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Where to submit this week (08.12.24)
Where to Submit This Week

Where to submit this week (08.12.24)

Closings, openings, contests, themes, and lit mags forever open!

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Shannan Mann
Aug 12, 2024
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Where to submit this week (08.12.24)
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Welcome to Sub Club’s Where to submit this week! Our weekly report is of up-to-date submission opportunities for writers. We also had our first Where to Query this Week report out last Wednesday. It included all things book publishing:

  • Query help hotline Q&As

  • Literary agents accepting queries (*moved over and expanded from the section in this newsletter*)

  • Indie presses recently opened for submissions

  • Indie presses closing for submissions soon.

  • Book contests, theme calls, and whatever else we think of!

You can dive into that here:

Where to query this week (08.07.24)

Where to query this week (08.07.24)

Shannan Mann
·
August 7, 2024
Read full story


This week, we’ve got:

  • 5 Recently Opened Submission Calls

  • 7 Lit mags closing for submissions this week

  • 13 Theme Calls To Inspire You!

  • 5 Always Open *NEW

  • 11 New Friends (new listings we’ve added to our database)

  • 5 Contests That Probably Won’t Scam You


This week from our Sub Club Submissions Help Line:

I have a "short story" made up of a bunch of citations pulled from other texts/media. Would there be place interested in work like this? What should I advertise the piece as? Are publications interested in this sort of "refurbished" writing?

» This is akin to Found Poetry within, well, the poetry world. Some publications love that stuff and actively seek it out while there are others who do not deem it a “real” category, whatever the heck that means. I’d recommend trying some of the more experimental and newer lit mags. They are generally more open to cool stuff like this, ha.

How do international payments work? If you're accepted by a litmag who state that they pay in a particular currency, how is that converted to your own currency?

» I can take the example of ONLY POEMS here. We often pay poets who are not American. We use PayPal as our main method of payment however we have in the past used Western Union as well as Wise in order to save any fees on the poet’s part. However, there are times when magazines pay but are unable to pay contributors outside of their particular country for whatever reason. Usually, they state this upfront but I wouldn’t be shy about confirming.

I had a poem published a few years ago and now the magazine, which was a website, has ceased to exist. Can I submit my poem to other journals and magazines? It's a strong poem and now there's no actual trace of it on the Internet, but I'm aware that even if it isn't still 'out there', it has been published before.

» I may be told to fuck right off for this answer, but here’s a big YES from me for all it’s worth. I would consider the poem fair game, especially if you’ve edited or revised it further since then. Submit your heart away!

If you have two versions of a piece with a little bit of overlap (e.g. both drawing on particular scenes/conversations from your life but taking them in different directions / both following the same narrative and drawing on the same imagery, but told from different perspectives), and one was published several years ago, does the other still count as previously unpublished? Would it be prudent to alert editors to the other piece when you submit? (Thank you so much for this helpline, btw! You guys are the best.)

» No, YOU’RE the best. Also, in this scenario I wouldn’t worry about alerting editors to the overlap. It is natural that writers will write about similar topics and themes and build upon them.

I had a short story accepted for publication in a themed issue of a university literary magazine. (Shortly thereafter, it was accepted by another lit mag, so I let them know it was spoken for.) I was invited to the themed issue launch, but it was in another state, and I could not attend. I received an email from the editor indicating the contributor copies had been sent out. I never did receive one so I emailed her to ask about it. She said it had been sent out but assured me she'd send another. It's at least three weeks since then, and I've received nothing. How do I know the issue was ever published or that my story actually appeared in the issue in question? I'm kind of miffed and puzzled as to how to proceed. May I resubmit my story elsewhere?

» Editors can often get caught up in their little balls of yarn made up of all the little (read: BIG) unpaid tasks that are often involved in editing a lit mag. I’d just politely ask again.

Is there a requirement or a reasonable expectation that mags/contests, etc. update SUBMITTABLE to reflect the current status of a submission? I have many that have remained the same for years after the contest, for example, was long over! Writers have to comply, in return entities should follow through.

» If editors take any sort of action on your file, the status will automatically change to “In-Progress”. This means, even if they open it and don’t read it, it can change to “In-Progress”. Though, I do think Submittable has made some changes and I’ve noticed that now you have to actually manually change to “In-Progress” many times, which I think is a positive move. Regarding mags not rejecting submissions before picking winners for contests — yeah that’s a total shit move. Don’t do this, editors.

