FICTION / NONFICTION - OCTOBER 2016

BUZZFEED EMERGING WRITERS FELLOWSHIP

BuzzFeed 

INFO: BuzzFeed’s Emerging Writers Fellowship is designed to give writers of great promise the support, mentorship, and experience necessary to take a transformative step forward in their careers. During the four-month program, the writers in this fellowship will benefit from career mentorship and editorial guidance while also receiving financial support.

The fellows will focus on personal essay writing, cultural reportage, and criticism. During their time in fellowship, writers will be expected to pitch, report, and write with the added benefit of panel discussions with editors and writers from throughout the industry, and assigned readings.

The writers selected for the fellowship will work with BuzzFeed News’ senior editorial staff and be based in either the New York or Los Angeles office. The work produced during the fellowship will be published on BuzzFeed.

STIPEND: $12,000

DEADLINE: October 1, 2016

buzzfeed.com/saeedjones/buzzfeed-emerging-writers-fellowship?utm_term=.cpeV8bn6Z#.br0WmY16M

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: NON-FICTION

Claudius Speaks

INFO: Claudius Speaks, a journal of bold art and writing that celebrates emerging talent, seeks powerful, beautifully written, non-fiction pieces (essay, creative non-fiction, experimental) from new voices. There is no length restriction on content, but they ask that the piece be submitted in its most complete, edited, and proofread form. The theme for issue two is "Song." Feel free to interpret this theme however you see fit.  

COMPENSATION: $30 

DEADLINE: October 1, 2016

claudiusspeaks.submittable.com/submit

 

2017 Emerging Writer Fellowships

A Public Space

INFO: A Public Space is pleased to announce that applications are open for its 2017 Emerging Writer Fellowships. Under this project, three emerging writers will be selected for six-month fellowships, which will include: 

  • mentorship from an established author who has previously contributed to A Public Space;
  • publication in the magazine; 
  • contributor's payment of $1,000; 
  • workspace in their Brooklyn offices (optional).

Only writers who have not yet published or been contracted to write a book-length work are eligible. There is a preference for writers who have not yet signed with an agent. International applicants are encouraged to apply, but they are only able to consider submissions in English. Only one submission per person is allowed. A Public Space's editors reserve the right to invite submissions.

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Submission Period: October 1 – November 1, 2016
  • Notification: By February 15, 2017
  • Fellowship Period: March 1 – September 1, 2017.

apublicspace.org/blog/detail/the_2017_aps_emerging_writer_fellowships  

 

MAN BOOKER INTERNATIONAL PRIZE

INFO: The Man Booker International Prize for fiction translated into English is awarded annually by the Booker Prize Foundation to the author of the best (in the opinion of the judges) eligible novel or collection of short stories. Each year’s panel of 5 judges is chosen with the advice of the Booker Prize Foundation Advisory Committee, and is appointed by the Booker Prize Foundation. The Administrator of the prize is Fiammetta Rocco, Culture Editor of The Economist and 1843.  

For the 2017 prize, titles eligible for submission must be published between 1 May 2016 and 30 April 2017. The judges read the submissions and are responsible for compiling a longlist of 12 or 13 books, and from this a shortlist of six books from which they then choose a winner.

PRIZE:

The winner's prize purse is £50,000 divided equally between the author and the translator.

There will be a prize of £2,000 each of the shortlisted titles divided equally between the author and the translator.

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Deadline for entry forms: October 7, 2016
  • Deadline for finished novels: November 4, 2016

themanbookerprize.com/submissions

 

THE JAMES BALDWIN LITERATURE PRIZE

The New Engagement

INFO: The New Engagement is pleased to announce its first literary contest, The James Baldwin Literature Prize.

They seek original, unpublished short stories or self-contained novel excerpts, not exceeding 5,000 words, OR original, unpublished poems or poetry collections, not exceeding three poems. Though they acknowledge that fiction and poetry are different literary animals, they will be evaluated in the same competition.
 

In addition to entry into the contest, ALL submissions will also be considered for general entry into the monthly on-line journal and annual print journal.  

PRIZE: $1,000 

SUBMISSION FEE: $5 

DEADLINE: October 15, 2016

thenewengagement.com/submit-your-work

 

WRITERS OMI AT LEDIG HOUSE

INFO: Since its founding in 1992, Writers Omi at Ledig House has hosted hundreds of authors and translators, representing more than fifty countries. We welcome published writers and translators of every type of literature. International, cultural and creative exchange is a foundation of our mission, and a wide distribution of national background is an important part of our selection process. 

Guests may select a residency of one week to two months; about ten at a time gather to live and work in a rural setting overlooking the Catskill Mountains. Ledig House provides all meals, and each night a local chef prepares dinner. Daytime is reserved for writing and quiet activities, while evenings are more communal. A program of weekly visits bring guests from the New York publishing community. Noted editors, agents and book scouts are invited to share dinner and conversation on both creative and practical subjects, offering insight into the workings of the publishing industry, and introductions to some of its key professionals.

German publisher, Heinrich Maria Ledig-Rowohlt, for whom the program is named, was noted for his passionate commitment to quality in literature. Writers Omi has hosted hundreds of writers and translators from roughly 50 countries around the world. The colony's strong international emphasis reflects the spirit of cultural exchange that is part of Ledig's enduring legacy. 

DEADLINE: October 20, 2016 

artomi.org/program.php?Writers-Omi-4

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Puerto Del Sol 

INFO: Puerto Del Sol is seeking your stories, poems, essays, and everything in between. They want words that interrupt / intersect / interrogate, words that self-reflect and re-direct, words to curate, to cultivate, into this, their 2016 print issue: a messy symphony of the literary.

They’re looking for innovative pieces that enter into, interpret, and are by no means limited by this proposed conversation: What is worth publishing? What does it mean to publish, to be published, to write to a world or read in a world where publishing happens as it happens now?

They accept poetry, fiction, nonfiction, translations, reviews, artwork, criticism, and whatever else you can dream up.

APPLICATION FEE: $0

DEADLINE: October 31, 2016

puertodelsol.org/submit/  

 

MORELAND SCHOLARSHIP FOR AFRICAN WRITERS

Miles Moreland Foundation 

INFO: Applications are now open the Morland Writing Scholarship for 2017. The scholarship is open to writers who were born in Africa or whose parents were born in Africa.

The scholarship is intended for writers who want to write a full-length book of 80,000 words or more. To this end, the writers will be asked to submit via email 10,000 new words every month until they have finished their book. The scholarship will terminate if a writer fails to submit the required work on time without prior authorization. 

Another, somewhat unusual, scholarship guideline is that the three writers are expected to donate back to the Miles Morland Foundation 20 percent of the subsequent earnings from what they write during their scholarship year. This is not a legally binding condition, but instead viewed as a ‘debt of honour’.

 Applications are judged on literary merit. Proposed books can be on any subject though the judges may show preference to works which relate to Africa.  

PRIZE: Scholarships of $24,000 for fiction writers or up to $36,000 for non-fiction writers will be awarded.

aerogrammestudio.com/2016/09/08/the-morland-scholarship-for-african-writers-2017/

 

THE BURT AWARD FOR CARIBBEAN LITERATURE

CODE

INFO: The Burt Award for Caribbean Literature is an annual Award that will be given to three English-language literary works for young adults (aged 12 through 18) written by Caribbean authors.

Established by CODE – a Canadian charitable organization that has been supporting literacy and learning for over 50 years – with the generous support of the Literary Prizes Foundation and in partnership with the Bocas Lit Fest, the Award aims to provide engaging and culturally-relevant books for young people across the Caribbean.

The intent of the prize is to champion literacy, build language skills and foster the love and habit of reading amongst youth and young adults. 

PRIZES:

  • First Prize: $10,000 CAD
  • Second Prize: $7,000 CAD
  • Third Prize: $5,000 CAD

DEADLINE: October 31, 2016

bocaslitfest.com/awards/burt-award-for-caribbean-literature/

 

2017 COMMONWEALTH SHORT STORY PRIZE

INFO: The 2017 Commonwealth Short Story Prize is now open for entries. The prize is awarded for the best piece of unpublished short fiction (2,000-5,000 words) in english written by a citizen of a commonwealth country. All stories must be unpublished, but both unpublished and published writers are eligible to apply.

The international judging panel comprises one judge from each of the five regions – Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Please note that while the entries will be judged regionally, all judges will read and deliberate on entries from all regions. 

 Short stories translated into English from other languages are also eligible

PRIZE:

  • Overall winner receives £5,000
  • Regional winners receive £2,500

DEADLINE: November 1, 2016

commonwealthwriters.org/our-projects/the-short-story/

 

2017 WRITING CONTEST

San Miguel Writers' Conference

INFO: Submit your poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction, for a chance to attend the 12th annual San Miguel Writers' Conference free of charge.  Three writers will be awarded the entire five day “Full Conference Package” (Feb 15-19th 2017) as well as have their housing provided during the conference, and a chance to pitch to a literary agent.  

The San Miguel Writers’ Conference reserves the right to publish winning entries on their website.  Published entries will remain on the San Miguel Writers’ Conference website for a minimum of one year.   Winners will be expected to forward a short bio and head shot to the San Miguel Writers’ Conference.

AWARD: “Full Conference Package” fee waivers, including housing, and one agent pitch session will be granted to one writer in each of the following genres: poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Transportation to San Miguel de Allende is not provided. The award is valid only for the specific year of the contest and may not be transferred or exchanged.  

ENTRY FEE: $30

DEADLINE: November 1, 2016

sanmiguelwritersconference.submittable.com/submit

 


INDIAN LANGUAGE LITERATURE FEATURE
Asymptote Journal


INFO: Asymptote is seeking submissions for its first Special Feature on Indian language literature. They seek previously unpublished English translations of Indian language work by contemporary writers who are disenfranchised and underrepresented by the hegemonies within Indian society.

The goal for this Special Feature is to honor the social and political agency of Indian language literature, and create a space for the ideas and literary talent of those writers that have been historically marginalized by India’s patriarchal, caste-based narrative. They are looking for works translated into English from any Indian language, on any topic, by any writer who resists or is excluded from this narrative due to caste, gender, sexuality, religion, or geography.  

They welcome up to 15 pages of single-spaced poetry and double-spaced prose (fiction and nonfiction), and up to 20 pages of drama (one-act or excerpted). Although it is impossible for one special feature to fully represent the astonishing breadth of Indian languages, cultures, politics, and landscapes, they hope in this small way to celebrate the diversity and dissent within Indian writing. 

