Comps and calls for October 2020

Posted on by cathy in Uncategorised

Hello everyone,

So many bereavements – and this time, it was my father. We had an awful relationship, and I hadn’t seen him for years, but naturally his death brought up complicated feelings. So if I’ve made a few extra mistakes this edition, please forgive me!

I do hope that you are all well, and not struggling through similar events.

Anyway – on to happier things. I’m thinking of running a series of workshops in the New Year. These would be exercises based on different prompts – with the twist that all the prompts were upcoming themes in litmags or anthologies, and participants would be encouraged (but not forced!) to submit their work to the relevant publication (or to an alternative publication, from a list that I’ll provide).

Would any of you be interested in this? Another possibility is November, but it’s looking like New Year unless you’re all particularly keen for November. The whole thing would happen on a secret Facebook group, as I’m not really a fan of Zoom, Skype etc. There would be a charge. I can’t commit that amount of time without getting paid for it. Don’t worry, C&C will always be free, as long as I have any say in the matter.

Those interested – which would you prefer – one night a week (probably a Thursday) for five weeks with the workshop from 7-9pm GMT (though accessible at any time), or one week of concentrated workshops: two hours a day (or evening) for five days?

I would give short feedback on each piece if wanted.

At the end of the course you should have ten pieces that are ready to be submitted – poetry or fiction. That would be up to you…

I would welcome any thoughts you have at news@cathybryant.co.uk

Thanks as always to my Patreon subscribers and one-off donors. You are stars.

Best wishes and stay safe,

Cathy x

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMPETITIONS

4th Oct Poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE http://waxpoetryart.com/international/submissions/poetrycontest2.html

4th Oct Flash fiction 500 words or fewer, based on the prompt, which won’t be up until 2nd Oct. PAYING https://www.writerscentre.com.au/furious-fiction/

4th Oct Poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE http://waxpoetryart.com/contests/poetsoftheworld2.html

5th Oct ‘Send us your Halloween-themed poetry, fiction, short plays, and creative non-fiction.’ PAYING https://thefuriousgazelle.com/submit/halloween-writing-contest/

7th Oct ‘Spectator Competition No. 3170: letter of the law. ‘Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world,’ according to Shelley, so let’s have a well-known poet writing their own law in verse. Please email up to 16 lines to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 7 October.’ https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/spectator-competition-winners-the-pleasures-of-bad-poetry

8th Oct Short stories up to 2000 words on the theme of Old-Fashioned Hallowe’en. PAYING http://talesmoonlitpath.com/halloween-challenge-2020/

15th Oct Age 12-18: short story 250-500 words on the theme of “Once upon a time in my future”. NON-CASH PRIZE https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-and-idries-shah-foundation-launch-world-tales-short-story-competition

15th Oct Speculative flash fiction inspired by the provided image. PAYING https://apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines

15th Oct Flash fiction up to 300 words for this monthly comp. https://blueanimal.weebly.com/submit.html (Cathy’s note: I don’t usually post comps wherein the only prize is publication, but I notice that they offer a comment on every story submitted, so it might be worth entering if you’d like some free feedback.)

19th Oct ‘Something to say? Up for a challenge? Can you get your point across in exactly 55 words, no more, no fewer? Help us celebrate our 55th year of Welter by composing a 55-word story, poem, or piece of creative nonfiction.’ PAYING https://blogs.ubalt.edu/welter/submit/

23rd Oct Fiction 2000-6000 words on the theme of Home. PAYING https://commapress.co.uk/resources/prizes/

30th Oct ‘This year, which is a challenging one for most people, we are looking for a bit of light relief. So please send us your farce, satire, screwball, or any other subgenre that qualifies as comedy. We need the laughs.’ Fiction 1000-2500 words. VOUCHER/OTHER https://funnypearls.com/competition-2020/

31st Oct Atlantic Provinces only: Flash fiction inspired by the photo. PAYING https://engenbooks.com/kit-sora-flash-fiction-flash-photography-contest/

1st Nov Weird Christmas stories up to 350 words. PAYING https://weirdchristmas.com/2020/06/15/weird-christmas-flash-fiction-contest-3rd-annual-2020/ (thanks to https://www.christopherfielden.com/short-story-tips-and-writing-advice/flash-fiction-competitions.php for this one)

1st Nov ‘In your flash fiction piece, give us a snapshot into a post-pandemic world in which a shift towards positive systems change has occurred and a new paradigm is established or unfolding.’ 1000-1250 words. PAYING https://systemschangealliance.org/flash-fiction/

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

2nd Oct Writing on the theme of Justice. https://necroproductions.com/magazine/guidelines/

2nd Oct ‘All writers who identify as ‘Other than White’ but to include White minorities. All levels welcome (unpublished, published, solo or agented). What to submit: Collections of short stories and stand-alone novels of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy (and their sub-genres).’ https://www.lunapresspublishing.com/submissions

2nd Oct ‘Our Capsule Stories Winter 2020 Edition theme is Bare Bones. We’re looking for stories, poems, and essays that feel cold and wintry and bleak.’ https://capsulestories.com/submissions/

2nd Oct Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Fever Dream. https://causticfrolic.org/submission-info/

3rd ‘For this edition, “Rituals,” we want to see work that engages with religion and spirituality of any kind.’ https://www.burningjademagazine.org/submissions

3rd Oct Witch-inspired writing, art and photography. https://www.pussymagicheals.com/hallows-eve-2020 (Cathy’s note: They are also looking for black editors: https://www.pussymagicheals.com/submit )

5th Oct Speculative flash fiction on the theme of Sight. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/upcoming-themes/ (Cathy’s note: they pay if they include your piece in one of their anthologies.)

5th Oct Speculative novellas by black writers. PAYING+ROYALTIES https://www.neonhemlock.com/submissions

5th Oct ‘Zombie Pirate Publishing is seeking short stories 2,000-7,000 words long for PIRATES OF THE EMPYREAN. Science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, or steampunk stories featuring pirates. Send us your tales of swashbuckling adventure set against space, sky, or sea.’ PAYING https://www.zombiepiratepublishing.com/Calls-For-Submissions/

8th Oct Halloween (sic) poetry and stories. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS http://talesmoonlitpath.com/submissions/(Cathy’s note: pays fiction contributors only)

9th Oct Poetry and fiction. PAYING https://www.thirdpointpress.com/submission-guidelines/

9th Oct Canada only: ‘Understorey Magazine seeks submissions of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, spoken word, and visual art about women/gender and all aspects of food work. We are interested in submissions by women and non-binary writers and artists on their experiences of creating, gathering, processing, transporting, cooking & serving food, as well as the work of disposing of or redistributing food waste, food policy, and food aid.’ PAYING https://understoreymagazine.ca/submissions/

9th Oct ‘The theme for this issue is all things spooky, macabre and haunting. We want pieces that are reminiscent of jump scares, short yet memorable and lingering.’ Poetry, art and photos. PAYING https://www.sagecigarettes.com/submissions

9th Oct Poetry and prose on the theme of What Do You Fear in the Dark? https://www.perhappened.com/submit.html

11th Oct Poetry on the theme of Brownface. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS http://cordite.org.au/submissions/ (Cathy’s note: only Australian contributors are paid.)

