ToC for Coven of the East +127 Opportunities
Authortunities #107 │March 29 — April 26
This weekend we are celebrating life in our house. Our family dog Chief was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago and it has been an emotional roller coaster. He had two tumors successfully removed and the prognosis looks good. The vet says we will get a few more years. A rescue, we estimate he is around 13, so this is something to celebrate… and we are. 🥰
On another note, some of you may remember Exercise Your Writes, the show I had on YouTube for a while. It wound up going on the Horror Writers Association channel as Exorcise Your Writes before I retired it. I’ve decided to bring it back as a Substack Live on Sundays, 4 PM EST. Every week I’ll focus on a new coaching topic with opportunities for viewers to share their questions so we can find the answers together. First topic will be “What’s Holding You Back From Finishing Your Book?.” Substack Live is a new platform for me, so expect joyful mayhem.
⬇️This week’s downloadable tool is one of my favorite author tools: an 8 page mini book you can make with one sheet of paper. I create these when I go to a convention and I add my bio, my books and my schedule so people can catch my presentations. This includes a Canva template, instructions and a how to video. Free subscribers can download everything for just $8.88. Paid subscribers, your free download is just past the paywall.
The Authortunities Hub has been busy! We are about to hit our 300 member mark! Shane Morin has been sharing feminist poetry for Women in History Month. Pauline Chow has been gathering beta readers for her upcoming Chasing Moonflowers. Nikki DeKeuster will be wrapping up her Astrology vs Psychology! series of discussions and Jordan Francis will host his Bi-Weekly Open Mic Night, Poetry and Book Excerpt Readings on Sunday. I am crossing my fingers that Elinor Wahl will pop in and read. She is mesmerizing.
It’s free, fun and full of writer geeks… what are you waiting for?
There is a lot going on in the Authortunities Press rooms…
Space and Time Magazine #147 | Anthony R. Rhodes, the artist behind our beautiful layouts, says the magazine will be finished on schedule for an April release!
Space & Time: Celebrating 50 Years of Speculative Fiction | Yes, this project is next in the queue. We will be conducting interviews with both contributors and readers for this. To be published in 2026, this project successfully Kickstarted on January 14, but you can still Late Pledge for available rewards.
Space and Time Flash | As we finish up the other projects in our queue, we will be able to start working on this monthly project soon.
14 Spooky Stories for Boys and Girls | Last minute addition to the ToC! I just accepted a story Meghan Acuri sent for Space and Time #148 called “Leftovers,” but I snagged it for our MG anthology. It’s perfect.
Coven of the East: Reclaiming Asian Women’s Magical Histories | Contributors announced! I can’t wait to share this brilliant work that answers the question… where are all the Asian witches? Partnering with Pauline Chow of Ghastly Goings-On Press for this.
I earned a Publishing Certification from the Nonfiction Authors Association last month. I just started my Marketing Certification. Even though I’ve been in publishing for over a decade, I’m learning valuable info and tools. You can still join the current certification class here.
Big news! ElevenLabs Studio just released “Actor Mode.” With Studio, you can generate voiceovers from a script, narrate audiobooks and create podcasts in 32 languages. With Actor Mode, you can narrate a script using your own voice to control speed, intonation, and emotion then, seamlessly convert your performance in your own cloned voice. I pay $11 a month. Check it out out for free.
Read this great interview with Sara Castaneda on her first poetry collection, Underdog Bet. Read “The Beauty of Life and Curiosity - An Interview with Sara Castaneda” here.
Good news! The Claw Machine: The Anthology fully funded their Kickstarter and then some. That means all the authors get paid (of which I am one). Thank you everyone for the support. Editor Elizabeth Mitchell has some great rewards and 12 days to go. See Claw Machine: The Anthology on Kickstarter here.
Authortunities may contain affiliate links that might earn a small fee at no extra cost to you. Any comments, questions, compliments or concerns?
My authortunities are organized by emoji!
