NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION BRANCH (NCR)
Weekly Notices for the week of Feb. 24 to March. 2, 2014
16 ITEMS 6 NEW 5 NEW CALLS plus 18 NEW CONTESTS
Please send all submission & event notices to Carol Stephen at cstephen0@gmail.com
####Find writing-related services offered by our members at our CAA-NCR website http://www.canauthors-ottawa.org/hire-a-member.shtml
CAA-NCR EVENTS: NOTE TO CAA MEMBERS: Recently published a novel, won a writing award, had a spectacular book signing or in some other way been recognized within the writing community? Write a short blurb about it & we’ll publish it in Byline, the CAA-NCR branch Magazine. We’re all excited, and encouraged, when someone in our writing family shines. Send a note to Sharyn Heagle, Editor, Byline at <sharyn_40@yahoo.com>
ITEM 1: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS TO CAA-NCR’s BYLINE MAGAZINE
If you have an article of interest to writers contact the Editor, Sharyn Heagle, at sharyn_40@yahoo.com. Byline pays 2-1/2 cents per word to a maximum of $25 on publication. Member promotional material is included in Byline at no cost. Contact the Editor for details.
ITEM 2: THE CAA-NCR FIRST ANNUAL BOOK FEST
DATE: Sat. April 12, 2014, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (lunch break 12:30–1 p.m.)
LOCATION: Clark Hall, RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa (free parking++)
ENTRY: $5 coupon which can be used towards purchase of any book!
- RAFFLE: Raffle of donated books, to be held during inter-panel breaks.
- FOOD: Full restaurant/bar within the centre.
- READING: Participating authors will have the opportunity to read x 2 minutes.
- Video tapes of such readings may be possible, at no extra cost.
CAA-NCR is really pleased to announce it will hold its First Annual Book Fest on Saturday April 12, 2014. This will not only display books for signing and sale, but will also permit readers to hear our CAA-NCR authors and other authors in Ottawa and surrounding area read from their books, and possibly discuss them in public discussion groups, to be selected according to genre. This will depend on the number of participating authors in each genre, such as: Canadian fiction, international fiction, gender issues, politics, children’s books, and erotica. List and sequence of panels will be determined and published, once all authors and genres are known.
Half hour long moderated panel discussions will alternate with half hour periods of browsing by readers, who will be able to interact with their favourite authors and ask questions privately at the authors’ tables. Q & A will also be permitted at the end of panel discussions, thus stimulating interest and sales.
- Authors will rent half tables at $40. No sharing. (co-authors may also attend).
- They may have a chance to participate in the discussions, and in 2 minute videos
- of their reading, usable on YouTube.
- Those who pay early will be assigned the best positioned tables.
- Local bookstores may be included ONLY after individual authors have been accommodated, depending on table space, which is limited.
Authors: Please e-mail ghanems@rogers.com Qais Ghanem, VP Electronic Media a list of your books including genre, to reserve a half table or more. You will then be asked to mail your $40 cheque, payable to CAA-NCR to our treasurer (address will be supplied at the time). THANK YOU!
CAA-NCR MEMBER NEWS
ITEM 3: CAA-NCR MEMBER, DONALD B. ANDERSON AMAZON LAUNCH
NEW!
Donald Anderson is pleased to announce his achievement of 3 printed volumes in my 10 volume library on The Creation of the Black Russian Terrier. Volume 3 Moscow: Teffi Group has just been listed on Amazon.com
Volumes 1 and 2 have seen good sales in Canada, USA, UK and Europe. Volume 4 will be published soon. Below is the link to Amazon.com showing all three published volumes. Nearly 10 years in the making.
Here is an excerpt from Don’s bio at Amazon : “With nearly sixty years’ experience within the world of dogs, Donald B. Anderson was drawn by destiny to the Black Russian Terrier in 2004. This interest was initiated by information that this “new dog” had been created by the Russian military under Stalin’s rule, following WWII. The captivating attraction was that its format was founded on Anderson’s beloved Giant Schnauzer breed… His professional approach to the world of dogs, bolstered by a 40-year career in international conference organization and high level international protocol, served well in establishing contacts and working relationships, over time, within the world of the Black Russian Terrier. Despite the inevitable challenges in breaking the perceived Russian codes of secrecy, Anderson has garnered a phenomenal amount of information. In 1961 he began showing Bullmastiffs in Eastern Ontario and in 1967 introduced the Giant Schnauzer to Canada….
Donald B. Anderson is the holder of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal. He also is the recipient of Awards of Excellence for Exemplary Professionalism in the Federal Public Service of Canada. He holds a Degree in Law and Security Administration.”
ITEM 4: CAA-NCR MEMBER, EMILY-JANE HILLS ORFORD LAUNCH
DATE: Saturday, March 1, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION: BOOKSTOP, 1 Jockvale Road, Barrhaven
In celebration of International Women’s Day, award winning North Gower author, Emily-Jane Hills Orford, is releasing her new book: Amazingly Extra-Ordinary Women. Join her for a launch and book signing at BookStop, 1 Jockvale Road (Barrhaven) on Saturday, March 1st, 1 to 3 p.m.
Women are amazing! How many times have women heard that phrase over the years? Certainly not enough! Women do many things, have done many things. Women are caregivers, teachers, friends, mothers, daughters, sisters. Women work at home; they work in the outside world. Women are missionaries, medical professionals, lawyers, leaders and faithful followers. The bottom line, though, is that women make a difference. Women reach beyond their societal prejudices to do that little extra, to make this world a better place for themselves and for all of us. Throughout history, women have done all of these things and more. Women have made a difference and their stories, most of which are relatively unknown, speak of their abilities to go the extra mile, to give just a little bit more, to reach out and care. Amazingly Extra-Ordinary Women is a collection of these stories: from the women who outshone others as young girls, to the women as adults who selflessly gave of themselves in so many different ways.
For more information, check out the author’s website at: emilyjanebooks.ca or contact her at: ejhomusic@gmail.com
CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL NEWS
ITEM 5: CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION EMERGING WRITER AWARD
The Canadian Authors Emerging Writer Award honours a Canadian writer under 30 who shows exceptional promise in the field of literary creation. Genre doesn’t matter: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, scripts – published or unpublished. The winner may be selected based on a body of work in a variety of forms, or on a body of work in a single genre or writing form.
Nominations may be made by creative writing instructors, Canadian Authors branches and TWIGs, professional writers, and publishers.
Deadline: March 31, 2014 (postmark). Entry fee: none. Prize: $500 plus a one-year membership with Canadian Authors Details: http://canadianauthors.org/national/caa-literary-awards/
ITEM 6: CANWRITE! 2014 SHORT STORY CONTEST
It’s back! Canadian Authors’ short story anthology contest is back – and so is your chance to win cash, attend a great conference and get published. The top 10 stories will be published in an anthology to be launched at this year’s CanWrite! conference and retreat. Download entry form as well as guidelines for details. Deadline: April 1, 2014 Entry fee: $20 per entry Prize: 1st prize: $200 plus a free conference registration; 2nd prize: $100 plus a free conference registration; 3rd prize: free conference registration Details: http://canadianauthors.org/conference/canwrite-contest/ or 866 216 6222
OTHER WORKSHOPS
ITEM 7: SUSAN HICKMAN SPRING WORKSHOP: LIVE IT * WRITE IT * LEARN IT
DATES: Eight weeks beginning after March break, two-hour evenings (day to be determined)
LOCATION: Boardroom of Dymon Storage on Coventry, off Vanier Parkway
COST: $174: Pay by end of February for 10% discount
A writing workshop that encourages you to write what you know (fiction and/or non-fiction), give and receive valuable feedback within a small group atmosphere, and learn to take risks with your writing. A guest speaker, who is a published author, will join us for at least one session.
