Mini-update: THE WORK ISSUE

Posted on 22nd February 2016 by cathy in Uncategorised

Deadline 1st Apr ‘For many of us being at work or working for a living takes up more than half of our time. Probably also more than half of the time of our whole lives. In this issue we want to explore how our work can cause distress, make us unhappy but also show off alternatives that show how fulfilling a profession can be. Is there such a thing as good work and bad work? How do other cultures “work”, how did our grandparents “work”. What work has been done to make the world “better”. What is work, or labour, or profession, and what does it mean to us? Is working in our blood, is it good for our soul to do stuff?’ PAYING http://www.nous-magazine.de/work

Comps and calls for February 2016

Posted on 1st February 20161st February 2016 by cathy in Uncategorised

Many thanks to those of you who have emailed to tell me all about your successes. Congratulations to all of you! Keep it up this Feb!

Here are February 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. December is the best time by far to submit and enter. There are loads of opportunities, and many people are too busy to take advantage of them. Please try to find the time if you can!

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 Feb UK only: describe your most gruelling outdoor experience in up to 100 words. NON-CASH PRIZE http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/competitions/win-an-adventure-weekend-at-the-national-mountain-sports-centre/1564.html

3rd Feb Loads of categories for writers of various ages and types in the North of England. PAYING http://northernwritersawards.com/enter.html

4th Feb Spectator Competition 2934: rich rhymes. ‘You are invited to submit poems suitable for inclusion in Now We Are Rich (16 lines maximum). Please email entries, wherever possible, to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 4th February.’ http://www.spectator.co.uk/2016/01/going-mental/

5th Feb Love poem on the theme of Jilted. PAYING https://spr.submittable.com/submit/37761

5th Feb USA only: poem on the theme of Place (Cathy’s note: The winning poem becomes the property of Zócalo Public Square. It might be worth it for $500, but be aware that you are signing over the rights!) . PAYING http://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/2016/01/04/zocalo-public-square-is-taking-entries-for-its-fifth-annual-poetry-prize/inquiries/prizes/

10th Feb A Valentine’s triolet. PAYING http://www.spectator.co.uk/2016/01/doublespeak/

11th Feb Fiction up to 1200 words on the theme of Mum. ‘The prize can be sent to a UK address of the winner’s choice with a view to delivering it before/near to Mother’s Day if preferred. Although we are happy to accept entries from world wide, we cannot deliver to non-UK destinations.’ NON-CASH PRIZE http://erewashwriterscompetition.weebly.com/2016-mum-writing-competition-free-entry.html

12th Feb Flash or poetry using the provided words. VOUCHER/OTHER https://blogaboutwriting.wordpress.com/2016/01/22/600-followers-free-writing-competition/

15th Feb Poetry, fiction and art. PAYING https://freshwater.submittable.com/submit

15th Feb Short story up to 2000 words on the theme of Ageing. PAYING https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/competitions

15th Feb UK and Eire only: Explain where and what your Amazing is in up to 250 characters. http://www.kuoni.co.uk/win-your-amazing

15th Feb Up to 600 words on the theme of Memorable Bosses. PAYING http://workstew.com/2016/01/14/contest-8-memorable-bosses/

16th Feb ‘The City of Seattle wants to pay someone $10,000 to live part time in the Fremont Bridge’s northwest tower and write poetry. The poet or writer selected for the Fremont Bridge post will be expected to produce at least one work that can be presented by the city. (Office of Arts & Culture spokeswoman Calandra ) Childers said that could be a spoken-word piece, an essay or a collection of poetry, or something different.’ Applicants must live within 100 miles of Seattle. (Cathy’s note: I rarely include regional opportunities from abroad, but this one was too good to pass up!) PAYING http://www.seattle.gov/arts/writerpoet-residency

20th Feb Fiction of exactly 100 words. There are three age categories. PAYING http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/100-word-story-competition

22nd Feb Poem or short story with the title For All Time. There are several age categories. PAYING http://www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk/article/creative-writing-competition-2016

28th Feb Story of up to 1000 words. NON-CASH PRIZE http://www.bibliophone.com/the-bibliophone-1000-words-heard-competition/

29th Feb Science poetry. PAYING http://www.eventhorizonmag.com/science-poetry-competition/

29th Feb SF on the theme of Medicine, Health and Illness. PAYING http://scifimedhums.glasgow.ac.uk/writing-competition/

29th Feb Up to three poems on the theme of Meditation or Mindfulness. PAYING http://spiritfirst.org/poetry_contest2016Entry.html

29th Feb ‘You wake up one morning and find that you aren’t in your bed; you aren’t even in your room. You’re in the middle of a giant maze. A sign is hanging from the ivy: “You have one hour. Don’t touch the walls.” Finish the scene.’ Up to 2000 words. VOUCHER/OTHER http://greywolfepublishing.com/2016%20Monthly%20Contests.html

29th Feb Flash fiction of exactly 500 words. PAYING http://www.thewritersloop.com/p/february-500.html

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

3rd Feb Speculative fiction and poetry on the theme of Love, Sex and Romance. PAYING http://www.holdfastmagazine.com/submission-guidelines/4582814806

4th Feb Poetry, flash, short fiction and more. PAYING https://as.vanderbilt.edu/nashvillereview/contact/submit

5th Feb Story 300-1000 words on the theme of Fairytales: Unfettered. PAYING http://splicketypubgroup.com/imprints/havok-magazine/

