FICTION / NONFICTION - DECEMBER 2017

awpwriter.org/community_calendar/mentorship_program_overview

WRITER TO WRITER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Association of Writers & Writing Programs

INFO: AWP's mentorship program, Writer to Writer, matches emerging writers and published authors for a three-month series of modules on topics such as craft, revision, publishing, and the writing life. Mentors volunteer their time and receive a free one-year AWP membership. Writer to Writer is free of charge to mentees.

Should you be chosen to participate, your mentor will review your writing, listen to your concerns, and help you problem solve. You will have opportunities to interact with others taking part in that session, and AWP's membership team will be there with you every step of the way.

Their Fall session begins each September and consists of six modules over a three-month period, concluding mid-December.

Their Spring session begins each February and consists of six modules over a three-month period, concluding mid-May.

SUBMISSION FEE: $0

DEADLINE: August 12, 2017

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 2017 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, 2017

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

2017 RED HEN PRESS FICTION AWARD

INFO: Established in 2015 to nurture the unique and vibrant channels through which fiction has carried us, the Red Hen Fiction Award is for a fresh and original story of fiction with a minimum of 150 pages. The awarded fiction manuscript is selected through an annual submission process which is open to all authors.

JUDGE: Charles Yu

AWARD: $1,000 and publication by Red Hen Press

SUBMISSION FEE: $20

DEADLINE: August 17, 2017

redhen.org/awards-2/red-hen-press-fiction-award/

FALL 2017 AWARDS

Sustainable Arts Foundation

INFO: 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: August 31, 2017

fearnolit.com/fellowship/

THE SUBMERGING WRITER FELLOWSHIP

Fear No Lit

INFO: In 2017, FEAR NO LIT will pull one submerging writer out of the water. The fellowship is for writers who have the chops but lack the luck; who drown, who try, who try again; who try again so many times there might not be any tries left; who see writing as both a buoy and shark-bite—a boogie-board and an iceberg; who would love to attend AWP to meet the writers they admire but just can’t fucking afford it; who are sinking in the giant sea of the writing industry.

AWARD:

a chapbook (limited-edition print run of 50 copies)
a launch party at AWP 18 (reading featuring the winner & 3 finalists)
$500 for AWP 18 expenses (travel, room)
$500 to spend however they like, no strings attached (maybe scuba gear?)
In addition, three finalists will receive complimentary registration to AWP 2018 in Tampa, FL.

DEADLINE: August 31, 2017

PEN / BELLWETHER PRIZE FOR SOCIALLY ENGAGED FICTION

Pen America

SUBMISSION FEE: $25

DEADLINE: October 26, 2017

pen.org/content/penbellwether-prize-socially-engaged-fiction-25000

0 Likes

FICTION / NONFICTION - JULY 2017

July 1, 2017

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: CREATIVE WRITING

The Journal of Latina Critical Feminism

INFO: The Journal of Latina Critical Feminism is seeking creative fiction or nonfiction with a 3,000 word count limit.

DEADLINE: July 1, 2017

journallcf.submittable.com/submit

FALL 2017 AWARDS

Sustainable Arts Foundation

INFO: 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

SUBMISSION PERIOD: July 25 - August 31, 2017

hedgebrook.org/writers-in-residence/

2018 WRITERS IN RESIDENCE

Hedgebrook

INFO: Hedgebrook is on Whidbey Island, about thirty-five miles northwest of Seattle. Situated on 48-acres of forest and meadow facing Puget Sound, with a view of Mount Rainier, the retreat hosts writers from all over the world for residencies of two to six weeks, at no cost to the writer.

Six writers are in residence at a time, each housed in a handcrafted cottage. They spend their days in solitude – writing, reading, taking walks in the woods on the property or on nearby Double Bluff beach. In the evenings, they gather in the farmhouse kitchen to share a home-cooked gourmet meal, their work, their process and their stories. The Writers in Residence Program is Hedgebrook’s core program, supporting the fully-funded residencies of approximately 40 writers at the retreat each year.

Their selection process occurs once a year in the fall, with a late July deadline for submissions.Notifications are made by the beginning of December. Through a completely anonymous, three-round process, approximately forty writers are invited for residencies of two weeks to six weeks. Their residency season runs from February through October.

Hedgebrook’s mission is to support visionary women writers whose stories and ideas shape our culture now and for generations to come. The Writers in Residence program is Hedgebrook’s core program that for more than 29 years has supported fully-funded residencies for writers representing diversity in citizenship status, nationality, current place of residence, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, trans* identity, age, disability, professional experience, and economic resources. We welcome applicants, published or not, of all genres, who embrace the mission and opportunity to be a member of Hedgebrook's community.

SUBMISSION FEE: $30

DEADLINE: July 25, 2017

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

FIYAH

INFO: FIYAH is a quarterly speculative fiction magazine that features stories by and about people of the African Diaspora.

They are looking for brave works of speculative short fiction by authors from the African continent and diaspora that reject regressive ideas of blackness, respectability politics, and stereotype. Please submit your bravest, blackest, most difficult to sell stories.
They want stories that are well written, of high quality, and generally easy to read on a screen.

They are only accepting submission from authors from the African diaspora and the African continent because #BlackWritersMatter. This is an intersectional definition of blackness, and they strongly encourage submissions from women, members of the LGBTQIA community, and members from other underrepresented communities within the African diaspora.

DEADLINE: July 31, 2017

fiyahlitmag.com/submissions/

SPRING 2017 STORY CONTEST

Narrative

INFO: The contest is open to all fiction and nonfiction writers. Narrative is 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.

As always, they are looking for works with a strong narrative drive, with characters they can respond to, and with effects of language, situation, and insight that are intense and total. They look for works that have the ambition of enlarging our view of ourselves and the world.

AWARDS:

First Prize – $2,500
Second Prize – $1,000
Third Prize – $500
Up to ten finalists will receive $100 each.
All entries will be considered for publication and are eligible for the $4,000 Narrative Prize and for acceptance as a Story of the Week.

DEADLINE: July 31, 2017, at midnight, Pacific daylight time.

narrativemagazine.com/spring-2017-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, 2017

tayoliterarymag.com/official-rules

EMERGING VOICES FELLOWSHIP

PEN Center USA

LITERARY MENTORSHIP BENEFITS

By the end of the Emerging Voices Fellowship, a writer will leave with:

Seven months of guidance from a professional mentor and written notes on their current writing project.
An author photo and bio.
A logline—the short summation of the project in progress.
A clear action plan for finishing this project.
Writing life, and craft tips, from notable visiting authors.
An editing guide from a professional copy editor.
Insider knowledge of publishing from agents, publishers, and editors.
An individualized submission guide for literary journals, agents, residencies, and fellowships.
Improved reading technique from a professional voice coach.
Public reading experience for a variety of audiences.
An understanding of how to be an effective workshop participant.
Lifetime membership in PEN Center USA.
An introduction to the Los Angeles literary community.

FELLOWSHIP COMPONENTS

DEADLINE: August 1, 2017.

hurstonwright.org/portfolio_page/2017-writers-week/

FICTION / NONFICTION - JUNE 2017

May 31, 2017

2017 SUMMER WRITERS WEEK

Hurston / Wright Foundation

INFO: For 20 years, the Hurston/Wright Summer Writers Workshop has offered a safe space for writers in intensive workshop sessions and master classes.Workshops are led by award-winning writers who are influencing today’s literature. The program features critiques, craft talks, writing time and public readings.

Hurston/Wright workshops serve emerging and experienced writers who are starting projects, developing projects or seeking to polish projects. More than a thousand writers have participated in workshops since the first session in 1996. Hosted in the nation’s capital, the program allows writers to explore storytelling in one of the world’s most intriguing and inspiring cities. Hurston/Wright is a community that supports you and your writing life.

Fiction Workshop led by Tiphanie Yanique
Nonfiction Workshop led by Sheri Booker
Poetry Workshop will be led by Kyle Dargan

WORKSHOP DATES: Saturday, August 5 – Friday, August 11, 2017

LOCATION: Howard University in Washington, D.C.

APPLICATION FEE: $30

TUITION: $700 (apply to one workshop only)

DEADLINE: June 1, 2017

PEN / BELLWETHER PRIZE FOR SOCIALLY ENGAGED FICTION

Pen America

SUBMISSION FEE: $25

SUBMISSIONS OPEN: June 1, 2017

pen.org/content/penbellwether-prize-socially-engaged-fiction-25000

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

TRACK//FOUR

INFO: TRACK//FOUR is open for submissions from writers and artists of color. They accept work from people of color only, as it is a safe space and a place to showcase underrepresented and often repressed voices in the literary and artistic world-- and elsewhere. Although in the future they strive to provide our lovely contributors a monetary sum for their work, they are currently unable to pay contributors. However, as of 2017, they will be nominating written work for Best New Poets, Best of the Net, and the Pushcart Prize.