Contact: Susan Hickman 613-290-7646 (afternoons or evenings) or email shickman19@gmail.com
For more information about veteran writer/journalist Susan Hickman:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hickmansusan
ITEM 8: 2014 ONTARIO WRITERS’ CONFERENCE NEW!
Date: May 2 – 3, 2014
Location: Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility, Ajax, ON
The Ontario Writers’ Conference is dedicated to the celebration of writing by inspiring, educating & connecting writers of all levels; providing participants with an opportunity to network with writers and other publishing professionals; and encouraging writers to publish, promote and sell their work.
Details: http://thewritersconference.com/
ITEM 9: PROFESSIONAL WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Date: June 4 – 7, 2014
Location: Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Toronto
PWAC is once again partnering with Magazines Canada and other publishing associations to hold its 2013 national conference at MagNet, the industry-wide annual conference that PWAC founded with our partners in 2006. This year marks the 37th year of PWAC, and this year’s conference promises to be one of the best.
Details: www.pwac.ca/eventsandresources/pwacnationalconferenceagm
SUBMISSION CALLS AND OPPORTUNITIES
ITEM 10: BYWORDS.CA SUBMISSION CALL
DEADLINE: The 15th of every month for the following month’s issue
Bywords.ca considers previously unpublished poetry from emerging and established poets for our online monthly magazine. We consider work by current and former residents, students and workers of Ottawa. We also publish poems by contributors to our predecessor, the Bywords Monthly Magazine. FOR SUBMISSION INFORMATION VISIT www.bywords.ca and click on Guidelines. Amanda Earl, Managing Editor. Check out Bywords.ca’s literary events calendar here: http://www.bywords.ca/calendar/index.php, with up-to-date info on NCR readings, book signings, writers’ circles, literary festivals, spoken word showcases & slams. Event submissions can be sent to events@bywords.ca.
Also check out the latest issue of experiment-o-: Issue 6 – to the others here: http://www.experiment-o.com/
ITEM 11: OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS 50+ SHORT STORY CONTEST
This winter, the Ottawa Public Library is hosting an annual Short Story Contest for older adults. This contest was formerly called the City of Ottawa 55+ Short Story Contest. Adults 50 years or older, who have a Library card, are eligible to enter. They are invited to submit a maximum of two short stories either in English or French. Stories must be original and unpublished works and under 2000 words. The contest opens February 11, 2014 and the deadline for submissions is March 11, 2014.

Ottawa Public Library’s Main Branch, designed by Bemi & Associates Architects (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Participants can win a cash prize which will be presented at An Afternoon of Storytelling on Wednesday, May 14 during which these authors will each read from their winning stories. For contest details, visit http://www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca or contact InfoService at 613-580-2940 or InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca
ITEM 12: CAPITAL CRIME WRITERS’ 2014 SHORT STORY CONTEST
NEW!
Capital Crime Writers announces its 2014 Short Story Contest. It is open to all residents 18+ in the National Capital Region. Entries must be unpublished original works of fiction with a crime theme and be no longer than 3500 words. The submission deadline is April 1, 2014 and the entry fee is $10.00 ($25.00 if you request a critique). A shortlist will be announced in May. Awards will be presented in June. First prize: $200.00. Further information and submission instructions are at: http://www.capitalcrimewriters.com
Capital Crime Writers has grown to a group of over seventy members who meet on the second Wednesday of every month at Honeywell Boardroom at Ottawa City Hall (2nd floor). There is always a meet and greet from 7:00 to 7:15 PM, prior to every meeting with the meetings alternating each month between a writing workshop and a guest speaker. Read more:
http://www.capitalcrimewriters.com
IN THE INTEREST OF WRITERS HELPING WRITERS
ITEM 13: TREE READING SERIES PRESENTS DAVID MANICOM + STEVEN HEIGHTON NEW!
DATE: Tuesday, February 25, 2014
LOCATION: CLUB SAW, 67 NICHOLAS ST. OTTAWA
6:45 p.m. Workshop – Facing Fears with Jenna Tenn-Yuk: Has silence ever prevented you from speaking your voice and story? This week Jenna Tenn-Yuk will be running a workshop on facing your fears, and finding and speaking your voice through poetry. Jenna Tenn-Yuk is a spoken word artist, public speaker and educator. She runs a monthly poetry series, Words to Live By, and facilitates spoken word workshops.
8:00 p.m. Readings – Open Mic and Featured Readers
David Manicom has published nine books, including five collections of poetry. The Burning Eaves was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award. Progeny of Ghosts: Travels in Russia and the Old Empire won the Quebec Writer’s Federation award for non-fiction. His two novels are The School at Chartres and Anna’s Shadow. Raised in rural southern Ontario, David has lived and worked in Montreal, Ottawa, Moscow, Islamabad, Beijing, Geneva and New Delhi.
Steven Heighton has been nominated for the Governor General’s Award, the Trillium Award and Britain’s W.H. Smith Award. Steven’s most recent books are the Trillium Award finalist The Dead Are More Visible (stories), Workbook, a collection of memos and fragmentary essays, and Every Lost Country (a novel). His 2005 novel, Afterlands, appeared in six countries; was a New York Times Book Review e ditors’ choice; and was a best of year choice in ten publications in Canada, the USA, and the UK. His poems and stories have received four gold National Magazine Awards and have appeared in such publications as London Review of Books, Best English Stories, Best American Poetry , Zoetrope: All-Story, Tin House, Poetry, TLR, The Walrus, and five editions of Best Canadian Stories . Steven is a fiction reviewer for the New York Times Book Review. In 2013 he was the Mordecai Richler writer-in-residence at McGill University.
More info at www.treereadingseries.ca
ITEM 14: RailRoad AT RAW SUGAR NEW!
DATE: Thursday, February 27, 2014 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: RAW SUGAR CAFÉ, 692 SOMERSET W. OTTAWA
RailRoad hosts Rachael Simpson, Stephen Brockwell & David O’Meara at Raw Sugar.
ITEM 15: OTTAWA INDEPENDENT WRITERS AGM FEB. 27, 2014
DATE: THURSDAY, FEB. 27, 2014 6:30 P.M.
LOCATION: Good Companions Seniors Centre, 670 Albert St. Ottawa
OIW will hold its Annual General Meeting on Feb. 27. Please attend and provide your input and ideas regarding the operation of your organization. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. sharp. Socializing starts at 6:30 p.m. with coffee and snacks.
The AGM, which will take place during the first half of the evening, will include an address by OIW President Susan Jennings and a full report about OIW activities during the past 12 months, plus the election of a board of directors. Several positions on the board are open. If you want to join the board and do your part to make OIW a better organization, please contact Bill Horne at: wghorne@rogers.com
The meeting takes place at the Good Companions Seniors Centre, 670 Albert St. in Ottawa. The building is easy to access using public transit.
PLEASE NOTE!!!!!! Part of the night will feature readings by OIW members AND THERE ARE SEVERAL OPENINGS for anyone wanting to read their work. If you want an opportunity to dazzle the audience with your work, please contact OIW President Susan Jennings at: susanjennings@sympatico.ca
ITEM 16: PLAN 99 READING SERIES PRESENTS JENNIFER LOVEGROVE & ANIA SZADO
NEW!
