Comps and calls for May 2020

Hello everyone,

Here we are again, and I’m thinking about those of you I know even a little – are you OK? Are your friends and loved ones OK? I hope so with all my heart. Whether I’ve chatted to you or not, best wishes and I hope you’re safe and well.

I had a strange and rather cheering experience this month: a poem of mine was rejected several years ago, but then a new judge looked through the old entries and liked mine, and so it is going to be written on a sign next to a sculpture in a beautiful park, in another country thousands of miles away! Isn’t that lovely? You never know what will happen with writing – give it a go.

Best wishes and stay safe,

Cathy x

Ps. Support Comps and Calls via Paypal or Patreon.


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

3rd May Trans and/or nonbinary writers only: essay on the theme of Trans Everyday. PAYING http://www.jkp.com/jkpblog/writingprize/ (thanks to http://www.prizemagic.co.uk/html/writing_comps.htm for this one.)

3rd May ‘You must live in the Midwestern United States to submit. This includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.’ Poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/chicago/submissions/poetsofthemidwest.html

3rd May Under 25s only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/axil/submissions/poetsnowandforever.html

4th May ‘Please submit a full stage play script (minimum of 45 minutes in length, no maximum) and a one-page synopsis about the play in PDF format.’ PAYING https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/nick-darke-award

5th May Adventure writing by those age 11-21 (there are various age categories). PAYING https://www.wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org/index.php/awards/author-of-tomorrow-2019

6th May Spectator Competition No. 3148: selfie. Some famous painters are thought to have slipped small self-portraits into their other work. What if a well-known novelist had done the same with an added minor character? You are invited to submit the resulting extract (up to 150 words and please specify author). Email entries to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 6 May. NB. We are un-able to accept postal entries for the time being. https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/competition-winners-clerihews-on-spectator-contributors

6th May ‘This one-year Award is an opportunity for a student who has graduated from any university in the UK, Ireland, the Commonwealth or the USA. During the year the Award Holder is expected to engage in a course of study or research, and produce a piece of original fiction, drama or poetry. Funding up to a maximum of £15,000 is provided to cover accommodation and living expenses during the course of the year.’ PAYING (LOTS) https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/harper-wood-creative-writing-travel-award-2020

10th May: Ireland only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/dublin/submissions/poetsofireland.html

10th May Scotland only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/edinburgh/submissions/poetsofscotland.html

11th May New Zealand only: flash fiction up to 300 words. PAYING https://www.noted.co.nz/win/win-win/the-north-south-short-short-story-competition

13th May Spectator Competition No. 3149: lockdown lit. ‘You are invited to tweak an existing book or poem title for lockdown (e.g. Wigan Pier is Closed, ‘Not Upon Westminster Bridge’) and submit an extract of up to 150 words or a poem of up to 16 lines. Please email entries to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 13 May. NB. We are unable to accept postal entries for the time being.’  https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/spectator-competition-winners-poems-about-the-goats-of-llandudno

15th May Ekphrastic speculative flash fiction inspired by the provided image. PAYING https://www.apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines/#1571957803421-d0a22597-6822

15th May Poem for ‘Poetry in the Time of Coronavirus’ anthology. TRIP, CHARITY/GOOD CAUSE ANTHOLOGY https://www.pittoc.com/thecontest

17th May Poem up to 35 lines. ‘Submissions are open to First Nations, Métis,and Inuit Canadians, Native Americans, and indigenous people livingaround the world.’ ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/firstnations/submissions/poetsofthefirstnations.html

17th May ‘You must live in the prairie provinces of Canadaor the plains states of the USA to submit.’ Poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/edmonton/submissions/prairiesandplains.html

24th May England only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/london/submissions/poetsofengland.html

24th May India only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/india/submissions/poetsofindia.html

31st May Under-represented writers in the UK only: poetry and/or fiction on the theme of Tomorrow. PAYING https://www.creativefuture.org.uk/for-writers/creative-future-writers-award/how-to-enter/

31st May Essay by ‘graduate and undergraduate high school students’ on one of the provided topics. PAYING https://admission-writer.com/blog/scholarship

1st Jun ‘The International Human Rights Art Festival announces the creation of this new literary award, celebrating poetry, short stories and essays which use the written word to celebrate justice. This ideal may be imagined in any manner in which the writer sees fit, however, it must be based in our signature values of beauty, sincerity, vulnerability and engagement. We do not publish work or engage with artists whose work is based in anger, or stems from an “us v. them” mentality.’ PAYING https://ihraf.org/

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

3rd May Story 800-2000 words on the theme of Mystery & Suspense. If your work is chosen, it will be read by a professional actor on the night of the performance. https://www.liarsleague.com/liars_league/writers.html

3rd May Australians under 25: Comics and art. PAYING https://expressmedia.submittable.com/submit

4th May Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Stories from the Lockdown. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://londonreader.uk/

6th May Short and sweet flash fiction. https://www.liarsleaguenyc.com/submissions

7th May ‘We are looking for submissions of speculative autobiography from women and those who self-identify as women of all ages in the UK. Following the success of Disturbing the Beast, a collection of weird fiction stories by some of the best women writers in the UK, we are now on the lookout for submissions to an anthology of women’s memoir centred about experiences of mis-behaving bodies.’ PAYING https://boudiccapress.com/2017/11/11/submissions/

10th May ‘We are looking for pieces related to all things love, sex, and eroticism. But, we want to see your sensual expressions living within intersections.’ Poetry, prose and art. PAYING https://www.unsungliterarymagazine.com/submissions

10th May Poetry on the theme of Propaganda. Only Australian contributors will be paid. http://cordite.org.au/submissions/

10th May Poetry, essays and stories on the theme of Bacon. https://pureslush.com/submissions/current-submissions/the-tyranny-of-bacon/

11th May ‘Friends Journal comes out of the unprogrammed tradition of waiting worship, but many Friends throughout the country and the world have incorporated mainstream elements of Christian worship—pastors, planned sermons, liturgies, and even some sacraments. What are the different forms of pastoral worship and what are the unique challenges, benefits, and cautions for this style of Quakerism?’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.friendsjournal.org/submissions/

15th May ‘Adanna Literary Journal is a women focused print publication.  We are seeking essay, poetry, and creative non-fiction that speaks towards the experience of mothering in a time of crisis—caring for children, especially those with children in college returning from affected areas, those with younger children exposed to media and the anxiety of school shut-downs, as well as women who are caring for elderly relatives or those in the medical profession.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://adannajournal.blogspot.com/p/submission-guidelines.html

15th May ‘ We go for stories that are dark, literary; we are looking for the creepy, the weird and the unsettling.’ PAYING https://lamplightmagazine.com/submissions/

15th May ‘Chipper Press is looking for short stories that feature fully developed royal worlds of old. We want these stories to be middle-grader appropriate. Please watch the language. The stories we are looking for should feature a royal princess.’ 4500-17,000 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.chipperpress.com/anthology-submissions/

15th May Poetry and prose. https://counterclock.org/submission-guidelines

15th May ‘FULL METAL HORROR 3: The Unknown is seeking short stories 2,000-7,000 words long. We’re after sci horror, cosmic horror, and bizzaro horror.’ PAYING http://www.zombiepiratepublishing.com/Calls-For-Submissions/

15th May Women over 60 only: scroll down to find Short Takes. Theme: Election Stories. https://persimmontree.org/submissions/ (Cathy’s note; although this is billed as a contest, I only list contests that have prizes, so I’m treating this as a call.)

