Comps and calls for January 2017

Happy New Year! I’m full of a cold, and I’m hoping that my fuzzy head hasn’t affected these listings — make sure to visit the websites and read the guidelines extra carefully! I’m feeling optimistic, though, because it’s not 2016 any more. Hurrah!

A huge thank you to those who’ve taken the time to email me and tell me about their successes, or just to say that they like the site. It makes my day when that happens. You’re stars — and your courtesy is one of the hallmarks of the professional.

New year, new writing resolutions — make yours to write, submit and enter. That, in a nutshell, is how it’s done.

Cathy x


Here are January 2017’s 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 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 Jan ‘The award recognizes excellence in fiction or creative nonfiction on the topic of serious physical illness. The winner of the award must demonstrate both high literary standards and a broad audience appeal while exploring the impact of illness on the patient, family and friends, and others. Writers must have previously published in literary journals or magazines, or have published a book with an independent or traditional publisher.’ PAYING http://www.centerforfiction.org/awards/the-christopher-doheny-award/christopher-doheny-award-submission-guidelines/

4th Jan ‘Competition No. 2980: comic effect. You are invited to submit an extract from a politician’s speech ghostwritten by a well-known comedian (150 words maximum). Please email entries, wherever possible, to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 4 January.’ PAYING http://www.spectator.co.uk/2016/12/lets-twist-2/

8th Jan ‘Octavia Estelle Butler was born on 22 June, 1947, and died in 2006. In celebration of what would have been her 70th birthday in 2017, and in recognition of Butler’s enormous influence on speculative fiction, and African-American literature more generally, Twelfth Planet Press is publishing a selection of letters and essays written by science fiction and fantasy’s writers, editors, critics and fans. We are looking for letters addressed to Butler, which should be between 1000 and 1500 words.’ PAYING http://www.twelfthplanetpress.com/news/announcing-new-non-fiction-project-letters-octavia-butler

15th Jan ‘Doris was always creating new worlds with her unexpected poetics. Following upon that spirit of creative invention and inventive creation; engaging wit and ingenious playfulness; discovery in construction; and radical appropriations based on classical forms, pastiche, and love: the Stacy Doris Memorial Poetry Award will be given to a long poem (minimum 3 pages) with a truly inventive spirit.’ PAYING http://www.14hills.net/stacy-doris-mpa

15th Jan Poem on the theme of your favourite thing about Winter. VOUCHER/OTHER https://www.safestore.co.uk/blog/2016/12/%E2%80%8Bwinter-wonderland-writing-competition/

15th Jan Poems and essays on the theme of To a Friend. PAYING http://www.keats-shelley.co.uk/the-keats-shelley-prize/keats-shelley-prize-2017

16th US and part of Canada only: ‘How has trusting a family member, friend, or stranger affected your life? To enter the contest, write up to 1,000 words on how trust (or distrust) has changed your outlook.’ PAYING http://us.macmillan.com/static/smp/who-can-you-trust/

20th Jan Age 13-18: story up to 2500 words on the theme of Memory. PAYING https://www.iggy.net/writingprize/

29th Jan 18-35 only: Essay, on any subject, up to 3500 words. PAYING http://financialtimes.polldaddy.com/s/bodley-head-ft-essay-prize?p=1

31st Jan The children’s category of this comp is free, while you need to make a purchase to enter the adult category. Poetry and/or prose. ‘We hope the writing prize continues to generate interest in our little, indie press and our books that aim to normalise breastfeeding and mindful parenting. It is also hoped that it will stimulate creativity and produce some great writing!’ (Cathy’s note: this is one of my favourite presses – very fair and well worth the effort, in my opinion) Children’s prize: VOUCHER/OTHER Adults prize: PAYING http://www.mothersmilkbooks.com/index.php/writing-prize

31st Jan ‘Select one or more paintings from the image gallery and use your creative prowess to write a short story around that piece.’ 2000-5000 words. PAYING http://www.wordsandbrushes.com/instruction (thanks to www.winningwriters.com for this one)

31st Jan ‘Radiant Crown Publishing seeks new, emerging, and established author’s and poet’s previously unpublished submissions for The Kármán Liminality (100km) chapbook prize. The series will comprise of gothic science-fiction, surrealist horror, and or magical realist prose and poetry from those typically on the margins. Works that are transitioning between time and space, and are engrossing should submit.’ PAYING http://radiantcrownpublishing.com/index.php/the-karman-liminality-annual-100km-chapbook-prize/

31st Jan ‘Spirit First is pleased to announce its 8th Annual Meditation Poetry Contest. Poetry submissions may be of any length and any style but must have a theme of Meditation or Mindfulness. Poems may reflect any discipline, any faith, or none.’ PAYING http://www.spiritfirst.org/

31st Jan 3000 word essay (and a book outline) answering the question: Are digital technologies making politics impossible? PAYING https://ninedotsprize.org/

31st Jan What would your Quaker meeting do with an unexpected $1M? 500-2000 words. PAYING http://www.friendsjournal.org/weathering-the-windfall-contest/

31st Jan ‘Do you identify as an LGBTQ author, or are you writing stories with LGBTQ themes and characters? Submit both fiction and nonfiction book proposals here in the month of January.’ PAYING https://publishizer.com/contests/queerly-lit/

31st Jan Short story, up to 2500 words, set in Little Tokyo. PAYING http://www.littletokyohs.org/short-story-contest-2017-guideline.html

31st Jan US only: fiction up to 8000 words. PAYING http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/books/ct-2017-nelson-algren-literary-awards-official-rules-20161201-story.html (thanks to www.erikadreifus.com for this one.)

