Writers Starve, and Other Lies
Why the World Needs Art AND Astronauts
I was in second grade the first time I heard this lie.
It was Career Day, and the assignment was simple: draw a picture of what you wanted to be when you grew up. This was easy for me. I'd already mapped out my future. I eagerly grabbed a crayon and began to sketch my dream.
Nearby, kids argued about unwritten rules: only one police officer per class, but four presidents were allowed. Ignoring their chatter, I drew a beautiful writer-mother. She wore an ankle-length dress and carried an oversized pencil like a battering ram. Next to me, my friend Dixon sketched an astronaut. We congratulated each other on our excellent career choices. Then Mrs. Cole came up behind us.
“Astronaut. Very nice, Dixon. He probably needs an air hose,” she remarked. Then I felt her gaze shift to my drawing. “Angie, pick something else. You don’t want to be a writer. Writers starve… and mother isn’t a real job. Draw something else or take a C.”
I took the C.
I didn't believe her, or the many other well-meaning adults who repeated similar lies over the years. I'm sure their intentions were good, trying to protect me from disappointment. But even as a child, I could see clearly that the adults who warned me away from art were deeply unhappy. They seemed convinced that it was a choice between an empty heart or an empty belly. This simply didn't make sense to me.
At sixteen, after being told I couldn’t possibly be a writer because I hadn’t lived enough, I ran away from home. The comment was true. I hadn't yet lived a life worth writing about. So I left, determined to find that life and prove everyone wrong. And I did. And I do.
But still, it makes me angry when I hear these worn-thin lies still circulating. You've probably heard them, too: Artists go hungry, drink too much, use drugs, are haunted, are crazy, cut off their ears, become reclusive, shabby, smell like stale cigarettes, talk to themselves. I've been all of these things at some point, (except for cutting off an ear) but never because I was an artist. It was only when I was trying not to be one.
Creating isn't a choice; it's a need. Ask anyone who has decided they need a baby. It's all they can think about. The urge to create something new is irrepressible and joyful. Children are encouraged to dip their fingers in paint and make a colorful mess… until society decides it's time for them to contribute by choosing something "worthwhile," like being a president or astronaut.
I wish second-grade-me had pointed out to Mrs. Cole that statistically, I had a much better chance of becoming a writer-mother than an astronaut or president. P.S. Being a mother is absolutely a real job.
Maybe I should feel satisfied that I've overcome these silly falsehoods, but these lies aren't harmless. Even if well-intentioned, they remain toxic. We used to think DEET was harmless until we knew better. And like DEET, I can’t let my neighbor spray it without getting it in my food, too.
Art isn't a luxury; it's an essential human need. It's how societies evolve and ascend from chaos. It's how we become our best selves. Art provides meaning, aspiration, and guidance. Artists are prisms: we take in the illusion of life's white light and translate it into the true colors for everyone. Art is a sacred mission, a journey toward the divine. Its value isn't measured by a price tag but by the seeds it plants, the roots it spreads, and the dreams it sets free.
At least, that's what I believe. If Mrs. Cole had allowed herself permission to be an artist, perhaps she could have found happiness. Instead, I imagine she left this world bitter and hungry. Art, after all, is how we are truly fed.
I've spent a significant part of my life trying to communicate this belief—one as overwhelmingly cosmic as the celestial music and as simple as a mustard seed here on earth. Then I remembered the power of storytelling. Of course!
So, here is my story. It's an allegory for all the Mrs. Coles and anyone else who swallowed their own misery and advised others to live in two dimensions "for their own good." It's a simple story intended to encourage anyone trying to reclaim their creative path. This is my attempt to heal something I see as broken.
Like most stories, it's a map hidden in plain sight—a decoder ring to help reframe the lies I overcame. Perhaps it's the worst thing I've ever written, but that's okay. To me, it's the most important thing I've ever written. I'll leave it to you to decide what it means for you.
A Few More Tweaks to the newsletter…
Personally, I don’t like paywalls, but how else do I keep something special to thank my supporting subscribers (and you guys deserve so much thanks)? Well, turns out not even my supporting subscribers liked the paywall. So, with great pleasure, I officially tear down the (pay)wall!
