Selling Art Isn’t Selling Out
Breaking the Myth of the Starving Artist
Excuse my squinting and rough voice this week. I was recovering from a major allergy attack. Authortunities may contain affiliate links that might earn a small fee at no extra cost to you.
“You are creative and you will have to choose between being yourselves and being poor. Art and business don’t mix.”
This is what I heard one day when I popped into my daughter’s gifted class unexpectedly. The teacher that was responsible for unleashing young minds to discover their full potential was telling this to a class of about 15 students.
“Oh, I think they should mix!” I blurted out, surprised. “Why can’t they?”
She visibly jumped and asked me not to undermine her curriculum in front of her class. It was a simple question, and by now I had many more I wanted to ask. Instead, I made up an excuse about my daughter having an appointment, grabbed her things and withdrew her from the class.
At the time, I was plenty angry with that teacher. Now I am angry at the system that sells us this lie. Being our creative selves does not damn us to a life of poverty. Who is selling this lie… and why?
We creatives are often fed the myth that a business mindset threatens artistic integrity usually by those who directly benefit from our work. A tragic example that comes to mind is The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony.” After acquiring permission to include a sample of an orchestral version of a Rolling Stones song for their 1997 hit, Rolling Stones' former manager, Allen Klein, who owned the composition rights, opened a lawsuit that resulted in the band relinquishing 100% of their royalties and songwriting credit amid legal pressure. I wonder if The Verve songwriter, Richard Ashcroft, had ever been told “Art and business don’t mix.”
Fortunately, the lie is wearing thin, and artists are becoming smarter. Jorge Rivera‑Herrans, the creator of "EPIC: The Musical," fought a 2023 lawsuit with his original production company over ownership of his first two "sagas.” Instead of accepting the status quo, he established his own label, Winion Entertainment, re-recorded the work, and re-released it under his ownership.
The idea of "selling out" is often imposed by those benefiting from our undervalued creative work. It’s a false narrative that tries to keep us creating purely for joy, exposure, and privilege, yet no one expects a doctor to work for free simply because he enjoys his job. Embracing the value of our art acknowledges the impact our work has on ourselves and our communities.
When someone does good work, they should be paid. Full stop.
Assets that Amplify
Think of your creations as parts of a larger ecosystem that amplifies your brand and profitability. A standalone book is an asset that can lead to sequels, spin-offs, merchandise, and even a universe. Consider Marvel: a single comic book series expanded into a multi-billion-dollar empire spanning movies, merchandise, theme parks, and more.
Similarly, George Lucas transformed "Star Wars" from a singular cinematic vision into an extensive merchandising universe. Disney grew from a modest animation studio producing short cartoons into a global entertainment powerhouse that encompasses films, television, merchandise, theme parks, and streaming services, redefining cultural storytelling across generations.
This isn't limited to cinematic juggernauts. Writers, the source of the cinema, can create their own ecosystems:
Series and Sequels: Each new installment increases visibility and renews interest in previous works.
Defined Styles or Universes: A recognizable style or world attracts loyal readers eager for more.
Merchandise and Direct Sales: Selling books and related products directly to readers amplifies your income.
Direct Sales: Lessons from Mark Twain
Mark Twain, renowned for his wit and wisdom, was also an entrepreneurial genius. Twain famously circumvented traditional publishers by directly selling his books to subscribers. His rise to prosperity was largely due to this innovative subscription sales model. He benefited from sales agents who collected advance orders, ensuring both readership and profitability before a single page was printed, in other words, pre-orders.
However, the Subscription Sales model had three major hurdles that no longer apply today:
Salespeople that went door-to-door needed to be paid
Large quantities of books needed to be printed ahead of sales
An inefficient distribution and printing systems relied on horses, carriages, and trains
Today's digital landscape makes direct sales far more accessible. With the internet, eBooks, and print-on-demand technology, the barriers Twain faced are drastically reduced. Moreover, affiliate programs enable modern creators to build "street teams," our contemporary win-win sales army, without upfront costs or risk. Direct sales empower you to own your audience relationship and retain higher profits.
Expanding Your Revenue Streams
Beyond books and merchandise, teaching and courses offer interactive opportunities to amplify your creative assets. Consider turning your knowledge into workshops, webinars, or online courses.
