Did you know that you can get published by a major publisher without an agent? Under normal circumstances, the doors of major publishers are closed to unagented writers. But with the advent of the digital revolution, major publishers are seeing the possibility of making sales without much outlay. Publishers still have to edit ebooks and hire graphic designers for covers, but they don't have to spend anything on printing costs, at least not initially.

The advantage of digital first imprints with major publishers is that they can lead to print runs, provided the ebook sells well. You also get the advantage of having been published by a major publisher, which gives you significant bragging rights. In addition, if your first ebook does reasonably well, you can continue with the publisher.

All of these are traditional publishers.

For a list of over 150 publishers that don’t require an agent click HERE. 
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Forever Yours is a digital-only imprint of Grand Central Publishing, which is part of Hachette Book Group. Forever Yours publishes new works as well as backlist titles from its nine-year-old Forever imprint. The imprint publishes two to four e-book titles a month. What they are looking for: Forever Yours is currently accepting romance submissions from all subgenres, including but not limited to: contemporary, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, western, historical, inspirational, paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy, futuristic, urban fantasy, steampunk, time-travel, and erotica. How to submit: They are accepting novella length works (8,000-35,000 words), as well as longer works from 35,000-100,000 words.

Tor Teen is an imprint of Tor/Forge, which is an imprint of Macmillan. Tor is one of the top sci-fi/fantasy publishers in the world, but they also publish general fiction for young adults. Since Tor Teen launched in 2003, they have published fiction by Cory Doctorow, Brandon Sanderson, Kendare Blake, David Lubar, Veronica Rossi, Susan Dennard, and Kristen Simmons, among others. Submissions: Tor's guidelines are quite detailed. Make sure you follow them to the letter, otherwise your submission will not be read. See their submission guidelines here. 

Tor/Forge is an imprint of Macmillan. They publish Science fiction and fantasy, Fiction of all other types including but not limited to general fiction, historical fiction, horror, mystery, paranormal, suspense/thriller, urban fantasy, and women's fiction, Children's and Young Adult. They also have a Children's and Young Adult Division for middle grade, and young adult audiences. They do not publish picture books. See their submission guidelines here. 

Avon Impulse (UK) is a is a division of HarperCollins. They publish Romance. Avon Impulse (digital first) wants full-length novels of approximately 50-60,000 words. Formatting choices are up to you. If they can read it, you can submit it. No need to submit to a specific editor. If a specific editor has requested your manuscript, please let them know and they’ll get it to her. No need to submit to specific imprint, either; you’ll work with the same editorial team. Response time: You should receive an answer either way in about three months. See submission instructions HERE.


Carina Press is one of Harlequin’s digital-first adult fiction single-title imprints, publishing first in digital, with releases in audio and print as well. Carina Press publishes a wide range of adult fiction genres and features books from talented authors in all genres, including romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery and more. What they are looking for: All subgenres of romance with all levels of sensuality, from the very sweet to the incredibly erotic, featuring couples (or multiples) from all walks of  life and sexual orientation, including same-sex romances. They publish novels and novellas. How to submit: Please submit queries for only completed, fully polished manuscripts, unless previously arranged otherwise with an editor. If a response has not been received after 12 weeks, please follow-up via your submittable account by adding a note to your submission log. Read full guidelines HERE.

DAW Books Inc., a division of Penguin, accepts work directly from novelists.They are looking for unsolicited submissions of science fiction and fantasy novels. They do not consider short stories, short story collections, novellas, or poetry. The average length of the novels they publish is almost never fewer than 80,000 words. For complete submission details go HERE.

Versify is a new imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers. Versify was started by author Kwame Alexander. He is looking for books that edify, electrify, and exemplify the wonders and woes of childhood. Part of their mission is to publish writers whose voices haven’t been heard before. For complete submission details go HERE.

SMP Swerve is the digital first imprint of St. Martin’s Press. They want all sub-genres of romance. Manuscripts must be between 25,000 and 100,000 words. For complete submission details go HERE.

Loveswept and Flirt are two digital imprints of Random House. They want romance. "Digital authors will have a complete and unique publishing package. Every book will be assigned to an accomplished Random House editor and a dedicated marketer and publicist. Not only do our authors benefit from working with the finest cover designers to ensure irresistibly eye-catching books, but they are also offered the unique advantage of social media tools and training that will allow them to connect directly with their readers." For complete submission details go HERE.

There are 28 calls for submissions in March 2019. All of these are paying markets, and none charge submission fees. As always, every genre, style, and form is wanted, from short stories to poetry to essays.

I post monthly calls for submissions on the last day of the previous month. But as I am collecting them, I post them on my page, Calls for Submissions.

You can get a jump on next month's calls for submissions by checking that page periodically throughout the month. (I only post paying markets.)

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THEMA. Genre: Short stories, flash fiction, poems, art on theme of "Six before Eighty." Payment: short story, $25; short-short piece (up to 1000 words), $10; poem, $10; artwork, $25 for cover, $10 for interior page display. Deadline: March 1, 2019. Reprints accepted.

Copper Nickel. Genre: Poetry, fiction, essays, and translation folios. Payment: $30 per printed page + two copies of the issue in which the author’s work appears + a one-year subscription. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Contrary Magazine. Genres: Fiction and poetry. Payment: $20 per author. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Havok. Genre: Flash fiction 300 - 1,000 words on theme of Relocate. Payment: Pays for anthologies only. Deadline: March 1, 2019. See accepted genres.

