This July, there are diverse writing opportunities in categories such as flash fiction, poetry, screenplays, dialogues, and short stories. Carefully review each call for submissions that interest you, read the details and guidelines thoroughly, and bookmark this page for updates throughout the month.

 

Submissions With Deadlines

Longreads

They are seeking drafts of personal essays and pitches for reading lists. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Pay: $500 (for essays) | $350 (for reading lists)

Deadline: Currently open. 

 

 

The Cosmic Background

They are seeking the best flash fiction with a slipstream focus. Character-driven stories with unique voices and elements that don’t necessarily make sense are encouraged. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $0.08/word  

Deadline: Currently open. 

 

 

The Garden

They are accepting short story submissions of any genre that respond to the title and/or cover art, exploring the living world in all its beauty and messiness. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: €175.

Deadline: July 2, 2024, or until 1,000 submissions are received.

 

 

Conversation Piece Writing Contest

Submit your stories, poems, dialogues, screenplays, etc. made up of 100% dialogue/speech. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: 1st Place: Modest cash prize, publication in Conversation Piece zine, and a mysterious secret prize. | Runners-up: Publication in Conversation Piece zine and a lesser mysterious secret prize.

Deadline: July 7, 2024.

 

 

The H. G. Wells Short Story Competition 

They are calling for short fiction (1,500-5,000 words) on the theme “The Fool.” It is free for those aged 21 and below. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: £1,000. 

Deadline: July 8, 2024. 

 

 

The Vweta Chadwick 2024 Poetry Prize

This is a prize for female poets in Nigeria, on the theme of “Women Together – We Heal, We Build, We Lift”. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: Cumulative cash awards up to N500,000. | Recognition on Project ASHA’s website and social media platforms. | Shortlisted poets will be featured in an anthology.

Deadline: July 12, 2024 (extended from June 30, 2024).

 

 

LSU Alexandria English & Humanities Department Flash Fiction Contest

They are seeking flash fiction submissions of minimum 6 words, maximum 1,500 words. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: 1st Place: $250 | 2nd Place: $150 | 3rd Place: $100 | Winning stories will be published on the LSUA website.

Deadline: July 15, 2024.

 

 

The Burlington Contemporary Art Writing Prize 

They are seeking reviews of contemporary art exhibits from anywhere in the world, staged currently or within the last 6 months. Emerging writers with less than 6 published pieces (excluding blogs) are encouraged to apply. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: £1,000.

Deadline: July 15, 2024. 

 

 

Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship

Early-career journalists worldwide can apply for this fellowship. Fellows work on an investigative project with Reuters and Durham University for nine months, gaining mentorship and resources. 

What you get: Competitive salary (£5,694/month) and travel stipend offered.

Deadline: July 15, 2024. 

 

 

The Helen Schaible International Sonnet Contest

There are two categories: traditional (Shakespearean or Petrarchan) and modern sonnet. Poets can enter one or both categories. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: 1st: $50 | 2nd: $30 | 3rd: $20  

Deadline: July 15, 2024.

 

 

Writers in Residence Program by Illino

This is a three-month online residence program for university students and recent graduates who live and write in Africa. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Benefits: Each writer will produce six short stories to be published on their website. |Mentorship and guidance towards one future writing goal. | Intense program requiring at least 20 hours of work each week. | Competitive stipend paid each month.

Deadline: July 20, 2024.

 

 

Astrolabe

They are seeking work on themes of connection, across genres, especially beyond realism. They accept fiction and CNF up to 3,000 words but not lineated poetry. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $50. 

Deadline: July 20, 2024.

 

 

Kaidankai Podcast: Around the Campfire Special Project

They are seeking campfire-style stories with ghosts or supernatural elements for a daily podcast series in August. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Deadline: July 20, 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: 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: July 21, 2024.

 

 

Dear Mother Nature Global Postcard Writing Contest 2024

The Dear Mother Nature Global Postcard Writing Contest, organized by the Udaan Youth Club, celebrates World Nature Conservation Day by inviting participants from all backgrounds to write heartfelt messages to nature, expressing their connection and commitment to its preservation. The contest aims to raise awareness about nature conservation and inspire collective action. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: Recognition and engagement in a global conservation dialogue.

Deadline: July 25, 2024.

 

 

Arablit Story Prize

They’re seeking submissions of flash fiction in Arabic. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: 1st Prize: £300 | 2nd Prize: £200 | 3rd Prize: £100

Deadline: July 31, 2024.

 

 

The Speculative Literature Foundation 

They offer two grants for speculative fiction: Diverse Writers for underrepresented authors and Diverse Worlds for works featuring diverse worlds. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $500.

Deadline: July 31, 2024. 

 

 

Briefly Write Poetry Prize

They are looking for innovative language, strong imagery, and focused composition with poems up to 10 lines.  Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: £75.

Deadline: July 31, 2024.

 

 

Bannister Press

Seeking fantasy short stories from women writers, focusing on themes of being an outsider, for their 2024 short story anthology. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $0.08/word.

Deadline: July 31, 2024. 

 

 

Surging Tide Summer Writing Contest  

They are accepting submissions of poetry and prose for their Second Annual Writing Contest. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $100 for category winners | $25 for runners-up.  

Deadline: July 31, 2024.  

 

 

Biopage Storytelling Writing Contest

Share your inspiring and heartwarming stories in this writing contest hosted by Biopage. Entries will be judged on writing quality and community engagement (likes and comments). Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $300 (winner) | $100 (five runners-up)  

Deadline: July 31, 2024.  

 

 

The ZODML Poetry Prize 2024

They are seeking poetry submissions from students in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria on the theme of Hopefulness. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: 1st Prize: N250,000 | 2nd Prize: N150,000 | 3rd Prize: N100,000 | 4th & 5th Prizes: N50,000 each. | Top 10 poems will be published in an anthology.

Deadline: July 31, 2024.

 

 

The Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature

This prize is open to writers of African descent, on the theme of “Guardians of Peace”. Submissions should be in the Children’s literature genre, targeting ages 6 to 12. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: 1st: $200 and a certificate | 2nd: $150 and a certificate | 3rd: $100 and a certificate.

Deadline: August 1, 2024.

 

 

The African Teen Writers Awards

Organized by Writers Space Africa (WSA), this award is open to early teens aged 13 to 16 years. Submissions accepted in two categories: poetry and prose, on the theme: A Right to Peace. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: Winner in each category (Poetry and Prose): $100 and a certificate of achievement.

Deadline: August 1, 2024.

 

 

The African Writers Awards

For this 7th edition, they are calling for short story submissions on no specific theme, but the main setting of the story must be Rwanda. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: Grand Prize: $500 sponsored by Anthony ‘Penboss’ Onugba | Second and Third Place: Certificate.

Deadline: August 1, 2024.

 

 

The Wanjohi Prize for African Poetry

Organized by PoeticAfrica, this prize is open to African poets. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: Winner: $100 | First Runner-Up: $50

Deadline: August 1, 2024.

 

 

PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grants

The grant supports the translation of book-length works of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or drama that haven’t appeared in English or need new translations. Works must be translations-in-progress and translated into English. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $2,000-$4,000.  

Deadline: August 1, 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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