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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: A Study in Secrets with Lynn D. Jung 🗝️.
https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
🟢 JUN 14 · R&R Journal is open until June 20 for fiction (1,000–7,500 words) and poetry (1–5 poems, any length). Payment is $75 USD per short story and $50 USD per poetry submission. Submission via Submittable.
https://duotrope.com/magazine/rr-journal-37127
🟢 JUN 14 · Channel Magazine is open until June 30 for poetry (up to 4 poems), flash fiction (up to 1,000 words), short fiction, and nonfiction essays (up to 6,000 words). 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. Submission via email.
https://channelmag.org/submissions/
🟢 JUN 14 · Chthonic Matter Quarterly is open until June 30 for weird/dark fiction (2,000–5,000 words). Submit one story per reading period via email. Payment: USD $10 per 1,000 words + one contributor copy. Simultaneous submissions welcome. Submission via email: chthonicmatter.editor@gmail.com.
https://chthonicmatter.wordpress.com/chthonicmatter/
🟢 JUN 14 · Tales from the Crosstimbers is open until June 30 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 14 · The Fantastic Other is open until June 30 for 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. Sim subs okay. Submission via email.
https://fantasticother.com/submissions/
⭐ JUN 12–15 · StokerCon 2025 with Guests of Honor Joyce Carol Oates, Adam Nevill, Tim Waggoner, Paula Guran, Gaby Triana, and Scott Edelman at the Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, Stamford, CT. Full weekend registration: $300; single-day passes: $200; virtual access: $75–$125. This premier horror literary convention features the Bram Stoker Awards banquet, Horror University workshops, the Final Frame Film Competition, the Ann Radcliffe Academic Conference, and Librarians’ Day. Additional programming includes panels, readings, pitch sessions, and a mass author signing.
https://www.stokercon2025.com/
⭐ JUN 13–15 · 4th Street Fantasy Convention 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis – Park Place, St. Louis Park, MN. Full weekend registration: $150; single-day passes: $75; virtual access: $50. This intimate, discussion-focused convention emphasizes deep conversations on fantasy literature and craft. Programming includes panels, workshops, and a Goblin Emperor–themed RPG one-shot with guest Katherine Addison. Health protocols require proof of a same-day negative COVID test at check-in.
https://4thstreetfantasy.com/
⭐ JUN 15–16 · Teachers of Fiction Writing 2025 with host Daniel David Wallace, held online. Registration details forthcoming. This collaborative three-day virtual summit is designed for online fiction writing instructors, editors, and course creators. Attendees will connect with peers, explore new teaching techniques, and gain inspiration to develop engaging classes. The event welcomes all educators interested in enhancing their fiction teaching practices. I’ll be speaking on “Unlocking Substack's Potential for Coaches and Teachers” on the 16th!
https://summit.teachingfiction.com/
🔴 JUN 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
🔴 JUN 14 · Humour Me Gold is closing for humorous short stories on the theme of “Competition.” Submissions should be 1,000–5,000 words. Entry fee: £3.50 via PayPal. Four winners will each receive £50 and a featured interview. Simultaneous submissions allowed. No reprints.
https://humourmemag.co.uk/submission-requests/
🔴 JUN 14 · Extra Teeth Magazine closes submissions for original, unpublished fiction and nonfiction between 800 and 4,000 words. Submissions should be sent as a Word document in standard font, size 12, double-spaced, accompanied by a title sheet including the author's name, address, word count, and a short biography under 100 words. Payment is £140 per piece selected for the magazine, along with two contributor copies. Additionally, four pieces will be selected for publication on their Substack, With Bite, with a payment of £100 per piece.
https://www.extrateeth.co.uk/submissions
🔴 JUN 15 · Baffling Magazine – June 2025 closes submissions for original, unpublished speculative flash fiction under 1,200 words, with a preference for stories under 500 words. This window welcomes both unthemed pieces and those aligned with the theme “mecha vs kaiju.” Baffling seeks queer, trans, aro/ace, and interstitial stories across science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Simultaneous submissions are encouraged; reprints, multiple submissions, and AI-generated content are not accepted. Translations are welcome with author permission. Payment is $0.08 per word. Submit via Submittable.