I've noticed that a lot of the lit mags who publish a physical copy will only hyperlink a few select pieces to be read online. What is the reason behind this, and how do they pick which ones to be available online? Also, if a piece is accepted to one of these publications, can I publish my essay on my substack AFTER it is published in their physical edition?

» Yes, I see this often too. I think they probably just want people to buy the physical copy. It’s a bit funny to see that though because, well, lit mags aren’t really bought that often, ha. I suppose it is also an enticement to subscribe which is also why often online mags too will have a metered paywall (you can read one or two or three articles for free but after that you need to pay). As for Substack, yes absolutely feel free to reprint your own essay after it’s been publishing the physical edition. 99% of the time, all rights revert back to the writer post-publication.

I am continuously rejected, and have been in a dry spell for two years. Am I shooting too high? Am I wrong for thinking this is the best work I could have done, and then thinking the only right place for it are places that are relatively established (and have a 30% or lower acceptance rate)? Alternatively, maybe the problem is me--I will submit, and then check over the story months later, and see something worth changing. Maybe I'm submitting too quickly. Should I reconsider my submission practice?

» It’s common to be in submission-dry-spell-land but certainly no fun. I would recommend going through the Chill Subs Browse and making a special list for yourself of places you want to submit to based on their vibes and other markers (people they’ve published, whether they pay, themes they may have, etc.). Also, try some newer mags. Many of them are excellent and often hungrier for great work by less established authors. Good luck!


Have a question about submitting? Ask us, and we’ll answer it in next week’s Where To Submit This Week. Visit our submission helpline.


Last week, we had some extra lists:

11 Lit Mags Agents Love To Read

Shannan Mann and Benjamin Davis
·
August 9, 2024
11 Lit Mags Agents Love To Read

NEW ANNUAL SIGN-UP BONUS! From now on, if you sign up for an annual subscription or convert from monthly to annual, we will make you a personalized list of 5 lit mags. After you sign up, use this form to submit your preferences. → (FORM)

Read full story

As always, as an extra thank you to paid subscribers, we’ve included a spreadsheet download at the end.


Sub Club is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.


Literary Magazines & Journals


Recently Opened Calls


Peach Fuzz Magazine | Deadline: August 23

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2013 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Hybrid, Art, Photography, Comics.

a shameless celebration of sex + art

Fee: None | Pay: $10-30

Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 120 days.

Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials #fosters inclusivity


Anodyne Magazine | Deadline: August 31

Germany-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Photography, Audio, Video.

An arts and lit magazine highlighting the intersectional health experiences of the global FLINTA* community.

Fee: None | Pay: Yes

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 60 days.

Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials #nominates for industry awards #engaged editors


Vellichor Literary Magazine | Deadline: August 31

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.

empowering, amplifying, and celebrating young voices. no word limit. no age limit. anything goes!

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints.

Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #one week response time


Hominum Journal | Deadline: September 30

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Art, Photography, Play.

A creative arts journal that de/reconstructs the somatic and explores the anatomy of narrative.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 28 days. Acceptance rate of 4% (reported by editors).

Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards #brecht top 1000 #highly competitive


Iowa Review | Deadline: October 1

United States-based literary magazine founded in 1970 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translation.

Short fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction. Since 1970.

Fee: $4 | Pay: $100+

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 180 days.

Noteworthy: #has print issues #university affiliated #fiction top prize winner #krouse top 500 #50+ years old #nonfiction prize winner #poetry prize winner #mega super popular. woah.



Last Chance to Submit


County Lines | Deadline: August 15

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2014 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.

County Lines is a literary journal published annually featuring prose, poetry, as well as photography and artwork.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 60 days.

Noteworthy: #has print issues


13tracks | Deadline: August 15

Netherlands-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Art, Photography.

Writing and art inspired by music. Each issue is based on a specific 13tracks playlist, which inspires the content.

Fee: None | Pay: €0-€500

Do not accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 5 days.

Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials #one week response time


Mängata Magazine | Deadline: August 15

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Mängata Magazine: The internet's first international spoken word magazine.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Do not accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 14 days.

Noteworthy: #active on socials #two week response time


The BeZine | Deadline: August 15

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2014 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Photography, Video.

