Remember Avery Maker from the allegory I shared last week? On their journey through the Creative Wilderness, Avery encountered Asset Bandits—tricky characters hiding in shadows, pretending to offer help but secretly exploiting our talent and energy.
Luckily, Avery was armed with knowledge and was able to illuminate scams and confidently safeguard their creative worth. But who are the real-world Asset Bandits we might face? More important, how do we protect ourselves?
Read Avery’s journey here if you need a refresher or just click the compass.
Spotting Real-Life Asset Bandits
Vanity Presses
Publishers who charge exorbitant fees promising bestseller status. Here are some examples:
Vantage Press (USA) One of the largest U.S. vanity presses, operating from 1949 until 2012. In the 1970s, the FTC charged them for misleading claims—they called themselves a “cooperative,” yet authors paid all costs. In 1990, a New York Supreme Court awarded $3.5 million to 2,200 authors who alleged Vantage defrauded them by failing to promote their books as promised.
Tate Publishing & Enterprises (Christian Vanity Press) Operating in Oklahoma, Tate folded in January 2017 owing authors about $900,000. In late 2019, charges of embezzlement, attempted extortion, and racketeering were brought against the founders. Authors lost thousands—with little recourse.
These vanity‑press disasters show a consistent pattern: authors pay dearly for publishing rights but receive little or no editing, marketing, distribution, or royalties. For most writers, they're financial dead-ends rather than launching pads.
Exploitative Contests
Competitions with hefty entry fees, minimal rewards, or vague rights agreements. Here are some examples:
Fee‑Based Novel/Memoir Contests Victoria Strauss of Writer Beware warns against contests for novel-length or memoir entries. They frequently demand high fees (over US $30), offer vague publishing “contracts,” and use subjective testimonials that mask vanity-publishing setups where the “winner” pays hefty production costs.
Predatory “Contest Mills” The Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association’s Writer Beware lists several red flags like fake award notifications demanding “membership” fees, editing-services contests that steer entrants toward costly editing plans and prize amounts tied to number of entrants (e.g., “$15 k first prize” only if enough people enter)—a guarantee pitfall for entrants.
To protect yourself, use watchdog sites like Writer Beware to vet contests. Calculate expected value and ask does the prize match the fee? Always read rights provisions carefully. Never give away more than a one-time publication right. Finally, seek transparency and credibility. Look for past winners with verifiable credits and prizes consistent with industry norms.
Rights Grabbers
Platforms or services that obscure ownership rights in contracts. Here are some examples:
“Epic: The Musical” – Platform Contract Dispute A lawsuit erupted between creator Jorge Rivera‑Herrans and a production company (Blair Russel Productions, later BRP claiming ownership simply because the recordings were made in their studio). The outcome? Jorge had to re-record initial sagas under his new company, Winion Entertainment, to reclaim control.
Richard Ashcroft – “Bitter Sweet Symphony” Rights Heist The Verve cleared the recording rights to an orchestral version of The Rolling Stones' The Last Time, but not the publishing rights owned by Allen Klein’s ABKCO. Klein sued, claiming too large a sample. The Verve capitulated, surrendering 100 % of publishing rights and songwriting credit to Mick Jagger & Keith Richards—Ashcroft was removed from royalties. For over 20 years, Ashcroft earned virtually nothing from his defining work.
Contract clarity matters. Whether studio usage in Epic or publishing rights in Bittersweet Symphony, ambiguous agreements can cost creators ownership. Securing the right to record/work doesn't automatically secure rights to publish or own it. As both examples show, creators had to take extra steps, re-recording songs or relying on goodwill gestures, to regain control.
The Atlanta Nights PublishAmerica Hoax
As a strike back against these bandits, in 2004 a group of sci‑fi authors worked together to create a deliberately awful manuscript titled Atlanta Nights to expose PublishAmerica's vanity‑press-like practices.