5th Feb Songs, lyrics and music videos on the theme of Allegro for this music-themed publication. http://halfmystic.com/subguidelines

5th Feb ‘Slim Volume: See Into the Dark will be our fourth anthology of poetry and flash fiction (May 2016), and for this one I want you to frighten me out of my fluffy winter socks. Or at the very least, unsettle me, like one of those dreams where you’re out in public with half (or all of) your clothes missing, or the ones where you pull out your own teeth and it doesn’t hurt.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://pankhearst.wordpress.com/slim-volume-see-into-the-dark/

7th Feb Poetry, fiction and 10-minute plays (Cathy’s note: although the 10-minute play is described as a contest, there’s no prize unless the winner can be present at the staged reading, which would mean getting there, so I’ve listed it as a call rather than a comp). https://jennymag.submittable.com/submit

7th Feb Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Visions of the Future for this teen mag. PAYING https://cricketmag.submittable.com/submit/17820

7th Feb Canadians only: ‘We are specifically seeking short works written by Canadians. Submissions can be on any topic you want, so long as the end result falls within the definition of “Hey, that’s funny.” No topic is taboo; no target is safe. Comedy being a necessarily subjective genre, we’re looking to cast the widest possible net.’ There is also an anthology on climate change. PAYING https://exilepublishing.submittable.com/submit

7th Feb ‘This year the theme is PASSAGE. What does it mean to move? Through time, through space, from place to place? The editors of Mandala want to know. Passage is about more than just a beginning and an end; it is everything in between that makes the journey. Submissions are now open for our 12th volume, PASSAGE, which will be hosted online with selections printed in a special, limited edition chapbook. Send us your best fiction, poetry, or non-fiction. Send us your art. Send us experimental work. Send us graphic storytelling or one act plays. This is an open call, and we’re open to everything.’ https://mandalajournal.submittable.com/submit

7th Feb Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Polyamory, for this journal of women’s sexuality. http://www.cliteraturejournal.com/submissionguidelines.html

7th Feb Fiction 800-2000 words on the theme of Justice & Mercy. http://www.liarsleague.com/liars_league/writers.html

12th Feb Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Adoration for this Christian mag. http://weavings.upperroom.org/write-for-weavings/

14th Feb ‘WHITE DADS is accepting all forms of creative expression from black, brown, mixed race, adopted and/or POC who have the unique experience of having a white father. This is meant to be an intentional, creative opportunity to speak on truths, tell stories and share art that fall within the thematic focus. It’s a space to explore the crossroads of where social and political constructs intersect with personal experiences and family, loving or otherwise; an opportunity to look into the nature of identity and family ties that are anything but black and white.’ http://white-dads-zine.tumblr.com/submission-guidelines

14th Feb Canada only: MSS of Canadian history, Canadian issues and various kinds of fiction. ROYALTIES http://www.fiveriverspublishing.com/p/guidelines.html

15th Feb Fiction and more on the theme of Taboo. https://fictioninternational.submittable.com/submit

15th Feb ‘Poems and Artwork (b&w and cartoons) are needed for a new E-book (and later print edition) anthology of poems about school shootings, public shootings, guns, gun control, media coverage of tragic shootings, the NRA and the second amendment.

We particularly encourage submissions from students, younger writers (and artists) and teachers since they experience the very real threat of increasing school attacks on a daily basis.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://chrisjarmick.wordpress.com/bang-submission-details/

15th Feb Poetry. ‘Muse A Journal seeks lyrical, playful, moving, linguistically-inventive, unique, experimental, moving, honest, diction-sensitive, perhaps collaborative, economical, attentive, vested, clever, touching, REAL work. If this describes your work in any way, we’d love to see it.’ http://www.museajournal.com/submit-to-muse-a-journal/

15th Feb ‘Imagine what could occur in the deepest regions of space between the stars of the Milky Way. Television and movies depict spaceships spending weeks and months, sometimes years, traveling from one star to another and even to distant galaxies…. What will they see and what dangers will they overcome? Show us your vision of how our descendants will live, and possibly die, in deep space. As long as your story takes place outside the boundaries of any star system, we are interested.’ PAYING http://www.lillicatpublishers.com/?page_id=787

15th Feb Speculative poetry and fiction. PAYING https://onspecmag.submittable.com/submit/15723

15th Feb Flash, short fiction, poetry and more on the theme of Borders. http://www.originsjournal.com/submit/

15th Feb Fauna-inspired ghazals. http://ghazalpage.com/submit-1/

15th Feb Writing on the theme of Parenting Teens. PAYING https://brainchildmag.submittable.com/submit

15th Feb Poetry and flash on the theme of The Night. https://spr.submittable.com/submit

15th Feb ‘Although the digital age allows us unprecedented freedom and opportunity to express, we still face silencing, underrepresentation, micro aggressions, and various other invalidations due to race, gender, sexual orientation, politics, and beliefs. In our art, we have an opportunity to re-evaluate binaries and reanimate those parts of ourselves that have been silenced. At [PANK], we strive to create a space for artists to express themselves through literature in ways that are innovative and fresh, and we think it’s best to begin this new chapter of the magazine by giving voice to so many people and issues that have been silenced. Submit work with a voice that won’t quit—think about times that your work and words have been denied or made invisible or times that others have experienced this type of invalidation. Send us something that screams.’ https://pankmagazine.submittable.com/submit