31st Jan ‘Three times a year, Jerry Jazz Musician awards a writer who submits, in our opinion, the best original, previously unpublished work of short fiction.

The Jerry Jazz Musician reader has interests in music, social history, literature, politics, art, film and theater, particularly that of the counter-culture of mid-twentieth century America.’ PAYING http://www.jerryjazzmusician.com/2013/02/short-fiction-contest-details/

1st Feb ‘Write a short story of no more than 8,000 words, that shows the near future (no more than about 50-60 years out) of manned space exploration.’ PAYING http://www.baen.com/baenmemorialaward

1st Feb Travel Poetry. NON-CASH PRIZE http://www.rewardpublishing.info/2017-competition-.html

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

2nd Jan ‘What Fresh Witch Is This? wants to hear the writing you build from rage—what you create when fury feeds your pen. In this issue, we are asking you to burn it all down and paint with the ashes. Send us fiction and creative non-fiction (no more than 4000 words), flash fiction (70-500 words), poetry (maximum three per submission), and visual projects that engage with the theme of rage.’ http://www.whatfreshwitch.com/submissions (thanks for this one to www.placesforwriters.com )

2nd Jan ‘Fairy tales have long been used to entertain, teach, and even sometimes frighten readers of all ages. Whether it’s witches eating unsuspecting children, princes cursed because they are terrible people, young maidens outsmarting fairy creatures, or just tales of mystical fairy folk, fairy tales are an indelible part of the storytelling experience. For this anthology we want you to give us your sexy take on fairy tales or fairy stories.’ PAYING https://inkubuspublishing.submittable.com/submit/65725

3rd Jan Erotic tales of wanderlust, 1000-5000 words. PAYING http://www.mugwumppress.com/mofo/wanderlust/

3rd Jan Poetry of personal myth. https://foragepoetry.com/contact/

5th Jan ‘The only instructions are that the piece should be based around the colour Red, between 500-1500 words. The article is also to be ideas based: intelligent, thoughtful, provocative, different, creative, beautifully written, accessible and interesting. Also the piece has to be timeless, a reflection rather than fast news.’ Articles and creative essays only – no poetry or fiction. PAYING email editor@chromamagazine.com

8th Jan ‘2017 is the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution & its betrayal by the Bolsheviks & the 50th anniversary of the Detroit Rebellion, but articles can reflect micro-aspects of these concepts as well. A story of personal revolt, a neighborhood rebellion, a high school riot, etc. Essays, fiction, poetry, and graphics are welcome.’ https://www.fifthestate.org/contact-fifth-estate/call-for-submissions/

9th Jan Drama script of at least 30 mins. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/script-room (thanks to www.londonplaywrightslog.com for this one)

9th Jan ‘We exist in a country where we must constantly remind those in power of our humanity. We stand against continued colonial violence and hold our heads high in prayer and love for our communities and culture. Submissions open to Indigenous writers, writers of color and allies.’ Poetry, fiction and more. https://asusjournal.org/submissions/

9th Jan Poetry, fiction and more. https://oleanderreview.com/submission-guidelines/

10th Jan Poetry and fiction on the theme of All About the Weather. PAYING https://craborchardreview.submittable.com/submit

10th Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Toys and Games. http://herecomeseveryone.me/submit/

11th Jan Pitch for a play you’d like to write. https://theatre503.com/writers/503five1617/?platform=hootsuite

13th Jan Flash fiction on the theme of Literary Time Warp. PAYING http://splickety.com/submission-guidelines/upcoming-themes/

15th Jan Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING https://wizardsinspacemag.com/submit/

15th Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Commercial Cosmonauts and Hired Guns. PAYING http://heliosquarterly.com/index.php/submissions/

15th Jan Poetry, flash and short fiction by queer/trans people of colour. http://crabfatmagazine.com/

15th Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Wild Joy. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.thephoenixsoul.com/submit/

15th Jan ‘Submissions are open for Bikes in Space Volume 5. The theme is Intersections. Stories that are accepted will all have a feminist perspective and incorporate bicycling in some way, whether or not they are actually about feminism or about bicycles.’ PAYS PERCENTAGE OF KICKSTARTER http://takingthelane.com/bikes-in-space/

15th Jan ‘Our fourth issue is OPEN WATER: LONGFORM. You may write about any topic you want, but poems must be at least 50 lines, short fiction from 1,000-2,000 words. Art sequences should contain at least five (5) pieces.’ PAYING https://sharkpackpoetry.com/spr-annual/

15th Jan ‘This open call seeks to connect to writers and artists we might not meet otherwise. Building on the “Migration” theme of our first VERSO / season, we are looking for works that cross borders and terrains, works that shift cultural tectonics in literal and metaphorical ways.’ UNKNOWN PAYMENT http://www.versaljournal.org/call-for-work/

15th Jan Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING https://quliteraryjournal.submittable.com/submit

15th Jan ‘Our Summer 2017 issue will be dedicated to Poets with Mental Illness. The poems may be any subject or length, but must written by poets who have themselves lived with mental illness. The poems need not be about mental health—our goal is to honor these poets by sharing the diverse creative work that they’re producing, while helping to raise awareness and diminish the associated cultural stigma.’ PAYING https://rattle.submittable.com/submit

15th Jan ‘Ella @ 100 anthology project seeks poems, stories, essays, scripts, and graphic essays or stories inspired by the life and work of the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald.’ PAYING http://ella100project.wixsite.com/website

15th Jan ‘The Arctic Circle 2017 programming takes place in the international territory of Svalbard, a mountainous Arctic archipelago just 10 degrees from the North Pole. Each expedition provides the opportunity for artists and innovators to pursue their personal projects on board while exploring collaborations with the expedition’s fellow participants.’ TRIP TO THE ARCTIC http://www.thearcticcircle.org/#