15th May Speculative poetry and fiction on the theme of Redemption. PAYING https://apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines/

15th May Theme: In the Labyrinth | Healing Pathways and Practices ‘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 ‘In the Labyrinth’ means to you. We will choose several works to publish in our Quarterly and on our website.’ https://www.kosmosjournal.org/contribute-to-kosmos-quarterly/

15th May Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING http://www.benningtonreview.org/submit/

15th May Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Edges and Borders. http://www.pilgrimagepress.org/

15th May YA spec fic on the theme of Banned Books Week. PAYING https://www.castofwonders.org/submissions/

15th May Poetry, fiction and lots more on the theme of SUSTAINability. https://thebezine.com/submission-guidelines/

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

15th May Poetry. https://www.therialto.co.uk/pages/about/the-magazine/submissions/

16th May ‘Not every hero survives. All heroes pay a cost, some the ultimate sacrifice. We’re examining that theme of ultimate sacrifice as key to heroism. Not only the willingness to sacrifice all, but the act of sacrifice for the greater ’cause,’ whatever that may be. These are tales of loss. Death can be a cost of heroism–but it might not be the greater loss come story’s end. Heroes die.’ 2000-9000 words. PAYING https://www.rogue-blades.com/RBE-Submissions

25th May Poetry on the theme of Green. https://truthserumpress.net/submissions/verdant/

31st May Poetry, prose and more. Marginalized writers highly encouraged to submit. https://anatoliosmagazine.wordpress.com/guidelines/

31st May ‘DUETDUET is an experiment in blind dates and/or happy accidents publishing equal amounts of work from two separate authors (perhaps strangers), oriented in opposite directions. the results are curiously perfect hot air balloons.’ https://pitymilkpress.wordpress.com/submissions/

31st May Poetry, fiction and more including the elements: Lobe, Parrot, and Half-life. http://3elementsreview.com/submit

31st May ‘We are looking for stories about the humorous or serious sides of life after 60.’ Poetry or prose. PAYING https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

31st May Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Toxic. http://www.ilanotreview.com/submissions-page/

31st May Poetry chapbooks. https://pitymilkpress.wordpress.com/submissions/

31st May NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA ONLY: ‘We’re limiting this callout to current or former Australian or New Zealand residents and citizens. We want memorable, dark fiction/horror stories that could only happen (or be told) here in Australia or New Zealand. Be inspired by the people, country, history, geography, cultures, myths and legends, but please be culturally sensitive.’ 4000-8000 words (approximately) PAYING https://thingsinthewell.wordpress.com/open-submissions/

31st May Fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and visual arts. Oyster River Pages looks for language, stories, and images that speak to what it means to be alive in this world. https://www.oysterriverpages.com/submit

31st May ‘Leaping Clear is accepting work for the Fall 2020 issue only from accomplished writers and artists with a dedicated meditation practice. Any and all traditions of meditation are acceptable: Buddhist, Sufi, Yoga, Christian, Jewish, TM, Mindfulness, and integrated mind-body practices such as yoga and qi gong. Please let us know in your cover letter if your dedicated practice is in a tradition we haven’t mentioned.’ https://www.leapingclear.org/submissions-spring-2020

31st May ‘For this anthology, Temptation Press is looking for short stories centered around what it means to be marked. Dig deep into your writing skillset to avoid a ‘typical’ erotic read. Pick one POV and show the reader what is happening. What does the mark stand for? How does one become marked? Is the mark a paranormal distinction? Is it a right of passage? Is it a clan distinction? Is it ownership? While this is an erotic collection, the plot is what our readers really want.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.temptationpress.com/anthology-calls-for-submissions/

31st May Poetry, flash fiction and more. https://florafiction.com/submit/

1st June ‘Send me your chilling horror, your stories that are set firmly in the genre, tagging the tropes and atmospherics of things that will cause you to have nightmares and not be able to escape the dark, even when you pull the covers over your head and sleep with the light on.’ PAYING https://cronegirlspress.com/submissions/

1st Jun ‘We are looking for afrofuturist fiction, poetry, and essays written by authors who are specifically of Black and/or African descent.’ PAYING  http://www.speculativecity.com/submissions/

1st June ‘Future//Tense: Sex is an anthology of transfuturistic science-fiction exploring the way sex, intimacy, and kink may change over time, from the near future to far, on Earth or other planets, in humans or those from the stars.’ PAYING https://hybrid.ink/submit/anthologies/future-tense/sex/

1st Jun Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING https://thebluenib.com/submit-to-the-blue-nib/

1st Jun ‘Send me your stories of lights in the sky, a storm that brings with it more than rain, comets that crash, aliens that secretly invade, or a wishing star that is hell-bent on revenge. The stories themselves do not have to take place in the sky, but the evil bad does need to come from it in some way or form. We are looking for horror.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY+ ROYALTIES https://www.eerieriverpublishing.com/open-submission

1st Jun ‘Every tradition has its holy days, sacred festivals, and important dates. Send us poems about Beltane, Dia de Muertos, Walpurgisnacht, and Diwali. Send us short fiction set during Anthesteria, Samhain, and Saturnalia. Send us essays about honoring Artemis and Pan for Arbor Day, how to avoid consumer madness during Yule, the recognition of (non-monotheist) holy days by school districts, and the portrayal of particular holy days in literature.’ Poetry, fiction and more. PAYING https://eternalhauntedsummer.com/about/

1st Jun ‘The theme for our Summer 2020 issue is Heroes, however given this time of uncertainty we will also accept anyhealth-related story making this issue an open call. We encourage our community to use this creative outlet as a place of healing, exploration, and release of the anxiety that exists in the world right now.’ https://pleaseseeme.com/submissions/