15th Feb Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Secrets. PAYING http://subterrain.ca/about/35/sub-terrain-writer-s-guidelines

15th Feb ‘Please submit only if you have a relationship of some kind with Tuscany, even a brief one is fine as long as the creative work you submit originated, was in part created, or was completed in Tuscany. The work does not need to thematically regard Tuscany in any way. The theme for the Spring 2015 issue is The itch and scratch of spring and closing date for submission is 15th February 2016.’ http://thesighpress.com/submissions/

15th Feb ‘Haunted houses, ghost stories, poltergeists and ethereal beings! Let’s get haunted together this March! Accepting short stories, poetry and artwork.’ PAYING http://devolutionz.com/deadlines.html#haunted-horror

20th Feb ‘We are looking for a variety of submissions that transform well-known fairytales into modern, realistic, or fantastical stories. What we want is to see them given new life. We want real characters, real tensions, and real consequences. There is one clincher; don’t make them cheesy. Make them humorous, violent, grotesque, sexy, suspenseful, or satirical—just keep the writing serious. This anthology is intended for mature audiences. Sex and profanity are acceptable; however, not in excess.’ PAYING http://www.transmundanepress.com/current-calls-for-submissions.html

20th Feb (or when filled): ‘Femme fatales doing bad things. Good broads gone to the wrong side of the tracks. Crime and redemption. Satisfy our craving! We will be featuring the work of twelve authors in this book and are taking submissions of 1,200 to 5000 words.’ http://www.deadgunspress.com/submissions.html

20th Feb (or when filled): ‘We are looking for hard western crime stories from 12 authors for a never-to-repeated Western noir anthology. We want the old west – nothing supernatural or set in the modern day.We will be featuring the work of twelve authors in this book and are taking submissions of 1,200 to 5000 words.’ http://www.deadgunspress.com/submissions.html

23rd Feb 3-5 poems by poets who haven’t yet published a full-length collection. http://phantombooks.net/journal/

25th Feb Poetry and fiction that retells Psyche and Cupid. PAYING http://www.timelesstalesmagazine.com/#!submissions/c1vmu

25th Feb Flash and short fiction on the theme of Mistaken Identity. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS http://infectiveink.com/?page_id=242

28th Feb Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of A Long Time Ago… CONTRIBUTOR COPY http://eabpublishing.com/submissions.html

28th Feb Vignettes of prose or poetry. PAYING http://www.vineleavesliteraryjournal.com/submission-guidelines.html

28th Feb Fiction of roughly 1000 or 2000 words on the theme of Nationality. PAYING http://www.blyantpublishing.com/submissions.html

28th Feb ‘The panel was all about being a fan of problematic things, and the example of loving the work of an author who is not a good person came up, particularly Lovecraft and his Cthulu Mythos. Many people love the Mythos and Cthulu pervades a lot of geek culture, but Lovecraft himself was a rampant misogynist, racist, and anti-Semitic. An audience member jokingly suggested that there should be a collection of stories that would make dear old Lovecraft roll over in his grave – like a black lesbian Jew triumphing over the Unspeakable. And all the authors on panel and in the audience said – “Heeeey, that sounds like fun!” ‘ PAYING http://otterlibris.com/open-projects/

28th Feb ‘BOB as in Battery Operated Boyfriend… This one is for the adults – what happens when one of your sex toys gets a mind of its own, literally? We’re thinking about demon possessed blow up dolls, haunted vibrators, perhaps a golem sex-slave who is tired of her existence and convinces one of her lovers to use the word of power to destroy her as a safe word. Given the topic, yes, we expect at least some on page sex, but the focus of this anthology is not erotica (as lovely as said erotica might be). We’re looking for the thoughtful, funny, or horrific implications of your solo playmate possessing some level of sentience.’ PAYING http://otterlibris.com/open-projects/

28th Feb Drabbles. PAYING http://specklit.com/submissions/

28th Feb Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Surreal. http://www.ridinglight.org/submissions.html

28th Feb Genre fiction up to 10,000 words on the theme of Uncommon Origins. ROYALTIES http://www.fightingmonkeypress.com/submissions/

29th Feb Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Pandora’s Box. CONTRIBUTOR COPY http://www.mpapublishing.co.za/index.php/issue-guidelines/

29th Feb Fiction 800-3000 words on the theme of Mistakes and Missteps. http://www.liarsleaguenyc.com/submissions/

29th Feb Poetry and fiction on the theme of Cats, crows, cows. http://mgversion2datura.blogspot.co.uk/p/submit-contribuer.html

29th Feb ‘We are seeking short fiction in the Speculative Fiction genre (by which we mean to be the umbrella term for the wide and varied range of Science Fiction and Fantasy subgenres). The stories are to be inspired by (by which we mean drawn from, informed by, derived from) the author’s personal experiences of being Jewish. If your story has Nazis in it, please don’t bother submitting. No exceptions.’ PAYING http://www.treelionpress.com/submissions-menschen-and-minyanim.html

29th Feb Poetry and short fiction. CONTRIBUTOR COPY http://littlelanternpress.com/submissions/

29th Feb ‘This is a collection of stories (fiction or nonfiction, or even poetry if it tells a story) about life in and after prison, that will remind readers of the humanity of people who are incarcerated, and the fact that we are all in this together. We are mainly looking for stories from prisoners themselves, although submissions from family members and loved ones will also be considered.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY http://www.tuliptreepub.com/calls-for-submissions.html

