call for submissions: NMM Blog + Podcast
No More Margins
DEADLINE: September 4, 2025
INFO: From horror and science fiction to romance, poetry, memoir, and beyond—Black women write in every literary genre. The NMM blog is seeking submissions from Black women creative writers who want to share the inspiration behind their work. We welcome pieces that showcase the diversity, depth, and brilliance of Black women’s storytelling.
BLOG POST: We want to showcase Black women creative writers on the NMM blog. Specifically, we want our readers to be informed about the diversity of genres in which Black women write and their inspiration. We also want to know about your publication journey (if applicable). Interested in being a guest contributor?
PODCAST: Are you a creative writer with work you would like to share with others? The purpose of the NMM podcast is to allow listeners to hear your words with the emphasis and tone only you, as the writer, can provide. If you would like to read your work on the NMM podcast,
No More Margins is a community dedicated to nurturing the voices of Black women through creative writing.
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Fall '25 GUEST RESIDENCY
Woodward Residency
DEADLINE: September 8, 2025
INFO: Applications are now open for our Winter/Spring '25 Guest Residency in Ridgewood, Queens, NY.
ELIGIBILITY: Established/emerging artists and creative professionals in the fields of literary arts, design, music, and multi-disciplinary arts are encouraged to apply.
Please note that art forms that generate fumes (such as oil painting) cannot be accommodated. Also, with the exception of our piano residents who can use headphones, our space is best suited to less cacophonous artistic pursuits.
AWARD BENEFITS:
Access to the building from 9AM-5 PM, Monday through Friday for the duration of your Guest Residency.
Guest Residents will work in the communal Great Room, with library etiquette.
Open invite to weekly tea and cake gatherings, and occasional work shares and evening parties.
A supportive and engaged community of working creatives.
WORK SAMPLES + PERSONAL STATEMENT: Recent work samples and your personal statement should reflect your commitment to your work and clarify how the residency would benefit your work at this time. Please see our application for specific guidelines.
REFERENCES: Please provide the contact info of at least one professional and one personal reference (excluding family members or significant others).
If you are new to your field of interest and don’t have a professional reference to speak to your current creative pursuits, you are welcome to provide a reference from someone in another field who has worked directly with you.
RESIDENCY SESSION: September 30, 2025 — Jan 30, 2026
EVALUATION PROCESS: A rotating panel of arts professionals will review all applications with the intent of supporting both established and emerging artists. Panelists include novelists, filmmakers, performance artists, literary agents, film/theater producers.
Selection criteria includes originality, commitment to your proposed field of work, interest in community, and demonstrated need for a work space.
We have limited space for Guest Residents and encourage all applicants to reapply if they don’t get a spot in the upcoming session.
NOTIFICATION: All applicants will be notified at least two weeks in advance of the start of their requested residency session.
woodwardresidency.co/guestresidency
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Opening for queries: picture book creators
Heirloom Literary
SUBMISSION PERIOD: September 8 - 12, 2025
INFO: For the first time since opening our doors in October of 2024, Heirloom Literary is opening to queries, for one week only.
From September 8-12, we will be considering submissions for adult fiction and non-fiction, as well as submissions from picture book creators, both authors and illustrators.
We're looking for books that break the mold. That take a convention and turn it on its head, but without sacrificing story.
We're looking for exceptional writing and storytelling.
We're looking for stories and art that make us laugh, make us cry, that challenge us.
Beginning at 9am on Monday, September 8th, please send your query and all related materials to QueryHeirloom@heirloomliterary.com. For more information on what we’re looking for and what information to include in your submission, follow us on Instagram and keep an eye on that space.
heirloomliterary.com/share-your-work
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The Hodder Fellowship
Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University
DEADLINE: September 9, 2025 at 11:59 pm EDT
INFO: The Hodder Fellowship will be given to artists and writers of exceptional promise to pursue independent projects at Princeton University during the academic year. Potential Hodder Fellows are composers, choreographers, performance artists, visual artists, writers, translators, or other kinds of artists or humanists who have “much more than ordinary intellectual and literary gifts”; they are selected more “for promise than for performance.” Given the strength of the applicant pool, most successful Fellows have published a first book or have similar achievements in their own fields; the Hodder is designed to provide Fellows with the “studious leisure” to undertake significant new work.
Hodder Fellows spend an academic year with Princeton, but no formal teaching is involved. A $93,000 stipend is provided for this 10-month appointment as a Visiting Fellow. Fellowships are not intended to fund work leading to an advanced degree. One need not be a U.S. citizen to apply. Previous recipients of the Princeton Arts Fellowship are not eligible to apply.
To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae, a 500-word project proposal, and samples of your work (i.e., writing sample, images of your work, video links to performances, etc.).
GUIDELINES:
To apply, please submit:
A curriculum vitae
500-word project proposal in which you describe your artistic project and what you plan to do during the fellowship's 10-month appointment
Work samples accompanied by a 150-word statement on how they relate to your proposal. Samples can be submitted as links in a PDF.
Creative Writing: Prose is limited to 3,000 words. Poetry is limited to 20 pages. If both a prose writer and poet, submit up to 2,000 words (prose) and up to 10 pages (poetry)
Dance (choreography): 1-3 links to at least 15 minutes total of rehearsals, research, or performances. Must be continuous footage with cue points. Do not send trailers, photographs or promotional materials.
Music: 1-2 scores and/or links to examples of performance (10 minutes total). Video is optional.
Theater: Up to 15 pages writing sample and/or up to 10 design images (photos or renderings) and/or video/audio reel with cue points.
Visual Arts: Up to 20 still images OR up to 10 minutes of video OR up to 10 still images and 5 minutes of video. Video can represent one work or excerpts; provide cue points if including a link to a longer work.
arts.princeton.edu/fellowships/hodder-fellowship
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Princeton Arts FellowshipS
Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University
DEADLINE: September 9, 2025 at 11:59 pm EDT
INFO: Princeton Arts Fellowships will be awarded to artists whose achievements have been recognized as demonstrating extraordinary promise in any area of artistic practice and teaching. Applicants should be early career visual artists, filmmakers, poets, novelists, playwrights, designers, directors and performance artists—this list is not meant to be exhaustive—who would find it beneficial to spend two years teaching and working in an artistically vibrant university community.
Princeton Arts Fellows spend two consecutive academic years (September 1-July 1) at Princeton University and formal teaching is expected. The normal work assignment will be to teach one course each semester subject to approval by the Dean of the Faculty, but fellows may be asked to take on an artistic assignment in lieu of a class, such as directing a play or creating a dance with students. Although the teaching load is light, our expectation is that Fellows will be full and active members of our community, committed to frequent and engaged interactions with students during the academic year.
STIPEND: A $93,000 a year stipend is provided. Fellowships are not intended to fund work leading to an advanced degree. One need not be a U.S. citizen to apply. Holders of Ph.D. degrees from Princeton are not eligible to apply.
Past recipients of the Hodder Fellowship and individuals who have had a sustained and continuous relationship with Princeton University are not eligible to apply. Those who have had an occasional and sporadic relationship with Princeton may apply.
GUIDELINES: To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae, contact information for three references (should the search committee choose to contact references, please do not request letters or have letters sent in advance of a request from the search committee), and work samples (i.e., a writing sample, images of your work, video links to performances, etc.). Please also submit a 750-word proposal that includes how you propose to use the fellowship to develop your work, what you might teach or pursue with undergraduates, and how you have approached community building in your artistic practice, teaching, and/or research.
arts.princeton.edu/fellowships/princeton-arts-fellowship/
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Call for application: 2026 Spring Summer Residency
MacDowell
DEADLINE: September 10, 2025
APPLICATION FEE: $30
INFO: MacDowell provides time, space, and an inspiring residential environment to artists of exceptional talent. A MacDowell Fellowship, or residency, consists of exclusive use of a studio, accommodations, and three prepared meals a day for up to eight weeks. There are no residency fees, and MacDowell offers financial assistance to reimburse the costs of direct travel to and from the residency, as well as expenses that artists expect to incur while in residence, including rent, lost income, and childcare.