1st Jun ‘Bibliotheca Alexandrina is seeking submissions for Mother of Mountains: A Devotional for Cybele and Attis…The editor is interested in a variety of material, including but not limited to: prayers, poems, rituals, hymns, essays, artwork, short stories, plays, recipes, and new translations of ancient and public domain works.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://neosalexandria.org/bibliotheca-alexandrina/calls-for-submissions/mother-of-mountains-a-devotional-for-cybele-and-attis/

1st Jun Dark, eerie speculative fiction and poetry on the theme of The Great Outdoors. PAYING http://talesmoonlitpath.com/submissions/

1st Jun ‘Soul. Resistance. The end. We’re surrounded by energy, shared with symbols, some sacred, some just circuits, some nearly forgotten or unknown. Will you resist, or discover your frequency and share the universe?’ Poetry, short prose and art. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.pcsj.org/caesuracall.html

1st Jun Poetry and essays on the theme of Split Tongues. https://www.natbrut.com/submit

1st Jun Poetry and fiction on the theme of Lazy, Hazy, Crazy. PAYING https://sites.google.com/site/bethlehemwritersroundtable/submissions

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

‘We have decided to launch a new magazine to complement our existing poetry journal that will feature a mixture of photography, poetry-graphy (like Instapoetry), short stories, six-word stories, and drawings. We plan on adding more genres to this mix after a few issues have been released.’

https://abpoetryjournal.com/creative-arts-journal-submissions/ (Cathy’s note: it’s free to submit one poem – you only have to pay if you submit more.)

‘We publish novels, novellas, and collections in a variety of genres, and though we focus on science fiction, fantasy, steampunk, and horror, we’d love to branch out to speculative fiction, mysteries, non-fiction, and anything else you can come up with. Our goal is to publish fantastic books all year long.’ ROYALTIES https://www.branchingrealitiespublishing.com/submissions

‘Another New Calligraphy seeks work exploring the human experience, our internal worlds, and life among others; these complex systems are often clearest in our slightest moments.’ Poetry, flash and lots more. http://www.anothernewcalligraphy.com/submissions.html

‘Hard-as-nails crime fiction. About 1500-5000 words.’ PAYING http://all-due-respect.blogspot.com/p/review-policy.html

‘CRAFT explores the art of fiction, celebrating both emerging and established writers. We focus on the craft of writing and how the elements of craft make a good story shine. We feature new and republished fiction, critical pieces on craft, interviews, book annotations, and much more.’ PAYING https://www.craftliterary.com/submit/ (Cathy’s note: thanks to https://fundsforwriters.com/ for this one)

Poetry, fiction, art and more. ‘Themes: All things considered, Optimistic apocalypse, On doing nothing, When this is all over.’ PAYING https://www.pandemicpublications.com/submit

Fiction up to 2000 words. https://www.scribblelit.com/about

‘Annick Press is currently accepting submissions of picture books, middle grade fiction, YA fiction, and non-fiction for kids of all ages. Our stories feature contemporary themes (even if the setting is historical) and aim to instill kids with the joy of reading.’ https://www.annickpress.com/Submission-Guidelines

Canada only: ‘In these difficult times, Plenitude wants to hear your stories. Our call for submissions is asking for writers who identify as LGBTQ2S+ to share their experiences of isolation from a queer and/or intersectional and/or racialized viewpoint. How are you coping (or not coping) with self-isolation and social distancing?’ Poetry, fiction and CNF. PAYING http://plenitudemagazine.ca/call-for-canadian-submissions-queer-isolation-in-a-pandemic/

‘Plenitude Magazine is Canada’s only queer literary magazine. We aim to promote the growth and development of LGBTQ2S+ literature through online publication of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, book reviews, and interviews by both emerging and established LGBTQ2S+ writers. We especially encourage BIPOC and trans writers to submit their work. Submissions are open all year round to Canadian, American, and international writers.’ PAYING http://plenitudemagazine.ca/submit/submissionguidelines/

‘As the publishing house of the Church of Scotland, Saint Andrew Press has an exciting and varied catalogue of around 200 titles… Our future publishing programme will continue to engage with a wide range of issues. Our titles will aim to help readers to discover, share and deepen their Christian faith and to explore spirituality, faith, culture and ethical and moral issues in today’s world.’ https://standrewpress.hymnsam.co.uk/contact-us/submission-guidelines

‘We publish picture books for readers aged up to 10 years.’ http://hogsbackbooks.com/HBB/pages/About-us.html

Flash fiction. PAYING https://www.reflex.press/flash-fiction-submissions/

‘The Storyteller Series is a podcast bringing back classic radio theatre featuring engaging storytelling delivered to you monthly. From narrated tales to character driven stories performed by multiple voice actors. All will bring you on an audible journey.’ 7000-10,000 words. PAYING https://nightshiftradio.com/submissions

Comps and calls for April 2020

Hello all! Like many of us round the world, I’m at home and staying there, thanks to COVID-19. It’s not much fun and there are all sorts of issues – but has there ever been a better chance to catch up with your writing, submitting and entering? This isn’t much of a bright side to a deadly virus, but we might as well use our time as productively as possible.

My writing tip this month: if you’re in a difficult place mentally (or physically), don’t let that stop you from writing. Some of the best writing in history has come from those places. If the results are a bit edgy or weird – fine! Just make sure to proofread them, and submit them somewhere appropriate. Editors are often looking for pieces that stand out, so your risky, odd writing might be perfect for them!

I wish good health for you and your loved ones, and many writing successes to take your mind off things! Please look after yourselves as best you can.

I haven’t done my usual ‘April Fool’ among the listings this year, as it felt inappropriate.

Best wishes,

Cathy x

Ps. Support Comps and Calls via Paypal or Patreon.


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

There’s no deadline available for this that I can find, and nor is there a list of rules anywhere. However, it might be worth having a go, especially if you happen to have a story written already. I assume that it’s for high school students writing in English… https://emeraldcity.submittable.com/submit/162497/2020-high-school-english-fiction-contest

Weekly: poem inspired by the news. PAYING https://www.rattle.com/respond/

2nd Apr This is for children living in Wales, who are in year 6 or below: poem on the theme of Identity. NON-CASH PRIZE https://www.literaturewales.org/euro2020/

3rd Apr Story 1000-3000 words inspired by one of the Spring-themed prompts. PAYING https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/contests/35/

8th Apr Spectator competition No. 3144: alphabetical. ‘You are invited to submit a poem, six lines at the most, containing all the letters of the alphabet. Please email entries to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 8th April.’