DEADLINE: November 1, 2016
 

asymptotejournal.com/submit/

FICTION / NONFICTION - SEPTEMBER 2016

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Shade Mountain Press

INFO: Shade Mountain Press is seeking novel manuscripts (70,000 words or more) by African American women writers. Submissions can be any topic and style (preferably literary rather than genre).

They do not publish children’s or young adult literature.

DEADLINE: September 1, 2016

shademountainpress.com/contact.php

 

ANISFIELD-WOLF BOOK AWARDS

INFO: The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards recognizes outstanding works that contribute to the understanding of racism and the appreciation of cultural diversity. Awards are given for fiction, poetry and nonfiction. 

To submit a book for consideration, send five copies with a completed copy of the Entry Form to:

Karen R. Long
c/o Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards
The Cleveland Foundation
1422 Euclid Avenue, Suite 1300
Cleveland, OH 44115

Phone: 216.685.2018
Email: Submit@Anisfield-Wolf.org

Upon receipt, the books will be forwarded to the jury. All submitted materials become the property of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards and will not be returned. The winners will be announced in the spring.  

SUBMISSION PERIOD: September 1 – December 31, 2016 

anisfield-wolf.org/submissions/submission-guidelines/

 

THE COMMONWEALTH SHORT STORY PRIZE

Commonwealth Writers 

INFO: The Prize is awarded for the best piece of unpublished short fiction (2,000–5,000 words) in English written by a citizen of a Commonwealth country.

Short stories translated into English from other languages are also eligible, and they invite writers from Mozambique who write in Portuguese, and writers who write in Swahili and Bengali, and who do not have an English translation of their story, to submit their stories in the original language.

PRIZE: Regional winners receive £2,500 and the overall winner receives £5,000.

SUBMISSION PERIOD: September 1 – November 1, 2016

commonwealthwriters.org/our-projects/the-short-story/

 

FALL 2016 AWARDS

Sustainable Arts Foundation

INFO: Starting with their Fall 2016 Awards, Sustainable Arts Foundation – a non-profit foundation supporting artists and writers with families – is committed to offering half of its awards to applicants of color.

Writers may apply in one of the following categories:

  • Fiction
  • Creative Nonfiction
  • Poetry
  • Long Form Journalism
  • Playwriting
  • Picture Books
  • Early and Middle Grade Fiction
  • Young Adult Fiction
  • Graphic Novel

AWARDS:

  • Sustainable Arts Foundation Award: $6,000
  • Sustainable Arts Foundation Promise Award: $2,000

DEADLINE: September 2, 2016, 8pm EST

apply.sustainableartsfoundation.org/

 

30 BELOW CONTEST

Narrative Magazine

INFO: Narrative invites all writers, poets, visual artists, photographers, performers, and filmmakers between eighteen and thirty years old to send their best work. They’re looking for the traditional and the innovative, the true and the imaginary. They’re looking to encourage and promote the best young authors and artists working today.

AWARDS:

  • First Prize is $1,500
  • Second Prize is $750
  • Third Prize is $300
  • Ten finalists will receive $100 each

SUBMISSION PERIOD: September 9 – November 9, 2016 

narrativemagazine.com/node/345528

 

SACATAR FELLOWSHIP

Sacatar / Fundação Cultural do Estado da Bahia

 INFO: For the third consecutive year, in partnership with the Fundação Cultural do Estado da Bahia, Sacatar will award a Fellowship to a writer living in Bahia.  

The eight-week residency will take place from October 17 through December 12, 2016. 

APPLICATION FEE $0

DEADLINE: September 9, 2016

fundacaocultural.ba.gov.br

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: BLACK LIVES MATTER SPECIAL ISSUE

Wild Age Press 

INFO: Wild Age Press seeks fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry written by African American and Black authors for a special Black Lives Matter issue. This issue will be guest edited by Katrina Otuonye and will run this winter. 

The theme can be interpreted broadly, but we are specifically looking to publish work by African American and Black authors. Send up to 3,000 words or up to three flash pieces totaling no more than 3,000 words. Please double-space your documents. If sending multiple pieces, please include them all in one document. 

DEADLINE: September 15, 2016

wildagepress.submittable.com/submit  

 

FEMINIST WRITING FELLOWSHIP

Bitch Media

INFO: Bitch Media is currently accepting applications for their 2017 writing fellowships. Selected writing fellows will spend 3 months working with Bitch Media to produce articles in one of four subject areas:

  • Reproductive rights & justice
  • Pop-culture criticism
  • Technology
  • Global feminism 

Fellows will write at least 6 articles, one long-form article, and participate in biweekly discussions with the staff of Bitch Media. They will also get mentorship and support in creating their articles. They accept applications from writers around the world.

STIPEND: $2,000

DEADLINE: September 15th, 2016 

freedomwithwriting.com/freedom/uncategorized/2000-feminist-writing-fellowships-from-bitch-media/

 

MACDOWELL COLONY RESIDENCY

INFO: The MacDowell Colony provides time, space, and an inspiring 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.
The Colony accepts applications from artists working in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. The sole criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence, which the Colony defines in a pluralistic and inclusive way. MacDowell encourages applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics, and welcomes artists engaging in the broadest spectrum of artistic practice and investigating an unlimited array of inquiries and concerns. To that end, emerging as well as established artists are invited to apply.  

DEADLINE: September 15, 2016 

macdowellcolony.org/apply-appguidelines.html

  

RADCLIFFE INSTITUTE FELLOWSHIPS

Harvard University

 INFO: The Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program is a scholarly community where individuals pursue advanced work across a wide range of academic disciplines, professions, and creative arts (including Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction/Biography/ Autobiography/Memoir, and Nonfiction/Current Issues and other topics).

To be considered for a fellowship in fiction or nonfiction, applicants must have any of the following: one or more published books, contract for the publication of a book-length manuscript, or at least three shorter works (longer than newspaper articles) published. Evidence of publication in print format within the last five years is highly desirable; Web site publications are not acceptable as the only form of previously published work. Applicants should note that reviewers take into account evidence of a distinctive, original voice, richness or dimensionality of text, and coherence in the project plan. Professionals interested in writing about their work experiences should apply in the category of nonfiction. Recommendations from editors and/or agents are not acceptable.

STIPEND: Up to $75,000 for one year with additional funds for project expenses. Some support for relocation expenses is provided where relevant. They work with fellows with families who have particular issues connected to relocating to smooth the transition. If so directed, Radcliffe will pay the stipend to the fellow’s home institution. Please note that they can only pay stipends to home institutions if they are US based. Fellows receive office or studio space and access to libraries and other resources of Harvard University during the fellowship year, which extends from early September 2017 through May 31, 2018.

Fellows are expected to be free of their regular commitments so they may devote themselves full time to the work outlined in their proposal. Since this is a residential fellowship, they expect fellows to reside in the Boston area during that period and to have their primary office at the Institute so that they can participate fully in the life of the community.

Applicants will be notified by e-mail in March of the results.

DEADLINE: September 15, 2016

radcliffe.harvard.edu/fellowship-program/how-apply

 

VELA’S SECOND NONFICTION CONTEST

INFO: For its Second Nonfiction Contest, Vela is looking for creative nonfiction, written by women, with a strong voice, a compelling narrative, and/or a powerful driving question. They’re interested in a wide range of essays, including literary journalism, personal essays, memoir, and experimental essays. They are not a “women’s magazine,” and are not looking for work that is written solely for a female audience.

The contest will be judged by Claire Vaye Watkins.  

ENTRY FEE: $20 per submission

AWARD: $1,000 and publication

SUBMISSION PERIOD: September 15 – November 1, 2016

velamag.com/second-nonfiction-contest/

 

THE HODDER FELLOWSHIP

Princeton University

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 writers, composers, choreographers, visual artists, performance artists, 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. 

DEADLINE: September 19, 2016

arts.princeton.edu/fellowships/hodder-fellowship/

 

OPEN SUBMISSION CONTEST

Timeless, Infinite Light

 INFO: Timeless, Infinite Light, an Oakland-based small press that publishes contemporary writing, is looking for poetry, essays, poetic-essays, or multi-tiered works. Their vision for the contest is to create a home for hybrid and cross-genre work that is embodied or deeply experimental in form, as well as site-specific or urgent critical writing.

 For this contest, they are accepting new, completed full-length manuscripts (70-120 pages in book form). They are unable to consider previously published work.

The submissions will be read by our three celebrity guest judges, Melissa Buzzeo, Mg Roberts, and Divya Victor. The three judges will read, collaborate, and select one manuscript as the official contest winner.

 The winning author will have their manuscript designed and published by Timeless, Infinite Light, and will receive royalties and 10 free copies of their book.

They are looking for new works by both emerging and established writers, and encourage people of color, immigrants, queer, trans, disabled, and undocumented people, and other people whose identities are underrepresented in the literary mainstream to apply.

DEADLINE: September 22, 2016

 

timelessinfinitelight.com/pages/open-submission-contest-2016

  

CULLMAN CENTER FELLOWSHIP

New York Public Library 

INFO: The Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers offers fellowships to people whose work will benefit directly from access to the research collections at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street (formerly the Humanities and Social Sciences Library).

The Cullman Center’s Selection Committee awards up to 15 fellowships a year to outstanding scholars and writers – academics, independent scholars, journalists, and creative writers. Foreign nationals conversant in English are welcome to apply.

The Cullman Center looks for top-quality writing from academics as well as from creative writers and independent scholars. It aims to promote dynamic communication about literature and scholarship at the very highest level – within the Center, in public forums throughout the Library, and in the Fellows’ published work. 

PRIZE: A stipend of up to $70,000, an office, a computer, and full access to the Library's physical and electronic resources.

Fellows work at the Center for the duration of the fellowship term, which runs from September through May. Each Fellow gives a talk over lunch on current work-in-progress to the other Fellows and to a wide range of invited guests, and may be asked to take part in other programs at The New York Public Library.

DEADLINE: September 30, 2016

nypl.org/help/about-nypl/fellowships-institutes/center-for-scholars-and-writers/fellowships-at-the-cullman-center

  

 SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL NEW VOICES AWARD 

Lee & Low Books

INFO: Lee & Low Books, award-winning publisher of children’s books, announces the seventeenth annual New Voices Award, which will be given for a children’s picture book manuscript by a writer of color.