Jaggery. Genre: Art, poetry, reviews, and fiction connecting South Asian diasporic writers and homeland writers; "we also welcome non-South Asians with a deep and thoughtful connection to South Asian countries, who bring their own intersecting perspectives to the conversation. (By South Asia we mean Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.) Our hope with Jaggery is to create a journal that offers the best writing by and about South Asians and their diaspora." Payment: $25 for art, poetry, reviews and essays, $100 for fiction. Deadline: March 1, 2019. (Possibly March 31. Website is unclear.)

The Blue Route. Restrictions: Undergraduate students. Genres: Prose – Submit 1-3 pieces of fiction or creative nonfiction totaling no more than 3000 words. Poetry – Submit up to 3 poems. No genre fiction. Payment: $25. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

World Weaver Press: Glass & Gardens: Solarpunk Winters Anthology. Genre: Fiction. "For this anthology, I want to see solarpunk stories that take place in winter. That might mean working together to survive extreme blizzards, or feeling the heat in places that no longer see snow. Which renewable tech works best during long winter nights? How do solarpunk societies celebrate the winter holidays? Keep it planet-based (Earth or other), and optimistic. Solarpunk worlds aren’t necessarily utopias, but they definitely aren’t dystopias." Payment: TBD (Determined by Kickstarter success. $10 minimum.) Deadline: March 1, 2019.

The Cincinnati Review. Genres: Prose and poetry. Payment: $25 per page (prose), $30 per page (poetry). Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Upstreet. Genres: Fiction, CNF. Payment: $50-$150 per work. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Goblin Fruit. Genre: Fantastical poetry. Payment: $15.00 USD on publication for original, unpublished poems, and $5.00 for solicited reprints. Deadline: March 3, 2019.

Tell-Tale Press: Creatures. Genre: Fantasy, horror, mystery and science fiction stories about creatures: animals, insects, arachnids, dinosaurs, aliens, monsters, cryptids, legends, mythical, or mythological. Payment: $5-25; $50 for novelette. Deadline: March 4, 2019.

Wordworks. Restrictions: Canadian writers? (Not clear from site) Genres: Short stories, poetry, CNF. Theme of Publishing. Payment: .22/word for prose submissions, $50 per poem, $100 per cover art. Deadline: March 5, 2018. (No indication of year on site.) Reprints accepted.

Riddled With Arrows. Genre: Writing-related fiction and metafiction, ars poetica, creative essays, non-classifiable written objects and visual art exploring the relationships between writing and the places where writing congregates. Payment: Unpublished Poetry & Prose – USD 3¢/word, minimum $5, maximum $25; Reprints: USD $5 Flat Rate; Visual Art: USD $10 Flat Rate.  Deadline: March 8, 2019.

The Ordinary Chaos of Being Human: Tales From Many Muslim Worlds. Genre: First-person, unpublished literary/creative non-fiction. 2500-4000 words, in English. Translations of excellent quality are welcome. "This is not a book about religion; it is a collection of personal stories revealing the multi-faceted and universal experiences of people living all over the world. Each story follows Joseph Campbell’s classic hero’s journey, that classic narrative arc on which the most successful stories of our time have been based." Payment: Honorarium of 100 SGD and a copy of the book. Deadline: March 10, 2019.

The Lifted Brow. Genre: Translations only. Writing that focuses on the arts, gender, race, ecology, economics, politics, work, and sexuality. Australian focus preferred. Payment: $75-$100. Deadline: March 10, 2019.

Mslexia. Genre: Stories, poems and scripts on the theme of clothes. Length: Stories up to 2,200 words, poems up to 40 lines, and short scripts up to 1,000 words (including character names and stage instructions). Payment: £25. Deadline: March 11, 2019.

Pentimento. Genre: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction and art by individuals with a disability or a community member.  "If you are an individual with a disability or part of the disability community as a family member, caregiver, special educator, or in any way connected to disability, we want to see your disability-related writing." Payment: $25 - $250. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Shenandoah. Genre: Fiction. Payment: $50/page. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Gordon Square Review. Genre: Poetry and prose. Payment: $10 per poem, $15 for prose. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Southword. Genres: Prose and poetry. Payment: €30 per poem and €120 per short story. Payment to writers within the Republic of Ireland is made by cheque. Writers abroad must accept payment through Paypal. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Eye to the Telescope. Genre: Speculative poetry. Payment: US 3¢/word rounded to nearest dollar; minimum US $3, maximum $25. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

The Puritan. Genres: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry. Payment: $100 per nonfiction piece, $50 fiction, $15 per poem. Deadline: March 25, 2019.
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Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores. Genre: Speculative stories. Payment: 6 cents/word for original work. 2 cents/word for reprints. Deadline: March 28, 2019.

Hippocampus Magazine: Ink Anthology. Genre: Creative nonfiction about small town America.  "We want to hear about small family-owned businesses, such as the stores and specialty shops that used to rule Main Street America. What did you family sell? Make? Fix? Build? How did these businesses define you or your family members? How did they evolve over time? While we’re open to all time periods, we’re most interested in business that began in the pre-Internet era—and we’re especially interested in places that span generations." Payment: $25. Deadline: March 30, 2019.