DATE: Saturday, March 1, 2014 5:00 P.M.
LOCATION: THE MANX PUB, 370 ELGIN ST. OTTAWA
Jennifer LoveGrove’s first novel, Watch How We Walk, was recently published by ECW Press. The Globe and Mail called it “a thoughtful, well-crafted and impressive debut.“ She is the author of poetry collections The Dagger Between Her Teeth (ECW Press 2002) and I Should Never Have Fired the Sentinel (ECW Press 2005), and is at work on a new manuscript of poetry. For a decade, she edited and published dig., and from 2007-2011 she was one of the producers and hosts of the literary radio show “In Other Words” on CKLN 88.1FM. In 2010, she was shortlisted for the K. M. Hunter Artist Award for Literature.
Ania Szado is a graduate of Ontario College of Art & Design and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. Born in Hamilton, Ontario she lives in Toronto. Ania’s short fiction has been nominated for the Journey Prize and the National Magazine Award and her non-fiction credits include The Globe & Mail and Flare Magazine. Her novel BEGINNING OF WAS (Penguin Canada) was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize (Best First Book, Canada/Caribbean), nominated for the international Kiriyama Prize, and named a NOW Magazine Top Ten book. Studio Saint-Ex is published with Penguin Canada and Knopf USA (2013). It has also been sold for publication in Russia, Italy and Poland.
MAGAZINE SUBMISSION CALLS:
NO DEADLINES SPECIFIED:
NEW! Carole Baldock, editor of Orbis, welcomes poetry and prose submissions, and publishes a regular ‘forthcoming competitions’ listing, Kudos. More at their respective websites: www.orbisjournal.com
Kudos: www.kudoswritingcompetitions.com
Dreadful Cafe is now soliciting query letters (fiction) and samples (art) for “Thresholds,” their second anthology of art and fiction. All genres are eligible — including short stories, novellettes, and novellas — but preference is given to works that cross more than one and which reflect the flavor and theme. Length: 1000-25000 words. Payment: $20-$250. Deadline: Open. Guidelines: http://dreadfulcafe.com/thresholds
Strangelet Literary Journal Open to Submissions. Strangelet is a new journal of speculative fiction, accepting fiction, poetry, nonfiction, graphic stories/comics, and artwork. It is now open to submissions of short stories, graphic fiction, poems and essays. It is a paying market.Details: www.strangeletjournal.com/submit/
The Traveling Poet (US) is an ezine publishing poetry from writers ages 12-25, and articles on hitchhiking, traveling broke, poverty, and philosophy. Poetry about traveling is ideal, but any subject is welcome. No Beat Generation re-enactments. Deadline: Rolling Guidelines:
http://travellingpoetblogzine.wordpress.com/
Entertainment and pop culture magazine A Bard’s Tales (Canada) is looking for contributing writers. Payment: $50 for features, $50 for reviews, and $25 for opinion pieces. All pieces must be first pitched (lead to the story, possible sources, rough length, etc) and approved by one of the ABT editors. Deadline: Open. WEBSITE: http://abardstales.com/
New Toronto-based graphic arts mag, Archenemy Magazine, seeks editorials, reviews and creative writing related to comics, illustration and design. Creative pieces will be illustrated by a contributing artist. Also interested in potential regular writers/features. Length: 600–2500 words. Accepting freelance pitches and humour pieces, also. “Compensation is always awarded.” Deadline: Ongoing. Guidelines: archemag.com/contribute
Maelstrom, a US print literary journal, is currently seeking submissions of poetry, short fiction, art, and photography that is edgy, smart, funny, and/or weird. Length: 5000 words max. or 3-5 poems. Payment: one copy. Deadline: Open. Guidelines: maelstromjournal.com/submission-guidelines
Poetry Space (UK) is looking for poetry, art, and writing submissions from young writers and artists. All ages welcome. Parents and guardians welcome to submit on child’s behalf. No fees. Guidelines: poetryspace.co.uk/young-writers-space
The Furious Gazelle seeks short stories, micro fiction, flash fiction, nonfiction, poetry, short plays, monologues, novel excerpts and art. Wants writing that is “good and well written” and art that is “artistic.” Length: 8000 words max. Deadline: ongoing. Guidelines: thefuriousgazelle.com/about
Online literary magazine The Steel Chisel (Canada) is “perpetually looking” for prose and poetry submissions from Canadian writers. Include a short bio with location, occupation, and any relevant award/publication accomplishments. Deadline: Rolling, on 6th of the month. Guidelines: http://www.thesteelchisel.ca/contact.html
Circa: A Journal of Historical Fiction (Ottawa, ON) is accepting submissions on a historical theme. Accepts fiction, creative non-fiction, book reviews, and articles that have a fresh take on history. Also appreciates genre-crossing, and speculative and alternative history. Length: 2500 words max. (fiction) and 800 words max. (reviews and articles). As a Canadian journal, Circa especially likes Canadian stories. Deadline: Rolling. Guidelines: circajournal.com/submissions
The Mackinac (Canada/US) seeks poetry that “bridges the strait between nostalgia and the immediate, the wilds seen and unseen, the best of emerging and established voices.” Submit up to 3 to 5 poems for consideration. Deadline: Ongoing. Guidelines: themackinacmagazine.com/submit.html
Dead Beats (Sheffield, UK), a student-run publishing and live poetry organization, seeks submissions. Accepting poems, short stories (max. 2000 words) and experimental pieces from everyone, regardless of experience. Seeks to “share inspired and inspiring works from around the globe.” No deadline. Guidelines: http://www.deadbeats.eu/submission
Independent hybrid lit mag The Holler Box accepts submissions of poetry, fiction, lyric essays, nonfiction, and artwork year-round. Each issue is published online and in the form of a limited release handmade chapbook. Welcomes the alternative and experimental, as well as new and unpublished writers. Length: 5000 words max (prose) and poetry (up to 3). Guidelines: https://thehollerbox.submittable.com/submit
Quarterly journal Squalorly (US) welcomes submissions of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, illustration, and photography. Submit story/essay (5000 words max), flash pieces (up to 3), and poems (up to 5). Appreciates work with emphasis on emotion: “Move, amaze, horrify, and educate.” http://www.squalorly.com/submit
Decoded Past is looking for writers with expertise in history and/or prehistory. This internet site will showcase articles written by experts for the general reader: new interpretations of past events, new developments or theories, the past in the context of the present. Writers must hold a degree in the social sciences or historical sciences and be writing in an area of personal expertise, or have an established platform in professional historical writing. Contact Rosemary Drisdelle at info@rosemarydrisdelle.com.
From the Well House is accepting fiction, scholarly essays and poetry. Details can be found at: http://fromthewellhouse.org/?bu0Dd7M9.
Neon: A Literary Magazine accepting submissions, info: http://www.neonmagazine.co.uk/
Queen’s Quarterly is accepting articles, reviews, short stories and poetry. Details can be found here: http://www.queensu.ca/quarterly/correspondencesubmissions.html.
Event Poetry and Prose is accepting submissions. Guidelines are available at: http://eventmags.com/about-2/submission-guidelines/fiction-poetry/.