ELIGIBILITY: MacDowell accepts applications from artists working in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. The sole criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence, which MacDowell defines in a pluralistic and inclusive way. MacDowell encourages applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics, engaging in the broadest spectrum of artistic practice, and investigating an unlimited array of inquiries and concerns. To that end, MacDowell welcomes artists working in various stages of their artistic practice to apply. Applicants cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during the residency season for which they are applying. Doctoral candidates who have completed all coursework may apply.
MacDowell is committed to diversity and inclusion, and a more equitable arts and cultural sector. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. MacDowell offers barrier-free access in its main buildings and some studios.
While there are no medical facilities or medical personnel on site at MacDowell, the Monadnock Community Hospital is located 3 miles away in Peterborough, NH. Additionally, there are several medical facilities (hospitals and urgent care centers) within a 30-60 minute driving radius. MacDowell welcomes artists of all abilities to apply; artists with questions or concerns about potential medical needs are encouraged to contact us prior to residency to discuss access needs.
WORK SAMPLES: Work samples supporting the proposed project and completed within the past four years are requested, unless otherwise noted. All work samples are uploaded and submitted through the online application. Applicants unable to submit new work for the panel to review should include a note of explanation. Those applicants whose proposed project does not fall clearly within an artistic discipline should contact the Admissions office to discuss which discipline would best fit the proposed work. For detailed work sample requirements for each artistic discipline, click here.
REFERENCES: The MacDowell admissions department has temporarily suspended the reference letter requirement as part of the application process as a result of direct feedback from artists who have said reference letters pose a barrier to applying. Not all artists have access to referrers, and this lack of access disproportionately effects women and BIPOC artists. While reference letters can serve a purpose in application reviews, it is not an equitable or fair assessment tool. This experiment is part of MacDowell’s effort to improve equity and access in its culture.
macdowell.org/apply/application-guidelines
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Toni Beauchamp Prize in Critical Art Writing
Gulf Coast
DEADLINE: September 14, 2025
ENTRY FEE: $0
INFO: Gulf Coast is now accepting entries for the 2025 Toni Beauchamp Prize in Critical Art Writing.
Established in 2017, the Toni Beauchamp Prize in Critical Art Writing provides a platform for the thoughtful exchange of ideas in visual arts scholarship, criticism, and research. Named in honor of Toni Beauchamp—board president of Art Lies from 2002 to 2004 and a lifelong supporter of the arts in Houston and across Texas—the prize celebrates her legacy by supporting emerging and mid-career writers who demonstrate a distinctive voice, combine scholarship with journalistic insight, and exemplify literary excellence.
PRIZE: The prize invites submissions of expository writing, scholarly essays, and exhibition reviews written or published within the past year. The 2025 Toni Beauchamp Prize awards $3,000 to the first-place recipient and $1,000 each to two runners-up. The winning essay will be published in Gulf Coast’s print journal.
JUDGE: Natalie Hegert is an award-winning writer, curator, and arts editor at Southwest Contemporary. Based between Lubbock, Texas and Colorado Springs, Colorado, she is also co-founder and director of the artist-run space CO-OPt Research + Projects in Lubbock. Her writing appears in Southwest Contemporary, Glasstire, Elephant Magazine, Artsy, ArtSlant, THE SEEN, Huffington Post, and ArtCritical, among others. She has also contributed essays, reviews, and op-eds to Papersafe Magazine, Dazed, Brooklyn Rail, Rhizomes, Photography and Culture, and various exhibition catalogues and artist books.
GUIDELINES:
Submit one piece of critical art writing, of no more than 1,500 words, in a single .doc, .docx, or .pdf file.
Submissions may include previously unpublished work or work published within the past year.
The contest will be judged blindly, so do not include your name or contact information in the uploaded document.
If selected, writers are responsible for securing image permissions and, if applicable, reprint rights for previously published work.
There is no entry fee.
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call for submissions: the commuter
Electric Lit
SUBMISSION PERIOD: September 15 - 21, 2025 (or when they receive 375 submissions per category)
INFO: The Commuter is Electric Literature’s home for poetry, flash, graphic, and experimental narratives. It publishes weekly on Wednesday morning, and has showcased the likes of Caroline Hadilaksono, Aleksandar Hemon, Jonathan Lethem, Lindsay Hunter, Tahirah Alexander Green, and Julia Wertz.
GUIDELINES:
Please keep the following guidelines in mind:
For Prose, submit one or more pieces, either standalone or connected, in a single document. The total word count should not exceed 1500 words. We encourage writers to push boundaries.
For Poetry, submit 4–6 poems in a single document, and please limit the page count to 8. Keep in mind that due to our digital platform, not all poems may render exactly as they appear in a PDF.
For Graphic Narrative, we are interested in both traditional and non-traditional forms of visual storytelling. Submit up to 3 pieces of narrative illustration, comics, mixed media narrative, or genre-negative oddments. For comics, each piece should contain a minimum of 3 panels. The total page count of your submission should not exceed 20 pages.
Please submit all genres in .doc, .docx, or PDF.
Please submit only once per category.
Work previously published in any form cannot be considered.
Please include your email address.
If your work is selected, we offer a total payment of $100.
Writers with a submission pending with Recommended Reading may still submit to The Commuter.
All submissions will be accepted through our Submittable page. For a sense of the kind of work we publish, check out recent issues of The Commuter, our 280-character contest winners, and Recommended Reading’s 300th issue.
For candid advice from our editors on how to make your poems, flash, graphic, and experimental narratives stand out, watch our video "How to Get Published in The Commuter."
electricliterature.submittable.com/submit
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2026 Mood Ring Open Call
Burnaway
DEADLINE: September 15, 2025 at 11:59pm EST
INFO: Burnaway welcomes submissions from Southern/Caribbean-based art-makers, designers, and researchers to our artist column, Mood Ring, for the 2026 cycle. Anyone from the American South/Caribbean is welcome to apply, but those based in Alabama, Arkansas, the Caribbean, the Carolinas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia are strongly encouraged to apply.
The format of Mood Ring is meant to be free-flowing, adaptable to a variety of artist projects, and specific to the digital realm. Works can be small studies related to a larger developing project, new works that can be adapted for online publication, or pieces of long-form writing about an area of research interest.
Selected artists will work closely with Burnaway’s editorial team to develop their Mood Ring project over the course of 2025/2026. The final projects will be published on Burnaway’s website and promoted on our social media platforms. Selected artists will receive a W.A.G.E. compliant stipend for their work ($750 at time of publication).
CRITERIA:
Artists must be currently based in Burnaway’s coverage region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, or the Caribbean.
Collaborative groups are welcome to apply. Groups will receive one stipend payment.
Artists must not be active, degree-seeking art students. Recent graduates are welcome to apply.
We ask that Mood Ring proposals complement the existing design and structure of Burnaway’s digital publication. See past Mood Rings.
APPLICATION MATERIALS:
A short proposal (250 words or less) or artist statement
Three images of representative work (or links to videos). Individual files should be formatted as .jpg files and must not exceed 1MB.
An artist biography and CV
Relevant WordPress plug-ins that could be used to best convey the project
Applicants may upload a .pdf file of the proposed layout for the artist project
Accepted artists will be notified no later than October 3, 2025.