🟢 opening for submissions
🔴 closing for submissions
⭐ 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: Me Against the World ⚔️.
https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
🔴 MAR 29 · The Malahat Review is open until June 1 for submissions of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Submit unpublished poetry (3–5 poems, up to 10 pages), fiction (up to 8,000 words or multiple stories under 1,000 words each), or creative nonfiction (up to 5,000 words). Open to Canadian writers through June 1; international submissions are accepted only during January and May. Payment is CAD $70.
https://www.malahatreview.ca/submission_guidelines.html
🔴 MAR 29 · The Ex-Puritan closes for submissions of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The Ex-Puritan seeks previously unpublished fiction (1,000–10,000 words), nonfiction (up to 5,000 words), and poetry (up to 4 poems). Payment is CAD $150 per fiction piece, CAD $200 per essay, CAD $100 per review, and CAD $50 per poem (or $100 if multiple poems are accepted). Submissions are accepted via Submittable.
https://ex-puritan.ca/submissions
⭐ MAR 30 · 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.
🔴 MAR 30 · 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 30 · midnight & indigo closes for submissions of short stories and narrative/personal essays by Black women writers. Short stories should be between 1,500 and 7,500 words, and 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 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 · 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 · Ann Petry Award closes for submissions of previously unpublished prose by Black writers. Eligible works include novels, short story collections, or novellas. Manuscripts should be at least 25,000 words. The winner receives a $3,000 prize and publication by Red Hen Press. Submissions are accepted via Submittable. Reprints are not accepted.
https://redhen.org/ann-petry-award/
🔴 MAR 31 · Behind the Shadows Anthology Series closes submissions for speculative fiction (2,000–7,000 words) themed “Dark Secrets.” All speculative genres accepted. Payment is anticipated to be $20 USD plus a royalty share of Draft2Digital sales. Reprints are accepted.
https://inkdpub.com/submissions/
🔴 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 · Behind the Shadows III: Dark Secrets is closing for horror short fiction between 2,000 to 7,000 words. “There is no restriction as to how you incorporate the theme into your story as long as the genre falls within Speculative Fiction, including Sci-Fi or Fantasy.” Payment is anticipated to be $20 and Royalty Share of D2D sales.
https://inkdpub.com/submissions/
🔴 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 · Gutter Magazine closes for submissions of fiction, essays, and poetry. Fiction and essay submissions should be up to 2,500 words; poetry submissions can include up to three poems, totaling no more than 100 lines. Payment is GBP £30 per accepted piece, plus a complimentary copy of the issue. Submissions are accepted via their online portal. Simultaneous submissions and reprints are not accepted.
https://www.guttermag.co.uk/submit
🔴 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 · 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 31 · MEMEZINE closes for submissions of flash fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. They welcome works that blur the lines between art, literature, and content, inspired by or incorporating memes. Flash fiction and nonfiction should be up to 1,000 words; there are no specified line limits for poetry. Payment is USD $5 per accepted piece. Reprints and simultaneous submissions are allowed. Submissions are accepted via Duosuma.
https://www.memezinelit.com/submit
🔴 MAR 31 · Bethlehem Writers Roundtable closes for submissions of short and flash fiction written to the theme of “Barbecued Beef: Tales of Disagreement.” Payment is USD $50 for featured authors; $20 if published on their &More page, $10 for poems.
https://bwgwritersroundtable.com/submissions-contacts/
🔴 MAR 31 · Mud Season Review closes for submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. They seek deeply human work that teaches something about life and the craft of writing or visual art. Fiction and nonfiction submissions should be double-spaced in 12-point font; poetry submissions can include 3–5 poems in a single document, with each poem starting on a new page. Visual artists may submit 1–6 digital images of their work. Payment is USD $50 for work that appears in their issues; $15 for work that appears in The Take: Mud Season Review. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via Submittable.
https://mudseasonreview.com/submit/
🔴 MAR 31 · My Galvanized Friend (MGF) closes for submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art from LGBTQIA+ creators. The current theme is "Pushing Back," inviting works that explore resistance, defiance, and resilience. Fiction and nonfiction should be 500–3,500 words; poetry has no specified line limits. Payment is USD $25 per prose piece and $10 per page for poetry. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not specified. Submissions are accepted via email or online form.