https://www.bafflingmag.com/submissions
🔴 JUN 15 · BSFS Amateur Writing Contest closes submissions for speculative fiction short stories from amateur writers aged 18 or older who are Maryland residents or students at Maryland 2- or 4-year colleges. Stories must be original, AI-free, and formatted per William Shunn’s modern manuscript guidelines. Only one entry per person is allowed. Prizes are $250 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third, with top winners invited to read at Balticon and published in BSFan. Submit via email in .doc/.docx format.
https://www.bsfs.org/bsfsssc.htm
🔴 JUNE 15 · Philly Chapbook Review: Original Poetry closes for original literary poetry submissions (free verse strongly preferred; avoid traditional forms). Submit at least 3 poems per entry. Open only to North American residents. Payment: $10 honorarium, contributor feature, and award nominations. Submit via Google Form.
https://phillychapbookreview.org/submissions/#Original_Poetry
🔴 JUN 15 · Fahmidan Journal closes for submissions of fiction (flash fiction up to 800 words; short stories 1,000–2,500 words), nonfiction (essays and narrative nonfiction up to 2,500 words), and poetry (up to 7 poems). Payment is USD $25 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions are accepted; reprints are not. Submissions via Submittable.
https://www.fahmidan.net/journal-submissions
⭐ JUN 15 · 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/
⭐ JUN 15 · 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 16 · Timber Ghost Press opens until June 30 (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 16 · Fahmidan Journal's Winter Issue submissions open for captivating poetry, fiction and nonfiction prose. Payment: $25 per piece.
https://www.fahmidan.net/journal-submissions
🔴♻️ JUN 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
⭐ JUN 18–21 · 2025 Locus Awards Weekend with Guests of Honor Sarah Gailey and Tochi Onyebuchi, plus featured local author Kemi Ashing-Giwa and artist Stephanie Law, at Preservation Park, Oakland, CA. Hybrid event: in-person and online. Memberships: $95 (live + virtual), $15+ (online-only sliding scale), $350 (Friend of Locus VIP). This four-day celebration of speculative fiction includes online finalist readings (June 18–20), a Friday evening mixer, Saturday panels, a writing workshop with Henry Lien, and the Locus Awards Ceremony hosted by Gail Carriger. Attendees receive swag bags, access to bookseller tables, and a catered reception. COVID testing encouraged; masks recommended.
https://locusmag.com/2025-locus-awards-weekend/
🔴 JUN 20 · R&R Journal closes to submissions of fiction (1,000–7,500 words) and poetry (1–5 poems, any length). Payment is $75 USD per short story and $50 USD per poetry submission. Sim subs and reprints status unknown. Submission via Submittable.
https://duotrope.com/magazine/rr-journal-37127
🟢 JUN 20 · Astrolabe is open until July 20 for up to 150 submissions of fiction and creative nonfiction (up to 3,000 words total, up to 3 pieces) and photography/art (up to 5 pieces). Payment: $50 honorarium upon publication. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no multiple submissions; unpublished work only. Submit via email.
https://www.astrolabe.ooo/submissions
🔴 JUN 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
⭐ JUN 20–23 · MisCon 39: Hive of Scum and Villainy with Guests of Honor Jonathan Maberry (author), Casey Renee Cosplay (cosplayer), Doug Hemphill (sound engineer), Andy VanOverberghe (artist), and Patrick Swenson (publisher) at the Missoula County Fairgrounds, Missoula, MT. Full weekend registration: $75; single-day passes: $30–$40; children under 12: free with adult. This four-day celebration of fantasy, science fiction, horror, gaming, cosplay, and anime features panels, workshops, a film festival, costume contest, art show, gaming sessions, and more. The expanded venue offers 30,000 sq ft of indoor space and 18,000 sq ft of outdoor area, including programming tents, vendor spaces, and a cosplay pavilion. On-site camping is available by reservation.
