Welcome to October! As usual, many creative writing opportunities are online, including contests for flash fiction, poetry, short stories, and others. Some may have restrictions, but the ones listed here are open to all writers and are free to enter. Make sure to read the guidelines for each opportunity carefully, and remember to bookmark this page for updates throughout the month. There are also some rolling submissions included.

 

 

Submissions With Deadlines

Adina Talve-Goodman Fellowship

This fellowship is awarded annually by One Story in memory of former Managing Editor Adina Talve-Goodman. It offers a year-long mentorship to an early-career fiction writer who has not published a book and is not currently enrolled in an advanced degree program. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prize: $2,000 stipend + mentorship.

Deadline: October 9, 2024.

 

 

This Way Lies Madness

This anthology seeks original, unpublished dark stories up to 4,000 words that explore themes of trauma, guilt, and mental illness through metaphor and symbolism. Writers are encouraged to avoid stigmatising tropes and provide fresh interpretations. Each selected story will include a 300-word introduction reflecting the author’s inspiration. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prize: $0.08 per word for accepted stories.

Deadline: October 13, 2024.

 

 

Cast of Wonders

This young adult speculative fiction podcast seeks short stories up to 6,000 words that evoke a sense of wonder and emotional resonance. Stories can explore various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, and horror, but must be suitable for ages 12-17 without explicit content. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prizes: Original Fiction: $0.08 per word for any length, including flash fiction. | Reprints: $100 flat rate for Short Fiction, $20 flat rate for Flash Fiction.

Deadline: October 14, 2024.

 

 

Solarpunk Magazine 

Solarpunk Magazine is seeking submissions for its final 2024 submission window from October 1-14. They accept short stories (1,500-7,500 words), poetry, nonfiction (1,000-2,000 words), and visual art. They pay $0.08 per word for fiction, $40 per poem, $75 for nonfiction, and up to $200 for original art.

Submissions must follow their formatting guidelines and be uploaded via Moksha. Fiction between 1,500-3,000 words has a higher chance of being accepted. Their nonfiction department is open year-round. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prizes: Professional rates, minimum $100 for fiction. 

Deadline: October 14, 2024. 

 

 

Translunar Travelers Lounge

This speculative fiction magazine seeks original, unpublished short stories containing speculative elements (science fiction or fantasy) up to 5,000 words. Stories should be fun and hopeful, featuring diverse characters and settings. The first week of submissions is reserved for writers of color. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prize: $0.03 per word (minimum $20).

Deadline: October 15, 2024.

 

 

Cave Canem Prize

This annual prize is awarded to the best debut collection of poems by a Black poet. Eligible poets can submit their unpublished collections for consideration. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prize: $10,000 for the winner, and publication.

Deadline: October 15, 2024.

 

 

Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards

This award recognizes outstanding works that enhance our understanding of racism and celebrate cultural diversity. Submissions are open for fiction, poetry, memoir, autobiography, and general nonfiction published and copyrighted in 2024. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prize: $10,000 for winners.

Deadline: October 16, 2024. 

 

 

John Pollard Foundation International Poetry Prize 2025

This prize is for an outstanding debut poetry book collection published in English. Only single-authored books with at least 48 pages published between October 1, 2023, and October 18, 2024, are eligible. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prize: €10,000.

Deadline: October 18, 2024.

 

 

Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize 2024

This prize invites Nigerian writers, both at home and in the diaspora, to submit original works in poetry and short fiction. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prizes: $300 cash prize ($150 for poetry & $150 for short fiction) and a digital chapbook contract for winners in each category. The top 10 entries per category will also be published in the annual BPLP anthology.

Deadline: October 19, 2024. 

 

 

Speculative City – Superstition Issue

This publication is seeking fiction, poetry, and essays exploring the theme of superstition, particularly within urban environments. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prizes: $20-$55 depending on the submission category and length.

Deadline: October 20, 2024.

 

 

Eye Contact Prize in Genre Flash Fiction

This prize seeks genre flash fiction pieces of 1,000 words or less. The current theme is Innocence, and the genre is Romance. All submissions meeting the standard guidelines will be considered for publication and the prize. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prize: $250 (cash or gift card equivalent). 

Deadline: October 25, 2024.

 

 

Flame Tree Fiction

This anthology seeks original, unpublished short stories between 2,000 and 4,000 words that explore the theme of Afrofuturism, reflecting Black identity, agency, and freedom through imaginative narratives. Submissions must be from an authentic perspective of the Black experience, either from the diaspora or Africa. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prizes: $0.08 per word for original stories, $0.06 for reprints.

Deadline: October 27, 2024.

 

 

ALCS Tom-Gallon Trust Award

This annual award seeks original short stories of up to 5,000 words. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prizes: Winner: £2,000, the runner-up £1,000, and £500 will be awarded to each of the shortlist (up to four authors).

Deadline: October 31, 2024.

 

 

Flash Fiction Online

This magazine seeks original, unpublished flash fiction stories between 500 and 1,000 words across all genres, including speculative fiction and literary fiction. The next submission window for originals is open from October 1 to October 31, or until the submission cap is reached. Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prize: $100 for each accepted story.

Deadline: October 31, 2024, or until cap is filled.

 

 

The Shallow Tales Review 

This review accepts fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, one-act plays, cultural and social essays, art photographs, and translations that reflect the sensibilities of the African experience. Read the details and guidelines for submission >><<.

Prizes: Nomination for the AKO Caine Prize for African Writing and the Best of a Shallow Year award.

Deadline: October 31, 2024.

 

 

Quarterly West Poetry & Prose Contests

This contest seeks original, unpublished poetry and prose pieces. Submit up to three poems or one prose piece (fiction, non-fiction, or hybrid). Free submissions for BIPOC writers and no fee on the first weekend (October 7th & 8th). Read the details and guidelines for submission >>here<<.

Prize: $500 for winners | $200 for runners-up.

Deadline: Poetry submissions until November 1, 2024; prose submissions until a cap of 500 entries is reached.

 

 

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<<

 

 

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