NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION BRANCH (NCR)
Weekly Notices for the week of Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, 2014
17 ITEMS 6 NEW plus 7 NEW CALLS & 3 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: 27TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CAPITAL WRITING CONTEST HURRY!
DEADLINE FEBRUARY 7, 2014!
CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION–NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION WRITERS HELPING WRITERS
CATEGORIES: Short Story • Poetry Prizes in Each Category: $300, $200, $100
Guidelines for 2014 NCWC
The contest is open to members of CAA–NCR and/or residents of the National Capital Region
http://www.canauthors-ottawa.org/contests.shtml
CATEGORIES: Short Story (max. 2500 words) and Poetry (not Haiku) (max. 60 lines including title & blank lines)
ENTRIES must be the original, unpublished work of the entrant. Winning entries and/or Honourable Mentions may be published CAA–NCR’s e-mag, Byline, in a CAA–NCR anthology,
or in the Ottawa Citizen. Copyright remains with author.
Finalists are requested to attend CAA–NCR’s 25th Annual NCWC Awards Night, Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at 7 PM, Ottawa Public Library auditorium, 120 Metcalfe Street at Laurier.
Your presence is important to the celebration of your success with fellow entrants, families and friends. First place winners will be asked to read their entries.
Entries postmarked after midnight FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014 will be disqualified.
Submissions not accompanied by entry fee will be disqualified.
Submissions will be neither acknowledged nor returned.
Entries not conforming to rules will be disqualified.
Overpayment of entry fees will not be returned.
Entry fee: $15 per story; $15 for up to three (3) poems (poems will be judged individually);
number of entries unlimited.
Each prose entry must be in English, typed, on 8 1/2 x 11 paper, one side only, page-numbered consecutively on bottom right of pages. No extra-large type, please!
Indicate category and title on top left corner of every page.
Stories must be double-spaced; this is not required for poetry.
Contest is blind judged. Entrant’s name must NOT appear on the submission(s).
Include a separate cover page with contest category, story/poem title, name, address,
phone number, and e-mail address.
Members of CAA–NCR are entitled to one (1) free entry in one (1) category.
Make cheques payable to CAA–NCR and designate NCWC.
CAA–NCR reserves the right to withhold any prize should entries fail to meet expected standards.
Mail entries to: National Capital Writing Contest, 163 BELL ST., N., Box 57081, Ottawa ON K1R 7E1 Attention: Sharyn Heagle, Receiver
Information: Sharyn Heagle, CAA–NCR Contest Coordinator – sharyn_40@yahoo.com.
ITEM 3: CAA-NCR FEBRUARY MEETING NEW!

Ottawa Public Library’s Main Branch, designed by Bemi & Associates Architects (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
DATE: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Main Branch, Ottawa Public Library, Laurier and Metcalfe Streets
No charge for members, $10 for non-members.
PRESENTATION BY ALBERT DUMONT:
While reflecting on your life’s memories you recall a forgotten experience. What is its purpose? Why is it special?
An experience important enough not to be banished from your memory bank in a poem or short story waiting to be written about. Your life is a treasure trove of original verse and prose, parables and teachings for a good life of writing. Learn more with Albert Dumont.
ALBERT DUMONT, Spiritual Advisor, Algonquin, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, was employed by Correctional Services Canada for the last three years as a spiritual advisor for the Aboriginal men incarcerated at Millhaven Institution located near Kingston, ON. He is an activist, a volunteer and a poet who has published 5 books of poetry and short stories. In recognition for his work as an activist and volunteer on his ancestral lands (Ottawa and Region) Albert was presented with a Human Rights Award by the Public Service Alliance of Canada in 2010. Albert has dedicated his life to promoting Aboriginal spirituality and healing and to protecting the rights of Aboriginal peoples particularly those as they affect the young.
ITEM 4: CAA – NCR WORKSHOP COMING UP IN FEBRUARY NEW!
BOOK REVIEW HALF DAY WORKSHOP with Emily-Jane Hills Orford
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2014 Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Algonquin College, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa. Building T, Room 230
Parking: available adjacent to Building P, free on weekends.
