There are more than three dozen calls for submissions in December. 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 calls for submissions on the first day of every 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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Eternal Haunted Summer: The Dark Spirits of Winter. Genre: Original poetry and short fiction about the Gods and Goddesses and heroes of the world’s many Pagan traditions. Also reviews, interviews, and essays. "We’re looking for poems about Father Frost, Jack Frost, the Snow Queen, and Old Man Winter. We want short stories about Boreas the Northern Wind, Cailleach Bheur, and Frau Holle. We want essays about Khione, Krampus, and Saturn. Alternatively, send us a piece about the “shadow side” of Deities and spirits associated with the holiday, such as Ganesh (Pancha Ganapati), Mithras, and Sol Invictus (Dies Natalis Sol Invictus)." Payment: $5. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

Galli Books: Rosalind’s Siblings. Genre: Speculative fiction and poetry about "people of marginalized genders/sexes who are scientists: scientists doing good, changing the world, or just getting on with their work of expanding human knowledge in a speculative context, presented in a positive light."  Length: 500-7,500 words. Payment: £0.08/word. Flat rate  of £50 for poetry.  Deadline: December 1, 2018.

Contrary Magazine. Genre: Original commentary, fiction, and poetry. Payment: $20. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

Psycho Holiday. Genre: Short stories and flash fiction. Theme: Horror and dark fiction about demented psychopathic killers with a winter holiday setting. Payment: $10. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

Goal Publications: The Thrill of the Hunt. Genre: Stories involving the hunt. "Few things in nature are more fundamental than one animal hunting another. Yet in most anthropomorphic fiction, that aspect is ancient history, as far removed as humans being apes living in trees. Those innate mechanisms aren’t so easily forgotten, however. While the topic has been touched on in the past, this book will focus on the predator/prey dynamic, how it interacts with adult stories, and stories should make those elements a focal point. Avoid treating the predator and prey roles as simply being pure analogs to differing social groups—there needs to be a clear biological or psychological difference when those roles come into play." Payment: $0.0075/word. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

Compelling Science Fiction. Genre: Science fiction. Payment: 6 cents/word. 1 cent/word for reprints. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

The Pedestal Magazine. Genre: Poetry. Payment: $40. Deadline: December 2, 2018.

Copper Nickel. Genres: poetry, fiction, essays, and translation. Payment: $30 per printed page. Deadline: December 15, 2018.

Eye to the Telescope. Genre: Speculative poetry. Theme: Crossroads. Payment: US 3¢/word rounded to nearest dollar; minimum US $3, maximum $25. Deadline: December 15, 2018.

Selene Quarterly. Genre: Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and art. Payment: $0.01-0.03/word for fiction, $35 for nonfiction, $15 for reviews $0.25/line for poetry. Deadline: December 15, 2018.

Arsenika. Genre: All; flash fiction and poetry. Payment: $60 USD for fiction and $30 USD for poetry. Deadline: December 15, 2018.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Running for Good. Genre: Nonfiction. "We are looking for true stories or poems of 1,200 words or less, about all aspects of running and stories about running to raise awareness of and funds for a cause. Stories can be funny and quirky, or they can be serious and heartwarming." Payment: $200. Deadline: December 15, 2018.

Dreaming Robot Press: Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide. Genre: Science fiction. The main protagonist should be someone a middle-grade reader (aged 8-12) can identify with. “Tell us of adventure, space, science. Give us rockets, robots and alien encounters… Steampunk, time travel, weird west and alternate history are all fine.”  Payment: $0.06/word. Deadline: December 15, 2018.

Barrelhouse. Genre: Essays that deal with pop culture. Payment: $50. Deadline: December 16, 2018.

Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores. Genre: Speculative stories. Payment: 6 cents/word for original work. 2 cents/word for reprints. Deadline: December 28, 2018.

Sigil House E-Shorts. Genre: Short stories, all genres. Length: between 2,000 and 15,000 words. Payment: $10. Deadline: December 30, 2018. Reprints accepted.

Year's Best Hardcore Horror. Genre: Horror. Length: Up to 6,000 words. Payment: 1 cent/word. Deadline: December 30, 2018. Reprints accepted.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Golden Years or Second Wind. Genre: Nonfiction. "We are looking for stories about the humorous or serious sides of life after 60." Payment: $200. Deadline: December 30, 2018.

Allegory. Genre: Speculative fiction. Payment: $15. Deadline: December 31, 2018. Accepts reprints.

Red Room Press: Year's Best Hardcore Horror. Genre: Horror. Payment: 1 cent a word for reprint rights ($60 max). Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Don't Cry to Mama. Genre: Horror short stories. Length: Between 2,500 and 6,000 words. Payment: $25.  Deadline: December 31, 2018.