Orbannin Books: Letters from the Grave – A Collection of Epistolary Horror. Genre: Horror. “The epistolary form has a long, proud tradition in the horror genre. From the classics such as Frankenstein and Dracula, through modern classics like World War Z. We want to see your fresh takes on the idea. Remember that the epistolary genre doesn’t just include letters. It can be stories created from nearly any kinds or combinations of documents, i.e. crime scene reports, diary entries, interview transcripts, etc. This can include modern electronic and digital “documents” such as texts, voicemails, Tweets, blog posts, and more.” Length: 2,000-10,000 words. Payment: $0.05/word. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Darkhouse Books: Mid-Century Murders. Genre: Cozy to cozy-noir crime stories set in the late forties through the very early sixties. Payment: 50% of royalties. Deadline: March 31, 2019. Some reprints accepted.

Arkansas International. Genre: fiction, poetry, essays, comics, and works in translation. Payment: $20 a printed page (capped at $250). Deadline: March 31, 2019. (Submit early in the month to avoid submission fee.)

Notre Dame Review. Genres: Fiction, poetry. Payment: Small gratuity. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

March is a great month for writing contests. This month there are 53 contests, and none charge entry fees. Prizes range from tens of thousands of dollars to publication. As always, read the restrictions to make sure you qualify.

If you want to get a jump on next month's contests go to Free Contests. Most of these contests are offered annually, so even if the deadline is past, you can prepare for next year.

Good luck!
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Fountain Magazine Essay Contest. Genre: Essay. 1,500 - 2,500 words. "Should We Be Grateful?" The question is: Why do we feel grateful? What should be we grateful for? And even, should we still be grateful when we’re depressed or when our lives are a mess? Prize: 1st Place - $1,500, 2nd Place - $750, 3rd Place - $300, Two Honorable Mentions - $200 each. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

The Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award is sponsored by Broadside Lotus Press. Restrictions: This competition is open to African American poets only. If you have already had a book published by Lotus Press, you are ineligible. However, inclusion in a Lotus Press anthology does not disqualify you. Genres: Poetry collections of approximately 60-90 pages. Prize: $500 in cash and publication  by Broadside Lotus Press as well as free copies and discounts. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Women on the Water. Restrictions: Female writers only. Genre: Short story. "Tell us how you felt about leaving (either home or the voyaging life). How did you cope? Was it worth it?  Perhaps you spent time somewhere you became particularly attached to while travelling? Stories may be any length up to 3,000 words." Prize: First $250, Second $100, Third $50. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Wiley-Silver Prize in Civil War History. Genre: First book or monograph in Civil War history published in the previous year. Books or monographs published by scholarly or popular presses are eligible. Prize: $2,000. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

United States/Japan Creative Artists Residencies. This is a 3-5 month residency in Japan. Grant: $24,000. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Balticon Poetry Contest. Sponsored by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. Genre: Speculative poetry. Prize: 1st prize: $100; 2nd prize: $75; 3rd prize: $50. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

The Fitzcarraldo Editions Essay Prize. Restrictions: Open to writers resident in the UK and Ireland who have yet to secure a publishing deal. Genre: Proposal for a book-length essay (minimum 25,000 words). Prize: £3,000 advance against publication with Fitzcarraldo Editions. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Beverly Hopkins Memorial Poetry Contest for High School Students. Restrictions: High school students living within 100 miles of St. Louis. Genre: Poetry. Prize: First prize $200, Second prize $125, Third prize $75. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Christopher Tower Poetry Competition. Restrictions: Open to UK students between 16-18 years of age. Genre: Poetry, one poem, maximum 48 lines. Theme is "underwater." Prize: £5,000. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Jittery Monks Essay Scholarship. Restrictions: Open to college students. Genre: Essay. (See site for topic.) Prize: $1,500. Deadline: March 1, 2019.
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The Lakefly Writers Conference. Restrictions: Open to residents of Wisconsin. Genres: Short story fiction:  1500 words or less. Any genre. Flash fiction:  500 words or less. Any genre. No theme. Poetry:  All poems, free verse to formal and everything in between—75 lines max. Theme: Wisconsin Choices. The Jean Nelson Essay for Young Adults: For young adult writers (ages 12 through 17). 2500 words or less. Theme: Notable Wisconsin figure (living or dead) who most inspires me. Prize: First place winners will receive a cash prize of $100; second place winners will receive $75; and third place winners will receive $50. Winners must be able to attend an awards ceremony. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize. Genre: Adventure writing novel. Separate categories for published and unpublished books. Self-published books accepted. Prize: £15,000. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Myong Cha Son Haiku Award. Restrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Haiku. Prize: First prize $1,500, and a runner-up prize $500. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Rhina P. Espaillat Poetry Award. Restrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Original poems written in Spanish and translations of English poems to Spanish. Prize: First prize $1,500, and a runner-up prize $500. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Iris N. Spencer Undergraduate Poetry Award. Restrictions: Open to undergraduate poets who are enrolled in a United States college or university. Genre: Poetry composed in the traditional modes of meter, rhyme and received forms. Prize: First prize $1,500, and a runner-up prize $500. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Alabama Arts Council Fellowships. Restrictions: Open to any author who has lived in Alabama for at least 2 years. Genre: Fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction of 10-20 pages. Prize: $5,000.  Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Mississippi Artists Fellowships. Restrictions: Open to permanent residents of Mississippi. Genre: Nonfiction of 15-20 pages. Prize: $5,000. Deadline: March 1, 2019.