29th Feb 1970s-style horror stories 3000-10,000 words. PAYING http://www.nosetouchpress.com/call-for-submissions/

29th Feb ‘EXPERIMENTAL WRITING: Volume 1 Africa Vs. Latin America

First rule is: there are no rules to creativity, writing, thinking, feeling, being. Beat the boundaries, bend, them, push them, pull, exaggerate, spread things around, throw the yoke off, blow smoke up, burn it, throw the ashes into the air…just do something new, unique, innovative about your writing. We are not looking for easy reads, writing that blindly follows the rules, writing hammered down, writing the literary establishment forces down our throats as correct, right, and universal. Send us your best experimental, avant-garde or innovative fictions, non-fictions, plays, poetry, mixed genres… in 2 languages: English and Spanish. Send work in only one genre of your choice! Poetry (3 poems per poet, each poem must not be more than 40 lines) Prose, plays and mixed genres (I piece per writer, of not more than 5000 words) Work must be sent in only one attached document, also include your contact details in this document, i.e., Postal address, Tel no, Email address and a bio note of not more than 100 words. Please sent your entries to both, Tendai R. Mwanaka at mailto:mwanaka13@gmail.com and Ricardo Felix Rodriguez at mailto:felixricardo246@gmail.com

29th Feb Poetry, flash, short fiction and more on the theme of Heat. https://rappahannockreview.submittable.com/submit

29th Feb ‘Lazarus Risen will seek SF (no fantasy or horror, please) short stories that explore the economic, political, social and psychological consequences of life extension, human cloning, the hard upload and other forms of the biological singularity. Our preferred length is 3500 to 6500 words.’ PAYING http://www.bundoranpress.com/pages/submissions/

29th Feb Speculative fiction up to 6000 words on the theme of Beneath the Surface. PAYING http://parsecink.com/submission-guidelines/

29th Feb Up to 15 pages of work by writers who aren’t men. http://www.vectorpress.org/submit.html

1st Mar Story inspired by a song by The Misfits. PAYING https://freaktension.wordpress.com/bibliography/hybrid-moments-a-literary-tribute-to-the-misfits/

1st Mar MS 45,000-90,000 words. http://www.280steps.com/submissions

1st Mar Stories of Ghosts on Drugs. PAYING http://www.ghostsondrugs.com/

1st Mar Short fiction, or 3-5 poems. http://inflightlitmag.com/submit.html

1st Mar Poetry, fiction and essays. PAYING http://upstreet-mag.org/guidelines/

1st Mar True short stories and poetry about music. PAYING https://www.storiesofmusic.com/submit-a-story.html

1st Mar Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Distractions. PAYING http://www.slicemagazine.org/submit-your-work/#.VqqQIuZnbfY

1st Mar Writing on the theme of At Sea for this feminist publication. http://www.feministpress.org/wsq/current-call-papers

1st Mar ‘Jennifer Bartlett is guest editing a future issue of TYPO that will be focused around poetry and disability. If you have a disability and have some poems, please upload them here. She is particularly interested in work by people of color, queer folks, and folks who are not neurotypical.’ https://typo.submittable.com/Submit

1st Mar Poetry on the theme of Innocence and Experience (Cathy’s note: They list pay rates for everything they accept except poetry. It’s very frustrating. My guess is that they do pay, but that’s only a guess). http://parabola.org/submissions/

1st Mar 3-5 poems on the theme of Gold. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://firetetrahedronjournal.com/submit/

1st Mar Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Drop the Zucchini and Run! (Cathy’s note: you can submit by email as long as you aren’t in the USA.) PAYING http://themaliterarysociety.com/submissions.html

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.

Poetry, fiction and more on a large number of themes. PAYING http://www.theintrospectionist.com/Home/Submissions

Fiction and nonfiction MSS. http://www.thistlepublishing.co.uk/about.html

LGBTQ YA MSS 15,000-80,000 words. http://tritonya.com/writers.html

‘BABYBUG, a look-and-listen magazine, presents simple poems, stories, nonfiction, and activities that reflect the natural playfulness and curiosity of babies and toddlers. When reviewing submissions, the editors look for manuscripts that please the ear and beg to be read again, as well as those that capture a baby’s discoveries in a few simple, concrete sentences.’ PAYING http://www.cricketmedia.com/babybug-submission-guidelines/

‘Twice a month, we’ll post one new short (flash fiction, creative nonfiction, and prose poetry around 500 words) and one new illustration. Writers can submit a short in response to the illustration, and illustrators can submit an illustration in response to the short. We pay $50 per short and $50 per illustration for everything we publish in Penny, and you keep the rights to use your work after we publish it.’ PAYING http://pennymag.org/submit

Canadians only: poetry. PAYING https://canlit.ca/submit/#poetry-eng

‘We welcome essays and notes on the life, associates, works, reputation, and influence of Herman Melville (1819–1891). Poetry and short fiction are also accepted.’ http://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/leviathan/guidelines.html

UK only: poetry. http://www.zen39641.zen.co.uk/ps/mag.htm

Poetry. PAYNG https://poetrywales.submittable.com/submit

Fiction, preferably up to 3000 words. PAYING http://www.forgelitmag.com/flm/submit/