The Cantabrigian. Genre: Literary fiction, cover art. Payment: Between $20 and $50 per contributor. Deadline: December 31, 2018. Submit early to avoid submission fees.

3288 Review. Restrictions: Open to current or former residents of West Michigan, or people who have some significant connection to the West Michigan region. Genres: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Payment: $25 - $50. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Pink Triangle Rhapsody. This is an anthology open to gay male writers only. The Pink Triangle Rhapsody series is a non-themed anthology series, with the exception of the required genre and inclusion of one or more of Lycan Valley’s required elements. The series is intended to be a collection of stories written with “effusively rapturous or emotional expression. Each story must include a supernatural, paranormal or occult element (horror may include psychological horror with or without one of the other elements).” Payment: $0.04 per word based on final published word count. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Workers Write! More Tales from the Classroom. Genre: Stories and poems from educational settings. "We're looking for fiction about teachers, counselors, admins, school librarians, principals, janitors - anyone who works in a school or classroom setting." Length: 500-5,000 words. Payment: $5-50. Deadline: December 31, 2018, or until filled.

Fireside. Genre: Short stories. Payment: 12.5 cents per word for accepted stories.   Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories about Angels. Genre: Nonfiction. "We are looking for true personal stories about how an angel has touched your life – stories of true wonder and awe from people who have directly encountered or received help from angels. Amazing stories that will make people say “wow” or give our readers chills. Have you experienced something otherworldly or celestial? Or had a personal experience with an angel or divine being? How did your angel manifest himself or herself to you? How did your angel protect or guide you? Do you have a guardian angel?" Payment: $200. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories about Miracles. Genre: Nonfiction. "We are looking for true stories of no more than 1,200 words for this multi-faith book that will awe you with examples of amazing events and unexplained happenings. Share your inspirational stories with us to remind us that each day holds hope and to never give up. A miracle can happen at any time." Payment: $200. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Zizzle. Genre: Flash fiction for children. They want “new perspectives to the nuanced joys and tensions in children’s daily lives and imaginations.” And stories that will speak to children as young as 10 (grade 5), and also to grown-ups. Length: 500-1,200 words.  Payment: $100. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Nothing Without Us. Genre: Fiction by and about disabled people. The lead character must be disabled, blind, Deaf, Autistic, neurodiverse, and/or live with mental illness. Canadian writers preferred. Payment: $0.03/word; will try to increase this amount via Kickstarter. Length: 1,000-3,500 words. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Zombies Need Brains: Portals. Genre: Science fiction or fantasy stories that contain a portal opening up between two different worlds and the consequences that come from that portal. Payment: $0.06/word minimum. Length: Up to 7,500 words. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Zombies Need Brains: Temporally Deactivated. Genre: Stories where the author explores what the phrase “temporally deactivated” could mean with regards to a person, place, or thing. Payment: $0.06/word minimum. Length: Up to 7,500 words. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Zombies Need Brains:Alternate Peace. Genre: Alternate history stories where the divergence from our timeline comes from some kind of peaceful change to our past. Payment: $0.06/word minimum. Length: Up to 7,500 words. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Underbelly. Genre: Horror. "Dark, twisted, and disturbing stories that push the envelope and explore the far reaching limits of the unnerving side of humanity." Length: 1,000 to 7,500 words. Payment: $10. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Carte Blanche (Canada). Genre: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, translations. comics, photography. Payment: "Modest" Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Existere (Canada). Genre: Poetry, short plays, short stories, creative nonfiction, postcard/flash fiction, art and literature reviews, critical essays, interviews, sketches, photos. Payment: "Modest" Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Space Opera Libretti. Genre: Speculative fiction. "Dramatic, large-scale stories of the distant future, focused on optimism and inclusion and blowing things up. Weird mashups. Actual arias. Fat ladies singing on funeral pyres. Watery tarts distributing swords optional. Play fast and loose. No holds barred as long as it’s a tasteful treatment written with respect." Payment: "Payment depends on how much we earn with the Kickstarter, but we're aiming for a minimum of 6 cents a word." Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy. Genre: Science Fiction and Fantasy short stories published in the calendar year 2017 by a nationally distributed magazine in the US or Canada. Payment: Not specified, but I am including this entry anyhow. The "Best of SFF" series is published by Mariner Books, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Deadline: December 31, 2018.
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​Erica Verrillo has published five books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on how to get an agent, lists agents who are looking for clients as well as publishers accepting manuscripts directly from writers, explains how to market and promote your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews, how to self-publish, and where to find markets for your work on Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity.

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December is a great month for writing contests. This month there are no fewer that 58 contests, and none charge entry fees. Prizes range from $40,000 to envy. (If you win a Pushcart, envy is quite enough.) 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.