Cost: $25 members; $40 non-members. Spaces are limited, so register early. Registration: Contact Arlene Smith somertonsmith@yahoo.com
What is a book review? And, more importantly why are book reviews so important? A book review is news. It is many things to many people. The book reviewer is the messenger, the one who is telling the world what is good or bad about a specific book. Writing book reviews, or any review for that matter, is a tricky business. It is, however, a great way to start a writing career as well as promote one’s own publications. Join our half-day book review workshop and find out what a book review means to you and, better yet, how to write a good book review.
Emily-Jane Hills Orford is a regular book reviewer for allbooks review (http://hstrial-allbooksreview.homestead.com/index.html) as well as Prairie Journal (http://prairiejournal.org/reviews.html). Emily-Jane’s writing reflects her love of Canada and the extra-ordinary Canadians who have made Canada a great nation. Her stories have appeared in History Magazine, Canadian Stories Magazine, and Western People. She has written several fiction and non-fiction books: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Ukulele Yukon, Letters From Inside, The Creative Spirit, It Happened in Canada (Books 1, 2, and 3), Personal Notes, The Whistling Bishop, Songs of the Voyageurs and F-Stop: A Life in Pictures.
ITEM 5: 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!
CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL NEWS
ITEM 6: CANWRITE! 2014 – SAVE THE DATE! Early Bird Registration for CanWrite! 2014 ENDS JAN. 27, 2014.
Stellar line up of workshop facilitators, panelists, and guest speakers, ensuring that this annual writers’ conference and treat is the one event you don’t want to miss! Special rates for early-bird registrants, members, and affiliates. This year’s conference will again be at Lakehead University’s Orillia Campus in sunny Orillia, Ontario, from June 19 to 22. (Master Classes June 18). Whether you’re a beginning writer or a long-time professional, you’ll find what you’re looking for at CanWrite! 2014, June 19 – 22. Be sure to register early, as there are limited seats available for pitch sessions, some of the workshops and master classes (held June 18). This is your opportunity to network and mingle with agents, publishers and fellow writers from across Canada. For the best conference rates and workshop selections, visit http://www.canadianauthors.org/conference now!
ITEM 7: 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 8: 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 9: OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR YOUTH JANUARY AND FEBRUARY
Local authors Tudor Robins, Michel Lavoie and JC Sulzenko will each host writing workshops for kids and teens to help them get ready to participate in the Ottawa Public Library´s 19th annual Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest.
Short Stories: Tudor Robins, Carlingwood, 281 Woodroffe
Saturday, February 8, 3-4 p.m. Ages 13-17
Poetry: JC Sulzenko, Sunnyside branch, 1049 Bank
Saturday, January 18, 2-3 p.m., Ages 13-17
—
Poésie et nouvelles : Michel Lavoie, Succursale Gloucester-nord, 2036 Ogilvie
Le samedi 8 février, de 14 h à 15 h, Succursale Cumberland, 1599 Tenth Line, Pour les 13 à 17 ans
Online registration is required but programs are free to attend.
OPL invites aspiring young authors to submit poems and short stories in English and/or French before the contest deadline, February 9, 2014. Participants can win awesome prizes which will be presented in the Spring. For contest details, visit
http://www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/AwesomeAuthors<http://www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/AwesomeAuthors or contact InfoService at 613-580-2940 or mailto: InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca
ITEM 10: THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA WORKSHOPS
DATE: Feb. 18, 2014 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Ottawa: University of Ottawa, FSS Building (Social Sciences Building), 120 University, Room 4004 Cost: $95.00 (TWUC members $80.00) includes materials & lunch
The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is holding a series of one-day professional development workshops for writers called Publishing 2.0 – Tips and Traps. Registration is now taking place for workshops in Moncton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto in February 2014.
Authors Mary W. Walters and Caroline Adderson, along with author and executive director of TWUC, John Degen will discuss writing in the digital age. The workshop will consider both the Traditional Path to Publication and Independent Publication including topics such as working with agents and editors, keys to successful submissions, crowdsourcing, contract terms, royalty rates, copyright, managing your digital rights, design work, distribution, and promotion.
Workshops will be held from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The registration fee is $95.00; TWUC members pay only $80.00. Both prices include any materials and lunch.
For registration go to http://www.writersunion.ca/pd-workshops#register
SUBMISSION CALLS AND OPPORTUNITIES
ITEM 11: 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 http://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 12: THE CANADIAN CENTRE FOR POLICY ALTERNATIVES IS LOOKING FOR A SENIOR EDITOR
Closing date: February 14, 2014, 4:00 PM
Start date: April 2014
Duration: This is a one-year, full-time contract with the expectation that it will become permanent thereafter.