You will soon get to see this strategy in action with my launch of The Maker's Tao this fall. It’s all about “How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome, Turn Your Passion into a Career, and Build a Creative Community as an Author, Artist, or Crafter. The book will be accompanied by a nine-day challenge and a series of classes to help readers experience the book by interacting with it.
More on this soon. In the meantime, surprise cover reveal!
If I leave you with nothing else, I hope it is the thought that art and business do mix, and those that tell us otherwise might not have our best interests at heart. It’s like that old adage: why pay for the cow when you can get the milk for free?
Never in history has it been easier to manage our own creative milk.
Know any stories where art and business did (or didn’t) mix? Personal or from history, I’d love to hear in the comments.
What if the secret to Sustainable Creativity was hidden within an ancient sacred matrix called the Lo Shu Magic Square, the same mystical foundation behind Feng Shui, Tai Chi, Taoism and even your destiny?
Explore this creative alignment in Avery Maker’s Journey, a free adventure that's already changing how artists think, create, and prosper. Ready to dive deeper? My upcoming book, The Maker’s Tao, expands on this same powerful foundation, guiding you step-by-step to turn your creative passion into purposeful prosperity.
Start your journey now—[FREE HERE]—and prepare for The Maker’s Tao!
Coming Next Week…
I’ll be celebrating the new month with a new theme: Embracing Mentorship. We will explore how to be a good mentor, how to receive mentorship, mentorship tools and how to mentoring can be your day job. I will also be opening up a special new membership benefit for my Supporting Subscribers.
Download: Author Income & Expenses Tracker
Are you an author looking to simplify your finances and maximize creative energy? The Author Income & Expenses Annual Tracker effortlessly organizes your monthly income, expenses, and net profits. Invest in clarity, reclaim your writing time, and thrive financially.
Supporting Subscribers will find your free download in the chat here. Feel free to share comments, questions and chat.
Subscribers: Your download is available for just $8.88 here.
My authortunities are organized by emoji!
🟢 opening for submissions
🔴 closing for submissions
🖼️ visual art submission
⭐ events, classes, networking
♻️ reprints
🟢 WEEKLY· Reedsy Prompts is open until the following Friday for short fiction between 1,000 - 3,000 words based on one of five prompts. Writers have until the following Friday at 11.59 pm EST to enter. No fee to enter and have work posted. $5 fee to be eligible for the $250 cash prize. This week’s prompt is: Strangers Again 🕰️.
https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
🟢 JUN 23 · Ghastly Goings On is open until September 1 for submissions to its anthology, To Whom It May Not Concern: Emails That Were Written (or Should’ve Been) and Never Sent. Submit fiction, creative nonfiction (500–2,000 words), and poetry reflecting unsent or imaginary communications related to parenting, education, and institutional interactions. Payment is US $20 per prose piece, $10 per poem. Simultaneous submissions and reprints welcome.
https://www.ghastlygoingson.com/submissions
⭐ JUN 28 · How to Make Money as a Writer will be a live Zoom session from 10 am to 1 pm PST (1 pm to 4 pm EST). This masterclass delves into the business aspects of writing, covering topics such as understanding the publishing industry, building a sustainable writing career, and monetizing your work effectively. Led by New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry, the session aims to equip writers with practical strategies to navigate the financial facets of their profession.
https://www.jonathanmaberry.com/classes-workshops.cfm
⭐ JUN 29 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
🔴 JUN 30 · Channel Magazine closes to submissions of poetry, flash fiction, short fiction, and nonfiction essays. Payment is €35 per printed page (min €50, max €250), €35 per 400 online words (min €50, max €250), and €250 for cover art. Sim subs okay. No reprints or AI-generated content. Submission via email.
https://channelmag.org/submissions/
🔴 JUN 30 · Timber Ghost Press closes (extended Jul 1–15 for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized authors) for novels and novellas (25,000–90,000+ words; novels 50k+, novellas 25–50k). Horror subgenres: cosmic, weird, sci-fi/horror, gothic, Old West/horror, wilderness, survival, liminal spaces. Payment: 50% net royalties on ebook, 30% on paperback; advance: $75 for novels, $50 for novellas. Submit via website form.
https://www.timberghostpress.com/submissions.html#/
🔴 JUN 30 · The Fantastic Other closes to submissions of speculative fiction and flash fiction (up to 3,500 words; ≤1,000 words counts as flash), poetry (up to 50 lines, 4 poems max), and visual art (fantasy/sci-fi themed). Payment is $5 USD per accepted piece via PayPal. Submission via email.