You have nothing to lose, so have at it! 
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Washington State Book Awards. Restrictions: Open to Washington State writers. Genre: Published book, all genres. Prize: $500. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

Flo Gault Student Poetry Prize. Restrictions: Full-time undergraduate college students in Kentucky. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $500. Deadline: December 1, 2018.
 
Owl Canyon Press Short Story Hackathon #2. Genre: Short story consisting of 50 paragraphs. The contest provides the 1st and 25th paragraphs, and the short story writer composes the rest. Prize: First prize is $3000, 2nd prize is $2000, and 3rd prize is $1000 with the winning short stories published in a short story anthology, as well as an invitation to give a public reading at Inkberry Books in Niwot, CO. Deadline: December 1, 2018.
 
Headway Quarterly Writing Contest. Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction. Theme is mutants and mutation. Prize: $100. Deadline: December 1, 2018.
 
The Real Be Yourself Blog. Genre: A fiction or non-fiction story or non-fiction article directly or closely related to pets, animals, wildlife or livestock. Length: Submission must be at least 250 words and no more than 1000 words. Prize: Publication on the RealBeYourself Blog, $25 Amazon gift card and free gifts. Deadline: December 1, 2018. (Deadline appears to be flexible.)

Better Than Starbucks. Genre: Metrical poetry. Your sonnet can be shakespearean, petrarchan, spenserian, rhymed, or slant-rhymed. Blank verse is fine, as long as the sonnet form is clearly identifiable. They’ll consider tetrameter, hexameter, etc. as well as pentameter. Prize: $100. Deadline: December 1, 2018. Previously published work accepted.

The David J. Langum, Sr. Prize in American Historical Fiction is offered annually to the best book in American historical fiction that is both excellent fiction and excellent history. Prize: $1.000. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

The Schneider Family Book Award is sponsored by the American Library Association. The award honors an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. Prize: Three annual awards each consisting of $5000 and a framed plaque, will be given annually in each of the following categories: birth through grade school (age 0–10), middle school (age 11–13) and teens (age 13–18). (Age groupings are approximations). Genre: May be fiction, biography, or other form of nonfiction. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

The Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry. Restrictions: Open to African poets who have not yet published a collection of poetry. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $1,000 and book publication through the University of Nebraska Press and Amalion Press in Senegal. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

Poetry Center at Smith College Prize. Restrictions: Open to sophomore or junior high school girls in New England. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $500. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

Thomas and Lillie D. Chaffin Award for Appalachian Writing. Restrictions: Open to published writers who are writing from the region. Genres: All. Prize: $1000. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

The W.Y. Boyd Literary Award for Excellence in Military Fiction honors the best fiction set in a period when the United States was at war. It recognizes the service of American veterans and military personnel and encourages the writing and publishing of outstanding war-related fiction. Genre: Military fiction. Prize: $5000. Deadline: December 1, 2018.
The Pushcart Prize honors the best “poetry, short fiction, essays or literary whatnot” published in small presses and literary magazines. Magazine and small press editors may nominate up to six works. Pushcart Press publishes yearly anthologies of the winning submissions. Prize: Publication. Deadline: December 1, 2018.

New York Encounter Poetry Contest. Genre: Poetry on the theme “Something to Start From.” Prize: Cash prizes of $300, $200 and $100 will be awarded to first, second and third place poems. Deadline: December 2, 2018.

Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award. Restrictions: Open to an LGBTQ writer who has shown exceptional talent and the potential for continued literary success and significance in the future. The nominee must have published at least one but no more than two books, written in the discipline of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Works must be in the English language. Prize: $1,500. Deadline: December 4, 2018.

Literature Matters. Restrictions: UK residents. Genre: “Awards will be given to individual writers or other literary creators, recognising their past achievements and providing them with financial support to undertake a proposed new piece of writing or literary project. Launched as part of the RSL’s new Literature Matters programme, priority will be given to proposals which (a) will help connect with audiences or topics outside the usual reach of literature, and/or (b) will help generate public discussion about why literature matters.” Award: £20,000. Deadline: December 5, 2018.

Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) provides direct support to individual Bronx artists who create literary, media, visual, and performing works of art. Prize: 25 BRIO grants of $3,000 each are awarded to Bronx artists. BRIO award winners complete a one-time public service activity. Deadline: December 10, 2018.

Friends of American Writers. Restrictions: The author must be a resident (or previously have been a resident for approximately five years) of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota or Wisconsin; or the locale of the book must be in a region identified above. The author must not have published more than three books under his/her own pen name. Genres: Books can be fiction or creative non-fiction and published in 2017. Self-published and e-Books are not eligible. Prize: $4000. Deadline: December 10, 2018.

J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Award. Genre: Uncompleted work of nonfiction on a topic of American political or social concern. Prize: $30,000 fellowship. Deadline: December 10, 2018.