https://www.mygalvanizedfriend.org/literary-submissions
🔴 MAR 31 · 2025 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 Adrian Tchaikovsky.
https://bwgwritersroundtable.com/short-story-award-2/
🔴 MAR 31 · parABnormal Magazine closes for submissions of paranormal-themed fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. They seek stories featuring ghosts, spectres, haunts, whisperers, and shapeshifters rooted in folklore. Note: They do not accept stories involving vampires, ghouls, werewolves, or zombies. Fiction should be 3,000–6,000 words; nonfiction articles, reviews, and interviews 1,500–4,000 words; poetry 5–15 lines (up to 3 poems); visual art varies. Payment is USD $25 for original stories, $7 for reprints; $20 for original articles, $6 for reprints; $7 for reviews and interviews; $6 per poem; $5 per artwork. Simultaneous submissions are not accepted; reprints are allowed. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://www.hiraethsffh.com/parabnormal-magazine-guidelines
🔴 MAR 31 · PodCastle closes for general submissions of original fantasy stories up to 6,000 words and reprints up to 17,000 words. They welcome all fantasy sub-genres, including magical realism, urban fantasy, slipstream, and high fantasy. Payment is USD $0.08 per word for original stories; reprints over 1,500 words receive $100, and those under 1,500 words receive $20. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; multiple submissions are permitted (one original and one reprint at a time); reprints are accepted. Submissions are accepted via their Moksha portal.
https://podcastle.org/guidelines/
🔴 MAR 31 · Reimagined AI Anthology closes for submissions of poetry and short stories (up to 2,500 words). Submissions should align with themes such as algorithmic bias, surveillance technology, disinformation, deepfakes, data privacy, worker exploitation, and accessibility. A maximum of three submissions per person is allowed. Contributors will receive a $20 honorarium and a copy of the anthology upon publication in Summer 2025. Submissions are accepted via an online form.
https://www.reimaginedai.org/anthology-submission
🔴 MAR 31 · Riddle Fence closes for free submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. They seek high-quality work from Newfoundland and Labrador, across Canada, and around the world. Fiction and nonfiction submissions should be up to 3,000 words; poetry submissions can include up to 5 poems, totaling no more than 10 pages; visual art submissions should be at least 300 dpi. Payment is CAD $50 per published page for written works and standard CARFAC (non-profit) fees for visual art. Submissions are accepted via Submittable. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted.
https://riddlefence.com/submit/
🔴 MAR 31 · Sally Port Magazine closes for submissions of original fantasy fiction targeting mid-grade, young adult, and general audiences. Stories should be family-friendly and well-crafted. Accepted word counts range from flash fiction (up to 1,000 words) to novellas (up to 20,000 words). Payment is USD $0.05 per word. Simultaneous submissions, multiple submissions, and reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via an online form.
https://sallyportmagazine.com/submission-guidelines/
🔴 MAR 31 · SAPP: a Poetry Zine closes for submissions of poetry, short-form prose (350–600 words), original artwork, and photography on the theme "Imagined Futures." They prioritize work from individuals residing in Canada and encourage submissions to include a land acknowledgment. Payment is CAD $30 per accepted piece; cover art receives CAD $100. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://sappzine.ca/submit-your-work/
🔴 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 · SNAFU Anthology Series closes for submissions of action-based horror or speculative fiction short stories (2,000–7,500 words) with a military focus. The current theme is "Contagion," seeking stories involving viral, fungal, or bacterial horror. Payment is AUD $0.05 per word. Simultaneous submissions, multiple entries, and reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://www.cohesionpress.com/submissions
🔴 MAR 31 · Spirit of the Wolf Anthology closes for speculative fiction short stories (2,500–7,500 words) where wolves play a major role. Stories should celebrate the wildness, freedom, magic, and mysticism of wolves; portrayals of wolves as evil are discouraged. Payment is a flat rate of USD $20 per accepted story. Simultaneous submissions are not allowed; reprints are not specified. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://www.wolfsingerpubs.com/spirit-of-the-wolf-guidelines
🔴 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 · Tangled Locks Journal closes for submissions of fiction, poetry, and essays that feature complex, well-rounded female characters. They seek literary work with unexpected poetic language and a touch of magical realism. Fiction and essays should be up to 2,000 words; poetry submissions can include up to three poems. Payment is USD $15 per published piece. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via Submittable.