Established in 2000, the New Voices Award encourages writers of color to submit their work to a publisher that takes pride in nurturing new talent. The contest is open to writers of color who are residents of the United States, 18 years or older at the time of entry, and who have not previously had a children’s picture book published.   

Submissions may be fiction, nonfiction, or poetry for children ages 5 to 12.

PRIZE: The Award winner receives a cash prize of $1000 and our standard publication contract, including L&L’s basic advance and royalties for a first time author. An Honor Award winner will receive a cash prize of $500. 

DEADLINE: September 30, 2016

leeandlow.com/writers-illustrators/new-voices-award

 

BUZZFEED EMERGING WRITERS FELLOWSHIP

BuzzFeed 

INFO: BuzzFeed’s Emerging Writers Fellowship is designed to give writers of great promise the support, mentorship, and experience necessary to take a transformative step forward in their careers. During the four-month program, the writers in this fellowship will benefit from career mentorship and editorial guidance while also receiving financial support.

The fellows will focus on personal essay writing, cultural reportage, and criticism. During their time in fellowship, writers will be expected to pitch, report, and write with the added benefit of panel discussions with editors and writers from throughout the industry, and assigned readings.

The writers selected for the fellowship will work with BuzzFeed News’ senior editorial staff and be based in either the New York or Los Angeles office. The work produced during the fellowship will be published on BuzzFeed.

STIPEND: $12,000

DEADLINE: October 1, 2016

buzzfeed.com/saeedjones/buzzfeed-emerging-writers-fellowship?utm_term=.cpeV8bn6Z#.br0WmY16M

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: NON-FICTION

Claudius Speaks

INFO: Claudius Speaks, a journal of bold art and writing that celebrates emerging talent, seeks powerful, beautifully written, non-fiction pieces (essay, creative non-fiction, experimental) from new voices. There is no length restriction on content, but they ask that the piece be submitted in its most complete, edited, and proofread form. The theme for issue two is "Song." Feel free to interpret this theme however you see fit.  

COMPENSATION: $30 

DEADLINE: October 1, 2016

claudiusspeaks.submittable.com/submit

FICTION / NONFICTION - AUGUST 2016

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: ASIAN AMERICAN LITERARY AWARDS

Asian American Writers’ Workshop

 INFO: The Asian American Literary Awards is presented by the Asian American Writers' Workshop and honors works by Asian American writers for excellence in three categories: (1) fiction, (2) poetry, and (3) nonfiction. Past winners of the award include Jhumpa Lahiri, Ha Jin, Susan Choi, Amitav Ghosh, Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge, and Arthur Sze, among many others.

To enter a fiction, nonfiction, or poetry book that was published in the year 2015, please click on the link below.

DEADLINE:  August 1, 2016, 11:59PM

aaww.org/aala/

  

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: PROSE

Elastic Magazine

INFO: Elastic Magazine is accepting submissions for prose (fiction/non-fiction). The theme of the issue is doubles. From doppelgängers to couplets to double-vision, interpret/unravel/resist this theme however you please. All submissions must relate to the theme in some identifiable way. Prose must be no more than 1,000 words.

DEADLINE: August 7, 2016, at 11:59pm EST

elastic-mag.com/

 

LOVE LETTERS TO SPOOKS

Winter Tangerine Review

INFO: Love Letters to Spooks, a WT Flash Spotlight feature, seeks to trouble and interrogate the mortal liminality that Black people in the United States experience. They seek poetry and micro essay submissions that grapple with the absurdity of existence in a body not deemed worthy of life; submissions that interrogate death involving social demise: slander for people such as Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, and erasure for people like Goddess Diamond and Mercedes Successful.

This is a literary space for Black people, curated by Black people. If you are a Black writer, please feel free to send us your work. Please submit up to five poems, and up to 2 pieces of prose in one file.  

DEADLINE: August 14, 2016

wintertangerine.submittable.com/submit/62432

 

2016 WEEKEND RESIDENCY APPLICATION

Sula’s Room

INFO: Sula’s Room weekend residencies are open to New York based women writers of color. Their mission is to nurture emerging and established women writers working in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction with quiet space and community. 

SUBMISSION FEE: $15

DEADLINE: August 15, 2016

sulasroom.org/

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSION: FICTION / NONFICTION

Apogee Journal

INFO: Apogee Journal’s reading period is now open! They are seeking fiction and nonfiction for Issue 08, to be published in Fall/Winter 2016.

Apogee is a journal of literature and art that engages with identity politics, including but not limited to: race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, and intersectional identities. They are a biannual print publication featuring fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. Their goals are twofold: to publish fresh work that interrogates the status quo, and to provide a platform for underrepresented voices, prioritizing artists and writers of color.

DEADLINE: August 15, 2016

apogeejournal.submittable.com/submit

 

CULTURESTRIKE CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LITERARY FELLOWSHIP

CultureStrike Magazine

INFO: CultureStrike, a migrant-led organization that works with a national network of artists to change public sentiment around migration including climate change and forced displacement, announces its first Climate Justice Literary Fellowship in the Summer/Fall of 2016 for creative literary works based on the theme of climate change and migration.  

They are seeking journalists, nonfiction writers, and poets to develop stories and reporting projects related to climate change, environmental justice, and the social and cultural questions surrounding migration and human movement. They seek writers from across the country, in every region, representing diverse communities, with an eye toward exploring regional and local experiences of global warming - including its root causes, environmental consequences on the social and cultural landscape, resilience of indigenous communities and communities of color and potential solutions.

They are offering fellowships to two individuals in either of these two genres: 

  • Creative fiction or poetry: to produce works of fiction and poetry, or creative works in related genres, that deal with timely migration and environment-related topics in a creative way.
  • Journalism or narrative nonfiction: to produce longform narrative journalism in the form of a series of investigative articles, a long investigative narrative, or a related form of storytelling. Priority given to stories with a compelling narrative and news value, as well as stories that make creative use of multimedia or technology components.

AWARDS: Two fellowships of $1000 - $2000 each for a literary project. Additionally, each fellow will receive up to $1500 towards related project expenses, including domestic travel. 

They will also provide editorial support and publish both on CultureStrike’s Online Magazine and whenever possible, help place the story in other publications.

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Application Deadline – August 15, 2016
  • Awards Announced – October 1, 2016
  • Project Deadline– December 28, 2016

culturestrike.org/release/request-applications-culturestrike-climate-and-environmental-justice-literary-fellowship

 

ERNEST J. GAINES AWARD FOR LITERARY EXCELLENCE

Baton Rouge Area Foundation

INFO: The Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence honors Louisiana’s revered storyteller, Ernest J. Gaines, and serves to inspire and recognize rising African-American fiction writers of excellence at a national level. The book award, initiated by donors of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, is now in its ninth year and has become nationally recognized in its role of enhancing visibility of emerging black fiction writers while also expanding the audience for this literature.  

The 2016 panel of judges are themselves renowned contributors to the literary world. They are Anthony Grooms, Edward P. Jones, Elizabeth Nunez, Francine Prose and Patricia Towers.

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation sponsors the winner’s travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to receive the prize at a ceremony attended by Ernest Gaines where the author reads an excerpt from the selected work of fiction.

The literary award winner also participates in educational activities at selected area schools and after-school programs in keeping with the Gaines Award's interest in emphasizing the role of literature and arts in education. Through small creative writing workshops with the winning author, students are encouraged to pursue reading, delve into their own creativity, and to consider becoming an author. 

AWARD: $10,000 cash to support the writer and help enable her/him to focus on her/his art of writing. 

DEADLINE: August 15, 2016

ernestjgainesaward.org/literary-award-criteria-registration/

  

PEN/ PHYLLIS NAYLOR WORKING WRITER FELLOWSHIP

INFO: The PEN/Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship is offered annually to an author of children's or young-adult fiction. It has been developed to help writers whose work is of high literary caliber and is designed to assist a writer at a crucial moment in his or her career to complete a book-length work-in-progress.

The Fellowship is made possible by a substantial contribution from PEN Member Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, the prolific author of more than 140 books, including Now I'll Tell You Everything, the 28th and final book in the acclaimed "Alice" series, as well as Faith, Hope, and Ivy June and Shiloh, the first novel in a trilogy, which won the 1992 Newbery Medal.

PRIZE: $5,000 

DEADLINE: August 15, 2016

pen.org/content/penphyllis-naylor-working-writer-fellowship-5000

  

SPECIAL CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Kweli Journal

INFO: Kweli Journal was selected by PEN America, along with other notable literary journals such as Tin HouseThe New Yorker and The Paris Review, to serve as a contributing publisher for the inaugural PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers.  

Offered for the first time during PEN's 2017 Awards cycle, this award will recognize twelve emerging fiction writers for their debut short story published in a literary magazine or cultural website in 2016.

In a further effort to launch the winner's careers as fiction writers, the independent book publisher Catapult will also publish the twelve winning stories in an annual anthology entitled “The PEN America Best Debut Short Stories,” the first publication of which will be forthcoming in spring 2017.

Emerging writers of color who have yet to publish a short story are encouraged to submit
 one short story no more than 7,000 words.

PRIZE: $2,000 cash prize to 12 writers, who will be honored at the annual PEN Literary Awards Ceremony in New York City.

DEADLINE: August 15, 2016

kwelijournal.org/penrobert-j-dau-short-story-prize-1/

  

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: WOMEN, GENDER, AND PAN-AFRICANISM

African American Intellectual History Society 

INFO: AAIHS issues this call for a new blog series on women, gender, and Pan-Africanism. They invite new and experienced writers–including undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and independent scholars–to submit guest blog posts for this special series. Broadly speaking, blog posts in this series will examine how women and gender have shaped Pan-Africanist movements and discourses of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in the United States, Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

They encourage potential contributors to submit guest blog posts that explore topics that include but are not limited to the following:

  • Pan-Africanism among African women activists
  • Afro-Latinas’ engagement in Pan-African movements
  • Caribbean women and Pan-Africanism
  • Gender and Garveyism

Blog posts should not exceed 1,500 words (not including footnotes) and should be written for a general audience.

DEADLINE: August 30, 2016

aaihs.org/call-for-submissions-women-gender-and-pan-africanism/

 

 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: PROSE / SHORT STORIES

Torch Journal 

INFO: TORCH, a biannual online journal published by Torch Literary Arts, is seeking submissions of original unpublished prose and short stories by black women writers.