The BeZine’s mission is to foster proximity and understanding through our shared love of the arts and humanities and all things spirited.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 90 days.

Noteworthy: #clmp member


Power Cut | Deadline: August 16

United Kingdom-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.

Delve into the seedy badlands of 20th century pop culture. Bi-annual print magazine glorying in trash.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 50 days.

Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials


The Texas Review | Deadline: August 16

United States-based literary magazine that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry.

The Texas Review seeks to publish writing that expresses language and life as a part of a constantly evolving world.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions.

Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #one week response time #university affiliated


KUDU | Deadline: August 30

South Africa-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art.

KUDU is an online biannual literary journal of South African writing.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 56 days.

Noteworthy: #read for free



Theme Calls To Inspire You!


ONLY POEMS | Deadline: August 14 | Theme: Resilience

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Poetry.

Open All Year | Free submissions 1st week of every month | Fast response and Editorial Feedback available | We pay $22-$55

Fee: None | Pay: $55

Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 60 days. Acceptance rate of 1% (reported by editors).

Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #nominates for industry awards #extremely competitive #engaged editors


orangepeel | Deadline: August 17 | Theme: bubblegum

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Review, Art, Photography, Comics.

The goal of orangepeel is to give readers something they’ll remember. We all have those sentences we remember when we’re falling asleep, those brushstrokes we can still see in our heads years after viewing them. That’s what the pages of orangepeel are here for.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 30 days. Acceptance rate of 16% (reported by editors).

Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards #university affiliated #somewhat competitive #engaged editors


abducted cow magazine | Deadline: August 16 | Theme: Slipped in the Sea

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Photography.

abducted cow magazine is a magazine highlighting the weird and quirky!

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 6 days. Acceptance rate of 45% (reported by editors).

Noteworthy: #active on socials #one week response time


Cosmic Daffodil Journal | Deadline: October 16 | Theme: Horoscopes

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Photography.

This journal is born out of love for art; poetry, fiction & non-fiction, short stories, paintings, sculptures, everything, and anything creative.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 21 days. Acceptance rate of 25% (reported by editors).

Noteworthy: #active on socials #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards #accessible


Trash Wonderland | Deadline: September 6 | Theme: THE RESURRECTION OF TRASH WONDERLAND

literary magazine that publishes Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Interview, Art, Photography, Humor, Play, Comics, Audio, Video, Game.

Trash Wonderland is a multimedia space for the resourceful, found, + unconventionally materialized. Trash = what others (or even we) have discarded. Wonderland = a space where magic exists + the rules of the profane world can be broken. Seeking words/images/audio/video.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 60 days.

Noteworthy: #has print issues


Block Party | Deadline: August 15 | Theme: RADIO

Canada-based literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Photography, Wtf is genre, send anything.

Block Party (established 2021) is a magazine and chapbook press that publishes voice-driven poetry and prose and compelling visual art through both our digital magazine and hybrid chapbooks.

Fee: None | Pay: CA$10

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 60 days.

Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials


Lit Shark Magazine | Deadline: August 15 | Theme: SHARK WEEK

literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Review, Translation, Art, Wtf is genre, send anything.

Lit Shark Magazine is a celebration of marine life, conservation, & inclusive, accessible literature for all ages. We also offer a PAID Poem of the Month Contest, and we're starting a little sister magazine called Lit Pup Magazine for children and teen writers.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 60 days. Acceptance rate of 30% (reported by editors).

Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #active on socials #nominates for industry awards


Gasher Journal Anthology Series | Deadline: August 15 | Theme: Ends & Endings

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2018 that publishes Poetry.

Gasher Journal is the imprint of Gasher Press, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit publisher. We are interested in fresh voices and innovative forms. Make everything useful.

Fee: $3.5 | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 120 days.

Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials


Kathai Literary Journal | Deadline: August 15 | Theme: Give us Summer Laziness

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.

Kathai is for you---the teen author, artist, photographer, creator of any kind, hoping to kickstart their list of pubs!

Fee: None | Pay: No ($30 prize for one piece per issue)

Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 21 days. Acceptance rate of 50% (reported by editors).

Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards


figuration: an anthology of trans writers | Deadline: August 15 | Theme: trans-identifying writers

United States-based literary magazine that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.

We welcome submissions for an upcoming anthology of trans-identifying writers for release in June 2025

Fee: $5 | Pay: Yes

Do not accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 30 days.