Poetry: Send up to five of your best poems. Poems should not share pages and should be single-spaced. Poems of of all forms and subject matter are welcome.
Prose: Send up to two pieces (e.g. fiction, nonfiction, lyric essay) up to 3000 words each, double spaced.

DEADLINE: June 5, 2017

trackfourjournal.com/submissions.html

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, 2017

labelmelatin.com/?page_id=2

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, 2017

narrativemagazine.com/great-stories/narrative-prize

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: June 15, 2017

sistersincrime.org/page/EleanorTaylorBland

2018 EMERGING WRITER AWARDS: MARIANNE RUSSO AWARD (FOR NOVEL-IN-PROGRESS)

Key West Literary Seminar

INFO: The Marianne Russo Award recognizes and supports a writer of a novel-in-progress who possesses exceptional talent and demonstrate potential for a lasting literary career.

AWARD: Winners receive full tuition support for our January Seminar and Workshop Program, round-trip airfare, lodging, a $500 honorarium, and the opportunity to appear on stage during the Seminar. The runner-up for will also be offered financial assistance packages.

SUBMISSION FEE: $10

DEADINE: June 30, 2017 (not later than 11:59 pm EDT)

kwls.org/awards/emerging-writer-awards/

2018 EMERGING WRITER AWARDS: CECELIA JOYCE JOHNSON AWARD (FOR A SHORT STORY)

Key West Literary Seminar

INFO: The Cecilia Joyce Johnson Award recognizes and supports a writer of a short story who possesses exceptional talent and demonstrate potential for a lasting literary career.

SUBMISSION FEE: $10

DEADINE: June 30, 2017 (not later than 11:59 pm EDT)

kwls.org/awards/emerging-writer-awards/

EMERGING VOICES FELLOWSHIP

PEN Center USA

LITERARY MENTORSHIP BENEFITS

By the end of the Emerging Voices Fellowship, a writer will leave with:

Seven months of guidance from a professional mentor and written notes on their current writing project.
An author photo and bio.
A logline—the short summation of the project in progress.
A clear action plan for finishing this project.
Writing life, and craft tips, from notable visiting authors.
An editing guide from a professional copy editor.
Insider knowledge of publishing from agents, publishers, and editors.
An individualized submission guide for literary journals, agents, residencies, and fellowships.
Improved reading technique from a professional voice coach.
Public reading experience for a variety of audiences.
An understanding of how to be an effective workshop participant.
Lifetime membership in PEN Center USA.
An introduction to the Los Angeles literary community.

FELLOWSHIP COMPONENTS

DEADLINE: August 1, 2017.

jackjonesliteraryarts.com/the-retreat/

FICTION / NONFICTION - MAY 2017

April 30, 2017

WRITING RETREAT FOR WOMEN OF COLOR

Jack Jones Literary Arts

INFO: Jack Jones Literary Arts is hosting its first annual writing retreat at the Writer's Colony at Dairy Hollow in Eureka Springs, AR. This two-week retreat will be held October 16–30, 2017, and is open exclusively to women of color. National Book Award finalist, Angela Flournoy, author of The Turner House, is joining us as our Writer-in-Residence for week one, and Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellow and NEA award winner, Angel Nafis, author of BlackGirl Mansion, will join us as Writer-in-Residence for week two.

As part of the retreat experience, Jack Jones is featuring daily one hour Skype master classes with agents, editors and acclaimed women in publishing to promote networking, learning and engagement. These sessions are totally optional for retreat participants.

The retreat rate is $1050.00 for the two weeks and includes individual writing suites with bedroom, private bath, writing area, wifi, air conditioning, mini fridges, coffee makers, and all meals are provided.

Professional and emerging women writers of color at work on book projects are eligible for residencies. Students who are enrolled in a degree program are ineligible for a residency. Unfortunately, the Dairy Hollow grounds do not support wheelchairs or walkers. We are making every effort to secure a location for 2018 that is both cost-effective and accessible.

To apply to the Jack Jones Literary Arts writing retreat, please fill out our online application. The application includes a project proposal, a reference and the writing sample.

They will offer nine fully-funded scholarship opportunities, a travel stipend and admissions fee reimbursements. Supporting documentation will need to be submitted at the time of application.

APPLICATION FEE: $25

IMPORTANT DATES:

Deadline: May 1, 2017
Notification: Mailed out on June 1, 2017
Retreat: October 16 - 30, 2017

EMERGING VOICES FELLOWSHIP

PEN Center USA

LITERARY MENTORSHIP BENEFITS

By the end of the Emerging Voices Fellowship, a writer will leave with:

Seven months of guidance from a professional mentor and written notes on their current writing project.
An author photo and bio.
A logline—the short summation of the project in progress.
A clear action plan for finishing this project.
Writing life, and craft tips, from notable visiting authors.
An editing guide from a professional copy editor.
Insider knowledge of publishing from agents, publishers, and editors.
An individualized submission guide for literary journals, agents, residencies, and fellowships.
Improved reading technique from a professional voice coach.
Public reading experience for a variety of audiences.
An understanding of how to be an effective workshop participant.
Lifetime membership in PEN Center USA.
An introduction to the Los Angeles literary community.

FELLOWSHIP COMPONENTS

APPLICATION PERIOD: Opens May 1, 2017.

whiting.org/awards/content/whiting-creative-nonfiction-grant

2017 WHITING CREATIVE NONFICTION GRANT

Whiting Foundation

INFO: The Whiting Foundation is now accepting submissions for this year’s Creative Nonfiction Grant. Encouraged by the range and quality of submissions in its inaugural year, the Whiting Foundation will award up to six grants in the fall of 2017.

All creative nonfiction writers under contract with a publisher and at least two years into their contract are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be US citizens or residents. 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. Courtney Hodell, Director of Writers’ Programs at the Foundation, comments, “We’re looking for nonfiction that stirs us and makes us think; we want to encourage writers to take on the mapping of complex and nuanced ideas that can’t be explored in any other form, and to express these ideas with all the beauty and intensity they can muster. Such books will only become more crucial to the life of our culture in the years ahead.”

AWARD: $40,000

DEADLINE: May 1, 2017

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Spectacle

INFO: The Spectacle is currently open to poetry, fiction, and nonfiction submissions from traditionally underrepresented voices, including but not limited to LGBTQ+ writers, writers of color, indigenous writers, people with disabilities, and women.

DEADLINE: May 15, 2017

thespectacle.submittable.com/submit

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.

The 2017 contest judges are Garth Greenwell (fiction), Meghan Daum (nonfiction), and Natalie Diaz (poetry).

Fiction and Nonfiction: Under 6,000 words
Poetry: 3-5 pages

AWARD: The winner in each genre will be awarded $2,000 and will be published in the Winter 2017-18 issue of Ploughshares.

SUBMISSION FEE: $24, which is waived if the submitter is a current subscriber. The fee is:

DEADLINE: May 15, 2017 at noon EST. The winners will be announced in mid-September, 2017.

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

NEW VOICES WRITING COMPETITION: PAKISTAN

The Missing Slate

INFO: The Missing Slate announces its New Voice Writing Competition for Pakistani writers writing in English. They seek work that is original, thought-provoking, well-written, and well-articulated with a voice that can speak to an international readership and characters they can empathize with and care about.

Submitters must be located in Pakistan and have a local bank account to receive prize money.

The competition will be judged by Sabyn Javeri, author of ‘Nobody Killed Her’ (HarperCollins, 2017).

AWARD: A RS20,000 first prize with two runners-up of RS5,000 each. the winning story will be published as story of the week and the winning writer will be interviewed by one of our senior editors.

DEADLINE: May 15, 2017 (11.59PM Pakistan time)

themissingslate.com/new-voices/

ARTS WRITERS GRANT PROGRAM

The Creative Capital / Andy Warhol Foundation

INFO: The Creative Capital / Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant supports writers whose work addresses contemporary visual art.

The program issues awards directly to individual authors for articles, blogs, books, new and alternative media, and short-form writing projects. It supports a broad spectrum of writing on contemporary visual art, from general-audience criticism to academic scholarship.

Writers who meet the program's eligibility requirements are invited to apply in the following categories:

Articles
Blogs
Books
New and Alternative Media
Short-Form Writing

DEADLINE: May 17, 2017

artswriters.org/application/guidelines

FLASH FICTION CONTEST

Masters Review

INFO: Masters Review is looking for flash fiction by emerging writers. Stories must be under 1,000 words.