https://fantasticother.com/submissions/
🔴 JUN 30 · Tales from the Crosstimbers is closed for speculative fiction (1,000–2,500 words; up to 5,000 words considered), nonfiction, and poetry (if fitting with speculative prose). Each issue features 10 stories; nonfiction limited to one, poetry rare. Payment is pro-rate 1¢/word (rounded to nearest 100 words) or $10/story, whichever is higher (max $50/story). Payment via PayPal (print copy if no PayPal). Submission via online form.
https://thecrosstimbers.online/open-call/
🔴 JUN 30 · Chthonic Matter Quarterly closes to fiction submissions (2,000–5,000 words). Payment: USD $10 per 1K words + contributor copy. One story per period; sim subs welcome. Submission via email: chthonicmatter.editor@gmail.com.
https://chthonicmatter.wordpress.com/chthonicmatter/
🔴 JUN 30 · Writers of the Future Contest is closing for original, unpublished science fiction, fantasy, or light horror stories up to 17,000 words. Open to amateur writers only. Prizes: $1,000 (1st), $750 (2nd), $500 (3rd) per quarter; annual grand prize of $5,000. Free to enter. No reprints.
https://writersofthefuture.com/enter-writer-contest/
🔴 JUNE 30 · Chapter House Indigenous Fiction Prize closes for fiction submissions from Indigenous writers. Eligible works include flash fiction (up to 1,000 words; up to 3 pieces) and short stories (1,000–5,000 words). Prize: $250. Reprints are not accepted; simultaneous submissions policy is unspecified. Submit via Submittable.
https://chjournal.submittable.com/submit
🔴 JUN 30 · midnight & indigo closes today for submissions from Black women writers. Short stories (1,500–7,000 words) pay $0.07/word; personal essays (1,200+ words) pay $150. Submit via Submittable.
https://www.midnightandindigo.com/write-for-us/
🔴♻️ JUN 30 · The Lascaux Prize in Flash Fiction is closing for submissions of previously published or unpublished flash fiction. True stories are welcome as long as they’re written in a narrative style. Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review.
https://lascauxreview.com/contests/
🔴 JUN 30 · 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/
🔴 JUN 30 · 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
🔴 JUN 30 · Galactic Mindsea Empire Anthology closes for submissions of science fiction stories (up to 10,000 words) set in the Galactic Mindsea Empire, focusing on the theme of bioids—synthetic beings indistinguishable from living organisms. Payment is USD $0.04 per word. Simultaneous submissions and reprints are not accepted; multiple submissions are not allowed. Submissions via email.
https://www.infernalmuseum.com/Submission.html
🔴 JUN 30 · Saturday Mourning Television Anthology closes for submissions of horror fiction (1,000–4,000 words) and poetry inspired by early morning kids' TV from any decade. Stories can explore various perspectives, including children, parents, performers, hosts, behind-the-scenes workers, or even animated creations. Payment is USD $35 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions and reprints are not accepted; multiple submissions are not allowed. Submissions via email.
https://sliceduppress.com/submissions/
🔴 JUNE 30 · Dirty Magick Magazine closes for original fiction (2,000–12,500 words) in urban fantasy, sword and sorcery, and supernatural horror. Special interest in fresh takes on fantasy races, humor, mystery/crime elements, and strong sense of setting. Payment: $50 per story. Simultaneous submissions and translations welcome; no reprints. Submit via email: submissions@dirtymagickmagazine.com.
https://dirtymagickmagazine.com/submission-guidelines/
🔴 JUNE 30 · Hiraeth Publishing: The Drabble Harvest Contest closes for 100-word drabbles on the theme "The Witch's Broom." Payment: $1 per drabble, with first place awarded $5 and second place $2; top submissions published. Send submissions in the body of the email to Terrie Leigh Relf at tlrelf@gmail.com.
https://www.hiraethsffh.com/drabble-contest
🔴 JUNE 30 · Crystal Clear Books Writing Competition closes for short stories (1,000 words), flash fiction (250 words), and poetry (16 lines max). No specific theme; all genres welcome except erotica and horror. Entry fee: £5 per submission. Winners in each category receive £75 and a publication contract; runners-up receive an e-copy of the anthology.
🔴 JUNE 30 · The New Quarterly closes nonfiction submissions. Literary excellence required; seeking balanced, innovative work in approachable language. Payment: $275 per accepted piece plus contributor copy. Submit via online portal.