Submissions will be reviewed by Burnaway’s editorial team. Decisions will be made solely based on strength of proposal and regardless of the artists’ race, gender identity, religion, age, ability, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the United States. We will not be able to provide individual feedback for unaccepted submissions.
If you have any questions, please email isabella@burnaway.org.
burnaway.org/daily/2026-mood-ring-open-call/
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2025 Literary Awards
Santa Fe Writers Project
DEADLINE: September 15, 2025 by 11:59pm
READING FEE: $30
INFO: We are looking for fiction and creative nonfiction of any genre. Past winners have included upmarket novels, collections of short stories, flash fiction, memoir, essays, magical realism, and many other genres. SFWP is a traditional publisher with global distribution. We aggressively pursue subrights and have successfully sold translation, audio, and movie/TV deals for many titles in our catalog.
All entries will be considered by our publishing wing. If selected, we offer competitive contracts with full marketing support. SFWP has extensive relationships with trade publications, sales reps, subrights agents, and bookbuyers worldwide.
You do not need to be from or associated with New Mexico or Santa Fe. We publish a wide range of books from authors who live all around the world.
ELIGIBILITY: All unpublished work is eligible. Previously published material is also eligible as long as it has not been published by a major press. So you can submit if you have published in zines, lit journals, and with micro presses. Self-published books are eligible, as are books published via Amazon and Ingram. If you have published with a small press and have not received any marketing support, then your book is eligible. We will accept excerpts and Works-In-Progress. If you have questions about eligibility, please contact us.
JUDGE: The judge is Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies.
GUIDELINES:
We publish in English, but the contest is open to writers from anywhere in the world.
The grand prize will be $1500. Two runner ups will be selected, each receiving $500. A competitive publishing contract will be offered, but winners are not required to accept. The prize amount will be paid out regardless.
All submissions will be reviewed for possible publication. You need not make the winner’s circle or even be a finalist to be considered.
We are seeking fiction and creative nonfiction of every genre. We have global distribution and publish authors from all around the world.
Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Unpublished work, self-published work, and work from small or micro-presses that has not received marketing support will be eligible.
We are asking that all entries be submitted electronically. If you are unable to use Submittable, then please contact us for assistance.
If your manuscript is accepted for publication during the contest, it is still eligible. We are unable to refund the reading fee if you withdraw your entry.
Full guidelines are available on our Submittable Page
We are offering an optional “pay it forward” program on the entry form. 100% of these funds will be used for authors who demonstrate that they cannot afford the entry fee.
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People of Color in Publishing Mentorship Program
People of Color in Publishing
DEADLINE: September 15, 2025
INFO: The People of Color in Publishing Mentorship Program is a volunteer-based initiative that aims to create mentorship relationships between entry-level and experienced-level POC industry professionals. The initiative’s goal is to provide entry-level POC professionals a personal resource for support, guidance, and encouragement, as they begin to navigate a career in publishing.
The mentorship program lasts for 6 months, beginning January, with each mentor/mentee pair determining the scheduling, pace, structure, and circumstances of their mentorship. Mentors are asked to spend at least an hour per month one-on-one (whether by phone, Skype, gchat, or in person) with their mentee in order to provide the kind of attention and information they can put to good use in their careers. This amounts to a total commitment of 6 hours between the mentor and mentee across the 6 month mentorship period.
Each pair is assigned one member of the subcommittee as their point person, who will be there to give guidance, advice, and to take feedback and address concerns. We welcome any and all comments that may help us improve and refine this program so that it truly works to combat the disproportionate lack of POCs in the publishing industry.
pocinpublishing.com/mentorship
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VCCA RESIDENCIES AT MT. SAN ANGELO
Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA)
DEADLINE: September 15, 2025
APPLICATION FEE: $30
INFO: Residencies can be transformative to an artist’s process and the effect on an artist’s career profound. A residency at VCCA gives artists the time and space to explore and go deeper into their work. Away from the constraints of “the real world” and in an accepting environment of talented peers, one can dream and create with the feeling that anything is possible.
VCCA’s Mt. San Angelo location in Amherst, Virginia, typically hosts 360 artists each year in residencies of varying lengths (no minimum; up to six weeks) with flexible scheduling. A residency at Mt. San Angelo includes a private bedroom with private en-suite bath, a private individual studio, three prepared meals a day, and access to a community of more than 20 other artists in residence.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, VCCA is surrounded by natural wonders and hiking trails. Many local sites and additional inspiration can be found in short drives to Lynchburg (20 minutes), Charlottesville (1 hour), Roanoke (1.5 hours), or Richmond (2 hours).
FULLY FUNDED FELLOWSHIPS:
CHRISTINA CHIU AAPI WRITERS FELLOWSHIP
Who: Writers, with preference given to those who self-identify as part of the AAPI community
What: Two-week residency at Mt. San Angelo
When: Summer 2026 (May 1 – August 31)
GREATER OPPORTUNITY FELLOWSHIPS
Who: Artists in any discipline who have not previously been in residence at VCCA, with preference given to those who self-identify as people of color
What: Residency of up to two-weeks at Mt. San Angelo
When: Summer 2026 (May 1 – August 31)
RICHARD S. AND JULIA LOUISE REYNOLDS POETRY FELLOWSHIP
Who: Poets
What: Three-week residency at Mt. San Angelo
When: Summer 2026 (May 1 – August 31)
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2026 winter Residency
Monson Arts
DEADLINE: September 15, 2025
INFO: Monson Arts’ residency program supports emerging and established artists and writers by providing them time and space to devote to their creative practices. During each of our 2-week and 4-week programs throughout the year, a cohort of 5 artists and 5 writers are invited to immerse themselves in small town life at the edge of Maine’s North Woods and focus intensely on their work within a creative and inspiring environment. They receive a private studio, private bedroom in shared housing, all meals, and $500 stipend ($250 for 2-week programs). The Abbott Watts Residency for Photography offers access to the photography studio and darkroom of Todd Watts in nearby Blanchard, adjacent to the former home of Berenice Abbott. Click here to read more about this unique opportunity specifically for photographers.
Applications for a residency at Monson Arts are open to anyone at any stage of their career, working in visual arts, writing, and related fields (i.e. audio, video, photography, woodworking, movement, screen and playwrights). Open calls for residency applications currently take place 3 times throughout the year with deadlines on January 15, May 15, and September 15. Each application period corresponds to specific residency offerings 3-6 months out.
Residents’ studios are located in newly renovated Main Street buildings that have been designed specifically for visual artists and writers. All of our studio spaces are outfitted to be as flexible as possible so that we can accommodate a variety of creative practices. Our visual arts studios are spacious and light-filled with large work tables and sinks. Shelving and portable storage carts are available as needed. Access is available to woodshop and metal shop facilities in nearby buildings for any fabrication needs. Our writing studios are comfortably furnished with work tables, office chairs, bookshelves, and reading chairs. For those working in time and sound based media: apply to the Writing category if quiet contemplation would be best for your project or the Visual Arts category if you need room and the opportunity to make and play sounds out loud.
Residents live in newly renovated historic homes throughout town, within walking distance to studios and everything that downtown Monson has to offer. These are mostly 3 bedroom structures that are fully furnished and comfortable all four seasons of the year. Houses all have shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas with laundry machines, telephone, and other amenities as well. Wifi is available in all of our buildings through high speed fiberoptic service.