AWARD:

First Place: $2000, publication on the Masters Review site, and recognition in Poets & Writers Magazine
Second Place: $200, publication, and recognition in Poets & Writers
Third Place: $100, publication, and recognition in Poets & Writers

SUBMISSION FEE: $20

DEADLINE: May 31, 2017

mastersreview.com/flash-fiction-contest/

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: GLOBAL DYSTOPIAS

Boston Review

INFO: Special call from Boston Review fiction editor Junot Díaz:

Over the last decades dystopian narratives have proliferated to the point where they seem to have become our default mode for conceptualizing the future. But dystopias are not merely fantasies of a minatory future; they offer critically important reflection upon our present. If (as Tom Moylan has argued) traditional dystopias crafted cognitive maps of the terrors of the twentieth century, what cognitive maps does our current dystopian turn provide us of our turbulent global present?

Throughout 2017 BostonReview.net will feature stories, essays, and interviews on the theme of global dystopias. The project will culminate in a special print issue in the fall of 2017.

They are seeking essays, interviews, and fiction from writers around the globe that engage the theme of dystopia. Nonfiction, personal essay, genre fiction (SF, fantasy, horror, Afrofuturist, slipstream), and work that resides across/between genres are welcome.

Submissions might explore, but are not limited to:

Inequality / precarity
The Global South
Climate change
Global democracy
Civic media and civic imaginaries
Afrofuturism
The War on Terror
International politics and speculative futures
Post-humanisms
The future of females
Gendered violence
Radical futurities

SUBMISSION FEE: $3

DEADLINE: N/A

bostonreview.submittable.com/submit

FICTION / NONFICTION - APRIL 2017

April 1, 2017

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: SUNDOWN TOWNS ISSUE

FIYAH

INFO: FIYAH is a quarterly speculative fiction magazine that features stories by and about people of the African Diaspora. They are currently accepting submissions for their SUNDOWN TOWNS issue. Their editors expound on what they’re seeking for the theme in this post.

They are looking for brave works of speculative short fiction by authors from the African diaspora that reject regressive ideas of blackness, respectability politics, and stereotype. Please submit your bravest, blackest, most difficult to sell stories.

They are accepting submissions of short fiction 2,000 – 7,000 words and novelettes up to 15,000 words. They are only accepting submission from authors from the African diaspora, because #BlackWritersMatter. This is an intersectional definition of blackness, and they strongly encourage submissions from women, members of the LGBTQIA community, and members from other underrepresented communities within the African diaspora.

PAYMENT:

Short stories (2,000 – 7,000 words): $150
Novelettes (<15,000 words): $300

RIGHTS: FIYAH will publish accepted stories in a quarterly ebook magazine format, as well as archiving them on their website. Thus, FIYAH will claim first world electronic rights, nonexclusive archival rights, and nonexclusive anthology rights to your story. This means that they are buying the rights to publish your story on FIYAH’s website and in electronic issues of our magazine. This also means that you can only publish your story as a reprint after it appears in FIYAH, and it cannot appear anywhere else online or in print prior to submission, or for 180 days after they publish it. After that it can be reprinted online, in a magazine, or in an anthology.

DEADLINE: April 30, 2017

fiyahlitmag.com/submissions/

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: GLOBAL DYSTOPIAS

Boston Review

Throughout 2017 BostonReview.net will feature stories, essays, and interviews on the theme of global dystopias. The project will culminate in a special print issue in the fall of 2017.

Submissions might explore, but are not limited to:

Inequality / precarity

The Global South

Climate change

Global democracy

Civic media and civic imaginaries

Afrofuturism

The War on Terror

International politics and speculative futures

Post-humanisms

The future of females

Gendered violence

Radical futurities

SUBMISSION FEE: $3

DEADLINE: N/A

bostonreview.submittable.com/submit

2017 FAB PRIZE

Faber & Faber / Andlyn Literary Agency

INFO: Faber & Faber and the Andlyn Literary Agency launch a new prize to find Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) writers and illustrators for children.

Faber Children’s has teamed up with the Andlyn Literary Agency to create the Faber Andlyn BAME (FAB) Prize to help discover new writers and illustrators from BAME backgrounds, and to provide a year-long mentoring scheme for one author and one illustrator.

Judging panel: Faber Children’s Publisher Leah Thaxton, Andlyn Literary Agent Davinia Andrew-Lynch, Faber Creative Director Donna Payne, Faber Children’s Art Director Emma Eldridge.

AWARDS:

First Prize - For text: £500, plus a private consultation with Leah Thaxton and Davinia Andrew-Lynch, followed by a year of regular mentoring, plus a selection of Faber books.
Second Prize - Consultation with Leah Thaxton, Donna Payne, Emma Eldridge and Davinia Andrew-Lynch, plus a selection of Faber books.

DEADLINE: April 6, 2017

bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/fab-prize

JOURNALISM 360 CHALLENGE

Knight Foundation / Google News Lab / Online News Association

INFO: Knight Foundation, Google News Lab and the Online News Association are partnering to launch an open call for ideas, offering up to $35,000 in funding to test, refine and build out a project.

Virtual, augmented, mixed reality and 360 video are opening new opportunities for journalists to connect with audiences. In a news environment dominated by two-dimensional digital experiences, this technology allows people to interact with their surroundings and takes them places that they would otherwise not be able to go. At the same time they raise important technical and ethical challenges that journalists need to understand and explore.

For this open call, we want to discover ideas that grow immersive storytelling to advance the field of journalism—that inform and encourage news organizations to innovate, experiment and learn. We believe that developing lessons around this emerging area can help journalists extend and deepen their impact.

They want projects that use immersive storytelling to fuel innovation and new ideas, while addressing the many open questions facing this nascent industry. They’re not prescriptive in what your project should be. They welcome all kinds of ideas, from new ways to produce and apply the technology, to the workflows, roles and skills required to create better journalism and enhanced storytelling techniques, to promoting ethics, transparency and accountability. They encourage collaboration on projects that will help advance the field. Their focus is not on funding content. They are primarily looking for projects that will yield lessons and “how-tos” for the field of journalism and encourage reporters and editors to think differently.

This challenge is open to anyone, from journalists, technologists, entrepreneurs, gamers, software developers and academics, to news organizations, startups, established businesses, nonprofits and individuals. Focused on early-stage ideas, the challenge encourages building fast, failing fast and learning from the journey.

AWARD: $250,000

DEADLINE: April 10, 2017

knight.submittable.com/submit/f0fdf327-5b86-4a8a-ad22-1fd5b17cd134/journalism-360-challenge

KUNDIMAN MENTORSHIP 2017

Kundiman

INFO: Kundiman is partnering with the Asian American Literary Review and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center to offer a mentorship program to emerging Asian American writers!

Mentees receive a two month long mentorship, $1000 honorarium, plus travel, lodging, and being a featured reader at the first-ever Asian American Literature Festival. They will also have their exchange published in the Asian American Literary Review.

During a two month long letter writing exchange, mentors and mentees will share work, exchange ideas about writing process, craft and practice, the writing life, Asian American history, and personal reflections about the world around them. The exchange will begin and end with a Skype conversation with mentors. The mentorship will culminate in a reading at the Asian American Literature Festival, July 27–July 29th in Washington, D.C., where mentees will meet with their mentor for lunch and participate in a featured reading.

Any writer who self-identifies as Asian American who has not published a full length book by the date of the festival. Writers must be in the United States at the time of the literary festival.

DEADLINE: April 15, 2017

kundiman.submittable.com/submit

2017 RED HEN PRESS NONFICTION AWARD

INFO: Established in 2015, the Red Hen Nonfiction Award seeks to recognize the art of true story-telling through literary craft. The awarded manuscript is selected through an annual submission process which is open to all authors.

AWARD: $1,000 and publication of the awarded manuscript by Red Hen Press

ENTRY FEE: $20

DEADLINE: April 30, 2017

redhen.org/awards-2/red-hen-press-nonfiction-award/

WRITING RETREAT FOR WOMEN OF COLOR

Jack Jones Literary Arts

To apply to the Jack Jones Literary Arts writing retreat, please fill out our online application. The application includes a project proposal, a reference and the writing sample.

They will offer nine fully-funded scholarship opportunities, a travel stipend and admissions fee reimbursements. Supporting documentation will need to be submitted at the time of application.

APPLICATION FEE: $25

IMPORTANT DATES:

Deadline: May 1, 2017
Notification: Mailed out on June 1, 2017
Retreat: October 16 - 30, 2017

jackjonesliteraryarts.com/the-retreat/

FICTION / NONFICTION - MARCH 2017

February 28, 2017

EMERGING WRITERS FELLOWSHIP

Grub Street

INFO: The Emerging Writer Fellowship aims to develop new, exciting voices by providing one writer per year tuition-free access to GrubStreet’s classes and Muse conference. Over the course of one year, the Emerging Writer Fellow will attend a combination of seminars and multi-week courses of their choosing, bookended by attendance at both the 2017 and the 2018 Muse and the Marketplace conference, in order to enhance their understanding of craft and the publishing industry.

The Emerging Writer Fellowship will be awarded to a person who demonstrates a passion for writing, a commitment to developing their writing abilities, and financial need. Any person 18 and older who demonstrates ability and passion for writing is eligible.

