As we step into the new year, it’s time to explore fresh writing opportunities. In this listicle, we have compiled various opportunities for writers and journalists that you might find interesting. 

From grants and fellowships to magazine submissions and contests, these could be your gateway to making a mark in the writing world. So, let’s make the most of the new year by discovering and seizing these chances. 

Be sure to check the guidelines for each call that interests you. Also, bookmark this page and keep visiting for updates that might be made during the month.

 

Biography Fellowships at the Leon Levy Centre

A chance for nonfiction writers to get a fellowship at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City. They prefer those who haven’t published a biography or received similar fellowships before. But, if you’re an experienced writer venturing into your first biography, you’re welcome too. Remember, they focus on biographies only, not memoirs, essays, plays, films, or fiction. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: It comes with a residency, and the value is $72,000. 

Deadline: January 4, 2024. 

 

Olive B. O’Connor Creative Writing Fellowship at Colgate University

Colgate University has one fellowship each for fiction and non-fiction writers during this application period. If you’ve recently finished your MFA, MA, or PhD in creative writing and need a year to work on your first book, this is for you. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: The fellowship, valued at $55,500 plus other benefits, includes a residency at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. 

Deadline: January 5, 2024. 

 

The Steinbeck Fellows Program at San José State University

This is a fellowship to support the completion of a significant writing project. The program’s focus is on assisting writers who have had some success but haven’t published extensively. They offer fellowships in Creative Writing (excluding poetry) and Steinbeck Studies and fellows can be appointed in various fields, including fiction, drama, creative non-fiction, and biography.

Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: Up to six fellowships, each valued at $15,000. 

Deadline: January 5, 2024. 

 

Room Magazine

Room Magazine is open for submissions and welcomes Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry pieces. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: CAD 50 per page, with a maximum of $200. Additionally, $250 for cover art and $75 for reviewers and web contributors. 

Deadline: January 5, 2024.

 

 

Cosmic Horror Monthly 

They’re seeking weird and cosmic fiction. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: The pay is $0.03 per word. 

Deadline: January 7, 2024. 

 

Quantum Shorts Flash Fiction Contest

The contest is here for stories inspired by the quantum world. The challenge: create a tale no longer than 1000 words, incorporating the phrase “nobody said this was going to be easy.” Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $1,500 for the winner, $1,000 for the runner-up, and a People’s Choice prize of $500. Shortlisted stories also get $100 each.

Deadline: January 8, 2024.

 

Dr. Paul Kalanithi Writing Award

This is open to medical students, residents, and fellows. They need fiction/non-fiction short stories, essays or poetry addressing patients and providers facing chronic or life-limiting illness. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $300.

Deadline: January 10, 2024.

 

 

The Bechtel Prize by Teachers and Writers Magazine

This is an annual award recognizing innovation in creative writing instruction. If you have a creative writing teaching experience, project, or activity worth sharing, consider submitting an essay. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: Includes a $1,000 honorarium. Be sure to check their website for detailed guidelines.

Deadline: January 12, 2024. 

 

Solarpunk Magazine 

For writers inspired by Solarpunk ideals, Solarpunk Magazine seeks hopeful short stories and poetry envisioning utopian futures. They’re particularly interested in narratives where communities actively address climate change, aiming for a world where humanity, technology, and nature coexist harmoniously. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: They pay $0.08/word for fiction, $40 per poem, and $75 per essay or article.

Deadline: January 14, 2024. 

 

Stephen A DiBiase Poetry Prize

This is a prize for exceptional works of poetry. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $600.

Deadline: January 15, 2024.

 

 

Bakwin Award for Full-Length Prose by Blair

The Bakwin Award by Blair prioritizes authors with unpublished full-length literary prose works of fiction or nonfiction. They welcome literary works like novels, short story collections, memoirs, essay collections, and biographies. However, they are not accepting poetry or genre fiction. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: The award includes a $1,000 prize and publication.

Deadline: January 15, 2024, or until they reach a submission cap. 

 

 

Stacey Doris Memorial Poetry Award by Fourteen Hills

Stacey Doris was a poet and professor known for her unique style and creativity. This award is for poets who share her inventive spirit, engaging wit, and playful approach to poetry. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $500. Even if you don’t win, your work might still get published in Fourteen Hills. 

Deadline: 15 January 2024.

 

34 Orchard 

34 Orchard is open for fiction and poetry submissions for their upcoming issue. They’re looking for dark, intense pieces that delve into deeper truths. Genre doesn’t matter; they’re interested in stories that are scary, disturbing, unsettling, and sad. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $50

Deadline: January 15, 2024. 

 

Global Journalist Fellowship at New York University

The Global Journalist Fellowship at New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute is open for applications. This fellowship is for journalists reporting and working internationally. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: If you enrol in one of NYU’s graduate journalism programs, the 2024 Fellowship will cover tuition and registration fees for two out of the three or four semesters. On top of that, fellows will receive a stipend of approximately $16,000 for each of the two fellowship semesters.

Deadline: January 15, 2024.