Noteworthy: #has print issues #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards


The Literary Times | Deadline: September 20 | Theme: Memory

Pakistan-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art.

The Literary Times, is an independent literary and arts e-magazine and blog accepting varieties of genres including, poetry, short story, flash fiction, non-fiction, art and more.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 130 days.

Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #nominates for industry awards


Barahm Press | Deadline: August 15 | Theme: Protection Spell Folio

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Poetry.

A micropress that uplifts BIPOC diasporic voices. We publish letterpressed chapbooks, broadsides, and online folios.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 120 days.

Noteworthy: #active on socials


True Replica Magazine | Deadline: August 21 | Love in Variations

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.

Online youth magazine dedicated to uplifting and publishing teen artists (12-19)

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 60 days.

Noteworthy: #active on socials



Always Open!


Rattle | Open for Submissions

United States-based literary magazine founded in 1995 that publishes Poetry.

A publication of the Rattle Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the practice of poetry, and is not affiliated with any other organization.

Fee: None | Pay: $200

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 4-6 months. Acceptance rate of 0.23%

Noteworthy: # active on socials #mega-popular #community-favorite


Liars' League | Open for submissions

United Kingdom-based literary magazine founded in 2007 that publishes Fiction.

“Writers write. Actors read. Audience listens. Everybody wins.” LL is a themed monthly fiction night, where professional actors (from our company of around 100) read new short stories by writers from around the world

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions.

Noteworthy: #one week response time #accessible #10+ years old


Diagram | Open for submissions

United States-based literary magazine that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Review, Translation, Art, Wtf is genre, send anything.

WE VALUE the insides of things, vivisection, urgency, risk, elegance, flamboyance, work that moves us, language that does something new, or does something old--well. We like iteration and reiteration. Ruins and ghosts. Mechanical, moving parts, balloons, and frenzy. Buzz us.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 60 days. Acceptance rate of 6.95% based on 115 tracked submissions.

Noteworthy: #nonfiction prize winner #super extra popular


Rejection Letters | Open for submissions

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Photography.

We like the absurd, the heartbreaking, the hysterical. We like rejection letters, fiction, poetry, CNF, hybrid, whatever.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 60 days. Acceptance rate of 9.59% based on 146 tracked submissions.

Noteworthy: #brecht top 1000 # good vibes #somewhat competitive #engaged editors #super extra popular


Bending Genres | Open for submissions

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2018 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Hybrid.

We seek thrilling, fanciful, oddball, unusual, stunning fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction pieces. Think Olympics on a case of Red Bull. Think October in April. Think Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Do not accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 5 days. Acceptance rate of 8.91% based on 146 tracked submissions.

Noteworthy: #one week response time #brecht top 1000 #somewhat competitive #engaged editors #extra popular #5-day response time



New friends


Cypress Review | Open for submissions

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Poetry.

We accept short, contemplative works of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, especially anything strange, surreal, and/or experimental.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 2 days.

Noteworthy: #one week response time


The Goldfish Bowl | Open for submissions

United Kingdom-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.

A Leeds-based queer writers magazine

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 21 days.

Noteworthy: #active on socials #30-day response time


DIRTBAG | Closed for submissions

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction.

High/Low Literary Fiction. We Deliver Monthly.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions.

Noteworthy: #one week response time


Seedlings | Open for submissions

United Kingdom-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Photography.

Seedlings is a young art and writing magazine, releasing a handprinted book for each season. Founded 2024.

Fee: None | Pay: £5

Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 60 days. Acceptance rate of 16% (reported by editors).

Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials


Touchstone Journal (PSNH) | Closed for submissions

United States-based literary magazine founded in 1966 that publishes Poetry.

Poetry and Art Journal of the Poetry Society of New Hampshire (PSNH)

Fee: $3 | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 60 days. Acceptance rate of 35% (reported by editors).

Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials #nominates for industry awards


Contemplit Magazine | Deadline: September 30

literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Play.

Youth led Literary Magazine dedicated to work with an excessive focus on the use of language.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 60 days.

Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials


By the Beach | Open for submissions

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Poetry, Art, Photography.

Poetry & Art Journal

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 14 days. Acceptance rate of 50% (reported by editors).