The Emerging Writer Fellowship will provide one writer access to the following:

4 multi-week courses
4 one-day (6hr) classes
4 three-hour seminars
2 three-day passes to the Muse and the Marketplace conference

The fellowship year begins at the 2017 Muse and the Marketplace conference and culminates in attendance at the 2018 Muse and the Marketplace.

The Emerging Writer Fellowship was conceived on the principle that talent and passion shouldn't come second to a student's ability to pay. The program is designed for someone with a love for writing but without the financial ability to deepen their understanding of the craft through the many classes and seminars GrubStreet offers.

This fellowship is open to anyone 18 and older with a passion for writing. The fellowship specifically aims to assist writers in need of financial assistance in reaching their writing goals. We particularly encourage people of color, ethnic minorities, those who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and other members of communities historically underrepresented by the literary community to apply.

DEADLINE: March 1, 2017

grubstreet.org/programs/emerging-writer-fellowship/

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.

Fiction and Nonfiction: Under 6,000 words
Poetry: 3-5 pages

AWARD: The winning story, essay, and poems from the 2017 contest will be published in the Winter 2017-18 issue of Ploughshares, and each writer will receive $2,000.

ENTRY FEE: $24, which is waived if the submitter is a current subscriber.

SUBMISSION PERIOD: March 1, 2017 at noon EST and closes May 15, 2017 at noon EST

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

CREATIVE WRITING FELLOWSHIP

National Endowment for the Arts

INFO: The National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowships program offers grants in prose (fiction and creative nonfiction) to published creative writers that enable recipients to set aside time for writing, research, travel, and general career advancement. Applications are reviewed through an anonymous process in which the only criteria for review are artistic excellence and artistic merit. To review the applications, the National Endowment for the Arts assembles a different advisory panel every year, each diverse with regard to geography, race and ethnicity, and artistic points of view.

Competition for fellowships is extremely rigorous. They typically receive more than 1,000 applications each year in this category and award fellowships to fewer than 5% of applicants. You should consider carefully whether your work will be competitive at the national level.

AWARD: $25,000

DEADLINE: March 8, 2017

arts.gov/grants-individuals/creative-writing-fellowships/grant-program-description

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Shanghai Literary Review

INFO: The Shanghai Literary Review features quality creative work from or about Asia and introduces new voices to the critical conversation on world literature.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Fiction - less than 5,000 words
Poetry - 2 poems submission limit per person
Non-Fiction & Essay - less than 5,000 words
Flash Fiction or Non-Fiction - less than 500 words
Visual Art - photography, video, photo essay, collage, painting, sketch, etc.
Translation - translation into English of any poetry, essay or short fiction from Asia, or vice versa, along with the original text
Book Review - pitch book review ideas to us, on fiction or non-fiction from or about Asia

SUBMISSION FEE: $0

DEADLINE: March 11, 2017

shanghailiterary.com/submissions/

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: SUMMER WORKSHOPS

VONA / Voices

INFO: Applications for the summer workshop are currently being accepted. VONA/Voices is open to all adult writers-of-color at any level of experience. There are no degree, publication or documentation requirements to apply.

The application has a series of questions about your commitment to your writing and your enthusiasm for a community of writers-of-color. These responses are weighed heavily in your application.

The application asks you to choose one workshop. They encourage you to have a second choice.

Please know that they keep the workshops to ten participants; therefore, providing a second choice of workshop increases your possibilities of attendance.

WRITING SAMPLES:

Poetry submissions: 5 - 10 poems (not to exceed 20 pages)
Prose Submissions: sample of one piece or combination of pieces to equal no more than 4000 words in genre
Playwriting: up to 20 pages of script written for stage performance
Residency: up to 4000 words in a non-fiction, novel or short fiction or 5-10 poems (not to exceed 20 pages)

FEES:

Application: $25
Tuition: $900
Room & Board: (optional, but recommended) $750
Limited number of partial tuition scholarships available

DEADLINE: March 15, 2017

vonacommunity.org/community/index.php/apply.html

SPECIAL FEATURE ON LITERATURE FROM BANNED COUNTRIES

Asymptote
INFO: Asymptote seeks unpublished literary fiction, literary nonfiction and poetry from the seven countries on Trump's banned list (i.e. from authors who identify as being from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) that have been created in response to Trump's travel ban, or can be interpreted as such.

If selected for publication, the work will run either in their Translation Tuesday showcase at The Guardian or in their April 2017 quarterly edition (or both). Submissions of original English-language work will only be considered for publication in their April 2017 edition. For works in English translation, the decision as to where the work will be placed rests entirely at the discretion of our editor-in-chief, who curates Translation Tuesdays at The Guardian and who will be assembling this Special Feature.

COMPENSATION: $200 per article.

DEADLINE: March 15, 2017

asymptotejournal.com/submit/

2017 SUMMER AND FALL ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM

Space Studio

INFO: The SPACE residency program provides a unique working environment for emerging and mid-career artists seeking support for their practice.

Visual artists, filmmakers, writers, collaborative groups and curators who are not currently enrolled in an academic program and live outside of Maine are eligible to apply. A civically and socially engaged arts organization, SPACE strongly encourages artists who understand themselves as being outside the privilege of hetero-normative, white, male-centered identity to apply. Preference will be given to artists whose practices engage with contemporary issues and socially relevant concepts.

During the summer and fall of 2017, five artists will be selected for residencies lasting between two to four weeks, depending on the amount of time each project necessitates. Each resident is offered housing and 24-hour access to a private studio space.

AWARD: Each artist will be awarded a $500 stipend. Other resources such as projectors, a/v equipment, hardware and tools are made available upon request. Residents are also granted free access to all SPACE programs (films, concerts, community forums etc.) during their stay.

While in residence at SPACE, visiting artists are expected to make the most of their self-directed schedule. They are required to be involved with at least one public engagement program that connects their work to the community, which can take the form of an artist talk, a performance, a reading or other comparable event.

DEADLINE: March 15, 2017 at 11:59pm

spacestudios.org/apply-residency/

SCIENCE FICTION ANTHOLOGY: AFROFUTURISM

Afrocentric Books

INFO: Afrocentric Books is taking submissions for a futurism anthology. Futurism is a broad umbrella, encompassing many elements of science fiction and fantasy. For this anthology, we are most interested in science fiction. Time travel, space travel, cultures far advanced from our own. This world, other worlds, space stations, the setting doesn’t matter.

They want adult science fiction stories in diverse settings, featuring diverse people. The “in the future all people are a uniform color of café au lait” trope does not interest them. While it is not necessary for you to describe the physical features of all your characters, we do want to know that one of your main characters is of indigenous African descent.

1,000-7,500 words, although they’ll consider pieces that fall outside those parameters on a case-by-case basis. Multiple and simultaneous submissions ok. No reprints.

COMPENSATION: If accepted, pay is 1 cent per word.

DEADLINE: March 31, 2017

mugwumppress.com/afrocentric/afrofuturism/

WINTER 2017 STORY CONTEST

Narrative Magazine

INFO: The contest is open to all fiction and nonfiction writers. They’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.

AWARD:

First Prize is $2,500
Second Prize is $1,000
Third Prize is $500
Ten finalists will receive $100 each
All entries will be considered for publication

SUBMISSION FEE: $25 (includes three months of complimentary access to Narrative Backstage).

DEADLINE: March 31, 2017, at midnight, Pacific daylight time.

narrativemagazine.com/winter-2017-story-contest

FICTION / NONFICTION - FEBRUARY 2017

January 31, 2017

HURSTON / WRIGHT COLLEGE WRITERS AWARD

The Zora Neale Hurston / Richard Wright Foundation

INFO: The Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation is proud to host the annual Hurston/Wright Award for College Writers, which is the only award of its kind that recognizes Black college writers. The award is the foundation’s first program. It was initiated to support emerging Black artists in fiction and poetry enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate school program anywhere in the United States.

Black writers who are full-time students in undergraduate and graduate programs at any university in the United States are eligible to submit a work of fiction or poetry for consideration. They must be enrolled at the time of submission. Full-time student includes low-residency MFA programs. At this time, students in online-only courses of university programs are not considered eligible for the award.

Writers are ineligible if they have published books, including poetry chapbooks or fiction narratives, through any publishing platform.

All work submitted must be original and unpublished at the time of submission. Author name and contact details should be on a separate page. Only the title should appear on the work because judges will not know who submitted or what school the student attends.

Hurston/Wright does not accept work that is submitted simultaneously to multiple competitions. Therefore, we make every effort to notify writers by the end of April whether their submissions were accepted or not accepted.

Awards will be announced in May. Award winners and honorable mentions will be invited to attend the Legacy Award ceremony that is hosted in October in Washington, DC.