🔴 JUNE 30 · Lucky Jefferson: Spring 2025 – "Fissure" closes for poetry (3 poems per submission), flash fiction and creative nonfiction (up to 1,000 words), and art (up to 3 pieces). Exploring themes of cracks, instability, and collapse—both personal and societal. Payment: $15–$25 per accepted piece. Submit via online portal.
https://luckyjefferson.com/submit/
🔴♻️ JUN 30 · Garland is closing for submissions on the theme “The body and body and body”. They accept fiction (flash up to 1,000 words; short stories 1,000–1,500 words), nonfiction (essays and narrative nonfiction up to 1,500 words), and poetry (no line limits specified). Submissions are open to queer, trans, and gender variant writers. Payment is $5 USD. Reprints are allowed. Submit via Duosuma.
https://fifthwheelpress.com/garlandsubs
🔴 JUN 30 · Apex Magazine (Flash Fiction Contest) closes submissions for flash fiction up to 1,000 words for their monthly themed contest. Ensure your story aligns with the current month's theme, as non-conforming submissions will be rejected. Payment is $0.08 per word, with a minimum of $10. Simultaneous and multiple submissions are not accepted due to the contest structure. Winners are published exclusively on Patreon before appearing in Apex Magazine.
https://www.apexbookcompany.com/a/blog/apex-magazine/post/apex-magazine-submissions-guidelines
🔴 JUN 30 · Black Hare Press – Dark Moments (June 2025: “Fairytale Retellings”) closes submissions for drabbles—exactly 100 words, excluding title and pen name—for their June 2025 theme: “Fairytale Retellings.” This theme invites twisted reimaginings of familiar fairytales, where innocence is shattered and magic hides dark secrets. Only one submission per pen name is allowed; multiple submissions will be rejected unread. Reprints and simultaneous submissions are not accepted. Payment is $0.04 USD per word via PayPal. Submissions must be sent via email to darkmoments@BlackHarePress.com with the theme included in the subject line. The best 12 drabbles will be chosen for publication in July 2025.
https://www.blackharepress.com/submissions/
🔴 JUN 30 · Off Topic Publishing – Trans and Genderqueer Voices Anthology closes submissions for poetry (up to 3 poems, max 30 lines each), flash fiction (up to 3 pieces, max 500 words each), short stories (1 piece, 501–2,500 words), creative nonfiction (1 piece, max 2,500 words), essays (1 piece, max 2,500 words), and other formats (1 piece with a brief explanation). Submissions must be authored by trans or genderqueer individuals; collaborative works are accepted if all authors are aware and at least one identifies as trans/genderqueer. Payment is $20 CAD plus an equal share of sales; contributors must have a Draft2Digital account.
https://offtopicpublishing.com/opencalls/
🔴 JUN 30 · Short Story Substack closes for submissions of short stories (any genre, 6–10,000 words). Payment: Base pay $100 plus 50% of subscription revenue. One winner per month. Reprints accepted if distribution rights are available. Submit via email.
https:// shortstory.substack.com [https://shortstory.substack.com]
🔴 JUN 30 · The Forge Literary Magazine – General Submissions (2025) closes submissions for original, unpublished fiction and nonfiction up to 5,000 words. They publish one prose piece weekly, seeking work with literary excellence across a broad range of genres and styles. Submissions are read anonymously; remove all identifying information from your manuscript. Only one submission per writer per month is allowed, and authors must wait six months after publication before submitting again. Payment is $100 per accepted piece. Submit via Submittable.
https://forgelitmag.com/submit/
🔴♻️ JUN 30 · Good Printed Things Mixed‑Lit Anthology Series is closing for submissions of flash fiction (≤1,000 words), short stories (1,000–2,500 words), nonfiction (≤2,500 words), and poetry (no limits) on the theme Food Memories, with payment of USD 50 plus contributor copy. Reprints allowed.
https://goodprintedthings.submittable.com/submit
🔴 JUN 30 · Island (print fiction & nonfiction for Issues 175 & 176) is closed to “Australia, New Zealand and Australians living abroad” for fiction and nonfiction up to ~4,000 words. Simultaneous submissions accepted; $0.40 AUD/word (min $600, max $1,500), less the cost of a 4‑issue subscription for non-subscribers. Poetry for print and Island Online is $175 per poem, $600 for short-form fiction, nonfiction and graphic narratives for Island Online. 🟢Poetry remains open until July 14.