 

 

Solutions Journalism Network Awards

The Solutions Journalism Network Awards are open for entries from journalists in any newsroom or working independently. These awards aim to recognize, amplify, and celebrate the best in solutions journalism. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: There are different award categories:

– General Excellence in Solutions Journalism, offering $1,000 to the winning reporter or team.

– Best of Solutions Journalism in Words, with a $500 award per newsroom size category (micro, small, medium, large).

– Best of Solutions Journalism in Broadcast, also offering a $500 award per newsroom size category.

– Best of Solutions Journalism in Audio, with a $500 award per newsroom size category.

– Best of Student Solutions Journalism award, granting $250 per winning entry (up to three entries).

Deadline: January 16, 2024. 

 

 

Earth Journalism Network Grants for Indigenous Environmental Journalists

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering reporting grants and a training program to support indigenous journalists. With this grant, indigenous journalists can delve into producing in-depth environmental stories, focusing on climate justice, biodiversity, sustainable ecosystems, Indigenous sovereignty, leadership, and other topics crucial to the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples and communities. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: a story grant of up to $1,400 for each selected journalist.

Deadline: January 18, 2024. 

 

 

Oxbelly Fiction Writers Fellowship

You can apply for the Fiction Writers program at Oxbelly Retreat in Greece.

Anyone over 18 can apply, even if you haven’t been published. It won’t cost you anything, and they’ll cover your expenses.

Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Deadline: January 19, 2024.

 

 

Shallow Tales Review

They currently accept fiction, creative non-fiction, book reviews, poems, one-act plays, cultural and social essays, art photographs, and translations that touch on the sensibilities of the Africans.

Read the details and guidelines for submission >><<

Prizes: Publication, nomination for the AKO Caine Prize for Writing, and an award.

Deadline: January 20, 2024.

 

 

The Fantastic Other

They’re seeking flash fiction on the theme of Hope. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: 1st: $35 | 2nd: $25 USD | 3rd: $15

Deadline: January 21, 2024.

 

 

Lumiere Review

They’re accepting prose, poetry and art. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<
Deadline: January 25, 2024.

 

 

Mudroom Magazine

They publish poetry, fiction, essays, art, etc. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<
Prize: 15 dollars for contributors.
Deadline: January 25, 2024.

 

 

Sand Journal

They accept poetry, fiction, flash fiction, creative nonfiction, translations, visual art, etc.

Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<
Deadline: January 30, 2024. (They may close before this once submission cap is full).

 

 

Pawners Paper’s Spoken Word and Poetry Contest 1.0 2024

The maiden edition of Pawners Paper’s Spoken Word and Poetry Contest 1.0 is currently open for submission. According to them, “We seek works that showcase creativity, inspire expansive imaginations, and align with the designated themes for each category.” Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $40 plus publication of shortlisted entries.

Deadline: January 30, 2024.

 

 

Superstition Review

They welcome submissions of art, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Deadline: January 31, 2024.

 

 

Driftwood Press

They’re accepting fiction, poetry, and art forms. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: Up to $400, publication, etc.

Deadline: January 31st, 2024.

 

The Island Prize for fiction

They want unpublished writers from across Africa and the diaspora to enter a manuscript for a chance to have their story published. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<
Prizes: £500 for first, and £200 for each runner-up. Consideration for publication too.
Deadline: January 31st, 2024.

 

 

Iridescence Award by Kinsman Quarterly

The Iridescence Award by Kinsman Quarterly is for short stories and poetry with themes around the supernatural, extraterrestrial, or the paranormal, written by BIPOC writers. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: include publication in the Iridescence anthology and cash awards up to $500. Other finalists will receive gift cards.

Deadline: January 31, 2024 (extended). 

 

 

Harbor Editions Prizes

Harbor Editions is running two prizes:

1. Laureate Prize for Poetry:

   – Open to fee-free submissions from BIPOC writers and previous finalists for poetry manuscripts.

   – Prize: $500 and publication.

   – Deadline: January 31, 2024.

 

2. Harbor Review Editor Prize:

   – For a micro poetry chapbook manuscript.

   – BIPOC writers and previous finalists submit for free; others have a submission fee.

   – Prize: $200.

   – Deadline: January 31, 2024.

Read all the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

 

 

Terrain.org

Terrain.org is a magazine focusing on place, climate, and justice. They welcome various contributions, including fiction, poetry, essays, articles, artwork, videos, and translations. They are particularly interested in hearing from underrepresented voices. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: They offer a payment of $50 for regular contributions.

Deadline: January 31, 2024 (For general submissions of poetry). 

 

 

TRACE Prize for Investigative Reporting

The TRACE Prize for Investigative Reporting acknowledges outstanding journalism that uncovers business-related bribery and financial crime. Reporters, whether in print, broadcast, or online, from any country, are eligible if they have investigated commercial bribery schemes, serious conflicts of interest, or similar commercial misconduct. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: Winners will each receive a cash prize of $10,000, and up to two honourable mentions will receive $1,000 each.

Deadline: January 31, 2024.