Despite glaring errors, it was accepted, proving the claim that the company prioritized author fees over quality. PublishAmerica is now America Star Books/ASB Promotions. The authors withdrew the book after the acceptance and self-published on Lulu with all profits going to the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Emergency Medical Fund.
How to Protect Yourself
Read the Fine Print. Always clarify rights and payments upfront.
Research First. Check reviews, forums, and creator groups for experiences and red flags.
Own Your Work. Clearly state ownership terms and understand licenses.
Value Your Time and Talent. Exposure is valuable, but it shouldn’t replace compensation.
Protecting your creative assets is essential to thriving sustainably as a Maker. Your creativity holds value. If we don’t advocate for ourselves, no one else will.
Coming Next Week…
Now that we have talked about how to protect our assets, let’s talk about how to put them to good use. We explore how to make your work work for you, including direct sales, a very old idea coming full circle to serve us again.
Download: Asset Bandit Protection Checklist
Protect your creative work from Asset Bandits, those unscrupulous crooks who exploit creators through vague agreements and false promises. This essential checklist helps authors spot red flags, clarifies important ownership questions, and provides trusted resources to ensure you maintain control and get fair treatment. Perfect for every writer preparing to sign agreements or enter contests!
Supporting Subscribers will find your free download in the chat here. Feel free to share comments, questions and chat.
Subscribers: Your download is available for just $8.88 here.
Authortunities may contain affiliate links that might earn a small fee at no extra cost to you. Any comments, questions, compliments or concerns? Feel free to message me!
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 Midsummer Night’s Dream ☀️.
https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
🟢 JUN 21 · Dark Dead Things is open until JUN 22 for weird, sci‑fi, horror fiction, poetry (up to three poems), and nonfiction (1,000–4,000 words for stories), formatted in standard manuscript style. Payment: $25 per story or nonfiction, $10 per poem. Unpublished work only.
https://www.darkdeadthings.com/submissions
🟢♻️ JUN 21 · Good Printed Things Mixed‑Lit Anthology Series is open until JUN 30 for flash fiction (up to 1,000 words), short stories (1,000–2,500 words), nonfiction essays (up to 2,500 words), and poetry (no limits), all exploring the theme Food Memories. Payment: USD 50 plus contributor copy. Reprints allowed.
https://goodprintedthings.submittable.com/submit
🟢 JUN 21 · Island (print fiction & nonfiction for Issues 175 & 176) is open to “Australia, New Zealand and Australians living abroad” until JUN 30 for fiction and nonfiction up to ~4,000 words. Simultaneous submissions accepted; $0.40 AUD/word (min $600, max $1,500), less the cost of a 4‑issue subscription for non-subscribers. Poetry for print and Island Online is $175 per poem, $600 for short-form fiction, nonfiction and graphic narratives for Island Online.
🟢🖼️ JUN 21 · Midnight Echo is open until JUN 30 for horror fiction (flash up to 1,000 words, short 1,000–5,000 words), nonfiction (articles, creative nonfiction, interviews up to 5,000 words), poetry (up to 20 lines), and dark visual art (2–3 pieces). Open to Australasian writers and artists only. No reprints or simultaneous submissions. Payment: AUD 0.05/word for fiction, approx. AUD 30/article, AUD 20/poem, AUD 50 per internal artwork and AUD 100 for cover art.
https://duotrope.com/magazine/midnight-echo-2845
🟢🖼️ JUN 21 · Mind’s Eye Publications is open until JUN 30 for The Phantomicon: Imaginings & Images of the Ghost, accepting fiction and nonfiction (1,500–6,000 words), poetry (up to 100 lines), and visual art. Payment: $15–$30 for fiction/nonfiction (1/2 cent per word), $10–$20 for poems based on length, $15–$30 for illustrations, and $50 for selected cover art concepts. Submissions via Submittable.