SUBMISSION FEE: $25

DEADLINE: February 1, 2017

hurstonwrightfoundation.submittable.com/submit/47974

NEW AMERICA FELLOWS PROGRAM

INFO: New America’s Fellows Program invests in thinkers — academics, journalists, independent scholars, and public policy analysts — who offer fresh and often unconventional perspectives on the major challenges facing our society.

Fellows advance big ideas through research, reporting, analysis, and/or storytelling. The big idea can be a sweeping reframing of a familiar subject through new research or a new combination of existing research; a masterful presentation of a case study that advances our understanding of a timeless American theme or stress fracture; an innovative new media or academic project to disseminate knowledge about a shared challenge; or a bold policy prescription for moving domestic and international issues forward.

The goal of the Fellows Program is to find bold, iconoclastic thinkers and to fund them for one to two years, long enough so that they can write a book, develop a series of articles, make a documentary, or work on another project that would be accessible to a broad audience and long enough to be able to build a real community among the fellows.

Fellows benefit from a financial stipend, engagement with each other and with New America’s various policy programs, and the expanded audience and exposure from New America and its media partners. Precise terms and stipend levels of fellowships vary widely, as some fellows work full-time at New America in pursuit of their research, while many others have other professional commitments during the term of their fellowship.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Deadline: February 1, 2017
Fellowship: September 2017 to August 2018

new-america.forms.fm/new-america-fellows-program-class-of-2018-application

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Apogee

INFO: Apogee Journal’s reading period is now open. They are seeking fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for Issue 09, to be published Summer 2017.

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.

They look for work that centers the experience of marginalized perspectives. They want to foster work that addresses the politics of identity, such as migration, diaspora, multiculturalism, privilege, hierarchy, oppression, though these themes are not a requirement for publication. They believe the exploration of perspectives and voices that are mostly unheard and ignored is a political act itself.

DEADLINE: February 15, 2017

apogeejournal.submittable.com/submit

CDS DOCUMENTARY ESSAY PRIZE

Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University

INFO: The CDS Documentary Essay Prize honors the best in writing. The focus is on current or recently completed work (within the last two years) from a long-term project—fifteen to twenty pages of writing.

AWARD: $3,000 and a feature story in the Center for Documentary Studies’ digital publications. The winner’s work will also be placed in the Archive of Documentary Arts at the Rubenstein Library, Duke University.

DEADLINE: February 15, 2017

documentarystudies.duke.edu/awards/documentary-essay-prize

EMERGING WRITERS FELLOWSHIP 2017

The Center for Fiction

INFO: The Center for Fiction will be selecting nine writers in 2017 for and a one-year fellowship. Applicants must be current residents of one of the five boroughs, and must maintain residency in New York City for the entire year of the fellowship. Students in degree-granting programs are not eligible to apply, even if the focus of study is not directly related to writing. This program supports emerging writers whose work shows promise of excellence. Applicants can be of any age, but must be in the early stages of their careers as fiction writers and will not have had the support needed to achieve major recognition for their work. We define “emerging writer” as someone who has not yet had a novel or short story collection published by either a major or independent publisher and who is also not currently under contract to a publisher for a work of fiction. Eligible applicants may have had stories or novel excerpts published in magazines, literary journals or online, but this is not a requirement.

AWARD:

A grant of $5,000
The option to engage in a mentorship with a selected freelance editor
The opportunity to meet with agents who represent new writers
A Center for Fiction membership that includes borrowing privileges for our collection of new fiction and fiction-related titles
Free admission to all Center events for one year, including tickets to our First Novel Fete and benefit dinner as space allows
30% discount on tuition at select writing workshops at the Center
Two public readings as part of our annual program of events and inclusion in an anthology distributed to industry professionals
A professional headshot with a photographer for personal publicity use

DEADLINE: February 15, 2017, by 11pm

centerforfiction.org/forwriters/grants-and-awards/?mc_cid=4bfe73bd11&mc_eid=591acda9d1

SELF-PUBLISHING LITERARY AWARDS

Black Caucus of the American Library Association

INFO: The Black Caucus of ALA (BCALA) honors the best self-published ebooks by an African American author in the U.S. in the following genres: Fiction and Poetry.

Entries must have been written by an African American author born in the U.S. The competition is open to all English-language self-published ebooks for which the author is the copyright holder of the Work, and holds the rights to digital distribution. Entries will be evaluated on content, writing quality and overall quality of production and appearance; and must be an original work.

These awards acknowledge outstanding achievement in the presentation of the cultural, historical and sociopolitical aspects of the Black Diaspora. The purpose is to encourage the artistic expression of the African American experience via literature and scholarly research including biographical, historical and social history treatments by African Americans.

PRIZES:

Two (2) $500.00 awards: one for adult fiction, one for adult poetry;
Formal recognition at the Black Caucus of ALA Literary Awards;
BCALA Literary Award Seal to use in marketing.

DEADLINE: February 17, 2017

bcala.org

RESTLESS BOOKS PRIZE FOR NEW IMMIGRANT WRITING

Restless Books

INFO: The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing alternates yearly between accepting unpublished fiction and nonfiction submissions. Fiction submissions can take the form of a novel or a collection of short stories. Nonfiction submissions can take the form of a memoir, a collection of essays, or a book-length work of narrative nonfiction

Fiction manuscripts must be complete. Nonfiction submissions must consist of either a complete manuscript, or 100 sample pages plus a detailed proposal that includes a synopsis and an annotated table of contents. All submissions must be in English (translations welcome).

Candidates must be first-generation residents of the United States. “First-generation” can refer either to people born in another country who relocated to the U.S., or to American-born residents whose parents were born elsewhere.

Fiction candidates must not have previously published a work of fiction with a US publishing house. Nonfiction candidates must not have previously published a book of nonfiction with a US publishing house. They encourage applicants to look at the other books Restless has released and previous contest winners to get a sense of our aesthetic.

PRIZE: $10,000 and publication by Restless Books

DEADLINE: February 27, 2017

restlessbooks.com/prize-for-new-immigrant-writing/

GRACE PALEY PRIZE FOR SHORT FICTION

Association of Writers & Writing Programs

INFO: AWP’s Award Series is an annual competition for the publication of excellent new book-length works. The competition is open to all authors writing in English regardless of nationality or residence, and it is open to published and unpublished authors alike.

Only book-length manuscripts are eligible. The Award Series deﬁnes “book-length” as: 150–300 manuscript pages.

Stories previously published in periodicals are eligible for inclusion in submissions, but manuscripts previously published in their entirety, including self-published manuscripts, are not eligible. As the series is judged anonymously, no list of acknowledgements should accompany your manuscript.

The AWP Award Series is open to all authors writing original works in English for adult readers.

AWARD: $5,500

SUBMISSION FEE: $30 for nonmembers; $20 for members

DEADLINE: February 28, 2017

AWP PRIZE FOR THE NOVEL

Association of Writers & Writing Programs

Only book-length manuscripts are eligible. The Award Series deﬁnes “book-length” as: 60,000 words.

The AWP Award Series is open to all authors writing original works in English for adult readers.

AWARD: $2,500

SUBMISSION FEE: $30 for nonmembers; $20 for members

DEADLINE: February 28, 2017

AWP PRIZE FOR CREATIVE NONFICTION

Association of Writers & Writing Programs

INFO: AWP’s Award Series is an annual competition for the publication of excellent new book-length works. The competition is open to all authors writing in English regardless of nationality or residence, and it is open to published and unpublished authors alike.

Only book-length manuscripts are eligible. The Award Series deﬁnes “book-length” as: 150–300 manuscript pages.

The AWP Award Series is open to all authors writing original works in English for adult readers.

AWARD: $2,500

SUBMISSION FEE: $30 for nonmembers; $20 for members

DEADLINE: February 28, 2017

grubstreet.org/programs/emerging-writer-fellowship/

EMERGING WRITERS FELLOWSHIP

Grub Street

The Emerging Writer Fellowship will provide one writer access to the following:

4 multi-week courses
4 one-day (6hr) classes
4 three-hour seminars
2 three-day passes to the Muse and the Marketplace conference

The fellowship year begins at the 2017 Muse and the Marketplace conference and culminates in attendance at the 2018 Muse and the Marketplace.

DEADLINE: March 1, 2017

FICTION / NONFICTION - JANUARY 2017

January 1, 2017

STEINBECK FELLOWS PROGRAM

San Jose State University

INFO: The Steinbeck Fellows Program of San José State University (SJSU), which was endowed through the generosity of Martha Heasley Cox, offers emerging writers of any age and background the opportunity to pursue a significant writing project while in residence at SJSU. The emphasis of the program is on helping writers who have had some success, but not published extensively, and whose promising work would be aided by the financial support and sponsorship of the Center and the University's creative writing program.

Currently, SJSU offers one-year fellowships in Steinbeck scholarship and in creative writing, including fiction, drama, creative nonfiction, and biography. Applications in poetry will not be accepted. In awarding fellowships, the selection committee considers the quality of the candidate's proposal and any factors that would lead to expectations of future publication and other achievement. Fellows may not be enrolled in a degree program during the fellowship period.