Prose: Submit no more than two prose pieces, double spaced, max 500 words each.

Short Stories: Submit one short story (or excerpt), double spaced, max 2,000 words.

DEADLINE: August 31, 2016

torchliteraryarts.org/#!submit/c1k7l

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Shade Mountain Press

INFO: Shade Mountain Press is seeking novel manuscripts (70,000 words or more) by African American women writers. Submissions can be any topic and style (preferably literary rather than genre).

They do not publish children’s or young adult literature.

DEADLINE: September 1, 2016

shademountainpress.com/contact.php

 

FALL 2016 AWARDS

Sustainable Arts Foundation

INFO: Starting with their Fall 2016 Awards, Sustainable Arts Foundation – a non-profit foundation supporting artists and writers with families – is committed to offering half of its awards to applicants of color.

Writers may apply in one of the following categories:

  • Fiction
  • Creative Nonfiction
  • Poetry
  • Long Form Journalism
  • Playwriting
  • Picture Books
  • Early and Middle Grade Fiction
  • Young Adult Fiction
  • Graphic Novel

AWARDS:

  • Sustainable Arts Foundation Award: $6,000
  • Sustainable Arts Foundation Promise Award: $2,000

DEADLINE: September 2, 2016, 8pm EST

apply.sustainableartsfoundation.org/

 

 

FICTION / NONFICTION - JULY 2016

ELEANOR TAYLOR BLAND CRIME FICTON WRITERS OF COLOR AWARD

Sisters in Crime

INFO: The Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award is an annual grant for an emerging writer of color awarded by the Sisters in Crime, a 3,600-member organization of mystery authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers and librarians.

 An unpublished writer is preferred, although publication of one work of short fiction or academic work will not disqualify an applicant. This grant is intended to support the recipient in activities related to crime fiction writing and career development. She or he may choose from activities that include workshops, seminars, conferences, and retreats; online courses; and research activities required for completion of the work.

PRIZE: $1,500  

DEADLINE: July 1, 2016 

sistersincrime.org/page/EleanorTaylorBland

 

OPEN CITY PROJECT GRANTS FELLOWSHIP

Asian American Writers’ Workshop

INFO: The Asian American Writers’ Workshop is now accepting applications for Open City Project Grants Fall Fellowship, a unique opportunity for emerging Asian American writers to publish narrative nonfiction over the span of six months on the vibrant immigrant communities of New York City. 

They are especially looking for neighborhood-based projects in spaces such as Sunset Park, Bay Ridge and Boerum Hill in Brooklyn; Manhattan's Chinatown; Astoria, Flushing, Jackson Heights, Richmond Hill in Queens; and other growing Asian immigrant communities across NYC. 

The Fellowship is for six months, starting in late July and ending in late January.  

AWARD: A $2,500 grant, skill-building workshops, and publishing opportunities to three writers to write on the vibrant Asian immigrant communities of New York City. 

DEADLINE: July 1, 2016

aaww.submittable.com/submit/3b272d89-0062-4d3d-bb74-f02def15b18f 

 

THE WINTER TANGERINE AWARDS

Winter Tangerine Review

 INFO: The aim of the award is to honor new and emerging poets and prose writers who are creating electric work. Entries will only be accepted from writers who have not yet published a novel or collection of any type.  

SUBMISSION FEE: $0

PRIZES:

  • All award winners and finalists will be published in the following Winter Tangerine Issue
  • The two award winners will receive a box of (gently used) books, (never used) strawberry jam, and a check for $250
  • All finalists receive our kudos & $20

DEADLINE: July 1, 2016

wintertangerine.com/wta-rules  

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Justice Matters Press 

INFO: Justice Matters Press is submissions of contemporary essays, stories, and creative non-fiction, as well as writing that pushes poetic forms into prose for the book Nothing to Lose But Our Chains: Black Voices on Activism, Resistance and Love. They also welcome submissions of new digital writing genres (tweets, status updates, etc.) that tell compelling stories about black activism and the black experience in the 21st century.

DEADLINE: July 7, 2016 

justicematters.press/news/call-for-submissions/  

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: LITERARY REVIEWS

Sirius Dust Review

INFO: The Sirius Dust Review is soliciting literary reviews of recently published fiction and poetry works (2014-2016) primarily focused on books by writers who identify as women, writers of color, LGBT, queer, and people across the ability spectrum.

The first issue of Sirius Dust Review is set to be released on July 31, 2016. Some of the books that will be reviewed for the first issue include Other People's Comfort Keeps Me Up At Night by Morgan Parker and Land of Love and Drowning by Tiphanie Yanique. 

Send book reviews to info@siriusdustreview.com

DEADLINE: July 13, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. 

siriusdustreview.com/blog/2016/6/10/sirius-dust-review-is-soliciting-literary-book-reviews-of-fiction-and-poetry

  

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: FICTION / NONFICTION

Mud City 

INFO: Mud City is an online literary journal promoting the ideals and vision of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Low Residency MFA Program. While the journal is rooted in an Indigenous centered program, they look to publish writers from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, styles, and aesthetics. 

They are seeking submissions of one piece, or up to 3 shorter pieces, of up to 5000 words. 

DEADLINE: July 23, 2016

mudcity.submittable.com/submit

 

SACATAR FELLOWSHIP

Sacatar Foundation  

INFO: The Sacatar Foundation places creative individuals into immersive intercultural experiences at its international artist residency program on the island of Itaparica in Bahia, Brazil.

 The residency is open to artists in a wide range of backgrounds and creative fields, including (but not limited to) dance, visual arts, music, literature, theater, film, photography, sound arts, culinary arts, architecture, design, performance, circus arts, and ecology. Working at different stages of their professional careers and lives, residency Fellows use their time at Sacatar to create new work on their own and in collaboration with Fellow residents and the community.  

DEADLINE: July 31, 2016

sacatar.org/apply/deadlines/

 

SPRING 2016 STORY CONTEST

Narrative Magazine

 INFO:  The Spring contest is open to all fiction and nonfiction writers. We’re looking for short shorts, short stories, essays, memoirs, photo essays, graphic stories, all forms of literary nonfiction, and excerpts from longer works of both fiction and nonfiction. Entries must be previously unpublished, no longer than 15,000 words, and must not have been previously chosen as a winner, finalist, or honorable mention in another contest.

AWARDS:

  • First Prize: $2,500
  • Second Prize: $1,000
  • Third Prize: $500
  • Up to ten finalists will receive $100 each

ENTRY FEE: $24 

DEADLINE:  July 31, 2016

narrativemagazine.com/spring-2016-story-contest

 

THE LOUISE MERIWETHER FIRST BOOK PRIZE

The Feminist Press & Tayo Literary Magazine

INFO: In celebration of novelist Louise Meriwether’s achievements and continued legacy, the Feminist Press has partnered with TAYO Literary Magazine to launch a contest seeking the best debut books by women and nonbinary writers of color. 

First time authors, submit your complete manuscript, either fiction, including novels and short story collections, or narrative memoir, of 50,000 to 80,000 words.

Final judges include Tayari Jones and Ana Castilo.

PRIZE: $5,000 and a publishing contract from the Feminist Press!

DEADLINE: July 31, 2016

tayoliterarymag.com/official-rules

 

TIP JAR MAGAZINE FICTION SUBMISSIONS

Split Lip Magazine

 INFO: Split Lip is looking submissions of interesting, literary narratives with a modern, pop culture appeal (up to 3000 words).

SUBMISSION FEE: $3

DEADLINE: July 31, 201

splitlip.submittable.com/submit/30667

FICTION / NONFICTION - JUNE 2016

 

GHASSAN KANFANI WRITING SCHOLARSHIP

INFO: Named after Ghassan Kanafani, a Palestinian novelist and iconic national hero, the scholarship aims to provide a space to re-engage the Palestinian narrative and explore the complexity of identity by those living outside of Palestine. 

The scholarship is open to Palestinian-American youth (at least one parent must be from historic Palestine, though they might not necessarily have been born there), must be a US resident (this includes those who are studying here in the US), and must be between the ages of 18-25 years old.

The writing submission should describe your experience around identity, the shataat, or anything regarding your relationship to Palestine and being Palestinian. They accept any form of writing--poetry, short story, fiction/non-fiction. Word limit of 3,000 words; no minimum word limit. Feel free to include photos, art, or other multimedia to supplement your writing piece.

Do not include your name on your submission piece.  

PRIZE:

  • Top 3 submissions win scholarship prizes of $500, $250, and $250
  •  Top 20 pieces to be published in online anthology

DEADLINE: June 1, 2016

http://bit.ly/1SoFMfp

 

2016 DRIFTLESS UNSOLICITED NOVELLA CONTEST

Brain Mill Publishing

INFO: The 2016 Driftless Unsolicited Novella contest seeks 20,000-40,000 word novellas, with a strong preference for submissions from authors of color, LGBTQ+ writers, and women. Novellas may be in any genre, including commercial genres such as romance, suspense, young adult, or science fiction (and others), or they may be uncategorized literary or mainstream fiction.

International submissions are welcome but must be submitted in English.

PRIZE: Two winning novellas will receive a $250.00 cash prize, a publication contract, and royalties for the novella with Brain Mill Press. The cash prize is not an advance against royalties. Royalties commence with the internationally distributed release.

The winning novellas will be professionally edited and produced, and covered with original winning art from the Driftless Unsolicited Art Contest. Novellas will be published in print and digital formats in the spring of 2017. Authors will be nationally promoted and their novellas submitted for industry review and appropriate prizes. Up to three finalists for each publication

SUBMISSION FEE: $25.00

DEADLINE: June 1, 2016

brainmillpress.com/submit/

 

2016 MY TIME FELLOWSHIP FOR WRITERS WITH CHILDREN

The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow

INFO: A two-week residency is being offered by The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow writers with children under 18 living with them. This Fellowship is designed to support parents who are also writers.

The Fellowship entitles the recipient to a two-week stay at the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow, in beautiful and charming Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Each resident has a private suite with writing space, private bath, and wireless Internet. The residency provides uninterrupted writing time, with a European gourmet dinner prepared five nights a week and served in our community dining room. Residents also share the camaraderie of other writers and artists when they want it, and a community kitchen stocked with the basics for breakfast and lunch. My Time includes the two-week residency and provides a stipend of $1,500 to help pay for child care or travel expenses or to make up for time lost at work.