Salary Range: $71,000 – $80,000 –
Check out the requirements here:
http://www.policyalternatives.ca/offices/national/employment-opportunities/senio
r-editor
IN THE INTEREST OF WRITERS HELPING WRITERS
ITEM 13: MEDIA CLUB OF OTTAWA MEETING WITH TIM REDPATH
DATE: MONDAY, JAN. 27 6 P.M. TO 8 P.M.
LOCATION: OTTAWA CITY HALL, HONEYWELL ROOM, 110 LAURIER AVE. WEST
Cost (which includes a light meal): Media Club Members -$15; students with ID – free; non-members $25. Please RSVP 613-521-4855 by January 24.
The Media Club invites you to hear Tim Redpath, president and co-founder of Train of Thought, an Ottawa-based consulting firm that works with national and international organizations to accelerate go-to marketing strategies. Redpath, who has over 25 years of marketing experience, will discuss Effective Marketing in a Noisy World.
ITEM 14: TREE READING SERIES PRESENTS DAVID SEYMOUR & SANDY POOL NEW!
DATE: Tuesday, January 28
LOCATION: CLUB SAW, 67 NICHOLAS ST. OTTAWA
6:45 p.m. Workshop – Round Table Your Poems with Pearl Pirie
8:00p.m. Readings – Open Mic and Featured Readers
David Seymour’s first book, Inter Alia, was short-listed for the Gerald Lampert Award his second book, For Display Purposes Only, was released by Coach House this spring. He currently lives in Toronto where he works in the film industry.
Sandy Pool, Shortlisted for the 2010 Governor General’s Award, is a writer, editor and Creative Writing instructor. Sandy holds a degree in Theatre Performance and English from the University of Toronto, as well as a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University Guelph. Currently, she is a holder of the prestigious Killam scholarship in poetics at the University of Calgary, where she is completing her Phd. Sandy has been published in various literary journals and was most recently anthologized in The Best Canadian Poems in 2011, published by Tightrope Books.
Her first book Exploding Into Night published by Guernica Editions, was long-listed for the 2010 re-lit award and short-listed for the 2010 Governor General’s Award for poetry. Undark: An Oratorio was published this fall with Nightwood Editions and was recently short-listed for an Alberta Book Award, as well as the Trillum Book Award for Poetry.
MORE INFO: http://www.treereadingseries.ca
ITEM 15: OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL WRITERS FESTIVAL PRESENTS OLIVIA CHOW NEW!
DATE: TUESDAY JANUARY 28, 2014 7:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Centretown United Church – 507 Bank Street, OTTAWA
Our first event of 2014 brings a book launch and conversation with a nationally-respected public figure and seasoned politician, sharing her story in a candid new memoir!
MY JOURNEY with OLIVIA CHOW, HOSTED BY CBC OTTAWA`S ALAN NEAL
What drives Olivia Chow? How did she emerge from a turbulent childhood into a difficult transition from Hong Kong to Canada at the age of 13, to becoming an inspiring political force? What influences and events have shaped her life? When former New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton, her beloved partner and political soul mate, died in the summer of 2011, how did she find the strength to move forward? How is she continuing her quest after losing her partner in life and politics? What might we learn from her story?
Join us for an unforgettable evening, presented with Octopus Books and HarperCollins Canada. INFO AND TICKETS: http://www.writersfestival.org/events/spring-2014/my-journey-with-olivia-chow
ITEM 16: WORDS TO LIVE BY FEATURING SATINKA NEW!
DATE: TUESDAY, Jan. 28, 2014 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
LOCATION: PRESSED, 750 GLADSTONE AVE., OTTAWA
Open mic sign-up at 7:00 p.m. and show starts at 7:30 p.m. $7 at the door or free for performers.
This month, Words to Live By will be kicking off the year with Satinka!
Satinka is an actress and spoken word artist. She has attended the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word as a member of the Lanark County LiPS team for the past four years. In 2012, Satinka was a member of the Ottawa Youth Poetry Slam team who won the Ontario-wide Youth in Unison Slam in Guelph. Since she started writing poetry in the sixth grade, her purpose and style have both changed greatly. Despite this, she continues to write openly and honestly about anything and everything that touches her heart. https://www.facebook.com/events/789952977686300/
ITEM 17: OTTAWA INDEPENDENT WRITERS MONTHLY MEETING: HOW TO SPEAK AND SELL YOURSELF NEW!