Unified Caring Association Student Essay Contest. Restrictions: Open to US High School Juniors and Seniors. Genre: Essay on topic: “If you were the ‘Caring Ambassador’ at your school, what would you do to inspire other students to be more caring?” Word count: 500–550 words. Prize: 10 first prizes of $333 scholarship; 10 second place essays will each receive a $100 scholarship. Deadline: December 10, 2018.

Weird Christmas Flash Contest. Genre: Weird flash fiction. 350 words max. Prize: $50 first prize, $25 second prize. Deadline: December 10, 2018.

Brunel International African Poetry Prize. Restrictions: The Prize is open to poets who were born in Africa, or who are nationals of an African country, or whose parents are African. It is for ten poems exactly in order to encourage serious poets. These poems may, however, have already been published. Only poets who have not yet had a full-length poetry book published are eligible. Poets who have self-published poetry books or had chapbooks and pamphlets published are allowed to submit for this prize. Genre: Poetry. Prize: £3000. Deadline: December 12, 2018.

Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest. Restrictions: Registered undergraduate full-time Juniors or Seniors at accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States during the Fall 2015 Semester. Genre: Essay Topic: Articulate with clarity an ethical issue that you have encountered and analyze what it has taught you about ethics and yourself. 3,000 to 4,000 words. Prize: First Prize $5,000, 2nd Prize $2,500, 3rd Prize $1,500, two Honorable Mentions $500 each. Deadline: December 14, 2018. Read details here.

Commonwealth Club of California Book Awards. Restrictions: Open to residents of California. Genre: Book of poetry, fiction or nonfiction. Prize: Gold medal. Deadline: December 15, 2018.

Ezra Jack Keats Children’s Book Award. Genre: Published or self-published picture books that portray the universal qualities of childhood, a strong and supportive family, and the multicultural nature of our world. Prize: $3,000. Deadline: December 15, 2018.

Rider University Annual High School Writing Contest. Restrictions: Open to high school students. Genres: Essays, poetry, fiction. Prizes: 1st-$100, 2nd-$50, 3rd-$25. Deadline: December 15, 2018.

Magical Mail Writing Contest. Genre: Letter. Prize: One First Place winner will receive $500, one Second Place winner will receive $250, and one Third Place winner will receive $100. Deadline: December 15, 2018.

Spark Award: Held by SCBWI , open to members of SCBWI who are self-published. Genres: Fiction and nonfiction. Prize: Envy. The SCBWI is our most prestigious national organization (US) for children’s book and YA writers. Deadline: December 15, 2018.

Alice Fay Di Castagnola Award. Restrictions: Only Poetry Society of America members may enter. Genre: Poetry, unpublished and published. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: December 22, 2018.

Cecil Hemley Memorial Award. Restrictions: Only Poetry Society of America members may enter. Genre: Poetry, unpublished and published. Lyric poem that addresses a philosophical or epistemological concern. Prize: $500. Deadline: December 22, 2018.

Lucille Medwick Memorial Award. Restrictions: Only Poetry Society of America members may enter. Genre: Poetry, unpublished and published. Original poem in any form on a humanitarian theme. Prize: $500. Deadline: December 22, 2018.

Lyric Poetry Award. Restrictions: Only Poetry Society of America members may enter. Genre: A lyric poem on any subject. Prize: $500. Deadline: December 22, 2018.

The Writer Magazine/Emily Dickinson Award. Restrictions: Only Poetry Society of America members may enter for free. Genre: A poem inspired by Dickinson though not necessarily in her style. Prize: $250. Deadline: December 22, 2018.

George Bogin Memorial Award. Restrictions: Only Poetry Society of America members may enter for free. Other must pay a $15 entry fee. Genre: Poetry that takes a stand against oppression. Prize: $500. Deadline: December 22, 2018.

Robert H. Winner Memorial Award. Restrictions: Only Poetry Society of America members may enter for free. There is a charge of $15 for non-members. Open to mid-career poets who have not had substantial recognition, and is over forty, and who have published no more than one book. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: December 22, 2018.

The Four Quartets Prize. Genre: unified and complete sequence of poems published in America in a print or online journal, chapbook, or book in 2018. Poems in the sequence may have been published in different journals provided that they were published in 2018 and that brought together, they form a complete sequence. Prize: Three finalists will receive $1,000 each. The winner will receive an additional $20,000. Deadline: December 22, 2018.
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Emerging Poets Fellowship at Poets House. Restrictions: Applicants to the Emerging Poets Fellowship at Poets House must reside in one of the five boroughs of New York City. Students who are or will be enrolled in any degree granting program during Spring 2018 are ineligible. Deadline: December 29, 2018. There is no application fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Posen Society of Fellows Awards. Genre: Jewish-themed dissertation. Prize: $40,000 fellowship. Deadline: December 30, 2018.