🔴🖼️ JUN 30 · Midnight Echo closes for horror fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art from Australasian creators. No reprints or simultaneous submissions. Payment: AUD 0.05/word for fiction, approx. AUD 30/article, AUD 20/poem, AUD 50 per internal artwork and AUD 100 for cover art.
https://duotrope.com/magazine/midnight-echo-2845
🔴🖼️ JUN 30 · Mind’s Eye Publications is closing for The Phantomicon: Imaginings & Images of the Ghost, accepting fiction and nonfiction (1,500–6,000 words), poetry (up to 100 lines), and visual art. Payment: $15–$30 for fiction/nonfiction, $10–$20 for poetry, $15–$30 for illustrations, and $50 for cover art concepts.
https://www.mindseyepublications.com/blank-1
🔴 JUN 30 · Stellar Parallax: Human Hope in Grimdark Worlds (Inked in Gray) is closed for adult science fiction short stories (2,000–7,000 words) centering hope amidst dark settings. No AI-generated or previously published work. International submissions welcome. Payment is $50 per accepted piece for first edition exclusive rights (6‑month exclusivity).
https://inkedingray.com/work-with-us/
July
🟢 JUL 1 · BookLife is open until August 1 for submissions of self-published otherworldly science fiction and fantasy 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 general literary and historical general fiction, and books of poetry.
https://booklife.com/about-us/booklife-s-indie-spotlight.html
🟢 JUL 1 · Black Fox Literary Magazine is open for free general submissions (fiction up to 5,000 words, up to 3 poems, nonfiction up to 5,000 words) for its Winter 2025 issue, closing NOV 30. Payment is US $20 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions accepted; no reprints.
https://blackfoxlitmag.com/submit/
🟢 JUL 1 · In the Words of a Flower: The Language of Flowers Anthology (Inked in Gray) is open until SEP 30 for adult fantasy short stories (2,000–7,000 words) that incorporate floriography, the language of flowers. International submissions welcome. Payment is $50 per accepted story for first edition exclusive rights (6‑month exclusivity).
https://inkedingray.com/work-with-us/
🟢 JUL 1 · Flash Fiction Online is open until to JUL 31 for original flash fiction themed “Regret” (500–1,000 words). Payment: $100 per story for first e‑rights (6‑month exclusivity), plus non‑exclusive anthology rights. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Anonymous submissions required.
https://ffo.submittable.com/submit
🟢 JUL 1 · Cosmic Roots & Eldritch Shores is open until July 2 for submissions of original science fiction, fantasy, myth, legend, fairy tale, and eldritch stories (1,000–10,000 words), and poetry (up to 40 lines). They pay 8¢/word for new fiction, 2¢/word for fiction reprints, $1/line for new poetry, and 50¢/line for poetry reprints. No simultaneous or multiple submissions are allowed. AI-generated content is not accepted. Submissions accepted via their online portal from 12:00 AM EDT on July 1 until 12:00 AM EDT on July 3.
https://cosmicrootsandeldritchshores.com/guidelines/
🟢🖼️ JUL 1 · Ubwali Literary Magazine – July 2025 Reading Period is open until JUL 31 for submissions of original, unpublished fiction (3,000–6,000 words), essays (up to 3,000 words), poetry (1–3 poems in a single document), and visual art (5–10 images). Submissions are open to Zambian artists living anywhere. Non-Zambian African artists residing in Africa may submit only during the January reading period. All work must be unpublished, including on social media. Payment is $10 per accepted artist. Submit via the online form.
https://www.ubwali.com/submissions
🟢 JUL 1 · Manawaker Studio – 100 Word Project (July–November 2025 Prompts) is open until November 30 for submissions of original, unpublished drabbles—stories exactly 100 words long (excluding the title). Each month (except June and December), a new prompt is announced, and nine selected stories are published on Manawaker’s Patreon alongside one from editor CB Droege. At year’s end, these are compiled into the annual 100 x 100 anthology in print, digital, and audio formats. Payment is $1 per accepted story and an electronic copy of the anthology.
https://www.manawaker.com/submit-100wp/
🟢 JULY 1 · The New Quarterly is open until September 30 for fiction and poetry submissions. Literary excellence required; seeking balanced, innovative work in approachable language. Payment: $275 for fiction, $50 per poem, plus contributor copy. Submit via online portal.