The Ottawa Arts Review seeks prose submissions (including short fiction, personal essays, reviews, and interviews) relating to literary and visual arts, poetry, drama, and visual art. oar.uesa.ca/submissions/submission-guidelines/
The recently-launched Northern Cardinal Review (Canada) is seeking creative and vivid poetry, non-fiction essays, and book reviews. Open to writers living in Canada, Alaska, or the northern border states of the U.S. http://northerncardinalreview.wordpress.com/submissions/
Comedy website The Higgs Weldon (US) seeks forms of writing (1000 words max.) and cartoons. Deadline: Ongoing: http://thehiggsweldon.com/submit/
Kolaj (Montreal, QC) is a quarterly, print magazine about contemporary collage. Seeks critical reviews and essays, artist profiles, event highlights, articles on collage making, collecting, and exhibiting, and other contributions. Pays. kolajmagazine.com/content/submissions
LWOT (Lies With Occasional Truth) seeks fiction from writers in Canada “(and sometimes by Americans who pretend, in their cover letters, to be Canadian)”. The term fiction is open to interpretation. : http://lwot.net/submission.htm
The New Inquiry welcomes short- and long-form pieces “from anyone who wants to write.” Looks for well-written, original posts on ideas, books, art, culture, and more. No fiction or poetry. : http://thenewinquiry.com/submit-to-tni/
Website strange bOUnce accepts short stories, satire, and poetry, that have been “lightly brushed with sport.” Send work to IWantToWrite@strangebOUnce.com. No payment. http://strangebounce.com/
Independent magazine Bitterzoet (US) is now looking for new poetry, fiction, and artwork for their monthly online zine and bi-annual print editions, and mini chapbooks. Publishes work that engages in the “interplay between bitterness and sweetness, light and darkness, salvation and damnation.” Accepts poetry (3-8) prose (6 pages max), and artwork. Also looking for shorter pieces (“bonbons”) of poetry (10 lines max) and prose (150 words max.). Deadline: rolling. Guidelines: bitterzoetmag.submittable.com
2014 DEADLINES:
DEADLINE: THE 7TH OF EACH MONTH The Bohemyth is OPEN for submissions. based in Dublin, Ireland – but there are no geographic restrictions for submitting. Each new issue will published on the 7th of each month. To be considered for publication in an issue, your submission must arrive within the first and last day of the previous month. We will only respond to successful submitters in the first week of each month. Occasionally we will give feedback to unsuccessful submitters. We are looking for contemporary short fiction with a literary bent. We want ideas that affect, engage, move and entertain, writing that is beautiful, poetic, thought-provoking, edgy, original and inspiring. We want images that linger in minds, words that beat out the beat of broken hearts, stories that seduce and savage souls. Word count: less than 2,000 words for short fiction pieces. Max 2 fiction submissions at a time. Poetry that attempts to communicate. Max 6 poems. We want essays that ask more questions than they answer. Max 2 essays. Also interested in photography submissions – please send three to five images saved as jpegs. Include short bio in the third person, send submission in the body of an email to thebohemytheditor@gmail.com with ‘Submission’ , and whatever category you’re submitting to, as the title of the email. If you want your blog/website/twitter handle included as part of you bio please send on full links to these. All works must be the original creation of the writer/photographer. Copyright remains with the artist.
FEBRUARY DEADLINES :
ARTEMISpoetry, Issue 12, poetry deadline 28th February. R V Bailey’s discerning but generous eye will be selecting poetry for Issue 12 of ARTEMISpoetry. All the poetry in the issue will be selected by her as there are no ‘competition’ poems competing for attention in this issue. Please send us poems (two copies of each, unpublished) by the 28 FEBRUARY deadline. It is quite in order to send poems already submitted for Her Wings of Glass. Please see the guidelines for submission before sending: http://www.secondlightlive.co.uk/artemis.shtml#submit You still have another month for sending in Artwork… again, see the guidelines for what and how to submit.
MARCH DEADLINES:
THE BOHEMYTH SPECIAL EDITION Info for March. Dear Readers, In tribute to International Women’s Day – which is marked on March 8th annually – we here at The Bohemyth have decided to dedicate our March Issue – which will be published on March 7th – exclusively to women. In an attempt to showcase some of the very best creative talent this generation has to offer, we decided to initially solicit submissions from women who we read, admire, and are excited about seeing what they will do next. The response and enthusiasm for the idea was fantastic. Our line-up is stellar. But. We at The Bohemyth are greedy. We’re greedy for *new*. For promising. For great. For poetry. For fiction. For photography. For essays. And so we have decided to open our submissions, in the hope that unfamiliar names will submit work we think deserves to stand alongside the already amazing pieces we are receiving from our confirmed contributors. Our normal submission guidelines still apply. All that we ask from any prospective submitters to our special March Issue is the following:
– be a woman – have something to say – say it in a way we cannot ignore. http://thebohemyth.com/2014/02/01/info-for-march/
For an upcoming anthology, In Fact Books (US) seeks essays by writers with insight into the nature and experience of profound psychiatric challenges — as patients, mental health professionals, or both. Seeking true narratives about the recovery process and the therapeutic journey. Scientific information should be balanced by the writer’s unique perspective. Stories should reach beyond a strictly personal experience for some universal or deeper meaning. Length: 4500 words max. Open to international writers. Note: $3 to submit online. Deadline: March 1, 2014. Guidelines: https://www.creativenonfiction.org/submissions/mental-health-anthology
Cleis Press seeks sex toy erotica stories of all varieties for an anthology. Length: 1500-4000 words. Payment: $50/story & 2 copies of book on publication. Deadline: March 1, 2014. http://lustylady.blogspot.ca/2013/12/3-erotica-calls-for-submissions-sex.html
Sunshine in a Jar Press. Looking to get published? Sunshine in a Jar Press is welcoming submissions to its new anthology “The Writing Spiral” which will be released in Fall of 2014. They are seeking poems, memoirs, stories and essays, and possible themes are love, loss, joy, decadence, deprivation, hope, fear, friendship, family, work, social responsibility, health, culture, light, and darkness. There is also the opportunity for monthly writing classes to feed your process at Trent University, Oshawa Campus. Deadline: March 1, 2014 Details: www.sunshineinajar.com/ or call 289 252 1978
New Welsh Review (Wales) seeks dynamic, curious, lively, and outward-looking writing. Looking for short stories (2500 to 3000 words) and poems (up to six). Occasionally publishes shorter stories and microfiction. Payment: £100 per story and £28 per each poem, upon publication. Also welcomes submissions and ideas for online content (no payment): short reviews (600-800 words), opinion pieces (450 words) and author interviews (8-15 questions). Deadlines: December 12, 2013 and March 1, 2014. Guidelines: newwelshreview.com/submissions.php
Jobbers seeking poetry that “reviles, reflects or revels in the art of professional wrestling” for the Jobbers Poetry Zine Collection. Deadline March 21, 2014 (Publication April 15, 2014). http://nathanielgmoore.tumblr.com/
Speculative fiction submissions wanted for anthology Start a Revolution: QUILTBAG Fiction Vying for Change. Published by Exile Editions (Canada) in Spring 2015. International subs welcome. Length: 2,000-10,000 words (< 7.5k preferred). Payment; $0.05/word. Deadline: March 31, 2014 Guidelines: http://michaelmatheson.wordpress.com/start-a-revolution/