The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards recognizes outstanding works that contribute to our understanding of racism and our appreciation of the rich diversity of human cultures. Awards are given for both fiction and nonfiction. Prize: $10,000. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry, Griffin Poetry Prize. Restrictions: One prize goes to a living Canadian poet or translator, the other to a living poet or translator from any country, which may include Canada. Genre: Poetry. Books must have been published in English during the calendar year preceding the year of the award. Prize: C$200,000, is awarded annually in two categories — International and Canadian. Each prize is worth C$65,000. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Hefner Heitz Kansas Book Award in Literary Nonfiction (Kansas Book Award). Restrictions: Author must establish a connection to Kansas by birth, education, employment, residence or other significant claim. Genre: Book of literary nonfiction. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest. Genre: Speculative fiction prose, up to 17,000 words. Prize: $1,000 with $5,000 grand prize. Deadline: December 31, 2018. Read details HERE.

Blue Mountain Arts Poetry Card Contest. Genre: Poem. Prize: $300. Deadline: December 31, 2018. Read details HERE.

Best Translated Book Awards for Fiction. Genre: All original translations published between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 are eligible. Reprints and retranslation are ineligible. Prize: $5,000.00. Two awards of $5,000: one apiece for the author and translator of the winning book in fiction. Deadline: December 31, 2018.
 
Best Translated Book Awards for Poetry. Genre: All original translations published between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 are eligible. Reprints and retranslation are ineligible. Prize: $5,000.00. Two awards of $5,000: one apiece for the author and translator of the winning book in fiction. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Black Caucus of the American Library Association. BCALA presents four awards to an African American writer published in the United States during the previous year: one for adult fiction, one for nonfiction, one for a first novelist and one for poetry. These awards acknowledge outstanding achievement in the presentation of the cultural, historical and sociopolitical aspects of the Black Diaspora. Prize: Four $500.00 awards. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Brexit in Poetry Competition. Genre: Poem up to 50 lines about Brexit, by a poet age 18+. Prize: £200. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

FutureScapes Writing Contest. Genre: Short fiction on theme of “Cities of Promise.” “We’re seeking stories set in a near-future city where significant strides have been made toward addressing the complex intersection of homelessness, mental health, and drug and sex trafficking.” Prize: Up to $2000. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Lex:lead Essay Competition. Genre: Essay on topic: How can laws affecting the free movement of people reduce poverty and support economic development? Prize: $500. Deadline: December 31, 2018. You must register by October 31.

Neil Postman Award for Metaphor. Sponsored by Rattle. Genre: Poetry. All published submissions during the year are considered for the prize. Follow their regular submission guidelines. Prize: $1,000. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Society of Classical Poets, Poetry Competition. Genre: Poetry. Three to five poems, each of which does not exceed 50 lines. The poems must be within the four themes used by the Society. Prize: First Prize: $500. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

The Lyric College Poetry Contest. Restrictions: Open to undergraduates enrolled full time in an American or Canadian college or university. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $500. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

William Carlos Williams Poetry Competition. Restrictions: Open to students enrolled in programs leading to the Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy degree. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $300. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

HQC Victorian SciFi Contest. Genre: Speculative fiction. “We are seeking stories set in the Hive, Queen, and Country (HQC) Universe — an alternate history Victorian Era setting with a hard science fiction flavor.” Prize: Four $50 (USD) prizes will be awarded Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Viva la Novella. Restrictions: Open to Australian and New Zealand writers. Genre: Novella. Prize: $1,000 and publication in Seizure. Deadline: December 31, 2018.

Dapim: Studies on the Holocaust Article Prize Competition. Genre: Nonfiction of 7,000–10,000 words about the Holocaust. Prize: $1,000 top prize. Deadline: December 31, 2018. Questions/submissions: dapim_h@univ.haifa.ac.il

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Erica Verrillo has published five books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on how to get an agent, lists agents who are looking for clients as well as publishers accepting manuscripts directly from writers, explains how to market and promote your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews, how to self-publish, and where to find markets for your work on Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity.

During the holidays, writing conferences slow down. However, the few conferences offered in December are vibrant with opportunities.

The New York Pitch Conference is ideal for anyone with a finished manuscript. Dozens of agents and editors attend this conference to listen to pitches, and not only do you get a chance to pitch to an agent, you can take workshops that teach you how to pitch.

In an age in which agents frequently only accept submissions from writers they have met at a pitch conference, this is an event not to be missed.

I’ve said it before, and I will say it again — attending a conference is one of the best things you can do for your writing career. Conferences offer a unique opportunity to network with other writers, meet agents and pitch your book, and learn how the publishing industry works from editors and professionals.

