Welcome to November! There are many ongoing calls for writers. You can enter to win prizes for writing essays, short stories, poems, and flash fiction. Most of these contests are free to enter, and anyone can join.

Be sure to read the rules for each contest carefully. Also, check back here throughout the month for new contests. The “rolling” submissions are always open, so you can enter anytime.

 

 

Submissions With Deadlines

 

The Adroit Journal: Call for Submissions

The Adroit Journal is accepting submissions across multiple categories – prose, poetry, and art.

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

Prizes: $50 to $100.

Deadline: November 2, 2024.

 

Derricotte/Eady Prize

This annual prize, named after Cave Canem co-founders Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady, spotlights chapbook-length manuscripts. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $1,000, publication, residency, featured reading

Deadline: November 6, 2024.

 

Global Press: Shifting Democracies Fellowships

This fellowship is for women journalists with at least 5 years of experience living in one of 15 eligible countries. Fellows will examine changing governance structures and their global impact. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: Up to $60,000 over two years.

Deadline: November 8, 2024.

 

CAPTRS AI Threat Essay Contest

The Center for Advanced Preparedness and Threat Response Simulation (CAPTRS) invites submissions to expand its “Universe of Threats” catalog. This contest seeks essays with unique, plausible AI threat scenarios for preparedness training. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $15,000 total; $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second (up to 2 winners), and $1,000 for third (up to 5 winners). Winning entries will be published on the CAPTRS website.

Deadline: November 9, 2024.

 

Defenestrationism.net: Flash Suite Contest

Submit your interconnected flash fiction stories for a chance to win cash prizes and publication. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: Up to $75.

Deadline: November 10, 2024.

 

The Orange & Bee

This publication invites submissions of poetry, flash fiction, short fiction, and non-fiction with a focus on fairy-tale themes. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $50–$80 for poetry and flash; $0.08 per word for short fiction/non-fiction

Deadline: November 14, 2024.

 

Nonlinear Love is Seeking Unconventional Relationship Stories

Nonlinear Love is seeking first-person essays that explore love stories that don’t follow the conventional path. Essays should be 800–1,000 words, non-judgmental in tone, and centered around the theme of “nonlinear love.”

Deadline: November 15th, 2024

 

Out There

Sans. PRESS is accepting submissions for their upcoming anthology, Out There. Submit short stories up to 5,000 words exploring the unknown, uncanny, and imaginary. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: €200.

Deadline: November 21, 2024.

 

ServiceScape Short Story Award 2024

Submit your original short story (fiction or nonfiction) of up to 5,000 words for a chance to win $1,000 and get published on ServiceScape’s blog. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: $1,000.

Deadline: November 30, 2024.

 

Fahmidan Publishing & Co.

This publisher focuses on submissions from POC and women-identifying writers, accepting digital and print chapbooks on specified dates. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: 30% royalties, five free author copies (for print collections), support for bookstore distribution, and standard advertising

Deadline: November 30, 2024.

 

J.F. Powers Prize for Short Fiction

Dappled Things invites submissions of carefully crafted short stories featuring vivid characters encountering grace in everyday settings. Stories should embody the theme of “one foot in this world and one in the next.” Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: 1st place: $700 | 2nd place: $300 | Up to 8 honourable mentions: publication and a one-year subscription.

Deadline: November 30, 2024.

 

Betty Trask Prize

The Society of Authors is accepting submissions for the Betty Trask Prize, open to authors under 35 for first novels written in a traditional or romantic style. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prize: £10,000 for the winner, additional awards for shortlisted authors.

Deadline: November 30, 2024.

 

Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry

The African Poetry Book Fund invites African poets who have not yet published a full poetry collection to submit their manuscripts for the Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $1,000 and book publication.

Deadline: December 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.

 

Africa in Dialogue 

Africa in Dialogue invites unsolicited individual and book interviews that explore African narratives. Submit original and unpublished interviews no longer than 10,000 words between African interviewers and storytellers. The submission window is open year-round, and there is no fee to submit. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Note: While there is currently no honorarium for contributors, accepted interviews grant exclusive rights to Africa in Dialogue for 90 days.

 

 

Africa in Words (AiW) Guest Authors

This platform welcomes submissions for blog posts from new authors discussing African cultural production, including literature, music, visual arts, and more. Posts should be 500-2000 words, well-researched, and suitable for a general audience. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Note: AiW is run by volunteers and cannot offer payment for posts. 

