This August, there are different writing opportunities available, including calls from publications for flash fiction, poetry, and short stories, residencies, and contests. Be sure to check each submission call carefully, review the guidelines thoroughly, and keep this page bookmarked for ongoing updates throughout the month.

 

Submissions With Deadlines

Loft Literary Magazine

Loft literary magazine is accepting submissions for Issue VI on any theme, provided the work is free of violence. They welcome poetry, flash fiction, and short stories. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Pay: £50 for short stories | £30 for flash fiction | £20 for poetry

Deadline: Currently Open. 

 

 

Cirsova Magazine

Tagged as the ‘Magazine of Thrilling Adventure and Daring Suspense,’ they seek submissions in various genres such as Weird Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror, along with sub-genres like Raygun Romance, Sword & Planet, and Mad Science. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Pay: $0.0125 per word  

Deadline: August 4, 2024.

 

 

Sci Phi Journal

This award-winning magazine, seeks Campbellian hard science fiction, fictional non-fiction, and speculative philosophy. They also accept translations. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Pay: €0.03/word for original fiction | €0.01/word for translations

Deadline: August 4, 2024.  

 

 

The Unicorn Mech Suit Short Story Contest 

They are now open for submissions. The winner will be published on the UMS website, and the top ten entries will receive personalized feedback. Authors retain all rights. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $400.  

Deadline: August 8, 2024.  

 

 

The Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Fellowships 

The Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Fellowships are recruiting eight to ten journalists globally to report on the impacts of algorithms and automated systems in their communities, with a focus on journalists from the Global South and underrepresented communities. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $20,000  

Deadline: August 10, 2024. 

 

 

Orange and Bee

This Australian Substack-based magazine accepts work related to fairy tales, including fiction, poetry, and non-fiction that engage with the fairy-tale tradition. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Deadline: August 14, 2024.  

Pay: $80 for flash fiction | $0.08/word for short fiction/non-fiction | $50 for poetry

 

 

khōréō magazine 

They accept submissions from those who identify as immigrants or members of a diaspora. They seek speculative fiction, including fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and genres in between, with a focus on themes of migration, immigration, diaspora, and anti-colonialism. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Pay: $0.10/word.

Deadline: August 15, 2024.  

 

 

LVW Flash Fiction Contest

Submit flash fiction on the theme of “thunderbirds, phoenixes, and other mythological birds.” Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: 1st: $50 | 2nd: $25 | 3rd: $15 | Three honorable mentions will be published but do not receive cash prizes. | All six winning stories will be edited by a professional editor. Winners will also receive a one-year complimentary membership to Ligonier Valley Writers and will be featured at a Flash Fiction reading event.

Deadline: August 15, 2024.

 

 

ZODML Poetry Contest 2024

Submit a poem on the theme “Hopefulness.” The contest is open to students in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Poems in English or any Nigerian language (with English translation) are accepted. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: NGN 250,000

Deadline: August 15, 2024. (Extended from July 31, 2024).

 

 

Lucky Jefferson 

They are seeking submissions for their Poetry & Prose Summer Contest. Participants can send up to 5 poems or prose pieces, with 20 finalists to be published in their online magazine. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Value: $100 each for poetry and prose  

Deadline: August 18, 2024.  

 

 

Feminist Press

The Feminist Press is currently accepting manuscript submissions. They are looking for intersectional and nuanced works that spark critical dialogue and dive deep into lived experiences. They welcome international literature, hybrid memoirs, boundary-pushing literary fiction, and intersectional activist non-fiction, especially from BIPOC, queer, and trans writers. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Deadline: August 20, 2024.

 

 

The Fondation Jan Michalski Residencies for Writers 

They offer residencies at the foot of the Jura mountains in Montricher, Switzerland, for writers and translators, with some residencies dedicated to nature writing. There are no age or nationality restrictions, and writers can apply in pairs for collaborative projects. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Benefits: Round-trip travel, CHF400 per week  

Deadline: August 26, 2024.  

 

 

The Eugenia Abu/SEVHAGE International Prize for Creative Non-Fiction 2024

For this prize, they’re encouraging exploration into the non-fiction genre, celebrating Nigerian journalist and writer Eugenia Abu. The prize seeks unpublished works of 500-2,000 words on any theme. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: ₦1,000,000 + Publication.

Deadline: August 29, 2024.

 

 

The K & L Prize for Fiction

This is a fiction prize for an unpublished short story of 800 to 2000 words by an African writer anywhere in the world, themed on mental health and reducing stigma while encouraging positive stories to promote well-being. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: Main Prize: N500,000 + Publication | Shortlist: N20,000 + Publication

Deadline: August 29, 2024. (Extended from July 21, 2024.)