🔴 JUN 21 · MEMEZINE: KAKISTOCRACY closes for urgent writing—funny, serious, political, powerful—up to 3 pieces (maximum 5 pages total). Accepting poetry and short-form prose. Payment evenly split among up to 10 contributors ($200+ total). Previously uncurated work only (social media/blog posts allowed). No AI-generated content. Submit via Duosuma.
https://www.memezinelit.com/submit
🔴 JUN 22 · Shooter Literary Magazine is closed for submissions of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry on the theme "Sweet Hereafter." Seeking stories, essays, memoirs, and poems exploring life after significant changes—such as death, divorce, or retirement—with a preference for pieces that approach heavy topics with a light or humorous touch. Payment is £25 per accepted prose piece and £5 per accepted poem.
https://shooterlitmag.com/submissions/
⭐ JUN 22 · 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
⭐ JUN 22 · 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 25-26 · Self Publishing Show Live Once again sponsored by Amazon KDP and attended by nine hundred authors plus major industry players including Spotify, Reedsy and Draft2Digital, Europe’s premier indie author conference is going to be bigger and better than ever with guests such as E L James, Lucy Score, Craig Martelle and Rachel Mclean. In London, virtual tickets are $99.
https://selfpublishing.lpages.co/sps-live-2024-digital-tickets-sales-page/
⭐ JUN 26–29 · Narrativity 2025: It Was A Dark And Stormy Night at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth, MN. Membership: $55 through June 5; $75 from June 6 and at the door. This participatory convention for intermediate to advanced writers and readers features a single track of programming, fostering deep discussions on storytelling craft. Events include Thursday's Bonus Activities—such as manuscript readings and a Query Slam—and a Social Soirée. From Friday through Sunday, panels delve into topics like world-building, narrative structure, and character development. COVID-19 vaccination is required.
https://www.narrativity.fun/#currentyear
⭐ JUN 27-29 · Authortube Writing Conference is a free three-day conference on YouTube and open to anyone who wishes to know more about the writing and publishing world. With Keynote Speaker, Michael La Ronn, the entire conference is free to attend.
https://www.authortubewritingconference.com/2025-awc-schedule
🔴 JUN 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
⭐ 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
🔴 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/
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 · 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 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 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.
https://tinyurl.com/mtnu77n6Always Open♾️Organized Alphabetically
🟢 · AAWW: The Margins accepts original and translated poetry (up to 5 pages total), fiction, creative nonfiction, essays, and interdisciplinary writing exploring Asian American culture, social justice, and literature. Payment: $50–$90 for poetry; payment varies for prose. Simultaneous submissions and unpublished digital reprints considered. Submit via Submittable.
https://aaww.submittable.com/submit/44797/poetry
🟢 · 4LPH4NUM3R1C Podcast seeks speculative poetry (up to 50 lines) and prose (up to 1,500 words) ideal for audio performance. Each accepted piece is paid $15 and featured in twice-monthly podcast episodes, with a year-end anthology starting in 2026. Submit via Duosuma.
https://duotrope.com/duosuma/submit/4-l-p-h-4-n-u-m-3-r-1-c-ynFf4
🟢 · Asimov Press is always open for Long Reads, Columns, and Fiction exploring scientific progress and its impact on climate, energy, medicine, and more. Writers with expertise in science or journalism are encouraged to pitch.
Payment: $1,000 for fiction, $1,500 for articles under 2,500 words and $2,000 for longer pieces.
https://press.asimov.com/about
🟢 · Bad Day Book is always open for poetry and prose submissions with themes specified on their site. Payment ranges from $40 to $75, depending on length.
https://thebaddaybook.com/faq/
🟢🖼️ · Berkeley Fiction Review is always open for visual art submissions across all mediums, intended for print publication in their annual issue. Accepted pieces should evoke strong emotions—joy, awe, fear, etc.—and must be adaptable to fit within 5⅛ inches wide by 8 inches tall. Submit up to 7 pieces in JPG, PNG, or PDF format via email with the subject line “Art Submission: [Name], [Title].” Include a brief artist statement (max 150 words) and a 2–3 sentence third-person bio. Payment is $25 plus a contributor copy.