15th Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Boundaries. http://www.fronteralit.com/guias-guidelines

15th Jan ‘great weather for MEDIA seeks poetry, flash fiction, short stories, dramatic monologues, and creative nonfiction for our annual print anthology.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES, PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS http://greatweatherformedia.com/submissions/

15th Jan Poetry and prose on the theme of Secrets. https://negativecapability.submittable.com/submit/

15th Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Refugees and the Displaced. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://writingforpeace.org/1180-2/dovetales/

19th Jan Fiction up to 4000 words on the theme of Change. http://www.litro.co.uk/submit/

20th Jan ‘Submission requirements begin with having an invisible illness or being the child, parent, or partner of someone with an invisible illness. Submission need not address the subject of invisible illness but the platform is presented to allow that without censorship. Artwork, poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction accepted. No reviews at this time.’ https://wraithinfirmitymuses.wordpress.com/

20th Jan ‘From November 9 until January 20, the Indolent Books website will publish a poem-a-day intervention in the unprecedented presidential transition we embark up today. We do not want poems that trash-talk anybody—even if that is what is in your heart.’ https://indolentbooks.submittable.com/submit/71204/transition-poems-in-the-aftermath

25th Jan Poetry, fiction and more for The Quantum Issue. http://moonmagazine.org/submission-guideline/

26th Jan Poetry and short fiction on the theme of Future. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://popshotpopshot.com/submit.html

27th Jan ‘Everybody has thoughts on the results of the 2016 presidential election. The aim with States of the Union is to create a book that will preserve the climate at this flashpoint.’ https://www.statesoftheunionbook.com/submissions/

30th Jan Poetry and stories on the theme of The Steadfast Tin Soldier. PAYING http://www.fairytalemagazine.com/p/blog-page_22.html

30th Jan ‘We are now accepting submissions of poetry and flash fiction based on urban (or rural, or suburban, or the internet…) legends and modern folklore from any culture and any continent.’ PROFIT/REVENUE SHARING MODEL https://threedropspoetry.co.uk/submissions/call-for-submissions-a-face-in-the-mirror-a-hook-on-the-door-an-anthology-of-urban-legends-modern-folklore/

30th Jan Poetry on the theme of Anti-Bullying. ‘The work we select must be a positive force not full of complaints but rather uplifting to the spirit.’ http://www.localgemspoetrypress.com/stand-tall-poetry.html

31st Jan Poetry, flash fiction and more on the theme of Tyrant. https://thesuburbanreview.submittable.com/submit

31st Jan Speculative fiction 6000-10,000 words on the theme of either Infinite Dysmorphia, Terra Nullius or Holding on By Our Fingertips. PAYING http://kristell-ink.com/call-for-anthology-submissions/

31st Jan or when filled: poetry, prose and art on the theme of Brown Face, White Space. http://theelephantmag.wixsite.com/home/submissions

31st Jan Poetry on the theme of Revival. http://roguepoetry.punkswritepoems.com/submissions/

31st Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Saturnalia. PAYING http://hyperionandtheia.com/index.php/submissions/

31st Jan Literary speculative poetry and fiction on the theme of Resurrected Things. http://www.whatwonderfulthings.net/main/submissions/

31st Jan Flash fiction up to 250 words on the theme of Remnants. http://www.flash-frontier.com/submissions/

31st Jan Writing by women, including trans* persons, gender-variant and two-spirit women, and women of non-binary sexual orientations, on the theme of Migration. PAYING http://roommagazine.com/submit

31st Jan Poetry, fiction, plays and more. https://belletrist.submittable.com/submit

31st Jan Fiction 800-8000 words. PAYING http://www.cantabmag.org/submit

31st Jan Poetry and short prose on the theme of Happy. http://www.collectionsofpoetryandprose.com/contribute/

31st Jan Adventure story, 3000-6000 words, suitable for middle grade readers (aged 8-12). PAYING http://dreamingrobotpress.com/young-explorers-adventure-guide-submissions

(thank you to www.freedomwithwriting.com for this one)

31st Jan ‘The next release is Ride the Star Wind: Cthulhu, Space Opera, and the Cosmic Weird, presenting tales that combine space opera with cosmic weird horror, either set within the Cthulhu Mythos or inspired by it.’ PAYING http://www.brokeneyebooks.com/submissions.html

31st Jan ‘Frangipani Press is currently accepting submissions for its inaugural issue. Open theme. You can write a story or poem on absolutely anything you wish to. It can be horror, romance, magical realism, hell it can even be sci-fi but just make it good. Really good.  Word count: 2000 words or below. 30 lines for poetry. Email your submissions/queries to frangipani.press@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/Frangipani-Press-390684381271554/

31st Jan Romantic vampire stories 1000-15,000 words. PAYING http://www.penandkinkpub.com/home/call-for-submissions/

31st Jan Poetry and fiction on the theme of Medicine. http://www.amsterdamquarterly.org/submissions/

31st Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Breaking Barriers or Pushing Against Boundaries. PAYING http://www.echapbook.com/submissions.html

31st Jan Poetry on the theme of Back Roads & Byways. http://www.bluehorsepress.com/

31st Jan Writing and art by neurodivergent writers on the theme of Time Travel. https://barkingsycamores.submittable.com/submit

31st Jan or when filled: Food-related erotic horror. PAYING http://www.grivantepress.com/submissions/mashed/

31st Jan In Memoriam poetry for public figures who died in 2016. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://nonbinaryreview.submittable.com/submit

31st Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe. PAYING https://nonbinaryreview.submittable.com/submit

