The 7th Annual “Storytellers of Tomorrow” High School Creative Writing Contest

Deadline: January 15th, 2022

The Ringling College of Art and Design Creative Writing Program was created to support, empower, and honor young writers. It’s an exciting time to be a writer thanks to the increasing number of narrative possibilities that new technologies and media offer. We believe that well-told stories can speak truths and communicate ideas in a way that nothing else can.

To that end, we’re inviting all high-school-age students to submit unpublished, original English-language stories of up to 2,000 words in length for the 7th Annual “Storytellers of Tomorrow” Contest. The sole criterion for earning prizes in this contest is simply overall quality, meaning that well-edited, engaging, and evocative stories have the best chance of winning over the judges.

Submission Guidelines

All high-school-age students writing in English may submit one entry (maximum) in each of the following categories via the Google form which will be available only during the contest’s submission window.

Submission Category 1: Literary Stories
Examples of this type of writing? Short fiction, flash fiction
Examples of writers who work in this vein? Tim O’Brien, O. Henry, John Green, Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, Robert Olen Butler, Amy Tan, Sandra Cisneros, and Lorrie Moore

Submission Category 2: Genre Stories
Examples of this type of writing? Horror stories, fantasy stories, mystery stories, science fiction, thriller stories
Examples of writers who work in this vein? Neil Gaiman, Edgar Allen Poe, J.K. Rowling, Ursula K. Le Guin, George R.R. Martin, Philip K. Dick, and Patricia Highsmith

Submission Category 3: Nonfiction Stories
Examples of this type of writing? Autobiographical essays, personal essay, creative nonfiction (including very well-written, story-based travel writing, nature writing, science writing, and/or biography)

Examples of writers who work in this vein? Lauren Hillenbrand (Unbroken), Jeannette Walls (The Glass Castle), Oliver Sacks (The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat), John Burroughs (“In Mammoth Cave”), Chuck Klosterman (Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs), Jorge Luis Borges (“Blindness”), E.B. White (“Once More to the Lake”), and Annie Dillard (“Seeing”)

How to Submit:
Submit this Google form from October 15, 2021 to January 15, 2022

Submission Period
October 15, 2021 – Jan 15, 2022
(Winners will be notified in February 2022)

Judges
The Ringling College of Art and Design Creative Writing Program faculty  

Entry Fee
None 

Prizes in Each Category

1^st prize

• $1,000
• 1:1 consultation about your writing with bestselling author and editor Brooke Vitale
• iPad for each first-place winner’s high school writing teacher
• Ringling College Creative Writing T-shirt

2^nd prize

• $100
• Ringling College Creative Writing T-shirt

3^rd prize

• $50
• Ringling College Creative Writing T-shirt

Honorable Mentions

• Ringling College Creative Writing T-shirt

FAQs

How do I submit work?
Click on the SUBMIT YOUR WRITING HERE tab on the main contest page. The Google form is located there. Submissions sent in any other manner (snail mail, email, etc.) will not be considered.

Do I need to use special formatting for my contest entry?
Please double space and use a 12-point font, and include your name as well as the title of your piece. Here is a good example of a professional standard format.

Will the contest entries be published?
The top winner in each category may be offered the opportunity for their work to be published in Shift, the Creative Writing Program’s literary arts journal. Authors retain all rights to their stories whether they accept this possible publication opportunity or not.

What if I win first prize but don’t want my work published?
That’s a decision we will respect.

Can I submit to more than one category?
Yes. Though each piece can only win a prize in a single category so please send different pieces if you’d like to contend in more than one contest category.

Can I submit more than one entry for a single category?
No. It’s one entry per category per person. The maximum amount of entries anyone can send is three–one literary short story, one genre story, and one nonfiction piece.

You say you want “unpublished” work. What does that mean?
If you wrote something for a school assignment, that’s fine. If your piece ran in your school newspaper or school literary magazine, that’s fine too.

If your piece ran in a national periodical of any type (USA Today, Reader’s Digest, Boy’s Life, Seventeen, etc.)? That’s published. The same is true with posting your piece in online forums, blogs, and websites (personal ones or Wattpad). And if your piece was included in any textbook or anthology, that too counts as being published.

If you have any questions about this, please email us to ask.

I want to send in something different than a traditional short story. Can I do that?
Absolutely. While many submissions will be traditional short stories, we are also quite open to graphic narratives, scripts, picture book manuscripts, comics, and other literary forms/blends.

I’m a poet. Can I submit a poem?
You may submit anything you choose up to 2,000 words long, though poetry without an extremely strong narrative component likely doesn’t fit well in any of the submission categories. This is primarily a prose narrative contest.

What type of stories/subjects/themes do you want?
That’s entirely up to you, though a familiarity with the genre/style you’re writing in will surely be of help to you.

What are the judges REALLY looking for?
High-quality writing that engages the reader.

What are the common issues with most submissions?
Here are three of the top reasons most entries don’t make the cut.

1. Failure to follow the contest guidelines
2. Poor editing/proofreading
3. Cliché ideas/plots

I’m not an American citizen. Can I still submit?
If you’re a high-school-age student enrolled in a high-school curriculum and you’re writing in English? Yes.

I’m homeschooled. Can I enter the contest?
If you’re a high-school-age student enrolled in a high-school curriculum and you’re writing in English? Yes.

I’m 10. Can I enter?
If you’re chronologically younger than most high school students but you’re in a full-time high school program, then yes, you can enter the contest.

I’m 45. Can I enter?
If you’re chronologically older than most high school students but you’re in a full-time high school program, then yes, you can enter the contest. Please note–for the purposes of contest eligibility, working on your GED isn’t the same as being in a full-time high school program,

Is Ringling College associated with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus?
John Ringling was involved with the launching of the institution in 1931, but beyond that, we have no relationship to the circus beyond the association of his name. So the circus’ closing in 2017 had zero effect on Ringling College.

I’ve got a question that doesn’t seem to be answered anywhere. What do I do?  
Send in your question via email to creativewriting@ringling.edu with the subject line “Contest Question.”