The Steinbeck Fellowship Program is named in honor of author John Steinbeck and is guided by his lifetime of work in literature, the media, and environmental activism. The program offers the opportunity to interact with other writers, faculty and graduate students, and to share their work in progress by giving a public reading once each semester during the fellowship.

AWARD: The fellowships afford a stipend of $10,000. Residency in the San José area is required during the academic year (approximately 1 September - 20 May).

DEADLINE: January 2, 2017

sjsu.edu/steinbeck/fellows/steinbeckfellows_apply/

GRACE PALEY PRIZE FOR SHORT FICTION

Association of Writers & Writing Programs

Only book-length manuscripts are eligible. The Award Series deﬁnes “book-length” as: 150–300 manuscript pages.

The AWP Award Series is open to all authors writing original works in English for adult readers.

AWARD: $5,500

SUBMISSION FEE: $30 for nonmembers; $20 for members

APPLICATION PERIOD: January 1 – February 28, 2017

AWP PRIZE FOR THE NOVEL

Association of Writers & Writing Programs

Only book-length manuscripts are eligible. The Award Series deﬁnes “book-length” as: 60,000 words.

The AWP Award Series is open to all authors writing original works in English for adult readers.

AWARD: $2,500

SUBMISSION FEE: $30 for nonmembers; $20 for members

APPLICATION PERIOD: January 1 – February 28, 2017

AWP PRIZE FOR CREATIVE NONFICTION

Association of Writers & Writing Programs

Only book-length manuscripts are eligible. The Award Series deﬁnes “book-length” as: 150–300 manuscript pages.

The AWP Award Series is open to all authors writing original works in English for adult readers.

AWARD: $2,500

SUBMISSION FEE: $30 for nonmembers; $20 for members

APPLICATION PERIOD: January 1 – February 28, 2017

artmetropole.com/events/the-islands

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: THE ISLANDS ART WRITING RESIDENCY

Fogo Island Arts

INFO: Art Metropole and Fogo Island Arts are seeking applications for The Islands, a two-part residency that aims to encourage arts writing and criticism in contemporary art. Open to Canadian and international applicants, The Islands will take place on Fogo Island and at Artscape Gibraltar Point on Toronto Island, Canada, from May 1 to June 15, 2017.

The Islands invites emerging and established arts writers and artists with a writing practice to think about writing, remoteness, isolation and time across two unique locations. The successful candidate will spend a month on Fogo Island as part of Fogo Island Arts’ residency program, followed by two weeks on Toronto Island at Artscape Gibraltar Point. The project will culminate in a small publication funded, published, and distributed by Art Metropole.

Arts writing practices may range in structure, content, and medium, addressing various forms and disciplines that may include poetry, art criticism, and experimental writing; periodical production (journals, art books, magazines), or edition production (art multiples, prints, posters). Applications should directly consider the role of writing in the arts, and take into consideration the unique circumstances of the residencies.

DEADLINE: January 6, 2017

CALL FOR PAPERS: “OUR MISS BROOKS: A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION"

2017 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium

INFO: The year 2017 marks the centennial of the birth of Gwendolyn Brooks, who through her powerful, passionate, social and politically conscious poetry and prose, used a range of modern literary aesthetics to provide a window into the life of Blacks in 20th century urban America. Brooks was the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize and was poetry consultant to the Library of Congress. The author of the poetry collections Annie Allen and The Bean Eaters, and the novel Maud Martha, Gwendolyn Brooks claims an irrefutable place in our literary canon. In partnership with “Our Miss Brooks 100,” the Center for Black Literature is proud to take part in the yearlong “Our Miss Brooks: A Centennial Celebration.”

For the 2017 NBWC Biennial Symposium, the Center for Black Literature invites poets, writers, independent researchers, interested faculty and students to submit proposals that examine the life of Gwendolyn Brooks and the themes in her works. Proposals may include but are not limited to the following subjects:

Brooks was a socially conscious African-American poet whose most recognized works in the 1950s and 1960s were created from the challenging times Blacks faced in America and also represented a portrait of the people that surrounded her. More than 65 year later, with the establishment of the Black Lives Matter movement, in what ways does Brooks’s poems, prose, and community activism resonate in today’s society

In his book Honoring Genius, Gwendolyn Brooks: The Narrative of Craft, Art, Kindness and Justice, Haki R. Madhubuti writes: “Ms. Brooks was a woman who could not live without her art, but who had never put her art above or before the people she wrote about.” With this reflection in mind, examine the ways in which Brooks’s prose and poetry reflect the human experience as well as the experiences of Blacks in America.

DEADLINE: January 9, 2017

centerforblackliterature.org/call_for_papers_miss_brooks/

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: PROTECTING SACRED SPACES

As/Us

INFO: As/Us accepts poetry, spoken word, creative nonfiction, fiction, academic essays, and more, from Indigenous writers, writers of color, and allies.

Their next issue will be dedicated to the protectors, defenders, and warriors. This is a global call for songs of survival, stories of sacred spaces, poems of protection, essays of experiences in taking a stand, and art honoring the earth from Standing Rock to Oak Flat to Mauna Kea, and every other place being threatened. Submissions open to Indigenous writers, writers of color and allies.

DEADLINE: January 9, 2016

asusjournal.org/submissions/

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Tor.com

INFO: Tor.com is seeking unsolicited novella submissions. They will be considering novellas of between 20,000 and 40,000 words that fit the epic fantasy, sword and sorcery, high fantasy, or quest fantasy genres, whether set on Earth or on an original fantasy world. However, they will only be considering novellas that inhabit worlds that are not modeled on European cultures. They are seeking worlds that take their influences from Africa, Asia, indigenous American, Pacific, or any diasporic culture from one of those sources.

To qualify, novellas should center the experiences of characters from non-European-inspired cultures. Both Lee Harris and Carl Engle-Laird actively request submissions from writers from underrepresented populations. This includes, but is not limited to, writers of any race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, class and physical or mental ability. They believe that good science fiction and fantasy reflects the incredible diversity and potential of the human species, and hope our catalog will reflect that.

DEADLINE: January 12, 2017, at 9:00am EST

submissions.tor.com/tornovellas/

ANNUAL RETREAT

Kundiman

INFO: In order to help mentor the next generation of Asian American writers, Kundiman sponsors an annual Retreat in partnership with Fordham University. During the Retreat, nationally renowned Asian American poets and writers conduct Master Classes and manuscript consultations with fellows. Readings, writing circles and informal social gatherings are also scheduled. Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Asian American writers. This five-day Retreat takes place from Wednesday June 21 to Sunday June 25. Workshops will not exceed six students.

FEES:

The non-refundable tuition fee is $375.
Room and board provided free to accepted fellows.
The application fee is $25.

DEADLINE: January 15, 2017

kundiman.org/retreat/

2017 NYSCA/NYFA ARTIST FELLOWSHIP

INFO: For the past 31 years, NYFA has awarded fellowships to individual originating artists living in New York State and/or Indian Nations located in New York State. NYFA is committed to supporting artists from diverse cultural backgrounds at all stages of their professional careers.

2017 Fellowship Categories:

Crafts/Sculpture
Printmaking/Drawing/Book Arts
Nonfiction Literature
Poetry
Digital/Electronic Arts

AWARD: NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowships, awarded in fifteen different disciplines over a three-year period, are $7,000 cash awards made to individual originating artists living and working in the state of New York for unrestricted use. These fellowships are not project grants but are intended to fund an artist’s vision or voice, regardless of the level of his or her artistic development.

(Includes the Joanne Chen Fellowship awarded annually to a Taiwanese American artist resident in New York. The winner of this award will receive an unrestricted grant of $7,000.)

DEADLINE: January 25, 2017 at 11:59pm

nyfa.org/Content/Show/Artists'%20Fellowships

2017-18 DAVID T.K. WONG FELLOWSHIP

INFO: The David T. K. Wong Creative Writing Fellowship is a unique and generous annual award that enables a fiction writer who wants to write in English about the Far East to spend a year in the UK, at the University of East Anglia in Norwich.

The Fellowship will be awarded to a writer planning to produce a work of prose fiction in English which deals seriously with some aspect of life in the Far East (Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Peoples’ Republic of China, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam). The successful candidate will be selected by a distinguished international panel. There will be no interviews, and candidates will be judged entirely on the quality and promise of their writing and the project they describe.

Fellows take up their appointments on 1st October each year. The Fellow will be a member of the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing and will be required to reside at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom for the academic year, accommodation will be provided on campus, to be paid for by the Fellow out of the Fellowship Award. Shared office space and computer facilities will be made available for the Fellow in the School. During the residential period, the Fellow will be required to submit written work to a nominated mentor and take part in Creative Writing Research Seminars. No teaching duties attach to the Fellowship.