https://tangledlocksjournal.com/about/submit/
🔴 MAR 31 · The Adroit Journal closes for submissions of poetry (up to 6 poems), fiction and nonfiction (up to 3 pieces totaling 9,000 words), translations (with translator’s note), and art (up to 6 pieces). Pay ranges from Token to Professional payment. Details: USD $50 per piece or $25 per poem. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints.
https://theadroitjournal.org/about/submissions/
🔴 MAR 31 · The Fiddlehead closes for submissions of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. They welcome work from all over the world and in a variety of styles, including experimental genres. Poetry submissions may include up to 6 poems, totaling no more than 12 pages. Fiction and creative nonfiction submissions should be double-spaced and up to 6,000 words; for flash fiction (under 1,000 words), up to two stories per submission are accepted. Payment is CAD $65 per published page. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via Submittable or by mail.
https://thefiddlehead.ca/submit
🔴 MAR 31 · The Forge Literary Magazine closes for submissions of fiction and nonfiction. They accept stories up to 5,000 words, with a preference for pieces under 3,000 words, including flash and microfiction. Payment is USD $100 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via Submittable.
https://forgelitmag.com/submit/
🔴 MAR 31 · The Thing With Feathers: Speculative Stories of Hope closes for submissions of speculative fiction short stories (1,000–8,000 words) that incorporate feathers and convey a sense of hope. Stories can feature birds, other creatures, aliens, constructs, or humans, with feathers being natural or artificial. All stories should be vegan-friendly or authors should be willing to make them so upon request. Payment is USD $0.01 per word for original fiction and a flat rate of $20 for reprints. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are accepted. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://books.metaphorosis.com/calls/
🔴 MAR 31 · Ubwali Literary Magazine closes for submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. They seek work that embodies the elegance and confidence of Zambian storytelling. Fiction and nonfiction submissions should be between 3,000 and 6,000 words; poetry submissions can include up to 3 poems; visual art submissions should include 5–10 images. Payment is USD $10 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via an online form.
https://duotrope.com/magazine/ubwali-literary-magazine-from-zambia-37012
🔴 MAR 31 · Where Connections Lead Anthology closes for submissions of fiction stories (1,000–10,000 words) exploring the theme of connections—between people, ideas, technology, places, or events. All genres are welcome, including mystery, dystopia, sci-fi, fantasy, literary fiction, and horror. Payment is USD $50 per accepted story. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not specified. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://connectionsleadant.wixsite.com/wcl-anthology
🔴 MAR 31 · Zombies in the New Normal closes for submissions of real-world-based zombie horror stories (3,000–12,000 words). Stories should be set at least five years after the initial outbreak and explore themes of American resilience in the face of a zombie apocalypse. Payment is USD $100 per accepted story. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://booksbydlrussell.com/#87fa97df-ddee-40e4-8734-13a343ea7315
🔴 MAR 31 · Write or Die Magazine closes for submissions of fiction (up to 4,000 words), creative nonfiction (up to 3,000 words), and author interviews. They seek character-driven stories with strong central emotions and essays exploring the intersection of writing and life. Payment is approximately USD $50 per accepted piece, distributed from a monthly $600 contributor fund. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submission fees are waived during the first week of each month; otherwise, a $3 fee applies. Submissions are accepted via Submittable.