How to Submit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmrEfC04C6UBHmhehm6vdzp28ik30fXa3IxJVHpd8Tc1LDlw/viewform

Submit this Google form from October 15, 2021 to January 15, 2022

Visit the website: https://www.ringling.edu/writingcontest/

Dream Quest One – Poetry and Writing Contest – WINTER – 2021 – 2022

Deadline: March 31, 2022

Introduction: Dream Quest One Poetry and Writing Contest is about showcasing the creative writing and poetic talent, skills, and abilities of all poets and writers. The Dream Quest One mission is to inspire, motivate and encourage anyone having the desire or love for poetry and writing, to continue doing so without fear of failure or success! 

Awards:

Writing First Prize: $500, 2nd: $250, 3rd: $100.

Poetry First Prize: $250, 2nd: $125, 3rd: $50

Eligibility: The Dream Quest One Poetry and Writing Contest is international, and is open to all poets and writers whether published or not. Current and former employees of Dreamquestone.Com or their relatives are not eligible. Previously published poems and short stories in other contests, books, magazines, etc., are accepted and welcome as long as they are original to the contest entrant. 

Rules: All poems must be 30 lines or fewer, may be either neatly handwritten or typed, single or double line spacing, on any subject, theme, form, or style. All entries must be original works.

All short stories may be on any subject or theme. Genres: any fiction, non-fiction, creative nonfiction, essays, diary, journal entries and short screenplays are accepted. Contestants will enter their short stories either neatly hand printed or typed, using single or double line spacing, within a maximum of (5) pages or less. No word count. All entries must be original works. You may submit entries to both the poetry contest and the writing contest, at the same time. Multiple entries are accepted. 

Fee Details: 
$5.00 (US dollars) per poem. 
$10.00 (US dollars) per story.

All entries may be submitted by March 31, 2022 at 11:59PM, Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Winners will be notified and published online in the Dare to Dream pages on May 22, 2022.  

Contact:
c/o Andre L. West
Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest
P.O. Box 3141 
Chicago, IL 60654

USA

Email: alwest56@hotmail.com 

Website: https://www.dreamquestone.com

Official Rules:https://www.dreamquestone.com/rules

Rollick Magazine Fiction Prize 2021

Deadline

Friday, December 31, 2021

Categories

Essay, Fiction

Entry Fees

$10

Prizes

$1,000

Description

The Rollick Magazine Fiction Prize is valued at $1,000 and is awarded for the best piece of unpublished short fiction (2,000–6,000 words). Rollick’s mandate is to attract cutting-edge, quality stories that inspire real engagement. We will consider work that express unique and original thought.

Rollick Magazine is an independent literary magazine for contemporary fiction, thought, and opinion about popular culture, society, and everything on the periphery.

The Prize is open to writers of any nationality writing in English aged 16 and over at the time of the closing date.

Contact Information

Email: submissions@rollickmag.com

How to submit:
https://rollickmag.submittable.com/submit

Visit the website:

https://rollickmag.com

Loop Poetry Contest

Deadline:

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Categories

General, Poetry

Entry Fees

$9.95 to enter this contest and all writing contests at FanStory.com

Prizes

$100 Cash Prize

Description

A Loop Poem is a creative poetry type. The challenge is to take the last word of the previous line of your poem and use it as the first word in the next line. See an example in the contest announcement. It’s fun to write and if your poem is well received it can win the cash prize.

Contact Information

FanStory.com

Website:

https://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=107882

Tadpole Press 100 Word Writing Contest

Deadline

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Categories

Children’s, Drama, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, General, Journalism, Mystery, Narrative Medicine, Nonfiction, Personal Journals, Plays, Poetry, Publishing, Romance, Science Fiction, Screenwriting, Teaching, Young Adult

Entry Fees

$10

Prizes

1st place: $1,000.
2nd place: $450 writing coaching package.
3rd place: $250 developmental or diversity editing package.

Description

Give us a glimpse of something that reveals the abundance of this big, beautiful, unexpected life that we’ve got. Create never-ending possibilities in a complex, never-ending universe. Make us “see a World in a Grain of Sand.” Show us all of that immense, wide world in only 100 words or less.

All ages. All genders. All nationalities. All writers welcome.

Contact Information

Tadpole Press
Amber Byers
https://www.tadpolepress.com/events
https://www.tadpolepress.com/contact
amber@tadpolepress.com
(303) 668-8812

Website

https://www.tadpolepress.com/events

2021 Illuminating Black Lives

A Writer’s Fellowship

The deadline is midnight on Monday, November 29, 2021.

“To tell the truth is to become beautiful, to begin to love yourself, value yourself. And that’s political, in its most profound way.” ~ June Jordan

This fellowship invites writers to explore the African American experience. The work may be in any literary genre: fiction or nonfiction, poetry or prose, or a combination. It may take place now or in the past. It may draw upon the life of the author or probe other lives. There is no expectation of a certain attitude or type of experience. Rather, the successful application will demonstrate insight, honesty, literary merit, and the likelihood of publication.

Two fellowship winners will each receive a two-week residency at the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow to allow the recipients to focus completely on their work. Each writer’s suite has a bedroom, private bathroom, separate writing space, and wireless internet. We provide uninterrupted writing time, a European-style gourmet dinner prepared five nights a week and served in our community dining room, the camaraderie of other professional writers when you want it, and a community kitchen stocked with the basics for breakfast and lunch.

Fellowship applications must be accompanied by a writing sample and a non-refundable $35 application fee. Writers proposing more than one project must submit a separate application and fee for each one. The submission period opens on Monday, September 6, 2021. The deadline is midnight on Monday, November 29, 2021.  The winner will be announced no later than December 29, 2021. Residency must be completed by December 31, 2022. Exceptions will be made if COVID-19 makes a residency inadvisable.  

For an application form, visit https://www.writerscolony.org/fellowships.

The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow would like to thank author and Writers’ Colony alumna, Linda Leavell, and her husband, Brooks Garner, for generously funding this fellowship.  For more information about funding a fellowship supporting the genre and/or area of interest you are passionate about, visit www.writerscolony.org/sponsor-a-fellowship.

Contact Information:

Michelle Hannon, Executive Director
director@writerscolony.org
1-479-253-7444

Quách Thoại | The afternoons in Vietnam (15)

A beautifully composed poem written by Quách Thoại, surviving daily living in Vietnam during the afternoons of war, translated by Nguyễn Thị Phương Trâm. Check out her blog!

30 Below Contest—2021

NARRATIVE INVITES all writers, poets, visual artists, photographers, performers, and filmmakers between eighteen and thirty years old to send us their best work. We’re looking for the traditional and the innovative, the true and the imaginary. We’re looking to encourage and promote the best young authors and artists working today.

Awards: First Prize is $1,500, Second Prize is $750, Third Prize is $300, and ten finalists will receive $100 each. The prizewinners and finalists will be announced in Narrative.

All N30B entries are eligible for the $4,000 Narrative Prize for 2021 and for acceptance as a Story of the Week or Poem of the Week.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK.

We accept submissions in the following media:

Written: Works of prose and of poetry, including short stories, all poetic forms, novel excerpts, essays, memoirs, and excerpts from book-length nonfiction. Prose submissions must not exceed 15,000 words. Each poetry submission may contain up to five poems. The poems should all be contained in a single file. All submissions should be double-spaced (excluding poetry, which should be single-spaced), with 12-point type, at least one-inch margins, and sequentially numbered pages. Please provide your name, address, telephone number, and email address at the top of the first page. Submit your document as a .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .rtf file. You may enter as many times as you wish, but we encourage you to be selective and to send your best work. All entries will be considered for publication.

Drawn: Graphic stories, graphic-novel excerpts, and comics of no more than thirty pages, in .pdf format.

Photographed: Photo essays of between five and twenty images, previously unpublished (including on sites like Instagram, your personal website, stock photography sites, etc.). Images should be submitted together in low-resolution .pdf format; however, upon acceptance, images will need to be provided that have a resolution of at least 300 dpi, in a .tif, .jpg, or raw format that can be reproduced at 2,048 pixels wide. Captions or text should be included, either with the file containing the images or as a separate document in a .doc or .pdf format, with numbered captions corresponding to the similarly numbered photographs. Please provide your name, address, telephone number, and email address on the first page.

Spoken: Original works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in audio theater, including performance, radio journalism, and stories and poems read aloud. Submissions may run up to ten minutes, in .mp3 format, with a bit rate of at least 128 kbit/s.

Filmed: Short films and documentaries of up to fifteen minutes. Submissions must be in .mp4 or .mov format.

Timing: Entries will be accepted through November 19, 2021, at midnight, Pacific standard time.

Entry fee: There is a $26 fee for each entry. And with your entry, you’ll receive three months of complimentary access to Narrative Backstage.

Judging: The contest will be judged by the editors of the magazine. Winners and finalists will be announced to the public by December 18, 2021. All entrants will be notified by email of the judges’ decisions, which will be final. The judges reserve the option to declare ties and to designate and award only as many winners and/or finalists as are appropriate to the quality of contest entries and of work represented in the magazine.

Entries must be previously unpublished, though we do accept works that have appeared in college publications. Entries cannot have been the winner, finalist, or honorable mention in another contest. We accept online entries only. We do accept simultaneous submissions, but if your entry is accepted elsewhere, please let us know as soon as possible (and accept our congratulations!).

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK.

Narrative Magazine – Fall 2021 Story Contest

The contest deadline is November 30, 2021, at midnight, Pacific standard time.

OUR FALL CONTEST is open to all fiction and nonfiction writers. We’re looking for short shorts, short stories, essays, memoirs, photo essays, graphic stories, all forms of literary nonfiction, and excerpts from longer works of both fiction and nonfiction. Entries must be previously unpublished, no longer than 15,000 words, and must not have been previously chosen as a winner, finalist, or honorable mention in another contest.

Narrative winners and finalists have gone on to win Whiting Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, the Pushcart Prize, and the Atlantic prize, and have appeared in collections such as The Best American Short Stories, The Best American Nonrequired Reading, and many others. View the recent awards won by Narrative authors.As always, we are looking for works with a strong narrative drive, with characters we can respond to, and with effects of language, situation, and insight that are intense and total. We look for works that have the ambition of enlarging our view of ourselves and the world. We welcome and look forward to reading your pages.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK.

Awards:First Prize is $2,500, Second Prize is $1,000,Third Prize is $500, and up to ten finalists will receive $100 each. All entries will be considered for publication.

Submission Fee: There is a $27 fee for each entry. With your entry, you’ll receive three months of complimentary access to Narrative Backstage.

All contest entries are eligible for the $4,000 Narrative Prize and for acceptance as a Story of the Week.

Timing: The contest deadline is November 30, 2021, at midnight, Pacific standard time.

Judging: The contest will be judged by the editors of the magazine. Winners and finalists will be announced to the public by December 31, 2021. All writers who enter will be notified by email of the judges’ decisions, which will be final. The judges reserve the option to declare ties and to designate and award only as many winners and/or finalists as are appropriate to the quality of contest entries and of work represented in the magazine.

Submission Guidelines: Please read our Submission Guidelines for manuscript formatting and other information.

Other Submission Categories: In addition to our contest, please review our other Submission Categories for areas that may interest you.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK.

Visit the website: https://www.narrativemagazine.com/fall-2021-story-contest

Spring writing retreat, Languedoc, France – March 21st to 27th, 2022

A week-long, creative writing holiday with a difference – scenic walks, fascinating talks and daily practical writing and editing workshops – all in a land as old as time itself, Pyrénées Orientales in Languedoc, France. 

Architectural digs around the small town of Millas have found tools dating back about a million years, proving that a population of ’homo erectus’ existed so far back.

The 450,000 year old Tautavel man is probably the most famous historical discovery in the region.

In the 9th century, the powerful ’Order of the Knights Templar’ set up very productive agricultural zones from their headquarters in the Mas Deu in Trouillas and the Roussillon counts and nobles settled in Perpignan.

For our retreat we have chosen the laid-back town of Prades, the capital of the Conflent, situated at the foot of the Canigou, at the confluence of several rivers. Canigou is the sacred mountain of the Catalans and many people climb it each year starting from Prades.

Accommodation is organised in single, ensuite rooms with breakfast at the family owned, boutique hotel

Villa Lafabregue  

Location: Prades, Languedoc

As our week-long retreats are bespoke, we can only host a limited number of participants on each retreat, so if you are interested, we advise you to sign up now to avoid disappointment.

Due to ever-increasing popularity, acceptance on our retreats is not just on a first-come, first-served basis. Just as important is your response to a special application questionnaire we will send you. That’s why payments are ONLY accepted from participants AFTER selection has been confirmed.

​

Price per person for one week-long session – 1,777 Euro* (excluding transfer travel costs to and from retreat location). 

Participation package will include: accommodation in single, en-suite rooms for six nights, breakfast, workshops, guest author appearances, diverse activities and excursions to awaken inspiration, and transport (only related to excursions), three lunches, welcome food and drinks evening event and similar ‘see you soon’ good-bye event. 

Email your interest by filling in the form below, giving full contact details, so we can reach out to you with further details. 

*As places are limited and workshops tailored on participants’ needs, you are entitled to a full refund within one week of your payment. We cannot offer any refunds for cancellations or no-show situations after that. Please consider travel cancellation insurance whenever making travel plans. By sending this registration form you accept our Terms & Conditions.

Visit the website for details on how to register: https://www.irelandwritingretreat.com/spring-writing-retreat-2022

Freelance Market & Writing Jobs

THE IMPRINT NEWS
https://imprintnews.org/
The Imprint News is now accepting freelance pitches for child welfare stories based in the U.S. We encourage pitches from writers of color, and those with lived experience in the foster care system. Pay is $1/word. Send pitches to kgonzales@imprintnews.org.

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ESCAPE POD (JOY)
https://escapepod.org/guidelines/short-fiction/
The theme is JOY. Escape Pod is a science fiction market. We are fairly flexible on what counts as science (we’ll delve into superheroes or steampunk on occasion) and are interested in exploring the range of the genre. We want stories that center on science, technology, future projections, and/or alternate history, and how any or all of these things intersect with people. Short stories – original fiction: 1,500-6,000 words. Short stories – reprints ONLY: 1,500-7,500 words. Novelettes –  reprints ONLY: 7,500-18,000 words. Pays eight cents per word. 

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CHICKEN SOUP: CRAZY, ECCENTRIC, WACKY, LOVABLE, FUN FAMILIES
http://www.chickensoup.com
Deadline April 30, 2022. Those eccentric, goofy, wacky, lovable, and oh-so-fun family members — the ones we tell all the stories about. They could be a parent or grandparent, an in-law, a brother or sister, an aunt, uncle, or cousin. Or grown children. Share your true stories and poems about those family members. With love and appreciation, please. No mean-spirited stories wanted. Limit 1,200 words. Pays $200 and 10 copies.

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DAME’S ‘NEWCOMER CORNER’
Submission guidelines
DAME’s ‘Newcomer Corner’ provides a designated platform for writers with no prior professional bylines to publish reported features, interviews, and narrative essays. The goal of Newcomer Corner is to introduce new writers to the DAME audience, and help foster emerging talent through one-on-one training and an interactive and collaborative editing process. As with all content published on DAME, we’re looking for pieces on politics, reproductive rights, policy, civil rights, race, sex, class, gender, LGBTQ, disability, class, media, law, cultural trends, health, science, and more. We invite writers from any location over the age of 18 to submit pitches. We are specifically looking for people who have no experience working with editors and could benefit from significant guidance throughout the writing process. Pays $150 for essays and $300 for reported features. (Thanks www.erikadreifus.com)

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DAME (REGULAR SUBMISSIONS)
https://www.damemagazine.com/about/#submission-guidelines
Seeks critical content about the political, cultural, and societal issues of our time. Always seeks good writers. Pays $150 for essays and $300 for reported features. One of our most distinctive features is our writers’ original, forthright voices and strong points of view, even in reported pieces. We cover politics, reproductive rights, policy, civil rights, race, sex, class, gender, LGBTQ, disability, class, media, law, cultural trends, health, science, and more. 

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THE OBJECTIVE
https://objectivejournalism.org/2021/10/the-objective-is-back/
The Objective is a nonprofit newsroom holding journalism accountable for past and current exclusion, erasure, and prejudice in reporting and newsroom staffing. That means ​​holding newsrooms accountable for their failures and providing a counter to the homogeneity of media criticism and reporting. Our monthly story budget for the year is minimal: $400, which we can and will augment with story grants and donations. But that means we can currently only pay for between one and four stories each month, depending on length. 

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OUTVOICE 
https://outvoice.com/blog/
Email Meira Gebel, Sales and Marketing Specialist at meira@outvoice.com. Your subject line should include “Pitch” and a prospective headline/idea. Pay is $200-400 for 800 words. Pitches should be concise and generally less than ~250 words (max). Pitches should not be vague topics and should be on the topic of freelancing. 

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THE DISSENTER
https://thedissenter.org/write-for-the-dissenter/
We seek fact-based reporting that involves primary source materials and the perspectives of people impacted by unfolding prosecutions, involved in developing lawsuits, or knowledgeable about key whistleblower policy issues. The Dissenter Newsletter is focused on covering and documenting whistleblower stories in corporate, government, and/or institutional settings. Rates are around $250-$700 or whatever they negotiate based on the pitch. Send pitches to Kevin Gosztola at newsletter@thedissenter.org 

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MADAMENOIR
https://madamenoire.com/1295262/dear-madamenoire-family-a-letter-from-the-managing-editor/
https://madamenoire.com/contact-us/
MadameNoire is a sophisticated lifestyle publication that gives African-American women the latest in fashion trends, black entertainment news, parenting tips, and beauty secrets that are specifically for black women. Black women seek information on a wide variety of topics including African-American hair care, health issues, relationship advice, and career trends – and MadameNoire provides all of that. Writers may email editors@madamenoire.com, place PITCH: TITLE OF SAID PITCH, boldly in the subject line. Pays $200.

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SLICED
https://fedfedfed.com/sliced
At Sliced, we are committed to delivering a sharp, reputable take on the issues that matter. We are a monthly publication that offers thought-provoking, evidence-based takes on the food industry. We explore food from all angles — its production, marketing, and consumption — to empower healthy and ethical eating. The theme for the next issue is War and Conflict. Please email editor@fedfedfed.com with samples, pitch ideas, and bio if you’re interested. Articles are expected around 1,200 words. Payment is 15 cents per word. 

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MADE IN BLOG
https://madeincookware.com/blogs
Made In is a kitchen tool brand that is crafted with generations of expertise. Its blog features tips on how to care for your kitchenware, current trends in the food and restaurant industry, information and updates on Made In kitchenware items, as well recipes, tips, and tricks to perfect your cooking skills. Pitch Daniel Modlin, Content Manager at daniel@madeincookware.com. Pay is $150 for 500 words.

SARATOGA ARTS INDIVIDUAL GRANTS

Deadline: November 19, 2021.

Artists of all disciplines and genres who reside in Fulton, Montgomery, or Saratoga counties in New York State are eligible and encouraged to apply. Individual Artists Grants are a funding category within the regrant program and provide awards of $1,000 – $2,500 to directly support individual artists. The Artist Grant focuses on an individual artist’s work, with the goal of enhancing artistic career development, technical skills, and broadening exposure while fostering creative, resourceful, and inspiring connections between artists and a community.

How to apply, visit: https://www.saratoga-arts.org/resources/Site/Grants/Statewide%20Community%20Regrant%20Program%20(2).pdf

WOMEN’S STUDIO WORKSHOP ART-IN-EDUCATION BOOK RESIDENCY GRANT

Deadline November 15, 2021.

Art-in-Education Artist’s Book Residency Grant

The Art-in-Education Artist’s Book Grant is a residency awarded to two artists to create a new artist’s book and teach young people in WSW’s studios.

Our Art-in-Education program (AIE) is a model for arts education and operates in conjunction with the Kingston City School District. AIE provides a high-quality arts experience by bringing students to a professional artist’s workspace and giving them concentrated time to learn printmaking, papermaking, and book arts.

Generally, the resident dedicates their first month to producing a limited edition artist’s book, which is hand-printed and bound in the studio. WSW can provide technical advice; training on new equipment, techniques, and materials; and production assistance. (You can read more about the artist’s book aspect here.)

During the second half of the residency, the artist works with young people in WSW’s studios, teaching one to two days/week for three to four weeks, and visiting the students twice in school. Studio space and equipment is reserved for students during program hours, but artists may work at any time outside of AIE.

This grant includes a stipend of $350/week for up to ten weeks, up to $1000 for materials, up to $250 for travel, free onsite housing, and 24/7 studio access during non-AIE sessions.

This residency has a two-step jury process: artists submit their materials, then WSW applies to the appropriate funders.

Key details:

Deadline*: November 15, 2021
Notification date: March 2022
Residency length: 8-10 weeks
Residency occurs: the school year following application, October–December or January–April

*The digital portion of the application must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on November 15, 2021. The structural dummy must be postmarked no later than November 15, 2021.

Application must include:

1.  A current resume
2.  A brief description of your proposed project, including the media required. 200 word maximum
3.  A brief description of your experience working with students. 200 word maximum
4.  WSW’s materials budget form: use Google Sheets or download as an Excel doc or PDF
5.  Up to ten images of recent work (digital specifications here)
6.  An image script, which should include title, medium, dimension, and date of each image.
7.  A physical, structural dummy of your proposed book to demonstrate how it will be bound or function when handled. This mock-up does not have to be a finished piece, but it should represent the book’s actual size and include at least 1-2 fully realized spreads.
8. The shipping form, which must be included in the mock-up mailing, so that we can match application materials, and determine return shipping procedures with each artist. Make sure that you download the PDF and open it locally on your computer. Changes will not be saved if you edit in your browser.

The first six items must be uploaded to the Submittable portal (click the APPLY HERE button), and the last two must be mailed to WSW at the following address.

Please mail to:
Artist’s Book Application
Women’s Studio Workshop
PO Box 489
Rosendale, NY 12472

APPLY NOW

Head to our FAQ page for additional information.

Visit the website for details: https://wsworkshop.org/residencies/art-in-ed-artists-book-residency-grant/

SOUTH CAROLINA INDIVIDUAL ARTIST GRANTS

Deadline November 15, 2021.

Eligible to practicing individual artists residing in SC. Fellowship awards are made through a highly competitive process and are based on artistic merit, achievements, and commitment to discipline. The Fellowship awards bring recognition that may open doors to other resources and employment opportunities. Categories: Prose, Spoken word/Slam poetry, Performance: dance, music, or acting (film or theatre), Playwriting/Screenwriting (apply fall 2021). 

Visit the website for grants details: https://www.southcarolinaarts.com/grant/fel/

Last call! NANCY THORP POETRY CONTEST AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Deadline: October 31, 2021

Sponsored by Hollins University, the 58th Annual Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest provides scholarships, prizes, and recognition for the best poems submitted by young women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school.

WINNING SUBMISSIONS

Winners will receive the following:

First place

• $350 cash prize
• Publication in Cargoes, Hollins’ award-winning student literary magazine
• Ten copies of Cargoes
• Renewable scholarship up to $5,000 provided through the Creative Talent Award in Creative Writing applicable if you enroll at Hollins University. Total value of $20,000 in scholarship funds over four years.
• Free tuition and housing for the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program (for rising 9-12th grade students)

Second place

• Publication in Cargoes
• Two copies of Cargoes
• Renewable scholarship up to $1,000 provided through the Creative Talent Award in Creative Writing applicable if you enroll at Hollins University. Total value of $4,000 in scholarship funds over four years.
• $500 scholarship to apply toward the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program (for rising 9-12th grade students)

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

• Students must submit their poem(s) in Microsoft Word, 12pt Times New Roman – online
• No more than two poems by any one student may be submitted
• Label all pages with the author’s name, title of poem, and page number
• Each entry must include the following information:
  • Author’s name
  • Author’s mailing address
  • Author’s phone number and email address
  • Year of author’s high school graduation
  • High school teacher or guidance counselor’s name and email address
  • Author’s school
  • Address of author’s school
  • Phone number of author’s school

Note: Poems that are under consideration elsewhere are not eligible.

Submit Your Entry

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES?

October 31, 2021  

WHO JUDGES THE WORK?

Submissions are reviewed by faculty members of Hollins University’s noted creative writing program, as well as students currently enrolled in the university’s lauded M.F.A. in creative writing.

WHEN ARE WINNERS NOTIFIED?

February 2022

WHO WAS NANCY THORP?

Nancy Thorp, Hollins class of 1960, was a young poet who showed great promise when she was a student. Following her death in 1962, her family established the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest to encourage and recognize the work of young poets.

QUESTIONS?

Submit questions about the contest or your submission to hupoet@hollins.edu.

Visit the website: https://www.hollins.edu/academics/majors-minors/english-creative-writing-major/nancy-thorp-poetry-contest/

How to submit your entry: https://www.hollins.edu/academics/majors-minors/english-creative-writing-major/nancy-thorp-poetry-contest/nancy-thorp-poetry-contest-entry-form/

THE MASTERS REVIEW NOVEL EXCERPT CONTEST

Deadline November 30, 2021.

The Masters Review is hosting its first Novel Excerpt Contest! We’re looking for excerpts that show off a sense of style, with a clear grasp on craft: narrative, character, and plot. Choose wisely! Your excerpt can come from any point in your completed or in-progress novels, but a synopsis should not be required for understanding the excerpt. Excerpts must be from previously unpublished novels; if your novel has been self-published, it is ineligible for this contest. As always, we have no limitations on genre, though we are primarily interested in literary fiction. Dan Chaon will serve as our inaugural judge and select the finalists from a shortlist provided by The Masters Review’s editorial team. The winning excerpt will be awarded $3000 and online publication and an hour-long consultation with Halley Parry, an agent at Drift(less) Literary. Second and third place excerpts will be awarded online publication and $300 and $200 respectively, in addition to 1 page of feedback from a literary agent.

Guidelines:

• Winner receives $3000, publication and consultation with an agent
• Second and third place prizes ($300 / $200, publication and agent feedback)
• Excerpts under 6000 words
• Excerpts from unpublished novels only
• Simultaneous and multiple submissions allowed
• Emerging writers only (We are interested in offering a larger platform to new writers. Self-published writers and writers with story collections and novels with a small circulation (fewer than 5000 copies) are welcome to submit.)
• International English submissions allowed
• $20 entry fee
• Deadline: November 30th, 2021
• Please, no identifying information on your excerpt
• All excerpts are considered for publication
• A significant portion of the editorial letter fees go to our feedback editor, according to the rates established by the EFA

FAQ
Q: What’s the deal with my rights if I want to publish my book eventually?
While we’re not able to speak for every publisher, since we’re not publishing your work in its entirety, it should not be a problem going forward. Rights also revert back to the author after 90 days. If an opportunity came up for you to publish your work before the 90 days, we are happy to revert rights back to you sooner.

Q: Does it have to have a beginning, middle and end?
We want an excerpt that stands well on its own, that makes us want to read the full book. We want a sense of conclusion from the excerpt, but we also know that we’re only reading part of a novel and don’t expect all threads to be resolved. You can read Jennifer Marquardt’s “The Analyst” for an example of the kind of novel-excerpt we’re interested in.

Q: When should I expect to hear back?
We will try to respond to every submission by the end of February 2022, and hope to have the finalists announced at the end of March or beginning of April. If this timeline changes significantly, we will notify all authors. We appreciate your patience!

Q: Can I submit two chapters if its under 6000 words?
You can submit as many chapters as you’d like, as long as the word count is under 6000 words.

Q: How firm are you on word count?
We allow for some wiggle room; don’t force your revisions into 6000 words. We’d rather read a couple hundred extra words than a cramped conclusion!

Q: Can I submit a synopsis/prologue with my excerpt?
We recommend that you don’t; your excerpt will be judged on its merit alone, and the synopsis will not be published alongside your excerpt.

Q: Can I submit with a co-writer?
Sure; but you’ll need to split the prize money.

Q: What if a small portion of the book has already been published?
As long as the excerpt you’re submitting has not been published in any form, and the novel itself has not been published, we’re happy to consider your work!

Q: I self-published my novel on my blog but later took it down; can I still submit an excerpt?
Unfortunately because it’s been published in some form or fashion, the excerpt would no longer be eligible for this contest.

We don’t have any preferences topically or in terms of style. We’re simply looking for the best. We don’t define, nor are we interested in, stories identified by their genre. We do, however, consider ourselves a publication that focuses on literary fiction. Dazzle us, take chances, and be bold.

Visit the website: https://mastersreview.com/novel-excerpt-contest/

How to submit: https://themastersreview.submittable.com/submit/205260/2021-novel-excerpt-contest-judged-by-dan-chaon-3000-prize

BLACK MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE FELLOWSHIPS

The Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute, home to The Believer magazine, hosts residential fellowships every academic year. Visiting fellows join a community of writers and scholars in a thriving literary scene in Las Vegas and on the campus of UNLV, supported by individuals and groups that share our commitment to bringing writers and the literary imagination into the heart of public life.

Recent fellows include Hanif Abudrraqib, Kristen Arnett, Tayari Jones, Walter Kirn, Lisa Ko, Ahmed Naji, Claire Vaye Watkins, and many others.

For more information on how to apply, please read our FAQ section.

Shearing Fellowship

Applications close at midnight PT on November 1, 2021.

APPLY NOW

For emerging and distinguished writers who have published at least one book with a trade or literary press, this fellowship includes: 

• a stipend of $20,000 paid over a four-month period;
• a semester-long letter of appointment;
• eligibility for optional health coverage;
• office space in the BMI offices on the campus of UNLV;
• free housing (fellows cover some utilities) in a unique and vibrant arts complex in the bustling district of downtown Las Vegas—home to The Writer’s Block, our city’s beloved independent bookstore; and
• recognition in BMI’s literature, and on The Believer’s masthead, as a “Shearing Fellow.”

While there are no formal teaching requirements, this is a “working fellowship” located in Las Vegas. BMI’s visiting fellows will maintain an in-office presence around 10 hours a week, along with 10 hours of service to the community. In addition to the primary goal of furthering one’s own writing during their term in Las Vegas, visiting fellows are expected to engage in a substantial way with BMI’s community, in a way custom-scoped based on their skills and personal interest. Upon acceptance into the program, each fellow will craft a work plan in partnership with BMI that is meaningful to all involved parties. Here are some examples of activities a visiting fellow could pursue:

• Offer readings, craft talks, and other public presentations to the readers and writers of UNLV and Southern Nevada.
• Curate an event or program, leveraging the fellows’ professional and creative networks.
• Contribute original work to The Believer (i.e., a column or feature essay, or occasional work such as lists).
• Provide editorial support to The Believer (edit essays, conduct an interview, consult on editorial conversations).
• Occasionally assist with institute and magazine’s social media promotion and campaigns.

Application details

Please submit:

1. A one- to three-page cover letter, which includes: 1) Who you are, 2) Why you want to be a part of the Las Vegas literary community, 3) A detailed description on how you will be working with BMI’s community and how you would like to fulfill your service hours, and 4) What you will be working on in terms of writing projects.
2. A writing sample (10 pages, double-spaced, 12 pt.)
3. A résumé or CV.

Finalists will be asked to send copies of their books. (Applicants must have at least one book published by a trade press.) Candidates will be selected by the staff and community members of BMI and The Believer.

Visit the website for details on how to apply: https://blackmountaininstitute.org/fellowships/apply/

THE DISQUIET PRIZE

The 2022 DISQUIET Prize is now open for submissions in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Contest winners in each category will have their winning work published in North America’s leading publications: fiction in Granta.com, poetry in The Common, and non-fiction in NinthLetter.com.

One grand prize winner will receive a full fellowship (airfare stipend, tuition, and housing included) to the 2022 DISQUIET International Program in Lisbon, Portugal. Genre winners will receive a $500 cash prize in addition to publication.**

The complete guidelines for the 2022 contest are as follows:

Deadline: January 24, 2022

• Eligibility: Only previously unpublished work in English can be submitted. We accept entries from all ages 18 and over and all countries, by authors who have not yet published more than one book with a major publisher.

• Entries should be the work of a single author.

• All entries should be in a standard typeface and 12pt font and in .pdf, .doc or .odt format.

• For fiction: ONE short story or novel excerpt, maximum 25 (double-spaced) pages per entry.

• For non-fiction: ONE piece of non-fiction, maximum 25 (double-spaced) pages per entry.

• For poetry: No more than SIX poems per entry, up to 10 pages total.

• Entrants may submit to any or all categories more than once; however, each entry must be accompanied by its own entry fee.

• Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please notify us immediately if your submission is accepted elsewhere.

• Please indicate the type of submission (short story, novel excerpt, poetry, non- fiction, etc.) in the submission form

• Include your complete contact information (name, address, telephone, email address) in the Submittable form.

• Winners will be notified in March 2022.
• Previous first place winners may not re-enter in the same genre.

Visit our Submittable page to enter and pay the fee via Paypal. A $15 US reading fee must accompany each entry.

*We regret that due to the special circumstances of this year we are unable to guarantee a place in our 2022 program to more than one winner. If we are able to do so, we will offer a place to our genre winners in addition to the publication and cash prize.

Questions? Contact info@disquietinternational.org

Visit the website: https://disquietinternational.org/the-program/contests-scholarships/the-disquiet-prize/

THE LAURA BOSS NARRATIVE POETRY AWARD

The submission period runs from January 1, 2022 to March 31, 2022 at 11:59 pm EST.

In partnership with The Poetry Center at PCCC, the Foundation will establish a poetry prize for books that represent the narrative poetry form that was Laura’s chosen style.

Laura Boss was a longtime supporter of The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College and often served as a judge for their poetry awards, taught workshops, and gave readings. She also edited the New Jersey Poetry Calendar which is published by the Poetry Center.

The Laura Boss Narrative Poetry Book Award is a new annual book award. The winner will receive $5,000 and publication. The inaugural Laura Boss Narrative Poetry Book Award will be given in 2022.

Submission Guidelines

• The submission period runs from January 1, 2022 to March 31, 2022 at 11:59 pm EST.
• All submissions must be made electronically through Submittable.
• The submission fee is $25. This fee may be waived for entrants experiencing financial hardship. Email laurabosspoetryfoundation@gmail.com to request a fee waiver.
• Submit up to 10 poems from the manuscript, not to exceed 10 pages total, with each poem starting on a new page. Do not include any identifying information on the submitted poems. The entries will be read blind, and any poems that contain identifying information will be discarded without being read and the submission fee will not be returned.
• Provide a cover letter with name, contact information, and a brief bio in the designated spaces on the Submittable form.
• Revision of sample submissions is not allowed during the submission period. You are welcome to withdraw and resubmit your sample, but the new submission will require an additional $25 entry fee.

Semi-finalists will be announced June 1, 2022, and invited to submit full manuscripts (70-90 pages). All full manuscripts must be submitted by 11:59 pm July 31, 2022. Five finalists and the winner will be selected from the semi-finalist manuscripts.

The winner of the Laura Boss Narrative Poetry Book Award receives the following:

• Publication by New York Quarterly Books
• 25 author copies
• $5,000 prize (not treated as an advance toward royalties)
• Reading in fall of 2022 in Paterson, NJ

Five finalists will receive:

• $100 prize
• Invitation to participate in the reading in September 2022 in Paterson, NJ

All entries will be read blind. The semifinalists and finalists will be chosen by a committee selected by the Laura Boss Poetry Foundation. The winner will be chosen by poet and Paterson Literary Review editor Maria Mazziotti Gillan.

Email: laurabosspoetryfoundation@gmail.com if you have additional questions.

Visit the website: https://laurabosspoetryfoundation.org/award

QUANTUM SHORTS 2021 FLASH FICTION CONTEST

Deadline: December 16, 2021

NO MENTION OF ENTRY FEE.

The submission must not exceed 1,000 words in length. The submission must be clearly inspired by some aspect of quantum physics. The submission must include the sentence “It’s a lot to think about” (“Constraint”). The submission must be in English. The Submission must be typed or copied and pasted into the entry form at the time of entry. Up to ten stories will be shortlisted. A shortlist award of $100, a certificate and a one-year digital subscription to Scientific American will be awarded to each Shortlisted Entrant. First prize $1,500 and an engraved trophy. Runner up $1,000 and an engraved trophy. People’s Choice Prize $500 and an engraved trophy.

Visit the website: https://shorts.quantumlah.org/rules

CHARLOTTE LIT WRITERS/SOUTH AWARDS

Deadline: December 1, 2021

$15 ENTRY FEE (includes print copy of the journal).

Charlotte Lit’s inaugural Writers/South Awards offers $10,000 in prizes plus publication in four categories: poetry, short fiction, nonfiction, and flash. Four prize levels: $1,500, $500, $250, $50 honorable mentions. All prize winners published in the new Writers/South: Journal of Charlotte Lit. Judges: Ron Rash (fiction, 4,000 words), Jessica Jacobs and Nickole Brown (poetry, one to three poems, up to five total pages), Stephanie Elizondo Griest (nonfiction, 4,000 words), and flash (one to two pieces, up to 500 words each). Open to current and past residents of North Carolina and its four contiguous states: South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Visit the website: https://www.charlottelit.org/writerssouth/awards/

SMOKELONG QUARTERLY COMEDY PRIZE

Deadline: October 31 and November 15, 2021.

$7-$8 ENTRY FEE.

We want to feel your razor-sharp wit, share your sideways view of the world, hear your irresistibly bizarre voice. We want to laugh out loud and snort our coffee through our noses. Word Limit: 782 Words (not including the title, no minimum length requirement). Open to anyone 18 years of age and/or older in the world who is not actively on staff at SmokeLong Quarterly. Open to fiction, nonfiction, and anything in between. No poetry please. Each of the (at least) four narratives selected to win The SmokeLong Comedy Prize will receive $400 and publication in our December issue 2021.

Visit the website: https://www.smokelong.com/comedy-prize-2021-opens-aug-1/

2021 “Matter” Poetry Contest

Deadline: October 30, 2021

“Matter” Poetry Contest Information

Any topic or style is acceptable. Published or unpublished poems. Even though this anthology will be called Matter, all that is expected is that your poetry reflects emotions and thoughts coming from the depths of you. You need not write about a particular word. We just want you to know that your talent with words can matter to others. The winners will be announced on November 20, 2021. Oprelle Publications enjoys finding “diamonds in the rough”. O.P. wants to recognize hidden talent by giving unknown writers a chance to be published. Matter is our current book project. Shakespeare’s Queen Gertrude once requested “more matter with less art…”
Rules / Regulations

Prizes

Contest entries for “Matter” Poetry Contest will be accepted now through October 30, 2021.
Entries can be made by regular mail to:
120 Mine St. Allison, PA 15413
Oprelle’s Poetry Contest winners will be posted on our site upon the conclusion of the contest.

1st –

$300 in cash winnings. Prime Anthology Placement (Back cover of Book) – Free copy of Matter. A featured position for a minimum of one week on Oprelle Publication’s Website.

2nd –

$200 in cash winnings. Prime Anthology Placement (First Page) – Free copy of Matter.

3rd –

$100.00 in cash winnings. Prime Anthology Placement (Last Page) – Free copy of Matter. Finalists (Up to 150) will receive publication in the Matter anthology.

Additional Finalists

• Really great writers can be published in something of substance! All finalists will receive a free digital copy of Matter.

Eligibility

Anyone, your information must be able to be verified.

Judging

Contest entries are judged by a highly educated panel of experts. Here are some of their qualifications:

• Award-winning writer with a BA in English
• First-place overall winner in short fiction, playwriting, and poetry in the IUP 2020 undergraduate creative writing contest.
• Published poet and songwriter from Pennsylvania Literary Society’s magazine
• PHD in Instructional Management and Leadership
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Secondary Education/English Teacher
• Founder of the Fayette County Creative Coalition
• Outstanding Poetry Editor for work with literary magazine, Lexicon
• Carroll Creative Writing Scholarship winner (awarded for a collection of poetry)
• Arlene Severin Memorial English Award
• Westmorland County Arts Honorable Mention for Fiction
• Scholastic Honorable Mention for Poetry
• O’Donnell Research Grant (to expand on a collection of poems)
• Juris Doctor Candidate at Duquesne University School of Law
• Plus, several academically-minded teenagers to keep us grounded!

How to enter, visit: https://oprellepublications.submittable.com/submit/204074/2021-matter-poetry-contest/eligibility

Visit the website: https://oprelle.com/pages/matter-poetry-contest-rules-and-regulations