Conceptual humour on the theme of Parenting. http://razed.us/submission-guidelines/

Poetry and fiction (Cathy’s note: if you’re published, you get a voucher for a subscription. I bought a lifetime subscription with mine, and their notification emails have found me many interesting opportunities. They also have excellent databases of agents, publishers etc). VOUCHER/OTHER

https://www.firstwriter.com/Magazine/submit.shtml

Microprose and art. http://www.passingthroughjournal.com/#!submit/c24vq

Poetry. https://theopenmouse.wordpress.com/guidelines/

‘Black Renaissance Noire publishes essays, poetry, fiction, photography, art, and reviews that address the full range of contemporary Black concerns. It invites Black genius to apply itself to the realities of the twenty-first century with uncompromised thought, generous and readable analysis, and commentary.’ http://www.nyubrn.org/contributors/submissions/

Short stories. http://www.aesopmagazine.com/submissions.html

Pulp fiction. PAYING http://www.crimsonstreets.com/submission-guidelines/

‘recompose is a magazine of interstitial short works – both prose and poetry. We are looking for flash fiction and poems that walk the line between one of the “speculative” genres —science fiction, fantasy, and horror— and the literary genre.’ PAYING http://recompose.press/guidelines.html

When filled or 30th Jun ‘Too many characters spend their time brooding about the past, whether it’s missed opportunities or mistakes that led to misfortune down the line. For our first anthology, we want your stories with at least one character who has no regrets – either for a specific moment, or in general. Your story must feature a predominantly POC cast to be considered.’ PAYING http://www.sanguine.press/submission-requirements/

‘Harmony Ink Press is accepting manuscripts for Teen and New Adult fiction featuring at least one strong LGBTQ+ main character between the ages of 14 and 21 who shows significant personal growth through the course of the story. Identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum can be part of the growth process depicted in the book. We are looking for stories in all subgenres with authentic voice, unforgettable characters, and powerful world building (even for contemporary stories). Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted at any time.’ ADVANCE(for some authors) + ROYALTIES https://www.harmonyinkpress.com/submissions

SF & F stories up to 3000 words. PAYING http://www.fantasticstoriesoftheimagination.com/submission-guidelines/

Various kinds of MS. http://halebooks.com/home-robert-hale/submissions/

Poetry, flash and more on the theme of Space. http://bunburymagazine.com/submit-to-us/

‘Genre: We publish fresh, original, well-written and captivating stories in the realms of fantasy, paranormal fantasy, paranormal romance, sci-fi, urban fantasy and gentle horror. For an exceptional manuscript those boundaries may exhibit a little flexibility, but they’ll only bend so far. Do keep our genre preference in mind before you submit. We also publish a line of how-to-write titles. We would welcome proposals for additional genre-relevant how-to-write or how-to-market/sell type titles. For 2016, we’d really like some traditional fantasy rather than werewolves and vampires. Quests, dragons, good and evil!’ http://dragonmoonpress.com/submit-now/

Poetry and fiction by those aged 17 or under. http://awoqi.com/submission-guidelines/

‘For every humor piece the big guys publish, many are rejected. At least some of that must be worth reading, right? Glad you agree. The Reject Pile wants to help your humor writing see the light of day. If it makes us laugh, it will probably make others laugh too, and we’d like to facilitate that.’ http://rejectpile.com/submit/

Short, accessible poems. http://pittsburghpoetryhouses.com/post/128445136551/call-for-submissions-the-pittsburgh-poetry-houses

Poetry, flash and short fiction. http://www.moonglassesmag.com/submission-guidelines

‘We release e-book and print formats. At a minimum, books should be 35,000 words in length, although we prefer 60-80,000 words; however, longer works are also considered. Do note that shorter works are considered for anthologies and works less than 50,000 words will be published in e-book format only.’ ROYALTIES http://www.transmundanepress.com/submissions.html

‘Gallery of Curiosities is a story podcast that comes along whenever we have managed to put together a new show. This is a paying audio fiction market catering to the steampunk and retro-futurist niche, as well as those who like good audio fiction during their commute.’ PAYING http://gallerycurious.com/submissions/

Various kinds and lengths of romance, plus Politics & Government (Opinions or satire, American History); Self-Help and Spirituality; How-to; True Crime; and Biographies or Autobiographies. http://www.blacklyonpublishing.com/guidelines.html

‘FEMMEUARY! is a collaborative blog, for those interested, aggravated or enlightened by feminism.’ Poetry, prose and more. http://femmeuary.com/submit/

Comps and calls for January 2016

Posted on 1st January 20164th January 2016 by cathy in Uncategorised

Happy new year!

Here are January 2016’s writing competitions and calls for submission, all with free, electronic entry.

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.