14th Oct Grim, fractured fairytales. PAYING https://gallerycurious.com/2020/09/12/submission-mini-window-opening-fairy-tales/

15th Oct ‘Are you a fan of pop-singer Madonna? Has she impacted you in a significant way? We’re seeking original stories that detail the effect she’s had on individual lives. Story and essay submissions should be between 1500-3500 words. Feel free to supplement your submission with your journal entries, photos with Madonna, photos dressed like Madonna, or other related materials.’ PAYING. Send submissions to: anthologysubmit@gmail.com

15th Oct 50 word fiction on the theme of Mercy. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.blink-ink.org/2020/08/31/mercy-blink-ink-issue-42/

15th Oct ‘Poems may be written on any subject, in any style or length, but the poet must be a person with neurological differences.’ PAYING https://www.rattle.com/submissions/guidelines/

15th Oct ‘We are looking for poems that deal with the supernatural, the mythological, the mysterious, the uncanny.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://milkandcakepress.com/submissions/

15th Oct Fiction, poetry and more, on the theme of Animal, Vegetable, Mineral, More. PAYING https://www.griffithreview.com/submit-to-griffith-review/

15th Oct Poetry, fiction and lots more on the theme of Memories. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.northernotterpress.ca/call-for-submissions/volume-1

15th Oct ‘We are seeking short story submissions (1000-7500 words) for this anthology. The stories must be based upon a regional/cultural legend or tall-tale from any location or culture in the World. “Regional” can be a specific place (Loch Ness) or a larger region (Bigfoot in the Pacific Northwest). We are seeking stories in the horror genre.’ PAYING https://warmonkeypublications.com/submissions

15th Oct Poetry and more on the theme of Silence|Sound. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.snapdragonjournal.com/submit.html

18th Oct Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Animal Love. PAYING https://shooterlitmag.com/submissions/

19th Oct ‘For the next issue of Apofenie, we welcome submissions of fiction, poetry and non-fiction brought together by our latest theme – “the city”.’ https://www.apofenie.com/contact

20th Oct Research papers, interviews, articles and scripts on the theme of Drama. ‘Along with these, Litinfinite is accepting short stories, poems, book reviews and essays in English and Bengali for its regular section.’ https://www.litinfinite.com/call-for-papers-journal-of-arts/

21st Oct Poetry, articles and more on the theme of COVID-19 and Community. http://www.rfdmag.org/submissions.php

22nd Oct 500 word fiction on the theme of Horror Toys. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.blackharepress.com/submissions/

25th Oct ‘For our Fall 2020 issue, Penumbraonline.org is calling for work by Black women authors and artists as part of our Black Voices and Experiences series. We especially welcome work by Black trans women for this issue. We are dedicated to creating a supportive space for Black women’s creative productions across multiple media and genres.’ Poetry, fiction and more. https://www.csustan.edu/penumbra/black-voices-and-experiences-series

30th Oct Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Gift. https://www.inscribejournal.com/writeforusjournal

30th Oct Weird fiction around 5000 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY+ ROYALTIES https://www.blackharepress.com/submissions/

31st Oct Theme: Resist with every inch and every breath. ‘Stories of resistance and rebellion, but also of the steps in between and the change that comes after.’ Up to 15,000 words. PAYING https://lonelycryptidmedia.com/fiction-and-poetry-submissions/ (Cathy’s note: This is the Priority Deadline ‘… for historically marginalized authors including those who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, migrants, queer, disabled, women, working class, currently or formerly incarcerated, and/or living in poverty.’ You can also submit (anyone, historically marginalised or not) from Nov 1st to Dec 31st.)

31st Oct ‘The inaugural anthology will feature contemporary poetry of Iran and its diaspora. In addition to translations of Persian poetry, we hope to reflect the linguistic richness of Iran with translations of Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Luri, etc.’ https://www.greenlindenpress.com/submit

31st Oct ‘Zimbell House is holding open submissions for short stories from the point of view of the afterlife’s bounty hunter. Your story must include: which side the debt collector works for, what the debt to be collected is, the consequences at stake, how the afterlife system works, and most importantly, be from the point of view of the debt collector.’ 4500 – 19,500 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://zimbellhousepublishing.com/anthology_submission/

31st Oct LGBTQ romantic/erotic fiction 12,000 words and up on the theme of Ride ‘Em Cowboy (or Cowgirl). ROYALTIES https://www.jms-books.com/submission-guidelines-ezp-35.html

31st Oct Gothic romance 2000-5000 words. PAYING https://horroraddicts.wordpress.com/2020/01/03/submission-call-haunts-and-hellions-a-gothic-romance-anthology/

31st Oct Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Frontiers and Borderlands. https://masonstreetreview.org/submissions/

31st Oct Poetry, flash and more on the theme of Celebration. https://www.tunafishjournal.com/submissions

31st Oct Writing and more on the theme of Anxiety. https://feelszine.com/pages/submissions

1st Nov ‘Short stories must be less than 4000 words. Stories must not have been published anywhere else previously. The theme of this anthology is second chances, redemption, second try, play it again.’ PAYING https://www.bouchercon2021.com/anthology-information

1st Nov Fiction 800-2000 words on the theme of Heart & Soul. https://www.liarsleague.com/liars_league/forthcoming-events-themes.html

1st Nov Poetry, flash, short fiction and more on the theme of The Other Virginia. PAYING http://themaliterarysociety.com/submissions.html (Cathy’s note: those of us outside the USA may submit electronically.)