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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CLMP Writers Conference. Dec 6–7, 2018: NY, NY. Clinics, workshops and panels with industry professionals. The faculty includes agents Amanda Annis (Trident Media Group), Sonali Chanchani (Folio Literary Management), Caroline Eisenmann (Frances Goldin Literary Agency), Diana Finch (Diana Finch Literary), Erin Harris (Folio Literary Management), Anna Stein (ICM Partners), and Renee Zuckerbrot (Massie & McQuilken); and editor Caroline Crumpacker (Belladonna* Collaborative). Participating writers include poet Celina Su. The cost of a two-day conference pass is $325, which includes all workshops, agent pitch sessions, and panels, as well as some meals. The cost of a Thursday or Friday-only pass is $200.
 
The 2018 Mesa Book Festival. December 8, 2018, Mesa, Arizona. The festival features presentations, readings, visits with authors, and a poetry open mic. “Everyone! Authors, Publishers, and Book Sellers are invited to register for space to showcase, promote, and sell their books. Readers are invited to come and buy their books direct. We’re encouraging a wide variety of literary arts purveyors to share their work to create a bigger audience for everyone.” All events are free and open to the public.
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New York Pitch Conference. Dec 13–16, 2018: NY, NY. The New York Pitch Conference and writers workshop is held four times a year and features publishing house editors from major houses such as Penguin, Random House, St. Martins, Harper Collins, Tor and Del Rey, Kensington Books and many more who are looking for new novels in a variety of genres, as well as narrative non-fiction. 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. The registration fee until December 5 is $795.00, and $895.00 after that date. This fee covers all conference pitch sessions and workshops.

Erica Verrillo has published five books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on how to get an agent, lists agents who are looking for clients as well as publishers accepting manuscripts directly from writers, explains how to market and promote your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews, how to self-publish, and where to find markets for your work on Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity.

Here are  four UK literary agents actively expanding their client lists. Hellie Ogden represents fiction, children’s books and non-fiction and enjoys novels with bold storytelling, moving prose and vivid, thought-provoking characters. In non-fiction she is looking for unique personal stories, cookery, lifestyle, and work that has a social following. Samuel Hodder is looking for a wide range of both fiction and non-fiction. Lydia Silver is particularly looking for magical middle grade adventures, funny contemporary stories and YA novels with an unusual voice. Peter Robinson represents both fiction and non-fiction with particular interests in crime, thrillers and historical fiction, together with history and popular science.

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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Hellie Ogden of Janklow and Nesbit (UK)

"I’m incredibly hands on editorially, and I love to help shape a piece of work from the very rough idea through to a polished, original manuscript. So I’m looking for a few special, standout books every year that I can pump my energy into, I keep my list small, and I’m happy to receive manuscripts even when just at a rough stage – that really excites me."

What she is seeking: Hellie represents fiction, children’s books and non-fiction and enjoys novels with bold storytelling, moving prose and vivid, thought-provoking characters. In non-fiction she is looking for unique personal stories, cookery, lifestyle, and work that has a social following with cross-media potential.

How to submit: Please include a covering letter in the body of your email and attach other components in Word format if possible, or as PDFs.  Please send your submission 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. If you are submitting fiction, you should include a covering letter, synopsis, and either the first three chapters or the first fifty pages, whichever you feel is appropriate. Your covering letter and synopsis should ideally be no longer than a page each. If you are submitting non-fiction, you should include a covering letter, a full outline setting out the aims of each chapter, and if possible a sample chapter. Please title all documents and your email with your full name and the title of your work for ease of reference. Your submission should be double-spaced, size 12 and in a reasonable font.

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Peter Robinson of Rogers, Coleridge & White (UK)

After graduating from Cambridge, Peter joined Waterstone’s and then became an editor at Michael Joseph (Penguin). In 1989, he became a literary agent at Curtis Brown where he was eventually Joint MD of the Book Department. In 2005, he left to set up his own agency, Robinson Literary Agency Ltd, before joining RCW in 2009. He represents a number of internationally bestselling authors including Ian Rankin and Joanne Harris, together with prize-winning non-fiction writers including David Starkey, Steve Jones, David Reynolds and Saul David.

What he is seeking: Peter represents both fiction and non-fiction with particular interests in crime, thrillers and historical fiction, together with history and popular science.

How to submit: Send a query letter and the first three chapters or approximately the first fifty pages of the work to a natural break, and a brief synopsis to Peter's assistant, Matthew Marland at matthewm@rcwlitagency.com

Non-fiction submissions should take the form of a proposal up to twenty pages in length explaining what the work is about and why you are best placed to write it. Material should be in 12 point font, in double-spacing and on one side only of A4 paper.