The Fellowship is named for its sponsor Mr David Wong, a retired Hong Kong businessman who has also been a teacher, journalist and senior civil servant, and is a writer of fiction. The Fellowship was launched in 1997 and the first Fellow appointed from 1st October 1998.

AWARD: £26,000

DEADLINE: January 30, 2017

uea.ac.uk/literature/fellowships/david-tk-wong-fellowship

CAINE PRIZE FOR AFRICAN WRITING

INFO: The Caine Prize for African Writing aims is to bring African writing to a wider audience through their annual literary award. In addition to administering the Prize, they work to connect readers with African writers through a series of public events, as well as helping emerging writers in Africa to enter the world of mainstream publishing through the annual Caine Prize writers’ workshop, which takes place in a different African country each year.

AWARD: Winning and short-listed authors will be invited to participate in writers’ workshops in Africa, London and elsewhere as resources permit. There is a cash prize of £10,000 for the winning author and a travel award for each of the short-listed candidates (up to five in all). The shortlisted candidates will also receive a Prize of £500. The winner is also invited to go to three literature festivals in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria.

DEADLINE: January 31, 2017

caineprize.com/how-to-enter/

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

On She Goes

INFO: On She Goes is planning to launch in Spring 2017 and will include reported articles, essays, and local guides. Their publishing schedule will follow monthly themes, and at launch we'll be exploring how We Belong Here. Women of color have been traveling and we belong everywhere. What happened when you weren't sure if you should visit a city, but you went anyway? How did you feel out of place in a new country and made the best of it? Are there travel groups you want to report on or interesting travelers you want to interview? Do you have an idea for a guide that would help fellow women of color travelers feel at home in your hometown? Are there travel-related films and books by women of color that you're interested in reviewing? Did you move somewhere new and want to share what your new city is like?

They're interested in your ideas and experiences to share on a platform by, for, and about women of color and travel. They're looking for pieces that explore how race, gender, food culture, fashion, travel industry, homeland, feminism, politics, and more intersect with travel. Whether it's an experience that you still reflect on from years ago or an upcoming trip that you want to write about, they're open to your ideas.

DEADLINE: January 31, 2017

https://onshegoes.submittable.com/submit

NEW YORK CITY EMERGING WRITERS FELLOWSHIP

Center for Fiction

INFO: The New York City Emerging Writers Fellowship offers the following:

The option to engage in a mentorship with a selected freelance editor
The opportunity to meet with agents who represent new writers
A Center for Fiction membership that includes borrowing privileges for our collection of new fiction and fiction-related titles
Free admission to all Center events for one year, including tickets to our First Novel Fete, and Benefit Dinner as space allows
30% discount on tuition at select writing workshops at the Center
Two public readings as part of our annual program of events and inclusion in an anthology distributed to industry professionals
A professional headshot with a photographer for personal publicity use

AWARD: $5,000

DEADLINE: January 31, 2017

http://www.centerforfiction.org/forwriters/grants-and-awards/

HURSTON / WRIGHT COLLEGE WRITERS AWARD

The Zora Neale Hurston / Richard Wright Foundation

Writers are ineligible if they have published books, including poetry chapbooks or fiction narratives, through any publishing platform.

Awards will be announced in May. Award winners and honorable mentions will be invited to attend the Legacy Award ceremony that is hosted in October in Washington, DC.

SUBMISSION FEE: $25

DEADLINE: February 1, 2017

hurstonwrightfoundation.submittable.com/submit/47974

NEW AMERICA FELLOWS PROGRAM

IMPORTANT DATES:

Deadline: February 1, 2017
Fellowship: September 2017 to August 2018

new-america.forms.fm/new-america-fellows-program-class-of-2018-application

FICTION / NONFICTION - DECEMBER 2016

November 30, 2016

THE GIGANTIC BOOK OF TINY CRIMES SEEKS FLASH NOIR / CRIME

Catapult

INFO: The Gigantic Book of Tiny Crimes, an anthology of "flash noir" to be published by Catapult's Black Balloon imprint, will feature 50 tales of tiny tightrope robberies, disastrously diminutive double crosses, mournful muggings, and murders both foul and sweet. This anthology of flash noir will explore the genre of crime fiction—from the most hardboiled of noirs to the coziest of mysteries—gathering leading and emerging literary voices who scour the underbelly of modern life to expose the criminal, the illegal, and the depraved.

They’re looking for a diverse collection of stories from writers of different aesthetics and backgrounds. Crime fiction is defined loosely here, with an eye toward weird crime/noir—stories that push against and redefine what a crime is, and who criminals are. Previously unpublished stories only.

Nadxieli Nieto and Lincoln Michel previously co-edited and published Gigantic Worlds, a science flash fiction anthology with new (or previously uncollected) work from Ted Chiang, Jonathan Lethem, Lynne Tillman, Charles Yu, Alissa Nutting, Philip K. Dick, and more.

DEADLINE: December 15, 2016

catapult.submittable.com/submit/68890/the-gigantic-book-of-tiny-crimes-seeks-flash-noir-crime

BCALA LITERARY AWARDS

Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc.

Books from small, large and specialty publishers are welcome for review consideration. Titles forwarded for review must be published between January 2016 and December 2016. Sets or multi-volume works are eligible. New editions of previously published works are eligible only if more than 30% of the total content is new or revised material. Inspirational, self-help, and adult graphic novels are ineligible. Only finished, published books should be submitted; galleys (bound or unbound) and chapbooks are unacceptable.

Please send one copy of each title submitted to each member of the Literary Awards Committee. A Committee roster with their addresses can be found at here.

Supply all available information regarding the submission, including promotional material, author biography and available news articles and reviews.

The Fiction Award recognizes depictions of sensitive and authentic personal experience either within the framework of contemporary literary standards and themes or which explore innovative literary formats.
The Nonfiction Award honors cultural, historical, political, or social criticism or academic and/or professional research which significantly advances the body of knowledge currently associated with the people and the legacy of the Black Diaspora. (Categories could include the humanities, science and technology, social and behavioral sciences and reference).
The First Novelist Award acknowledges outstanding achievement in writing and storytelling by a first time fiction writer.
The Outstanding Contribution to Publishing Citation recognizes the author and/or the publishing company (for their support and publication of) special and unique books that recognize the outstanding achievements and positive depiction of contributions of the people and legacy of the Black Diaspora.
The Poetry Award strives to recognize and promote emerging and established poets that introduce and foster the joys of poetry writing.

Criteria:

Must portray some aspect of the African American experience past, present or future.
All authors, editors and contributors must be African American(s) born in the United States.
Must be published in the United States in the year preceding presentation of the award.
Must be an original work.

DEADLINE: December 16, 2016

bcala.org/book-award/

OPEN CITY MUSLIM COMMUNITIES FELLOWSHIP

Asian American Writers’ Workshop

INFO: Trump's election in November has already meant a dramatic increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes across the United States, including in New York City. With the frightening reality of what his presidency will continue to mean for Muslims in this country, the Asian American Writers’ Workshop is now accepting applications for the Open City Muslim Communities Fellowship, a unique six-month opportunity for emerging writers of color from communities under attack from Islamophobia to publish narrative nonfiction about Muslim communities in New York City.

They're looking for writers to create deft, engaging narratives that bring the face, name, place, and heart of the community to issues like racial profiling, police surveillance and Islamophobia.

Specifically, they are looking for writers who:

Are willing to spend time reporting in Muslim neighborhoods and talking to people about their lives, hopes and fears;
Understand the urgency in writing stories that depict how it is to be a Muslim in today’s America;
Are committed to social justice, dedicated to helping promote efforts by the community to fight anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiments and actions;
Are strong, voice-driven storytellers who care about social justice movements and transporting readers to places like Jackson Heights and Astoria in Queens; Bay Ridge and Boerum Hill in Brooklyn; and Mott Haven and Parkchester in The Bronx.

AAWW recognizes the heterogeneity of the Muslim community in New York City, and are looking to create a home for writers from Arab American, West Asian, Central Asian, Persian, Afghan, East and North African, Black Muslim, South Asian, and Southeast Asian communities in New York City.

Please note that applicants for the Fellowship need not be Asian American but must be persons of color.

Please note, they are accepting applications for two separate sessions of the fellowship, each of which will last six months. The first session will begin in mid-January 2017 and end in mid-July, while the second batch will start in mid-March 2017 and end in mid-September.

AWARD: $2,500 stipend, skill-building workshops, and publishing opportunities to up to five writers to write on the diverse Muslim communities of New York City.

DEADLINE: December 19, 2016, by 5 pm

aaww.submittable.com/submit/72756/apply-open-city-muslim-communities-fellowship-2017

AMERICAN BOOK AWARDS

Before Columbus Foundation

INFO: The American Book Awards Program respects and honors excellence in American literature without restriction or bias with regard to race, sex, creed, cultural origin, size of press or ad budget, or even genre.

All winners are accorded equal standing. Their publishers are also to be honored for both their commitment to quality and their willingness to take the risks that accompany publishing outstanding books and authors that may not prove “cost-effective” in the short run. There are special Award designations (such as Lifetime Achievement) for contributions to American literature beyond a recently published book.

The American Book Awards Program is not associated with any industry group or trade organization. The American Book Awards offer no cash prize nor do they require any financial commitments from the authors or their publishers. The Award winners are nominated and selected by a panel of writers, editors, and publishers who also represent the diversity of American literary culture.

There are no application forms, fees, or any other restrictions for submissions, nominations, or recommendations to the panel. The book is what matters, not the procedure. The only requirement is that two copies of the book must be mailed to the Before Columbus Foundation for the following year’s Awards. Anyone may make a submission (it does not have to be the publisher). There is no limit on the number of titles that may be submitted. All genres are accepted (including anthologies, children’s books, and multimedia). You may include reviews, publicity, or other informational material with your submission if you wish.

DEADLINE: December 31, 2016

beforecolumbusfoundation.com/american-book-awards/

CALL FOR SUBMISSION: THE AFRICAN LITERARY HUSTLE ISSUE

New Orleans Review

INFO: When African literature is published in the West, it is too often realist, in English, and always in the spirit of Chinua Achebe. But romance, science fiction, fantasy, epic, experimental poetry, satire, political allegory all find expression in Africa, though not necessarily publication. Those who are called to write often have to hustle to get recognition by writing a coming-of-age colonial encounter tale or hustle even harder to have their unique voices heard.

In a special issue of New Orleans Review guest edited by Mukoma wa Ngugi and Laura Murphy, we will celebrate (and publish) popular and not-so popular writing from Africa. We are looking for literature (in all the above named forms and others we can’t predict) and critical essays that expand the dimensions of African literature, contribute defiant visions, provide new translations, or revise narratives of the tradition or the hustle.

Prose submissions should be 7,500 words or fewer; poetry submissions five poems or fewer. Simultaneous submissions are okay.

Fiction: Submit fiction pieces up to 2,500 words. Flash fiction welcome. No previously published work (online or in print). Simultaneous submissions are okay.
Nonfiction: Submit nonfiction pieces up to 2,500 words. Flash nonfiction welcome. No previously published work (online or in print). Simultaneous submissions are okay.
Poetry: Submit up to five pages of poems. No previously published work (online or in print). Simultaneous submissions are okay.

SUBMISSION FEE: $3

DEADLINE: December 31, 2016

neworleansreview.org/submit/

HAZEL ROWLEY PRIZE

Biographers International Organization

INFO: In an increasingly complex publishing world, the prize aims to help a first-time biographer of real promise in four ways: through funding (the $2,000 prize); by securing a careful reading from at least one established agent; a year’s membership in BIO; and publicity through the BIO website, The Biographers Craft newsletter, etc. The prize is a way for BIO, a grassroots organization of working biographers, to advance its mission and extend its reach to talented new practitioners.

The prize will be given for the third time at the next BIO conference, in late spring 2017. Judges for the 2017 prize are distinguished biographers Blake Bailey and Amanda Vaill.

The prize is open to citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and Canada, writing in English, working on a biography that has not been commissioned, contracted, or self-published, and who have never published a biography, history, or work of narrative nonfiction. Biography as defined for this prize is a narrative of an individual’s life, although group biographies and innovative ways of treating lives will be considered.

AWARD: $2,000

SUBMISSION FEE: $50

DEADLINE: December 31, 2016

biographersinternational.org/rowley-prize/

STEINBECK FELLOWS PROGRAM

San Jose State University

AWARD: The fellowships afford a stipend of $10,000. Residency in the San José area is required during the academic year (approximately 1 September - 20 May).

DEADLINE: January 2, 2017

sjsu.edu/steinbeck/fellows/steinbeckfellows_apply/

FICTION / NONFICTION - NOVEMBER 2016

October 31, 2016

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

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/

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: Extended to November 1, 2016

thenewengagement.com/submit-your-work

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

GRLCVLT Journal

INFO: The opening theme of GrlCvlt journal is ‘Power’. They are looking for an incredible, diverse roster of woman-identifying voices from every background and all experiences. Women of color and queer voices are especially encouraged to submit.

Have a fun travel guide to your city with not-to-be-missed places that empower your community? Send it our way! Crossword puzzles and playlists are welcomed. Cultural critiques, personal essays are rad too! Q&A your favorite babe that embodies power. Pitch them a reoccurring advice column. Editorial submissions should not exceed 700 words.

DEADLINE: Extended to November 4, 2016

grlcvltjournal.tumblr.com/

NYFA ARTISTS’ FELLOWSHIP

New York Foundation for the Arts

INFO: NYFA is committed to supporting artists from diverse cultural backgrounds at all stages of their professional careers.

Fellowship Categories:

Crafts/Sculpture
Printmaking/Drawing/Book Arts
Nonfiction Literature
Poetry
Digital/Electronic Arts

IMPORTANT DATE: Applications open the first week of November

nyfa.org/Content/Show/Artists'%20Fellowships

30 BELOW CONTEST

Narrative Magazine

AWARDS:

First Prize: $21,500
Second Prize: $750
Third Prize: $300
Up to ten finalists will receive $100 each

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

DEADLINE: November 9, 2016

narrativemagazine.com/30-below-2016

FALL 2016 STORY CONTEST

Narrative Magazine

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

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

DEADLINE: November 30, 2016

narrativemagazine.com/fall-2016-story-contest

2016-17 FICTION CONTEST

Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival

INFO: This contest is open only to writers who have not yet published a book of fiction. Published books include self-published books with ISBN numbers. Those who have published books in other genres besides fiction remain eligible.

AWARD:

Grand Prize: $1,500; domestic airfare (up to $500) and French Quarter accommodations to attend the Festival in New Orleans; VIP All-Access Festival pass for the next Festival ($500 value); public reading at a literary panel at the next Festival, and publication in Louisiana Literature
Finalists: The top nine finalists will receive a panel pass ($75 value) to the Festival. Their names will be published on this site.

SUBMISSION FEE: $25

DEADLINE: November 30, 2016

tennesseewilliams.net/2015-16-fiction-contest

2017 SINGAPORE CREATIVE WRITING RESIDENCY

The Art House

INFO: The Singapore Creative Writing Residency is offering two residencies. One residency is for a Singapore writer and one for an international writer. Jointly organized by the National University of Singapore’s University Scholars Program and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and The Arts House, the Singapore Creative Writing Residency aims to:

Provide time, opportunity and environment for the resident to complete a written work in the English language of substantial length and content;
Provide mentorship for students and potential writers in Singapore, and stimulate new writing from them through public program organized by the resident.

The program invites applicants of any nationality. Applicants must:

Be a published writer;
Not be enrolled as a full time student in an undergraduate or graduate program or fully employed by any organization at the time of appointment of the Residency;
Be a citizen or Permanent Resident of Singapore to be appointed as a local Resident writer.
A signed copy of the NUS Personal Data Consent form.

AWARD: Both residents will receive a monthly stipend and the international resident will reside at NUS.

IMPORTANT DATE: Application open in November 2016

theartshouse.sg/programmes/singapore-creative-writing-residency/

FICTION / NONFICTION - OCTOBER 2016

September 30, 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 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

DEADLINE: October 20, 2016

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

MORELAND SCHOLARSHIP FOR AFRICAN WRITERS

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/

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

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

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

August 31, 2016

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

ANISFIELD-WOLF BOOK AWARDS

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

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.

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

narrativemagazine.com/node/345528

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

COMPENSATION: $30

DEADLINE: October 1, 2016

claudiusspeaks.submittable.com/submit

FICTION / NONFICTION - AUGUST 2016

July 31, 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.

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

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.

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

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 House, The 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

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

FALL 2016 AWARDS

Sustainable Arts Foundation

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

ELEANOR TAYLOR BLAND CRIME FICTON WRITERS OF COLOR AWARD

FICTION / NONFICTION - JULY 2016

July 1, 2016

Sisters in Crime

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

justicematters.press/news/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

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

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

May 31, 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

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/

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

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

PRIZE: $4,000

DEADLINE: June 15, 2016

narrativemagazine.com/great-stories/narrative-prize

drunkenboat.submittable.com/submit/26866

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

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

ELEANOR TAYLOR BLAND CRIME FICTON WRITERS OF COLOR AWARD

Sisters in Crime

PRIZE: $1,500

DEADLINE: July 1, 2016

sistersincrime.org/page/EleanorTaylorBland

THE WINTER TANGERINE AWARDS

Winter Tangerine Review

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

May 1, 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

amplifyher.submittable.com/submit

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

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

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

International submissions are welcome but must be submitted in English.

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

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.

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/

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