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

1st Nov Mystery/crime fiction up to 4000 words on the theme of second chances, redemption, second try, play it again. PAYING, CHARITY/GOOD CAUSE ANTHOLOGY https://www.bouchercon2021.com/anthology-information

1st Nov Adventure horror 2000-8000 words. PAYING https://www.offlimitspress.com/far-from-home

1st Nov Speculative fiction up to 6400 words on the theme of The Bonds that Unite Us. PAYING https://www.constelacionmagazine.com/submissions

1st Nov Story, poem or nonfiction with the first line: Loud music filled the room, making it hard to hear anything else. PAYING http://www.thefirstline.com/submission.htm

1st Nov SF/F story on the theme of Decisions. https://starsandstaffs.weebly.com/submissions.html

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

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

‘We want black voices to be showcased loudly here, so we are launching an ongoing series of black stories.’ PAYING https://www.sagecigarettes.com/submissions

Poetry. https://www.theelevationreview.com/submit

MSS of various sorts. ROYALTIES https://evolvedpub.com/submissions/

Satires of higher education. https://medium.com/the-monocle-of-higher-ed/about

Queer communist SF for this collaborative project. PAYING https://www.daybreakingzine.com/submit

Science fiction stories, comics and illustrations. PAYING https://www.infiniteworldsmagazine.com/submissions

‘HARSH is accepting flash fiction, short stories and (prose) poetry. While HARSH specializes in “upsetting, confrontational and aggressive” literature, submissions need not contain extreme gore, deviant sex acts or otherwise aberrant behavior to be considered. There are many ways to upset a reader; HARSH aims to discover all of them.’ https://harshlit.rip/submissions/ (Cathy’s note: be warned! This content may well be upsetting.)

Deadline every Friday: ‘Poets Respond—a poem written within the last week about a public event that occurred within the last week will appear every Sunday. Our only criterion for selection is the quality of the poem; all opinions and reactions are welcome.’ PAYING https://www.rattle.com/respond/

‘If you are interested in writing anything or submitting any recipes or other content please get in touch, we are happy to publish anything if it is not racist or hateful in any other way.’ https://fromthehorsesmouth.org.uk

Poetry, novels, and more. https://www.close2thebone.co.uk/wp/submission-guidelines/

‘Boneyard Soup Magazine is a horror and dark fantasy publication. Our mission is twofold: to publish the finest short stories from across the entire genre and to support new and emerging writers in order to bring fresh perspectives to horror literature.’ Fiction 2000-6000 words. PAYING https://www.boneyardsoup.com/submit

‘We’re looking for fiction (short stories, coherent novel excerpts, anything that might be deemed “flash”), poetry (just no goddamn footnotes, please), criticism of the feather-ruffling sort, reporting that tells the truth but tells it slant, and personal essays that have sentiment but aren’t sentimental.’ PAYING https://www.softpunkmag.com/contact

Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING https://www.takahe.org.nz/submit/ (Cathy’s note: submissions are accepted year-round, but there are deadlines for various issues.)

‘We are looking for speculative stories that explore science fiction, fantasy, and horror with a queer bent. We want queer stories and we want trans stories and we want aro/ace stories. We want indefinable stories. We welcome weird, slipstream, and interstitial writing.’ Up to 1200 words. PAYING https://www.bafflingmag.com/submissions

Comps and calls for September 2020

Posted on by cathy in Uncategorised

Hello everyone,

How are things with you? I hope you’re all as well and happy as possible. I haven’t submitted as much as I should this month, which is annoying, as August is always one of the best months to submit. Still – we do our best, muddling on – and that’s fine. What makes you a Proper Writer – and I know that many of you will have Imposter Syndrome and think that you aren’t proper writers – is that you write. Nothing more.

Submitting and entering are fun, though! And they help you to develop as a writer (there are other ways – these are just two of them). You edit and proof your work properly, you think about how it would look to a reader who doesn’t know you at all, and you strengthen yourself by sending your work into the big wide world even though you know it has a good chance of being rejected, through no fault of its own…and you try new things because of themed issues or litmags with peculiar requirements, and you find yourself chatting to other writers and editors and publishers, and the whole thing grows…even if this isn’t happening for you yet, do remember that you aren’t alone. There are lots of us out there, all writing away, and dreaming and hoping and making mistakes and enjoying ourselves. Don’t think of us as the competition, but as fellow travellers.

Good luck, fellow writers!

And many, many thanks to donors and Patreon subscribers, who are so very kind and thoughtful.

Best wishes and stay safe,

Cathy x

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMPETITIONS

1st-14th Sep or when 300 submissions in each category are received. Flash fiction or flash nonfiction. PAYING https://forgelitmag.com/competition/ (Cathy’s note: don’t delay with this one! I’m expecting the categories to be filled very quickly.)

2nd Sep ‘Spectator Competition No. 3165: between the lines. You are invited to supply a job reference for a well-known public figure, past or present (please specify), that while seemingly positive reveals the failings of the candidate in question. Please email entries of up to 150 words to lucy@ spectator.co.uk by midday on 2 September.’ PAYING https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/tutti-bam-frutti-boom-musical-double-dactyls

2nd Sep Black writers only: poetry, flash and more. PAYING https://bwr.submittable.com/submit/8c0a904c-b26c-47f8-b908-8a69c5fc73b8/no-fee-contest-submissions-for-black-writers

4th Sep ‘OOOOH, THAT SMELL There are few things as evocative as scent. For this contest, write a creative, compelling, well-crafted story between 1,000 and 5,000 words long in which either a specific scent, or the sense of smell in general, is important to the story.’ PAYING https://onthepremises.com/current-contest/

4th Sep Essay up to 3000 words on the theme of ‘Communal solidarity and individual freedom: antagonists or allies?’ PAYING https://www.hubertbutleressayprize.com/how-to-enter

6th Sep USA only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE  http://waxpoetryart.com/usa/submissions/poetsoftheusa2.html

6th Sep Texas only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE  http://waxpoetryart.com/texas/submissions/poetsoftexas.html

9th Sep ‘Spectator Competition No. 3166: privates on parade. Philadelphia’s annual naked cycle ride has been cancelled because of Covid-19. You are invited to supply a poem either celebrating or lamenting this turn of events. Please email entries of up to 16 lines to lucy@ spectator.co.uk by midday on 9 September.’ PAYING https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/paradise-lost-in-four-lines

13th Sep Australia only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE  http://waxpoetryart.com/australia/submissions/poetsofaustralia.html

13th Sep Caribbean only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE  http://waxpoetryart.com/caribbean/submissions/poetsofthecaribbean.html

14th Sep ‘We are looking for stories for children that in some way touch upon ideas around building a sustainable society.’ PAYING https://www.greenstories.org.uk/stories-for-children/

15th Sep BLACK WRITERS ONLY ‘All unpublished, original collections of poems written in English by black writers are eligible. Simultaneous submission to other chapbook awards should be noted: immediate notice upon winning such an award is required. Winner agrees to be present in the continental United States at her or his own expense shortly after the book is published in order to participate in O, Miami 2021.’ PAYING https://cavecanempoets.org/prizes/toi-derricotte-cornelius-eady-chapbook-prize/

15th Sep Speculative flash fiction inspired by the provided image. PAYING https://apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines

20th Sep ‘Write and submit a back cover blurb of 100 words or fewer that sets the stage for a novel, establishes the characters, and raises the stakes in a way that makes readers want to find out more.’ PAYING https://www.queryletter.com/contest

20th Sep New Zealand only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE  http://waxpoetryart.com/newzealand/submissions/poetsofnewzealand.html

20th Sep Socially engaged poetry up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE  http://waxpoetryart.com/contests/sociallyengaged4.html

27th Sep Residents of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE http://waxpoetryart.com/dublin/submissions/poetsofireland.html

27th Sep Light-hearted poetry up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE http://waxpoetryart.com/angela/submissions/lighthearted3.html

30th Sep ‘This call for submissions accepts literary (poetry; essays and short stories under 3000 words); video; music; or visual work around the theme: “Never again: Remembering to heal and overcome.”  All pieces must be previously unpublished. The most important hallmark of Holocaust remembrance and education is the phrase ‘never again.’  Unfortunately, tribal divisions, ethnic cleansing and genocides continue in the 21st Century. We are looking for submissions in any creative media (which can be exhibited online), and which highlight aspects of human unity, and positive cross-pollination between groups, ethnicities, religions and/or nations.’ PAYING https://ihraf.org/

30th Sep Fiction up to 3000 words. PAYING https://jerryjazzmusician.com/2013/02/short-fiction-contest-details/

30th Sep All submissions (poetry, fiction and more) are considered for the ‘Best in the Land’ $1000 prize. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES, PAYING https://www.texlandia.org/submission-guidelines

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

‘Free submissions are open until early September’: fiction set in urban areas. ‘…preferred stories are fast paced, have a beginning hook, and are short enough to finish in a session but long enough for character development. Focus on a person or two, their key memories, their motives. Genre varies but all have a lot of events happening in a few words to the backdrop of a city, any city of your imagination. Bonus if mentioning climate change!’ PAYING https://amultiplicityofstories.wordpress.com/submit/

4th Sep Poetry on the theme of Together and Apart. https://saccharinepoetry.wordpress.com/

6th Sep Fiction 800-2000 words on the theme of Hide & Seek. https://www.liarsleague.com/liars_league/forthcoming-events-themes.html

7th Sep Speculative flash fiction on the theme of Smell. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS  https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/upcoming-themes/ (Cathy’s note: they pay if they include your piece in one of their anthologies.)

7th Sep ‘Montana Mouthful seeks short fiction/nonfiction, poetry, and artwork/photography submissions for its 8th issue, and the theme is “Quarantine.”’ http://montanamouthful.com/submission-guidelines/

8th Sep Writing on the theme of Mixtape. https://www.perhappened.com/submit.html

9th Sep Fiction 800-3000 words on the theme of Before and After. https://www.liarsleaguenyc.com/submissions

10th Sep Poetry, fiction and art on the theme of Synthesis. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.constellations-lit.com/submissions/

10th Sep ‘Our eighth zine will be a collection of non-fiction, creative non-fiction and memoir, of no more than 1,000 words.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.ellipsiszine.com/eight/

10th Sep Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Harvest. PAYING https://longleafreview.com/submissions/

10th Sep Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Hair. https://angstfzine.com/2020/07/11/call-for-submissions-issue-4/

13th Sep ‘We want to publish stories that make us forget where we are, stories that introduce us to people, places and things we’ve never seen before and stories that stick with us long after we leave them.’ Fiction up to 1000 words. https://www.ellipsiszine.com/submissions/

15th Sep Black writers only: chapbooks. https://www.boneandinkpress.com/submit PROFIT/REVENUE SHARING MODEL

15th Sep Writing on the theme of Truth, Fair Play, and Other Myths We Live By, or another anthology: Spot Cleaning Our Dirty Laundry.  CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://universaltable.org/wisingup.html

15th Sep ‘Chipper Press is looking for short stories about Unicorns. Tell our middle-grade readers about how the unicorn came into being, and if they still exist. If they are now extinct, what happened? Is their horn magical? If so, what magic does it do? Where did they come from? How do you tame one? Do they talk? What is/was their life like?’ 4500-17,000 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.chipperpress.com/anthology-submissions/

15th Sep Poetry, fiction and more by writers aged 50 or more. https://www.passagerbooks.com/submit/

15th Sep ‘A blue light tells you something special is about to happen in these modern-day folktales about the LGBTQ experience.  It might be ghostly, or romantic, or spiritual, but we guarantee you won’t see it coming. Our anthology will consist of folktales set in the modern world.  A traditional tale will inspire our stories, but our authors will re-imagine the original to illuminate the lives of LGBTQ people in today’s world.’ 1000-5000 words. PAYING https://bluelightanthology.info/

15th Sep Fiction on the theme of It Calls from the Sea. ‘As with all our “It Calls From” Series this one is HORROR, so I want to be scared. Be it real or mythological creatures of lore that attacks, make our hearts race and our nightmares come alive. We also want it to be within our reality, so please keep your stories on our earth.’ PAYING https://www.eerieriverpublishing.com/open-submission

15th Sep Writers under 22: ‘Why reopen? Since Flexible Press launched this project a pandemic  has broken out and George Floyd was murdered. Therefore, given how the world has changed, we can’t imagine putting 22 Under 22 out without some work addressing the state of the world midway through 2020. Therefore, we are reopening for submissions specifically on the topics of George Floyd and the resulting reckoning and the pandemic only.’https://www.flexiblepub.com/22_under_22

15th Sep Dark fantasy drabbles. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.eerieriverpublishing.com/open-submission

15th Sep ‘Our goal is to build literary culture in New Mexico outside the typical centers.’ Poetry, prose and art on the theme of Chiaroscuro. https://manzanomountainreview.com/submissions

15th Sep Speculative poetry on the theme of Cat People. PAYING http://www.eyetothetelescope.com/submit.html

15th Sep Poetic Response to the news/current events. ‘We would love it if you can use any of these forms:  Ballad, Pantoum, Bop, Golden Shovel, Villanelle. But it’s not a requirement.’ https://theliterarynest.com/submissions/literary-submissions/

15th Sep Poetry on the theme of Journey. https://feraljournal.wordpress.com/submissions/

18th Sep ‘Gutter is a magazine of new Scottish and international writing. We look for work that challenges, re-imagines or undermines the status quo; that pushes at the boundaries of form and function; that is striking and beautiful.’ PAYING (SUBJECT TO FUNDRAISER/FUNDING) https://www.guttermag.co.uk/submit

21st Sep Black writers only:  ‘We are delighted to announce a new call for submissions which is now open! We are looking for twelve to twenty short stories by black contemporary writers to complement a selection of core classic tales by early black writers of speculative fiction.’ 2000-4000 words. PAYING http://blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-gothic/black-sci-fi-short-stories-call-for-submissions

24th Sep 500 word story on the theme of Reign. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES

https://www.blackharepress.com/submissions/

27th Sep Poems on the theme of Greenhouse. ‘We especially encourage BIPOC and QT poets to submit — your work will take priority in our consideration. However, we still welcome all work however you identify.’ https://hummingbirdmag.com/nectar-poetry/

27th Sep Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Life in Limbo. https://littledeathlit.org/submit

30th Sep ‘What’s different about this “Strange Mysteries” collection is that you writers choose which holiday on which you wish to base your story. As Associate Editor Arthur Sanchez says, “It doesn’t have to be a major holiday. If your favorite is National Taco Day, go with it!” ‘ Like most of our “Strange Mysteries” series, it will contain some 20 stories, each 3000 words.’  PAYING https://whortleberrypress.com/

30th Sep or until free subs cap is reached: ‘We are seeking retellings and rewritings of classic fairytales that FEATURE People of Color or different ethnic or cultural backgrounds (non-white) as the characters and that are WRITTEN by People of Color or different ethnic or cultural backgrounds (non-white).’ PAYINGhttp://www.press.alternatingcurrentarts.com/2016/11/submit-to-alternating-current-press.html#projects (Cathy’s note: they already have stories based on a number of fairytales, so make sure that your story is based on a different one. Check the guidelines!)

30th Sep Canadian residents and landed immigrants only: poetry and short fiction MSS. https://www.uap.ualberta.ca/publish/submission-information#literary

30th Sep ‘Speculative fiction/horror. Dark bias. Can include comedy and romance elements.’ Theme: Wrath. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.blackharepress.com/submissions/

30th Sep ‘For this anthology, we’re looking for stories that depict a (near) future Earth that’s somehow better than this one. Show us a world post-climate change, where we made peace with the planet. Or a world where we moved past racism and into a broader understanding of the connectedness of all the races of humanity. How about one where gender no longer matters? Or where borders are no more.’ 5000-15,000 words. PAYING https://www.otherworldsink.com/submissions/?cn-reloaded=1

30th Sep ‘You can submit up to SIX pieces (but please do not submit more than six), on the theme of: A NEW WORLD: Rethinking our lives post pandemic.’ Poetry. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.thepoetmagazine.org/contribute

1st Oct Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING http://raconteurmag.com/written-submission-guidelines/

1st Oct ‘We are looking for art, photography, essays, poetry, and other creative works to explore the racism, injustices and soul-killing aspects of this problem. We want artists to cry out in this anthology and demand justice.‘https://www.flowersongpress.com/call-for-submissions

1st Oct ‘Think deep ocean creatures, lore of sea-folk and forgotten cities, ships lost at sea and beach side vacations. Anything that can happen on or near a body of water is acceptable.’ 1000-10,000 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY+ ROYALTIES https://www.eerieriverpublishing.com/open-submission

1st Oct Cthulhu Mythos stories set in the Arthurian world. PROFIT/REVENUE SHARING MODEL https://18thwall.com/open-submissions-shadows-over-avalon

1st Oct ‘Patients, students, family members, caregivers, nurses, physicians, healthcare consumers, artists, mental health providers, physical therapists, writers, clergy—all of us will be patients one day and all are welcome to submit work. We are especially looking for content that connects us, make us feel something, or helps us see illness, wellness, health, or the healthcare environment differently.’ Theme: Bias. https://pleaseseeme.com/submissions/

1st Oct Theme: Bees. ‘Length of the work: our sweet spot is between 150 to 300 words. Anything over or under, we’ll be less psyched on. Poems? Let’s try to keep it under 25 lines, bbz.’ https://www.meowmeowpowpowlit.com/submission-guidelines.html

1st Oct ‘The November 2020 issue of Glass: A Journal of Poetry will be a special Poets Resist edition focusing on the 2020 election. For this 2020 Election Edition of Glass/Poets Resist, we will gather a series of poems that look back on the past four years and/or look toward the upcoming four years.’ http://www.glass-poetry.com/journal/submit.html#Elections

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

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

‘Here at One Hand Clapping we are not fond of submission guidelines. Just send us your best work in the format that shows it off to its best advantage. (Our one request is that, if you’re a writer, you send it in Word. But even that isn’t a hard and fast rule.)’ https://www.1handclapping.online/submissions

‘We are seeking personal essays, poetry, fiction, artwork, interviews, how-to guides, reviews, thought pieces and listicles relating to: the esoteric and liminal, weird and wyrd…’ Also magical practice, inclusive feminism, mental health and more. https://www.mookychick.co.uk/submission-guidelines

Poetry on the theme of epidemics and pandemics, from ancient to Covid. https://poetryandcovid.com/

Dystopian/political poetry, fiction and more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES, POSSIBLE PAYMENThttps://dystjournal.net/

‘We’re looking for your scariest short fiction and terrifying true stories.’ 1000-6000 words. PAYING https://www.lompublishing.com/submission-call

‘Prose, poetry, creative non-fiction, essays, and visual art.’ https://fragmentedvoices.com/submissions/

‘Please make us smirk.  Or say to ourselves, “Clever.  Clever.”  Or open our mouths at the surreality of your world. Or make us lose our spleen in disemboweling, howling hahahaha!  Ha!’ PAYING  https://catbirdhaha.com/submissions-guidelines/

Short speculative work. ‘Octavos is a venue for speculative poetry 8 lines or under. We define a line as containing at least one character. White space doesn’t add to the line count. Constraint 280 is a venue for narrative speculative work up to 280 characters long. This usually means microfiction and poetry, but things like Twitter bots that generate tweets are also welcome. Experimental and interactive forms are very much welcome. Code may exceed 280 characters if the printed output is 280 characters or under.’ PAYING https://microverses.net/submissions

‘Submissions are currently invited for unpublished works and translations that deal with undiscovered territories and blur boundaries. Experimental works are strongly encouraged.’ https://www.pamenarpress.com/submissions

‘We are looking for writing and art that intertwines the marvelous with the mundane and uses it to convey a message. Tell us about the magic that lives at the dinner table; the creatures that walk alongside us unseen; the power that takes hold of individuals when they fight for what they care about.’ Poetry, fiction and more.  PAYING https://www.wondrousrealmag.com/submissions

‘Stinger Stories focuses on small, promising bits of prose. Most of our published work is in the science fiction or fantasy genres. We will consider any work that is well written and unusual/experimental in nature.’ https://stingerstories.com/submit.html

‘We are looking for thought-provoking poetry that leaves you wanting more. We love works that bring light to the stigma of mental health issues, damaged hearts, and souls and all those in between.’ https://uniquepoetry.com/submissions-2/

Poetry, flash fiction and more. https://www.fahmidan.net/

‘We’re always hunting for books that are thoughtful, unusual, and captivating. This is why Mango Publishing accepts unsolicited manuscripts and reviews all proposals. However, given the volume of proposals we receive, we are not able to personally respond to all unsolicited proposals unless we are interested in pursuing the project. Also, while we do publish the occasional fiction book, the majority of our focus is on nonfiction.’ ROYALTIES https://mangopublishinggroup.com/submissions/

Deadline TBC: Poetry on the theme of Waterloo. ‘Wine Cellar Press: a poetry press dedicated to publishing formal and free verse in equal measure.’ https://winecellarpress.com/submissions/

‘What do I like? –> formal poems, free verse, alliteration, metaphor, personification, and all the other things that make poetry an art form. What don’t I like? –> non-thoughtful line breaks, tortured meter, clichés, bad sonics, and all the other things that make poetry unpleasant to read.’ https://autumnskypoetrydaily.com/about/

‘We are looking for poetry and prose that engages with any aspect of the COVID-19 situation: political, personal, media, family, shopping, self care, food, routine, isolation, community, worries and hopes.’ https://www.trainriver.org/covid-19

‘We are particularly looking for poetry, short stories and flash fiction. Any genre will be accepted, although we are looking to publish strong storytelling. For our first set of pieces, we would love to see work that can help our readers to make sense of the world right now. We are not currently expecting to restrict the themes of work although we would like it to reflect the world around its writer, whether that be an internal world or the seasons outside of your window.’ Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING http://www.sylviamagazine.com/

Comps and calls for August 2020

Posted on by cathy in Uncategorised

Hello everyone,

Many, many thanks to my Patreon supporters. You are WONDERFUL.

It’s been a busy month – why does life do that? Why is it sometimes quiet and then everything happens all at once? Anyway – lots of opportunities this month. Have fun with them and if you’re busy too, good luck fitting them in!

Best wishes and stay safe,

Cathy x

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMPETITIONS

Cathy’s note: Although the deadline for this Galley Beggar Press Story Prize is in September, there are some no-fee entries available for those on a low income. These are allocated on a first come, first served basis, so if you have a suitable story and are on a low income and want to enter, get in there quickly! https://www.galleybeggar.co.uk/prize

5th Aug Spectator Competition No 3161: bout rimes ‘You are invited to supply a sonnet with the following rhyme words in the given order: dead, sun, run, mead, lead, done, fun, weed, never, frost, shrills, ever, lost, hills. Please email entries to lucy AT spectator.co.uk by midday on 5 August.’ https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/mickey-spillane-s-mike-hammer-meets-spock

7th Aug ‘On the first Friday of every month, a new set of story prompts will be revealed. You will have 55 hours to submit your best 500-word (or fewer) story for the chance to win… (drumroll)… $500!’ PAYING https://www.writerscentre.com.au/furious-fiction/

12th Aug Spectator Competition No. 3162: double time ‘You are invited to supply double dactyls on stars of popular or classical music (a maximum of three entries each). Please email entries to lucy AT spectator.co.uk by midday on 12 August.’ PAYING https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/spectator-competition-winners-poems-without-the-letter-e-

14th Aug UK and ROI only: novel by an unpublished writer. PAYING https://www.richardandjudy.co.uk/richard-and-judy/news/Richard-and-Judys-Search-For-A-Bestseller-2020/711 (Cathy’s note: self-published authors may submit, I think, Check the criteria carefully!)

15th Aug Speculative flash fiction inspired by the provided image. PAYING https://apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines

23rd Aug India only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE http://waxpoetryart.com/india/submissions/poetsofindia2.html

23rd Aug Nigeria only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE http://waxpoetryart.com/nigeria/submissions/poetsofnigeria2.html

30th Aug UK only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE http://waxpoetryart.com/uk/submissions/poetsoftheuk2.html

30th Aug Canada only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES, POSSIBLE CASH PRIZE http://waxpoetryart.com/canada/submissions/poetsofcanada2.html

31st Aug Up to 2 poems. PAYING https://www.culturalweekly.com/poetry-submissions-2020/

31st Aug USA only: YA fantasy short stories about a person facing and overcoming a monster. PAYING https://www.underthehood.net/2020/05/under-hooded-monster-contest.html

31st Aug UK only: ‘We want to hear your tales of time spent on or by our canals and rivers. Write us a story in 300 words or less about your most memorable visit to the waterways.’ NON-CASH PRIZE https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/waterway-arts/writing-competition

31st Aug Published Canadian writers only: application for a residency. PAYING https://www.stegnerhouse.ca/grantinfo.html

31st Aug Flash fiction 800-12,00 words on the theme of Humans and Djinn living together in harmony, and of course, occasional conflict. PAYING http://paperdjinnpress.com/contests/

31st Aug ‘For VIRUS POEMS we’re asking for your response to the pandemic and the times we’re in now.‘ PAYING (SUBJECT TO FUNDRAISER) http://www.publicpoetry.net/all-contest/

1st Sep Traditional and/or modern sonnet. PAYING https://www.poetsandpatrons.net/sonnet-contest

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

2nd Aug Poems about body image aimed at the middle and high school reader. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.flowersongpress.com/call-for-submissions

2nd Aug Dark poetry and fiction on the theme of Mythopoeia. https://coffinbell.com/submit/ (Cathy’s note: It’s free to submit until their free submission allocation is used up, so get your sub in as quickly as you can!)

3rd Aug Black voices only: ‘We have recently published the moving poem by Prince Bush, and he has generously allowed it to be an inspiration for a new series called Types of Burns, for Black voices who have something to say about this moment.’ PAYING https://frontier.submittable.com/submit

3rd Aug Spec flash fiction on the theme of Sixth Sense. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS https://gohavok.com/submission-guidelines/upcoming-themes/ (Cathy’s note: they pay if they include your piece in one of their anthologies.)

7th Aug Fantasy flash, short fiction and poetry. PAYING https://adamant.moksha.io/publication/fantasy/guidelines

7th Aug Flash, fiction and more on the theme of John Prine. http://www.cowboyjamboreemagazine.com/style–submit.html

8th Aug Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Sudden Change. https://greythoughts.info/submissions

11th Flash and short fiction on the theme of Central Park. https://www.litro.co.uk/submit/

14th Aug ‘Understorey Magazine publishes stories based in life experience and told through fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. We feature writers who identify as female or non-binary and who also have a strong connection to Canada.’ Theme: Gender and technology. PAYING  https://understoreymagazine.ca/submissions/

14th Aug 2000 word story on the theme of The Dark Web. ‘If you think you’ve got what it takes to terrify, scar and haunt our audience of 10,000 daily listeners, then we want your stories!’ PAYING http://www.hawkandcleaver.com/submissions

15th Aug Women over 60 only: writing on the theme of Justice. https://persimmontree.org/submissions/

15th Aug Theme: Goodness. ‘We invite you to explore this subject with us in poetry, story, memoir, or creative non-fiction.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://universaltable.org/wisingup.html

15th Aug ‘Denver Horror Collective is looking for stories of the Wendigo. The point of view could be a person becoming the Wendigo, from a Wendigo, pursued by a Wendigo, or a witness to a Wendigo-esque situation unfolding.’ 3000-12,000 words. PAYING https://denverhorror.com/2020/06/01/consumed-anthology-open-call/

15th Aug Country/Small Town Romance, 5000-50,000 words. ROYALTIES

https://www.rhetaskewpublishing.com/anthology-askew-submissions

15th Aug 50-word story. http://fiftywordstories.com/submissions/ (Cathy’s note: most accepted submissions don’t get any money, but every month there’ll be a ‘story of the month’ that receives cash.)

15th Aug Prose poetry, flash fiction and essays on the theme of Water. PAYS ONE CONTRIBUTOR http://www.portyonderpress.com/issue-12—water.html (Cathy’s note: editor’s choice will receive $50.)

15th Aug ‘The Enchantress: An Erotic Collection’. 4000-17,000 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.temptationpress.com/anthology-calls-for-submissions/

15th Aug ‘A new world is struggling to be born. How do we midwife this emergence collectively and learn to live in new relationship with the Earth and all beings?’ We invite you to submit an essay up to 1000 words, a poem, or other artwork, in response to any of these prompts or what the theme means to you.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIEShttps://www.kosmosjournal.org/contribute-to-kosmos-quarterly/

15th Aug Poetry on the theme of Politics. PAYING http://www.songsoferetz.com/p/guidelines.html

15th Aug ‘Mizmor is an annual anthology considering high-quality poetry that expresses spiritual experiences with a strong emphasis on the relationship between the modern world and ancient wisdom. We favor true experiences with striking imagery, we do not accept devotional-religious poetry.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.poeticapublishing.com/mizmor-anthology

15th Aug Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Social Justice. https://thebezine.com/submission-guidelines/

16th Aug Fiction and nonfiction. https://emeraldcity.submittable.com/submit

16th Aug ‘We are looking for essays of around 300 words on the particular work of art—be it a work of visual art, performing art, or literature—that you are turning to right now. It could be an appreciation of the art you have access to from your home. It can also be a remembrance of the art you wish you could see or hear right now, or a trip to a museum or arts organization that you wish you could relive.’ PAYING https://criticalread.submittable.com/submit

23rd Aug ‘We invite you to submit your best work created in 2020 for potential inclusion in a digital anthology that will be published later this year. Type of art: Any, with the exception of audio and video work.  Topics / Themes: Anything that is positive, uplifting and inspirational in nature, with the exception of erotica and politics. Also, coronavirus-related pieces that do not contain strongly positive / uplifting / inspirational elements will be automatically rejected. Clean art only. No dirty or swear words allowed!’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://abpoetryjournal.com/poartmo-anthology/ (Cathy’s note: it’s free to submit one piece! There are fees to submit more.)

23rd Aug Horror story up to 3500 words on the theme of STRANGE SIGNS // RITUAL PROTECTION MARKS. PAYING https://theghastling.com/submit/

24th Aug Speculative poetry, fiction and essays on the theme of Governance. PAYING http://www.speculativecity.com/submissions/

31st Aug ‘Christmas is a magical time of year, but for these characters, this special holiday is turned upside down by chaotic circumstances. Whether it’s troublesome family or magical mayhem, these stories should be Christmas-themed wrapped with mischief.’ Fiction 5000-15,000 words. CHARITY/GOOD CAUSE ANTHOLOGY https://dragonsoulpress.com/anthologies/

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

31st Aug Poetry about Transportation. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://tinyurl.com/yxa5pvx9

31st Aug Feminist writing on the theme of Queer Loving. https://angstfzine.com/submissions/

31st Aug ‘Short Viking tales that feature Reanna the Red.’ 4500 – 19,500 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://zimbellhousepublishing.com/anthology_submission/

31st Aug ‘Creature publishes up to four book-length works of feminist horror a year. We are looking for books that celebrate fluidity—the ability to cross boundaries and inhabit more than one category at once. While we acknowledge that categories have a certain utility, we refuse to separate horror, thriller, sci-fi, and fantasy from each other or the literary from the mainstream.’ https://creaturehorror.com/submit

31st Aug Poetry and prose touched by nature on the theme of Rise. PAYING https://clawandblossom.com/submissions/

31st Aug Poetry. https://www.lastleavesmag.com/submissions

31st Aug Story, poem or more containing the three words Trapeze, Calico and Pinprick. http://3elementsreview.com/submission-guidelines

31st Aug Poetry on the theme of either Journeying or Coronavirus. https://redwolfjournal.wordpress.com/submission-guidelines/

31st Aug Black and African Writers only: poetry pamphlet. PAYING https://kingdomsinthewild.com/submit

31st Aug Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Street Life. https://www.quincemag.com/submissions

31st Aug Work on the theme of Cross Roads. https://www.greeninkpoetry.co.uk/submissions

31st Aug ‘This issue will focus on speculative fiction by Indigenous people in Mexico, Mexican people, and people of Mexican origin. This includes people living in Mexico, in the borderlands/la frontera and Rio Grande Valley, and in diaspora, as well as displaced and undocumented peoples making home in these places.’ PAYING http://strangehorizons.com/non-fiction/azimuth/mexico-special-call-for-submissions/

31st Aug Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Social Justice. https://www.quincemag.com/submissions

1st Sep ‘Please submit your original short fiction that combines themes of witchcraft and bicycling, through a feminist lens. Both witchiness and bicycles must be inherent to accepted stories—ie, if you swapped these elements out for detectives and toasters, the stories would not work. The witchcraft can be informed by actual Paganism or another tradition, or more along the lines of Kiki’s Delivery Service or Sabrina the Teenage Witch, or your own invented variety of subversive or transgressive feminist magic.’ PAYING http://takingthelane.com/2020/05/18/call-for-submissions-bicycles-broomsticks/

1st Sep Black writers only: Poetry and more. https://www.electricmoonmagazine.com/submit.html

1st Sep Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Recovery and Resilience. https://drexelpaperdragon.com/submit/

1st Sep ‘Libretto Magazine is pleased to announce its call for submissions. We are looking for work with bold and elegant style that pushes boundaries beyond limit. You can play with form, style and language.’ https://librettong.com/submission-guidelines/

1st Sep Writers of Colour only: flash fiction. PAYING https://jellyfishreview.wordpress.com/2020/06/20/just-like-the-river-special-issue-exclusively-writers-of-colour-call-for-submissions/

1st Sep Short prose 6-500 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES  https://thecommonbreath.com/anthology2020.html(thanks to Donall and Janice’s newsletter for this one – sign-up here: https://www.dempseyandwindle.com/)

1st Sep Poetry and hybrid texts on the theme of Reanimating Ancestors. ‘We are seeking poetry and hybrid texts that exist despite imperialistic attempts at erasure. Does your work juxtapose time, place, and systems of thinking? Do you situate your readers within the multiplicities and nuances of your existence? Do you reanimate what has been widely forgotten? If history, ancestors, and an opposition to losing narratives maneuver your syntax, send us your work.’ https://pleiadesmag.com/submit/

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

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

Poetry chapbook. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://bluelyrapress.com/submit/

‘The Aurora Review is a platform for the voices that are too often disregarded, cast aside, and ignored by society. Whether through poetry, prose, photography, or an impassioned blog post, if you’re telling your story, we want to hear it and amplify it.’ https://www.theaurorareview.org/about

Poetry. PAYING https://www.foundryjournal.com/submit.html

‘Wedding Ritual’ is an online space for artists (including writers, dancers, musicians, filmmakers, visual artists and more) to display a profile of their work. Artists are invited to share three pieces of their own work and to highlight one piece by someone else. The format of Wedding Ritual is inspired by the traditional rhyme supposed to bring good luck to brides – something old, something new, something borrowed, and something ‘blue’.’ https://theweddingritual.blogspot.com/p/what-is-wedding-ritual.html

‘The minimal, the disjunctive, the contrapuntal, made of edges or fulsome plains; skyward-arching trees of the sparrows, fragile; avoid the all-too familiar lacking a language of birds. Sing to us. Send up to 20 unpublished poems.’ https://heliosparrow.com/submissions/ (Cathy’s note: they don’t send rejections, but send acceptances within three weeks. So if you haven’t heard by then, assume that the pieces haven’t been accepted, and send them elsewhere.)

‘SFK Press seeks book-length fiction by fearless authors. Our mission is to tell a million tales of y’all mean ALL, with a Southern accent. We especially encourage submissions from indigenous, LGBTQIA+, disabled, currently or previously incarcerated, and non-binary people, people of colour, and women.’ PAYING https://sfk.submittable.com/submit

‘If you produce innovative poetry, visual poetry, short fiction, drama, graphic narrative, creative nonfiction, or multimedia art and are interesting in collaborating with The Blasted Tree, please do not hesitate to contact us.’ http://www.theblastedtree.com/contact

‘The first year we are looking to publish a few middle-grade titles. Fantasy or sci-fi stories are of particular interest… Please keep in mind that we have a pretty specific mission. We are open to all manner of genres, but all are books will be written from a perspective that is a bit to the right side of center in regards to political, religious, and social issues.’ ADVANCE + ROYALTIES https://paraklesispress.com/submit-to-us/

Short verse, especially haiku. https://bonesjournal.com/submission.html

Tales of the Extraordinary. Short fiction and poetry. http://96thofoctober.com/submissions/

Experimental poetry. https://mosstrill.wordpress.com/about/

Poetry, flash and short fiction on the theme(s) of Self/Other/Isolation. PAYING https://lucentdreaming.com/poetry-guidelines/

‘Northodox Press is a new forward-thinking publisher eager to work with writers from Northern England. We are exclusively interested in Crime Fiction for our initial releases.’ Short fiction or novels. https://www.northodox.co.uk/submissions

‘In terms of genre, I am looking for work that constitutes the ever-moving edge of its kind, as a place between light and dark, consciousness and un, today and tomorrow; work exhibiting the strange, the bizarre, that which is not of the world we know, but more of a twilight realm or even altogether alien place.’ Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING http://penumbric.com/subs.html

Until filled, though the deadline states November – get writing! Cake horror stories. PAYING https://sliceduppress.com/submissions-2/

Poetry and prose. https://www.opalliterary.com/submissions

Poetry. https://luckypierrezine.com/submissions

‘The University of Calgary Press publishes works that embody the spirit of curiosity inherent scholarly inquiry. We invest in ideas that transform how we think about—and shape—our world. We publish peer-reviewed, academic non-fiction in all areas of the humanities and social sciences. We also publish innovative fiction, poetry, and creative forms.’ https://press.ucalgary.ca/authors/

‘Submissions for our New Voices poetry category are open year round to any new and emerging poet who has not published more than one full-length collection of poetry. New Voices are published online only and will feature a number of poems from new authors each month.’ PAYING https://frontier.submittable.com/submit

Children 9-13 only: up to 3 poems or one story. https://luckyjefferson.com/pages/little-jefferson

Canada only: ‘We define queer literature and arts as works created by LGBTQ2S+ people, rather than works which feature queer content alone.’ PAYING https://plenitudemagazine.ca/submit/submissionguidelines/