 

 

The E. E. Sule/Sevhage Prize for African Literary Criticism 2024

This is a prize for an unpublished 4,500 to 6,000-word well-researched paper on African literature and/or African literary theory. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: N285,000 + Publication

Deadline: August 29, 2024. (Extended from July 21, 2024.)

 

 

On the Premises 

They are seeking stories based on a specific prompt related to expertise. The story should be between 1,000 and 5,000 words and feature one or more characters with significant expertise, though the expert(s) don’t have to be the main characters. They do not accept children’s fiction, exploitative sex, over-the-top gross-out horror, or obvious parodies of existing fictional worlds/characters. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: 1st: $250 | 2nd: $200 | 3rd: $150 | 4th: $75  

Deadline: August 30, 2024.  

 

 

Agbowó Submissions 

For their December issue, submit poems, fiction, essays, one-act plays, or visual art. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<  

Prizes: Poems: NGN 20,000 (single), NGN 40,000 (suites) | Fiction: NGN 50,000 | Essays: NGN 50,000 | One-Act Plays: NGN 40,000 | Visual Art: NGN 30,000 | Editor’s Prize for Poetry: $100  

Deadline: August 30, 2024.

 

 

The Muse Journal 52nd Annual Publication

For the 52nd issue, submit your daring, unhinged, and meaningful works. They accept poetry, one-act plays, short stories, pidgin poetry, creative non-fiction, flash fiction, critical essays/research papers on language or literature, literary reviews, artworks/photography, and hybrids. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Deadline: August 30, 2024.

 

 

Lunch Ticket: Diana Woods Award in Creative Nonfiction

For this award, submit a creative non-fiction piece of up to 5,000 words on any subject. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $250.

Deadline: August 31, 2024.

 

 

The Val Wood Prize for Creative Writing

For this prize, write a story or letter on the theme “Letters to My Love.” Entries can explore any genre, as long as they are not unnecessarily violent or gruesome. Poetry will not be accepted. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: £100.

Deadline: August 31, 2024.

 

 

Preservation Foundation Contest

Submit a biographical non-fiction piece about an individual(s) known personally to the author, or an autobiography. Entries should focus on preserving the extraordinary stories of ‘ordinary’ people. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: 1st: $200 | 2nd: $100

Deadline: August 31, 2024.

 

 

 

Rolling Submissions

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

 

D’LitReview

D’LitReview website is open for submissions. Send your poetry, fiction, non-fiction, essays, hybrid work, you name it! Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<< 

 

 

Transition Magazine

Transition magazine, established in Uganda in 1961 and now part of the Hutchins Center at Harvard University, invites submissions year-round, of engaging and insightful prose on Africa and the African diaspora, written in a jargon-free style suitable for both the intelligentsia and the educated lay public. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: One print copy of the issue featuring your work.  

 

 

Efiko Magazine

Efiko Magazine is an online literary publication focused on Africa, seeking high-quality poetry, short stories, and essays from writers of African origin or those writing about Africa. Submissions are open for the first major edition of 2024 and on a rolling basis for subsequent editions. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: N30,000 naira for 2 or more poems/prose over 2,500 words. Below this, N20,000 naira. Non-Nigerian contributors receive a book up to $40.

 

 

Scraps 

They’re seeking your abandoned creative work—the stories, poems, or art projects that have received multiple rejections. They’ll pair your work with a collaborative response crafted from your rejection letters. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Payment: $50 per entry.

 

 

Africa in Dialogue 

They seek unpublished interviews between African interviewers and African storytellers (writers, filmmakers, artists, etc.) exploring African realities, narratives, and philosophies. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

 

 

Afrihill Press 

They welcome submissions in all genres, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playlets, essays, and book reviews, exploring human society, non-human spaces, and other dynamics in the world. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Pay: 5,000 Naira per accepted work.

 

 

Blue Earth Review 

They welcome ambitious, focused works of short fiction (under 4,000 words), creative nonfiction (under 3,000 words), poetry (up to 5 poems), and visual art that enrich our understanding of the human experience. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Payment: 2 contributor’s copies.

 

 

After Dinner Conversation 

They accept short story submissions (1,500-7,000 words) that spur ethical and philosophical discussions, regardless of genre. Think “The Trolley Problem” in short story form. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Pay: $75 for accepted stories.

 

 

Pressfuls 

They’re seeking short fiction (1,000-1,500 words) in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and crime/mystery with minimal or no dialogue, as well as nonfiction pieces. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Pay: $0.04 per word.