Noteworthy: #read for free #two week response time


Root Cause: Stories of health, harm, and reclaiming our humanity in an epidemic of loneliness | Deadline: October 15

[ANTHOLOGY] United States-based, founded in 2024, publishes Nonfiction.

A forthcoming collection of nonfiction narratives exploring loneliness and isolation in the healthcare space.

Fee: None | Pay: $50

Do not accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 90 days.


infinite↓scroll | Deadline: September 15

United States-based literary magazine that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.

embrace the tiny! infinite↓scroll accepts poetry and prose of 50 words or less.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Do not accept simultaneous submissions.

Noteworthy: #one week response time


Lobster Salad and Champagne | Deadline: September 20

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Translation, Art.

Feminist literary magazine that publishes uplifting work

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 20 days. Acceptance rate of 30% (reported by editors).

Noteworthy: #30-day response time


Ebony Tomatoes Collective | Open for submissions

United States-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.

The Black intersectional literary & arts magazine that publishes what’s personal.

Fee: None | Pay: No

Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 90 days.

Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #active on socials


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Contests That Probably Won’t Scam You


Summer Short Story Award for New Writers | Deadline: August 25

A prize of $3,000 and publication in Masters Review is given annually for a short story by an emerging writer. Writers who have not published a book, self-published writers, and writers who have published books only with indie presses are eligible. The winning story will also be sent to agents Victoria Cappello (Bent Agency), Sarah Fuentes (United Talent Agency), Andrea Morrison (Writers House), Heather Schroder (Compass Talent), Nat Sobel (Sobel Weber Associates), and Marin Takikawa (Friedrich Agency) for review. Submit a short story of up to 6,000 words with a $20 entry fee from July 1 to August 25. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Fee: $20 | Awarding: $3,000 | Judge(s): Colin Barrett

Noteworthy: The Masters Review is fast becoming one of the go-to prestigious places for new writers to get published in. They pay super well and have published some great writers!


Barthelme Prize for Short Prose | Deadline: August 31

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Gulf Coast is given annually for a piece of short prose or prose poetry. Two honorable mentions will each receive $250. All entries will be considered for publication.

Submit a prose poem, a piece of flash fiction, or a micro-essay of up to 500 words. Each entry can include up to three pieces. The fee for each entry is $20, which includes a yearlong subscription to Gulf Coast.

Only previously unpublished work will be considered. The contest will be judged blindly, so please do not include your cover letter, your name, or any contact information in the uploaded document.

Fee: $20 | Awarding: $1,000 | Judge(s): Lucy Ives

Noteworthy: The Gulf Coast Review has been running some great contests for many years now. They’re an established lit mag that published awesome stuff!


Gemini Magazine Flash Fiction Contest | Deadline: August 31

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Gemini Magazine is given annually for a work of flash fiction. The editors will judge. Submit a story of up to 1,000 words with an $8 entry fee by August 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Fee: $8 | Awarding: $1,000 | Judge(s): Editors

Noteworthy: This is the contest’s 16th year running! Also, they just charge $8 as a reading fee.


Creative Writing Aesthetica Award | Deadline: August 31

Two prizes of £2,500 (approximately $3,171) each and publication in Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual are given annually for a poem and a short story. In addition, the winner in poetry receives a membership to the Poetry Society in London, a course from the arts organization Poetry School, and two online master classes from the London-based creative writing nonprofit Arvon. The winner in short fiction receives a five-day course from Arvon and a consultation with the literary agency Redhammer Management. Both winners receive subscriptions to Granta, London Magazine, and Mslexia; membership to Litopia; and a six-week writing course from Curtis Brown Creative (a writing school led by authors and literary agents) in their respective genre.

Fee: $15 | Awarding: £2,500 | Judge(s): Editors

Noteworthy: I remember reading a few issues of Aesthetica — their print mag is so gorgeous, top-notch quality. It’d be a dream to appear in it!


Oxford Poetry Prize | Deadline: August 31

A prize of £1,000 (approximately $1,268) and publication in Oxford Poetry will be given annually for a single poem. Submit a poem of up to 50 lines with a £10 (approximately $13) entry fee by August 31. A limited number of fee waivers are available based on financial need. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Fee: $13 | Awarding: $1000 | Judge(s): Rachel Long

Noteworthy: Affordable price points always get me with contests.


Below, we have a downloadable spreadsheet for this week’s opportunities for paid subscribers.

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