Application Requirements include:
Up to 5 images / 5 minutes of media OR 5 pages of writing examples
A letter of intent for your time at the residency
C.V. or Resume (limited to 6000 characters)
Two reference names
2026 WINTER RESIDENCY SCHEDULE:
1/12 – 1/22 – 2 Week Residency
1/26 – 2/19 – Residency (With Abbott Watts Resident)
2/23 – 3/19 – Residency
monsonarts.org/residencies/overview/
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Guggenheim Fellowship
The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation
DEADLINE: September 16, 2025 by 11:59pm EDT
INFO: The Guggenheim Fellowship is an annual competition celebrating exceptional achievements in the arts, sciences, and humanities. It offers support to exceptional individuals in pursuit of scholarship in any field of knowledge and creation in any art form, under the freest possible conditions.
For a century, Guggenheim Fellowships have helped artists, writers, scholars, and scientists at the highest levels of achievement pursue the work they were meant to do. Since our founding, we have supported over 19,000 Fellows.
Our mandate is uniquely broad. We support Fellows in over 50 different fields, spanning the full range of creative arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, including several interdisciplinary areas.
The Guggenheim Fellowship supports individuals who have achieved notable success in their careers across the creative arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. It is designed for mid-career professionals whose work is well-established. Potential Fellows have already made significant contributions to their field and are eager for time and resources that will allow them to further their meaningful work.
While many applicants are affiliated with an academic institution or university, independent scholars, writers, and artists are eligible to apply.
A Guggenheim Fellowship term may last from six months to one year, although the proposed project does not need to be completed within that period
We do not require academics to be on sabbatical leave or free from administrative or teaching duties during the Fellowship period, but it’s fine if they are. Also, we do not commit to replacing full salaries or guaranteeing specific costs. The award funds can generally be used for any purpose related to the pursuit of the Fellow’s project – living expenses, materials, travel, equipment, etc.
FELLOWSHIPS IN THE CREATIVE ARTS:
Guggenheim Fellowships in the creative arts have fueled projects in writing, the visual arts, dance, and music.
Our first Fellowship class included 24-year-old Aaron Copland, the “dean of American composers.” Every year since then, we have celebrated the work and vision of numerous artists. We supported Zora Neale Hurston as she wrote “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and Robert Frank as he photographed what would become “The Americans.” We have contributed to the careers of poet laureates, National Book Award honorees, and Pulitzer Prize winners; artists exhibited in The Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and renowned galleries; filmmakers who have won Oscars and revolutionized documentaries; dancers who have established entirely new ways of moving; and composers who have written their own rules for new music.
We are proud to support creativity in all forms, without constraint.
APPLICANT CRITERIA:
All applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada at the time of application.
Individuals who have already received a Guggenheim Fellowship are not eligible to reapply.
Guggenheim Fellowships are not open to students (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate).
Our awards are intended for individuals only; they are not available to organizations, institutions, or groups.
PROJECT CRITERIA:
The Foundation accepts applications from individuals proposing scholarly or creative projects in the creative arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, and a range of interdisciplinary fields.
Please note the following exceptions:
Guggenheim Fellowships are not available for the creation of residencies, curriculum development, or any type of educational program, nor are they available to support the development of websites or blogs.
Anthology, oral history, e-book, or textbook projects are not supported by our awards.
We regret that our awards are not available to support the writing of literature for children or young readers, or support any other type of work (e.g., films, plays, etc.) intended for young audiences.
Published writing not regarded as appropriate for our competition includes self-published works, publications for which the author has paid, and publications by publishers who do not engage in a process of critical review of submitted work. In addition, genre work (e.g., mysteries, romance, fantasy, etc.) is not within our scope.
We also accept applications for collaborative projects from two individuals who are working together on the same project, i.e., joint applications. If you would like more information about applying jointly, please contact us at competition@gf.org.
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2026 PERIPLUS FELLOWSHIP
Periplus Collective
DEADLINE: September 20, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET
INFO: Applications for the 2026 Periplus Fellowship are open!
Periplus is a community of writers who provide mentorship and guidance to early-career BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) writers in the United States so they can achieve their own professional and artistic goals.
During the year-long fellowship, mentors and fellows meet monthly to discuss various topics, which might include, for example, building writing into a daily routine, making money as a writer, considering craft concerns like structuring a book or magazine article, and approaching career-related problems like finding an agent, pitching magazines, or applying to graduate school.
There are also opportunities for Fellows to engage with the broader Periplus community such as planning panels, talks, meet-ups, readings or other events; attending those events; sharing support and resources; and doing whatever else they think would be useful and interesting.
bit.ly/periplusfaq
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Printed Matter Publisher Work Grant
Printed Matter
DEADLINE: September 21, 2025 by 1:59pm EST
INFO: Now in its second year, the Printed Matter Publisher Work Grant offers funding to independent presses with a history of artists’ book publishing, acknowledging awardees’ accomplishments in past work and providing the capacity-building funds to enable future book projects and publisher sustainability.
In 2025, three independent artists’ book publishers will each receive:
An unrestricted grant of $10,000 USD
A featured exhibitor presence at a forthcoming Printed Matter NY or LA Art Book Fair
Applications will be reviewed by Printed Matter and a guest jury, taking into account past work and contributions of the imprint, the strength of upcoming projects outlined, and the potential impact of the award. Among these considerations, we are interested in presses that engage with social and political themes in thoughtful ways, give voice to marginalized identities and perspectives, and have a record of investing in community, collaboration and equity in their focus and methodology.
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Artivist Writer's Residency 2025
Social Art & Culture
DEADLINE: September 22, 2025
INFO: The Artivist Writer’s Residency is designed to nurture storytellers who weave history, culture, artivism, and social justice into their literary practice. This program is not just about finishing a manuscript — it’s about strengthening your voice as a writer committed to transformation and truth.
One writer from DC, MD, or VA will be selected to complete a work-in-progress during the residency. Whether it’s a novella, a collection of poems or short stories, a TV pilot, film script, or stage play, the goal is clear: to bring your vision to completion and prepare it for publication or self-publication.
Over the course of the residency, you’ll receive eight one-on-one sessions with Tina Scott Lassiter — a teaching artist and coach dedicated to supporting both your craft and your clarity. Together, you’ll shape a personalized timeline and strategy for completing your work, while staying rooted in your creative purpose.
STRUCTURE + COMMITMENTS:
Sessions are held live every Wednesday from October 1 – November 19, 2025
Each session lasts one hour (the time will be confirmed by the Teaching Artist and Resident collaboratively).
Residents may miss only one session with prior notice to Ms. Lassiter
AWARD: The selected writer will be awarded a $750 stipend and $750 towards an editor, after completion of the final work. Social Art and Culture can provide an editor or the writer may use one of their choice.
Questions, please email JaMia Lawrence, Program Coordinator at programs@socialartandculture.com
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLxBV_abKJlxWdVMVPEzCcNxGLNXt8Ct79cU3cXnCWX3btyw/viewform
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call for submissions: ‘MUNDANITY’ ISSUE
Poda-Poda Stories
DEADLINE: September 25, 2025
INFO: Making coffee in the morning, cooking dinner, folding laundry, taking an evening stroll, quiet everyday moments. What does the mundane mean to you? We invite you to explore your interpretation of the mundane in a creative way, through photography, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, for our new issue in December.
GENRES ACCEPTED:
Poetry – up to 3 poems as a single document
Fiction (short story) – 1,000–2,500 words
Non-fiction (essays, life-writing) – 900–2,500 words (no book or film reviews)
Photography + Digital Art – up to 3 images
MEET THE EDITORS:
Poetry: Jeremy Teddy Karn was born in Monrovia, Liberia. He earned his MFA in English-Creative Writing (Poetry) from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where he received fellowships to support his work. He is also the recipient of the John C. Shupe Award in Poetry from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Houston.