🔴♻️ MAR 31 · Graveside Press Cryptids Anthology closes for submissions of fiction (2,000–6,000 words) themed around cryptids—creatures from folklore or unproven accounts. Stories can feature known cryptids or original creations, with creative storytelling formats like found footage, news articles, texts, or trail cam narratives encouraged. Payment is USD $0.02 per word, paid 90 business days after publication. Simultaneous submissions and reprints are accepted; multiple submissions are not. Submissions via Duosuma.
https://graveside-press.com/call-for-submissions-cryptids-anthology/
🔴 MAR 31 · Horrific Scribes closes for submissions of dark short fiction (1,500–5,000 words) in genres including horror, dark fantasy, dark sci-fi, surrealist, and experimental writing. Payment is a flat fee of USD $25 per story. Submission details regarding reprints and simultaneous submissions are not specified. Submissions via email.
https://horrificscribblings.com/about/submissions/
🔴 MAR 31 · Scrawl Place closes for submissions of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry that explore specific, physical places—whether local or visited. Submissions should be connected to a tangible location that readers could potentially visit. Payment is USD $35 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions and reprints are accepted. Submissions are accepted via Submittable.
https://scrawlplace.com/submit/
🔴♻️ MAR 31 · PodCastle's "Disability Pride & Magic" themed submission window closes for fantasy fiction (up to 6,000 words). PodCastle seeks fantasy stories for their "Disability Pride & Magic" theme, accepting works up to 6,000 words. Payment is $0.08 per word for original fiction; reprints are paid a flat rate of $100 for stories over 1,500 words and $20 for those under 1,500 words. Reprints and simultaneous submissions are allowed.
https://podcastle.org/guidelines/
🟢 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 · 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
🟢 APR 1 · Fifth Wheel Press opens until April 15 for submissions of fiction (up to 2,000 words), nonfiction (up to 2,000 words), poetry (3–5 poems), and visual art. Fifth Wheel Press seeks submissions from individuals who belong to the queer, trans, and/or gender variant communities. The current theme is "Tragic-Romantic." Payment ranges from $5 to $50, depending on the submission category. Submit via Duosuma.
https://fifthwheelpress.com/submit
🟢 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 · IHRAM magazine, a project of the International Human Rights Art Movement, is open until June 1 for fiction, nonfiction, poetry and visual art written to the theme “Invisible Chains: Contemporary Slavery and Forced Migration.” Payment is $50 USD per piece, $25 for visual art.
https://humanrightsartmovement.org/ihraf-publishes
🟢 APR 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/
🟢 APR 1 · The Other Stories Podcast opens until September 30 for 2,000 word speculative fiction on the theme of ROT. “Begin the disintegration. Mind, body, society, the fabric of reality itself. Unearth beauty in the grotesque, the life that springs from decay, the renewal of all things.” Payment is $15 GBP.
https://theotherstories.net/submissions/
🟢 APR 1 · Fraidy Cat Quarterly is open until April 7 for submissions of horror flash fiction and short stories and always open to submissions of black and white art. Extended deadline until April 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 “Growth.”
https://fraidycatpress.com/submission-guidelines/
🟢 APR 1 · Arc Poetry is open until July 31 for poetry on any subject or form, and for pitches of 250-500 words for both essays and interviews with poets. Payment is $50 per poem, or printed page. Poets based in the USA must pay a small submission fee of $2 per poem.
https://arcpoetry.ca/resources/general-submissions/
🟢 APR 1 · Strange Horizons is open until April 30 for speculative poetry with Romie Stott (she/he) as March’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 opens until “mid-April” for submissions of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Payment is $400 per story or article, and $200 per poem or Table Talk piece.
https://www.threepennyreview.com/submissions.html
🟢 APR 1 · Electric Spec is open until April 15 for speculative fiction stories of “science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre” between 250 and 7000 words for their May issue. Payment is $20 per piece.
http://www.electricspec.com/Submissions.html
🟢 APR 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/
🟢 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 receive $100 and publication online.
https://www.rattle.com/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 · Skull and Laurel Magazine closes for submissions of dark and weird short fiction (100–7,500 words) in genres including horror, dark fantasy, and dark science fiction. This submission window is open exclusively to BIPOC writers. Payment is USD $0.03 per word for original works and a flat fee of USD $25 for reprints. Simultaneous submissions and reprints are accepted. Submissions are accepted via online form.
https://tenebrouspress.com/submissions
🔴 APR 1 · The Other Stories closes for submissions of horror, sci-fi, and thriller short stories (1,800–2,200 words) on the theme "Rot." Payment is GBP £15 per accepted story. Reprints are accepted; simultaneous submissions are not specified. Submissions are accepted via an online form.