10th Apr ‘Every year, QSF holds a flash fiction contest to create an amazing new anthology of queer speculative fiction stories. We ask authors to do the nearly-impossible – to submit a sci fi, fantasy, paranormal or horror LGBTIQA story that has no more than 300 words.’ PAYING https://www.queerscifi.com/flash-contest-rules/?cn-reloaded=1

15th Apr Ekphrastic speculative flash fiction inspired by the provided image. PAYING https://www.apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines/#1571957803421-d0a22597-6822

15th Apr ‘The beating drum of the climate crisis is a constant reminder that our planet is a closed, limited system, and that we’re currently living far beyond its boundaries. We are looking for short stories that help us imagine how humans can live within Earth’s planetary boundaries—at the individual level, yes, but more importantly at the level of organizations, communities, and societies, and at the level of a global human civilization.’ Up to 5000 words. PAYING https://everythingchange.submittable.com/submit

15th Apr Up to (and including) age 18 only: flash fiction up to 300 words. NON-CASH PRIZE https://fingerscommatoes.wordpress.com/nffd-youth/

15th Apr Speculative story up to 1500 words on the theme of Forging. ‘The contest is open to non-professional writers (those who have not met eligibility requirements for SFWA or equivalent: sale of a novel or sale of 3 stories to a large-circulation publication.’ PAYING http://parsecink.com/contest/

19th Apr Canada only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/canada/submissions/poetsofcanada.html

19th Apr: UK only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/uk/submissions/poetsoftheuk.html

26th Apr USA only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/usa/submissions/poetsoftheusa.html

26th Apr Caribbean only: poem up to 35 lines. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/caribbean/submissions/poetsofthecaribbean.html

27th Apr ‘We invite you to write a poem about a member or members of royal families from countries around the world.’ PAYING https://www.hollandparkpress.co.uk/is-royalty-relevant-a-poetry-competition/

30th Apr Poems on the provided themes, all of which feature the Falun Gong. PAYING https://classicalpoets.org/2020/01/15/friends-of-falun-gong-2020-poetry-competition/

30th Apr Poem inspired by the provided image. PAYING https://www.rattle.com/ekphrastic/

1st May Poem up to 25 lines on the theme of Hope. ‘Poems will be judged by Dylan’s grand-daughter Hannah Ellis and poet Mab Jones, in 3 categories: 10 & under; 11-18; and over 18. A winner from each category will also be chosen and will receive a small prize.’ PRIZES (UNKNOWN WHAT) https://tinyurl.com/r7vfm7h

1st May ‘This year’s theme is ‘The Impact of Conflict on Communities’ – We invite young people all across the world to write a poem, speech, or song, or create a piece of art reflecting on how a conflict has or is affecting a community.’ Also: ’75 – Create a poem, speech, song or piece of artwork to reflect on the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.’ And: ‘A Fight for Freedom – Highlight the contributions made by the countries of the Commonwealth in Africa and the Caribbean during the Second World War through a poem, speech, song or piece of artwork!’ PRIZES (UNKNOWN WHAT) https://www.neversuchinnocence.com/2019-20-competition

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

3rd Apr ‘A writing gallery created by writers of all sorts from around the world. From poetry to song lyrics, from essays to entire novels and short stories.’ Theme: Essential Elements. https://greythoughts.info/writers-club-info/theme-schedule

3rd Apr ‘We invite submissions for an essay anthology that takes a contemporary look at silences around class and caste systems that divide us, to be co-edited by a collective of award-winning incarcerated writers and published by Coffee House Press. The pieces should tell the stories of the unseen and the unspoken, and articulate lines of our division. We encourage submissions from all walks of life and across the gender spectrum. Submit to: wheredoibelonganthology@gmail.com. We are accepting essays, 2,500 – 7,500 words. Submissions open until April 3, 2020. All accepted contributions will be paid.’ PAYING (thanks to https://www.newpages.com/classifieds for this one)

3rd Apr Speculative fiction, poetry and more. PAYING http://spaceandtime.net/submissions-fiction/

5th Apr ‘Strange Lands Short Stories: Packed with strange and distant places, from underground cities, undiscovered islands, ancient lands, hidden continents, civilisations on the moon and Mars this new book will bring together the tales of Washington Irving, H.G. Wells, Otis Kline, with Homer, Samuel Butler and a generation of modern writers for a thrilling read of speculative fiction.’ PAYING http://blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-gothic/strange-lands-submissions-announcement-0-0

6th Apr ‘Montana Mouthful seeks short fiction/nonfiction, poetry, and artwork submissions for its next issue, and this time the theme is “The Great Outdoors.” ‘ http://montanamouthful.com/submission-guidelines/

11th Apr Women writers only: ‘We publish adult literary fiction (novels and short story collections) and narrative non-fiction.’ https://www.galleybeggar.co.uk/2-submissions

12th Apr ’45 Poems of Protest – The Pandemic. The entire world is currently responding in unprecedented ways to the threat posed by the COVID-19 virus. We are all thinking and feeling our way through this unprecedented situation. This Breaking Call for Submissions asks all poets around the world to channel this intense experience into poetry.’ http://waxpoetryart.com/eleventh/submissions/45poems.html

12th Apr Australians under the age of 25: Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Butter. PAYING https://www.voiceworksmag.com.au/print

13th Apr ‘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!’ 2000-word story on the theme of Big Brother. PAYING http://www.hawkandcleaver.com/submissions

13th Apr Poetry, prose and art on the theme of Renewal. https://paperbarkliterarymagazine.submittable.com/submit

13th Apr Microfiction, flash, and Irish Language flash. http://splonk.ie/index.php/submit/

15th Apr ‘Our goal is to publish innovative and deeply resonant literature that embodies our core values of justice, awareness, and perspective. We seek unique, powerful writing that transports the reader to places unknown.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.stonecoastreview.org/

15th Apr ‘We welcome experimental works, including vispo, hybrid, even GIF-poems if you got ’em!’ https://petrichormag.com/submit/

15th Apr 50 word fiction on the theme of Road Trip. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.blink-ink.org/2020/02/28/submissions-open-03-01-20/

15th Apr Short story 5000-8000 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://unitedfaedompublis.wixsite.com/unitedfaedompub/submissions

15th Apr ‘Send us your best murder mystery stories! There is one requirement: your story must include a trench coat. We want creativity! While we love Dick Tracy and Humphrey Bogart, we really don’t want any story to contain those particular characters. Give us new, unique tales.’ PAYING https://geminiwordsmiths.com/the-trench-coat-chronicles/

15th Apr Fun speculative fiction. PAYING https://translunartravelerslounge.com/submissions/

15th Apr ‘Poems may be written on any subject, in any length, but the poet must currently be, or have been, employed as a service worker for a significant period of time (years, not months).’ PAYING https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/34383/service-workers

15th Apr ‘We ask all of our contributors to meditate on the creation of the piece we publish. This reflection is presented alongside the “finished” submission, both unveiling each author’s unique writing process and bringing the author’s voice into the interpretation of their writing.’ Theme: Food. PAYING https://www.headwaylit.org/about

15th Apr Poetry and CNF on the theme of Dread/Desire. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.snapdragonjournal.com/submit.html (Cathy’s note: only the first 100 submissions of the month are free, so act swiftly!)