31st Jan Fantasy novella. PAYING http://thefantasistmag.com/submissions-guidelines/

1st Feb Speculative and/or esoteric poetry, fiction and more on the theme of A Becoming. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.priestessandhierophant.com/blank-2

1st Feb Fiction 500-3000 words starting with the line, Eddie tended to drift into whatever jobs were available that would pay the rent. PAYING http://www.thefirstline.com/submission.htm

1st Feb ‘Essay theme: Stories about traveling, wandering, the wonder of our great big world’ for this mag centring on women’s interests. PAYING http://www.skirt.com/contribute/

1st Feb ‘Please submit your work to an important new anthology of poems, whose working title is The Poetry of Capital. This collection will contain a diverse range of poets coming together to assess the 21st-century American relationship with money: the adversarial and the addicted, the private and the political, the exuberant and the destitute.’ http://poetryofcapital.wixsite.com/anthology/how-to-submit-your-work

1st Feb Poetry, essays, fiction and more on the theme of Beyond Red and Blue: Voices of America. http://stoneboatwi.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/call-for-submissions-beyond-red-and.html

1st Feb ‘As fall turns to a hazy shade of winter, our next issue theme explores how the history of L.A. (past, present and yet to come) provokes change.’ http://aflwmag.com/submit/

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

NOTE: Publishers sometimes don’t discuss their royalty rate upfront. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t pay! I just haven’t put them as paying/giving royalties whenever I haven’t found details on the website.

‘Please submit only those works that can be reasonably described as expressions of resistance, whether poetry, fiction, narrative nonfiction or images.’ PAYING http://www.writersresist.com/submissions/ (thanks to www.erikadreifus.com for this one)

‘We seek poems of high literary quality—poems we can be proud to publish and which we believe will generate their own light for our readers.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.earthshinepoetry.org/esSubmission.htm

Flash, short fiction and more. https://pitheadchapel.com/submission-guidelines/

Various types of romance MSS. ROYALTIES http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/pages/Submission-Guidelines.html

‘Publishes historical based children’s fiction for middle grade and young adult readers. Each book contains accurate historical information while captivating the readers with fascinating stories. White Mane Kids™ does not, however, publish picture books at this time.’ http://www.whitemane.com/submit-book-proposal/ (with thanks to www.fundsforwriters.com for this one)

Poetry and non-fiction. http://www.thelondonmagazine.org/submission-guidelines/

Poetry, fiction, and more. http://www.hermeneuticchaosjournal.com/submissions.html

Poetry, flash, short fiction and more (Cathy’s note: you have to scroll through loads of fee-charging options on their Submittable page, but the ‘general’ category is free!). SOME CONTRIBUTORS GET CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.gftpress.com/submissions

Write a funny short story or monologue in 500 words or less. http://www.funnyinfivehundred.com/p/submit.html

‘Anak Sastra consists of two main platforms. The first is to give writers of Southeast Asian countries a place to publish their work on any topic written in English. The second is to allow expatriates, tourists, and regional connoisseurs to share their experiences living or traveling in Southeast Asia through written word in English.’ Poetry, short fiction and more. http://www.anaksastra.com/submission-guidelines.html

’50GS accepts short fiction; book reviews; interviews; craft essays; creative non-fiction; poetry; photography; and visual art.’ http://www.50gs.uk/submissions.html

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

‘Rise Up Review is a landing site for the poetry of opposition. We feature a new poem each day dedicated to making the political personal and vice versa.’ http://www.riseupreview.com/About.html

Fiction 1500-7000 words. ROYALTIES http://the40p.com/guidelines

Twitter-length fiction and memoir. https://teenytinytext.wordpress.com/submission-guidelines/

Poetry, flash, short fiction and more. PAYING http://www.fillingstation.ca/submit

‘Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, experimental writing, and art.’ http://www.thegamblermag.com/submit/

‘Entertaining: QUIPS & QUOTES, FOOTNOTES and ANECDOTES. To be no more than 5-lines, 5th line to be byline identification. Use no larger than #12 Font. To be no more than 60 space lines.’ email: lonestarsmagazine@yahoo.com https://sites.google.com/site/conceitmagazine/lone-stars-magazine

Science Fantasy stories. PAYING http://magazine.scifan.org/

Comps and calls for December 2016


This month’s listing update is sponsored by:
writing-prize-ad-2016

Warmest wishes for the winter season! December is the best month of all for writers like us because many people are too busy to submit and enter. Don’t be among them! Find just a little time to send your stuff off, and you stand a much better chance than at any other time of the year. There are loads of opportunities, too.

This month’s update is sponsored by The Mother’s Milk Writing Prize 2016, now in its fourth year. Prizes of £200 are individually available for adult poetry and prose, as well as for poetry by children. Good luck if you decide to enter!

In fact, good luck to all no matter what you submit this month, and see you in 2017!