Cactus Press (Montreal) is looking to publish a series of poetry chapbooks from Montreal-based writers in preparation for their debut launch. Deadline: March 31, 2014. Theme/length: open. Guidelines: http://cactuspress.blogspot.ca/p/submit.html
APRIL DEADLINES:
JackPine Press (SK) is seeking proposals for collaborations of poetry and design to be launched as limited edition hand-bound chapbooks in Fall 2014 (and beyond). Attention to literary merit, typography and binding techniques is considered; also, the ways in which the proposed work both challenges the notion of what a book can be while also upholding an excellent standard of writing and bound book design. Deadline: April 16, 2014 GUIDELINES: http://www.jackpinepress.com/guidelines.php
NEW! ROOM MAGAZINE: Call for Submissions for 37.4. Room magazine invites unpublished writing on any theme for our upcoming issue, 37.4, edited by Christina Cooke and assistant edited by Taryn Hubbard. See our submission guidelines for details on how to submit. http://www.roommagazine.com/submit Deadline: Wednesday, April 30 2014
AND LATER:
Open access journal Beyond Borderlands: A Critical Journal of the Weird, Paranormal, and Occult (Canada) is a forum for the interdisciplinary, artistic, and critical exploration of topics relating to esotericism, paranormality, and the culturally weird. Accepting letters to the editor, scholarly and popular articles, music, art, creative writing, occult explorations, and reviews. No payment. Deadline: May 1, 2014. guidelines: http://www.beyondborderlands.com/index.php/submissions
The Potomac Review (Montgomery College, Maryland) accepts submissions of poetry (up to three), fiction and nonfiction (5000 words max.), photography, and artwork. Appreciates both realistic and experimental prose and poetry. Deadline: May 1, 2014. Guidelines: http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/EDU/Alt.aspx?id=19015
Online journal The California Journal of Women Writers seeks submissions from female writers/poets/students for its second biannual chapbook of short fiction and poetry. Theme: Home — the words, ideas, and images evoked when thinking about home. Length: 2000 words max. Deadline: May 24, 2014. Guidelines: http://journalwomenwriters.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/seeking-creative-writingpoetry-submissions-for-our-2nd-biannual-chapbook/
Blind Dog Press seeks poems and short prose pieces about the life and work of Arthur Rimbaud for an anthology, Fierce Invalids: A Tribute To Arthur Rimbaud (publications June 2014). Send 1-3 poems along with a short bio to rimbaudsubs@gmail.com. Payment: one copy. Editor: Glenn Cooper. Deadline: May 30, 2014.
NEW! A Star in the Heart anthology, submissions invited: poetry and short prose celebrating Advent and Christmas. Deadline end of June. Max 50 lines/599 words, unpublished to The Editor, David Grubb, A STAR IN THE HEART, 25 Belle Vue Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1JQ. UK (incl. sae for reply) or email to dgrubb@different-drums.co.uk
Heavy Feather Review Call for Submissions: “Vacancies,” Summer 2014 Double-Issue. Vacancies is our summer 2014 double-issue, and we are now accepting submissions. In “An Abandoned Factory, Detroit,” Phillip Levine frames vacancy as “… the loss of … power, / Experienced and slow, the loss of years, / The gradual decay of dignity …” It cultivates peoples, nations, and ideas, and can swiftly strip senators and masked vigilantes of their supposed powers. It loiters at crime scenes and stinks up family reunions. Here’s an anthology where you become the architect of reason and fabricate an ocean of experience, only to ravage it: “I wanted the whole world or nothing” (Charles Bukowski, Post Office). The bicycle mechanic when she is not fixing, the tropical fish store owner who opens each morning to find another proud school deceased, your fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, drama, what-have-you explores the dimly lit corners of the unoccupied, unassuming, or idle. Submit via Submittable (category: “Vacancies”). We only accept three to six poems. There will be no chapbook contest this issue (it will return with volume four) and there are no guidelines otherwise for fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, etc. The deadline for Vacancies consideration is July 15, 2014. Questions? E-mail the editors at heavyfeatherreview@gmail.com. Further info on heavy feather at: http://heavyfeatherreview.com/2014/01/30/call-for-submissions-vacancies-summer-2014-double-issue/
NEW! Deadline 30 July and 30 December: The French Literary Review: twice-yearly international magazine of poetry and prose. We are looking for contemporary poems; short stories and articles (1000-3000 words); extracts from novels which stand on their own; paintings/drawings, all of which must have a French connection. Submissions: Barbara Dordi, Editor, chemin de Cambieure 11240 CAILHAU, Aude, France.
NEW! Scintilla: Scintilla 17 is due out shortly, available from Amazon. Please do consider submitting poems for the Scintilla 18 edition by end of July this year. Dilys Wood and Myra Schneider are both featured in Scintilla’s ‘Chain of Conversation’ on their website. Comments on the chain are welcome: http://vaughanassociation.blogspot.co.uk/p/scintilla-poets-in.html
UPCOMING WRITING CONTESTS
2014 CONTESTS
DEADLINE NOT SPECIFIED:
Fjords Review Annual Book Contest. Call for Submissions!!! We’re still accepting submissions to our Annual Book Contest, and we’re looking for the best book manuscripts of fiction, poetry, essay and art. We publish, distribute and advertise the winner throughout our various networks and affiliates, and send review copies to all major review agencies. Plus, all entrants also receive a complimentary year subscription the Fjords biannual issues! You can read more about the contest, check out previous winners and submit your manuscript here: http://ow.ly/t83gr
MULTIPLE DEADLINES:
2nd Annual Story Starters Contest – Ontario Writers’ Conference. On the first of each month, our website will feature an extraordinary work by a local artist and we invite you to enter a piece of writing inspired by that work. Taking inspiration from the picture on our website, write a short piece (100 words maximum) and post it in the comment section of the entry page. It can be any form of writing (poetry, prose, dialogue, haiku, etc.) as long as it is original. Anyone may enter this contest. You may enter as often as you like. English entries only please. Deadline: the last day of the month that the artwork is featured Entry fee: none Prize: The top ten entries for each month will be sent to our final-round judge who will select a top 3 for each piece of art. The top three entries will be displayed at the 2013 Ontario Writers’ Conference (May 2nd & 3rd in Ajax, Ontario) for final voting by attendees. At the conference, delegates will review and vote for their favourites by ballot. The winning entries will be announced at the conference and each winner will be awarded a prize (tba).
Details: http://thewritersconference.com/whats-new/story-starters-contest/
FEBRUARY DEADLINES:
- The Nick Blatchford Occasional Verse Contest Deadline February 28, 2014. This contest is for poems of occasion, either personal or public, poems that make something an occasion or simply mark one. We will award a grand prize of $1000 to the poem judged most worthy. Another $1000 in prize money will be distributed as the judges fancy. However the prize money falls, the best of what we see will be published in The New Quarterly, at our usual rates. Entry fee: $40 for up to 2 unpublished poems, $5 for each additional poem . Submitters will receive a 1-year subscription (or subscription extension) to The New Quarterly. For full contest details and to enter visit tnq.ca/contests.