COMPETITIONS

2nd Jan USA only: short fiction up to 8000 words. PAYING https://algren.submittable.com/submit

4th Jan Over 25s in certain countries only: write a seven-page script of a short film suitable for Maggie Gyllenhaal to star in. NON-CASH PRIZE http://www.jamesonfirstshot.com/enter

6th Jan Spectator Competition No 2930: ‘You are invited to submit 16 lines of macaronic verse. Please email entries, whenever possible, to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 6th January.’ http://new.spectator.co.uk/2015/12/a-christmas-carol/

15th Jan Award to fund creative nonfiction desert writing. PAYING http://www.ellenmeloy.com/application-guidelines.html

15th Jan Poems on the theme of Music, by writers living or attending school or college in the Wirral (Cathy’s note: the entry form gives details of how to enter via email). PAYING http://www.chrissalmon.org.uk/poetry/poetry-extravaganza-2016.aspx

15th Jan SF 500-1500 words. PAYING http://www.sci-fest.com/#!the-roswell-award/cif2

15th Jan Speculative fiction up to 5000 words that envisions the future of Earth and humanity as impacted by climate change. PAYING https://climateimagination.asu.edu/clificontest/

15th Jan Travel essay 1000-5000 words. PAYING http://www.transitionsabroad.com/information/writers/travel_writing_contest.shtml#contest_guidelines

17th Jan (Cathy’s note: the children’s category of this comp is free, but the adult one requires a (small) purchase. I rarely recommend comps that charge, but I make an exception for this one because I know and love the publisher. The children’s comp is free anyway, so get your kids entering!) Poetry or prose on the theme of Love (in the context of family). http://www.mothersmilkbooks.com/index.php/writing-prize#the-competition-rules PAYING

18th Jan Canada only: short stories or excerpts from a longer fiction piece. PAYING http://www.writerstrust.com/Awards/Journey-Prize/Prize-Guidelines.aspx

25th Jan Adventure writing 1500-5000 words by writers aged 12-21. PAYING http://www.wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org/awards/author-of-tomorrow

25th Jan Published or unpublished adventure novels. SOME CATEGORIES PAID http://www.wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org/index.php?p=page/criteria-for-adventure-writing-prize

25th Jan UK only: write a blog post about your pet (Cathy’s note: the entry requirements and procedure are a bit complicated, but the prize is excellent. The winner is selected at random, so you don’t have to worry too much about quality, so worth having a go if you have a blog). PAYING http://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/blog/Offers-and-Competitions/Pet-Writing-Competition/

31st Jan Extract of a WIP from a writer who hasn’t published a full-length book. PAYING http://www.deborahrogersfoundation.org/writers-award

31st Jan US undergraduates only: ten poems. PAYING http://www.nfsps.com/CUP.html

31st Jan SF up to 3000 words on the theme of medicine, health and illness. PAYING http://scifimedhums.glasgow.ac.uk/writing-competition/

31st Jan USA and Columbia only: fiction up to 8000 words. PAYING http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/books/chi-2016-algren-award-rules-20151201-story.html

31st Jan Story set in Little Tokyo. PAYING http://www.littletokyohs.org/short-story-contest-2016.html

31st Jan ‘The judges seek well-written stories [2500-7000 words] with memorable characters that can creatively and reflectively capture the essence of how sin distorts work.’ PAYING http://www.arthousedallas.com/cultivate

31st Jan Poems on a theme of Global Social Justice. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.rewardpublishing.info/2015-poetry-competition-.html

1st Feb Story of exactly 1000 words by a student in grades 6-12 (Cathy’s note: I am too old to know how old that means, but it’s open anywhere in the world, so I hope that parents will be able to work it out). PAYING http://www.bluefire.org/about-contest/

1st Feb SF up to 8000 words showing manned space exploration in the near future. PAYING http://www.baen.com/baenmemorialaward.asp

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

Apply from 1st Jan: residency on Long Island, USA for writers and artists of various kinds (Cathy’s note: food and travel aren’t included, but it’s free to apply, so if you can get there and feed yourself, it’s a pretty good deal). http://www.albeefoundation.org/guidelines–submitting.html

4th Jan ‘Many Americans would beg to differ, but America is not the world, and this Autumn (Fall, if you must) we are inviting submissions from poets and short fiction writers who have something to say on that theme. Americans are not excluded, but we don’t want to hear you argue against our theme. We aren’t inviting a debate for or against the States; we want to hear about your stomping grounds, your views.’ Poetry, flash and short fiction. https://pankhearst.wordpress.com/america-is-not-the-world/

5th Jan Poetry, fiction, plays and more. https://sweettreereview.submittable.com/submit

6th Jan Speculative fiction 2000-7500 words that begins with the line, ‘No Shit, There I Was.’ PAYING http://noshit.alliterationink.com/

8th Jan ‘Duende welcomes submissions of prose, poetry, hybrid writing, screenplay and visual art. We are especially interested in collaborations between two or more writers, or between writers and visual artists. We accept submissions from writers working in English, or translating into English, from anywhere in the world. A majority of the work we publish will be from writers and artists who are queer, of color, differently abled, immigrant, working class, youth, elder, and / or otherwise from communities underrepresented in U.S. literary magazines and journals.’ http://www.duendeliterary.org/submissions/

8th Jan ‘This just in: Believe everything you read. Or, at least make us believe it. Our March issue is all about fiction that reads like fact. Think The Onion, Splickety style.