 

 

The Ampersand Review 

They welcome writing submissions in Fiction (including flash fiction), Nonfiction, Poetry, and also pitches for reviews. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $100 for prose, $50 per poem or page, up to $100.

Deadline: January 31, 2024.

 

Story Unlikely

This short story competition welcomes fantasy, sci-fi, memoir, and even nonfiction. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: Ist: $750 | 2nd: $500 | 3rd: $250. All winning entries are also published in their monthly issue and the winning entry may be published in the annual print issue.

Deadline: 31 January, 2024.

 

Rolling Submissions

These are open writing calls without specified deadlines; be sure to check if they haven’t reached their submission caps or closed, before submitting.

 

Shenandoah Literary

Fiction writing submissions for short stories and novel excerpts are now open on Shenandoah Literary. Only the first 250 submissions will be accepted.

Check the details and guidelines for submissions >>here<<

 

 

Illino Magazine

They’re looking for African fiction; afrofuturism, extended folklore, fantasy, mystic fiction, young adult fiction by African writers who currently live in an African country.

Prizes: From $20.

Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

 

 

The War Cry

The Salvation Army magazine welcomes writing from freelance writers. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: If you create something new, they pay $0.35 for each word, and for articles they’ve published before, it’s $0.15 per word. 

 

Contingent Magazine 

A history magazine currently accepting pitches. They’re interested in various formats. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes:

– $250 for shorts, field trips, and reviews.

– $100 for mailbags and mini-essays.

– $50 for postcards.

 

 

The Nonprofit Quarterly (NPQ)

This nonprofit magazine is on the lookout for pitches. They are specifically seeking pieces for their new column called “We Stood Up,” which features the voices of individuals working towards economic justice in their workplace. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $300.

 

Post-Mortem

They are currently open for pitches. They feature retrospectives of life experiences in the style of a Big Tech post-mortem, written by funny and witty people. If you have a humorous take on life experiences, they want to hear from you. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $100. 

 

Meridian

This magazine focused on untold stories in tech, is open to pitches at all times. Prize: The pay ranges between $0.80 and $1 per word. If you have an interesting pitch, you can send it to meridian@mercury.com. Before pitching, it’s a good idea to check their website to get a sense of the kind of work they publish. Check it out >>here<< 

 

Type Investigations 

This is a nonprofit investigative newsroom with a focus on pressing issues such as racial and economic justice, climate and environmental health, and civil and human rights. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: They typically offer compensation ranging from $3,000 to $6,000, which includes coverage for travel and reporting expenses. 

 

The Progress Network 

This is a movement striving for a brighter future amidst a world often filled with pessimistic voices. They are eager to receive substantive good news, solutions journalism stories, constructive opinions on current affairs, and progress-oriented perspectives on various themes including history, psychology, philosophy, and culture. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: The compensation for contributions ranges between $250 and $650.

 

The Drift

This is a magazine of culture and politics, that is actively seeking a variety of contributions. They’re interested in socially engaged cultural criticism, class-sensitive analysis, pieces that address what’s being avoided or talked around in politics, media, arts, or academia, upbeat cynicism, un-self-serious screeds, generous takedowns, entries from the margins, fiction, poetry, and even 1-3 sentence reviews of books, movies, TV shows, or art. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes:

– $2,000 for essays

– $500 – $1,000 for short stories

– $150 for poems

– $25 for Mentions

 

Apex Magazine 

Their submission portal for short fiction is currently open. If you have a speculative fiction piece ready, this is your chance to submit. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $0.08 per word

 

The House of Gamut 

Fiction and poetry submissions are currently open. If you have stories fitting the genres of fantasy, science fiction, horror, thrillers, neo-noir, new-weird, transgressive fiction, magical realism, or literary fiction leaning into the genre, this is your chance to submit. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $0.10 per word (fiction). $50 per poem for new work and $25 per poem for reprints. (Poetry) 

 

The Cosmic Background

This flash fiction magazine will reopen for writing submissions on January 4, 2024. If you enjoy crafting stories that don’t necessarily follow a conventional narrative and love the bizarre and unusual, this is your chance to submit. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $0.08 per word

 

The O’Shaughnessy Fellowship 

This fellowship presents a unique opportunity for innovative creators worldwide. It is a one-year remote program open to individuals above eighteen years old. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: up to $100,000 in funding, along with access to founders, investors, and experts who will provide support in bringing your projects to life.

 

 

The RCDIJ Africa Fund 

They are actively providing support for small to mid-scale data and/or investigative journalism projects across various crucial topics, including education, health, security, environment, democracy, corruption, economy, migration, technology, culture, and development. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: Successful projects can be awarded funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. 

 

Eco Punk Literary Magazine 

They offer a continuous submission window for writers and artists interested in contributing Eco Poetry and Artwork. If you have environmentally-themed poetry or artwork, this could be an excellent platform for your creative expression. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $10.

 

Menagerie 

They accept submissions in the categories of Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $50.

 

Palette Poetry 

They exclusively accept submissions in the Poetry genre. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $50 per poem, up to $150.

 

If you liked this list of writing opportunities, kindly share it with others who would love to see it too. Thanks for reading!