https://berkeleyfictionreview.org/submit/art/
🟢 · BFS Horizons Poetry is always open for original short stories, poetry in various forms and creative, engaging images depicting fantasy, Sci-Fi, or horror scenes. Payment: £20 per poem, piece or artwork per issue.
https://britishfantasysociety.org/get-in-touch/bfs-horizons/
🟢 · Breath & Shadow is always open for submissions from people with disabilities, broadly defined, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, or sensory impairments that significantly affect major life functions. They welcome poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama on any topic, with a focus on disability-related academic or article-type nonfiction. Payment is $20 for poetry and $30 for prose.
https://www.abilitymaine.org/submission-guidelines
🟢 · Bourbon Penn is always open for 2000-7500 word “highly imaginative stories with a healthy dose of the odd… looking for genre / speculative stories and are quite partial to slipstream, cross-genre, magic realism, absurdist, and the surreal." Payment is .04 cents per word.
https://www.bourbonpenn.com/submissions
🟢♻️ · Chicken Soup for the Soul is always open for stories or poems on a variety of themes posted on their drop down menu. Payment is $250 to be paid “one month after publication of the book and ten free copies.”
https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/submit-your-story/
🟢 · Chortle on Substack is always open for sharp, original humor up to 600 words. Submit finished pieces to greg@chortle.blog with the word SUBMISSION and the name of the piece in the subject line. Payment is $40. No submission guidelines posted, originally posted on The Freelance Writing Network.
🟢 · Clarkesworld Magazine is open year-round for original, unpublished science fiction and fantasy short stories between 1,000 and 22,000 words. The magazine seeks stories with strong narratives and compelling characters. Translations are welcome, provided the translator has secured rights from the author. Simultaneous submissions and multiple submissions are not accepted; authors must wait for a response before submitting again. Reprints are not accepted. AI-generated or assisted content is strictly prohibited. Payment is $0.12 per word for original fiction. Submit via Moksha.
https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/submissions/
🟢 · Craft is always open for “fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as craft essays and interviews.” They offer free submissions with fast response times for BIPOC and other mis- and underrepresented writers. Craft pays $100 for flash and $200 for short fiction and creative nonfiction.
https://craft.submittable.com/submit
🟢 · Electric Spec closes to speculative fiction stories of “science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre” between 250 and 7000 words for their next issue. Payment is $20 per piece.
http://www.electricspec.com/Submissions.html
🟢 · Every Day Fiction is always open for flash fiction up to 1000 words. Payment $3 USD. “All fiction genres are acceptable, and stories that don’t fit neatly into any genre are welcome too.”
https://everydayfiction.submittable.com/submit
🟢♻️ Fusion Fragments is open for unpublished science fiction or SF-tinged literary fiction stories and novelettes ranging anywhere from 2,000 to 15,000 words. Their tastes lean towards slipstream, cyberpunk, post-apocalypse, and anything with a little taste of the bizarre. FF prefers character-driven stories, and often skews towards quiet, reflective pieces.” Payment is “unpublished work and reprints pay 4 cents (CAD) per word, up to a maximum of $400 (CAD) per story.”
https://www.fusionfragment.com/submissions/
🟢 · Griffith Review is always open for nonfiction and fiction submissions on the theme "No Place Like Home," what it means to us, why it matters and how it shapes our sense of self. Payment is $0.75 AUD per word for fiction and nonfiction, $200 AUD per poem and $500 per piece AUD per work commissioned for GR Online.
https://www.griffithreview.com/submit-to-griffith-review/
🟢♻️ · Ill-Advised Records is always open for artwork, short horror fiction, and music “modeled after 70s/80s pulp fiction zines.” Payment is “$15 for under 500 words, $25 for 500 to 1000 words, and $50 for 1000+ words.”