🟢 JUL 1 · TeenQuill Writing Contest is open for poetry and play monologues from to students aged 12 to 19. Authors of selected works will receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card and publication in Kinsman Quarterly. Selected works will also be featured on its website, promoted on social media platforms, and included in printed advertisements. One student will be selected each season.
https://www.kinsmanquarterly.org/teenquill-writing-contest
🟢 JUL 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
🟢 JUL 1 · The Forge Literary Magazine is open for fiction and nonfiction, including flash and micro, until the free submissions quota is full. “If there is no free link, we’ve hit our quota.” Payment is for $100 flat rate, regardless of length.
https://forgelitmag.com/submit/
🟢 JUL 1 · IHRAM magazine, a project of the International Human Rights Art Movement, is open until September 1 for fiction, nonfiction, poetry and visual art written to the theme “Enduring Voices: Life with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses.” Payment is $50 USD per piece, $25 for visual art.
https://humanrightsartmovement.org/ihraf-publishes
🟢 JUL 1 · Fraidy Cat Quarterly is open until July 7 for submissions of horror flash fiction and short stories and always open to submissions of black and white art. Extended deadline until July 14 for “LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Palestinian authors.” Payment is $10 for flash fiction and art artwork and $20 per short story. Work should be created with the theme of “Rage.”
https://fraidycatpress.com/submission-guidelines/
🟢JUL 1 · 34 Orchard is open until July 15 for submissions of short fiction from 1000 to 5000 words and poetry of any genre/length. Payment is $50 USD.
https://34orchard.com/guidelines/
🟢♻️ JUL 1 · Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction is open until December 31 for submissions of previously published or unpublished short fiction 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/
🟢 JUL 1 · Cosmic Horror Monthly is open until July 7 for weird and cosmic fiction under 5,000 words. Payment is $.03 cents USD per word.
https://cosmichorrormonthly.com/submissions/
🟢 JUL 1 · Electric Spec is open until July 15 for speculative fiction stories of “science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre” between 250 and 7000 words for their August issue. Payment is $20 per piece.
http://www.electricspec.com/Submissions.html
🟢 JUL 1 · Flame Tree Fiction Newsletter calls for monthly themed submissions from newsletter subscribers only (free to subscribe) up to 1k words for $0.08 per word USD for original fiction.
https://www.flametreepress.com/submissions/
🟢 JUL 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 receive $100 and publication online.
https://www.rattle.com/ekphrastic/
🔴 JUL 1 · Noco Books – EDGE CITY 2 closes submissions for prose (up to 6,000 words), poetry (up to six poems), and art (up to eight pieces) for their print and online literary magazine. They seek fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid works in any style, with a preference for pieces that align with the Hays Code and embrace the off-putting. Payment is $25 plus an author copy; authors retain all rights.
🔴 JUL 1 · Writers of the Future 3rd Quarter 2025 closes submissions for original science fiction, fantasy, or light horror short stories and novelettes up to 17,000 words. The contest is free to enter and open to amateur writers who have not professionally published a novel or short novel, more than one novelette, or more than three short stories. Submissions must be original, unpublished, and not generated by AI. Simultaneous submissions are not allowed. Prizes awarded each quarter are $1,000 for first place, $750 for second, and $500 for third; quarterly first-place winners compete for an additional $5,000 annual grand prize. Entries are judged anonymously by professional authors.
https://writersofthefuture.com/enter-writer-contest/
🔴 JUL 1 · THEMA Literary Journal – “I Wish I'd Said That” (Spring 2026 Issue) closes submissions for short stories (up to 20 double-spaced pages), essays, poems (up to 3 per theme), and visual art or photography (5"x7" prints or digital equivalents). All submissions must creatively engage with the theme “I Wish I'd Said That,” making it an integral part of the work. Previously published pieces are welcome, provided the author retains copyright. Payment is $25 for short stories and essays, $10 for short-short pieces (under 1,000 words) and poems, and $10 for interior artwork or photography ($25 for cover art). Submissions are accepted via postal mail; email submissions are only accepted from authors outside the U.S. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with each submission.
https://themaliterarysociety.com/submissions.html
🔴 JUL 1 · The Offing is closing for Micro, which accepts 10–560 character pieces in any genre. Submit 1 to 5 works per entry. Payment ranges from $25–$100 depending on length and department. Simultaneous submissions allowed. No reprints.
https://theoffingmag.submittable.com/submit
🔴 JULY 1 · Asian American Writers’ Workshop: 2025-26 Poetry Coalition Fellowship closes applications for NYC-based applicants. Fellowship runs from Sept. 2, 2025–June 30, 2026 (20 hours/week). Stipend: $20,000 plus $1,100 healthcare. Submit cover letter and resume via email: dmanibo@aaww.org.
https://aaww.org/about-us/opportunities/2025-26-poetry-coalition-fellow/
🔴♻️ JUL 1 · THEMA, a theme-related journal that serves as source material and inspiration for teachers of creative writing, is closing for fiction, nonfiction, poetry and visual art on the theme of “I Wish I'd Said That.” US residents submit by mail, electronic submissions for international. Payment is USD $10 for fiction under 1,000 words; $25 for longer stories, $25 for essays and $10 per piece for poems and visual art.
https://themaliterarysociety.com/submissions.html
🔴 JUL 1 · North Street Book Prize closes for self-published or hybrid-published fiction books. One Grand Prize Winner will receive an awards package that includes $10,000 USD, a marketing analysis and one-hour phone consultation with Carolyn Howard-Johnson and a $500 credit at BookBaby. Other awards include $1,000 and $500 plus other benefits. Entry fee is $85.
https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/north-street-book-prize
🔴 JUL 2 · Cosmic Roots & Eldritch Shores closes submissions of original science fiction, fantasy, myth, legend, fairy tale, and eldritch stories (1,000–10,000 words), and poetry (up to 40 lines). Payment is 8¢/word for new fiction, 2¢/word for fiction reprints, $1/line for new poetry, and 50¢/line for poetry reprints. No simultaneous or multiple submissions. AI-generated content is not accepted. Submit via their online portal.
https://cosmicrootsandeldritchshores.com/guidelines/
🟢 JUL 2 · Baubles From Bones is open until July 30 for submissions of speculative fiction (1,000–8,000 words) and poetry or short prose (up to 3 pieces, each under 40 lines or 600 words). They seek stories that delve into science fiction and fantasy realms, with a fondness for compelling adventures, folk-retellings, and tales of emotional healing and environmentalism. Poetry and prose should explore the fantastical, supernatural, or speculative, aiming to challenge perceptions and offer inventive explorations. Payment is $0.01 per word for fiction and $10 per poem or prose piece.
https://www.baublesfrombones.com/submission-guidelines.html
🔴♻️ JUL 3 · Collaborature Monthly Contest is open until the 17th of the month 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
🔴 JUL 4 · Headland is closing for submissions of short fiction and creative nonfiction up to 5,000 words. Payment: NZD $50 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions allowed. No reprints.
https://headland.org.nz/submissions/
🔴 JUL 4 · 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
⭐ JUL 6 · Bi-Weekly Open Mic Night Join The Mad Poet and host Jordan Francis for a NeighborHub community open mic every other Sunday at 8 pm EST. Prose and poetry readings welcome. A welcoming and supportive group that encourages creative growth. For members of the Authortunities NeighborHub. Membership is free.
https://www.authortunitieshub.com
⭐ JUL 6 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
🟢 JUL 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
🔴 JUL 7 · Fraidy Cat Quarterly is closing regular submissions of horror flash fiction and short stories but remains open to submissions of black and white art from all. Extended deadline until July 14 for “LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Palestinian authors.” Payment is $10 for flash fiction and art artwork and $20 per short story. Work should be created with the theme of “Rage.”
https://fraidycatpress.com/submission-guidelines/
🔴 JUL 7 · Cosmic Horror Monthly is closing for weird and cosmic fiction under 5,000 words. Payment is $.03 cents USD per word.
https://cosmichorrormonthly.com/submissions/
🔴♻️ JUL 10 · Vellum Mortis (Memento Mori Ink) closes submissions for flash fiction up to 1,000 words for their August 2025 issue with an open theme including horror stories that delve into fae horror, exploring the eerie and unsettling aspects of the fae realm. Payment is $5 per story. Submission is via email. Reprints accepted.
https://www.mementomoriinkmag.com/vellummortissub
🔴 JUL 11 · 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
⭐ JUL 13 · 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. 1 pm GMT.
https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/inspirational-indie-author-interviews-podcast/
⭐ JUL 13 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
🔴 JUL 14 · Mulberry Literary is closing for submissions to Issues XI and XII, accepting the same range of creative media. Payment: US $20 per piece via PayPal. Simultaneous submissions accepted; no AI or previously published work.
https://www.mulberryliterary.com/submit
🔴 JUL 14 · Island (print fiction & nonfiction for Issues 175 & 176) is closed to “Australia, New Zealand and Australians living abroad” for poetry for print and Island Online is $175 per poem.
🔴 JUL 14 · Fraidy Cat Quarterly is closing the extended deadline for “LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Palestinian authors” but remains open to submissions of black and white art from all. Payment is $10 for flash fiction and art artwork and $20 per short story. Work should be created with the theme of “Rage.”
https://fraidycatpress.com/submission-guidelines/
🔴 JUL 15 · Electric Spec closes to speculative fiction stories of “science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre” between 250 and 7000 words for their August issue. Payment is $20 per piece.
http://www.electricspec.com/Submissions.html
🔴JUL 15 · 34 Orchard is closing for submissions of short fiction from 1000 to 5000 words and poetry of any genre/length. Payment is $50 USD.
https://34orchard.com/guidelines/
🟢 JUL 15 · Space and Time Magazine is open until July 31 for fiction up to 5k words and poetry in the speculative genre. Payment is .01 per word for fiction prose and $5 per poem.
https://spaceandtime.net/submissions/
⭐JUL 16-19 · Romance Writers of America 2025 Annual Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada/US). A four-day gathering for romance writers featuring workshops on craft, career, and business; evening receptions with guest speakers; pitch sessions with editors from Harlequin and Tule; an expo hall with vendors and author signings; and a closing awards ceremony and afterparty. Registration options: Member US $549, Non-member US $649 and Industry Professional US $449.
https://www.rwa.org/rwa-annual-conference
🔴♻️ JUL 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
🔴 JUL 18 · 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
⭐ JUL 18-20 · LitRPG Con 2025 at Grand Hyatt Denver, Denver, CO. The first-ever, in-person convention dedicated entirely to LitRPG (gaming, progression fantasy, culti‑vation), presented by The Legion Publishers & Soundbooth Theater. Panels & workshops run 9 am–1 pm daily; gaming sessions (Dungeons & Dragons, tabletop, board/card) 2 pm–6 pm; evening entertainment follows 8 pm. Children 4 & under attend free. Early-bird three-day passes approx. US $85, general admission around US $109. Expect over 100 authors, narrators, and industry professionals, guest signings, vendor hall, and live entertainment
🔴 JUL 20 · Astrolabe closes for submissions of fiction, creative nonfiction, and photography/art. Payment: $50 honorarium upon publication. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no multiple submissions; unpublished work only. Submit via email.
https://www.astrolabe.ooo/submissions
🔴♻️ JUL 20 · Flame Tree Publishing Romantic Fantasy Anthology Series is closed for short fiction (2,000–4,000 words) that blends gothic fantasy with passionate Romantasy—featuring strong-willed protagonists, emotional depth, unique magical worlds, and integral romantic arcs. Reprints and simultaneous submissions accepted. Professional payment at £0.06/word (≈ US $0.07), reprints £0.04/word.
https://blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-gothic/romantic-fantasy-first-submissions-0
⭐ JUL 20 · Bi-Weekly Open Mic Night Join The Mad Poet and host Jordan Francis for a NeighborHub community open mic every other Sunday at 8 pm EST. Prose and poetry readings welcome. A welcoming and supportive group that encourages creative growth. For members of the Authortunities NeighborHub. Membership is free.
https://www.authortunitieshub.com
⭐ JUL 20 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
🟢 JUL 23 · Mythaxis Magazine – Summer Window is open until JUL 30 for speculative fiction (1,000–5,000 words; exceptions possible). Payment: €0.01 per word (min €20) via PayPal. Accepting simultaneous submissions; no reprints.
https://mythaxis.co.uk/submissions.html
🔴 JUL 25 · 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
This was really timely for me, and I had never heard about that part of Mark Twain's career strategy!
I'm so glad you talked about this. It's often seen as a subject that only commercially driven writers would want to talk about. As if it were beneath a true creative to think about. But I think most do and just don't say, or are scared to say...afraid how they'll be perceived. I'm like you. I think the two go hand in hand.