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Samuel Hodder of Blake Friedmann Literary (UK)

Samuel graduated in Psychology from University of Warwick, and completed a Masters in Publishing, before working for several years as an editor for psychology research. In 2015 he joined Blake Friedmann in the Contracts and Finance departments and is building his own list of authors.

What he is seeking: Samuel is looking for a wide range of both fiction and non-fiction. In literary and contemporary fiction he loves distinctive voices and complex characters (e.g. Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh), coming-of-age novels, LGBTQI themes, and novels that explore the loss of innocence, desire, deceit, class, or the world of work. In historical fiction, novels so immersive they can show readers a different way of thinking and being: Mary Renault’s novels are favourites. In crime and thrillers, he loves an unusual, evocative setting (e.g. The Axeman’s Jazz by Ray Celestin), but would like to read anything from psychological suspense to the truly macabre.

He also welcomes dystopian and speculative fiction, including fantasy, science-fiction, and the supernatural, where he would like to see novels centred on the characters’ psychological journeys (e.g. the Earthsea novels by Ursula K Le Guin, The Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer, or The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley), but he likes huge, world-building novels too (e.g. Consider Phlebas by Iain M Banks or Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky).

In non-fiction Samuel would like to read: narrative history (political and social), especially British, classical, and ancient history; true historical crime that reads like fiction (e.g. The Suspicions of Dr Whicher by Kate Summerscale); politics, current affairs, and economics; books that make big ideas accessible (e.g. Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall); books on LGBTQI subjects; travel, biography and memoir; nature writing; visual culture; pop culture; popular science; and psychology and personal development.

How to submit: Please include your name and the title of your manuscript in the email subject line, and in both the titles and headings of all attachments (i.e. your synopsis and chapters). Send to: Samuel (samuel[at]blakefriedmann[dot]co[dot]uk) Your submission should consist of three parts: the covering letter (please make this the body of your email), a full synopsis of approx. 500 words, and your first three chapters/10,000 words. With regard to non-fiction, please include your proposal in place of the first three chapters. Submissions should be in .doc or .docx format (not PDF) and should have wide margins and at least 1.5 line spacing, with all pages clearly numbered. If you are using a pseudonym, make sure that your real name and your pseudonym are both on the manuscript, as well as on your letter.

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Lydia Silver of Darley Anderson Agency

Lydia has recently joined the Darley Anderson Agency and is looking to build the children’s list.

What she is looking for: With a background in middle grade and YA fiction, Lydia is particularly looking for magical middle grade adventures, funny contemporary stories and YA novels with an unusual voice. She’s also got an eye out for clever, engaging picture books and is developing the non-fiction side of the children’s list. She loves working editorially with writers and is always on the lookout for new talent. Lydia is actively looking for submissions from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, LGBTQ and all other under-represented writers. Please include the hashtag #diversevoices in the subject line of your email when you submit.

How to submit: Send a short synopsis and the first three consecutive chapters together with a query letter to  childrens@darleyanderson.com For picture books please send the full text in a PDF. For illustrators, please send a link to your portfolio or attach examples of your work in PDF form to your email submission.

Here are six new agents seeking to expand their client lists. Tia Mele is looking for MG and YA. Justin Brouckaert is seeking literary and speculative fiction. Timothy Barry represents memoir and fiction. Kelly Oden is interested in literary and speculative fiction. Anne Tibbets represents adult science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, and horror, with the occasional crossover YA. Amy Stapp is interested in women’s fiction, mystery, suspense, historical fiction, young adult, and select narrative nonfiction.

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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Anne Tibbets of Red Sofa Literary

Anne Tibbets is the author of multiple science fiction novels and a former screenwriter. She joined Red Sofa Literary as an Associate Agent in 2018. In her free time, Anne watches television, reads, games, and participates in a myriad of “Old Lady” hobbies. She lives in Los Angeles, but don’t hold that against her. She can be found on Twitter @AnneTibbets.

What she is seeking: Anne represents adult science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, and horror, with the occasional crossover YA. Bonus points if you combine genres.

How to submit: Send query to Anne Tibbets here: anne@redsofaliterary.com

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Tia Mele of Talcott Notch

After finishing her undergraduate studies, Tia went on to earn a M.A. in English and Creative Writing. She started interning with Talcott Notch during my last semester at UConn, and was recently promoted to junior agent.

What she is seeking: "I’m looking to build my list with middle grade and young adult projects in any genre. I’m especially interested in dark middle grade and contemporary YA. Please send me your LGBT+ stories, as well as stories featuring visible and invisible illnesses, especially relating to mental health. I like everything from deep, terrifying thrillers to sweet, heartwarming romances. Sports plots are always interesting to me, especially if they involve baseball or softball. Dogs are a huge part of my life, so I'm all for dog-related stories as well! I’m seeking limited adult projects in women’s fiction and romance In non-fiction, I’m looking for anything sports related, especially baseball, football, or basketball. I’m also open to cookbooks from chefs who have a following from a blog or channel."