15th Apr ‘For Volume 23, we are asking for your poems, short stories, essays, flash pieces and black and white 2D art on encounters with the edge, however you define it. Unpublished work is preferred, but we aren’t sticklers. Send us your best creative work exploring Appalachian Edge.’ http://www.sawconline.net/pmsg-submission-guidelines.html

15th Apr ‘A Flash of Summer will be devoted to flash fiction, poems and prose poems, and excellent art / illustration with a science fiction / speculative / slipstream vibe. All fiction should be under 1000 words for this call.’ https://masonstreetreview.org/submissions/

17th Apr ‘A writing gallery created by writers of all sorts from around the world. From poetry to song lyrics, from essays to entire novels and short stories.’ Theme: Spiritual Struggles. https://greythoughts.info/writers-club-info/theme-schedule

20th Apr Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Dissent. https://themedley.in/submission/

22nd Apr Stories on the theme of Twenty. 2000-5000 words. PAYING https://falling-star-magazine.com/

24th Apr ‘For our inaugural issue, Pocket Samovar invites poetry, short stories, essays, and creative nonfiction written around the theme of “dislocation/hyphenation.” For our online issue, we also invite film, multimedia, and visual art. Non-English language works are welcome so long as English translation is included or requested in the cover letter. Although Pocket Samovar is interested in creating a space for underrepresented Eurasian, post-Soviet writers, any works that address dislocation or hyphenation are welcome.’ https://www.pocketsamovar.com/submissions

24th Apr Poems. PAYS SOME CONTRIBUTORS https://www.stiltsjournal.com/about (Cathy’s note: Australian contributors are paid.)

24th Apr Microfiction based on science. PAYING https://storyseedvault.com/submissions/

25th Apr Poetry, drama, fiction and more. http://thecoachellareview.com/wordpress/submissions/

Until filled or 30th Apr: ‘ We adore Godzilla, we watch in rapture whenever giant monsters storms across a story, crushing cities, dreams and of course any other monster that gets in its way. Sure, so many of those old movies are hokey as sin now, hardly watchable at times. But we have faith that you can make us tiny mortals tremble once more.’ PAYING https://madnessheart.press/submissions/devouring-earth/

30th Apr Poem on the theme of Punk. PAYING https://www.kissingdynamitepoetry.com/uploads/1/1/8/5/11859462/punk_whole_image_advert.pdf

30th Apr ‘Stories about finding love the second time around.’ LGBTQ stories 12,000 words+. ROYALTIES https://www.jms-books.com/2020-submissions-calls-lgbtq-romance-stories-ezp-36.html

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

30th Apr ‘In partnership with Time To Change (Worcester), we are welcoming entries of poetry or short prose written to the ‘hard times happen’ theme.’ https://worcesterlitfest.co.uk/2020/02/15/hard-times-happen-competition-open/ (Cathy’s note: although they’ve titled this as a comp, there’s no prize other than publication, so I’ve classed this as a call.)

30th Apr Poetry on the theme of: ‘Dark Side of the web- Bullying, Social Media and Smartphone addiction, Depression or Body Shaming.’ https://www.irlcollection.com/

30th Apr ‘This anthology seeks to offer a channel for people under 22 to talk to older people about their experiences and concerns. We are looking for short stories, poetry, essay, memoir, from people under 22 discussing: What worries you? What angers you, or delights you? In other words: what’s on your mind?’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.flexiblepub.com/22_under_22

30th Apr ‘Seeking short personal memoirs in prose, poetry and dramatic form up to 3,500 words for our third volume on the themes of travel, immigration and multiculturalism from a LGBTQ+ perspective.’ ROYALTIES https://qommunicatepublishing.com/submissions/

30th Apr Crime stories set in New England (an area of the USA) or by a New England author. https://levelbestbooks.wordpress.com/submissions/

30th Apr ‘We are looking for tales that delve into the rituals and history of being a healer. How does one become a spirit walker? Can a tribe have more than one? How are they chosen? What are they asked to do by the tribe? Do they live apart? Do they have assistants or apprentices that help them? Are they reincarnated? Do they live many lives?’ 4500-17500 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://zimbellhousepublishing.com/anthology_submission/

30th Apr Poetry and Art on the theme of Portraiture. https://www.harbor-review.com/submit

1st May “We’re editing an anthology of sensual flash fiction and prose poetry that’s inclusive, sex-positive, feminist, and offers positive portrayals of LGBTQA+, kinky, and poly people. We want to publish stories by authors and about characters from around the world, from diverse racial and class backgrounds, of diverse body types, abilities, and ages. All characters must be of legal age and express their consent.” Sensual Fiction and prose poetry. Length 50-2000 words. PAYING https://newsmutproject.tumblr.com/post/190662885494/call-for-submissions-erato-flash-fiction

1st May Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Upside Down. https://halfwaydownthestairs.net/submissions/

1st May Two anthologies: ‘EARTH, WE ARE LISTENING: AN ANTHOLOGY OF ECOPOETRY’ and ‘THE MOUNTAINS YOU CANNOT SEE: AN ANTHOLOGY OF POEMS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH’. Poetry. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES, CHARITY/GOOD CAUSE ANTHOLOGY http://www.sliceofthemoonbooks.co.uk/submissions.html

1st May Short fiction celebrating Banned Books Week. PAYING https://www.castofwonders.org/submissions/

1st May ‘Looking for stories about fairytales as told from the villain’s perspective. No DC or Marvel retellings… fairytales such as Brothers Grimm… Genres we want are horror, Fantasy and paranormal romance.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://ironfaeriepublishing.com/open-anthology-calls/

1st May ‘counterclaim is seeking new, original work for the inaugural 2020 publication of its online literary journal. the theme is starting fresh/new beginnings. note that we accept fiction, non-fiction, visual art, poetry, and we’re open to hearing if you’ve got something else in mind!’ https://www.counterclaimart.com/journal