His chapbook, Miryam Magdalit, was selected by Kwame Dawes and Chris Abani for inclusion in the New-Generation African Poets' Chapbook Boxset (APBF) in 2021. He received the Stanley Awards International Fellowship (2024) at the University of Iowa and is a finalist for the Two Sylvias Press Chapbook Prize in 2024 and also the 2025 Evaristo Prize for African Poetry. He is the co-founder of Pepper Coast Mag. He can be reached out to through his website: www.jeremyteddykarn.com
Fiction: Charmaine Denison-George is an English Language and Literature educator from Freetown, Sierra Leone. She holds an M.F.A degree in Creative Writing from Texas State University. Her work can be found in Isele Magazine; Brittle Paper, Kinsman Avenue Publishing’s ‘Black Diaspora’ anthology (2024), and Afritondo’s ‘Travelling Men Don’t Die’ (2024).
Nonfiction: Ngozi Cole is a Sierra Leonean writer and journalist. She has been commissioned by Reveal (Center for Investigative Reporting) and The New Humanitarian, among others. She is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School and a 2022 Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting fellow. Her fiction and poetry have been published in Brittle Paper and Afreada.
Photography + Digital art: Yasmin Metz-Johnson is the creative director and founder of the lifestyle blog turned community and West Africa travel concierge, yasmintells.com. TELLS is an acronym for: Travel, Explore, Live, and Learn. Yasmin has spent the last decade showcasing living and working in Sierra Leone and Senegal through stories and visual content, whilst encouraging her audience to be courageous and step out of their comfort zone. In 2022, Yasmin launched the group travel company, TELLS TRIPS, curating experiences of a lifetime for the diaspora and visitors interested in exploring the African continent.
WHO CAN SUBMIT?
We welcome submissions from:
Those residing on the African continent
Members of the African diaspora
Individuals with African citizenship
Those living in the Caribbean
Individuals of Caribbean descent/ its diaspora
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Separate Submission Forms: Only one submission per genre is allowed.
Theme: Consider the meaning of mundanity and creatively explore it through characterization, plot, structure, subject, language, or theme.
Originality: Work must be entirely your own. AI-generated or plagiarized content will be immediately disqualified
Formatting:
Numbered pages
Double-spaced
Times New Roman, 12pt font
Submit poetry/prose as a Word document (.docx or .doc). Images may be in JPG, PNG, or PDF format.
Anonymity: Do not include your name in your submitted work.
File naming format: Genre_FirstLastInitials_TitleOfWork
Example: Poetry_MA_AndStillIRise
OTHER DETAILS:
There is no submission fee for this issue (a submission cap may apply if entries exceed judge capacity).
Accepted submissions will be published in December 2025
Questions? Email editor@poda-poda.com or DM us on socials.
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The Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writer
New York Public Library
DEADLINE: September 26, 2025
INFO: The Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers is an international fellowship program open to people whose work will benefit directly from access to the collections at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building—including academics, independent scholars, and creative writers (novelists, playwrights, poets). Visual artists at work on a book project are also welcome to apply. The Center appoints 15 Fellows a year for a nine-month term at the Library, from September through May. In addition to working on their own projects, the Fellows engage in an ongoing exchange of ideas within the Center and in public forums throughout the Library.
A Cullman Center Fellow receives the use of an office with a computer, full access to the Library’s physical and electronic resources, and a stipend of $90,000.
The Center awards fifteen fellowships each year to applicants whose work requires a period of sustained, intense immersion in the collections of one of the world’s greatest research libraries. It provides Fellows with a stipend, a private office for study and writing, and the opportunity to engage and collaborate with other Fellows through weekly lunches and other occasions to share their work. Fellows are chosen from a large field of applicants from across the United States and abroad to work at the Center from September through May.
nypl.org/about/fellowships-institutes/cullman-center-scholars-writers
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The Upstart BIPOC Writers’ Residency
Upstart & Crow
DEADLINE: September 29, 2025 at 11:00pm PST
INFO: The Upstart & Crow BIPOC Writers’ Residency (located in Vancouver, BC, Canada) champions the imagination, insight and creative force of writers who self-identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour or People of the Global Majority.
In partnership with Catalyst Agents, this residency includes dedicated time in our Granville Island studio and a $4,000 honorarium.
FAQs:
What are the goals of this residency?
In a time marked by overlapping global crises and a growing urgency to imagine more equitable futures, we recognize that BIPOC/PGM writers are often called upon to shoulder the additional labour of advocacy, cultural translation and education — a task that is often unacknowledged or uncompensated.
Amidst these pressures, we aim to offer material support and a space where underheard voices are resourced, uplifted, and given room to flourish. We seek to support the creation of a work of fiction or non-fiction that pushes boundaries in form or content, but is rooted first in the writer’s own voice and creative terms.
What will the resident receive?
The resident will receive a $4,000 honorarium to be delivered half upon commencement, half upon completion.
One month personal access to our writing studio during opening hours—a work-only, semi-private space in our upstairs loft on Granville Island.
Community engagement through two workshops or events in partnership with Upstart & Crow.
Who is eligible?
We recognize that systemic barriers can impact the pathways through which writers gain recognition or build traditional literary credentials. We remain committed to maintaining a low barrier to access for candidates who may not yet have accumulated extensive accolades but whose work shows exceptional talent and originality. While past publications, awards, or professional experience can strengthen an application, they are not mandatory prerequisites.
We welcome applications from the following:
Emerging writers are those in the early stages of their literary careers who have not yet been published but who demonstrate exceptional talent, originality, and promise. While they may not have accolades, candidates must be actively working toward publication and must be committed to developing an active literary presence through ongoing writing, community engagement, or other professional activities.
Mid-career writers are those who have at least one published work of fiction or non-fiction (book, essay, or substantial piece in a reputable journal, magazine, or anthology). The successful candidate must be in the process of developing a significant literary presence.
Established writers are those with at least one published full-length book of fiction or nonfiction with an established publisher, or equivalent body of work across respected magazines, journals, or anthologies. They must have a well-developed professional presence through readings, residencies, awards, or other literary recognitions.
Additional eligibility criteria:
Applicants must self-identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour or People of the Global Majority.
Applicants must currently reside in Canada, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Protected Persons.
While applicants are not required to reside in the Vancouver area, this residency prioritizes writers who are able to make full use of the studio space in person. The selected resident will be expected to work from our Granville Island studio regularly throughout the residency, as in-person engagement is a central component of the program. Exceptions will be made for applicants experiencing physical limitations to attend in person, though we ask that you specify this in your application.
Writers must be actively working on a significant fiction or nonfiction project that pushes boundaries in form or content, displays a strong voice, and a clear creative vision.
How will applications be evaluated?
Applications will be assessed by the jury: Billy-Ray Belcourt, Chelene Knight, and Eddy Boudel Tan.
Each juror will receive a portion of the submissions to review independently in two rounds, with the final recipient selected together as a group. The review process will take roughly one month.
Applications will be evaluated on the following:
Innovative potential: the potential for the writer and their work to expand the boundaries of literary form, explore fresh perspectives, and connect meaningfully with a broad and diverse readership.
Project vision: the clarity, originality, and feasibility of the proposed project, including its concept, scope, and artistic goals.
Engagement potential: the writer’s ability to engage genuinely and collaboratively with the literary community, demonstrating openness to dialogue, exchange, and creative contribution.
Residency fit: the depth and intention with which the writer plans to make use of the studio space to develop their work, and how in-person time will contribute to their creative process.
Literary and societal conversation: the extent to which their work offers new, different or deeper reflections and contributions to the literary conversation.
OTHER DETAILS: The residency is a month long and will commence in Fall 2025 or late November (exact date to be determined by the recipient)
upstartandcrow.com/programs/the-upstart-crow-bipoc-residency/
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Call for submissions: Wit TEa
The Offing
DEADLINE: September 30, 2025
INFO: The Offing’s humor department, Wit Tea, is open for submissions.
Send your comedic work in any genre. We love strong character voices, absurdity, momentum, vulnerability, and surprise. We want the pieces only you – yes you, weirdo – could write. We want to think, we want to cry, and we want to laugh our butts off. We’ve been attached to our butts for far too long.
theoffingmag.submittable.com/submit
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2026-27 Shearing Fellowships
Black Mountain Institute (Las Vegas, NV)
DEADLINE: September 30, 2025
INFO: The Shearing Fellowships are for emerging and distinguished writers who have published at least one book with a trade or literary press, this fellowship includes:
compensation of $46,500 paid over a nine-month period;
a nine-month-long letter of appointment (the fellowship was previously only one semester in length);
eligibility for optional health coverage;
office space in the BMI offices on the campus of UNLV;
housing (fellows cover some utilities) in a unique and vibrant arts complex in the bustling district of downtown Las Vegas—home to The Writer’s Block, our city’s beloved independent bookstore; and
recognition at BMI as a “Shearing Fellow.”
While there are no formal teaching requirements, this is a “working fellowship” located in Las Vegas. BMI’s visiting fellows will maintain office hours (10 per week), and will offer regular service to the community. In addition to the primary goal of furthering one’s own writing during their term in Las Vegas, visiting fellows are expected to engage in a substantial way with BMI’s community, in ways that connect to their interests and skills. Upon acceptance into the program, each fellow will craft a plan in partnership with BMI. This is equally weighted against the writing sample and proposed literary project for the residency. Here are some examples of activities a visiting fellow might pursue:
Offer readings, craft talks, and other public presentations to the readers and writers of UNLV and Southern Nevada.
Offer workshops or seminars.
Curate events or programs.
Provide support to one of BMI’s publications (e.g. judge contests or consult on editorial processes).
Please feel free to move beyond these examples in your application – BMI wants to find new ways to serve the Las Vegas community, especially beyond the UNLV campus.
APPLICATION DETAILS:
Please submit:
A one- to three-page personal statement,* which includes 1) your interest in being part of the Las Vegas literary community, 2) a practical description of how you envision fulfilling your service hours and engaging the Las Vegas community, and 3) the writing project(s) you will work on while in residency.
A writing sample (10 pages maximum,* double-spaced, 12 pt. font).
A résumé or CV.
*Please respect the committee’s time by observing these guidelines and page limits.
Finalists will be asked to send copies of their books. (Applicants must have at least one book published by a trade or literary press.) Candidates are selected by a committee of staff and community members at BMI.
NOTE: Successful applicants will be asked to meet virtually with BMI staff to develop programming for the following season of events, before their fellowship term officially starts.
blackmountaininstitute.submittable.com/submit
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2nd SUSPECT Flash Fiction Contest
SUSPECT
DEADLINE: September 30, 2025
ENTRY FEE: $0
INFO: In conjunction with Gaudy Boy’s November 2025 publication of Sharmini Aphrodite’s THE UNREPENTANT, SUSPECT is holding its 2nd flash fiction contest with a call for submissions inspired by the title of this bold story collection. We are looking for flash fiction of 100-150 words on the theme of unrepentance interpreted in any imaginative way. When should we repent and why don’t we? When should we not repent? What do we hope to obtain by not repenting? Integrity? Praise? Or just plain sustenance?
In 14 thrilling stories about desire, faith, and ideology, THE UNREPENTANT (Gaudy Boy, November 1, 2025) captures the revolutionary fervor of Malaya at a formative time for Southeast Asia. Braiding together the diverse perspectives of Chinese and Malay communists, Tamil estate laborers, Soviet movie-makers, and leftist Christian movements, THE UNREPENTANT pulls the reader into a recent past that still echoes into the present.
AWARDS: Awards of USD$300, $200, and $100 will go to the top three winners. In addition, winners residing in the United States will also be awarded a copy of Sharmini Aphrodite’s THE UNREPENTANT. The winning pieces will be published in SUSPECT; non-winning pieces will be considered for publication as well. The contest is open to everyone. The use of AI is prohibited.
Our judge is Philip Holden. Philip Holden’s life has spanned three continents, with its center of gravity in Singapore, where he taught and researched Singapore and Southeast Asian writing at university in a career spanning three decades. He now works at the intersection of storytelling and mental health. An updated edition of his short story collection Heaven Has Eyes will be published by Gaudy Boy in 2026.
Please submit a maximum of three pieces of flash fiction. Make sure that each piece is between 100-150 words. Only unpublished works will be considered. No simultaneous submissions, please. Please email your submission to Jee at jkoh@singaporeunbound.org. The flash fiction must be pasted into the body of the email, together with a short cover letter giving your name, mailing address, and a brief biographical note.
Results will be announced in November, and the winning pieces published in December. We ask for exclusive first rights only. After publication, all rights return to the author.
Judging will be based solely on literary merit. We reserve the right not to make any or all awards, should the quality of entries not merit them.
singaporeunbound.org/opp/flash-fiction2
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2026 RESIDENCIES
Vermont Studio Center
DEADLINE: September 30, 2025 by 11:59pm EST
APPLICATION FEE: $25
INFO: Vermont Studio Center invites applications for 2026. Nestled in the Green Mountains, VSC hosts an inclusive, global community of artists and writers. Enjoy private studios and lodging, fresh - local meals, and a vibrant Visiting Artists & Writers Program.
VSC’s residency program welcomes artists and writers working across all mediums and genres for two, three, and four week sessions.
Residents enjoy well-lit, private studios within a short walk to residency housing, dining hall, and local amenities. Studio spaces range from 170 - 300 square feet. Accommodations include a private room and shared common areas. The campus features include a print shop, digital lab, and metal, wood, ceramic facility. Studios are open 24 hours a day.
A VSC residency provides artists and writers the time and space to focus on their creative practice in an inclusive, international community within a small Vermont village. Residents can explore swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, as well as the rural charm of neighboring towns, while expanding their creative potential and building a solid network of friends and mentors.
PROGRAMMING
During each session, Visiting Artists and Visiting Writers are invited to join us for presentations, craft talks, one-on-one manuscript consultations, and individual studio visits. Residents can also enjoy open studio nights, resident presentations, and exhibition openings. All scheduled activities are optional. Residents are encouraged to unplug, completely immerse themselves in their work, and work at their own pace.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
VSC is committed to community building both locally and on campus. Every resident has the opportunity to participate in our Community Contribution Program for 3 hours per week, by assisting in one of these areas: Kitchen, School Arts Program, Visual Arts, and the Writing Program. No prior experience is necessary.
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call for submissions: freedom ways essay series
Literary Liberation (Raising Mothers) / Memoir Land
DEADLINE: October 1, 2025
INFO: This essay series is an ongoing collaboration between Literary Liberation and Memoir Land. There are a few guidelines that need to be followed carefully for consideration, mentioned below. To get a clear idea of what we publish, read through the entire series so far. We pay for every published essay through paid subscriptions. Upgrade/manage your membership at any time to keep this series and others like it alive and healthy. Or, give the gift of LIT LIB to someone you know (or even someone you don’t!) who needs it.
We invite you to submit first person narrative essays that explore writing as a transformative and liberatory practice. We seek to illuminate the ways in which writing can be a powerful tool for personal and collective liberation, challenging oppressive structures and creating new possibilities for understanding, resistance, and healing.
We are interested in submissions that explore writing as:
A form of resistance and testimony
A method of personal and collective healing
A means of challenging dominant narratives
A space for reimagining social realities
An act of self-determination and empowerment
Submissions might address, but are not limited to:
Decolonial writing practices
Trauma recovery through writing
Community storytelling and oral histories
Writing as political activism
Intersectional approaches to narrative
Healing justice and writing
Transformative justice narratives
Indigenous storytelling and resistance
Disability narrative and representation
Queer and feminist writing methodologies
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Before submitting, please check that your work is addressing at least one of the above mentioned intersections or is tangential to them and is written in first person narrative. Not following all guidelines will result in automatic disqualification. Only submissions by writers of the Global majority will be considered for publication. If you are not a member of this specific group, great ways to support our efforts is to share this call, become a paid member or gift LIT LIB to someone you know would benefit from this community.
Quoted from Wikipedia: "Global majority" is a collective term for people of African, Asian, indigenous, Latin American, or mixed-heritage backgrounds, who constitute approximately 85 percent of the global population. It has been used as an alternative to terms which are seen as racialized like "ethnic minority" and "person of color" (POC), or more regional terms like "visible minority" in Canada and "Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic" (BAME) in the United Kingdom.
Submissions must be complete, in English, and under 2000 words to be considered. No pitches, please!
Only 1 submission per submission period permitted.
Original, previously unpublished work only. This includes all forms of in print or online mediums.
Creative nonfiction, personal narratives, and hybrid forms welcome.
Attach your document in the following file forms: .doc, .docx, or pdf.
2,000 words maximum
Double-spaced, 12-point font
Include a 100-word author bio and brief abstract
Submissions in English (small portions of another language being used is acceptable so long as it translates similarly in English or you provide translation)
SUBMISSION WINDOW: We are accepting work until October 1, 2025. Submissions will reopen January 15, 2026.
SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSION: We accept simultaneous submissions. Please contact us as soon as possible if your piece is accepted elsewhere. [literaryliberation@substack.com]
COMPENSATION: Select work will be compensated up to $150. Becoming a paid member helps to directly pay for accepted work.
EXCLUSIVITY: We request exclusive first publication rights for accepted pieces for a period of three months (90 days). After this period, all rights revert back to the author, to reuse and republish as you wish with first publication being credited to Literary Liberation (accompanied by a link).
RESPONSE TIME: We aim to respond to all submissions within 3 months. Thank you for your patience.
A NOTE ON AI WRITTEN OR ASSISTED WORK: This is a human-run space. We champion the lived experience and take a hard stance on the use of AI in work published at Literary Liberation. Under no circumstance will we consider work that feels like it is written with AI. Each published essay goes through rigorous editing rounds by both myself and Sari. The idea here is to bring forth the best possible published work. Thank you for your understanding and mutual trust.
literaryliberation.substack.com/p/submissions-freedom-ways-essay-series
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2025 GSR Flash Fiction Contest for Midwest writers
Gordon Square Review
DEADLINE: October 1, 2025
ENTRY FEE: $10
INFO: Gordon Square Review is holding a 2025 Flash Fiction Contest for Midwest writers. Submit a single flash piece up to 1,000 words with a $10 entry fee. The winner will receive $500 and publication in Issue 16 of Gordon Square Review. Additionally, the runner-up will receive $250 and publication in Issue 16 of Gordon Square Review.
FINAL JUDGE: Amber Sparks is the author of three collections of short fiction, including And I Do Not Forgive You and The Unfinished World. Her essays, film and book criticism have appeared widely, in Bright Wall/Dark Room, The Paris Review, Slate, Tin House, Granta, and The Cut, among others. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, daughter, and two cats.
CONTEST GUIDELINES:
To be eligible, writers must currently reside in the Midwest. For the purposes of this contest, GSR arbitrarily defines the Midwest as Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Please (briefly) detail your Midwest residency information here. If you're not in this area you are welcome to argue fiercely for your inclusion in the contest.
All writer information (name, bio, etc.) will be withheld from contest judges. Please do not include your name or any identifying information anywhere on the document or in the document file name.
Contest entries must be previously unpublished in either print or online venues, including personal blogs.
Entries must consist of a single flash piece up to 1,000 words within a single document. Writers may submit more than one entry, but a separate fee is required for each entry.
Submissions should be double-spaced, paginated, and in a 12 point legible font.
Writers are welcome to make a separate general submission in addition to a contest entry. There is no need to submit the same writing to both the contest and the general submission pool, however: all contest entries will be considered for publication. The editors will individually notify any contest entrants selected for general publication.
Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but we ask that you withdraw your work through Submittable if it is accepted elsewhere. Entry fees will not be refunded in the event of a withdrawal.
All entries must be submitted via Submittable. Print or emailed entries will not be accepted (please contact us if this presents accessibility issues). Entry fees are nonrefundable.
The winner will receive $500 and publication in Issue 16 of Gordon Square Review.
One runner-up will receive $250 and publication in Issue 16 of Gordon Square Review.
Gordon Square Review editors will read submissions and select finalists to send to the judge, Amber Sparks, who will decide the contest winner and runner-up.
Results will be announced in November 2025. All writers will be notified prior to the contest results being announced.
gordonsquarereview.submittable.com/submit/332166/2025-gsr-flash-contest-for-midwest-writers
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Getty Library Research Grants
Getty
DEADLINE: October 1, 2025
INFO: Getty Library Research Grants support a wide range of research pursuits through an open call for applications. They provide partial, short-term support for researchers requiring the use of specific collections housed in the Getty Library.
ELIGIBILITY:
Library Research Grants are intended for researchers of all nationalities and at any level—unless otherwise specified in the grant description—who demonstrate a compelling need to use materials housed in the Getty Library and whose place of residence is more than 80 miles from the Getty Center.
Projects must relate to specific items in the library’s collections (consult the Getty Library Catalog). Projects focused solely on materials in the Getty Museum collections are not eligible.
Projects that rely heavily on materials that are digitized require a compelling reason for viewing the original items, which can be explained in the application project proposal. See Frequently Asked Questions for how to check if an object is digitized.
Researchers who have been awarded a Getty Library Research Grant within the past 4 years are not eligible to apply.
TERMS:
Library Research Grants are intended to provide partial support for travel, lodging, and living expenses. Housing is not provided. In general, grants are awarded as follows depending upon the distance traveled:
Within California (must reside more than 80 miles away from the Getty Center): $1,500
North America, including Canada and Mexico: $3,000
International (outside of North America): $4,500
The research period can occur any time be between February 2, 2026 to December 18, 2026, and may range from 5 days to a maximum of 8 weeks.
See the overview of the Getty Library Research Grant Program for important information about the terms of these grants and potential tax liabilities.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants need to complete and submit the online application form by the deadline, which requires the following attachments:
Project Proposal (not to exceed 2 pages, typed and double-spaced): This statement should include a description of your proposed research project, an explanation of your project's current state of development, and a description of what you expect to accomplish at the Getty Library.
Curriculum Vitae: Either a brief or full version is acceptable.
Selected Bibliography Cite the collections and resources housed in the Getty Library that are most critical to consult during your visit by copying and pasting the citation and permalink from the Getty Library CatalogSee Frequently Asked Questions for what to include in the bibliography.
Two Letters of Recommendation: The online application form will prompt you to request two confidential letters of recommendation through the system. After providing the names and emails of your references, a link will be sent to them automatically that will allow them to upload their confidential recommendations. Recommenders should attach a scanned original letter to the email.
Two letters of recommendation are required for an application to be considered complete. Once you request the letters, you are responsible for monitoring your application account to confirm that the letters have been submitted. See Frequently Asked Questions for how to check if your letters have been submitted. Applications without two letters of recommendation will not be considered for a grant.
DECISION NOTIFICATION:
Applicants will be notified of their application outcome approximately 12 weeks after the deadline.
Applicants who do not receive grant awards are still welcome to use the Getty Library in accordance with its access policy.
CONTACT:
Email: researchgrants@getty.edu
Attn: Library Research Grants
getty.edu/projects/library-research-grants/
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Winter Online Workshop
Tin House
DEADLINE: October 6, 2025
INFO: Tin House's Winter Online Workshop consists of curated workshops, industry panels, craft lectures, agent meetings, affinity groups, social hours, and, of course, online karaoke.
Additionally, every enrolled participant will have the opportunity to meet with one guest agent for ten minutes either Julia Kardon (HG Literary), Kent Wolf (Neon Literary), Mina Hamedi (Janklow & Nesbit), Reiko Davis (DeFiore & Company), Shabnam Banerjee-McFarland (Odom Media Management) or Sonali Chanchani (Folio Literary).
APPLICATION:
We ask for one unpublished writing sample. For short fiction/novel/nonfiction, 4,000 words or less. For poetry, four poems, totaling no more than eight pages.
If you have previously been accepted/attended, please do not apply with the same sample. A different excerpt from the same project is acceptable. Once admitted, you will have the opportunity to workshop a different manuscript.
In addition to the writing sample, the application includes several questions about your project.
Applicants must be 18 years of age to apply.
International writers may apply.
There is no cap on the number of Tin House Workshops you may attend.
Applications are read by a board composed of Tin House Workshop staff and Tin House Reading Fellows. Acceptance is based on the strength and promise of the writing sample and how much the board feels an applicant might benefit from the Workshop and contribute to the community. All applications are evaluated through the lens of our Core Values.
Scholarships are available for BIPOC Writers, authors identifying as Native American and/or Indigenous in North America, parent writers who have at least one child under the age of eighteen, writers who are trans, and writers who were born or reside outside of the United States. To apply, they ask for one unpublished writing sample. For short fiction/novel/nonfiction, 4,000 words or less. For poetry, four poems, totaling no more than eight pages.
tinhouse.com/workshop/winter-workshop/#scholarships-&-financial-assistance
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The Adina Talve-Goodman Fellowship
One Story
DEADLINE: October 8, 2025
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: The Adina Talve-Goodman Fellowship will offer one writer a year-long mentorship on the craft of fiction writing with One Story magazine. The aim is to give the writer a significant boost in their career. The Fellow will receive access to One Story online classes; admission to One Story’s Writing Circle; a $2k stipend and free admission to One Story’s week-long summer writers’ conference; and a full manuscript review and consultation with One Story Executive Editor Hannah Tinti (story collection or novel in progress up to 150 pages/35,000 words).
REQUIREMENTS: This fellowship calls for an early-career writer of fiction who has not yet published a book and is not currently nor has ever been enrolled in an advanced degree program (such as an MA or MFA) in Creative Writing, English, or Literature, and has no plans to attend one in the 2026 calendar year. We are seeking writers whose work speaks to issues and experiences related to inhabiting bodies of difference. This means writing that centers, celebrates, or reclaims being marginalized through the lens of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, class, religion, illness, disability, trauma, migration, displacement, dispossession, or imprisonment. All applicants must be at least 21 years of age as of January 1st, 2026.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST:
To apply to this fellowship you will need:
A fiction writing sample (3,000 – 5,000 words) that best represents your writing and speaks to issues and experiences related to inhabiting bodies of difference (as defined above). Multiple short stories are permitted if they are under 5,000 words combined and submitted as a single file.
A personal statement (600 – 1,100 words)
Two professional or personal references who can speak to your commitment to writing (no recommendation letters required but please provide: name, email, phone)
A current resume detailing any work or educational experience. Please also list any writing classes you have taken, along with writing-related awards, fellowships, publications, and residencies (if any).
one-story.com/learn/fellowship/
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Lydia García Author Fund
The Center for Puerto Rican Studies
DEADLINE: October 10, 2025
INFO: The Center for Puerto Rican Studies (CENTRO) announces the Lydia García Author Fund, an initiative that seeks to support authors actively writing or in the process of promoting their recent written work. We recognize that authors often face unexpected and unreimbursed costs associated with their creative work or the promotion of their work, which we hope may be defrayed by these funds. Instances such as travel to book readings or presentations, preparations for such readings or presentations, childcare arrangements, or to finance or subsidize event(s) in venues that do not have budget for such activities but in which authors may nevertheless present their work are acceptable expenses.
AWARD: Thanks to a generous donation by Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, in honor of her mother Lydia Garcia, CENTRO will award five authors $1,000.
GUIDELINES:
To apply to the Lydia García Author Fund, prospective recipients will submit an application which will include:
A cover letter (maximum 3 pages) describing the type of written work they engage in, how the work they produce reflects the Puerto Rican experience, the obstacles they face in their creative process and how they anticipate using the granted funds.
A résumé or CV that includes a list of previous publications
A sample of previously published work. We will accept work that has been published in books, journals, magazines, and websites. We will also accept work that has been performed publicly, such as poetry or plays.
ABOUT LYDIA GARCIA:
Lydia Estell Pitsirilos was born Lydia Estell García in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1950. Following the path of thousands of other Puerto Ricans, she and her family moved to New York’s Upper West Side, where she resided for the rest of her life. A fateful encounter with a guidance counselor derailed her aspirations to become a writer by stating “Puerto Ricans can’t be writers.” She instead pursued a career as a registered nurse. While not a writer herself, Lydia García became the inspiration for other writers, most notably her daughter, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, who has endowed an Author Fund in her memory, honoring the little girl who had wanted to become a writer.
centropr.hunter.cuny.edu/opportunities/lydia-garcia-author-fund/
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2025 John Lewis Writing Grants
Georgia Writers Association
DEADLINE: October 10, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET
SUBMISSION FEE: $0
INFO: The Georgia Writers Association's John Lewis Writing Grants are inspired by the late civil rights icon and his more than three decades of service as Georgia’s 5th District representative. The John Lewis Writing Grants will be awarded annually in the categories of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and screen/playwriting.
The purpose of the John Lewis Writing Grants is to elevate, encourage, and inspire the voices of promising Black writers in Georgia. Applicants must be emerging writers who are Black or African-American residents of Georgia for at least one year, or full-time students at a Georgia college or university at the time of application and on the date of the award. Writers who are eligible may apply annually but may only win the John Lewis Grant one time.
GRANT: The winning recipients will receive $500, and an invitation to read from their work at the next Red Clay Writers Conference.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and emerging writers who are Black or African-American residents of Georgia for at least one year, or full-time students at a Georgia college or university at the time of application and on the date of the award. Applicants are ineligible if they have published more than one traditionally published book. Promising writers without publication will be considered. Writers who are eligible may apply annually but may only win a grant once. There is no submission fee to enter. Applicants are ineligible if they are of relations to any of the Georgia Writers staff or board of directors.
GUIDELINES:
Writers may apply in only one genre and must submit the following:
A completed grant application
An artist statement of 500 words (max.) as a concise description of your work and goals as a writer. Tell us what inspires your writing career, and how your work engages (directly or indirectly) with the legacy of John Lewis.
A writing sample of 10 pages (max.) of a published or unpublished piece in the genre in which you are applying: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, or screen/playwriting. If submitting poetry, one poem per page please.
*Do not include your name or any identifying information in the writing sample.
georgiawritersassociation.submittable.com/submit/333082/2025-john-lewis-writing-grants