 

 

Bourbon Penn 

They want fiction submissions with a healthy dose of the odd. Think slipstream, cross-genre, magic realism, absurdist, and the surreal. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Pay: $0.04/word.

 

 

New Welsh Review 

They are accepting fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and feature pitches. Work is selected in June, September, and March for publication in the corresponding months. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Pay: £100 for fiction | £170 for nonfiction | £28 per poem.

 

 

Red Ogre Review

Red Ogre Review seeks poetry, prose poetry, book reviews, critical essays, visual art, and music. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

 

 

Shelfy Editorial 

Shelfy Editorial wants engaging pieces that analyze and celebrate culture with a focus on long-term impact. They pay writers a starting rate of $0.50 per word.  Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

 

 

Men’s Journal 

Men’s Journal, a lifestyle publication for men, is looking for big, impactful feature stories. Think inspiring adventures, deep dives into luxury items,  in-depth health reporting, or other compelling narratives that appeal to their audience. They pay $250 for pieces between 600-800 words.

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

 

 

Shark Tank Enthusiasts Wanted

Do you love Shark Tank? A writing/editing position is available for someone passionate about the show.  Expect to work 40-50 hours per month at a rate of $15 per hour. 

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

 

 

The International Policy Journal 

The International Policy Journal wants your ideas on improving foreign policy. They welcome articles (750-1,000 words, $400 payment) and in-depth features (3,000 words, $1,500 payment). 

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

 

 

Fansplaining 

Fansplaining, a podcast-turned-written publication about fandom, is accepting pitches for well-researched and analytical pieces (2,000 – 4,000 words).  They’re not interested in quick takes. Payment is $250 per piece.

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

 

 

Trampset Journal

Trampset Journal seeks short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from diverse voices. They welcome simultaneous submissions but do not accept multiple submissions at once.  Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $25 per accepted piece.

 

 

The 20Something Pub

Submit your 20s-themed stories to this mag, focusing on personal experiences, challenges, triumphs, and life lessons. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

 

 

The Kalahari Review 

This vibrant African literary magazine is seeking fresh, unconventional perspectives on modern Africa. They accept various genres, including fiction, essays, poetry, and visual art.  Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

 

 

Farafina Books Blog

Submit your short stories, poems, and reviews (minimum 500 words) to info@kachifo.com. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

 

 

Palimpset Press

As part of their commitment to breaking down barriers for BIPOC, Deaf, and Disabled authors, they are now accepting submissions year-round from authors who identify as above. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

 

 

The University of Wisconsin Press

They have introduced a new series called Women and Gender in Africa, inviting manuscripts from African-born authors. The series, edited by UW–Madison professors Jacqueline-Bethel Mougoué and Aili Mari Tripp, focuses on publishing original research in history, politics, and cultural studies. It seeks innovative works addressing topics such as women and religion, LGBTQI+ concerns, human rights, migration, and more. Manuscripts should engage in broad theoretical debates, demonstrate comparative insights, and incorporate discussions on literature and popular culture. Submissions will be evaluated based on significance, quality of scholarship, clarity, and marketability. Authors can inquire about their projects by contacting the series editors or submitting a brief email query. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

 

 

Naija Theatre

They are currently open for reviews, aiming to publish 1-2 reviews monthly. To submit, individuals are required to watch a Nigerian stage play, write a review, and share their name, email address, and the review itself. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: NGN50,000 for each accepted and published review.

Deadline: 25th of each month.

 

 

Shenandoah Literary

Fiction 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, and 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 writings 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

Positioning itself as a “magazine of culture and politics,” they’re seeking socially engaged cultural criticism, class-sensitive analysis, pieces addressing overlooked or evaded aspects in politics, media, arts, or academia, along with upbeat cynicism, un-self-serious screeds, generous takedowns, entries from the margins, fiction, poetry, and concise book, movie, TV, or art reviews. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $2,000 for essays, $500 to $1,000 for short stories, $150 for poems, and $25 for Mentions. 

 

 

The New Yorker

They accept fiction, poetry, shouts & murmurs and daily shouts, cartoons, and other type of writings. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Benefit: Publication.

 

 

Flora Fiction 

They welcome submissions of artwork and offer a platform for artists to share insights related to creativity, including processes, inspiration, critical thinking, and more. The submission categories include Flash Fiction, Poetry & Prose, Photography, and Drawings & Illustration. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Benefit: Publication.

 

 

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

If you enjoy crafting flash fiction 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.

 

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