DATE: Thursday, January 30, 2014, 6:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Good Companions Centre, 670 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON
COST: OIW Fee: CAD 10.00/per person
At our first meeting of 2014, Harry Kingston of Toastmasters will explain how members of the writing, editing and publishing community can sharpen their oratorical skills to sell themselves, their books and their services. Kingston, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) is one of the leaders and ambassadors of Toastmasters District 61 in the Ottawa area, serving for more than 40 years. He demonstrates passion in every message, every presentation, and every activity in which he is involved. Toastmasters know him as “The Coach.”
A 15-minute pre-meeting presentation by Jan Yuill will explore the use of social networking tool Linkedin.
Socializing begins at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments and snacks. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. sharp. There is a $10 fee for guests but those who join OIW within three months of the meeting will have it deducted from the cost of their annual membership dues.
The Good Companions Seniors Centre is five minutes west of downtown Ottawa. There is plenty of free parking and the centre is well served by public transit. For more information: http://www.oiw.ca
MAGAZINE SUBMISSION CALLS:
NO DEADLINES SPECIFIED:
NEW! 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: http://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/
Lunch Ticket, a literary magazine published by the Antioch University Los Angeles Creative Writing MFA Program, is accepting submissions for its monthly Amuse-Bouche feature. Submit creative nonfiction, writing for young people, fiction, poetry and art. Guidelines: http://lunchticket.org/about/submission-guidelines/
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
Ploughshares’ reading period is now open! We’re accepting submissions for Ploughshares literary magazine and for our Ploughshares Solos series of long stories and essays. You can now submit all those poems, essays, and stories that you’ve been working on and saving up since January. For guidelines and to submit, visit our website. http://www.pshares.org/submit/index.cfm
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
Running out of Ink, a new webzine, is accepting short stories of all genres. For more information, visit: http://www.runningoutofink.com.
Fierce Ink Press Co-op Ltd. is currently open for submissions. The publisher is looking for books between 50,000 and 80,000 words long in all young adult genres. For more information, please visit http://fierceinkpress.com/submissions/.
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.
CIRCA: A Journal of Historical Fiction is accepting submissions. Details are available at: http://circajournal.com/submissions/.
Dragon Ink Press is accepting submissions from comic artists, fantasy writers and poets for their new comics and literary anthology. Guidelines: http://dragoninkpress.tumblr.com/.
From the Well House is accepting fiction, scholarly essays and poetry. Details can be found at: http://fromthewellhouse.org/?bu0Dd7M9.
Ruminate Magazine is now accepting submissions. Guidelines and deadlines are available at: http://www.ruminatemagazine.com/submit/submission-guidelines/.
Carousel is accepting submissions. Info: http://www.carouselmagazine.ca/submit.html.
Antiphon: accepting poetry submissions. Info: http://antiphon.org.uk/index.php/submissions.
Convert Publishing, a new digital publisher, is accepting manuscript submissions. For more details, visit: http://convertpublishing.com/?page_id=19.