1st May Poetry and art on the theme of Love. PAYING http://www.songsoferetz.com/p/guidelines.html

1st May Poetry and fiction starting with: The door was locked. PAYING http://www.thefirstline.com/submission.htm

1st May ‘We are looking for short story submissions that explore the shape of love and romance in the decades and centuries to come. There is no restriction on gender of characters or perceived orientation, including anywhere on the asexuality/aromanticism spectrum.’ PAYING https://hybrid.ink/submit/anthologies/future-tense/love/

1st May ‘We are open to submissions of short fiction, poetry and visual art on the theme VAMPIRES. Note: For this issue, we will not be accepting work by straight, white, cisgender men.’ PAYING https://bloodbathlitzine.com/

1st May Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of the Wild West. http://www.thebrokencitymag.com/submissions.html

1st May ‘The theme for Best Women’s Erotica of the Year, Volume 7 is “surprise.” This anthology is ONLY open to authors who themselves are women, gender nonconforming, genderqueer and/or nonbinary who have not been published or scheduled to be published in the first six Best Women’s Erotica of the Year volumes edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel. Stories MUST be from the point of view of a character who is a woman, gender nonconforming, genderqueer and/or nonbinary.’ 2000-5000 words. PAYING https://www.bweoftheyear.com/call-for-submissions

1st May Poetry and art on the theme of Spirits. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.slipstreampress.org/guide.html

1st May Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Science. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.longshippress.com/

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO KNOWN DEADLINES

Poetry, flash and short fiction on the theme of Growth. https://myceliumlit.wixsite.com/mysite/submissions

‘We seek non-fiction proposals for text-only books about popular music, design, technology, computing, typography and related subjects. Please note that the obscurity of the subject-matter is not necessarily of any great concern for us. Obscurity is welcomed. This is about interest as much as it is about sales.’ https://www.dostoyevskywannabe.com/open-call-for-non-fiction-proposals

Flash fiction, prose poetry, and art. https://clubplumliteraryjournal.com/submit/

‘Goal Publications is looking for standalone works of a “furry” nature, meaning that your main character(s) must be anthropomorphic animals, or animals with a human-level of intelligence. (Think Redwall, Watership Down, or even general sci-fi/fantasy books with alien/mythical creatures that while still possessing a human-level of intelligence, are some sort of animal/creature.) We are looking specifically for works that truly utilize the species and characteristics of the anthropomorphic animals portrayed.’ ROYALTIES https://www.goalpublications.com/submissions-guidelines.html

Flash fiction up to 750 words. https://milkcandyreview.home.blog/submissions/

‘Black Poppy Review is a literary arts journal featuring free verse poetry, flash fiction, and mini-chapbook collections (chaplets), of a darker nature. All is not as it seems at Black Poppy. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Find the key. Unlock the creaky gate on rusted hinges. Explore the dilapidated, mossy grounds. Discover hidden paths and nooks which lead to words that linger and haunt–poems of abandonment, discovery, enchantment, flora & fauna, ghosts, isolation, memories, nature, weathering, wonder, and the otherwise forgotten.’ https://blackpoppyreview.blogspot.com/p/about.html

Poetry, fiction and more. UNKNOWN PAYMENT http://www.themanchesterreview.co.uk/?page_id=231 (Cathy’s note: One source lists this as a paying mag, but nothing is mentioned on the website. Apparently there is a reading period, but we are left unenlightened as to when it is. As usual in this case, submit as soon as you can.)

Novels and collections of short stories. https://flexiblepress.submittable.com/submit

‘We are a new online poetry magazine interested in what fascinates you, what perturbs you, and what keeps you up at night.’ Theme: Recovery. https://www.minerallitmag.com/about.html (Cathy’s note: There’s no specific deadline given for this, but as it’s planned to come out on May 15th, I’d submit sooner rather than later.)

Comps and calls for March 2020

Hello all! Is it March already? As I write this, the news is frightening and the weather isn’t great either. Time to wrap up warm, stay in and do some submissions and entries. A word about competitions, for those who don’t usually enter. I’ve heard it said that writing competitions are basically a lottery. Well, if lottery tickets were free, wouldn’t you take one?! All the comps I list are free! Also, if you proofread your work carefully, avoid clichés and follow the contest rules, then you have as good a chance as anyone. There are some wonderful comps this month – the Wergle Flomp, the BBC Short Story, the Spirit First, The Foley, and loads more! Some have lovely big prizes. And yes, people do win them – I won $1000 in the Wergle Flomp some years ago! You can always read more in my book, How to Win Writing Competitions (and Make Money). Have a go and good luck!

(Sorry for the late posting of this month’s update – I have a migraine at the moment.)

Best wishes,

Cathy x

Ps. Support Comps and Calls via Paypal or Patreon.


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

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

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

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

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

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

COMPETITIONS

2nd Mar UK age 16-18 only: poem on the theme of Trees. PAYING https://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/research-and-academia/enter-tower-poetry-competition (thanks to www.winningwriters.com for this one)

4th Mar (Scroll down for:) Spectator Competition No 3139: grave thoughts You are invited to submit a four-line verse epitaph for a well-known person, living or dead (up to three entries each and please specify). Please email entries to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 4 March. https://www.spectator.co.uk/2020/02/3136-love-me-dont/

6th Mar Poem, fiction (and other categories) on the theme of Taste. PAYING https://www.headwaylit.org/contest

6th Mar UK aged 18-30: poetry. PAYING https://www.girton.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-JMPflyer.pdf

6th Mar ‘For this contest, write a creative, compelling, well-crafted story between 1,000 and 5,000 words in which one or more characters face this problem: there is more than one of something that there should absolutely, positively be only one of.’ PAYING https://onthepremises.com/current-contest/

8th Mar ‘America Media is seeking submissions from young writers for this year’s Generation Faith Essay Contest. We want to hear from high school and college students interested in reflecting on the joys and challenges that come with living out (or struggling with) one’s faith in the midst of real life. All entries should be true personal essays, between 800 and 1,200 words.’ PAYING https://americamedia.submittable.com/submit/48329/2020-generation-faith-essay-contest

9th Mar ‘The Award is open to British nationals and UK residents, aged 18 years or over on the submission deadline (9am GMT Monday 9 March 2020) only, who have a prior record of publication in creative writing in the United Kingdom.’ Short story up to 8000 words. PAYING https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2QXsYTZYWZ40CTc8lbH0FdV/how-to-enter