We want to see your best reporting skills on something that’s never happened. The wilder, the better. Put on your journalism hat and write a tale that’s too tall to be true. Convince us it’s news and not a ruse.’ 300-1000 words. PAYING http://splicketypubgroup.com/submission-guidelines/

8th Jan Fiction 800-3000 words on the theme of Run and Hide. http://www.liarsleaguenyc.com/submissions/

8th Jan Poetry, flash, short fiction and more on the theme of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. PAYING https://nonbinaryreview.submittable.com/submit/44455

9th Jan ‘We are looking for stories and poems from all points of view. The focus is on recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Family members are encouraged to write about their recovery journey. Our goal in gathering these stories is to allow them to “stand there shining” and show the world the reality of recovery.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY http://www.tuliptreepub.com/calls-for-submissions.html

11th Jan Poetry, short fiction and more on the theme of Infection, by unpublished writers only. http://openingline.org/

14th Jan Short fiction up to 2000 words on the theme of Secrets. CONTRIBUTOR COPY http://www.firewords.co.uk/submit/

15^th Jan Spiritually engaged poetry and prose (Cathy’s note: make sure to submit to the anthology, to which submission should be free). https://orisonbooks.submittable.com/submit

15th Jan Poetry, prose and more. PAYING http://www.3288review.com/submissions/

15th Jan Poetry and prose. PAYING http://www.qulitmag.com/submit/

15th Jan Poetry and true stories/resolutions on the theme of The Joy of Less. PAYING http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

15th Jan Poetry and various sorts of prose. CONTRIBUTOR COPY, PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS https://greatweatherformedia.submittable.com/submit

15th Jan Poetry, fiction and much more on the themes of either Grandparents or Birthdays, for this magazine for mothers. PAYING https://brainchildmag.submittable.com/submit

15th Jan Speculative fiction on the theme of Long Distance Running. PAYING http://www.treelionpress.com/submissions-keeping-pace-with-eternity.html

15th Jan ‘What happens when the kids leave the nest? Now accepting short stories (fiction only) until January 15, 2016. 500-40,000 words. No poetry. No essays.’ (Cathy’s note: they have loads of submission calls, but some require a fee to be paid in order to submit. The Empty Nest call is free to submit.) https://kystory.submittable.com/submit

15th Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme(s) of Family and/or Cultural Identity. http://writingforpeace.org/1180-2/dovetales/

15th Jan Uncanny Tale up to 10,000 words. PAYING http://www.worldweaverpress.com/submit-anthologies.html

15th Jan ‘On August 5th, 2015, The Centrifugal Eye reached its 10th-year marker! To celebrate that grand feat, our next issue’s focus will commemorate this anniversary by remembering the effects our most beloved poets have on us. We’ll sing the praises of any published poet, alive or dead, whom you admire, or even emulate, through the showcase of your own poetry. Please send us 3-4 of your unpublished poems that are written either in the manner of, inspired by, and/or dedicated to your favourite published poets.’ http://centrifugaleye.com/

15th Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Change (Cathy’s note: scroll down to find the free-to-submit link for Conclave). CONTRIBUTOR COPY https://balkanpress.submittable.com/submit

15th Jan or when filled: horror-themed poetry. PAYING http://www.disquieteddreams.com/call-for-submissions.html

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

15th Jan ‘While we accept great poetry of any kind, we are particularly interested in work that complicates prevailing conceptions of race, gender, ecology, and poetic form itself. Is your work attempting to start a dialogue? To enter into conversation? To push? Send it our way.’ https://berkeleypoetryreview.submittable.com/submit

15th Jan Poetry and fiction on the theme of Love. http://walkwriteup.com/2014/05/26/submissions/

15th Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of The Coming Storm. https://elohigadugi.submittable.com/submit

15th Jan Positive writing and more on the theme of Unique. CONTRIBUTOR COPY http://www.thephoenixsoul.com/submit/

16th Jan Poems. https://ruminatemagazine.submittable.com/submit PAYING

20th Jan Poetry and fiction on the theme of Adventure. CONTRIBUTOR COPY http://popshotpopshot.com/submit

22nd Jan Writers and others can pitch ideas for programmes suitable for 6-12-year-olds. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4ffyPBZFbcdk5FHllWgkN03/get-your-creative-on-with-anim8

25th Jan Micro, flash and short fiction on the theme of Britishness. http://www.litro.co.uk/submit/

28th Jan Fiction on the theme of The Best Break-up Ever. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS http://infectiveink.com/guidelines.html

29th Jan Poetry, fiction and more. https://www.csustan.edu/penumbra/submit-penumbra

30th Jan Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Spatial Appropriation. http://www.repurposedmag.com/home-2/submissions/

30th Jan Fairy-tale inspired poems and stories on the theme of Valentine’s Day. PAYING http://www.fairytalemagazine.com/p/blog-page_22.html

31st Jan ‘We’ve all read the stories and fallen in love with the movies: the girl needs saving, the boy rescues girl, they fall in love, and they lived happily ever after. But what if the boy was in distress or the girl had dreams that didn’t involve falling in love? Those are the kinds of stories we’re looking for to include in our next anthology. If you have a fantasy story about a strong female character who made her own way or a story that takes a twist on a classic tale, send it our way!’ PAYING http://www.feypublishing.com/submissions.html

31st Jan Stories up to 10,000 words set in a future extreme right-wing dystopic America. https://pankhearst.wordpress.com/life-during-wartime/

31st Jan Poetry and flash on the theme of Secrets and Dreams. CONTRIBUTOR COPY http://www.kindofahurricanepress.com/p/anthology-unlock-possibilities.html

31st Jan Poetry and fiction on the theme of Mountebanks. http://wordlandhome.weebly.com/submission-guidelines.html

31st Jan ‘Seeking science fiction set in a future five to fifteen years from now. The same world in which we live, but with (for example) self-driving cars, big rigs, and garbage trucks; robots working in the car wash; 3D printing, connectivity everywhere, and the Internet of Everything. 2500 – 6000 words.’ ROYALTIES http://darkhousebooks.com/stories-from-the-near-future/

31st Jan ‘UPPER HAND PRESS seeks submissions for GONERS, an anthology of writing by women who have traveled alone and encountered mishaps, misadventures, frights; who misjudged, lost nerve, or got lost along the way. Submit proposals to Ann Starr, staff@upperhandpress.com by January 31, 2016. Accepted work due November 30, 2016; publication in summer, 2017. Hoping for diversity of women in travel far away or down the block. Language is English. Upper Hand Press site: www.upperhandpress.com .’