Cathy x


Here are December 2016’s 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 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 Dec Story of around 200 words on the theme of Christmas PAYING http://ironsoap.com/category/fiction/flash-fiction/

2nd Dec ‘Propinquity is such a clumsy and unusual word! For this mini-contest, we dare you to show, tell, or evoke a complete story in no more than 40 words, exactly ONE of which is “propinquity.” Use it well, contestants–no fair writing a story about a spelling bee where someone has to spell it, for instance.’ PAYING http://onthepremises.com/current-contest/

2nd Dec Spectator Comp No. 2978: empty words ‘You are invited to submit a selection of meaningless, pseudo-profound statements, for example, ‘Attention and intention are the mechanics of manifestation.’ Please email up to ten each to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 2 December.’ http://www.spectator.co.uk/2016/11/changing-fashions/

4th Dec Under 25s only: poem. http://waxpoetryart.com/contests/under_25.html

4th Dec Your funny Christmas moments. NON-CASH PRIZE http://campaign.heart.co.uk/tesco-mobile/heart

9th Dec ‘For the Literature Residencies applications are invited from established writers across the genres of short and long fiction, memoir, poetry, biography. Writers who cross or combine these genres are also welcome to apply. To be eligible, writers should have published, with a traditional publisher, at least one book.’ (Cathy’s note: transport is not included, so make sure that you can get to Cove Park, UK under your own steam!) PAYING http://covepark.org/apply-or-book

12th Dec Crime novel. PAYING http://us.macmillan.com/minotaurbooks/writing-competitions

15th Dec ‘Be it historical or contemporary, a grand love story or the gripping tale of a torrid affair, through December 15 submit your Romance novel for the chance to win prizes and be read by judges from Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and Hachette Book Group.’ PAYING https://www.authors.me/romance-contest/

15th Dec Digital fiction. ‘Importantly, digital fictions are different to e-books. Rather than existing as a digital version of a print novel, digital fictions are what are known as “born digital” – that is, they would lose something of their form and/or meaning if they were removed from the digital medium. For example, they may contain hyperlinks, moving images, mini-games or sound effects. In many digital fictions, the reader has a role in constructing the narrative, either by selecting hyperlinks or by controlling a character’s journey through the storyworld.’ PAYING https://readingdigitalfiction.com/writing-competition/

15th Dec Poetry and art on the themes of: ‘Racial Justice; Dismantling Militarism; Universal Healthcare; Disability Rights; Prison Re- form; Climate Justice; Grassroots Green Themes; Confronting US Empire; Cross-cultural Under- standing; Community Building.’ PAYING https://www.syracuseculturalworkers.com/art/call-for-art (thanks to www.winningwriters.com for this one.)

20th Dec Essays 600-800 words on one of the provided themes. PAYING http://essaypro.com/blog/scholarship-essay-contest/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email

31st Dec Story up to 2000 words on the theme of Murder. PAYING http://www.wordsmag.com/compcal16.htm

31st Dec Studies of the Holocaust, 7000-10,000 words. PAYING https://networks.h-net.org/node/2645/discussions/123722/call-articles-2016-prize-competition-1000-dapim-%E2%80%93-studies

31st Dec US only: Stories of various types. Multiple entries allowed. PAYING http://storyshares.org/files/Contest-Rules-2016.pdf

31st Dec ‘Nightlight Reading is requesting submissions for our 2016 Nightlight Reading Short Story Contest. This contest is geared to encouraging professional and amateur writers to write stories for at-risk boys in the 10- to 12-year-old age group who often stop reading for pleasure because of a lack of engaging literature for their age group.’ Theme: Mystery. PAYING http://nightlightreading.org/writing-contest/ (thanks to http://fundsforwriters.com/ for this one.)

31st Dec ‘After a tough year where overall writing goals were not met and new challenges arose, your office supplies, including your computer, pens, paperclips, stapler, three-hole-punch, desk lamp— and anything else that could be used to support your writing efforts, have lost some faith in you. You’ve decided to rally the troops by giving a State of the Union to them. Deliver your speech, and then, include a brief reaction from the supplies. You must include at least six different types of supplies in your story, with reactions.’ 5000-10,000 words. VOUCHER/OTHER http://www.greywolfeshop.com/2016-monthly-contests.html

31st Dec Story up to 2000 words. NON-CASH PRIZE http://www.soundwork-uk.co.uk/competitions

31st Dec Poems on the provided themes. PAYING http://classicalpoets.org/2017-poetry-competition/

31st Dec Up to 2500 character story about your most memorable travel experience. VOUCHER/OTHER http://navigatoraroundtheworld.com/?p1=P001&gclid=CPLLtbCloNACFUETGwodznAFbA

31st Dec or until filled: drabble on the theme of Dear Abby in the 24th Century. PAYING http://albanlake.com/drabble-contest-1/

31st Dec ‘Whole Terrain, the nationally renowned literary journal of Antioch University New England, has established an annual award for outstanding undergraduate writers. We’re seeking environmental writing — poetry, fiction or non-fiction — from current undergraduates for this year’s volume on the theme of About Time.’ (Cathy’s note: there’s also a call for submissions on the same theme, that isn’t just for undergraduates. I don’t think that pays though!) PAYING http://wholeterrain.com/call/new-terrain-award/

31st Dec Essay 1500-2500 words on the theme of I am an Immigrant. PAYING http://www.fountainmagazine.com/essaycontest (thanks to www.winningwriters.com for this one.)

31st Dec Fiction up to 10,000 words. PAYING https://bestnewwriting.submittable.com/Submit

31st Dec Speculative fiction up to 17,000 words. Entrants may not have professionally published a novel or short novel, or more than one novelette, or more than three short stories, in any medium. PAYING http://www.writersofthefuture.com/Contest-Rules-Writers/

31st Dec Poems. PAYING http://www.sps.com/poetry/index.html

31st Dec ‘You are invited to enter a monograph of not more than 2000 words for The John Pickard Essay Prize. The monograph may be on any individual related to the Pre-Raphaelite circle.’ http://www.pre-raphaelitesociety.org/news.htm

1st Jan Poetry or prose chapbooks (Cathy’s note: the first entry in each category is free, but if you want to enter any more, there’s a fee). PAYING http://www.honeysuckle.press/chapbooks

1st Jan Poetry and fiction on the theme of Fathers. PAYING https://bopdeadcity.com/contests/

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

2nd Dec ‘Scary Dairy Press is seeking short story submissions of 3000-7000 words max for the anthology: Mother’s Revenge! This is a passionate anthology about Mother Earth taking her world back from the humans and teaching us a lesson. Mother Earth can partner with humans to stop the destroyers, animals can be heroes, or they may need saving. Any aspect of an ecological disaster or climate change problem can be created or considered.’ PAYING https://scarydairypress.com/

5th Dec Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Drunken (Cathy’s note: the deadline at the top of the page says 31st Dec, but the one at the bottom of the page says 5th Dec. I suggest playing it safe!). CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.eyedrumperiodically.org/submissions/

5th Dec Women only: ‘Guilty’. ‘Stories up to 2,200 words and poems up to 40 lines about the commission, planning and/or consequences of a heinous or illegal act. Appal yourself, or simply have fun, exploring the darker impulses of the human psyche.’ PAYING https://mslexia.co.uk/themed-writing/

6th Dec Six tips on anything at all. http://pureslush.webs.com/pureslushturns6.htm

10th Dec ‘Winter is the season’s finale. It’s a time of books and page-turners, snowflakes and fireplaces, gifts and Christmas sentiments. Whether you submit poetry, haiku, fiction, nonfiction, or recipes, show me specifics. Fill the submission with the season’s senses.’ http://halcyondaysmagazine.blogspot.co.uk/

10th Dec Flash fiction on the theme of Inane. http://pureslush.webs.com/inane.htm

14th Dec Poetry and more. ‘A word about our faith perspective: The Ruminate editors are seekers and people of faith from the Judeo-Christian tradition. We are often asked if we only publish “religious” work. The answer to that is no. We believe that a good word, a real story, or a perfect brushstroke can be spiritual acts expressing the beauty, creativity, and ironies of the human experience.’ PAYING http://www.ruminatemagazine.com/submit/submission-guidelines/

15th Dec Fiction 2000-10,000 words. PAYING https://electricliterature.submittable.com/submit

15th Dec Poetry, prose and more by teens. http://sugarrascals.wixsite.com/home/submission-guidelines

15th Dec Stories up to 8000 words on the theme of Enter the Rebirth. PAYING http://tanstaaflpress.com/enter-the-anthologies-submission-guidelines/

15th Dec Poetry on the theme of Hair. PAYING http://www.contemporaryverse2.ca/en/submission-guidelines/call-for-proposals-poetry-only-hair

15th Dec ‘The GNU seeks to provide an inclusive literary journal with an appreciation of all genres. Traditional literary works, short plays, young adult fiction, poetry, literary fiction, new adult, children’s literature, horror, comedy, western, mystery, historical fiction, memoir, personal essay, short fiction – even comics…you name it, we accept it.’ https://gnujournal.com/

15th Dec BULL Magazine currently seeks fiction submissions for our upcoming pulp-themed print issue. We’re on the lookout for the gritty and noir-ish. https://bullmensfiction.submittable.com/submit

15th Dec Poetry on the theme of Robots. PAYING http://www.eyetothetelescope.com/submit.html

15th Dec Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Panic. PAYING https://slicemagazine.org/submit/

15th Dec David Bowie-themed poetry, prose and more. https://uppagus.com/submit/#bowietry

15th Dec ‘We are currently seeking stories for a new anthology. Stories must fall into the category of science fiction (hard or soft), and must feature a transgender male protagonist. Given the nature of speculative fiction, however, we are willing to consider stories that feature non-binary, intersex or genderfluid characters, but for this project, any non-binary character should either identify strongly as male, or the story should deal with themes of what it means to be “masculine” or a “man” in terms of the world setting in which the story takes place.’ PAYING http://www.pinknarc.com/submissions.html

16th Dec ‘Meet Cute: A Collection of First Encounters is a collaborative anthology of micro fiction stories. A “meet cute” is a scene in which two characters meet in a way that is amusing, unusual, or otherwise entertaining.’ PAYING http://meetcutebook.com/

17th Dec ‘For cahoodaloodaling’s winter 2017 issue, give us literary and visual art about what isolates you from other people. Give us burned bridges, diaspora, visa stamps, i-miss-yous, anxiety meds, awkward frustrations, and ugly-crying loneliness.’ http://cahoodaloodaling.com/submission-calls/

18th Dec ‘In ‘Jane Eyre’ Mr Rochester kept his mad first wife locked away in his attic. Inspired by this, ‘Mrs Rochester’s Attic’ will be an anthology of gothic-tinted tales about mad love and terrible secrets. What awful things do your characters keep hidden away?’ PAYING http://www.mantlelanepress.co.uk/storepage1998871.aspx

19th Dec Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Body and Sex. PAYING http://www.synaesthesiamagazine.com/submit-1/

19th Dec flash, short fiction and more on the theme of First Dates. https://litro.submittable.com/submit/68837/first-dates-february-2017-print-magazine

20th Dec ‘For this issue of Poetry Is Dead, we are interested in the poem that comes out of bodily experience that is difficult. The poem that does not eliminate the effort or labour from the writing. That makes difficulty visible. The untidy poem. The apparently struggling poem.’ http://www.poetryisdead.ca/call-submissions-let-them-see-you-sweat

20th Dec ‘We are looking for intriguing stories centered on animals that at some point were used in animal testing. We prefer stories that end in a rescue. So put on those thinking caps, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Genre is open: horror, sci-fi, speculative, literary, even comedy or romance. If it’s well-crafted and follows the theme, we’d love to consider it.’ 5000-20,000 words PAYING http://www.thewritingpiazza.com/blog/call-for-submissions/

21st Dec ‘Use one of these four windows as inspiration: 0 The Fool, XII The Hanged Man, XX Judgement, and XXI The World. Create your own image for these cards. Tell a story about the characters you see. Provide an in depth interpretation from one of your favorite decks. These are basic suggestions to get you going, but take this theme and create what you will.’ Poetry, fiction and more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.nilvx.com/new-events/

21st Dec Writing on the theme of Other Worlds. https://newfound.org/submit/

23rd Dec ‘This magazine was founded to promote new writers. We have done a lot of reading and discovered many new voices. The idea of the folio is to pair four pieces from a new author with four pieces from a more published author. This means we still welcome submissions from everyone!’ https://pidgeonholes.submittable.com/submit

30th Dec Poetry, flash, short fiction and more by women and genderqueer writers. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://stormcellar.submittable.com/submit

30th Dec Protest poetry on the theme of Beauty. https://thankyouforswallowing.wordpress.com/submission-guidelines/

31st Dec ‘When African literature is published in the West, it is too often realist, in English, and always in the spirit of Chinua Achebe. But romance, science fiction, fantasy, epic, experimental poetry, satire, political allegory all find expression in Africa, though not necessarily publication. Those who are called to write often have to hustle to get recognition by writing a coming-of-age colonial encounter tale or hustle even harder to have their unique voices heard. In a special issue of New Orleans Review guest edited by Mukoma wa Ngugi and Laura Murphy, we will celebrate (and publish) popular and not-so popular writing from Africa.’ https://neworleansreview.submittable.com/Submit

31st Dec Flash and short fiction. PAYING http://67press.com/submissions/

31st Dec Writing and more by lesbians on the themes of either The Lesbian Body http://sinisterwisdom.org/node/280 or Black Lesbians: We are the Revolution! http://sinisterwisdom.org/node/288

31st Dec Poetry or short prose on the theme of War. http://www.collectionsofpoetryandprose.com/contribute

31st Dec ‘If Mom’s Happy (working title) is a collection of stories about erotic mothers. When mom’s happy, everyone’s happy, right? This anthology is open to all women writers, preferably mothers—adoptive, heterosexual, single, married, gay, lesbian, grandparent, trans female, etc. I’m looking for all different kinds of stories, 1500-4500 words, portraying mothers as sexy, horny, and alive with desire; desire for their partner(s), the preschool teacher, the pediatrician, the grocery store clerk, or anyone else.’ 1500-4500 words. PAYING http://www.cwtchpress.com/

31st Dec ‘Zombies Need Brains LLC is accepting submissions to its three science fiction and fantasy anthologies SUBMERGED, ALL HAIL OUR ROBOT CONQUERORS!, and THE DEATH OF ALL THINGS.’ Up to 7500 words. PAYING http://jpsorrow.livejournal.com/488157.html

31st Dec Poetry. https://picaroonpoetry.wordpress.com/submissions/

31st Dec Poetry and fiction on the theme of Resurrected Things. PAYING http://www.whatwonderfulthings.net/main/submissions/

31st Dec ‘TheatreFest will have a different theme each year with TheatreFest 16’s being ‘Journeys’. This theme is incorporated into the TheatreFest 16 writing initiative which is open not only to writers on the island but also writers from around the world.’ http://www.iomarts.com/what-we-do/our-initiatives/theatrefest/

31st Dec ‘While the word “descanso” means simply, rest, in Spanish, it has come to represent all kinds of memorials that mark the place where an intended path came to an unintended end. Descansos take many forms: from crosses festooned with ribbons and pinwheels, to a shattered motorcycle helmet nailed to a tree; from a collection of teddy bears affixed to a roadside fence, to a stone alter filled with photographs, candles, and milagros; to a stark white bicycle anchored in concrete.

Consider the descansos of the heart, the smell, or song, or thought that brings us back for a moment to a time or a person now lost.’ Poetry, fiction and more. ROYALTIES http://darkhousebooks.com/submissions/

31st Dec Dada-inspired poetic word art, collage and photography on the theme of EYE FOR A LIE: encompassing artists’ and writers’ exposing a lie within the system of themselves. http://threeroomspress.com/2016/11/maintenant11-submit-here-with-dada-writing-and-art/

31st Dec Poetry on the theme of Dwell. http://www.light-journal.com/submit

31st Dec ‘ “Principia Ponderosa” – Weird Western/Steampunk. Dreadnaughts, “Wild West” world, cowboys and aliens, Victorian era, primitive post-Apocalypse, retro-futuristic inventions, and the like. Remember Oscar Wilde’s inspirational visit to Colorado?’ PAYING http://www.thirdflatiron.com/liveSite/

31st Dec ‘For our fifth issue of The Poeming Pigeon, we are seeking poems that explore the topic of gardening and our connection with nature. Feel free to use imagery and metaphors from nature and the garden to expand on this theme to take our readers on a journey of discovery.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.thepoetrybox.com/ThePoemingPigeon.html#opencalls

31st Dec Poetry, prose and more on the theme of La Petite Mort (Cathy’s note: the submission call gives the deadline as 31st Dec, though the submissions page has a date of Nov 30th. If you don’t want to chance it, then I suggest contacting them to ask for clarification). http://mgversion2datura.blogspot.co.uk/

31st Dec Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Janus. PAYING https://pantheonmag.com/submission-guidelines/

31st Dec Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Individual/Society. http://www.blynkt.com/submissions.html

31st Dec Speculative fiction, set in Manchester, on the theme of Revolutions. PAYING https://manchesterspeculativefiction.org/

31st Dec Poetry and fiction on the theme of Transition. https://theliterarynest.com/submissions/literary-submissions/

31st Dec or until filled: ‘Lucky issue thirteen of Workers Write! will be Tales from the Casino and will contain stories and poems from workers in the gambling industry.’ PAYING http://www.workerswritejournal.com/