 

 

African Writer Magazine 

This magazine welcomes submissions from all genres of literature by writers from Africa and the African Diaspora. You can submit prose fiction, creative non-fiction, folktales, poetry, essays, and dramatic pieces. 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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

 

 

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.

 

 

Bourbon Penn

This magazine is seeking highly imaginative stories with odd characters, experiences, or realities. They are particularly interested in genre/speculative stories, including slipstream, cross-genre, magic realism, absurdist, and surreal works. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prizes: $0.04/word for stories of 2,000 – 7,500 words.

 

 

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.

 

 

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<< 

 

 

Down River Road (DRR)

This platform accepts original, unpublished work from emerging and established writers all year round. Writers can submit up to five poems, short stories (2000-5000 words), creative nonfiction (2000-5000 words), flash fiction (500-1500 words), photography, digital art, book reviews, and interviews. Simultaneous submissions are encouraged. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Payment: $30/piece for accepted work in print and epub | Complimentary subscription for web-only contributions.

 

 

Eboquills 

Eboquills is seeking original, unpublished poetry, short stories (fiction and non-fiction), and book reviews to promote contemporary African literature. Submit up to three poems (at least thirty lines each), short stories between 500-1500 words, or book reviews of 500-750 words, focusing on works by Nigerian/African authors. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Remuneration: A small gift for the most engaging content each month.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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<<

 

 

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<<

 

 

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.

 

 

i-D

Douglas Greenwood from i-D is looking for thoughtful, unique, and offbeat takes on films, both new and old, that would resonate with the i-D audience. He encourages pitches that offer fresh reflections or deep analyses of past cinema, but cautions against profile pieces unless they bring something genuinely enlightening to the table. Submissions should align with i-D’s youthful and edgy tone. Writers should take their time, as quick pieces aren’t the focus. He offers 50p per word for the articles. 

Read the details and guidelines for submission >>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<<

 

 

Ka’edi Africa

This online creative nonfiction magazine is accepting submissions year-round in five categories: Art, Reviews, Photography, Food, and Culture/People. Writers from Africa are encouraged to submit original, unpublished work focused on Africa. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

 

 

Kweli Journal

Kweli Journal publishes four issues a year and seeks original, unpublished work from emerging and established writers of color. Submissions are open from September 1 through May 30. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but authors must notify the editors if their work is accepted elsewhere. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

 

 

Menagerie 

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

Prize: $50.

 

 

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<<

 

 

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<< 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

Olongo Africa

This platform is seeking original creative works from or about Africa, including poetry, essays, literary criticism, journalism, and travelogues. They also welcome literary translations between English and African languages. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

 Payment: based on submission length and quality.

 

 

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.

 

 

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<<

 

 

Phano

This magazine is seeking short stories and essays that provoke wonder, explore philosophical themes, and speculate about the future. They are especially interested in narrative or reflective essays and science fiction. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prizes: $0.02/word for short stories and essays.

Deadline: Submissions open October 1, 2024, close when their cap is full.

 

 

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. 

 

 

Pressfuls

They want fiction in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and crime/mystery stories with minimal or no dialogue, as well as non-fiction. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: $0.04/word

Deadline: Open now

 

 

Reckoning

This magazine is looking for creative writing and art on environmental justice. They seek work from Indigenous, racialized, queer, trans, and/or disabled writers and artists. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Prizes: SFWA-qualifying “professional” rates

Deadline: Rolling submissions for Reckoning 9.

 

 

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<<

 

 

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.

 

 

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<<

 

 

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<<

 

 

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<<

 

 

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 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 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 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 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<<

 

 

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<<

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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 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 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. 

 

 

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<<

 

 

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. 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.  

 

 

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. 

 

 

Will This Be A Problem? 

This platform seeks speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, or horror stories with strong elements from these genres, preferably character-driven narratives rich in African influences. Only submissions from African writers aged 18 and above will be considered. The preferred length is between 2,500 and 5,000 words, but stronger stories may vary in length. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

Payment: KES 1 per word, up to KES 5,000 (or equivalent for non-Kenyan citizens).

 

 

ZamaShort Call for Submissions

StoryTime Publishing is seeking original, unpublished short stories in any genre, including literary fiction, science fiction, romance, and more. Only verifiable African writers are eligible. Read the full details and guidelines for submission >>here<<

 

 

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