31st Jan ‘Submit up to three poems or a short story, novel or memoir excerpt, or personal essay (1,000 to 5,000 words) on the theme of Devices: Technology’s impact on our lives and relationships.’ PAYING http://www.echapbook.com/submissions.html

31st Jan ‘Announcing an Open call for Women Indie Published (or new or never before published, or indie supportive traditionally published) authors to contribute to an anthology called Independent Women. The anthology will consist of short stories (flash fiction included), poetry, essays, artwork, or any other woman and/or feminist centered creative work.’ (Cathy’s note: thanks to Erika Dreifus at www.erikadreifus.com for this). PAYING http://www.daydreamsdandelions.com/an-open-call.html

31st Jan Poetry, short fiction, play/drama and more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY http://www.phenomenalliterature.com/submission.php

31st Jan Poems and stories using the elements Measure, Cleave, Silver. http://3elementsreview.com/submission-guidelines

31st Jan Poetry, fiction and art on the theme of Pilot. http://sedimentslit.com/submit/

31st Jan ‘Please consider joining us to help reduce child labor in Asia. Could you write a compelling short story with a third-world child as protagonist if you were provided plenty of background information? Would you be willing to donate your story to be included in an anthology for sale, the proceeds of which would go to help rescue kids enslaved as factory, mine, or industrial workers, working long hours in poor conditions, often without pay?’ http://jodierennerediting.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/call-for-stories-for-anthology-to-help.html

1st Feb Writing and more on the theme of Softness (Cathy’s note: thanks to Erika Dreifus at www.erikadreifus.com for this). PAYING https://111o.submittable.com/submit/47379

1st Feb Poetry, prose, translations and more. http://www.kalynareview.com/submissions/4574690274

1st Feb Poetry and prose on the theme of Psychologia. http://www.whitestagpublishing.com/submit.html

1st Feb Poetry and fiction on the theme of Wild. http://www.halfwaydownthestairs.net/index.php?action=submissions

1st Feb Writing by girls and women on the theme of Express Yourself. http://newmoon.com/how-to-get-published-new-moon-girls/

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

‘Starward Tales will focus on reinterpretations and retellings of legends, myths, and fairytales in Science Fiction and/or xxxxPunk settings. The collection will contain stories, poetry, and visual art fitting this broad theme.’ PAYING http://www.manawaker.com/starward-submissions/

Poetry, essays and more (Cathy’s note: there is a reader vote, and I normally wouldn’t include anything that has that. However, contributors get paid anyway, so it seemed worth listing). PAYING http://www.scarletleafreview.com/submissions.html

Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING http://pbq.drexel.edu/submit/

Flash fiction. https://jellyfishreview.wordpress.com/submissions/

Poetry, fiction and many other kinds of MS. http://www.crystalspiritinc.com/submissions.html

Stories set in the future. PAYING http://intotheruins.com/submissions/

Poetry collections, short story collections, novels and more. http://www.vineleavespress.com/submissions.html

‘We are looking for well written original stories in science fiction, fantasy, myth, legend, fairy tales, and eldritch, in written, podcast, video, and/or graphic story form, and from around the world. We’re accept both serious and humorous work.’ PAYING http://cosmicrootsandeldritchshores.com/submissions/

Fantasy poetry and fiction. ‘Stories don’t have to be just from “British” authors, although if there’s an elusive thread linking it however tenuously to these isles that would be great.’ http://www.britishfantasysociety.org/bfs-journal-submission-guidelines/

Poetry (Cathy’s note: it’s free to submit one poem, so don’t submit more unless you want to pay the submission fee). http://www.greenlindenpress.com/submit/

Poetry. http://www.glittermobmag.com/submit.html

‘Bracken is an open-minded magazine with a preference for magic realism. Inspired by old world storytelling with roots in the wood’s shadows, we embrace both the literary and the fantastic—an open scope exploring the Other’s consciousness in the present day.’ Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING http://www.brackenmagazine.com/about/

Writing of various kinds by women. https://velamag.submittable.com/submit

Flash fiction. PAYING http://www.manawaker.com/ffp-submissions/

When filled or April 30th: ‘Write for us the horrors that we invite into our lives, whether willingly or with reluctance. These are horrors that need our permission to enter.’ PAYING http://timealonepress.com/2015/12/23/let-us-in-call-for-submissions/

Stories of around 200 words. PAYING http://ironsoap.com/200-ccs/submissions/

Fiction and creative nonfiction. http://www.intrinsick.com/submissions.html

Poetry, fiction and more. http://www.thecossackreview.com/submit.html

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COMPETITIONS

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

Tell others about this:

COMPETITIONS

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

Tell others about this: