Authortunities Calendar
Welcome to the current Authortunities Calendar! This page is updated regularly with carefully vetted opportunities for writers like submissions, contests, classes, and events, all chosen for clarity, fairness, and accessibility. If it’s here, it’s something I’d genuinely recommend to a writer I care about.
Listings are organized with simple icons for easy scanning: 🟢 open for submissions, 🔴 closing, ⭐ events, and ♻️ reprints accepted.
From MAR 5 - APR 2
⭐ MAR 5 · Structuring Your Series Before You Start Writing Kristina Stanley is the founder and CEO of the Fictionary School for Writers & Editors. Imagine a writing school that lifts you up, sharpens your story knowledge, and fuels your writing success. That’s Fictionary. A bestselling author who’s built a career helping authors, Kristina joins us to discuss planning and structuring your series before you write your first sentence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7choG5ajUxU
🔴 MAR 6 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week’s deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
⭐ MAR 6 · First Friday - Third Thursday Quick Read features 6 authors each reading a selection of speculative fiction for 8 minutes. There will be time for questions & answers at the end and a giveaway from the authors. This free event hosted by Strong Women - Strange Worlds features Mina Ikemoto Ghosh, Laura Anne Gilman, Jane Mondrup, Rachel Rodman, Kristina Ten, and Mercedes M. Yardley and emcee/host Sarah Smith along with support from authors Anne Nydam and Terri Bruce. Pre-register.
https://strongwomenstrangeworlds.weebly.com/
🔴 MAR 7 · Rotting Leaf Magazine is closing for poetry and short fiction. Payment is $25 (USD) per accepted poem or $25 (USD) per 250 words of fiction. Reprints accepted for poetry; simultaneous submissions okay if notified upon acceptance. Submission method: Submittable.
https://www.briefecology.com/submissions
🔴 MAR 7 · Anomaly is closed for dark science fiction flash fiction (≤300 words). They want disruptive, emotionally resonant speculative stories that linger. Payment is $0.08/word plus an electronic copy of a future anthology. No reprints. No simultaneous submissions. Submission method: Patreon post includes instructions.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/124086163?collection=1379866
🟢 MAR 7 · Apex Magazine Monthly Flash Fiction Contest Submissions open to all for speculative flash fiction until the last day of the month at midnight. Winner will be announced no later than the 15th of the following month and be paid $0.08/word or $10, whichever is more and published on the Apex Magazine Patreon as an exclusive the month following and will be included in the forthcoming issue of Apex Magazine.
https://apexbookcompany.moksha.io/publication/apex-magazine-flash-fiction
⭐ MAR 7 · Scribbler Support Group Hosted inside the Authortunities Hub community, stay connected to your writing life in this ongoing, low-pressure gathering designed for writers who want community without performance. For free, this casual check-in space allows you to share what you’re working on (or where you’re stuck), name challenges without having to solve them on the spot, and reconnect with the act of writing during quiet or difficult seasons. From reflection and conversation to simple presence and listening, you’ll walk away feeling less isolated and more able to return to the page without shame or pressure. Think campfire, not classroom. Showing up counts.
https://authortunities-hub.mn.co/posts/97124774
🔴 MAR 8 · Uncharted Magazine’s Cinematic Short Story Contest is closed for original short stories (1,000–5,000 words) with a strong cinematic sensibility with vivid visuals, sharp pacing, and emotionally gripping storytelling. First prize is $2,500 and publication, with $500 for second prize and $250 for third. Entry fee is $20. Simultaneous submissions are allowed (withdraw if accepted elsewhere). Submission method: Submittable contest portal.
⭐ MAR 8 · Murder Mystery Storytelling Event Hosted inside the Authortunities Hub community by SchwartzGames.com! Learn how to build a compelling case in this live online collaborative storytelling deduction event inspired by classic 80s mystery energy. For free, you’ll step into the role of a junior detective at the suspicious Gelp Wellness Resort, racing to solve a murder while crafting the most convincing narrative. From bold accusations to sharp logical reasoning and strategic bluffing, you’ll walk away with stronger improvisational instincts, sharper mystery-writing skills, and a deeper understanding of collaborative storytelling dynamics.
https://authortunities-hub.mn.co/events/murder-mystery-storytelling-event
⭐ MAR 8 · Inspirational Indie Authors podcast with the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) and Howard Lovy. Dive deep into personal stories of indie authors, understanding their pathways to success, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Every 2nd Sunday, 1 pm GMT.
https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/inspirational-indie-author-interviews-podcast/
⭐ MAR 8-11 · Women in Publishing Summit is the biggest 4-day, online conference for women, and those who identify as women, in publishing. Our community and conference helps aspiring and published authors grow their craft, and publishing professionals expand their network and skills. Tickets cost $197, virtual event.
https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/
🔴 MAR 9 · +Horror Library+ Anthology (Dark Moon Books) is closing for horror short fiction submissions. The series seeks imaginative, harrowing tales that explore fear, dark fantasy, monsters, and eerie worlds in original ways (fiction ~1,500–3,000+ words). Payment is professional rate (≈ $0.08/word) for original work. Reprints not accepted; simultaneous submissions allowed. Submission method: email.
https://www.darkmoonbooks.com/Submissions.html
🔴 MAR 10 · Mslexia Magazine is closing for fiction, nonfiction and poetry written by women. There are 25 ways of submitting to Mslexia and length, form, and theme requirements vary. As always, check their guidelines before submitting. Payments vary with a minimum of GBP £30.
https://mslexia.co.uk/submit-your-work/
🔴 MAR 13 · Geist is closing for nonfiction and comics, visual art, and hybrid submissions. Payment is professional rate (e.g., up to CAD $650 for fiction/features; CAD $100 per page for poetry; CAD $300-$500 for nonfiction; up to CAD $650 for comics). Reprints accepted and simultaneous submissions allowed. Submissions via Submittable per guidelines. Note: priority to Canadian writers/residents; international submissions with relevant Canadian connection encouraged.
https://www.geist.com/submission/submit
🔴 MAR 13 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week’s deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
🔴 MAR 14 · Fahmidan Journal‘s Summer Issue submissions close for poetry and fiction and nonfiction prose. Payment: USD $25 per piece.
https://www.fahmidan.net/journal-submissions
⭐ MAR 14 · Scribbler Support Group Hosted inside the Authortunities Hub community, stay connected to your writing life in this ongoing, low-pressure gathering designed for writers who want community without performance. For free, this casual check-in space allows you to share what you’re working on (or where you’re stuck), name challenges without having to solve them on the spot, and reconnect with the act of writing during quiet or difficult seasons. From reflection and conversation to simple presence and listening, you’ll walk away feeling less isolated and more able to return to the page without shame or pressure. Think campfire, not classroom. Showing up counts.
https://authortunities-hub.mn.co/posts/97124774
🟢 MAR 15 · Fahmidan Journal‘s Autumn Issue submissions open for diverse voices in poetry, fiction and nonfiction prose. Payment: $25 per piece.
https://www.fahmidan.net/journal-submissions
🟢MAR 15 ·The Journal of Compressed Creative Arts (Matter Press) is open until June 15 for “compressed creative arts” — fiction and creative nonfiction that tightly concentrates idea and form. They publish weekly across genres with eclectic, compressed work. Pays $50 per accepted piece and uses a signed contract. Simultaneous submissions are allowed (notify if accepted elsewhere); no previously published work. Submission method: Submittable.
https://matter.submittable.com/submit
🔴 MAR 15 · subTerrain magazine SUMMER/FALL, #104 {GUILT} is closing for “submissions of 100-word flash fiction, micro creative non-fiction, and poetry. This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for some submissions so please check their guidelines carefully before submitting.
https://subterrain.ca/about/35/sub-terrain-writer-s-guidelines
🔴♻️ MAR 15 · Penumbric Speculative Fiction Magazine closes for speculative fiction (up to 10,000 words) and poetry submissions that explore diverse viewpoints, including race, ethnicity, gender, and orientation. Visual art, animation, and music submissions remain always open. Reprints are allowed. Pay ranges from Token payment to Professional payment. Occasionally pays royalties. Details: USD $10, plus royalties.
https://www.penumbric.com/subs.html
🔴 MAR 15 · Plott Hound Magazine closes for submissions of animal-centric speculative fiction, poetry, and essays. They seek stories with anthropomorphized animal protagonists in genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Underrepresented voices (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, neurodivergent) are encouraged to submit. Payment is $0.08 per word for fiction, $50 per poem, and $100 per essay.
https://plotthoundmag.com/submissions/
🔴♻️ MAR 15 · swim meet lit mag closes for submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. They welcome diverse creative works, with a particular interest in pieces from swimmers or about swimming, though all themes are considered. Submissions are free and accepted through an online form. Payment is available only to Australian contributors: AUD $30 minimum for flash fiction and poetry, and AUD $50 minimum for longer works. Simultaneous and reprint submissions are allowed.
https://swimmeetlitmag.com/submit/
🔴 MAR 15 · kitchen work, a printed journal of food and the table, is closing for fiction, nonfiction, poetry and art on “big kitchens and small kitchens, about cooking, the business of food and the state of restaurants, about family and friends and strangers. What and how we eat and drink.” Current theme is “cities.” Payment is USD $0.20/word, $100 per visual piece.
https://www.kitchenwork.com/submissions
🔴 MAR 15 · Profiles Journal closes for fiction submissions of short stories (up to 5,000 words) and flash fiction. They accept literary fiction and creative nonfiction that deeply explores characters and their stories. Payment is EUR €200 for non-commissioned written work. Note: Submissions are restricted to everyone except for residents of the US or Canada (with the exception of Irish citizens).
https://duotrope.com/magazine/profiles-journal-37311
⭐ MAR 15 · Bi-Weekly Open Mic Night Hosted inside the Authortunities Hub community by Jordan Francis, share your words live at NeighborHub’s community open mic, happening every other Sunday at 8 PM EST. Bring your prose, your poetry, your half-finished brilliance — this is a welcoming, supportive space built for creative courage and growth. Whether you’re reading for the first time or refining your voice, you’ll find an audience that listens deeply and celebrates bold work. Part of the Authortunities Hub.
https://authortunities-hub.mn.co/posts/97187935
🔴 MAR 16 · Island Magazine closes for submissions of poetry from Australian and New Zealand citizens and residents. Poets may submit up to five poems in text, video, or audio formats. Payment is AUD $175 per poem. Submissions are accepted exclusively via Submittable. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted.
https://island.submittable.com/submit
🔴♻️ MAR 17 · Collaborature Monthly Contest is closing for fiction and poetry “written by more than one author or include a collaboration of two people (i.e., art and poetry).” Reprints are allowed. Payment is $20 USD.
https://collaborature.blogspot.com/p/contests.html
⭐ MAR 17-19 · Ireland’s Publishing Show: On the Wild Atlantic Way will run in Co. Clare, which is on part of the Wild Atlantic Way route. It is for any writer who is interested in publishing a book, for those who have published and want to scale up, and for anyone who is unsure as to where their career is headed. Costs €279, in Dromoland, County Clare, Ireland.
https://irelandspublishingshow.com/
⭐ MAR 19 · First Friday - Third Thursday Quick Read features 6 authors each reading a selection of speculative fiction for 8 minutes. There will be time for questions & answers at the end and a giveaway from the authors. This free event hosted by Strong Women - Strange Worlds features Gabrielle Bleu, Kristen Illarmo, Angélique Jamail, Ruby Martinez, Linsey Miller, Hailey Piper and emcee/host Sarah Smith along with support from authors Anne Nydam and Terri Bruce. Pre-register.
https://strongwomenstrangeworlds.weebly.com/
🔴 MAR 20 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week’s deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
⭐ MAR 21 · Scribbler Support Group Hosted inside the Authortunities Hub community, stay connected to your writing life in this ongoing, low-pressure gathering designed for writers who want community without performance. For free, this casual check-in space allows you to share what you’re working on (or where you’re stuck), name challenges without having to solve them on the spot, and reconnect with the act of writing during quiet or difficult seasons. From reflection and conversation to simple presence and listening, you’ll walk away feeling less isolated and more able to return to the page without shame or pressure. Think campfire, not classroom. Showing up counts.
https://authortunities-hub.mn.co/posts/97124774
⭐ MAR 21 · Parsec Monthly Event Pittsburgh’s premier Science Fiction & Fantasy Organization meets monthly to network. Open to the Public.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/azUObHUqQjml3hQy0Up3ng#/registration
🔴 MAR 22 · Cymera Prize for Speculative Short Fiction closes for submissions of speculative short stories. Open to individuals living in Scotland or identifying as Scottish by birth or inclination, aged 14 years or over. Stories should be unpublished and contain elements of science fiction, fantasy, or horror, with a maximum length of 2,500 words. The winning writer will be awarded £150, and the winning story will be published in Shoreline of Infinity magazine. Submissions are accepted via an online form.
🔴 MAR 25 · MudRoom Magazine is closing for poetry, prose, and visual art submissions. Payment is $15 (USD) per accepted piece, paid via PayPal (alternative methods by request). Reprints are not accepted; simultaneous submissions allowed. Submission method: email per guidelines.
https://www.mudroommag.com/submissions
🔴 MAR 25 · The Stygian Lepus Magazine closes for submissions of dark speculative fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. They welcome works in genres such as horror, science fiction, and fantasy. No specific word count limits are provided for fiction and nonfiction; poetry submissions have no line limits, and the number of pieces is unspecified. Visual art submissions are open to various media and styles. Payment is AUD $5 per accepted piece. Reprints are accepted; simultaneous submissions are not allowed. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://stygianlepus.com/submissions/
⭐ MAR 26 · The Importance of Research for Novels and Memoirs Free event from the Indie Author Project (IAP), Join Michael C. White, award-winning author and 2024 Indie Author Project Annual Contest Runner-Up, as he walks you through how to approach research in a way that enriches your writing and brings your story to life with strong storytelling. Join in to learn how thoughtful research can deepen authenticity, strengthen narrative voice, and build reader trust.
https://lyrasis.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GzMDlqilQsis9YcNymSF8w#/registration
⭐ MAR 26 · Space & Time Editorial Office Hours (Authortunities Members) Monthly Q&A covering upcoming issues, structure updates, and submissions. Replay access and session notes posted exclusively for Members. Access link available in the Members-only section. 7:30 PM (UTC-3) Last Thursday of every month.
https://authortunities.substack.com/
⭐ MAR 27 · Erasure Poetry: Holding the Line with Carina Bissett & Lee Murray Hosted inside the Authortunities Hub community, join acclaimed poets Carina Bissett and Lee Murray, authors of Oversight: Erasure Poetry, for a workshop exploring how holding lines from historical writings by women, by capturing them in erasure poetry, can highlight women’s stories, challenge existing structures, and offer new meaning and hope.
🔴 MAR 27 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week’s deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
🔴 MARCH 28 · The New Quarterly: Edna Staebler Personal Essay Contest closes for personal essays. Top prize: $1,000; selected essays considered for publication ($250 paid per published essay). Entry fee: $40 per essay (includes a 1-year subscription). Submit via online portal; anonymity preserved during judging.
⭐ MAR 28 · Scribbler Support Group Hosted inside the Authortunities Hub community, stay connected to your writing life in this ongoing, low-pressure gathering designed for writers who want community without performance. For free, this casual check-in space allows you to share what you’re working on (or where you’re stuck), name challenges without having to solve them on the spot, and reconnect with the act of writing during quiet or difficult seasons. From reflection and conversation to simple presence and listening, you’ll walk away feeling less isolated and more able to return to the page without shame or pressure. Think campfire, not classroom. Showing up counts.
https://authortunities-hub.mn.co/posts/97124774
⭐ MAR 29 · Bi-Weekly Open Mic Night with Jordan Francis Share your words live at NeighborHub’s community open mic, happening every other Sunday at 8 PM EST. Bring your prose, your poetry, your half-finished brilliance — this is a welcoming, supportive space built for creative courage and growth. Whether you’re reading for the first time or refining your voice, you’ll find an audience that listens deeply and celebrates bold work. Part of the Authortunities Hub.
https://authortunities-hub.mn.co/posts/97187935
🔴 MAR 30 · midnight & indigo closes for submissions of short stories and narrative/personal essays by Black women writers. Short stories should be 1,500 to 7,500 words. Essays must be at least 1,200 words. All genres and writing styles are welcome, with a focus on character-driven stories that resonate deeply. Payment is $0.07 per word for short stories and $150 per essay. Submissions are accepted exclusively via Submittable. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but reprints are not accepted.
https://www.midnightandindigo.com/write-for-us/
🔴 MAR 30 · Bethlehem Writers Roundtable closes for submissions of short and flash fiction written to the theme of “Random Disclosures.” May close sooner, if the issue is filled. Payment is USD $50 for featured authors; $20 if published on their &More page, $10 for poems.
https://bwgwritersroundtable.com/submissions-contacts/
🔴♻️ MAR 31 · The Lascaux Prize in Poetry is closing for submissions of previously published or unpublished poetry with no length restrictions. All genres and styles are welcome. Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review. Entry fee is $15 USD.
https://lascauxreview.com/contests/
🔴 MAR 31 · A Public Space Writing Fellowship closes for fiction and nonfiction submissions from writers who haven’t published a book-length work. Winners receive a $1,000 honorarium, publication, mentorship, a subscription, Master Class access, and participation in a public reading. No fee; simultaneous submissions accepted; no reprints.
https://apublicspace.org/about/fellowships/writing-fellowship
🔴 MAR 31 · Dark Moments Drabble Monthly Challenge closes for speculative flash written to the theme “Something Returned.” The BEST 12 drabbles will be selected for publication online in Dark Moments. Semi-pro payment. Details: USD $0.04/word.
https://www.blackharepress.com/submissions/#toggle-id-2
🔴 MAR 31 · Parsec Short Story Contest closes to entries up to 3500 words of speculative fiction by “non-professional writers– those who have not met eligibility requirements for SFWA or equivalent.” First-place receives $200 and publication in the Confluence program book. Second-place receives $100, third-place receives $50. Additional $50 category prize for best story submitted by someone age 19 and under (as long as they are still enrolled in high school). The 2025 Contest theme is “Metamorphosis.”
https://parsec-sff.org/short-story-contest/
🔴 MAR 31 · Flash Fiction 500 Competition is closing for original flash fiction up to 500 words. First place winner receives £300, second place winner receives £200, and third place winner receives £100. Entry fee is £5 for one story, £8 for two stories, £11 for three stories, £14 for four stories.
https://flash500.com/flash-fiction/
🔴 MAR 31 · Apex Magazine Monthly Flash Fiction Contest Submissions close to all for speculative flash fiction at midnight. Winner will be announced no later than the 15th of the following month and be paid $0.08/word or $10, whichever is more, and published on the Apex Magazine Patreon as an exclusive the month following and will be included in the forthcoming issue of Apex Magazine.
https://apexbookcompany.moksha.io/publication/apex-magazine-flash-fiction
🔴 MAR 31 · Strange Horizons is closing for speculative poetry with AJ Odasso (they/them/theirs) as March’s editor. Payment is $50 USD per poem, regardless of length or complexity.
http://strangehorizons.com/submit/poetry-submission-guidelines/
🔴 MAR 31 · Flash Point Science Fiction closes for submissions of speculative flash fiction (100–1,000 words) across genres like science fiction, fantasy, and slipstream. Payment is USD $0.02 per word. Reprints and simultaneous submissions are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via an online form.
https://flashpointsf.com/submissions/
🔴 MAR 31 · Best New England Crime Stories Anthology Series closes for submissions of crime-related short stories (1,000–5,000 words) in genres such as mystery, thriller, suspense, caper, historical, and horror. Open exclusively to writers residing in the six New England states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island); stories do not need to be set in New England. Payment is USD $25 per accepted story. Submissions are accepted via email; reprints and simultaneous submissions are not allowed.
https://crimespellbooks.wixsite.com/my-site/submission-guidelines
🔴 MAR 31 · foofaraw Anthology closes for submissions of fiction (500–5,000 words) and poetry. They welcome genres including magical realism, speculative fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, literary, LGBTQIA+, horror, mystery, noir, and experimental works. Payment is USD $0.01 per word for fiction and $5 per poem. Simultaneous submissions, multiple submissions, and reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via an online form.
https://foofaraw.press/submissions/
🔴 MAR 31 · Gordon Square Review closes for submissions of fiction, brief nonfiction, and poetry. Fiction submissions should be up to 5,000 words; brief nonfiction up to 1,000 words; and poetry submissions should include only one poem. Payment is USD $25 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via Submittable.
http://www.gordonsquarereview.org/submit.html
🔴 MAR 31 · Hearth Stories closes for submissions of speculative fiction that explores connection, family, relationships, comfort, and the natural world. They prefer slice-of-life stories set in pre-industrial-revolution times or similar fantasy worlds, typically in rural or nature settings. Accepted word counts range from 1,000 to 10,000 words, with an ideal length between 1,500 and 3,500 words. Payment is USD $0.01 per word, with a minimum of $20 per piece. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://hearthstories.org/submissions.html
🔴 MAR 31 · Banshee closes for submissions of poetry, short and flash fiction written to the theme of “Speculative Fiction, or It doesn’t have to be this way.” “Banshee is a journal of exciting, accessible, contemporary writing from Ireland and around the world.” Payment is EUR €75 for flash fiction; €250 for a story.
https://bansheepress.org/submit
🔴 MAR 31 · 2026 BWR Short Story Award closes for submissions of never-published stories of 2,500 words or fewer on the theme of Speculative Fiction. Awards range from $250—50 USD. This year’s judge is Susan Kaye Quinn.
https://bwgwritersroundtable.com/short-story-award-2/
🔴 MAR 31 · ShortStory Substack closes for submissions of short stories across all genres. Stories can range from 6 words to 10,000 words, with a preference for 3,000–5,500 words. Payment is USD $100 plus 50% of subscription revenue. Reprints are accepted; simultaneous submissions are allowed. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://shortstory.substack.com/
🔴 MAR 31 · Split Lip Magazine closes for free submissions of fiction, memoir, poetry, and art. Fiction submissions should be 1,000–3,000 words; memoir up to 2,000 words; poetry limited to one poem per submission; and art submissions should include one piece or a link to a portfolio. Payment is USD $75 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via Submittable.
https://splitlipthemag.com/submit
🔴 MAR 31 · Rattle Magazine’s Ekphrastic Poetry Challenge is closed for ekphrastic poetry in response to selected visual art posted on their page. Two winners, one chosen by the artist and the other by Rattle’s editor, receive $100 and publication online.
https://rattle.com/page/ekphrastic/
🔴 MAR 31 · The Hudson Review is closing nonfiction submissions. Payment is $0.025 per word for prose. Postal submissions only; submissions must include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). Submission method: mail.
https://hudsonreview.com/about-us/submission-guidelines/
🔴 MAR 31 · Behind the Shadows IV is closing for spooky short fiction between 2,000 to 6,000 words. “We’re searching for the spooky stories. This is not horror, though there may be suspense and even a dash of horror.” Payment is $10 + Royalty share of Draft to Digital “D2D” sales.
https://inkdpub.com/submissions/
🔴 MAR 31 · Apex Magazine is closing for original speculative short fiction. Work must be unpublished, up to 9,000 words, and speculative (science fiction, fantasy, horror). Payment is $0.08/word (minimum $50), plus $0.01/word if podcasted. Reprints not accepted; simultaneous submissions allowed (withdraw upon acceptance). Submission method: Moksha online platform.
https://www.apexbookcompany.com/pages/submissions
🔴 MAR 31 · Doom Scroll (Whisper House Press) closes for social-media horror stories (200–2,000 words) exploring the mundane dread of online life and parasocial dynamics. Payment is $30 per accepted story. Simultaneous submissions were allowed (with withdrawal if accepted elsewhere); original work only. Submission method: email.
https://whisperhousepress.com/whisper-house-press-hq/doom-scroll/
🔴 MAR 31 · Aurealis is closing for speculative short fiction (2,000–8,000 words) from anyone in the world, but remains open for Australian & NZ writers through September 30. The magazine seeks science fiction, fantasy, or horror short stories that are original and speculative. Pays AUD $20–AUD $60 per 1,000 words (approx. A$20 min + free e-copy of issue). No reprints. Submission method: email.
https://aurealis.com.au/submissions/
🔴 MAR 31 · SNAFU: Level Up Anthology [Cohesion Press ] closes for action-focused LitRPG/horror short stories and novelettes (2,500–12,000 words) blending game-style progression with combat and horrific elements. Pays AU $0.05/word (approx. 3 ¢/word AUD) for original work. No multiple submissions, no simultaneous submissions, no reprints. Submission method: email.
https://www.cohesionpress.com/submissions
🔴 MAR 31 · Magpie Zine is closed for poetry, prose, and visual art (no strict genre limits; welcomes bold and hybrid work). Payment is $10 (USD) per accepted poem or prose piece, and $20 (USD) for visual artwork. Reprints are not accepted; simultaneous submissions allowed. Submission method: Submittable.
https://www.magpiezine.com/magpie-zine-submit
APRIL
🟢 APR 1 · Space & Time (Rest Is Resistance for May 2026 Issue 150) is open until April 8 for flash fiction (up to 1,000 words) and poetry (up to 35 lines). A bold speculative theme exploring resistance through rest. The magazine seeks genre-blending work—horror, science fiction, fantasy, and boundary-pushing hybrids that challenge assumptions and reshape perspectives. Work in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Italian is welcome (to be translated into English). Payment is $0.01/word for fiction and $5 per poem (up to 35 lines), plus a digital contributor copy. Submission method: Duosuma.
https://duotrope.com/duosuma/submit/space-and-time-nDoUw
🟢 APR 1 · BookLife is open until May 1 for submissions of self-published books related to memoirs and autobiography, especially from LGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors, for their Indie Spotlight feature, a thematic roundup of self-published books both online and in print in Publishers Weekly magazine. Each Indie Spotlight is open to all types of books as long as they match the month’s topic. Submissions close for self-published books related to humor and satire.
https://booklife.com/about-us/booklife-s-indie-spotlight.html
🟢 APR 1 · Indie Author Project Annual Contest is open for submissions until May 31 with a brand-new Children’s Picture Book category. This expansion reflects the incredible work indie creators are doing for young readers and brings beautifully illustrated storytelling into the contest for the first time. The contest is free to enter, with submissions evaluated by librarian judges across the U.S. and Canada. Winners in nine genres receive $2,500, runners-up receive $500, and one genre winner from the 2025 contest winners will be named 2026 Indie Author of the Year during Indie Author Day this November.
https://indieauthorproject.com/the-2026-iap-annual-contest-details-new-category/
🟢 APR 1 · Anomaly is open until April 7 for dark science fiction flash fiction (≤300 words). They want disruptive, emotionally resonant speculative stories that linger. Payment is $0.08/word plus an electronic copy of a future anthology. No reprints. No simultaneous submissions. Submission method: Patreon post includes instructions.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/124086163?collection=1379866
🟢 APR 1 · Write or Die Magazine is open for free submissions of essays and essays and fiction for the first week of the month. There is a $3 submission fee for the rest of the month. No fee for author interviews. “Payment is approx. $50.”
https://writeordiemag.com/submission-guidelines
🟢 APR 1 · Strange Horizons is open until April 30 for speculative poetry with Romie Stott (she/he) as April’s editor. Payment is $50 USD per poem, regardless of length or complexity.
http://strangehorizons.com/submit/poetry-submission-guidelines/
🟢 APR 1 · The Threepenny Review is open through APR 15 for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Payment is $400 per story or article and $200 per poem or Table Talk piece. Postal and online submissions,
https://www.threepennyreview.com/submissions.html
🟢 APR 1 · Electric Spec is open until APR 15 for speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre), 250–7,000 words, for their May issue. Payment is $20 per story. Submission method: online guidelines.
https://www.electricspec.com/Submissions.html
🟢 APR 1 · Flame Tree Fiction Newsletter is open to monthly themed submissions of original fiction (700–1,000 words) from newsletter subscribers only (free to subscribe). Payment is $0.08 / £0.06 per word. Submission windows typically last around two weeks each month. Submission method: online guidelines.
https://www.flametreepress.com/submissions/
🟢 APR 1 · Rattle Magazine’s Ekphrastic Poetry Challenge opens until the last day of the month for ekphrastic poetry in response to selected visual art posted on their page. Two winners, one chosen by the artist and the other by Rattle’s editor, receive $100 and publication online.
https://rattle.com/page/ekphrastic/
🟢♻️ APR 1 · The Lascaux Prize in Creative Nonfiction is open until September 30 for submissions of previously published or unpublished memoirs, chronicles, personal essays, humorous perspectives, literary journalism—anything the author has witnessed, experienced, or discovered up to 10,000 words. Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review.
https://lascauxreview.com/contests/
🔴 APR 1 · Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest closes for submissions of published and unpublished humor poetry with prizes of $2,000, $500, $250, and ten Honorable Mentions of $100 each. The winner will also enjoy a two-year gift certificate from co-sponsor, Duotrope (a $100 value). The top 13 poems are published on the Winning Writers website. No fee to enter.
https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/wergle-flomp-humor-poetry-contest-free
Looking for something not included? Share in the comments and I’ll try to find it for you.