How to submit: Send your query and the first ten pages of your manuscript to  tmele@talcottnotch.net
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Justin Brouckaert of Aevitas Creative Management

Justin Brouckaert graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in Fiction at the University of South Carolina, where he was a James Dickey Fellow and an editor of the literary journal Yemassee. Before coming to Aevitas, he was the assistant director of the Southern Interscholastic Press Association in Columbia, South Carolina. He is based in New York.

What he is seeking: Justin is interested in character-driven literary fiction, both realist and speculative, as well as memoir and reportage. In both genres, he looks for work that explores the surreal in everyday life, as well as work that turns a nuanced eye to the world of sports.

How to submit: Contact Justin through his bio page HERE. (This agency uses a form.)

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Timothy Barry of Kneerim & Williams

Timothy Barry became an Affiliated Agent with Kneerim & Williams in 2018. As a freelance writer and editor, Tim's work has been featured in The Boston Globe (food features), Aesthetica Magazine, artcritical, The Brooklyn Rail, Take-It Magazine, New Musical Express, The Noise, artsfuse, (art and music criticism) and many others.

What he is seeking: He is keen to discover authentic voices in literary fiction and memoir--especially of the boundary-expanding sort--and to ferret out unusual and captivating work in the fields of art, music, film, food, travel, crime and counterculture.

How to submit: Please send a query letter to submissions@kwlit.com , and include a synopsis, a brief bio, and ten to twenty pages of initial sample material in the body of the email (no attachments will be opened). Include name of the agent you are querying in the subject line of the email, along with the title of your project.

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Kelly Oden of InkWell Management

Kelly Oden graduated from Butler University, where she studied English Literature and Ballet. Prior to joining InkWell, she worked in foreign rights and contracts at ICM Partners and shelved books at Strand Bookstore. Her general interests include the American Dream, figuring out how to survive a social media apocalypse, and cooking elaborate meals.

What she is seeking: Kelly is interested in literary and speculative fiction that is timely, psychologically acute, and/or darkly funny. She would love to get her hands on a provocative feminist dystopia, an empathetic family saga, or an introspective exploration of life in a digital age.

How to submit: Queries should be emailed to: submissions@inkwellmanagement.com In the body of your email, please include a query letter and a short writing sample (1-2 chapters). Emails with large attachments will be discarded.

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Amy Stapp of Wolfson Literary Agency

Amy Stapp received her BA from Samford University and MA from Georgia State University before beginning her publishing career at Macmillan, where she was an editor for seven years and had the privilege of working with bestselling authors such as Katie McGarry, Shelley Noble, and Amber Lynn Natusch, among others. Amy joined Wolfson Literary in 2018 and is actively building her list.

What she is seeking: Amy is interested in women’s fiction, mystery, suspense, historical fiction, young adult, and select narrative nonfiction.  She is particularly drawn to well-paced prose and smart, multidimensional characters.

How to submit: Send query to amy@wolfsonliterary.com

It’s November, and we all know what that means! (No, not turkey and mashed potatoes.) It’s time to sit down and write your novel. (Go ahead and panic. There are thousands of other writers who feel like tearing their hair out right now, same as you. But given the excellent distraught company you will be keeping, why not?) 

If you have participated in National November Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) before, you will know it is an exciting, grueling, rewarding, excruciating, and __________ (insert other contradictory adjectives here) event. Writers have exactly one month to compose a 50,000-word novel. Easy-peasy! 
To participate in NaNoWriMo, writers first have to sign up. (Don’t worry, it’s free.) There are steps to follow: 1) Fill out your profile, 2) Give your novel a title, 3) Select your region, 4) Earn badges for completing milestones, and 5) Get inspired! The NaNoWriMo site has plenty of pep talks. There are also forums where writers can talk about outlining, character development, plot, and share their progress. 
NaNoWriMo acknowledges that writing is a solitary pursuit, that writing a novel, in particular, is daunting, and that having company along the way can be both inspiring and provide the necessary motivation to get that novel you’ve wanted to write out of your head and into the light of day.
If you want to find out more about NaNoWriMo, go to their website HERE.
And if you decide that this is it! You will write your novel in November! Don’t be dismayed if you don’t finish it in one month. You’ve gotten off to a roaring start, and that’s what you needed all along.

Erica Verrillo has published five books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on how to get an agent, lists agents who are looking for clients as well as publishers accepting manuscripts directly from writers, explains how to market and promote your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews, how to self-publish, and where to find markets for your work on Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity.