://socialjusticeanthologies.submittable.com/submit/139809/is-it-hot-in-here-or-is-it-just-me-women-over-40-write-on-aging

1st Jul Sonnets. PAYING http://www.songsoferetz.com/p/guidelines.html

1st Jul Flash fiction. https://www.liarsleaguenyc.com/submissions

1st Jul ‘There is no required theme for the stories, although anything to do with the themes usually explored in Fiddler’s Green—such as magic, individualism, or iconoclastic approaches to spirituality—will be most welcome. Stories with word counts between 1500 and 3000 will be considered. Narrative or thematic poetry of any length will also be considered, but we will only be publishing a few poems at most.’ PAYING https://www.fiddlersgreenzine.com/all-fiction-special-issue

Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Marking Time. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.stoneboatwi.com/submit.html

1st Jul Fairytale/fantasy story 500-7000 words, or poetry. PAYING https://www.dancingbearbooks.com/submissions-1

Although the deadline for this is August, the editors add, “…or until 500 regular submissions have been received”, so it’s probably a good idea to submit early. Poetry, fiction and more. https://miraclemonocle.submittable.com/submit

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

‘Hello all. SHORT FICTION, one of the UK’s best regarded magazines, is open to submissions again after a year-long hiatus. We accept international subs but are particularly keen to get more from UK-based writers, so if that’s you, please feel strongly encouraged to submit.’ PAYING
http://www.shortfictionjournal.co.uk

Poetry, fiction and more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.pacificareview.com/submissions/

Poetry. Submissions are free at the start of the month, and after that there is a fee. https://yr.olemiss.edu/submissions/(thanks to firstwriter.com for this)

‘Cornerstone Press seeks book-length manuscripts in any genre and makes publishing decisions based on the clarity of thought and the marketability of the manuscripts submitted.’ https://www.uwsp.edu/english/cornerstone/Pages/submissions.aspx (Cathy’s note: although the deadline for this round of submissions is Aug 1st, if anyone misses this then their MS will go into the next round of submissions, so it’s OK.)

Poetry, fiction and more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://schoolcraft.edu/macguffin/submission-guidelines

Writing by women and non-binary people. There is an option to submit anonymously if preferred. https://45magazineiwa.com/contact/

Poetry, prose and more. PAYING http://www.wintertangerine.com/submit

Poetry, prose and more. http://www.decompmagazine.com/submit.htm

Chapbooks of poetry or short fiction by women and non-binary folk. https://www.papeachupress.com

‘To focus on our mission of supporting rural LGBTQ and POC writers and artists, submissions of creative writing and art are restricted to people who identify as LGBTQ and/or POC. Allies are welcome and encouraged to submit in our Interviews, Reviews, & Miscellany category. For more information, see the category guidelines.’ Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING https://mountisland.com/submit/

Horror and SF MSS. http://www.severedpress.com/submissions/

‘word west aims to publish exciting new works of fiction, poetry, non-fiction and whatever else we feel like. from the best authors in the west and beyond.’ https://www.wordwest.co/books

Flash fiction. https://moshlit.tumblr.com/submit

‘Lady/Liberty/Lit is a journal spotlighting women-identifying and gender-non-conforming writers who address experiences of, and ideas about, freedom of voice and body.’ https://www.ladylibertylit.com/submissions

Poetry and prose. http://themothmagazine.com/a1-page.asp?ID=1972&page=37

SF/F microfiction. PAYING https://thearcanist.io/an-open-call-for-microfiction-d1e32a519c12

Various fantasy anthologies, open until filled. PAYING https://roguebladesentertainment.submittable.com/submit

MSS of various kinds. ‘Our primary interest is in crime (mystery/thriller/suspense) sci fi, fantasy and horror; however, we love genre blends and champion works that infuse the best elements of genre. Whether you weave romance in with your mystery or have a sleuth who’s a ghost, we’re interested.’ http://www.bronzevillebooks.com/writers/

‘Agate is considering submissions in the general areas of food, cooking, and nutrition-related nonfiction, for its Surrey imprint; business-interest nonfiction, for its B2 imprint; fiction and nonfiction by African American writers, for its Bolden imprint; and books on Midwestern topics or by Midwestern authors, for its Midway imprint.’ https://www.agatepublishing.com/about/agate

‘CultureCult invites submission of manuscripts in the English/Bengali language for publication in a wide range of genres, both fiction and non-fiction. We are presently seeking novels, novellas,short stories/flash fictionscollections, graphic novels/collections and poetry. ALL GENRES WELCOME.’ https://culturecultmagazine.wixsite.com/home/manuscripts

Poetry. https://poetrybreakfast.com/submission-guidelines-2/

‘Czykmate Productions proudly presents HauntedMTL–the Original Content. We want to hear what makes you tick, chill, and shiver. Give us your gore, your moaning banshees, heck, even a story about a Starbucks haunted by Elvis. Give us what’s unique to you.’ PAYING https://rickysbackyard.submittable.com/submit/135447/how-horror-able

Comps and calls for May 2019

Hello all!

Many thanks for your interesting and lovely messages – apologies if I haven’t replied yet!

There are two pieces of news this month. The first is that I now have a way for fans of the site to make voluntary donations to help pay for costs. I have a Patreon page for regular donations and a PayPal site for tips and one-off encouragements.

Secondly, I’ve had various suggestions over the years for alternative formats for C’s C&C. I run it from the 2nd of the month to the 1st of the next month because the most popular deadlines are the last of the month, the first of the month and the 15th of the month. This way gives you the maximum time to write, though you get very little time to write to deadlines early in the month. An erudite friend and site user has suggested starting on the 7th instead. Do you have any opinions on the matter? What day of the month would you prefer? Please email me at news(at)cathybryant.co.uk to tell me what you think!

Good luck this month – there are some fabulous themes, calls and prizes this May!

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):

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

UK only. Weekly. ‘To participate in this competition, entrants must write a feature article on their travel experiences in no more than 500 words.’ PAYING https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travel-competitions/just-back-terms-and-conditions/

3rd May ‘For this mini-contest, show, tell, or evoke a complete story in at least 30, but no more than 50 words. The first word in your story must start with “A” and the last must start with “Z”. Do *NOT* use proper nouns (names of people or places or things that would always be capitalized) for your “A” word or your “Z” word. Otherwise, it would be too easy to write an entry like, “Ann used to be my best friend, but now it’s Zoe.” You CAN use “a” or “an” as your “a” word, but you’ll lose points on the creativity score.’ PAYING https://onthepremises.com/current-contest/

5th May Children aged 4-14: write a 500-word story on how you would change the world today! TRIP TO DISNEYLAND https://www.explorelearning.co.uk/writersawards/ (thanks to www.prizemagic.co.ukfor this one)

8th May Spectator Competition No. 3098: verse and reverse. You are invited to submit a poem that can be read both forwards and backwards. Email entries of up to 16 lines to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 8 May.

10th May POSTAL ENTRY ONLY Short stories by writers who are Irish and/or living in Ireland. PAYING https://www.rte.ie/radio1/francis-macmanus-short-story/ (Cathy’s note: I’ve included this because the prize is good, and we don’t get many Irish calls.)

15th May Flash fiction. ‘This is a call for POC, Black and Indigenous writers. The flash must pass or discuss The Latif Test which sets out 1) Are there two named characters of color?, 2) Do they have dialogue? 3) Are they not romantically involved with one another? 4) Do they have any dialogue that isn’t comforting or supporting a white character? 5) Is one of them definitely not magic?’ PAYING https://www.apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines/#1538347466119-241fd8cf-66ed

31st May Crime novel. PUBLISHING CONTRACT https://www.bigissue.com/competitions/big-issue-writing-competition-terms-conditions/

31st May 50-word story on the given theme. NON-CASH PRIZE http://scottishbooktrust.com/reading/the-50-word-fiction-competition

1st Jun Up to 5000 words of writing on the theme of Fury. PAYING https://thefuriousgazelle.com/submit/spring-writing-contest/

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

2nd May Poetry on the theme of Loss. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://magmapoetry.submittable.com/submit/136066/magma-75-loss (Cathy’s note: the deadline has been extended from 30th April to 2nd May)

3rd May Stories and poetry suitable for children, on the theme of I am Me. PAYING http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/submissions.html

4th May ‘Submissions are open for SFM Storytime Season Two – She is an Elf!. Tell us a story of a female elf as your main character. You can submit stories for any era or time. From Bright to Lord of the Rings. From a tale far flung into the future or set millions of light-years from Earth. We want to see them all. So tell us a story of your lady with pointed ears.’ ROYALTIES http://scifimonkeys.com/storytime/seasons/

5th May Fiction on the theme of Galactic Goddesses. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://fantasiadivinitymagazine.com/anthology-submission-calls

5th May Fiction (no flash) and poetry on the theme of Tech Noir: Cyberpunk and Future Noir. PAYING http://www.switchblademag.com/2016/10/a-new-magazine-of-hardboiled-crime.html

5th May ‘INFINITY & BEYOND:50 years ago (well, on July 16th, 1969 to be precise) man landed on the Moon. But what have we done lately – and what does the future hold? Speculative fiction of all stripes is sought for our galaxy-spanning, stargazing summer event.’ Story 800-2000 words https://www.liarsleague.com/liars_league/forthcoming-events-themes.html

6th May Story 800-3000 words on the theme of Freedom and Restraint. https://www.liarsleaguenyc.com/submissions

9th May ‘Writing submissions to Half Mystic Journal’s seventh issue are now open! Issue VII: Aubade celebrates the dawn-dizzy dance—the first chords of warmth—the sun forgiving everything it touches. An aubade is defined as a lovesong to the dawn. Issue VII submissions close on May 9, 2019. We consider all types of writing (including poetry, fiction, drama, creative nonfiction, and hybrid work) as long as it pertains in some way to music.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.halfmystic.com/writers

10th May ‘Submissions should address the intersection of women’s sexuality with the issue’s theme. Please note that at Cliterature, we believe in sisterhood, not cis-terhood, and include trans women in our definition of women.’ Poetry, prose and more. Theme: Hair. https://cliteraturejournal.com/submit

10th May ‘We welcome submissions inspired by gnomes, faerie gardens, flower faeries, faeries at the bottom of the garden etc, as well as other creative faerie themes. Can be as wild or whimsical as you wish! We are happy to accept and review photo-sets (no nudity), short poems and articles.’ https://www.faemagazine.com/submissions/

12th May 100-word stories on the theme of Pictures. http://www.101fiction.com/

15th May Poetry. PAYING http://www.firepoetry.com/guidelines.html

15th May Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Borders. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS http://www.thefieldstonereview.ca/submissions.html

15th May Short science fiction on the theme of Humanity. PAYING https://www.readvisions.com/submission-guidelines

15th May Poetry on the theme of Science and Science Fiction. PAYING http://www.songsoferetz.com/p/guidelines.html

15th May Romance 7000-15,000 words. ‘The autumnal equinox marks the shift into darkness which completes on Samhain. Warmth is behind us, cold lies ahead. This is a time of Thanksgiving and kinship. However, in our stories, we also want to consider the theme of The Enchanted Forest. How can you place romance, sorcery, witchcraft, an enchanted wood, cottage, village, or castle into this theme?’ PAYING https://onceuponanthologies.com/2019-submissions/

17th May Poetry and short prose on the theme of Leonard Cohen. http://wreckingballpress.com/call-out-to-writers-and-artists/

19th May Australia only: Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Devotion. https://www.antithesisjournal.com.au/submit

20th May Writing 250-500 words by women over 60 on the theme of Life Changing Moments. https://www.persimmontree.org/v2/submissions/

20th May ‘The Lakota phrase, Mitakuye Oyasin means All My Relations. Animals, plants and minerals are members of the planetary family, in distress. What are the rights of Nature, and how do we cope with the grief, fear and anger about extinctions, ecosystem destruction, and climate change? We invite you to submit an essay up to 1000 words, a poem, or other artwork, in response to any of these prompts or what All My Relationsmeans to you.’ https://www.kosmosjournal.org/contribute-to-kosmos-quarterly/

22nd May Writing on the theme of Pride. https://www.cleaningupglitter.com/submissions

30th May ‘Writing on the theme of Home. Root & Star magazine strives to bring quality art and literature to children in the ephemeral magazine form. It hopes to inspire and be inspired by the whole child – the wise, the wild, the strange, and the sweet. It is a place for creative people to play and to share the complexities of their work and spirit with children.’ https://rootandstar.com/pages/submit

31st May Poetry, fiction and more. https://www.oysterriverpages.com/submit

31st May Speculative poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Retribution. PAYING https://www.apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines/

31st May Australia and New Zealand only: speculative fiction 2500-5000 words on the theme of Journeys. CONTRIBUTOR COPY+ ROYALTIES https://aussiespeculativefiction.com/journeys-anthology/

31st May North of England and Midlands only: poetry, fiction and more by writers with invisible disabilities. https://www.cultureword.org.uk/indivisible-call-for-submissions/

31st May Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Kith and Kin. https://fictionfix.submittable.com/Submit

31st May Short horror or horror/comedy story featuring an accursed item. PAYING https://www.jollyhorror.com/opencall.html(Cathy’s note: the website currently states that the deadline is 30th June, but that they may have to close early – they will keep it open until 31st May, though. I thought it best to play safe and get the details out early.)

31st May ‘Clean’ fiction on the theme of Christmas in July. https://edifypublications.submittable.com/submit

31st May ‘Chipper Press is looking for short stories that revolve around a camera. Entertain our readers with short stories about what the camera reveals, and what the photographer thought they were photographing. These tales should be mysteries that need to be resolved, think Nancy Drew type stories. Keep in mind the reader age rating on this anthology is 9 to 12.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.chipperpress.com/anthology-submissions/

31st May ‘Transcendis currently accepting FREEsubmissions for our first prototype issue, Transcend.Prototypes. We accept poetry (of any kind), prose of fiction, non-fiction, and creative non-fiction varieties (though we only skim non-fiction), and artwork of all genres.’ https://transcendlit.com/submissions/

31st May Fiction, poetry and more incorporating the words Dumbwaiter, Shore and Sigil. http://3elementsreview.com/submission-guidelines

31st May Poetry and art on the theme of Blue. https://www.harbor-review.com/submit

31st May Writing and more relating to maps, and on the theme of Twins. http://themapisnot.com/submissions

31st May ‘We are currently reading short story submissions for our anthology, The Time Traveling Investor Vol. 1. As the title indicates, we are looking for stories about time travel. And we are especially interested in stories where either the protagonist or antagonist travels through time as a means of cheating (or playing) the stock market, especially if things don’t go as intended.’ https://thetimetravelinginvestor.com/submission-guidelines/

31st May ‘The Summer 2019 issue will focus on storytelling, and how this concept relates to people’s lived experience of madness/mental health challenges and/or accessing mental health services.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://openmindsquarterly.submittable.com/submit

31st May Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of On the Threshold/Spilling Over. ‘For this issue, we are especially interested in receiving poems using, but not limited to, fox, clouds, lake, and ice as image or metaphor.’ http://iceflow.com/riverbabble/riverguides35.html

31st May Poetry, fiction and more. http://www.matadorreview.com/submissions

1st Jun Erotica 2000-5000 words on the theme of Adventure by authors who are women, gender nonconforming, genderqueer and/or nonbinary. PAYING https://www.bweoftheyear.com/call-for-submissions

1st Jun The ‘Summer Muses’ Gallery is all about cars– driving, riding, road trips, lessons, etc. Deadline is June 1st. Previously published okay with acknowledgement. 30 line limit. Email poetry (.doc attachments or text in body) and photos (.jpg attachments) to jennifer@highlandparkpoetry.org. No form required.’

1st Jun Poetry. ‘TPQ envisions itself as a place for real writing, something that an actual human being might want to read.’ PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS http://trailerparkquarterly.com/submissions/

1st Jun Poetry, prose and more on the teme of Climate Change. https://breakwaterreview.submittable.com/submit

1st Jun Haiku on the theme of Reconciliation. https://www.vcbf.ca/community-event/haiku-invitational

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

Poetry, fiction and more. https://fromthehorsesmouth.org.uk/

Poetry. PAYING http://www.subterraneanbluepoetry.com/SubterraneanBluePoetry.Submissions.html

‘Ethelseeks poetry, art, micro-fiction, micro-plays, micro-essays, personal essays, paragraphs from your thesis, prophesies, lists of facts, letters of protest, diagnoses, letters to the editor, lists of baked goods seen at the local Socialist bake sale, album reviews, book reviews, translations, difficult math equations that you have solved, drawings of miniature dresses and so on.’ https://www.ethelzine.com/submit

Poetry, fiction, art and more on the theme of Beauty by women and non-binary folk. https://www.papeachupress.com/submit

Science fiction stories. PAYING http://unfitmag.com/submit/

‘We are an online literary journal based in New York City looking to publish work that represents the lengths (or lack thereof) people will go to in order to make money and pay the bills (to keep the lights on, for instance). We are looking for inspired work that showcases this, whether it be the odd jobs that keep you up at night or the night that brings you odd jobs. If it’s funky and helped you not get evicted, tells a story about someone who made a living scraping gum off park benches, or discusses the day to day life of a desk job, we want to hear from you.’ – Fiction, poetry and more. https://whateverkeepsthelightson.com/submit-1

Chapbooks of poetry or short fiction by women and non-binary folk. https://www.papeachupress.com/submit

‘Sandpiper is a journal of literature and art devoted to uplifting the voices of those emerging and underrepresented in the American literary scene. All submissions are welcome, but special priority is given to writers and artists of color. Sandpiperaccepts poetry, prose, art, and photography.’ https://www.sandpipermag.com/submit.html

Fantasy and magical realism stories. PAYING http://unrealmag.com/submit/

MSS that fit their ‘Machete’ or ‘Latinographix’ series of books. https://madcreek.submittable.com/submit

‘The Dawntreader specialises in myth, legend; in the landscape, nature; spirituality and love; the mystic, the environment. It fulfils a niche in the market, welcoming poetry, prose, articles and local legends.’ https://www.indigodreams.co.uk/the-dawntreader/4563791666

MSS in the following categories: real ife, memoir, crime, human drama, passion. https://mirrorbooks.co.uk/pages/submissions

‘Invisible Publishing is currently accepting literary manuscript submissions, including works of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. All narrative works with contemporary themes will be considered, however, we are not interested in genre fiction or YA projects. That said, if you send it, we’ll read it. Show us your stuff.’ https://invisiblepublishing.com/submissions/

Poetry. www.thelakepoetry.co.uk

Submit an MP3 of you reading your poem. https://poetrysoundlibrary.weebly.com/

Fiction, poetry and more. https://www.thefestivalreview.com/submit

Comps and calls for April 2019

Hello everybody! Comps and Calls is BACK!

After a very difficult year (multiple bereavements, for a start) I’ve decided to start up again. I was waiting for life to settle down, but it never does, does it? So here we are, back with a selection of free opportunities for writers. It’s a bit shorter than usual this month, but should build up in time.

Many thanks for your kind messages, support and appreciation. It’s meant a lot to me. Now go and get published and win prizes!

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):

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

1 April: Humorous poem. PAYING https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/wergle-flomp-humor-poetry-contest-free

3 April:  Spectator Competition No. 3093: write of passage. ‘You are invited to submit an extract from a novel that chronicles the adult life of a well-known fictional hero from children’s stories (please specify). Please email entries of up to 150 words to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 3 April.’ PAYING

7 April:  Flash fiction 400-800 words, on the theme of Lead. VOUCHER/OTHER https://lucentdreaming.com/flash-fiction-contest-1/

10 April:  Up to 2500 words on the theme of Identity. PAYING https://alpinefellowship.submittable.com/submit/133506/af-2019-writing-prize?fbclid=IwAR3lPXZr1m2S6fdE_6ckhVXeA6lhwI6xxi0y9fk3NVpFWot78Z1w-GvhaUk

10 April:  Flash up to 300 words on the theme of Migration, featuring queer characters. PAYING https://queerscifi.com/flash-contest-rules/?cn-reloaded=1

15 April:  Creative writing by unpublished Canadian writers aged 18-29. PAYING https://pencanada.ca/newvoices/

15 April:  Poetry by women over 60 who don’t live in the USA. https://www.persimmontree.org/v2/submissions/

15 April:  Spec fiction up to 3500 words on the theme of Noir. PAYING http://parsecink.com/contest/

15 April:  ‘This is a call for POC, Black and Indigenous writers. The flash must pass or discuss The DuVernay Test where African-Americans and other minorities have fully realized lives rather than serve as scenery in white stories.’ Flash fiction. PAYING https://www.apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines/#1538347466119-241fd8cf-66ed

30 April:  500-word essay. ‘The competition is open to women commencing or continuing to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D degree in journalism, creative writing, or literature at a recognized post-secondary institution in the United States or Canada in 2019-20.’ PAYING http://www.lucasaykroyd.com/scholarships (thanks to www.erikadreifus.comfor this)

Weekly poetry contest. PAYING https://www.poetrynook.com/

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

1 April:  Poetry and prose. ‘Canthiusis a Canadian literary magazine publishing poetry and prose by women, transgender men, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, and genderqueer/gender non-conforming writers.’ PAYING http://www.canthius.com/submissions

1 April:  ‘Pixie Forest Publishing is seeking short stories in any genre for our upcoming anthology At Death’s Door. All stories need to be centered on the theme of death or dying. Whether a character is dying, a ghost, or is something in between, we want to hear your story. Any genre except erotica.’ 500-5000 words.https://pixieforestpublishing.com/at-deaths-door/

1 April:  Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING https://westbranchsubmissions.bucknell.edu/

5 April:  Poetry, fiction and more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://obraartifact.com/submissions/

6 April:  Poetry on the theme of Video Games. Scroll down here: https://www.poetshaven.com/submissions

7 April:  Poetry, prose and more on the theme of Becoming. https://www.l3m0ncur5.com/callforsubmissions

7 April:  Fiction, poetry and more on the theme of Passing. https://anastamos.submittable.com/submit

7 April:  ‘We are looking for work discussing the family bed, cribs and cradles, sleeping with children, sharing beds, bunking, Grandpa’s favorite sleeping chair, favorite napping places in the household, memories of quilts or pillows, pregnant mothers and sleep, etc.’ Poetry, fiction and more. https://sleepyheadcentral.com/vitaminzzz/

8 April:  Fiction, poetry and more on the theme of Origins. PAYING https://ninthletteronline.submittable.com/submit

8 April:  ‘Show the impact on individuals—and/or the world—when a country turns away immigrants, or changes the rules so that people who immigrated to a country become forced to return to where they came from—even if they were small children at the time.’ 4000-12,000 words. CHARITY/GOOD CAUSE ANTHOLOGY https://blackbirdpublishing.com/calls/the-golden-door/

9 April:  Poetry, flash and more on the theme of Pride. https://pureslush.com/submissions/current-submissions/

11 April:  ‘We publish adult literary fiction and narrative non-fiction.’ Women only. https://www.galleybeggar.co.uk/2-submissions

12 April:  Nonfiction poetry on the theme of Politics. http://rabbitpoetry.com/?page_id=35

15 April:  Poetry, fiction and essays on the theme of Alternative Apocalypse. PAYING http://www.bcubedpress.com/alt-apocal-open-call/

15 April:  Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of ‘Stages in the Life of the Artist’. Get creative with it. The weirder it is the more likely we are to publish it. https://kaitmauro.com/zine

15 April:  Alternative bedtime reading for progressive parents: stories, poems, nursery rhymes. PAYING http://www.bcubedpress.com/alternative-bedtime-reading-for-progressive-parents/

15 April:  Succinct spec fic. https://antilang.ca/submission-guidelines/

15 April:  ‘We are looking for stories and poems that fit the themes of Weird Fiction and Cosmic Horror from ONLY FEMALE AUTHORS. Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy are all welcomed, as long as they fit in the realms of Weird and Cosmic. All stories and poems must also be speculative in some way. What we mean by this is that we don’t want stories or poems based in realism.’ PAYING https://gehennabooks.com/2019/03/05/call-for-submissions-hinnom-magazine-retro-weird-tales-edition-women-only/

15 April:  Poetry in Japanese form. PAYING http://www.songsoferetz.com/p/guidelines.html

15 April:  Poetry on the theme of inside/out. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.snapdragonjournal.com/submit.html

18 April:  Poetry and prose on the theme of Landscape and Maps. https://thewriterscafemagazine.wordpress.com/2019/01/27/the-writers-cafe-magazine-issue-16-landscape-and-mapscallout/

21 April:  Fiction, poetry and more on the theme of Identity. PAYING https://shooterlitmag.com/submissions/

30 April:  Horror stories 1000-8000 words. PAYING http://www.coronabooks.com/horror-book-3-call/4594551792

30 April:  Fiction 1000-5000 words on the theme of the Moon. PAYING http://www.eibonvalepress.co.uk/The%20The%20Once%20and%20Future%20Moon%20-%20guidelines.pdf

30 April:  Genre fiction, experimental poetry and more by LGBTQ+ writers and artists. PAYING https://qommunicatepublishing.com/submissions/

30 April:  Writing on the theme of Think Positive, Live Happy. ‘How did you “think positive” and how did it change your life? Tell us your success story about using the power of positive thinking!’ PAYING https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

30 April:  A variety of projects, free to submit to during April. During some other months, fees are charged. PAYING http://www.press.alternatingcurrentarts.com/2016/11/submit-to-alternating-current-press.html

30 April:  ‘Rock & Sling, a journal of witness, seeks work that engages the mysteries, trials, complications, and joys of Creation. We often favor work that engages spiritual ideas and experiences, but it is not a requirement. While those spiritual ideas are often from a Christian point of view, they need not be explicitly so, and we value work that honestly and authentically engages other faith traditions (or their absence).’https://rockandsling.submittable.com/submit

30 April:  Stories under 1000 words. http://www.wigleaf.com/

30 April:  Story written from the point of view of a cat. 3000-7000 words. PAYING https://post-to-print.com/submission-guidelines-from-a-cats-view-vol-ii/

30 April:  ‘This Never Happenedis an anthology devoted to the humorous side of alternative history fiction. This collection will hold stories that are funny and outrageous, set in worlds where history differs from what happened in our own reality, with ridiculous consequences; tales that could not possibly have happened, or maybe they could have but they’d have just been absolutely hilarious!’ 1500-10,000 words. PROFIT/REVENUE SHARING MODEL http://www.martinus.us/subs.html

1/5 ‘In this issue, I invite poems that consider intersections of climate change with gender and location, both physical place and the way location refers to experiences of race, class, ability and sexuality. What might be anti-colonial, queer, feminist, counter-classist, embodied poetries of climate change?’ PAYS ONLY AUSTRALIANS https://plumwoodmountain.com/submissions-6/

1/5 Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Beauty. https://thefruittreemag.wixsite.com/home/copy-of-issues

1/5 Poetry and short fiction on a variety of themes. https://roamlit.com/submit/

1/5 ‘We are looking for work (poems, fiction/flash fiction, nonfiction/ flash non-fiction, b/w art) that gives voice to and is a part of that resistance. Our goal? To build and publish an anthology as a vehicle for positive change in response to the growing climate of hate. We need work that references and identifies specific legacies, personal histories, and stories of conditions that we (and others) face daily.’ https://www.ravenchronicles.org/submissions-wanted-take-a-stand-art-against-hate-a-raven-chronicles-anthology/

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING https://purplefirepublications.ca/submissions

Poetry and flash. https://okaydonkeymag.com/submit/

MSS of various kinds, including childrens, middle grade and YA. https://brothersuber.com/p/submissions

MSS by Canadian writers only. https://www.cormorantbooks.com/submission-guidelines

Nonfiction and humour book MSS. http://www.coronabooks.com/submissions/4588708934

Poetry. https://www.bestpoetry.website/submit-a-poem

Children’s picture books. http://www.ripplegrovepress.com/submissions/

Mystery and thriller fiction. http://www.seventhstreetbooks.com/submissions.html

Children’s, YA, and Adult fiction. https://bluetridentbooks.yolasite.com/Submissions.php

MSS. http://scanticbooks.blogspot.com/2018/

Poetry and nonfiction by women, trans and non-binary writers. ‘We cap our submissions at 100 per month. If, upon visiting our submissions page, you come across a note that says “there are presently no open calls for submissions,” know that we have simply reached our monthly cap. We invite you to come back and submit your work the following month.’ https://www.utterancejournal.com/submit

Clean F and SF. PAYING http://deepmagic.co/submissions/#

‘We publish highly romantic romance stories, novellas, and novels.

Think of smooth satin bedding, soft candlelit rooms, hearts, teddy bears, chocolates, flowers, soft, romantic music, diamonds and lace, sweet acts of love, and the list goes on and on! We are not an erotic/erotica publishing house.’ http://www.satinromance.com/blog/sample-page/

‘We’re drawn to well-crafted poems that are attentive to language and music, whether formal, free verse, prose poem, or experimental.’ https://clementineunbound.wordpress.com/submissions/

Speculative fiction. PAYING http://legendarytalesmagazine.com/how-to-submit/

Poetry, flash, short fiction and more. https://bluetigerreview.com/contact/