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/
Sweptmedia.ca, an online youth-culture magazine based in Toronto/GTA, is looking for original contributions in all print mediums: journalism, short fiction, poetry, etc. Also willing to consider other forms of visual communication modes: photography, painting, comic strips, etc. info: sweptmedia.ca/index.php/contact-us
New online magazine The Island Review (international) seeks submissions of poetry, short fiction, non-fiction, photography and art from islanders, island-lovers, and those whose work is influenced by islands, or explores ideas of islandness. http://www.theislandreview.com/submissions/
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
Formalist poetry review The Rotary Dial (Canada) seeks poetry from Canadian and international writers. Looking for work that rhymes and/or scans but isn’t too versey: blank verse, syllabic verse, etc. Response within two weeks. http://therotarydial.ca/submissions/
Garbanzo Literary Journal (US) is published in limited-run copies as part of a hand-created series of chapbooks. Seeks stories (1172 words max.) poems (43 lines max.), micro-fiction, macro-faction, creative nonfiction, and a variety of verse forms. Appreciates writing that disregards the rules: http://www.garbanzoliteraryjournal.org/Submission_Guidelines.html
BareBacklit is an online bi-monthly magazine seeking poetry, prose, and visual art. Accepts poetry (4 poems max.), fiction (2500 words max.), and flash fiction (1000 words max.). Prefers work that is “unpretentious, minimalist… entertains first, and provokes thought later.” http://www.barebacklit.com/Submissions.html
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
Online journal Pithead Chapel seeks fiction (short and flash) and nonfiction (experimental, personal, lyric essays) “that moves toward something bigger… takes chances.” Accepts stories and essays 4000 words max. Reads year-round. : http://pitheadchapel.com/submission-guidelines/
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/
Red Kitty is a webzine and limited run print zine based out of Austin, TX. Accepting poetry, prose, short fiction, personal narrative, humor, and experimental journalism; illustration, photography, and doodles; and sound portraits, video art, and spoken word. Prefers works that takes risks and gets messy, including the “strange, thought-provoking, funny, demented.” Deadline: rolling. Guidelines: redkittyzine.weebly.com/submit.html
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
Independent online journal Black Heart Magazine (U.S) seeks short fiction for its weekday (M-F) publication cycle. Length: 1500 words max. All genres accepted, with a literary angle preferred. Appreciates ‘short-form modern literature, from pulp to literary fiction and everything in-between.’ Deadline: Ongoing. Guidelines: blackheartmagazine.com/submission-guidelines
JANUARY 2014 DEADLINES:
NEW! Canadian literary food quarterly Beer and Butter Tarts seeks essays, articles, short fiction, poetry, and artwork for Issue #2. Submissions must be food-related and Canadian in topic (Halifax donairs, story of red fife wheat, etc.) and timeless. No recipes, events, news, etc. Payment: Copy and small stipend (TBD). Deadline: January 31, 2014. http://www.stainedpagespress.com/publications/beer-and-butter-tarts/submission-guidelines/
New online literary magazine The Trillium is looking for submissions of poetry, essays, short stories, flash fiction, and non-fiction for the debut issue (February 2014). Submit up to 5 poems, 2 short stories/non-fiction/essays, or 5 pieces of flash fiction. Send in the body (not as an attachment) of an email to thetrilliummagazine@live.com. Include max. 50-word author bio, written in the third person. No payment. All rights are retained by the author. Deadline: January 2014
Compose: A Journal of Simply Good Writing is seeking fiction, poetry, nonfiction, (up to 5000 words) and artwork for their Spring 2014 issue. Open to established and emerging writers. Deadline: January 31, 2014. Guidelines: composejournal.com/submissions/
Room Magazine, Call for submissions to issue 37.3 Fall 2014 Geek Girls: Calling all geeks! Room wants your geekiest fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, graphic literature, and critical essays for our September 2014 issue, Geek Girls. The issue will be jammed-packed with Canadian geek culture, including superhero-inspired art by Sandra Chevrier, short fiction by science fiction author Larissa Lai, interviews with some of the wittiest geeks on the Internet and more! Deadline Jan. 31, 2014 Check out the guidelines here: http://www.roommagazine.com/submit
Understorey Magazine publishes fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction about motherhood: biological, adoptive, surrogate, co-motherhood, and the experience of not being a mother. Writers must be women who live in, or have a close connection to Nova Scotia. Payment: $25-$50 honorarium. Length: 1500. Deadline: January 31, 2014. Guidelines: http://understoreymagazine.ca/submissions/
The Nave Gallery (US) invites photographers, filmmakers and writers to explore the theme of “Chaotic Forms” for an exhibition celebrating the art of dance. Deadline: January 31, 2014. http://navegallery.org/wp/chaotic-forms-cfe/
FEBRUARY DEADLINES :
NEW! Small-scale print project Highbrau Magazine (ON) seeks submissions for issue #11: “Future Media.” Looking for: arguments and reports about a related topic, satire and comic works, poetry, fiction, comics, infographics and more. Payment: copies and unending admiration and gratitude.” Send to: highbraumagazine@gmail.com. Deadline: February 8, 2014.