Author Mentor Match. Genre: Completed YA or MG manuscript. Prize: Mentorship by published author. Deadline: March 1 - 5, 2019.

"It's All Write!" Teen Short Story Contest. Restrictions: Open to Grades 6-12. Genre: Short story, and flash fiction, unpublished. Prize: 1st Place $250, 2nd Place $150, 3rd Place $100. Deadline: March 3, 2019.

Arts Club of Washington Scholarship Competition. Restrictions: Open to college students (including first two years of graduate school) aged 18-26 in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $2000 scholarship. Deadline: March 4, 2019.

NEA Literature Fellowships are sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. Prize: $25,000 grants in prose (fiction and creative nonfiction) and poetry to published creative writers that enable recipients to set aside time for writing, research, travel, and general career advancement. Deadline: March 6, 2019.

The Ungar German Translation Award is bestowed biennially in odd-numbered years. Genre: Book-length literary translation translated from German into English and published in the United States between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. Prize: $1,000, a certificate of recognition, and up to $500 toward expenses for attending the ATA Annual Conference in San Francisco, California.  Deadline: March 7, 2019.

Forward Prizes. Genre: Collections and single poems published in the UK and Ireland between September 2018 and September 2019 are eligible for the Prizes. Must be submitted by publisher. Prize: £1,000 to £10,000 Deadline: March 8, 2019.

BBC National Short Story Award. Restrictions: Open to UK residents or nationals, aged 18 or over, who have a history of publication in creative writing. Genre: Short fiction. Prize: £15,000 to the winner, £3,000 for the runner-up and £500 for three further shortlisted writers. Deadline: March 11, 2019.

Neltje Blanchan/Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Awards. Restrictions: Wyoming writers. Genres: The Frank Nelson Doubleday Award is given for the best poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or script written by a woman writer. The Neltje Blanchan Memorial Writing Award is given annually for the best poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or script which is informed by a relationship with the natural world. Prize: $1,000.00. Deadline: March 11, 2019.

Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Non-Fiction. Genre: Literary non-fiction. Restrictions: Titles must be published in Canada and written by Canadians. Prize: $60,000 will be awarded to a literary nonfiction book published between October 1, 2018 and March 12, 2019. Deadline: March 13, 2019.

Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize. Genre: Fiction. Restrictions: Titles must be published in Canada and written by Canadians. No self-published works. Prize: $25,000 will be awarded to a novel or short-story collection published between October 1, 2018 and March 12, 2019. Prizes of $2,500 will be awarded to each of the finalists. Deadline: March 13, 2019.

Gordon Burn Prize. Restrictions: Open to permanent US or UK residents. Genre: Fiction or nonfiction book first published in the US or UK between July 1 of the preceding year and July 1 of the deadline year. Prize: 5,000 pounds and 3-month writing retreat at Gordon Burn's cottage in Berwickshire. Deadline: March 14, 2019.

Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowships. Restrictions: Open to Kentucky poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers. Genre: Literary arts. Prize: $7,500. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Hodson Trust–John Carter Brown Library Fellowship. Genre: Nonfiction (includes creative nonfiction). A book-in-process  relating to the literature, history, culture, or art of the Americas before 1830. Award: $20,000. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Governor General's Literary Awards. Restrictions: Books must have been written or translated by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. They do not need to be residing in Canada. Genre: The Governor General’s Literary Awards are given annually to the best English-language and the best French-language book in each of the seven categories of Fiction, Literary Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People’s Literature (Text), Young People’s Literature (Illustrated Books) and Translation (from French to English). Prize: $25,000. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Lynn DeCaro Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to Connecticut Student Poets in Grades 9-12. Genre: Poetry. Prize: 1st $75, 2nd $50, 3rd $25. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

Greater Yellowstone Creative Writing and Journalism Fellowship. Restrictions: Established and recognized authors are being sought, but emerging and mid-career writers are also encouraged to apply. Genre: Seeking creative writers (poetry, fiction, nonfiction), or those in the field of journalism (writer, photojournalist, videographer, documentary filmmaker, online or print media) who demonstrate serious inquiry and dedication to the Greater Yellowstone region through their work. Fellowship: $3,500. Deadline: March 15, 2019.

ILA Children’s and Young Adults’ Book Award. Genre: Fiction and nonfiction English-language books for children in grades pre-K to 12 and published for the first time during the year preceding the deadline year. Must be the author's first or second book. Prize: $800. Deadline: March 15, 2019.
Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition for High School Students. Restrictions: Open to students in Grades 7-12. Genre: Haiku. Prizes: $50. Deadline: March 21, 2019.

Sunken Garden Poetry Festival's Fresh Voices Competition. Restrictions: New England high school students. Prize: Reading at the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival on August 5, 2018 and publication.  Deadline: March 29, 2019.

The Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction. Genre: Novel published in 2018 (50,000 words minimum). Book has to be set in one of the original eleven states in the Confederacy. (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.) Prize: $2,500.00, and an expense paid trip to New York City. (The winner must come to NY to receive the award, attend a luncheon with the contest judges and a reception in his/her honor.) Deadline: March 29, 2019.

Daniel Pearl Investigative Journalism Initiative Grant. Restrictions: Open to journalists aged 22-38. Genre: Investigative journalism piece about modern prejudice. Prize: $5,000 grant. Deadline: March 30, 2019.