- Online and ebook journal Switchback (MFA-run, University of San Francisco, CA) is accepting poems, short stories, essays, and art. Three Editors’ prizes available, including a $200 prize for best piece. No reading fees. Deadline: February 28, 2014. Guidelines: swback.com/call
- Toronto Star Short Story Contest. The New Year marks the launch of the 36th Toronto Star Short Story Contest, among the largest in Canada and one of the top competitions in North America. With a first prize of $5000 plus tuition for the 30-week creative writing correspondence program at the Humber School for Writers valued at $3000, it’s also one of the most lucrative in the country. This contest is only open to Ontario residents. Deadline: February 28, 2014. Entry fee: none. Prize: 1st prize: $5000 plus tuition for creative writing correspondence program at the Humber School for Writers; 2nd prize: $2000; 3rd prize: $1000. Details: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/01/04/star_short_story_contest_seeks_entries.html
- HSA Bernard Lionel Einbond Renku Competition. Renku is a collaborative Japanese form consisting of 36, 20, or 12 stanzas written by two or more persons. The 2014 contest calls for 36-line kasen renga. No simultaneous submissions. Deadline: February 28, 2014 Entry fee: none Prize: Up to $150 and publication in Frogpond Journal and HSA website Details: www.hsa-haiku.org/hsa-contests.htm#einbond
- NEW! Strokestown International: Poetry Award – poems in English on any subject, max 70 lines, Judges Paddy Bushe and Neil Astley, 1st prize fund of €2000. Percy French Award for Comic Verse, judged by the Strokestown Wit Committee – emphasis very much on fun, prize fund €1,000. Deadline Friday February 28th. Festival, 2nd to 4th May. More at www.strokestownpoetry.org
- NEW! The Manchester Writing for Children Prize 2014: Deadline 28th February 2014. Judges: Mandy Coe, Imtiaz Dharker and Philip Gross. Under the direction of Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy – Professor of Contemporary Poetry and Creative Director of the Manchester Writing School at MMU. More at www.manchesterwritingcompetition.co.uk
MARCH DEADLINES:
- KENYON REVIEW SHORT FICTION CONTEST: Have a piece of unpublished short fiction of 1,200 words or fewer? Submit to the Seventh Annual Kenyon Review Short Fiction Contest any day through March 1st. The contest is open to writers who have not published a book of fiction. The winning story and two runners-up will be published in The Kenyon Review, and the winning writer will receive a full scholarship to a Kenyon Review Writers Workshop. Entry fee of $18 includes a one-year subscription to KR or extends your existing subscription by a year. Katharine Weber, the Richard L. Thomas Chair in Creative Writing at Kenyon College and author of five critically-acclaimed novels, including Triangle and True Confections, will be the final judge. Go short and good luck! Read more about the Short Fiction Contest here: http://www.kenyonreview.org/contests/short-fiction/
- Grasmere Publishing (BC) invites entries for the Lynn Manuel Children’s Fiction Contest. Prize: $500 cash, $1000 advance against royalties, and publication. Open to novels suitable for children aged 7-16 years old. Looking for an engaging voice, well-developed characters, and a strong storyline. Length: 25,000-75,000 words. No theme, but no violence. Open to Canadian and US residents who have not previously published a novel for children. Deadline: March 1, 2014 (first chapter only). Entry fee: $30. Guidelines: grasmerepublishing.com
- NEW! PEN International’s $1,000 prize for young writers. The PEN Nigeria has called for entries for the Pen International New Voices Award, which aims at encouraging new writing. Creating more space for young and unpublished writers, the award was conceived to encourage entries from diverse linguistic regions and communities. Prose entries must be between 2,000 and 4,000 words, while poetry entries may take the form of individual poems, a sequence, or one long poem of no more than 2,500 words in total. “Writers may only submit one prose work. All texts nominated must remain unpublished during the entire duration of the award.” The winning entry will be published by the PEN International, while the writer will receive an award of $1,000 USD. Read more: http://tiny.cc/f7sjbx DEADLINE MARCH 5, 2014.
- NEW! Words for the Wounded www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk raises money to help in the recovery of our wounded service personnel. 1st prize of £250, 2nd £100, 3rd £50, and publication in Writers’ Forum magazine. Entry £4.50. Poetry, non-fiction or fiction up to a maximum of 400 words on the subject of The Journey. Closing date 11th March.
- NEW! Brittle Star magazine’s inaugural poetry/short story competition, deadline Wednesday March 12th. Poems/stories in English. Prizes in each genre: 1st £250; 2nd £100; 3rd £50. Entry: £4 for 1st entry, £3 for subsequent entries; Brittle Star subscribers – 2nd entry FREE. More and entry form at: www.brittlestar.org.uk
- The Missouri Review’s Audio Literary Competition. The Missouri Review invites all writers and writer/producers to send us your recordings of original poetry or prose or your audio documentaries on any subject. All you need is a computer, microphone, software such as GarageBand or Audacity, and a great script! Winners and select runners up will have their work featured on The Missouri Review’s website and as part of our iTunes podcast series. Deadline: March 15, 2014. Entry fee: We have opened submissions (previously $20) to a pay-by-donation entry fee Prize: $1000 prizes awarded in three categories Details: www.missourireview.com/audiovisual/submissions/
- The Conium Review seeks submissions for its Innovative Short Fiction Contest. Judged by Manuel Gonzales. Winner receives $500, publication, five contributor copies, and a copy of the judge’s book. Length: 7500 words max. Entry fee: $15 (includes free issue download). Entry fee: $15. Deadline: March 15, 2014. Guidelines: coniumreview.com/contests.html
- MSLEXIA 2014 WOMEN’S SHORT STORY COMPETITION. A competition for unpublished short stories of up to 2,200 words. We accept work on all subjects, so write about anything and everything you fancy – we love to read it. 1ST PRIZE: £2,000 Plus two optional extras: a week’s writing retreat at Chawton House Library, and a day with a Virago editor. 2nd prize: £500, 3rd prize: £250 Three other finalists each receive £100 Judge: Jane Rogers Closing date: 17 March 2014 All winning stories will be published in the Jun/Jul/Aug 2014 edition of Mslexia Before you enter, find out all you need to know in the competition rules. Ready? Enter the competition. https://mslexia.co.uk/shop/scomp_enter.php
- NEW! A C Clarke: Federation Of Writers Scotland Vernal Equinox Competition 2014: Deadline Friday March 21st. Poems, no more than 40 lines each. Optional theme ‘Light’. Prizes: 1st £50, 2nd £25, 3rd £10. Publication in New Voices Press annual anthology. Entry fee £3 per poem. Full rules on website: http://www.writersfederation.org.uk/news-and-events/134-federation-of-writers-scotland-vernal-equinox-competition-2014.html or email acclarke6@btopenworld.com. Judges: Anne Connolly & Elizabeth Rimmer.
- The Edna Staebler Personal Essay Contest. Edna Staebler was a pioneer in the field of literary journalism. Edna opened the door for generations of personal essayists, not just with her example but with her generosity, founding many awards, scholarships, and bursaries. In the spirit of Edna’s contributions to the genre, we are interested in essays of any length, on any topic, in which the writer’s personal engagement with the topic provides the frame or through-line. Deadline: March 28, 2014 Entry fee: $40 Prize: $1000 for one winning essay; all submissions will be considered for paid publication ($250) in the magazine Details: www.tnq.ca/contests
- The Eric Hoffer Award for short prose and books: Winning stories and essays are published in Best New Writing, Book awards are covered in the US Review of Books. Prizes: Two grand prizes are awarded annually: one for short prose (i.e. fiction and creative nonfiction) and one for independent books from small, micro, and academic presses, as well as self-published books. Prizes include a $250 award for short prose and a $2,000 award for best independent book. In addition to the two main grand prize awards, various other honors and distinctions are given for both prose and books, including the Montaigne Medal, the da Vinci Eye, and the First Horizon Award. Submissions accepted each year by nominating books and prose. Book deadline January 21. Prose deadline March 31st. more info at: http://www.hofferaward.com/
- Ascent Aspirations Publishing. Summer Anthology 2014 CONTEST. Call for submissions. Submissions Open From December 2013 to March 31, 2014. THEME: Our theme is the bizarre (as in strikingly unconventional and far-fetched in style or appearance; odd) or (as in markedly unusual in appearance, style, or general character and often involving incongruous or unexpected elements; outrageously or whimsically strange), however there are word limits. Poetry is to be no more than 30 lines including the spaces between stanzas, so that the poem printed in 11 pt. font Times Roman will fit on one page. Flash Fiction prose is to be no more than 600 words, so that the prose printed in 11 pt. font Times Roman will fit on two pages. To clarify our criteria for this anthology, hone your words, and be a minimalist. FOR MORE INFO: http://www.ascentaspirations.ca/ascentsummer2014.htm
- Call for Submissions: The bpNichol Chapbook Award 2014. deadline March 31, 2014. The bpNichol Chapbook Award recognizes excellence in Canadian poetry published in chapbook form. The prize is awarded to a poetry chapbook judged to be the best submitted. The author receives $2,000 and the publisher receives $500. Awarded continuously since 1986, the bpNichol Chapbook Award is currently administered by the Meet the Presses collective. Interested authors or publishers should submit three copies of a chapbook of poetry in English published in Canada. Chapbooks should be not less than 10 pages and not more than 48 pages. The chapbooks must have been published between January 1st and December 31st of the previous year (2013), and the poet must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (three years minimum) Submissions must be sent by Canada Post or courier (and not hand-delivered to a Meet The Presses collective member). They are to include a completed submission form or accurate facsimile (download the submission form HERE), along with a brief C.V. of the author. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. The closing date for the 2014 bpNichol Chapbook Award is March 31, 2014. Submissions must be received by this date. If submission confirmation has not been received by e-mail by April 30, 2014, please send a query to Beth Follett at: feralgrl@interlog.com. The winner will be announced at the Meet the Presses Indie Literary Market in fall 2014. Send submissions to: Meet the Presses / bpNichol Chapbook Award, 113 Bond Street, St John’s NL A1C 1T6 . The cash prize to writer has been generously donated by an anonymous donor. The prize to the publisher is generously donated by writers Jim Smith and Brian Dedora. All chapbooks submitted will be archived at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library at the University of Toronto. Please email Meet The Presses for more information: meetthepresses@gmail.com. Meet the Presses is a Toronto-based collective devoted to promoting micro, small and independent literary presses. This collective has come together in the spirit of the original Meet the Presses event launched in Toronto in the mid-1980s by Nicholas Power and Stuart Ross. Meet the Presses organizes a variety of curated public events, all focussing on independent publishers of fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Meet the Presses – an unfunded and non-profit collective – is comprised of Gary Barwin, Paul Dutton, Ally Fleming, Beth Follett, Hazel Millar, Nicholas Power, and Stuart Ross. Chapbooks written by members of the Meet the Presses collective are ineligible for the award. Authors of chapbooks published by members of the collective remain eligible for the award.
APRIL DEADLINES:
- NEW! Seeking English-language poetry that helps us feel the experience of teaching and learning in higher education for an anthology edited by Dr Kathleen M Quinlan. Details and submission guidelines at: http://hepoetry.weebly.com Email he.poetry@yahoo.co.uk. Deadline 1 April 2014
- Writers Digest Self-Published Competition: Writer’s Digest hosts the 22nd annual self-published competition–the Annual Self-Published Book Awards. This self-published competition, co-sponsored by Book Marketing Works, LLC, spotlights today’s self-published works and honors self-published authors. Early-Bird Deadline: April 1, 2014 A chance to win $3,000 in cash – National exposure for your work. The attention of prospective editors and publishers, A paid trip to the ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference! http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions/selfpublished?et_mid=652598&rid=239199236
- PEN International 2014 New Voices Award. PEN Canada is now accepting submissions for the second PEN International New Voices Award. This is a great opportunity for students and unpublished writers. The annual award aims to encourage new writing and to provide a space where young, unpublished writers can submit their work. The winning writer, selected from the submissions of PEN centres around the world, will be published by PEN International and will receive a $1000 prize. Deadline: April 3, 2014. Entry fee: none Prize: $1000 and will be published by PEN International Details: www.pencanada.ca
- Dr. William Henry Drummond Poetry Contest. Spring Pulse Poetry Festival, Northern Ontario’s largest poetry/arts event is sponsoring the 2014 Dr. William Henry Drummond Poetry Contest this year. In 1970 the first contest began in Cobalt during the Miners festival on French-Canadian Day. It is the oldest non-governmental national poetry contest in Canada. The contest honours Canada’s most popular 19th century poet, Dr. Drummond was the town’s first doctor, a silver mine manager, and world famous poet who died in Cobalt in 1907. Deadline: April 11, 2014 Entry fee: $10 Prizes: 1st prize: $300; 2nd prize: $200; 3rd prize: $100 + 8 honourable mentions of $50 + 8 judge’s choice of $25. Complimentary anthology of winners, trophy, and award ceremony Details: www.springpulsepoetryfestival.com
- NEW! Bridlington Poetry Festival: The Philip Larkin Society & East Riding Poetry Prize 2014. Judge: Don Paterson. First Prize: £1000. Closing date: 14 April 2014. For more information and to download an application form visit: http://www.bridlington-poetry-festival.com/The-2014-Philip-Larkin–East-Riding-Poetry-Prize-page-5.html
- NEW! Ver Poets Open Competition, 2014. Deadline Wednesday April 30th. Judge Clare Pollard. Prizes: 1st £600; 2nd £300; 3rd £100 + winning/selected published in competition anthology. Entry £4 per poem or 3 for £10 + £2 thereafter. Entry Form: www.poetrypf.co.uk/comps/ver14.pdf
- (includes VER Membership information and Anthology offer). More on Ver Poets www.verpoets.org.uk or contact Membership Secretary daphneschiller8@gmail.com.
- NEW! Grey Hen Poetry Competition 2014 is for women over 60. Poems up to 40 lines on any theme. Judges: A C Clarke and Eleanor Livingstone. Prizes: £100, £75, £25. Entry Fee £3.00 per poem, £10 for 4. Rules and entry form (essential) from www.greyhenpress.com or write for further details to Grey Hen Press, PO Box 450, Keighley, W Yorks BD22 9BG Closing date 30th April
- NEW! Deadline Wednesday April 30th: Cornwall Contemporary Poetry Festival Competition. Poems no more than 40 lines each on any subject. Prizes: 1st £500; 2nd £150; 3rd £50. Winners invited to read at the festival. Entries: £4 for 1st submission; £2 for additional submissions. Judge Imtiaz Dharker will read all entries. See full rules at: www.cornwallcontemporary.wordpress.com
- NEW! Southport Writers; Circle annual poetry competition is now open for entries, the closing date is the 30th of April 2014; there are prizes of £150, £75 and £25 and £25 local and humour prizes. £3 per poem or four for £10, both postal and online entries are welcome. For full submission details please visit www.swconline.co.uk
- 2014 Bristol Short Story Prize is open to all published and unpublished, non-UK and UK based writers over 16 years of age. Stories can be on any theme or subject and entry can be made online via the website or by post. Entries must be previously unpublished with a maximum length of 4,000 words (There is no minimum). The entry fee is £8 per story (about 15 CAD). The closing date for entries is midnight (BST) April 30th 2014. Full details and rules at www.bristolprize.co.uk
- The Ontario Poetry Society Arborealis Prize For Poetry. Deadline April 30, 2014. Theme: the people’s poetry tradition. $20 for up to 4 poems, $5. Each additional poem. See website http://www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca/contest_Arborealis%202014.htm
- The Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton seeks short stories and poem for its annual Forget Me Not writing contest. Writers have until April 30 to submit stories of no more than 1,800 words, or poems of no more than 72 lines, in categories for writers 16 and older, and those who are younger. All entries, fiction or non-fiction, must begin with the words, “Remember when.” It’s the fifth year for the contest created to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, and raise money for the local chapter of the Alzheimer Society. Submissions by writers age 19 and older must be accompanied by a donation of $20 or more. Judy Doan, executive director of the local chapter, said the contest has attracted as many as 75 entries in a single year. Contest rules are available from the society’s office, 420 East St., N., 519-332-444.
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- Writer’s Digest has been shining a spotlight on up and coming writers in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for more than 80 years. Enter our 83rd Annual Writing Competition for your chance to win and have your work be seen by editors and agents! The winning entries of this writing contest will also be on display in the 83rd Annual Writer’s Digest Competition Collection. Early-Bird Entry Deadline: May 5, 2014. http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions/writers-digest-annual-competition?et_mid=657418&rid=239199236
- The New Quarterly invites entries for the The Peter Hinchcliffe Fiction Contest. Prize: $1000. Theme: any unpublished work of short fiction. Entry fee: $40 (includes subscription). All submissions will be considered for paid publication ($250) in the magazine. Deadline: May 28, 2014. Guidelines: tnq.ca/peter-hinchcliffe-fiction-award
- MULTIPLE DEADLINES: The Antigonish Review’s 2014 Writing Contests: GREAT BLUE HERON POETRY CONTEST & SHELDON CURRIE FICTION PRIZE. $2,400 in Prizes! Deadlines: Fiction entries must be postmarked by May 30, 2014. Poetry must be postmarked by June 30, 2014.
- Sheldon Currie Fiction Prize: Stories on any subject. Total entry not to exceed 20 pages. First prize:$600 & publication; Second prize: $400 & publication; Third prize: $200 & publication.
- Great Blue Heron Poetry Contest: Poems on any subject. Total entry not to exceed 4 pages. Maximum 150 lines. Entries might be one longer poem, or several shorter poems. First prize: $600 & publication; Second prize: $400 & publication; Third prize: $200 & publication. Guidelines: Previously published works, works accepted for publication or simultaneous submissions are ineligible. As well, past winners are ineligible. No electronic submissions, please. Fiction entries must be typed, double-spaced, one side of page only – poetry must be single-spaced. Please include a separate cover sheet containing your identifying information as well as the titles of all entries. Your name must appear ONLY on the cover page. Entry Fee: Canada $25.00; the United States $30.00 (US funds); All others $40.00 (US funds) for either contest. Bonus: You may enter both contests for an additional $10.00. You may enter as often as you like; only your first entry in each category will be eligible for a subscription which will begin with the fall issue, 2014. Make cheques or money orders payable to The Antigonish Review. Mail submissions to: The Antigonish ReviewContest, Box 5000, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, B2G 2W5. For further information, email TAR@stfx.ca, Phone 902-867-3962 or visit our website at <www.antigonishreview.com>. ENTRIES WILL NOT BE RETURNED; only winners will be notified by September 1, 2014. List of winners will be available at our web site: www.antigonishreview.com.
- NEW! Wigtown Poetry Competition. Online or postal entries. Deadline 30th May. More at: http://www.wigtownbookfestival.com/poetry-competition/wigtown-poetry-prize. And a new Facebook page to keep you up to date: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wigtown-Poetry-Competition/462973290470575?fref=ts
- NEW! Roundel, the Tonbridge-based poetry group, is holding its first open poetry competition in 2014. 1st prize £100, 2nd prize £50, 3rd prize £25. Judged by Abegail Morley. Closing date 31st May. Full details on website: www.roundelpoetrytonbridge.com
- Entries invited for the third annual Arizona Mystery Writers Story Contest. First prize $200. Open to mystery, suspense, and thriller. Length: 2500 words max. Open to everyone. Entry fee: $10. Deadline: June 1, 2014. See guidelines at: arizonamysterywriters.com/?page_id=1449
- NEW! All Wales Comic Verse Competition 2014. Prizes: £300, £200, £100. Max 3 poems, up to 30 lines each, £3. Closing date June 2nd 2014. Competition final, Sunday July 6th 2014 as part of the Literature on the Lawn event at this year’s Caerleon Festival. Full details: http://www.caerleon-arts.org/ComicVerseComp.html . Follow us on https://twitter.com/WalesComicVerse
- NEW! Segora Writing Competitions 2014: Deadline 15th June. Poetry Judge Blake Morrison. Short Story Judge Michèle Roberts. Vignette Judge: Ed Briggs. More at www.poetryproseandplays.com Presentation evening 29 Aug at the St Clémentin LitFest: www.stclementinlitfest.com
- NEW! Poetry Space Competition 2014 is open for entries until 30th June at midnight. Just £5 to enter a poem of up to 40 lines, all entries will be read by this year’s judge, Alison Brackenbury. Cash prizes for top three poems of £250, £100 and £50. The top twenty poems will be published in the prizewinners’ anthology and all selected poets will receive a complimentary copy. www.poetryspace.co.uk
- The Ontario Poetry Society Sparkle & Shine Poetry Anthology Chapbook Contest. Deadline June 30, 2014. Various themes. Fees: 1 poem for $2.00 or 3 poems for $5.00. See website: http://www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca/contest_sparkle&shine%202014.htm
- NEW! The 2014 Ledbury Poetry Festival Poetry Competition is now open! Judge Ian McMillan. First prize £1000 and a week at Ty Newydd the National Writers’ Centre for Wales. For rules and to download an entry form go to http://www.poetry-festival.co.uk/ledbury-poetry-competition/ Closing date 10 July. Festival dates are 4-13 July.
- Aesthetica Creative Writing Competition 2014: Now Open For Entries! Now in its seventh year, the competition champions and nurtures creative talent from across the world in a celebration of outstanding poetry and short fiction. Creative Writing Competition 2014 Prizes: £500 prize money for the Poetry Winner, £500 prize money for the Short Fiction Winner, Publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual, A selection of books from competition partner organisations. Writers are invited to submit their work into the categories of Short Fiction and Poetry. Fiction entries should be no more than 2,000 words each and poetry entries should be no more than 40 lines each. Both Short Fiction and Poetry entries should be written in English. Submissions previously published elsewhere are accepted. DEADLINE: AUG. 31, 2014 Visit http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/creativewriting to enter.
- The Ontario Poetry Society Food for Thought Contest. Deadline Sept. 30, 2014. Food-themed poems. Fees: 1 poem for $5.00 or 3 poems for $10.00. See website for full details: http://www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca/contest_Food%20for%20Thought.htm
- The Ontario Poetry Society Ultra Short Poem Competition. Deadline Oct. 30, 2014. Poems no longer than 8 lines, 8 words per line. Fees: 1 poem for $2.00 or 3 for $5.00. http://www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca/contest_Ultra%20short%20poem14.htm
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