PERSIMMON TREE The Editorial Board would like to devote the Spring issue to Politics and Activism. We were inspired to try this by the many responses to the topic Activism for Short Takes. If you are also inspired, send us stories — we need fiction as well as non-fiction — for us to consider. The deadline for submitting is February 21. Please send your submission as an attachment to submissions@persimmontree.org. Include a brief biographical statement (less than 50 words) in your email. The attached document should be saved in MS Word or a compatible program. If we can’t open it, we can’t read it. Submissions should be double-spaced, with 12-point type and numbered pages. At the top of the first page please enter author’s name, address, telephone, and email address. Type the title of the piece, labeled fiction or non-fiction, in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you. The Editors,
Persimmon Tree: http://www.persimmontree.org
MARCH DEADLINES:
NEW! 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
NEW! 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: http://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
NEW! 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
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NEW! 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
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.
UPCOMING WRITING CONTESTS
2014 CONTESTS
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/
JANUARY DEADLINES:
CRAZYHORSE FICTION, NON-FICTION & POETRY PRIZES: Submit stories and essays of up to 8,500 words and sets of up to 3 poems through our submission manager from January 1 to January 31. All manuscripts entered must be original and previously unpublished. All entries are considered for publication in Crazyhorse. Contest submissions sent by mail or email, or outside the submission period, will not be read. Winners will be announced on our website by June 1. The winning manuscripts will be awarded $2,000.00 and published in the fall issue of Crazyhorse. Each manuscript entered requires a reading fee of $20 per manuscript, which includes a one-year/two-issue subscription to Crazyhorse. More than one manuscript may be entered. For each additional fiction or poetry manuscript entered and entry fee paid, your subscription to Crazyhorse will extend by one year/two issues. Subscriptions begin with Crazyhorse Number 84, Fall 2013. Recent judges include Joyce Carol Oates, Jaimy Gordon, Aimee Bender, Ann Patchett, Ha Jin, Carl Phillips, Richard Jackson, Larissa Szporluk, James Tate, and Billy Collins. http://crazyhorse.cofc.edu/how-to-enter/
Poetry School / Pighog Pamphlet Competition. We’re still poring over Kate White’s The Old Madness, the collection which won this year’s Poetry School / Pighog pamphlet competition … we’re also starting the search for next year’s winner. Now taking submissions for our second collaborative competition – details are here: http://www.pighog.co.uk/prize/pamphlet-competition.html and judges Simon Barraclough and Catherine Smith are waiting eagerly to read your entries. DEADLINE: Jan. 31, 2014
Robert Kroetsch Award for Innovative Poetry. Awarded annually to the best poetry manuscript by an emerging Canadian writer (a writer who has published fewer than two books). Each year the winning manuscript will be selected by an established poet in co-operation with Invisible Publishing’s Snare Imprint. The winner receives a trade paperback contract with Invisible Publishing’s Snare Imprint which will include the publication of the manuscript and a $500 advance. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: January 31, 2014 Info here: http://matrixmagazine.org/rkaward/ Each entry must be accompanied with a business size SASE and an entry fee for $30.00 Canadian. Please make all cheques and money orders payable to “Matrix Publications.” No cash please. Send manuscripts to: The Robert Kroetsch Award for Innovative Poetry, Invisible Publishing’s Snare Imprint, c/o Matrix, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. LB 658, Montreal QC H3G 1M8 Or via Submittable: https://matrixmagazine.submittable.com/submit Alternatively, you may send you manuscript electronically to Kroetsch2014@gmail.com and send your payment via PAYPAL: RK Award Entry Fee $30
2014 William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Submissions are now being accepted for the sixth William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. This award, given by Stanford University Libraries in partnership with the William Saroyan Foundation, recognizes newly published works of fiction and nonfiction with a $5000 award for the winner in each category. The prize is designed to encourage new or emerging writers and honor the Saroyan literary legacy of originality, vitality and stylistic innovation. Deadline: January 31, 2014. Entry fee: $50. Prize: $5000 Details: http://library.stanford.edu/saroyan
1st Annual Junior Authors Poetry Contest. Contest is open to anyone between 9 and 21 years old as of January 31, 2014. Proof of age may be required. It does not matter where you call home. Entries from every country are welcome. All subjects and all forms of poetry are welcome. Go crazy and have fun. But submit your best work and choose a form of poetry that suits your subject. Deadline: January 31, 2014. Entry fee: none. Prize: varies. Details: http://laurathomascommunications.com/junior-authors-poetry-contest/
FEBRUARY DEADLINES:
2014 Novella Prize. The Malahat Review, Canada’s premier literary magazine, invites entries from Canada, the United States, and elsewhere for the Novella Prize. Previous winning entries have also won or been nominated for National Magazine Awards for Fiction and the O. Henry Prize. The Novella Prize is offered every second year, alternating with The Malahat Review’s Long Poem Prize. Deadline: February 1, 2014. Entry fee: $35; $15 is charged for each additional entry Prize: $1500 CAD. Details: http://www.malahatreview.ca/contests/novella_contest/info.html
ARC POETRY MAGAZINE’S POEM OF THE YEAR CONTEST. In 2014, Arc will be awarding one $5,000 grand prize to the winner of their Poem of the Year Contest. Deadline: February 1, 2014. Entry Fee: $32 (CDN), which includes a one-year Canadian subscription of Arc* Contest entry fees may be paid online AT http://arcpoetry.ca/?page_id=1295#contestentryfee or by cheque or money order mailed with contest submissions. Rules: http://arcpoetry.ca/?p=7349
Waxing Press (Ohio, US) invites entries for its inaugural contest for works of fiction, the Tide Lock Prize. Seeks new work in the form of a novel, novella, or collection of short stories. Length: 150 pages minimum. Prize: Publication in the journal’s print and digital editions. Entry fee: $5. Deadline: February 1, 2014. Guidelines: http://waxingpress.submittable.com
OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY´S 19TH ANNUAL AWESOME AUTHORS YOUTH WRITING CONTEST. DEADLINE: February 9, 2014. This contest, for aspiring young poets and short story authors, is open to writers between the ages of 9 and 17. They are invited to submit poems and short stories in English and/or French. The contest deadline is February 9, 2014. Participants can win awesome prizes which will be presented in the Spring. For contest details, visit http://www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/AwesomeAuthors or contact InfoService at 613-580-2940 or mailto: InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca Sponsored by the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association. They annually publish pot-pourri, an anthology of the winning poems and stories. pot-pourri also makes a great gift. Visit the Friends of OPL website at http://www.OttawaPublicLibraryFriends.ca to place an order.
Submissions Open for Disquiet Prize. DEADLINE FEB. 15, 2014. Sponsored by Dzanc Books, the annual DISQUIET Literary Prize in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction is currently open for submissions. A winner in each category will receive publication in a participating literary journal, and one grand-prize winner will receive airfare, accommodations, and tuition—a prize worth approximately $5,000—to attend the fourth annual DISQUIET International Literary Program in Lisbon, Portugal, this summer. The winner in poetry will be published in the Collagist; the winner in fiction will be published in Guernica; and the winner in nonfiction will be published in Ninth Letter. Finalists in each category will be offered partial tuition scholarships to attend the DISQUIET program. Four full scholarships to attend the retreat are also available for writers of Luso descent. Submit up to ten poems or up to twenty pages of prose with a $15 entry fee by February 15. Entries may be submitted online via Submittable https://disquietinternational.submittable.com/submit or sent by mail to Dzanc Books, the DISQUIET Prize, 610 South Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002. Previously unpublished works in English are eligible. Writers must live or have lived in the United States or Canada, but need not be citizens or permanent residents. MORE INFO: http://www.pw.org/content/submissions_open_for_disquiet_prize
Entries are welcome for the Friends of the Merril Short Story Contest. First prize: $500. Seeking original, inclusive, previously unpublished speculative fiction. Length: 5000 words max. Entry fee: $5 per entry. Unlimited entries. Deadline: February 15, 2014. Guidelines: friendsmerrilcontest.com/guidelines
Erma Bombeck Writing Competition. Competition opens Monday, January 6, 2014, 8 A.M. (EST). Capture the essence of Erma’s writings and you could win $500 and a free registration to the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop! 525 writers from 7 different countries and 48 states entered the 2012 competition. Erma Bombeck, graduated from the University of Dayton in 1949, lived with her husband and family in Centerville, Ohio, and inspired people worldwide with her columns and books about life’s trials and tribulations. Her memory lives on with the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition hosted every two years by the Washington-Centerville Public Library and the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop hosted by the University of Dayton. Deadline: Feb. 17, 2014 8 AM. More info: http://www.wclibrary.info/erma/index.asp
Switchback coverOnline 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
MARCH DEADLINES:
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! 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
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
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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
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.
NEW! 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
NEW! 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.
1. 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.
2. 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: http://www.antigonishreview.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
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
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. 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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