Limnisa Short Story Competition. Genre: Short story under 3,000 words on theme of Plastic. Prize: One-week, all-inclusive writers' retreat or workshop in 2017 or 2018 in Limnisa, Greece and online publication, or five online personal tutoring sessions instead. Deadline: March 30, 2019.

Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing. Restrictions: Open to first-generation residents of the United States. “First-generation” can refer either to people born in another country who relocated to the U.S., or to American-born residents whose parents were born elsewhere. Genre: Unpublished nonfiction books. Prize: $10,000 and publication. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Foley Poetry Contest. Genre: One unpublished poem on any topic. The poem should be 30 lines or fewer and not under consideration elsewhere. Prize: $1000. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest. Restrictions: open only to those who have not professionally published a novel or short novel, or more than one novelette, or more than three short stories, in any medium. Genres: Science fiction, fantasy and dark fantasy up to 17,000 words. Prizes: Three cash prizes in each quarter: a First Prize of $1,000, a Second Prize of $750, and a Third Prize of $500, in US dollars. In addition, at the end of the year the winners will have their entries rejudged, and a Grand Prize winner shall be determined and receive an additional $5,000. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Sarah Mook Poetry Prize for Students. Restrictions: Students in grades K-12. Genre: Poetry.   Prize: $100. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation. Genre: Poetry or literary prose. Translation of modern Arabic literature into English. Books must have been published and be available for purchase in the UK via a distributor or online. The source text must have been published in the original Arabic in or after 1967. Must be submitted by publisher. Prize: £3,000. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Archibald Lamp­man Award. Restrictions: Open to residents of Canada's National Capital region (Ottawa). Genre: Book of any genre published by a recognized publisher. Prize: $1500. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Jacklyn Potter Young Poets Competition. Restrictions: Open to high school students in the Washington, DC region. Genre: Poetry. Prize: A reading with honorarium in the Miller Poetry Series, a summer program occurring in June and July. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Lake Superior State University High School Short Story Prize. Restrictions: Open to high school students students residing in the Midwestern United States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) or Ontario, Canada. Genre: Short fiction. Prize: $500 and publication.  Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Speculative Literature Foundation Older Writers Grant. Restrictions: Open to writers who are fifty years of age or older at the time of grant application. Genre: Speculative fiction. Prize: $500.    Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Value of Being Fit Scholarship Program. Restrictions: Open to students who are currently enrolled in colleges, universities or high schools. Genre: Essay, info graphics, or article (750-1000 words) on “Obesity: A New Epidemic.” Prize: $750. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Writers' HQ Flash Quarterly Contest. Genre: Unpublished flash fiction, 500 words max. Prize: 450 pounds. Top three winners win membership to Writers' HQ, a British writing resource site, and admission to three WHQ writing retreats. Winners outside the UK can substitute a manuscript critique for the retreats. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Jack L. Chalker Young Writers' Contests. Restrictions: Open to writers between 14 and 18 years of age as of May 29 in the contest year who reside in, or attend school in Maryland. Genre: Science fiction or fantasy, 2,500 words max. Prizes: $150, $100 and $75. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

Descant. Each year, descant offers four awards:

• the $500 Frank O’Connor Award for fiction (for the best short story in a issue)
• the $250 Gary Wilson Award (for an outstanding story in an issue)
• the $500 Betsy Colquitt Award for poetry (for the best poem or series of poems by a single author in an issue)
• the $250 Baskerville Publishers Award (for an outstanding poem or poems by a single author in an issue

There is no application process or reading fee. All published submissions are eligible for prize consideration. Simply submit your work. Deadline: March 31, 2019.

The Lindisfarne Crime Prize. Restrictions: Residents of the North of England, or whose work celebrates the North of England. Genre: Crime short story of up to 10,000 words. Prize: £2500.   Deadline: March 31, 2019.

​Spring is right around the corner! And writers are thawing out! There are some excellent opportunities to network, pitch your work, and attend stimulating workshops this month.

I strongly urge you to plan ahead if you are thinking of attending a writing conference. Many offer scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost. And all of the intensive writing workshops have application deadlines.

For a month-by-month list of conferences throughout the year see: Writing Conferences. (You will also find links to resources that can help you find conferences in your area on that page.)


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Writing By Writers DRAFT. Application deadline: March 1, 2019: Lake Tahoe and Boulder, CO. DRAFT is an intensive program for 15 writers who are committed to completing a novel, memoir, short story, or essay collection over the course of two years. Whether starting a first draft, or working through a new revision, this program is appropriate for writers who want a rigorous and supportive community throughout their process.

Minnesota Writers Workshop.  March 2, 2019, 2019: St. Paul, MN. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

Redrock Creative Writing Seminar, St. George, Utah, March 2, 2019. Classes and readings in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The faculty includes Kimberly Johnson, Amy Jarecki, and Reuben Wadsworth.

Publishing Workshop. March 2, 2019: Hammonton, NJ. "Do you want to publish your writing but struggle with a lack of know-how and fear of rejection? Join us for this hands-on workshop where we will guide you through the process from blank page to published piece. If you are an aspiring author you will learn how and where to submit your work. If you are experienced you will discover new markets and resources to expand your readership. Whether you are working on a novel, memoir, short stories, personal essays or poetry, you will go home with an action plan and the tools to carry it out."

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat. March 7 - 10, 2019, Colorado Springs, CO. An intensive 3-day writing retreat. SOLD OUT.