https://www.mindseyepublications.com/blank-1
🟢 JUN 21 · Mulberry Literary is open until JUL 14 for Issue XI (Fall/Winter 2025) and Issue XII (Spring/Summer 2026), welcoming prose, flash, poetry, script, comics, film, music, visual art, dance, audio, hybrid and experimental work. Submit up to 2 visual/art pieces; written pieces per guidelines (flash, short, nonfiction up to 6,500 w). Payment: US $20 per accepted piece via PayPal. Simultaneous submissions accepted.
https://www.mulberryliterary.com/submit
🟢 JUN 21 · Flame Tree Publishing Romantic Fantasy Anthology Series is open until JUL 20 for short fiction (2,000–4,000 words) that blends gothic fantasy with passionate Romantasy—featuring strong-willed protagonists, emotional depth, unique magical worlds, and integral romantic arcs. Reprints and simultaneous submissions accepted. Professional payment at £0.06/word (≈ US $0.07), reprints £0.04/word.
https://blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-gothic/romantic-fantasy-first-submissions-0
🟢 JUN 21 · Dark Waters Anthology Vol. 3 is open until AUG 1 for horror, mystery, and thriller fiction (flash up to 1,000 words; short 1,000–7,000 words). Accepting simultaneous submissions, no reprints. Payment: up to USD 25 depending on length, plus a free contributor copy. Submit via email.
https://darkwaterspodcast.com/
🟢 JUN 21 · subTerrain – Issue 102 (Winter 2025, General Issue) is open until AUG 15 for original, previously unpublished fiction (up to 3,000 words), creative nonfiction and commentary (up to 4,000 words each), and theme‑related poetry (up to 5 poems per submitter). No reprints, simultaneous submissions allowed. Payment: CAD $0.10/word (max $500) for prose and commentary; CAD $50 per poem. Submissions via Submittable or mail to Vancouver; $3 CAD online fee.
https://subterrain.ca/about/35/sub-terrain-writer-s-guidelines
🟢 JUN 21 · The Big Book of Quantum Fiction is open until SEP 30 for original speculative fiction that plays with quantum theory, alternate timelines, and layered reality. Submit up to two stories (2,500–7,500 words each). Payment is $100 per accepted story. No simultaneous submissions; reprints not accepted.
https://www.tracyshew.com/blog/the-big-book-of-quantum-fiction
🟢🖼️ JUN 21 · FreeFall Magazine is open until SEP 30 for original, previously unpublished prose (up to 4,000 words), poetry (1–3 poems, ≤ 6 pages each), and black & white artwork (6”×4” at 300 dpi). They also accept proposal queries for interviews and reviews. Payment: $10/page for prose (up to $100); $25/poem; $100 for cover art/photos; $50 for approved interviews/reviews. All contributors receive one print copy. Simultaneous submissions accepted; no reprints.
https://freefallmagazine.ca/submissions/
🟢 JUN 21 · Stellar Parallax: Human Hope in Grimdark Worlds (Inked in Gray) is open until JUN 30 for adult science fiction short stories (2,000–7,000 words) centering hope amidst dark settings. International submissions welcome. Payment is $50 per accepted piece for first edition exclusive rights (6‑month exclusivity).
https://inkedingray.com/work-with-us/
🟢 JUN 21 · Claudine Literary is open until NOV 30 for fiction, creative nonfiction, and new writer micros (≤ 400 words), emphasizing lyrical, evocative prose. Payment: $25 per accepted piece. Also open for prose-heavy chapbook review submissions (gratis; up to 200-word summary required). Simultaneous submissions allowed; no multiple submissions.
https://www.claudineliterary.net/general-5
🟢 JUN 21 · Grain Magazine – Summer Submission Period is open until SEP 14 for fiction (up to 3,500 words), literary nonfiction (up to 3,500 words), poetry (up to 6 pages or suites), and queries for other forms (plays, comics, translations). Open to under-represented/marginalized writers internationally; simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Payment: CAD $50/page (max CAD $250) plus two print copies; visual art inside (B&W) or cover (color) paid same page rate (max CAD $500). International submitters pay a CAD $5 reading fee via PayPal or cheque.