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVqaB46US5ojfyMv7OI7PtMgD-BxdK7xqN3HiFnHFd8sOt-g/viewform
🟢 · Lilith Magazine is always open for “high-quality, lively, original writing: reporting, analysis, opinion pieces, memoir, fiction and poetry with a feminist take on subjects of interest to Jewish feminists.” Writers and artists are paid for their work in Lilith, in print and on the blog.
https://lilith.org/contact/writing-for-lilith/
🟢 · Lit Shark’s Poem of the Month Contest accepts poetry submissions (up to 5 poems or 10 pages) monthly on a rolling basis. No theme required; simultaneous submissions welcome; no reprints. Monthly winner receives $20, a digital broadside, featured publication, and inclusion in the annual Best Of anthology. Honorable Mentions also published. Submit via email: publishing@litshark.com.
https://litshark.com/submit-potm/
🟢 · MAYDAY Magazine seeks literary fiction (300–3,000 words), nonfiction (up to 5,000 words), poetry (1–3 poems, max 10 pages), translations, book reviews, interviews, culture writing, visual art, and MAYDAY:Black (nonfiction from Black writers). Simultaneous submissions encouraged. Payment: $20 (fiction, nonfiction, translations), $10 per poem, $50 (MAYDAY:Black). No AI-generated content or reprints. Submit via Submittable (free submissions July & December).
https://maydaymagazine.com/submit/
🟢 · MEMEZINE is always open for hybrid work engaging with digital culture (text <1200 words, video <1 min). Simultaneous submissions and previously published work accepted. Payment: $5 per accepted featured piece (via Venmo or PayPal). No AI-generated or offensive content. Submit via Duosuma.
https://www.memezinelit.com/submit
🟢 · New Orleans Review is always open for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry submissions. Payment is $300 for nonfiction and fiction prose and $100 for poetry regardless of word counts.
https://www.neworleansreview.org/submit/
🟢 · NonBinary Review accepts speculative writing and art year-round, with rotating themed issues. Currently open for visual art, poetry, prose, and all genres via Duosuma. Submissions may close early if acceptance cap is reached.
https://www.zoeticpress.com/submit
🟢 · Orion's Beau is open until September 10 for LGBTQ science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and dark fantasy in fiction, poetry, and art. Payment is $3.
https://www.orionsbeau.com/arts-and-literary-submissions
🟢 · Reappropriate, an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) race advocacy and feminism blog is always open for pitches on topics such as race, gender, identity, Asian American history, and current events. They pay $75-150 for 800 to 2,500 words.
http://reappropriate.co/submit-writing/
🟢♻️· Samovar, published by Strange Horizons, seeks speculative fiction, review-essays, poetry, interview/conversations, and reprints in translation. Payment for fiction is 8 US cents per word to the author, and 8 US cents per word to the translator. Payment for reprints is a flat $100 USD to the author and $100 USD to the translator. Payments for poetry are $40 USD to the author and $40 USD to the translator. Payment for interview/conversations is $40 USD to each participant. Payment for review-essays is $40 USD.
http://samovar.strangehorizons.com/submit/
🟢♻️ · Scrawl Place is open year-round for submissions of creative nonfiction, fiction, 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/
🟢 · The Dark Magazine is open year-round for original, unpublished horror and dark fantasy fiction between 2,000 and 6,000 words. The editors encourage experimental and unconventional narratives but do not accept graphic, violent horror. Submissions must be in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format and follow modern manuscript formatting; include a bio in your cover letter. Simultaneous submissions and multiple submissions are not accepted; authors must wait for a response before submitting again. Reprints are considered if published within the past two years in established print markets, with "REPRINT" noted in the subject line. AI-generated or assisted content is strictly prohibited. Payment is $0.05 per word for original fiction upon publication and $0.01 per word for reprints upon acceptance. Response times range from a few minutes to 48 hours; queries are welcome after one week. Submit via email to submissions@thedarkmagazine.com
https://www.thedarkmagazine.com/submission-guidelines/
🟢 · The SFWA Blog is open to pitches for original nonfiction articles on topics that might be of interest to new and/or established creators of science fiction and fantasy. SFWA welcomes pitches from both members and nonmembers. Black, Indigenous, and other writers of color, and writers of other under-represented identities, are encouraged to submit article pitches. Payment is 10 cents per word.
https://www.sfwa.org/sfwa-publications/sfwa-blog-guidelines/
🟢 · Solarpunk Magazine is always open for nonfiction that will “stir readers with themes of defiance, change, and achievement.” Payment is $75 for nonfiction.
https://solarpunkmagazine.com/submissions/
🟢 · Star*Line, the official print journal of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association (SFPA), is a literary venue for speculative (including science-fiction, fantasy, and horror) poets and poetry enthusiasts, and features interviews, articles, reviews, member news and letters, association business, and poetry. Star*Line is open for submissions year-round. Payment for poetry: 4¢/word rounded to next dollar, minimum $4. Nonfiction, 1¢/word rounded to the next dollar. Reviews pay a flat fee of $4.
https://www.sfpoetry.com/starline.html
🟢 · Strange Horizons is open for speculative poetry submissions year-round, including at times when Strange Horizons is closed to fiction submissions. The editors operate on a rotation system, so the person who reads and replies to your poem will depend on when you send it. Payment is $50 USD per poem, regardless of length or complexity.
http://strangehorizons.com/submit/poetry-submission-guidelines/
🟢 · Tagg Magazine, a US-based queer women's publication, is always open for pitches on various themes, including personal essays, listicles, dating advice, and fashion-related content. Articles are 350-1,000 words long and pay $75-175. They also welcome pitches for article ideas.
https://taggmagazine.com/contribute/
🟢 · takahē Magazine accepts poetry submissions (up to 4 poems) year-round. Poems should engage with urgency, sensitivity, authenticity, and flair. Simultaneous submissions welcome. Payment: NZ$45 for first poem, NZ$35 each additional. Submit via Submittable.
https://takahemagazine.submittable.com/submit
🟢 · The Gay & Lesbian Review is always open for “unsolicited manuscripts and proposals on all LGBT-related topics.” Payment is $250 for features.
https://glreview.org/writers-guidelines-for-submission/
🟢 · Timothy McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern is open to unpublished fiction up to 10k words. Snail mail submissions. Payment is $400.
https://www.mcsweeneys.net/pages/guidelines-for-quarterly-submissions
🟢 · Torch Literary Arts is always open for creative writing by Black women for their Friday Features. “We are interested in work that challenges and disrupts preconceived notions of what contemporary writing by Black women should be” in fiction, hybrid works, poetry, and drama, including pieces accompanied by video or dramatic audio. Payment is $150.
https://torchliteraryarts.submittable.com/submit
🟢 · Wildsam is a first of its kind national magazine dedicated to road trips, recreational vehicles and the outdoors with a reverence for the textures, stories and characters of the open road. See listing for multiple submission opportunities. Payment rates are roughly $1/word and can vary with the complexity of an assignment.
https://www.wildsam.com/about-us
I was a writer-mother who made a decent living at it (retired as a writer employee now but I still write! + my kids are grown but I’m still their mom!), so screw those wannabes who took the “Safe” route.
There’s nothing safe or practical about living an inauthentic life because society said so.
I know many effed up humans who really needed to use their gift of life to make things and express themselves but they sold that part of their soul to the capitalist, patriarchal devil.
Wompwomp now they’re in therapy lamenting the lack of meaning in their lives.
These are the same people who tend to undervalue the arts/creativity or naively think “anybody can do that” or “writing is not real labor.”
I’m sad for these lost souls now. If they could only know what riches come from being a writer/artist without apology.
I spent the time I wasn’t in school (I was a professional student at Georgia Tech and Georgia State for most of 20 year!) being a mother. It is work and it is among the best work you will so.
When I told my parents I wanted to be a teacher, they told me I couldn’t. My dad wanted me to be an engineer, my mom wanted me to be an accountant. I became an economist and taught anyway.
I never told them I wanted to be a writer, though. But now my dad’s apparently proud that I am. I don’t make any money, but now I don’t need to.
As for Mrs. Cole, BOO!