My Time is not limited to a specific genre. Writers can work in poetry, memoir, fiction, nonfiction or young adult. Please include in the application package information about your family and how this fellowship will help you progress as a writer. No more than one page, please.

DEADLINE: June 1, 2016

writerscolony.org/fellowships-1/

 

ISLAMICATE SCIENCE FICTION SHORT STORY CONTEST

The Islam and Science Fiction Project

INFOThe Islam and Science Fiction project seeks submissions for a short story writing contest centered around Science Fiction with Muslim characters or Islamic cultures.

Islamicate refers to the cultural output of predominantly Islamic culture or polity. While the culture has its foundation and inspiration from the religion of Islam, it need not be produced by someone who is Muslim. The term Islamicate is similar to the term West as it encompasses a whole range of cultures, ethnicities and schools of thought with shared historical experience.

The contest is open to all people regardless of their religious affiliation or lack there of. A person of any religion, nationality, ethnicity race, gender, sexual orientation can submit. A collection of the best stories from the submissions will be released as an epub and available to download for free.

The top three stories will be receive a prize and publication. Submissions that are not given a prize may also be published. 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

  • The stories (8,0000 words or less) must be either set in a predominantly Muslim culture AND/OR have Muslim protagonist(s).
  • Short stories in almost any variant of Science Fiction (space opera, time-travel, apocalyptic, reimaging classic themes, techno-thrillers, bio-punk, science mystery, alternate history, steampunk, utopian, dystopian etc) is encouraged.
  • No reprints, simultaneous submissions, or multiple submissions.
  • Submission are limited to one per person.
  • Submission are only accepted in English.

PRIZES:

  • First Prize: $200
  • Second Prize: $150
  • Third Prize: $100

Submit your short story to islam.scifi@gmail.com with the subject line Short Story Contest

DEADLINE: June 8, 2016

islamscifi.com/islamicate-science-fiction-short-story-competition/

 

SUMMER 2016 WRITING RETREAT SCHOLARSHIPS

The Cambridge Writers’ Workshop

INFO: The Cambridge Writers' Workshop is offering scholarship possibilities for student writers, diversity fellows, and writers who are parents for their 2016 Summer in Barcelona and South of France Writing Retreat (July 18-26, 2016) and the Summer in Granada, Spain Writing Retreat (July 28-August 5, 2016). 

Their featured 2016 Summer writing faculty includes Harvard Director of Creative Writing Bret Anthony Johnston, Guggenheim-award winning essayist and nonfiction writer David Shields, novelist Alexander Chee, poets Rita Banerjee and Diana Norma Szokolyai, and yoga instructor Elissa Lewis.

 Scholarships for both programs are available for student writers (undergraduate or graduate in literary fields), diversity fellows (writers from marginalized communities), and writers who are parents.   

AWARD: Limited scholarships of $500-$1500 are available. 

DEADLINE: June 10, 2016

cww.submittable.com/submit/58767

 

PEOPLE OF COLO(U)R DESTROY FANTASY

Lightspeed Magazine 

INFO: Lightspeed is looking for original, unpublished fantasy stories of up to 7500 words written by People of Colo(u)r. The stories can be set in this world with fantastical elements or they can take place in another world entirely.
Daniel José Older will serve as guest editor and will also be selecting and editing the original short stories.

DEADLINE: June 15, 2016 

submissions.johnjosephadams.com/poc-destroy-fantasy

 

CALL FOR SCHOLARLY ESSAYS AND CREATIVE WORKS

Label Me Latina/o

INFO: Label Me Latina/o, an online, refereed international e-journal that focuses on Latino Literary Production in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, invites scholarly essays focusing on these writers for its biannual publication. 

Label Me Latina/o also publishes creative literary pieces (poetry and short fiction) whose authors self-define as Latina or Latino regardless of thematic content. Interviews of Latino or Latina authors will also be considered. The Co-Directors will publish creative works and interviews in English, Spanish or Spanglish whereas analytical essays should be written in English or Spanish.

DEADLINE: June 15, 2016.

labelmelatin.com/?page_id=2

 

JUAN FELIPE HERRERA SPECIAL ISSUE

Green Mountains Review

INFO: Green Mountains Review is seeking submissions from Latina/o, Lusa/o, and Indigenous poets and writers who have been moved, motivated, and otherwise inspired by the works and influences of the first Latino Poet Laureate of the United States (PLOTUS), also known as The Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, the exemplary literary-activist poet and writer, Juan Felipe Herrera, for a special issue.

For more information contact Liz Powell at elizabeth.powell@jsc.edu

DEADLINE: June 15, 2016

greenmountainsreview.submittable.com/submit/55635

 

NARRATIVE PRIZE

Narrative Magazine 

INFO: The Narrative Prize is awarded annually for the best short story, novel excerpt, poem, one-act play, graphic story, or work of literary nonfiction published by a new or emerging writer in Narrative

PRIZE: $4,000

DEADLINE: June 15, 2016 

narrativemagazine.com/great-stories/narrative-prize

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Drunken Boat

INFO: Drunken Boat – an international journal of literature and the arts committed to actively seeking out and promoting the work of marginalized and underrepresented artists, including especially people of color, women, queer, differently abled, and gender nonconforming artists – is looking for submissions of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, comics, and translation.

SUBMISSION FEE: $3 

DEADLINE: June 30, 2016

drunkenboat.submittable.com/submit/26866

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Shade Mountain Press

INFO: Shade Mountain Press is seeking novel manuscripts (70,000 words or more) by African American women writers. Submissions can be any topic and style (preferably literary rather than genre).

They do not publish children’s or young adult literature.

DEADLINE: July 1, 2016

shademountainpress.com/contact.php

 

ELEANOR TAYLOR BLAND CRIME FICTON WRITERS OF COLOR AWARD

Sisters in Crime

INFO: The Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award is an annual grant for an emerging writer of color awarded by the Sisters in Crime, a 3,600-member organization of mystery authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers and librarians.

 An unpublished writer is preferred, although publication of one work of short fiction or academic work will not disqualify an applicant. This grant is intended to support the recipient in activities related to crime fiction writing and career development. She or he may choose from activities that include workshops, seminars, conferences, and retreats; online courses; and research activities required for completion of the work.

PRIZE: $1,500  

DEADLINE: July 1, 2016 

sistersincrime.org/page/EleanorTaylorBland

 

THE WINTER TANGERINE AWARDS

Winter Tangerine Review

 INFO: The aim of the award is to honor new and emerging poets and prose writers who are creating electric work. Entries will only be accepted from writers who have not yet published a novel or collection of any type.  

SUBMISSION FEE: $0

PRIZES:

  • All award winners and finalists will be published in the following Winter Tangerine Issue
  • The two award winners will receive a box of (gently used) books, (never used) strawberry jam, and a check for $250
  • All finalists receive our kudos & $20

DEADLINE: July 1, 2016

wintertangerine.com/wta-rules  

FICTION / NONFICTION - MAY 2016

 

OPEN CALL: GO HOME! - AN ASIAN AMERICAN ANTHOLOGY OF POETRY AND PROSE

Asian American Writers’ Workshop

INFO: The Asian American Writers’ Workshop seeks submissions of fiction and nonfiction for Go Home! an anthology to be published by the Feminist Press. The anthology will showcase the incredible variety of responses to the word home – physical homes, mental homes, the longing for homes, the flights from them, the homes one makes in words, in the hearts of others, and in the air.

They request contributors send no more than three pieces of prose under 500 words, or one piece of prose over 500 words in one single file. 

DEADLINE: May 1, 2016

aaww.submittable.com/submit/5578

 

WHITING CREATIVE NONFICTION GRANT

Whiting Foundation

INFO: The Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant will be awarded to as many as three writers in the process of completing a book-length work of nonfiction for a general, not an academic, readership. Its purpose is to give grantees the additional means to do exacting research, to free up the time to bring the writing to the highest possible standard, and to encourage original and ambitious projects. 

Whiting welcomes submissions for works of history, cultural or political reportage, biography, memoir, the sciences, philosophy, criticism, food or travel writing, and personal essays, among other categories. Again, the work should be intended for a general reader.  Self-help titles and textbooks are not eligible.

Projects must currently be under contract with a publisher in the United States to be eligible, and the contract must have been signed at least two years before applying for the grant (i.e., by May 1, 2014). Authors must be US citizens or residents to qualify.

AWARD: $35,000

DEADLINE: May 1, 2016

whiting.submittable.com/submit/58029ee8-6d84-486b-84bc-ad400e5eb6e9

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

AMPLIFY(HER)

INFO: AMPLIFY(HER) is looking for art, prose, poetry, short stories, photography and/or mixed medium submissions from undocumented Asian women (including trans and gender non-conforming folks) on how they understand and navigate their intersecting identities in today's societ

AWARD: $100 honorarium (for each selected submission). Two artists selected for the cover or spread will each receive $175 honorarium.

DEADLINE: May 6, 2016

amplifyher.submittable.com/submit

 

WRITING CONTEST: FICTION, NONFICTION, OR POETRY

Solstice

INFO: Solstice is accepting submissions of fiction, nonfiction and poetry for its annual writing contests.

PRIZE: Winners as well as finalists will be published in our Summer Awards Issue due out in early August. 

SUBMISSION FEE: $18.00

DEADLINE: May 7, 2016

http://solsticelitmag.org/contests/

 

FALL WRITERS’ RESIDENCY

Ox-Bow

INFO: Fall residents are given the time, solitude, and focus often unavailable to so many working artists. Between 25 and 30 artists participate in the residency creating a diverse community of engaged peers and have the opportunity to work in studios not available during the summer session. The fall is an ideal time for writers to apply as there are studios dedicated specifically to them.

The residency provides:

  • Studio
  • Private room (shared bathrooms and showers)
  • Meals (three meals a day)
  • A diverse community of engaged artists
  • Opportunities to share work

FEES: Ox-Bow will be furthering their commitment to the needs of artists by no longer charging fees for the residency program (including application, room & board, and residency fees). All accepted residents will be fully funded.  

IMPORTANT DATES: Two, three, and five week residences will take place during the period of September 4 - October 8, 2016

DEADLINE: May 9, 2016

ox-bow.org/apply-for-a-residency/

 

EMERGING WRITER’S CONTEST

Ploughshares

INFO: The Emerging Writer's Contest is open to writers of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry who have yet to publish or self-publish a book. 