https://grainmagazine.ca/submit
🔴 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 · Dark Dead Things is closing for weird, sci‑fi, horror fiction, poetry (up to three poems), and nonfiction (1,000–4,000 words for stories), formatted in standard manuscript style. Payment: $25 per story or nonfiction, $10 per poem. Unpublished work only.
https://www.darkdeadthings.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 23 · matchbook is opening for short fiction, creative nonfiction, and indeterminate prose of up to ~1,000 words (longer accepted if exceptional). Unpublished work only; simultaneous submissions allowed; limit of up to three longer or five shorter pieces. Payment: $20 per accepted piece.
https://duotrope.com/magazine/matchbook-3727
⭐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/
🔴♻️ JUN 30 · Good Printed Things Mixed‑Lit Anthology Series is closing for submissions of flash fiction (≤1,000 words), short stories (1,000–2,500 words), nonfiction (≤2,500 words), and poetry (no limits) on the theme Food Memories, with payment of USD 50 plus contributor copy. Reprints allowed.
https://goodprintedthings.submittable.com/submit
🔴 JUN 30 · Island (print fiction & nonfiction for Issues 175 & 176) is closed to “Australia, New Zealand and Australians living abroad” for fiction and nonfiction up to ~4,000 words. Simultaneous submissions accepted; $0.40 AUD/word (min $600, max $1,500), less the cost of a 4‑issue subscription for non-subscribers. Poetry for print and Island Online is $175 per poem, $600 for short-form fiction, nonfiction and graphic narratives for Island Online. 🟢Poetry remains open until July 14.
🔴🖼️ JUN 30 · Midnight Echo closes for horror fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art from Australasian creators. No reprints or simultaneous submissions. Payment: AUD 0.05/word for fiction, approx. AUD 30/article, AUD 20/poem, AUD 50 per internal artwork and AUD 100 for cover art.
https://duotrope.com/magazine/midnight-echo-2845
🔴🖼️ JUN 30 · Mind’s Eye Publications is closing for The Phantomicon: Imaginings & Images of the Ghost, accepting fiction and nonfiction (1,500–6,000 words), poetry (up to 100 lines), and visual art. Payment: $15–$30 for fiction/nonfiction, $10–$20 for poetry, $15–$30 for illustrations, and $50 for cover art concepts.
https://www.mindseyepublications.com/blank-1
🔴 JUN 30 · Stellar Parallax: Human Hope in Grimdark Worlds (Inked in Gray) is closed for adult science fiction short stories (2,000–7,000 words) centering hope amidst dark settings. No AI-generated or previously published work. International submissions welcome. Payment is $50 per accepted piece for first edition exclusive rights (6‑month exclusivity).
https://inkedingray.com/work-with-us/
July 2025
🟢 JUL 1 · BookLife is open until August 1 for submissions of self-published otherworldly science fiction and fantasy for their Indie Spotlight feature, a thematic roundup of self-published books both online and in print in Publishers Weekly magazine. Each Indie Spotlight is open to all types of books as long as they match the month's topic. Submissions close for general literary and historical general fiction, and books of poetry.
https://booklife.com/about-us/booklife-s-indie-spotlight.html
🟢 JUL 1 · Black Fox Literary Magazine is open for free general submissions (fiction up to 5,000 words, up to 3 poems, nonfiction up to 5,000 words) for its Winter 2025 issue, closing NOV 30. Payment is US $20 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions accepted; no reprints.
https://blackfoxlitmag.com/submit/
🟢 JUL 1 · In the Words of a Flower: The Language of Flowers Anthology (Inked in Gray) is open until SEP 30 for adult fantasy short stories (2,000–7,000 words) that incorporate floriography, the language of flowers. International submissions welcome. Payment is $50 per accepted story for first edition exclusive rights (6‑month exclusivity).
https://inkedingray.com/work-with-us/
🟢 JUL 1 · Flash Fiction Online is open until to JUL 31 for original flash fiction themed “Regret” (500–1,000 words). Payment: $100 per story for first e‑rights (6‑month exclusivity), plus non‑exclusive anthology rights. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Anonymous submissions required.
https://ffo.submittable.com/submit
🟢 JUL 1 · Cosmic Roots & Eldritch Shores is open until July 2 for submissions of original science fiction, fantasy, myth, legend, fairy tale, and eldritch stories (1,000–10,000 words), and poetry (up to 40 lines). They pay 8¢/word for new fiction, 2¢/word for fiction reprints, $1/line for new poetry, and 50¢/line for poetry reprints. No simultaneous or multiple submissions are allowed. AI-generated content is not accepted. Submissions accepted via their online portal from 12:00 AM EDT on July 1 until 12:00 AM EDT on July 3.
https://cosmicrootsandeldritchshores.com/guidelines/
🟢🖼️ JUL 1 · Ubwali Literary Magazine – July 2025 Reading Period is open until JUL 31 for submissions of original, unpublished fiction (3,000–6,000 words), essays (up to 3,000 words), poetry (1–3 poems in a single document), and visual art (5–10 images). Submissions are open to Zambian artists living anywhere. Non-Zambian African artists residing in Africa may submit only during the January reading period. All work must be unpublished, including on social media. Payment is $10 per accepted artist. Submit via the online form.
https://www.ubwali.com/submissions
🟢 JUL 1 · Manawaker Studio – 100 Word Project (July–November 2025 Prompts) is open until November 30 for submissions of original, unpublished drabbles—stories exactly 100 words long (excluding the title). Each month (except June and December), a new prompt is announced, and nine selected stories are published on Manawaker’s Patreon alongside one from editor CB Droege. At year’s end, these are compiled into the annual 100 x 100 anthology in print, digital, and audio formats. Payment is $1 per accepted story and an electronic copy of the anthology.
https://www.manawaker.com/submit-100wp/
🟢 JULY 1 · The New Quarterly is open until September 30 for fiction and poetry submissions. Literary excellence required; seeking balanced, innovative work in approachable language. Payment: $275 for fiction, $50 per poem, plus contributor copy. Submit via online portal.
🟢 JUL 1 · TeenQuill Writing Contest is open for poetry and play monologues from to students aged 12 to 19. Authors of selected works will receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card and publication in Kinsman Quarterly. Selected works will also be featured on its website, promoted on social media platforms, and included in printed advertisements. One student will be selected each season.
https://www.kinsmanquarterly.org/teenquill-writing-contest
🟢 JUL 1 · Write or Die Magazine is open for free submissions of essays and essays and fiction for the first week of the month. There is a $3 submission fee for the rest of the month. No fee for author interviews. “Payment is approx. $50.”
https://writeordiemag.com/submission-guidelines
🟢 JUL 1 · The Forge Literary Magazine is open for fiction and nonfiction, including flash and micro, until the free submissions quota is full. “If there is no free link, we’ve hit our quota.” Payment is for $100 flat rate, regardless of length.
https://forgelitmag.com/submit/
🟢 JUL 1 · IHRAM magazine, a project of the International Human Rights Art Movement, is open until September 1 for fiction, nonfiction, poetry and visual art written to the theme “Enduring Voices: Life with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses.” Payment is $50 USD per piece, $25 for visual art.
https://humanrightsartmovement.org/ihraf-publishes
🟢 JUL 1 · Fraidy Cat Quarterly is open until July 7 for submissions of horror flash fiction and short stories and always open to submissions of black and white art. Extended deadline until July 14 for “LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Palestinian authors.” Payment is $10 for flash fiction and art artwork and $20 per short story. Work should be created with the theme of “Rage.”
https://fraidycatpress.com/submission-guidelines/
🟢JUL 1 · 34 Orchard is open until July 15 for submissions of short fiction from 1000 to 5000 words and poetry of any genre/length. Payment is $50 USD.
https://34orchard.com/guidelines/
🟢♻️ JUL 1 · Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction is open until December 31 for submissions of previously published or unpublished short fiction up to 10,000 words. Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review.
https://lascauxreview.com/contests/
🟢 JUL 1 · Cosmic Horror Monthly is open until July 7 for weird and cosmic fiction under 5,000 words. Payment is $.03 cents USD per word.
https://cosmichorrormonthly.com/submissions/
🟢 JUL 1 · Electric Spec is open until July 15 for speculative fiction stories of “science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre” between 250 and 7000 words for their August issue. Payment is $20 per piece.
http://www.electricspec.com/Submissions.html
🟢 JUL 1 · Flame Tree Fiction Newsletter calls for monthly themed submissions from newsletter subscribers only (free to subscribe) up to 1k words for $0.08 per word USD for original fiction.
https://www.flametreepress.com/submissions/
🟢 JUL 1 · Rattle Magazine’s Ekphrastic Poetry Challenge opens until the last day of the month for ekphrastic poetry in response to selected visual art posted on their page. Two winners receive $100 and publication online.
https://www.rattle.com/ekphrastic/
🔴 JUL 1 · Noco Books – EDGE CITY 2 closes submissions for prose (up to 6,000 words), poetry (up to six poems), and art (up to eight pieces) for their print and online literary magazine. They seek fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid works in any style, with a preference for pieces that align with the Hays Code and embrace the off-putting. Payment is $25 plus an author copy; authors retain all rights.
🔴 JUL 1 · Writers of the Future 3rd Quarter 2025 closes submissions for original science fiction, fantasy, or light horror short stories and novelettes up to 17,000 words. The contest is free to enter and open to amateur writers who have not professionally published a novel or short novel, more than one novelette, or more than three short stories. Submissions must be original, unpublished, and not generated by AI. Simultaneous submissions are not allowed. Prizes awarded each quarter are $1,000 for first place, $750 for second, and $500 for third; quarterly first-place winners compete for an additional $5,000 annual grand prize. Entries are judged anonymously by professional authors.
https://writersofthefuture.com/enter-writer-contest/
🔴 JUL 1 · THEMA Literary Journal – “I Wish I'd Said That” (Spring 2026 Issue) closes submissions for short stories (up to 20 double-spaced pages), essays, poems (up to 3 per theme), and visual art or photography (5"x7" prints or digital equivalents). All submissions must creatively engage with the theme “I Wish I'd Said That,” making it an integral part of the work. Previously published pieces are welcome, provided the author retains copyright. Payment is $25 for short stories and essays, $10 for short-short pieces (under 1,000 words) and poems, and $10 for interior artwork or photography ($25 for cover art). Submissions are accepted via postal mail; email submissions are only accepted from authors outside the U.S. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with each submission.
https://themaliterarysociety.com/submissions.html
🔴 JUL 1 · The Offing is closing for Micro, which accepts 10–560 character pieces in any genre. Submit 1 to 5 works per entry. Payment ranges from $25–$100 depending on length and department. Simultaneous submissions allowed. No reprints.
https://theoffingmag.submittable.com/submit
🔴 JULY 1 · Asian American Writers’ Workshop: 2025-26 Poetry Coalition Fellowship closes applications for NYC-based applicants. Fellowship runs from Sept. 2, 2025–June 30, 2026 (20 hours/week). Stipend: $20,000 plus $1,100 healthcare. Submit cover letter and resume via email: dmanibo@aaww.org.
https://aaww.org/about-us/opportunities/2025-26-poetry-coalition-fellow/
🔴♻️ JUL 1 · THEMA, a theme-related journal that serves as source material and inspiration for teachers of creative writing, is closing for fiction, nonfiction, poetry and visual art on the theme of “I Wish I'd Said That.” US residents submit by mail, electronic submissions for international. Payment is USD $10 for fiction under 1,000 words; $25 for longer stories, $25 for essays and $10 per piece for poems and visual art.
https://themaliterarysociety.com/submissions.html
🔴 JUL 1 · North Street Book Prize closes for self-published or hybrid-published fiction books. One Grand Prize Winner will receive an awards package that includes $10,000 USD, a marketing analysis and one-hour phone consultation with Carolyn Howard-Johnson and a $500 credit at BookBaby. Other awards include $1,000 and $500 plus other benefits. Entry fee is $85.
https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/north-street-book-prize
🔴 JUL 2 · Cosmic Roots & Eldritch Shores closes submissions of original science fiction, fantasy, myth, legend, fairy tale, and eldritch stories (1,000–10,000 words), and poetry (up to 40 lines). Payment is 8¢/word for new fiction, 2¢/word for fiction reprints, $1/line for new poetry, and 50¢/line for poetry reprints. No simultaneous or multiple submissions. AI-generated content is not accepted. Submit via their online portal.
https://cosmicrootsandeldritchshores.com/guidelines/
🟢 JUL 2 · Baubles From Bones is open until July 30 for submissions of speculative fiction (1,000–8,000 words) and poetry or short prose (up to 3 pieces, each under 40 lines or 600 words). They seek stories that delve into science fiction and fantasy realms, with a fondness for compelling adventures, folk-retellings, and tales of emotional healing and environmentalism. Poetry and prose should explore the fantastical, supernatural, or speculative, aiming to challenge perceptions and offer inventive explorations. Payment is $0.01 per word for fiction and $10 per poem or prose piece.
https://www.baublesfrombones.com/submission-guidelines.html
🔴♻️ JUL 3 · Collaborature Monthly Contest is open until the 17th of the month for fiction and poetry “written by more than one author or include a collaboration of two people (i.e., art and poetry).” Reprints are allowed. Payment is $20 USD.
https://collaborature.blogspot.com/p/contests.html
🔴 JUL 4 · Headland is closing for submissions of short fiction and creative nonfiction up to 5,000 words. Payment: NZD $50 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions allowed. No reprints.
https://headland.org.nz/submissions/
🔴 JUL 4 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week's deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
⭐ JUL 6 · Bi-Weekly Open Mic Night Join The Mad Poet and host Jordan Francis for a NeighborHub community open mic every other Sunday at 8 pm EST. Prose and poetry readings welcome. A welcoming and supportive group that encourages creative growth. For members of the Authortunities NeighborHub. Membership is free.
https://www.authortunitieshub.com
⭐ JUL 6 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
🟢 JUL 7 · Apex Magazine Monthly Flash Fiction Contest Submissions open to all for speculative flash fiction until the last day of the month at midnight. Winner will be announced no later than the 15th of the following month and be paid $0.08/word or $10, whichever is more and published on the Apex Magazine Patreon as an exclusive the month following and will be included in the forthcoming issue of Apex Magazine.
https://apexbookcompany.moksha.io/publication/apex-magazine-flash-fiction
🔴 JUL 7 · Fraidy Cat Quarterly is closing regular submissions of horror flash fiction and short stories but remains open to submissions of black and white art from all. Extended deadline until July 14 for “LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Palestinian authors.” Payment is $10 for flash fiction and art artwork and $20 per short story. Work should be created with the theme of “Rage.”
https://fraidycatpress.com/submission-guidelines/
🔴 JUL 7 · Cosmic Horror Monthly is closing for weird and cosmic fiction under 5,000 words. Payment is $.03 cents USD per word.
https://cosmichorrormonthly.com/submissions/
🔴♻️ JUL 10 · Vellum Mortis (Memento Mori Ink) closes submissions for flash fiction up to 1,000 words for their August 2025 issue with an open theme including horror stories that delve into fae horror, exploring the eerie and unsettling aspects of the fae realm. Payment is $5 per story. Submission is via email. Reprints accepted.
https://www.mementomoriinkmag.com/vellummortissub
🔴 JUL 11 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week's deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
⭐ JUL 13 · Inspirational Indie Authors podcast with the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) and Howard Lovy. Dive deep into personal stories of indie authors, understanding their pathways to success, challenges faced, and lessons learned. 1 pm GMT.
https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/inspirational-indie-author-interviews-podcast/
⭐ JUL 13 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
🔴 JUL 14 · Mulberry Literary is closing for submissions to Issues XI and XII, accepting the same range of creative media. Payment: US $20 per piece via PayPal. Simultaneous submissions accepted; no AI or previously published work.
https://www.mulberryliterary.com/submit
🔴 JUL 14 · Island (print fiction & nonfiction for Issues 175 & 176) is closed to “Australia, New Zealand and Australians living abroad” for poetry for print and Island Online is $175 per poem.
🔴 JUL 14 · Fraidy Cat Quarterly is closing the extended deadline for “LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Palestinian authors” but remains open to submissions of black and white art from all. Payment is $10 for flash fiction and art artwork and $20 per short story. Work should be created with the theme of “Rage.”
https://fraidycatpress.com/submission-guidelines/
🔴 JUL 15 · Electric Spec closes to speculative fiction stories of “science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre” between 250 and 7000 words for their August issue. Payment is $20 per piece.
http://www.electricspec.com/Submissions.html
🔴JUL 15 · 34 Orchard is closing for submissions of short fiction from 1000 to 5000 words and poetry of any genre/length. Payment is $50 USD.
https://34orchard.com/guidelines/
🟢 JUL 15 · Space and Time Magazine is open until July 31 for fiction up to 5k words and poetry in the speculative genre. Payment is .01 per word for fiction prose and $5 per poem.
https://spaceandtime.net/submissions/
⭐JUL 16-19 · Romance Writers of America 2025 Annual Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada/US). A four-day gathering for romance writers featuring workshops on craft, career, and business; evening receptions with guest speakers; pitch sessions with editors from Harlequin and Tule; an expo hall with vendors and author signings; and a closing awards ceremony and afterparty. Registration options: Member US $549, Non-member US $649 and Industry Professional US $449.
https://www.rwa.org/rwa-annual-conference
🔴♻️ JUL 17 · Collaborature Monthly Contest is closing for fiction and poetry “written by more than one author or include a collaboration of two people (i.e., art and poetry).” Reprints are allowed. Payment is $20 USD.
https://collaborature.blogspot.com/p/contests.html
🔴 JUL 18 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week's deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
⭐ JUL 18-20 · LitRPG Con 2025 at Grand Hyatt Denver, Denver, CO. The first-ever, in-person convention dedicated entirely to LitRPG (gaming, progression fantasy, culti‑vation), presented by The Legion Publishers & Soundbooth Theater. Panels & workshops run 9 am–1 pm daily; gaming sessions (Dungeons & Dragons, tabletop, board/card) 2 pm–6 pm; evening entertainment follows 8 pm. Children 4 & under attend free. Early-bird three-day passes approx. US $85, general admission around US $109. Expect over 100 authors, narrators, and industry professionals, guest signings, vendor hall, and live entertainment
Yeah, back in 2002 I fell for PublishAmerica's scam (I was new to this game and foolishly thought they were legit) - No fees, but they also did a crap job editing, no marketing and totally relied on us authors buying our own books. Thankfully, seven years later I got back the rights to the book...gave it a real editing, and re-write, and now am trying to get it published as a much better product (the story was good, it just never got the polish it needed from them). So glad writers now have more access to scam alerts like yours and Writer Beware (I also used to follow Predators & Editors)... PublishAmerica was a hard lesson but it was certainly educational.