1st Jan 16,000-25,000 word stories on the theme of Addiction. PAYING http://www.markmatthewsauthor.com/2016/07/GardenOfFiendsSubmissions.html

1st Jan ‘I suspect that there are many writers of literary fiction who read mystery/hardboiled novels and have a work of such savage art in them. We seek to create a venue for that market. Our plan is to have a reading period of thirty days in December. We’ll ask for the first two chapters or up to fifty pages of your crime noir. I like shorter novels (60,000–75,000 words). If we like what we read, we’ll ask for the rest of your book. And from all of our finalists we will select one crime novel to publish the following year. Depending on the level of interest, we plan to publish a crime noir a year under the Gas Station Pulp banner.’ https://northamericanreview.submittable.com/submit

When filled (or 31/1/17): ‘Stories that make us laugh, make our skin crawl and leave us feeling inappropriately aroused. Preferably all three! Combine food, eroticism and horror. Have fun! Any sub-genre sci-fi, western, just keep it interesting and unexpected humor is always encouraged!’ http://www.grivantepress.com/submissions/mashed/

1st Jan Writing on the theme of Environment. ‘We are particularly interested in works which present creative, alternative views that may otherwise fall outside the margins of mainstream narratives. And although we primarily focus on perspectives within the Christian tradition, we invite dialogue with all who are interested in exploring the ongoing role of faith and spirituality in the world.’ http://theotherjournal.com/submissions/

1st Jan Speculative fiction on the theme of Spilling Tea by authors from the African diaspora. PAYING http://www.fiyahlitmag.com/submissions/

1st Jan Poetry. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://skylight47poetry.wordpress.com/submissions/

1st Jan Fiction 2000-6000 words on the theme of A Scandal in Gomorrah: Queering Sherlock Holmes. PAYING https://matthew-bright.com/call-for-submissions-a-scandal-in-gomorrah-queering-sherlock-holmes/

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

NOTE: Publishers sometimes don’t discuss their royalty rate upfront. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t pay! I just haven’t put them as paying/giving royalties whenever I haven’t found details on the website.

Beautiful creative work. http://peacockjournal.com/guidelines/

Poetry, fiction and more. http://scars.tv/

Poetry, and fiction 2-20,000 words (Cathy’s note: only a certain number of submissions are taken each month, so get yours in early before the limit is reached!). PAYING http://fictionsv.com/submit.html

‘We are looking for writing that demonstrates characteristics found in the work of John Dos Passos, such as an intense and original exploration of specifically American themes; an innovative quality; and a range of literary forms, especially in the genres of fiction and creative non-fiction. We are not interested in genre fiction, or prose that is experiment for the sake of experiment. We are also not interested in nonfiction that is scholarly or critical in nature. Send us your best unpublished literary prose or poetry.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://brierycreekpress.wordpress.com/the-dos-passos-review/

Books related to British cinema. https://he.palgrave.com/page/bfi-publishing/?countryChanged=true

Poems up to 7 lines long. PAYING http://www.petitehoundpress.com/submissions

‘Our focus is on writing which explores the relationship between people and the natural world. We want to help forge a new literature that is truly responsive to, and that deeply and meaningfully engages with, the global challenges we face. Writing that doesn’t just acknowledge, but that actively embraces all the contradictions and discomforts inherent in our relationship with the natural world – those contradictions which surface in all of our genuine attempts to reconnect.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.earthlinesmagazine.org/information/submissions/

‘We are looking for fiction which is bold and daring. Fiction which is experimental, rebellious and dreamy. We are not interested in therapeutic mood pieces which describe the sea and how it reflects our inner turmoil.’ https://thefictionpool.com/submit/

‘yes: work that opens eyes and minds. work that makes you stop; catches your breath; makes you see the world in a new way. strange/experimental. honest. raw. original. no: anecdotes (drinking, amusing encounters, etc), sex purely for excessive and exaggerated pornography, formal/rhyming poems.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://twentytwofivezine.wordpress.com/submit/

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

‘We encourage thought-provoking works that highlight the personal experiences of women, LGBTQIA individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and other oppressed creators. We encourage experimental pieces that mix genres and show us something new with structure. If it mixes genres, don’t stress—we’ll figure out where to place it.’ https://thefemlitmagazine.wordpress.com/submissions/

‘While we do not accept fiction manuscript submissions, we are happy to accept illustrated picture-book stories and/or artwork samples via post or email.’ http://www.walker.co.uk/about-walker/your-questions.aspx#How_do_I_submit_manuscript

Speculative fiction 1000-6000 words. PAYING https://betterfuturespress.wordpress.com/submissions/

Flash fiction. https://spelkfiction.com/submit-2/

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

Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Change and Stasis. http://www.thehamfreepress.com/submit/

Speculative novellas. UNKNOWN PAYMENT

http://thebooksmugglers.com/book-smugglers-publishing/the-novella-initiative-open-call

Full-length MSS of various kinds. http://polisbooks.com/submissions/

Poetry, fiction and more by those aged 14-21. http://www.apprehensionmag.com/submit/

Sponsorship spot now available! [Update: Sold]

The sponsorship spot for the up-coming December 2016 Comps and Calls update has unexpectedly become available, and we’re offering it at a discount.

If you’ve a service, publication or indeed anything that you’d like to tell the creative writing and self-publishing community about then get in touch. Cathy works hard to keep the cost very, very low to encourage businesses to connect and we’re one of the few sites to offer a way to access this select community.

Update: This spot is now sold, thanks. We’re currently taking bookings from February 2017 March 2017 onwards. Drop me a line: k@keirthomas.com.