https://theotherstories.net/submissions/
🔴 APR 1 · The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize closes for submissions of fiction, nonfiction, and non-academic essays (up to 1,250 words) on the theme "Freedom." First prize is GBP £3,000, with two runners-up receiving GBP £1,000 each. Submissions must be previously unpublished. Open internationally. No fee; no simultaneous submissions or reprints. Submit via Submittable.
https://alpinefellowship.com/writing-prize
🔴APR 1 · Utopia Science Fiction Magazine closes for submissions of science fiction short stories (100–5,000 words), poetry, and nonfiction articles (up to 6,000 words) on the theme "Disability Pride." They seek optimistic, character-rich stories with captivating world-building. Payment is USD $0.08 per word for fiction, $25 per poem, and $30 per nonfiction piece. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via an online form.
https://www.utopiasciencefiction.com/submit
🔴 APR 1 · West Branch closes for submissions of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and translations. Poetry submissions may include up to six poems; prose submissions should not exceed thirty pages. Payment is USD $100 per poetry submission and $0.10 per word for prose, with a maximum of $200. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via their online submission manager.
https://westbranchsubmissions.bucknell.edu/
🔴 APR 1 · The Craven Companion: Essays on Wes Craven’s Films is closing for “essays or reflections on specific Wes Craven films” from 1,200 – 2,000 words. Edited by Mark Guyer. Payment is 8 cents per word (paid 30 days after publication).
https://www.patreon.com/posts/123917495?utm_campaign=postshare_creator
🔴 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
🔴 APR 1 · Gaudy Boy, the publishing arm of NYC-based literary organization Singapore Unbound is closing for visual art, animation, sound, textile, photography, and related fields to submit works in response to the visual poetry collection EKE by Wahidah Tambee. Accepted contributions will be featured in book launch events, on Gaudy Boy's website, and in promotional materials. Payment is $100 USD and a copy of the book.
https://singaporeunbound.org/opp/eke-multimedia
🔴♻️ APR 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
🔴 APR 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
🔴 APR 4 · Eye Contact Flash Fiction Prize closes for submissions of flash fiction (up to 1,000 words) on the theme "Experience" in the genre of Historical Fiction. The winner will receive USD $250. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://sites.google.com/setonhill.edu/eyecontact/guidelines/submission-guidelines
🔴 APR 5 · Variant Literature Journal closes for submissions of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Poetry submissions may include up to 5 poems, totaling no more than 10 pages. Fiction submissions should be up to 5,500 words. Nonfiction submissions are accepted as flash pieces up to 1,200 words. Payment is USD $10 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; reprints are not accepted. Submissions are accepted via Submittable.
https://variantlit.com/submit/
⭐ APR 4-6 · The Trope Conference is a three day trope fest covering topics related to genre, tropes in relationships, craft and trends. From Jennifer Hilt, author of The Trope Thesaurus. Costs $99.
🔴 APR 6 · Symphonies of Imagination closes for submissions of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry on the theme "Education." They seek literary works that challenge modern narratives and envision a desirable future. Payment is USD $0.005 per word for fiction and nonfiction, and $20 per poem. Submissions are accepted via email.
https://duotrope.com/magazine/symphonies-of-imagination-36801
🔴 APR 6 · The Masters Review's New Voices closes for submissions of fiction and narrative nonfiction (up to 7,000 words) from emerging writers who have not published a novel-length work. Payment is USD $100 for flash-length pieces (1,000 words or fewer) and USD $200 for longer works. Simultaneous submissions are accepted; reprints are not. Submissions via Submittable.
https://duotrope.com/magazine/masters-review-new-voices-masters-review-13529
⭐ APR 6 · Bookfest Spring 2025 a free Livestream Event featuring Keynotes, Panel Discussions, Conversations and Segments for the Reading and Writing Communities. an online event bringing readers, writers and publishing communities together. Free to attend, virtual.
⭐ APR 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.
🟢 APR 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
🔴 APR 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 April 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 “Growth.”
https://fraidycatpress.com/submission-guidelines/
🔴 APR 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
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