PRIZE: The winner in each genre will be awarded $1,000 and publication in the Winter 2016-17 issue of Ploughshares.

SUBMISSION FEE: $24 fee, which is waived if the submitter is a current subscriber. Fee includes a 1-year subscription to Ploughshares (beginning with the Spring 2016 issue and ending with the Winter 2016-17 issue).

DEADLINE: May 15, 2016

pshares.org/submit/emerging-writers-contest/guidelines

 

ALICE JUDSON HAYES WRITING FELLOWSHIP

Ragdale Foundation

INFO: The Alice Judson Hayes Writing Fellowship is an annual award in memory of Alice Hayes, who created the Ragdale Foundation in what had been her family home. An 18- or 25-day residency, free of charge, and a $500 stipend will be given to a writer who is working on a project designed to bring awareness to a contemporary issue having to do with peace, social justice, education, or the environment.

Projects can be nonfiction or fiction (including journalism, essays, memoir, script-writing, creative nonfiction). No academic writing.

DEADLINE: May 15, 2016

ragdale.org/residency/fellowship/

 

2016 NOEMI BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION

Noemi Press

INFO: Fiction writers at any stage in their career may submit a manuscript (no page limit). All manuscripts are read blind so they request that applicants strip their manuscript of all identifying material, including title pages, dedications, and acknowledgements; otherwise, the manuscript will not be considered. Contest winners will be announced in summer 2016.

ENTRY FEE: $25

PRIZE: $1,000, plus publication by Noemi Press, and 10 author’s copies.  

DEADLINE: Extended to May 15, 2016 

noemipress.org/contest/

 

WALTER DEAN MYERS GRANT 2016

We Need Diverse Books

INFO: We Need Diverse Books™ honors the memory of celebrated children’s book author Walter Dean Myers (1937-2014) by establishing a grant in his name. Walter Dean Myers was a lifelong advocate for diversity in youth literature, and a National Book Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. His legacy can be seen in the thousands of lives he touched, including those of readers and authors alike.  

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Applicants must identify as diverse.
  • Applicants must be unpublished as illustrators and/or authors. This includes both trade publishing and self-publishing. If the applicant has a book deal for an as yet unpublished book, the applicant is considered published for purposes of this grant. Essays, short stories, and articles do not render an applicant ineligible.
  • Applicant must be working toward a career as a children’s author and/or illustrator. This includes but is not limited to: Picture Books, Early Reader Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade Books,Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction, and Poetry.

AWARD: $2,000 to five winners individually.

DEADLINE: May 15, 2016

weneeddiversebooks.org/walter-grant-submission-guidelines/

 

2016 FARAFINA TRUST CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

INFO: Organized by its creative director, award-winning writer Chimamanda Adichie, Farafina Trust will be holding a creative writing workshop in Lagos, Nigeria from June 21 – July 1, 2016. The Caine-Prize winning writer Binyavanga Wainaina, Aslak Sira Myhre and others will teach the workshop alongside Adichie.

The workshop will take the form of a class and participants will be assigned a wide range of reading and writing exercises. The aim of the workshop is to improve the craft of published and unpublished writers and encourage them by bringing different perspectives to the art of storytelling.

DEADLINE: May 20, 2016

farafinabooks.wordpress.com/2016/04/08/2016-farafina-trust-creative-writing-workshop/

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – LATINO ANTHOLOGY

INFO: Editors Sara Campos and Leticia Del Toro are seeking poetry, fiction, and essays by and about Latinos in the San Francisco Bay Area for Canto a San Francisco – An Anthology of Latino Writing.

This anthology aims to showcase stories and impressions of beloved characters, barrios, movimientos, coastal hangouts, quinceañeras, street fights, business negocios, victories and sorrows. They welcome triunfos, tragedias and everything in between as long as your work involves Latino characters who are rooted in the locales of the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Fiction (up to 4000 words), poetry (up to 5 poems), and prose (up to 3000 words). Spanish submissions welcome in poetry. Please submit a cover letter, specify the title of your piece, the genre, and any writing credits. Submit in rtf. doc., or pdf.

Please send any inquiries and submissions to cantosf2016@gmail.com

DEADLINE: May 31, 2016

 

DC COMICS WRITERS WORKSHOP 

INFO: For it’s inaugural workshop, DC Comics will select a small pool of professional writers and expose them to their top writers, editorial teaching staff and executives, all with the ultimate goal of earning them a position on a DC comic book. 

The first part of the 2016–2017 DC Comics Writers Workshop will run October 2016–January 2017 as an online real-time interactive seminar, every Wednesday evening from 7 pm–9 pm ET. Full participation is mandatory. Each seminar will teach a new skill essential for surviving and excelling in this highly competitive field. Participants will also write and revise two scripts during the workshop.

Following the initial thirteen-week Workshop, a smaller hand-selected group of those Workshop participants will be invited to our offices in Burbank for an intensive writing experience, featuring guest speakers currently working in comic books, including a mix of editors, writers, artists and the Talent Development staff. Each participant will be required to complete a new spec script under the same tight deadlines our current writers experience. How participants perform during this exercise will determine whether they will be chosen for a possible position on a DC comic book series. 

Upon completion of the Master Class program, the Talent Development group will help the successful participants to obtain a position on a DC comic in the current line-up.

DC will only consider writers with current or past professional credits.

DEADLINE: May 31, 2016

dccomicstalentworkshop.com/writers-workshop/

 

OUT OF THE BINDERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Bindercon

INFO: Bindercon, a conference and community for women and gender non‑conforming writers, seeks to increase diversity by offering free admission to up to 25 promising writers who might not otherwise be able to attend due to financial hardship. Diversity includes but is not limited to: age; racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; sexual orientation; gender identity; marital and parental status; disability.

The scholarships include free attendance to all the events on Saturday, October 29, and Sunday, October 30, networking opportunities to meet agents and editors, and a ticket to the VIP party, but do not include airfare and/or accommodations, or food (Some meals may be provided as part of the conference programming.). Additionally, they are thrilled to offer stipends to select applicants: parents who require financial assistance with childcare and out of town attendees in need of travel assistance. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for any of these stipends.

All your answers are confidential and will only be seen by Out of the Binders scholarship committee members. Anonymous demographic information may be shared with funders for future conferences. 

DEADLINE:  May 31, 2016

nyc.bindercon.com/apply-scholarship/

 

SMALL AXE LITERARY COMPETITION

INFO: The Small Axe Literary Competition encourages the production and publication of Caribbean fiction and poetry. The competition focuses on poetry and short stories from emerging writers whose work centers on regional and diasporic Caribbean themes and concerns. This competition is part of the Small Axe Project's ongoing commitment to Caribbean cultural production and our mission to provide a forum for innovative critical and creative explorations of Caribbean reality. 

The competition consists of two categories: poetry and short fiction. Two winners are chosen from each category by a distinguished panel of judges.

PRIZES:

  • First Prize: $750
  • Second Prize: $500 

DEADLINE: May 31, 2016  

storage.smallaxe.net/literary-competition/

 

GHASSAN KANFANI WRITING SCHOLARSHIP

INFO: Named after Ghassan Kanafani, a Palestinian novelist and iconic national hero, the scholarship aims to provide a space to re-engage the Palestinian narrative and explore the complexity of identity by those living outside of Palestine. 

The scholarship is open to Palestinian-American youth (at least one parent must be from historic Palestine, though they might not necessarily have been born there), must be a US resident (this includes those who are studying here in the US), and must be between the ages of 18-25 years old.

The writing submission should describe your experience around identity, the shataat, or anything regarding your relationship to Palestine and being Palestinian. They accept any form of writing--poetry, short story, fiction/non-fiction. Word limit of 3,000 words; no minimum word limit. Feel free to include photos, art, or other multimedia to supplement your writing piece.

Do not include your name on your submission piece.  

PRIZE:

  • Top 3 submissions win scholarship prizes of $500, $250, and $250
  •  Top 20 pieces to be published in online anthology

DEADLINE: June 1, 2016

http://bit.ly/1SoFMfp

 

2016 DRIFTLESS UNSOLICITED NOVELLA CONTEST

Brain Mill Publishing

INFO: The 2016 Driftless Unsolicited Novella contest seeks 20,000-40,000 word novellas, with a strong preference for submissions from authors of color, LGBTQ+ writers, and women. Novellas may be in any genre, including commercial genres such as romance, suspense, young adult, or science fiction (and others), or they may be uncategorized literary or mainstream fiction.

International submissions are welcome but must be submitted in English.

PRIZE: Two winning novellas will receive a $250.00 cash prize, a publication contract, and royalties for the novella with Brain Mill Press. The cash prize is not an advance against royalties. Royalties commence with the internationally distributed release.

The winning novellas will be professionally edited and produced, and covered with original winning art from the Driftless Unsolicited Art Contest. Novellas will be published in print and digital formats in the spring of 2017. Authors will be nationally promoted and their novellas submitted for industry review and appropriate prizes. Up to three finalists for each publication

SUBMISSION FEE: $25.00

DEADLINE: June 1, 2016

brainmillpress.com/submit/

 

2016 MY TIME FELLOWSHIP FOR WRITERS WITH CHILDREN

The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow

INFO: A two-week residency is being offered by The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow writers with children under 18 living with them. This Fellowship is designed to support parents who are also writers.

The Fellowship entitles the recipient to a two-week stay at the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow, in beautiful and charming Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Each resident has a private suite with writing space, private bath, and wireless Internet. The residency provides uninterrupted writing time, with a European gourmet dinner prepared five nights a week and served in our community dining room. Residents also share the camaraderie of other writers and artists when they want it, and a community kitchen stocked with the basics for breakfast and lunch. My Time includes the two-week residency and provides a stipend of $1,500 to help pay for child care or travel expenses or to make up for time lost at work.

My Time is not limited to a specific genre. Writers can work in poetry, memoir, fiction, nonfiction or young adult. Please include in the application package information about your family and how this fellowship will help you progress as a writer. No more than one page, please.

DEADLINE: June 1, 2016

writerscolony.org/fellowships-1/

 

ISLAMICATE SCIENCE FICTION SHORT STORY CONTEST

The Islam and Science Fiction Project

INFO: The Islam and Science Fiction project seeks submissions for a short story writing contest centered around Science Fiction with Muslim characters or Islamic cultures.

Islamicate refers to the cultural output of predominantly Islamic culture or polity. While the culture has its foundation and inspiration from the religion of Islam, it need not be produced by someone who is Muslim. The term Islamicate is similar to the term West as it encompasses a whole range of cultures, ethnicities and schools of thought with shared historical experience.

The contest is open to all people regardless of their religious affiliation or lack there of. A person of any religion, nationality, ethnicity race, gender, sexual orientation can submit. A collection of the best stories from the submissions will be released as an epub and available to download for free.

The top three stories will be receive a prize and publication. Submissions that are not given a prize may also be published. 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

  • The stories (8,0000 words or less) must be either set in a predominantly Muslim culture AND/OR have Muslim protagonist(s).
  • Short stories in almost any variant of Science Fiction (space opera, time-travel, apocalyptic, reimaging classic themes, techno-thrillers, bio-punk, science mystery, alternate history, steampunk, utopian, dystopian etc) is encouraged.
  • No reprints, simultaneous submissions, or multiple submissions.
  • Submission are limited to one per person.
  • Submission are only accepted in English.

PRIZES:

  • First Prize: $200
  • Second Prize: $150
  • Third Prize: $100

Submit your short story to islam.scifi@gmail.com with the subject line Short Story Contest

DEADLINE: June 8, 2016

islamscifi.com/islamicate-science-fiction-short-story-competition/

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Shade Mountain Press

INFO: Shade Mountain Press is seeking novel manuscripts (70,000 words or more) by African American women writers. Submissions can be any topic and style (preferably literary rather than genre).

They do not publish children’s or young adult literature.

READING PERIOD: Through July 1, 2016

shademountainpress.com/contact.php

 

FICTION / NONFICTION - APRIL 2016

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Shade Mountain Press

INFO: Shade Mountain Press is seeking novel manuscripts (70,000 words or more) by African American women writers. Submissions can be any topic and style (preferably literary rather than genre).

They do not publish children’s or young adult literature.

READING PERIOD: April 1 – July 1, 2016

shademountainpress.com/contact.php

 

IMMIGRATION WRITING FELLOW

Center for Community Change Action

 INFO: The Center for Community Change Action seeks an Immigration Writing Fellow for their Latino and immigrant voter program. The ideal candidate is a first-time voter who has been personally affected by the country’s immigration policies (with either parents, siblings or other close relatives who are undocumented immigrants). Special consideration will be given to candidates based in Florida, Colorado or Nevada.

The writing fellow would be responsible for identifying potential stories and storytellers within the nation’s vast immigrant community and will conduct interviews and write first-person essays and opinion pieces or third-person reported narratives. The Fellow will also be trained as a spokesperson for the organization and is expected to appear in front of the media or before a public audience and speak about their personal experiences related to immigration. 

DEADLINE: April 1, 2016

cccaction.org/immigration-writing-fellow/

 

LUCIEN STRYK ASIAN TRANSLATION PRIZE

The American Literary Translators Association 

INFO: The prize recognizes the importance of Asian translation for international literature and promotes the translation of Asian works into English. Submission will be judged on the literary significance of the translation in recreating the literary artistry of the original.

To be eligible, works must be:

  • Book-length translations into English of Asian poetry or source texts from Zen Buddhism
  • Book-length translations from Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Korean into English
  • Published in the previous year (though re-translations or first-time translations of important older works will also be considered)

DEADLINE: April 8, 2016

literarytranslators.org/awards/lucien-stryk-prize

 

2016 SHORT FICTION COMPETITION

Kore Press

INFO: Judged by Edwidge Danticat, the competition is open to any female-identified individual writing in English, regardless of nationality.  

SUBMISSION FEE: $20

DEADLINE: April 10, 2016

korepress.org/KorePressShortFictionAward.htm

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: IMMIGRANT WRITERS

Ninth Letter

INFO: Ninth Letter is accepting submissions of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry from immigrant writers (those who consider themselves to be 1st, 1.5, or 2nd generation immigrants in their current country of residence) for a special online edition to be published at ninthletter.com in Summer 2016. Submissions are not required to focus on the "immigrant experience" and can be on any and all topics. 

DEADLINE: April 15, 2016

ninthletteronline.submittable.com/submit

 

THE PINK DOOR WRITERS RETREAT

INFO: The Pink Door Women’s Writing Retreat is exclusively for writers of color. It serves to promote community and dialogue for writers currently excluded from the dominant cultural narrative; it actively seeks to bring Black women, women of color, trans women and gender non-conforming writers / activists / scholars / rebels and regional voices into exchange & engagement with each other to provide a space for mentorship and exploration of ideas while building an active and informed literary community.  

 The retreat will be held in Rochester, New York from July 27-30, 2016.

APPLICATIONS DUE: April 15, 2016

thepinkdoorwomenswritingretreat.tumblr.com/

 

2016 KIMBILIO [FICTION] SUMMER RETREAT

INFO: Kimbilio [Fiction], a community of writers and scholars committed to developing, empowering and sustaining fiction writers from the African diaspora, is currently accepting applications for their summer retreat, which will be held at SMU Campus in Taos, New Mexico from July 17-23, 2016.

FEES: Tuition is covered by Kimbilio [Fiction] and there is no application fee, however, participants are responsible for their own transportation to/from the retreat as well as a fee that partially covers the costs for room and board with the amount varying by size of the chosen accommodation. Should one get accepted, a $200 deposit is due by May 15 to secure a spot at the summer retreat. 

DEADLINE: April 15, 2016 (for applications)

kimbiliosubmissions.submittable.com/submit

 

WALTER DEAN MYERS GRANT 2016

We Need Diverse Books

INFO: We Need Diverse Books™ honors the memory of celebrated children’s book author Walter Dean Myers (1937-2014) by establishing a grant in his name. Walter Dean Myers was a lifelong advocate for diversity in youth literature, and a National Book Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. His legacy can be seen in the thousands of lives he touched, including those of readers and authors alike.  

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Applicants must identify as diverse.
  • Applicants must be unpublished as illustrators and/or authors. This includes both trade publishing and self-publishing. If the applicant has a book deal for an as yet unpublished book, the applicant is considered published for purposes of this grant. Essays, short stories, and articles do not render an applicant ineligible.
  • Applicant must be working toward a career as a children’s author and/or illustrator. This includes but is not limited to: Picture Books, Early Reader Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade Books,Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction, and Poetry.

AWARD: $2,000 to five winners individually.

APPLICATIONS OPEN: April 15, 2016 

DEADLINE: May 15, 2016

weneeddiversebooks.org/walter-grant-submission-guidelines/

 

PEN PARENTIS WRITING FELLOWSHIP FOR NEW PARENTS

INFO: Pen Parentis, a nonprofit organization that provides resources to authors who are also parents, is accepting applications for its Fellowship, which will promote the creation of new work by writers with at least one child under the age of 10. All genres and styles of fiction are welcome and novel excerpts are acceptable if they can stand alone as a story.

PRIZE: $1000, presented at the Pen Parentis Literary Salon on September 13th, 2016, in conjunction with the reading of the winning work. In addition, the Fellow will be showcased for one year on their website as the “Pen Parentis Writing Fellow” and paired with an established author.

SUBMISSION FEE: $20 (and an extra $5 fee if submitted online)

DEADLINE: April 18, 2016 

penparentis.org/fellowships/guidelines/

 

2016 NOEMI BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION

Noemi Press

INFO: Fiction writers at any stage in their career may submit a manuscript (no page limit). All manuscripts are read blind so they request that applicants strip their manuscript of all identifying material, including title pages, dedications, and acknowledgements; otherwise, the manuscript will not be considered. Contest winners will be announced in summer 2016.

ENTRY FEE: $25

PRIZE: $1,000, plus publication by Noemi Press, and 10 author’s copies.  

DEADLINE: April 30, 2016 

noemipress.org/contest/

 

SI LEEDS LITERARY PRIZE

INFO: SI Leeds Literary Prize is a biennial prize for unpublished fiction by Black and Asian women resident in the UK aged 18 years and over. The prize aims to act as a loudspeaker for Black and Asian women’s voices, and a platform to discover exciting new talent, from a group largely under-represented on our bookshelves. 

DEADLINE: April 30, 2016

sileedsliteraryprize.com/

 

OPEN CALL: GO HOME! - AN ASIAN AMERICAN ANTHOLOGY OF POETRY AND PROSE

Asian American Writers’ Workshop

INFO: The Asian American Writers’ Workshop seeks submissions of fiction and nonfiction for Go Home! an anthology to be published by the Feminist Press. The anthology will showcase the incredible variety of responses to the word home – physical homes, mental homes, the longing for homes, the flights from them, the homes one makes in words, in the hearts of others, and in the air.

They request contributors send no more than three pieces of prose under 500 words, or one piece of prose over 500 words in one single file. 

DEADLINE: May 1, 2016

aaww.submittable.com/submit/55785

 

WHITING CREATIVE NONFICTION GRANT

Whiting Foundation

INFO: The Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant will be awarded to as many as three writers in the process of completing a book-length work of nonfiction for a general, not an academic, readership. Its purpose is to give grantees the additional means to do exacting research, to free up the time to bring the writing to the highest possible standard, and to encourage original and ambitious projects. 

Whiting welcomes submissions for works of history, cultural or political reportage, biography, memoir, the sciences, philosophy, criticism, food or travel writing, and personal essays, among other categories. Again, the work should be intended for a general reader.  Self-help titles and textbooks are not eligible.

Projects must currently be under contract with a publisher in the United States to be eligible, and the contract must have been signed at least two years before applying for the grant (i.e., by May 1, 2014). Authors must be US citizens or residents to qualify.

AWARD: $35,000

DEADLINE: May 1, 2016

whiting.submittable.com/submit/58029ee8-6d84-486b-84bc-ad400e5eb6e9

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

AMPLIFY(HER)

INFO: AMPLIFY(HER) is looking for art, prose, poetry, short stories, photography and/or mixed medium submissions from undocumented Asian women (including trans and gender non-conforming folks) on how they understand and navigate their intersecting identities in today's societ

AWARD: $100 honorarium (for each selected submission). Two artists selected for the cover or spread will each receive $175 honorarium.

DEADLINE: May 6, 2016

amplifyher.submittable.com/submit

 

2016 FARAFINA TRUST CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

INFO: Organized by its creative director, award-winning writer Chimamanda Adichie, Farafina Trust will be holding a creative writing workshop in Lagos, Nigeria from June 21 – July 1, 2016. The Caine-Prize winning writer Binyavanga Wainaina, Aslak Sira Myhre and others will teach the workshop alongside Adichie.

The workshop will take the form of a class and participants will be assigned a wide range of reading and writing exercises. The aim of the workshop is to improve the craft of published and unpublished writers and encourage them by bringing different perspectives to the art of storytelling.

DEADLINE: May 20, 2016

farafinabooks.wordpress.com/2016/04/08/2016-farafina-trust-creative-writing-workshop/

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – ISSUE 8 (JUNE 2016)

Masque & Spectacle

INFO: Masque & Spectacle’s June issue is a special PICTURES + WORDS ISSUE. They are seeking work that combines pictures and words (graphic stories, essays, and poems; comics; video poems and essays; & collaborations between visual artists and writers.

masqueandspectacle.com/submission-guidelines/

FICTION / NONFICTION - MARCH 2016

THE EMERGING WRITER’S CONTEST

Ploughshares

INFO: The Emerging Writer's Contest is open to writers of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry who have yet to publish or self-publish a book.

AWARD: The winning story, essay, and poems from the 2016 contest will be published in the Winter 2016-17 issue of Ploughshares. Each writer will also receive $1,000. 

SUBMISSION FEE: $24, free for current subscribers.

DEADLINE: March 1, 2016, at noon EST.

pshares.org/submit/emerging-writers-contest/guidelines

 

MACONDO WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

INFO: Founded by Sandra Cisneros in 1995, the Macondo Writers’ Workshop focuses on bringing together a community of poets, novelists, journalists, performance artists, and creative writers of all genres whose work is socially engaged,

The Workshop will take place from July 13-17, 2016 at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio, TX. They are seeking generous and compassionate professional writers who view their work and talents as part of a larger task of community-building and non-violent social change. This year, they will hold four workshops led by Allison Hedge Coke (poetry), Alex Espinoza (fiction), Gregg Barrios (playwriting), and Joe Jimenez (multi-genre young writers’ workshop).

To be eligible, applicants must have a strong record of publications (books, chapbooks, major literary magazines) and/or public readings/performances of original work, and a history of community involvement, consciousness raising via literary work and/or activism/outreach.

DEADLINE: March 1, 2016, at midnight

guadalupeculturalarts.org/macondo-workshop/

 

TULSA ARTIST FELLOWSHIP

INFO: The Tulsa Artist Fellowship, which seeks talented and diverse voices to support Tulsa’s expanding arts scene, has expanded its program this year to include writing (creative nonfiction, fiction, graphic novel, young-adult fiction, poetry, and play/screenwriting). Fellowships are merit-based, not project grants, and include a two-year term for writers. The program will begin on January 9, 2017.

AWARD: $20,000 stipend, and in most cases, free housing and studio work space.

DEADLINE: March 4, 2016

tulsaartistfellowship.org/index.html

 

CHAMPION OF CHANGE FOR AAPI ARTS & STORYTELLING

White House Initiative on AAPIs

INFO: As a part of AAPI Heritage Month (May 2016), the White House Initiative on AAPIs is seeking nominations for Champions of Change for AAPI art and storytelling – individuals who have raised the visibility of diverse AAPI experiences and created dialogue around issues the community faces. The Champions of Change program honors individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities

Nominees may include:

  • Storytellers who have included and continue to include AAPI characters in their films, television shows, and literature to address pressing issues, including immigration, civil rights, economic opportunity, health, diversity and inclusion, and more.
  • Poets and spoken word artists who highlight AAPI experiences in their work in order to advance pressing issues, including immigration, civil rights, economic opportunity, health, diversity and inclusion, and more;

DEADLINE: March 9, 2016

1.usa.gov/1ROpsTu

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: ISSUE 07

Apogee Journal 

INFO: Apogee Journal is currently accepting fiction and creative nonfiction submissions for Issue 07. The goal of the publication is to publish exciting work that interrogates the status quo, providing a platform for unheard voices, including emerging writers of color. All work must be previously unpublished.

DEADLINE: March 15, 2016

apogeejournal.submittable.com/submit

 

VONA / VOICES SUMMER 2016

INFO: Voices of Our Nation Arts Foundation (VONA), which develops emerging writers of color through programs and workshops taught by established writers, is offering two one-week sessions (June 19-25 and June 26-July 2) at the University of Miami. In all workshops, writers exchange their works, share strategies and have discussions vital to their craft, practices and lives as writers of color. In the residencies, writers work one-on-one with a master faculty member and meet with the residency group.

FEES:

  • Regular - Weeklong workshop: $800
  • Residency: $800
  • Room and Board: $650 (includes meal card)

VONA offers financial aid in the form of tuition grants. A letter-of-need is required to be eligible.

DEADLINES:

  • March 15, 2016 – for application
  • April 22, 2016 – to confirm acceptance and pay non-refundable deposit of $100
  • May 23, 2016 – to upload manuscripts for the workshops
  • June 1, 2016 – all fees are due

voicesatvona.org/apply/

 

SAIF GHOBASH BANIPAL PRIZE FOR ARABIC LITERARY TRANSLATION

Banipal Trust for Arab Literature

INFO: The Banipal Prize is given to the translator(s) of a published translation in English of a full-length imaginative and creative Arabic work of literary merit published after, or during, the year 1967 and first published in English translation in the year prior to the award.

PRIZE: Award of £3,000

DEADLINE: March 31, 2016

banipaltrust.org.uk/prize/

 

WINTER 2016 STORY CONTEST

Narrative

INFO: Narrative’s Winter Contest is open to all fiction and nonfiction writers. They accept flash fiction, short stories, essays, memoirs, photo essays, graphic stories, all forms of literary nonfiction, and excerpts from longer works of both fiction and nonfiction. Entries must be previously unpublished, no longer than 15,000 words, and must not have been previously chosen as a winner, finalist, or honorable mention in another contest.

AWARDS: First Prize is $2,500, Second Prize is $1,000, Third Prize is $500, and ten finalists will receive $100 each. All entries will be considered for publication.

SUBMISSION FEE: $24 (includes three months of complimentary access to Narrative Backstage).

DEADLINE: March 31, 2016, at midnight PST. 

narrativemagazine.com/winter-2016-story-contest

 

IMMIGRATION WRITING FELLOW

Center for Community Change Action

INFO: The Center for Community Change Action seeks an Immigration Writing Fellow for their Latino and immigrant voter program. The ideal candidate is a first-time voter who has been personally affected by the country’s immigration policies (with either parents, siblings or other close relatives who are undocumented immigrants). Special consideration will be given to candidates based in Florida, Colorado or Nevada.

The writing fellow would be responsible for identifying potential stories and storytellers within the nation’s vast immigrant community and will conduct interviews and write first-person essays and opinion pieces or third-person reported narratives. The Fellow will also be trained as a spokesperson for the organization and is expected to appear in front of the media or before a public audience and speak about their personal experiences related to immigration.

DEADLINE: April 1, 2016

cccaction.org/immigration-writing-fellow/

 

LUCIEN STRYK ASIAN TRANSLATION PRIZE

The American Literary Translators Association 

INFO: The prize recognizes the importance of Asian translation for international literature and promotes the translation of Asian works into English. Submission will be judged on the literary significance of the translation in recreating the literary artistry of the original.

To be eligible, works must be:

  • Book-length translations into English of Asian poetry or source texts from Zen Buddhism
  • Book-length translations from Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Korean into English
  • Published in the previous year (though re-translations or first-time translations of important older works will also be considered)

DEADLINE: April 8, 2016

literarytranslators.org/awards/lucien-stryk-prize

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: IMMIGRANT WRITERS

Ninth Letter

INFO: Ninth Letter is accepting submissions of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry from immigrant writers (those who consider themselves to be 1st, 1.5, or 2nd generation immigrants in their current country of residence) for a special online edition to be published at ninthletter.com in Summer 2016. Submissions are not required to focus on the "immigrant experience" and can be on any and all topics. 

 DEADLINE: April 15, 2016

ninthletteronline.submittable.com/submit

 

2016 KIMBILIO [FICTION] SUMMER RETREAT

INFO: Kimbilio [Fiction], a community of writers and scholars committed to developing, empowering and sustaining fiction writers from the African diaspora, is currently accepting applications for their summer retreat, which will be held at SMU Campus in Taos, New Mexico from July 17-23, 2016.

FEES: Tuition is covered by Kimbilio [Fiction] and there is no application fee, however, participants are responsible for their own transportation to/from the retreat as well as a fee that partially covers the costs for room and board with the amount varying by size of the chosen accommodation. Should one get accepted, a $200 deposit is due by May 15 to secure a spot at the summer retreat. 

DEADLINE: April 15, 2016 (for applications)

kimbiliosubmissions.submittable.com/submit

 

PEN PARENTIS WRITING FELLOWSHIP FOR NEW PARENTS

INFO: Pen Parentis, a nonprofit organization that provides resources to authors who are also parents, is accepting applications for its Fellowship, which will promote the creation of new work by writers with at least one child under the age of 10. All genres and styles of fiction are welcome and novel excerpts are acceptable if they can stand alone as a story.

PRIZE: $1000, presented at the Pen Parentis Literary Salon on September 13th, 2016, in conjunction with the reading of the winning work. In addition, the Fellow will be showcased for one year on their website as the “Pen Parentis Writing Fellow” and paired with an established author.

SUBMISSION FEE: $20 (and an extra $5 fee if submitted online)

DEADLINE: April 18, 2016 

penparentis.org/fellowships/guidelines/

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS             

BGD Press

INFO: BGD Press is looking for manuscripts by queer and/or trans writers of color that center QTPoC characters. Only polished manuscripts in the following areas will be considered:

  • YA Fiction (especially, but not limited to, YA Fantasy)
  • Speculative Fiction
  • Literary Fiction

GUIDELINES: Send a query letter along with the FIRST PAGE of your manuscript only to submissions.bgd@gmail.com

blackgirldangerous.org/submissions/#manuscripts

 

THE MARGINS

Asian American Writers Workshop

INFO: The Margins, which publishes works of short fiction by emerging and established Asian American writers, is accepting submissions for its biweekly Fiction Friday feature. Expect at least five weeks for a response.

aaww.submittable.com/submit/44798