Alabama Writing Workshop. March 8, 2019: Birmingham, Alabama. "A one-day writing workshop full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We will also have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well."

Bay to Ocean Writers Conference. Wye Mills, Maryland, March 9, 2019. Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Writers Association. "The BTO conference features workshops, presentations, and panel discussions on a wide variety of topics pertaining to the craft of writing, publishing, marketing, the Internet, and the intricacies of particular genres. It is an opportunity to meet with many writing peers in the region. Speakers include accomplished authors, poets, film writers, writing instructors, editors, and publishers. BTO also offers one-on-one manuscript reviews with experienced writing instructors and editors for registered attendees for a fee."

Atlanta Writing Workshop, March 9, 2019, Atlanta, GA. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome."

Algonkian Novel Retreat, Sterling, March 13 - 17, 2019:Virginia. "In keeping with the spirit of this place and the goals of this retreat, you can be as goal-oriented or as hesitant in approach as you wish. You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, clear your head, have your work read by our writer mentors, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. You discuss with us ahead of time via the Algonkian Writer Retreat Application the goals you wish to accomplish, and we'll work with you to make it happen. Do you desire a review of your short stories or flash fiction? A line edit? Do you wish to discuss the reality of the current fiction market, your novel project, plot and characters, or perhaps get feedback on the opening hook or a few sample chapters? Or would you simply like a relaxed and productive dialogue about your goals as a writer?" Registration is first come, first served.

Sleuthfest. March 14 - 17, 2019: Boca Raton, FL. Sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America a conference for writers and fans. Features writing workshops, social events, and pitch sessions, including:
* Agent Appointments to pitch your finished work
* Critiques of your 10 page manuscript submission
* Forensic track with current forensic techniques & hands-on workshops
* Social events to mingle with agents, editors and your favorite authors
* Auction to purchase critiques of your work by bestselling authors
* Sessions on the craft of writing
* Sessions on marketing and promoting your work
* Practice your Pitch sessions with experienced authors

Springmingle ’19 and Illustrators’ Day. Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. Decatur, GA, March 15 -16, 2019. Conference for children's book writers and illustrators. Faculty includes writers, illustrators, agents, editors, and publishers.

Writing By Writers Boulder Generative Workshop. March 15 - March 17, 2019, Boulder, Colorado. Lectures, craft talks, writing exercises and class discussions. Each participant will have the opportunity to work in a small group setting with all three faculty members.

University of North Dakota Writers Conference. March 20 - 22, 2019: Grand Forks, North Dakota. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as panel discussions and readings. Participating writers include poets Heid E. Erdrich and Sally Wen Mao, fiction writers Kiese Laymon and Tommy Orange, and nonfiction writer Sarah Smarsh. The conference is free, but workshop space is limited to twenty participants; registration is first come, first served.

Virginia Festival of the Book, March 20 - 24, 2019. "The Festival is the largest community-based book event in the Mid-Atlantic region and has attracted audiences of more than 20,000 for each of the past thirteen years. We have presented a captivating list of authors, ranging from international bestsellers to topical specialists to debut authors." Book exhibits, talks by authors, readings, workshops on book promotion, finding an agent, poetry, publishing, agents roundtable - you name it, this conference has it.

Write Stuff Writers Conference. March 21 - 23, 2019: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 20 workshops, Agent./Editor pitch sessions, marketing consults plus lunch and Keynote address, Book Fair, Flash Literature Writing Contest, Door Prizes. Featuring Ben Wolf and Charis Crowe.

Advanced Manuscript Boot Camp. March 21 - 23, 2019: Southampton, NY. "At the Advanced Manuscript Boot Camp you will receive two hours of feedback from up to six fellow authors in workshops led by Donna Kaz and Madge McKeithen. You will discover what is working in your pages, where your readers have questions, and what your peers want to see more of. These responses will spark fresh ideas about how you can strengthen your story and inspire you to return to your desk to complete and publish your book."

Algonkian Writers New York Pitch Conference, March 21 - 24, 2019: NY, NY. "The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work, but for having you and your work taken seriously by industry professionals. More importantly though, it is also a diagnostic method for workshopping the plot, premise, and other elements of the story to determine quality and marketability. Simply put, you cannot successfully pitch a viable commercial novel if you don't have a viable commercial novel. Our goal, therefore, is to set you on a realistic path to publication."

Colrain One-Day Retreat: What is a Poetry Manuscript? March 23, 2019, Barred Owl Retreat, Leicester, Massachusetts.The Colrain One-Day Informational Retreat is designed for poets who wish to learn the basics of a poetry manuscript before submitting to presses and/or applying to the Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference.  In a small group (8-10 poets) team-led by two seasoned Colrain Poetry Manuscript facilitators.

Authors' Salon at Clockwork Alchemy. March 22 - 24, 2019, Burlingame, California. Clockwork Alchemy is the San Francisco area's own steampunk convention. Originally a part of FanimeCon, Clockwork Alchemy is now its own independent event celebrating music, makers, dancing, writing, crafting, fashion, and fun related to steampunk!

2019 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium & Tribute to Ntozake Shange. March 23, 2019, Brooklyn, NY. “Playwrights and Screenwriters at the Crossroads,” is a public gathering of writers, scholars, literary professionals, performers, students and the general public. It will provide a forum for examining the trends and themes addressed by Black playwrights and filmmakers; showcase the work of Black playwrights and screenwriters; and pay tribute to Ntozake Shange, Obie Award-winning renowned poet, playwright, and novelist. Ifa Bayeza, playwright, producer, novelist, and sister of Ntozake Shange is the featured speaker.

Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference. March 27 - 30, 2018, Portland, OR. "The AWP Conference & Bookfair is an essential annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Each year more than 12,000 attendees join our community for four days of insightful dialogue, networking, and unrivaled access to the organizations and opinion-makers that matter most in contemporary literature. The 2016 conference featured over 2,000 presenters and 550 readings, panels, and craft lectures. The bookfair hosted over 800 presses, journals, and literary organizations from around the world. AWP’s is now the largest literary conference in North America."

34th Annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference. March 28 - March 30, 2019: Weber State University, Ogden, UT. "Each year, nearly 200 undergraduate writers and poets throughout North America, and sometimes beyond, come to Weber State University to present their work and learn from some of the most important writers in contemporary literature."

The Work Conference. March 29 - 31, 2019, New York City. "The Work is a boutique writers’ conference, meaning it’s purposefully small, highly personalized, and focused on bringing 30 hard-working authors together for an unforgettable weekend." Faculty: Leon Husock, Sarah Levitt, Daniel Kirschen, Heather Flaherty, Natalie Halla, Kerin Wicks, Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, Jennifer Udden, Alex Arnold, Monica Odom, Stephanie Delman, Annie Hwang, Tiffany Liao, Laura Chasen, Katie Grimm.

WonderCon, March 29 - March 31, 2019, Anaheim, CA. HUGE comic book convention.

Maryland Writers Association: Brain to Bookshelf. March 29 - March 31, 2019: Linthicum, MD.
"The Brain to Bookshelf conference offers over 20 workshops, several intensive sessions, for more detailed learning along with agents presenting panels, hearing pitches and providing critiques. Agent slots are limited, so register early."

Kansas Writing Workshop. March 30, 2019: Kansas City, MO. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at the Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Country Club Plaza. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome."

Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference. March 30-31, 2019: Iselin, NJ. "We are so excited about what promises to be a very special, educational, and entertaining 10th Anniversary Conference. In addition to our wonderful and diverse keynote speakers, we have a number of editors and agents who will be attending to take pitches as well as some awesome writer and reader workshops!"

These four UK agents are actively seeking to expand their client lists. Will Francis has a particular interest in literary fiction, thrillers, speculative fiction, and genre writers with a literary edge, as well as non-fiction rooted in provocative, challenging ideas. Therese Coen wants everything. Jenny Hewson is looking for literary fiction, historical fiction, book club fiction, gothic fiction, narrative non-fiction, memoir and writing from academics and experts of all kinds. Judith Murray loves literary fiction and well-written genre fiction, including thrillers, crime, historical novels and women’s fiction; and literary non-fiction including history, biography, memoirs, cookery and travel writing.

Always check the agency website before submitting. Agents may switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

If these agents don't suit your needs, you can find a comprehensive list of new and established agents seeking clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.

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Therese Coen of Hardman & Swainson Literary Agency

"Born and raised in Belgium, on a diet of frites and Tintin, I moved to England in my late teens with my family. I then stayed in London to do a History degree and Masters at University College London. Having been brought up bilingual, French and Dutch, then picking up German and obviously English later on, translation rights seemed like the logical next step. My first job in publishing was just down the road from my university at Bloomsbury Publishing on Bedford Square, where I started as an intern and left as Rights Executive. I later hopped across the square to work at Ed Victor ltd. where I was lucky enough to learn from one of the most renowned and experienced literary agents in the world, handling huge celebrity titles alongside Booker-prize winning authors."

What she is seeking: Therese is open to everything -  fiction and nonfiction. "In terms of adult fiction, I am a total sucker for historical (ranging across the commercial spectrum), and would love some more international historical stories ranging from the Renaissance era to the 20th Century. I’d love something set in the art world, a mystery, crime or romance. I love strong female characters, especially when they go through an evolution as the story progresses and gradually find that inner strength.

On the children’s fiction front, I love all things fantasy and adventure – across lands, time and space, and involving strong friendships and strong lead characters. I like very vivid, well-crafted and imaginative worlds, for example stories set in a toy factory, or an all-female pirate ship, or in an underwater world. I’d love some more adventures set in space, à la Stark Trek and Wall-E. I want mysteries, quirky characters, explorers and imaginary friends."

How to submit: For fiction: send a query, and attach a one-page synopsis as well as the full manuscript to submissions@hardmanswainson.com. For nonfiction, send a proposal, a sample chapter, and the whole work if it is completed.

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Jenny Hewson of Rogers, Coleridge & White

Jenny Hewson represents a wide range of award winning & bestselling authors from around the world, including Sarah Perry, Christos Tsiolkas, Thomas Keneally, Amy Sackville, Alexander MacLeod, Melissa Harrison and Ashley Hay.

What she is seeking: Jenny is interested in literary fiction, historical fiction (in the vein of Helen Dunmore, Kate Mosse, Elizabeth Gifford), book club fiction, gothic fiction (in the vein of The Turn of the Screw, Rebecca, Melmoth), narrative non-fiction, memoir and writing from academics and experts of all kinds who can present brilliant non-fiction ideas to a general readership, especially in the field of popular science.