11th Mar Spectator Competition No. 3140: confessional ‘You are invited to submit a poem in the style of a famous poet in which they make a surprising confession. Please email entries of up to 16 lines to lucy@spectator.co.uk by midday on 11 March.’ https://www.spectator.co.uk/2020/02/by-george/

13th Mar Short story up to 2200 words, on the theme of Summer. NON-CASH PRIZE https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/culture-news/a36157/harpers-bazaar-short-story-competition/

15th Mar Ekphrastic speculative flash fiction inspired by the provided image. PAYING https://www.apparitionlit.com/submission-guidelines/#1571957803421-d0a22597-6822

15th Mar Unpublished writers living in Scotland: speculative story showing the future of Scotland. PAYING https://www.shorelineofinfinity.com/cymera-scotlands-futures-forum-shoreline-of-infinity-prize-for-speculative-short-fiction/

25th Mar Nonfiction on the theme of The Best We Could Do. ‘Please remove your name from your essay before uploading it. Entries up to 1,500 words in length will be judged on originality, compelling content, and the quality of written expression.’ PAYING https://chaffeyreview.submittable.com/submit/146674/one-book-one-college-presents-the-best-we-could-do-an-essay-contest

29th Mar Story up to 1000 words inspired by the ‘Stay Rude’ text and/or image provided. NON-CASH PRIZE https://www.limnisa.com/competition-guidelines

31st Mar Up to three poems on the theme of Meditation and/or mindfulness. PAYING https://www.spiritfirst.org/poetry_contest2020Entry.html

31st Mar UK Primary school pupils only: a poem about food waste. VOUCHER/OTHER https://toogoodtogo.co.uk/en-gb/blog/poetry-comp-blog

31st Mar Poem on any topic, up to 45 lines. PAYING https://americamedia.submittable.com/submit/46327/the-foley-poetry-contest

31st Mar ‘We are proud to present The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing. We are looking for extraordinary unpublished submissions from emerging writers of sharp, culture-straddling writing that addresses identity in a global age.’ PAYING https://restlessbooks.org/prize-for-new-immigrant-writing

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

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

SUBMISSIONS WITH DEADLINES

2nd Mar Poetry, flash and short fiction on the theme of earth. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.popshotpopshot.com/submit/

2nd Mar Short fiction. PAYING https://www.hermineannual.com/submit/

3rd Mar Writing on the theme of The European Exchange. PAYING https://www.griffithreview.com/submit-to-griffith-review/

4th Mar Story 800-3000 words on the theme of Success & Failure. https://www.liarsleaguenyc.com/submissions

7th Mar Short fiction on the theme of Hallowe’en. PAYING https://www.castofwonders.org/submissions/

7th Mar ‘Our primary focus is to create and curate a variety of art and content, presenting our take on the multi-faceted nature of mental health purely through art-forms. We are trying to be present and supportive of each other, understand the importance and severity of mental health without invalidating or de-sensitizing it.’ https://ayaskala.wordpress.com/submissions-digital-issue/

8th Mar ‘Take a hard left turn from normal. Bring us your unsettling stories. If a common activity leads to violations of the laws of man or nature, your story may be perfect for this collection. Ideal genres: horror, crime.’ PAYING http://www.bronzevillebooks.com/writers/anthology-submissions/

8th Mar Speculative stories and poems by BAME writers. PAYING https://www.shorelineofinfinity.com/submissions/submissions-bame-special-issue-stories-and-poems-wanted/

8th Mar ‘Inspired by Robert Macfarlane’s work Underland (Penguin, 2019), Black Bough Poetry invite submissions of short poetry to the ‘Deep Time’ edition. As usual, profound, vivid and striking poems are the brief. Avoid cliché and aim for precision of poetic expression.’ Up to three micro-poems (each poem having fewer than 14 lines). https://www.blackboughpoetry.com/events

9th Mar Women only: poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Other Worlds. PAYING https://mslexia.co.uk/themed-writing/

10th Mar Poetry, flash and more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://burningword.com/submissions/ (thanks to www.westlothianwriters.org.uk for this one)

10th Mar Work by indigenous writers on the theme of Racism. http://www.yellowmedicinereview.com/id12.html

11th Mar Flash, short fiction and more on the theme of Africa: 2050. https://www.litro.co.uk/submit/

13th Mar Poetry, fiction and more on the theme of Unicorns. https://pinehillsreview.com/submit/

14th Mar Poetry and prose on the theme of Polarity. https://chaffeyreview.submittable.com/submit/140394/polarity

15th Mar ‘The theme is Sexual identity, gender and sexuality. If you have a piece of fiction, non-fiction or a poem that relates to our theme please feel free to submit it.’ PAYING http://theavenuejournal.squarespace.com/submission-guidlines

15th Mar ‘The stories we are looking for will show us what happens at the end of magic. Do the magical realms fade away out of existence forever? Or do they blend into another reality?’ 4500-17,000 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.chipperpress.com/anthology-submissions/

15th Mar ‘This special issue of Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora is dedicated to creative artistry for children of the African Diaspora.’ https://obsidianlit.org/open-calls/

15th Mar ‘ALLUVIAN is now taking submissions for the theme of our SPRING 2020 issue: Charred: Life in the Dark. We are looking for thoughtful, creative environmental works of bravery, deviance, burning, and hope. Accepting fiction, art, cartoons, audio, poetry, and video clips.’ https://alluvian.submittable.com/submit

15th Mar Poetry and prose on the theme of Re-casting Masculinity. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.socialjusticeanthologies.com/

15th Mar Speculative poetry on the theme of House and Home. PAYING http://www.eyetothetelescope.com/submit.html

15th Mar Speculative fiction 1500-3000 words on the theme of Gotta Wear Eclipse glasses. ‘The future we all want. Examples might include effects of technology on the young (online learning, socialization), climate mitigation and adaptation, new opportunities to boldly go where none have gone before.’ PAYING https://www.thirdflatiron.com/liveSite/pages/thirdflatiron

15th Mar Poetry, microfiction and more. ‘Headline’s version of restoration is the weaving of personal mythologies with history to challenge the internal and organically inspire social justice from within. We seek creative works that reflect the world we hope for; be it mythical, mystical, magical, or true.’ 10% of proceeds will go to California Fire Relief. https://headlinepoetryandpress.com/2019/12/23/submit/

15th Mar Flash, short fiction and more on the theme of Wild Mercury. http://www.sblitjo.com/p/submit.html

15th Mar ‘Here at Periwinkle Literary Magazine, we hope to publish work that might not see the light of day due to being non-academic in nature. We want pieces that teachers have told you not to write. We want your sad girl poems, grotesque imagery, and abstract daydreams. The theme for our first issue is “Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, and Something blue” https://periwinklelitmag.wixsite.com/website/submission-guidelines

16th Mar ‘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!’ 2000-word story on the theme of Trophy Hunter. PAYING http://www.hawkandcleaver.com/submissions

17th Mar Poems on the theme of Luck. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES http://www.florencepoets.com/p/silkworm.html

18th Mar ‘The Writers’ Cafe Magazine is open for submissions to poetry (up to 5 previously unpublished) and prose (Word count limit 1000), that adhere to the theme “Can you dig it?”(Archaeology).’ https://thewriterscafemagazine.wordpress.com/2020/01/05/the-writers-cafe-magazine-issue-19-can-you-dig-itcallout/

19th Mar ‘Who’s a “real Quaker” and who isn’t? What does it mean for someone to join and what responsibilities do we have for those who are in membership? What other “almost Quaker” identities exist and how do we relate to them?’ Poetry and more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.friendsjournal.org/submissions/

20th Mar ‘This is an open call for submissions to a Poetry Exhibition which will be displayed across station platforms in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF). Anyone with an interest in exploring mental health and wellbeing is welcome to submit work.’ Poetry up to 20 lines on the theme of Perspectives. https://tinyurl.com/tcxbv7k (thanks to www.westlothianwriters.org.uk for this one)

22nd Mar ‘Our winter seasonal theme is ‘Gift’. We would love you to send us poems, stories or creative constructs of your own, a selection of which will form a separate Winter strand on the website.’ https://wordsforthewild.co.uk/?p=7735

23rd Mar Fiction and poetry on the theme of Baseball. https://hobartpulp.submittable.com/submit

25th Mar ‘Poetry, Short Essays, Fiction, and Art by those affected by gun violence.’ PAYING, CHARITY/GOOD CAUSE ANTHOLOGY https://www.swallowpublishing.com/2019/11/19/call-for-submissions-gun-violence/

30th Mar ‘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!’ 2000-word story on the theme of Fire. PAYING http://www.hawkandcleaver.com/submissions

31st Mar Two page Terrors – that is, horror stories 400-550 words approx. PAYING https://www.corpuspress.com/call-for-submissions/

31st Mar Poetry. ROYALTIES https://dragonsoulpress.com/anthologies/

31st Mar ‘Stories about finding love when all hell breaks loose.’ LGBTQ stories 12,000 words+. ROYALTIES https://www.jms-books.com/2020-submissions-calls-lgbtq-romance-stories-ezp-36.html

31st Mar ‘In this anthology, Temptation Press is looking for short stories centred around the protection of the royal family.’ 4000-17,000 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.temptationpress.com/anthology-calls-for-submissions/

31st Mar Nonfiction. https://hudsonreview.com/about-us/submission-guidelines/

31st Mar Poetry, short fiction, short plays and more. https://sites.google.com/g.emporia.edu/flinthillsreview/submissions

31st Mar Poetry, flash, short fiction and more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://delmarvareview.org/submissions/

31st Mar ‘We encourage both emerging and established poets who are sexual-trauma survivors to submit up to three (3) original, previously unpublished poems that tell their unique stories.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://www.liminalpublishing.org/

31st Mar Short fiction on the theme of Dinovember. PAYING https://www.castofwonders.org/submissions/

1st Apr Tot Tales, 1000-5000 words. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://unitedfaedompublis.wixsite.com/unitedfaedompub/submissions

1st Apr Poetry. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://unitedfaedompublis.wixsite.com/unitedfaedompub/submissions

1st Apr ‘ For this special issue, we are ONLY accepting work by folks who identify as having lived experience of madness, mental health challenges, mental illness, and/or neurodiversity, and who ALSO identify as belonging to the 2SLGBTQQIA community.’ Poetry, fiction, and much more. CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://openmindsquarterly.submittable.com/submit

1st Apr ‘Looking for stories about faeries from Irish, English, Welsh and Scottish and other worldwide origins be they from the Seelie or Unseelie Court or the unaligned. Dark and Light elves are also welcome, as well as the more domesticated (household) fey.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://ironfaeriepublishing.com/open-anthology-calls/

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!)

‘Angela Poetry Magazine seeks poems that look upon the lighter and
brighter side of all aspects of life.’ ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/angela/submissions.html

Story. PAYING http://booksnpieces.com/A/?page_id=772

Poetry chapbooks and full collections of poetry. https://route7press.com/home/submissions/

Vignette collection. ROYALTIES https://www.vineleavespress.com/vine-leaves-vignette-collection.html

Africa only: poem. ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/africa/submissions.html

‘Poets of conscience and courage, living everywhere on Earth, are invited
to submit to 45 Poems of Protest.’ POSSIBLE ROYALTIES http://waxpoetryart.com/eleventh/submissions/45poems.html

‘AURELIA LEO is open to original speculative fiction (horror, science fiction & fantasy) year-round with periodic, unannounced closures. All submissions should be aimed at an adult audience. Content can be explicitly erotic or violent, but we ask authors to use their discretion based on our current catalog.’ PAYING https://aurelialeo.com/submissions/

Hardboiled thrillers. http://www.hardcasecrime.com/contact.shtml

Poetry. https://www.trainriver.org/poets

Short story. https://www.trainriver.org/authors

‘clavmag accepts writing from members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

every month we release a word, like laying an egg. take this word as inspiration and run with it in whichever direction you like.’ https://www.clavmag.com/submit

‘Poetry with grace and fiction with personality are most welcome; anything that sounds like an academic “workshop” or writers’ “colony” will be printed out and lit on fire.’ PAYING https://thebaffler.com/about/submissions

‘We are looking for: novels (all genres accepted, but with a literary bent), memoirs/biographies/autobiographies, creative nonfiction, and writing/publishing reference books, and short story collections.’ ROYALTIES

https://www.vineleavespress.com/submissions.html

‘MYSTIQUE is a themed anthology searching for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender erotic romance with elements of sci-fi and fantasy. Send us your cloaked aliens, masked shifters, and ballroom ghouls. We want to be enchanted by stories bordering on the cosmic, uncanny, and macabre.’ PAYING https://aurelialeo.com/submissions/#1581820099749-3b50c7f8-82b4

Open until full: ‘We are looking for stories and poetry about Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring and the folklore surrounding them along with all other associated correspondence.’ CONTRIBUTOR COPY/COPIES https://ironfaeriepublishing.com/open-anthology-calls/