How to submit: Send material to jennyh@rcwlitagency.com. For fiction send the first three chapters or approximately the first fifty pages of the work to a natural break, and a brief synopsis. Fir non-fiction send a proposal up to twenty pages in length explaining what the work is about and why you are best placed to write it.

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Judith Murray of Greene & Heaton Ltd

Judith Murray joined the agency in 1995. She studied at Wadham College, Oxford and has a First in English Literature. She has worked as an editor at a number of UK publishing houses and as a talent scout for translation publishers.

What she is seeking: Judith loves literary fiction and well-written genre fiction, including thrillers, crime, historical novels and women’s fiction; and literary non-fiction including history, biography, memoirs, cookery and travel writing.

How to submit: Submissions should be sent by email to submissions@greeneheaton.co.uk. Please attach a synopsis and the first three chapters (or about fifty pages) to your query in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Mention the name of the agent in the subject line of your email.
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Will Francis of Janklow and Nesbit (UK)

Will Francis joined Janklow & Nesbit in 2008. He represents writers of popular science and narrative history as well as novelists. Before starting his publishing career at Random House in 2000, he studied at King’s College London, and has lived in the US, India and Australia. Will regularly lectures on publishing and the changing role of the literary agent at conferences and universities across the UK, and can be found on Twitter @zcosini. He became Director of the UK office in 2013.

What he is seeking: He has a particular interest in literary fiction, thrillers, speculative fiction, and genre writers with a literary edge, as well as non-fiction rooted in provocative, challenging ideas.

How to submit: Please attach (Word format or PDF) your synopsis, and either the first three chapters or the first fifty pages, whichever you feel is appropriate to submissions@janklow.co.uk, including your name, the title of your work and the name of the agent you wish to submit to in the subject line. 

These three new agents are actively seeking to expand their client lists. Brenna English-Loeb is specifically looking for works of YA and adult science fiction, fantasy, and suspense, adult literary fiction; and in nonfiction, serious, groundbreaking sociological work.  Karly Caserza specializes in middle grade and young adult genre fiction (fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary). Alexandra Franklin enjoys realistic upmarket and literary fiction. Campus novels, literary thrillers, and coming-of-age novels are of particular interest. On the nonfiction side, she is interested in unusual and offbeat memoir.

Always check the agency website before submitting. Agents may switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.

If these agents don't suit your needs, you can find a comprehensive list of new and established agents seeking clients here: Agents Seeking Clients.


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Ms. Karly Caserza of Fuse Literary


Associate Agent Karly Caserza was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Northern California as a child. She obtained her Business Marketing degree and has been a Freelance Graphic Designer for over 10 years. In addition to designing a wide range of print and web promotional material for clients, Karly creates book covers for Short Fuse and promotional graphics for Fuse authors.

Professionally, Karly began her career in the publishing industry as a reader for Tricia Skinner at Fuse Literary. Her responsibilities quickly grew and she was promoted to Literary Assistant, a role that also included a spot on the production team of Short Fuse.

Karly is also the Marketing Coordinator of the San Francisco Writers Conference, held every President’s Day weekend. In her spare time, Karly is an Adobe Technical Trainer, freelance graphic designer, Young Adult author, video game geek, and art noob.


What she is seeking: She specializes in middle grade and young adult genre fiction (fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary).

How to submit: Please submit using this form: http://queryme.online/Karly

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Ms. Brenna English-Loeb of Transatlantic Literary Agency

Brenna English-Loeb comes to TLA after working for several years at Janklow & Nesbit Associates and Writers House, where she had the pleasure of working with New York Timesbestselling and award-winning authors across multiple genres. At TLA she’s excited to grow her list of speculative and suspenseful fiction in both YA and adult, as well as adult nonfiction, in collaboration with senior agents.

What she is seeking: Brenna is specifically looking for works of YA and adult science fiction, fantasy, and suspense, as well as some adult literary fiction. She loves space operas, myth and fairy tale retellings, survival stories, epistolary novels, and heists. She also has a soft spot for stories that blend multiple genres and for works by and about underrepresented groups and identities.

Aspects of a work that are sure to catch her eye include: evocative atmospheres, character-driven plots, a sense of adventure, and narratives that reveal a deep knowledge of a particular subject. She also loves old tropes made new again, unreliable narrators, and power imbalances.

For nonfiction, Brenna is looking for serious, groundbreaking sociological work that holds our culture up to the magnifying glass. She also loves accounts of historical events and people that deserve to be better known, as well as unusual and influential object histories.

How to submit: Please send all submissions by email, including a query letter, short synopsis and the first ten pages of your manuscript to brenna@transatlanticagency.com

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Ms. Alexandra Franklin of Vicky Bijur Literary Agency

Alexandra Franklin joined the Vicky Bijur Literary Agency after internships and assistant experience at Writers House, HSG Agency, Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents, and Scholastic’s Alliance for Young Artists and Writers.

What she is seeking: Alexandra enjoys realistic upmarket and literary fiction and is drawn to fresh, engaging voices and complex but sympathetic protagonists. Campus novels, literary thrillers, and coming-of-age novels are of particular interest. On the nonfiction side, she is interested in unusual and offbeat memoir.

How to submit: Send queries addressed to queries[at]vickybijuragency.com. Please send a query letter of no more than three paragraphs on what makes your book special and unique, a very brief synopsis, its length and genre, and your biographical information, along with the first ten pages of your manuscript.