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Rumple_deWriter

Over 90 days ago

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3 Nov 2020

Morning, y'all. Just thought Inspirators would want to know that the much ballyhooed US Presidential election has been decided.

The bell-weather hamlet of Dixville Notch NH has reported complete though unofficial results. The big winner is Joe Biden who swept to a 5-0 win. Now it's past time for the rest of the USofA to start catching up. ;)

Anyway, turning to the serious business of drinking coffee, tea, and eating Sarah's cookies. No doubt all will rejoince at the news there' fresh hot coffee and fresh hot water for our tea sippers. Even better is the revelation that both cookie jars are filled with Sarah cookies. Enjoy.

Later, Inspirators glasses8

glasses8

2 Nov 2020

Moanday mourning greetings to all who enter. The joint was in surprisingly good shape this morning due, no doubt, to Ms Elizabeth being the last one out yesterday. She's such a neat-nick don't ya know. ;)

The contest is now officially closed. Those involved in its creation, organization and moderating are to be congratulated. Probably the best (of everything) contest since the second one here at Stories Space and that one got messed up by the winner being, moi. ;)

Anyway, coffee's cooking, the tea kettle is 'kettling' and there are cookies a'plenty in the cookie jars. Enjoy.

Later, Inspirators. glasses8

glasses8

1 Nov 2020

How y'all are? I was better until my LSU Tigers got whipped like the proverbial rented mule by Auburn. Sarah should be in a better mood since her Va Tech Hokies outscored Louisville.

On our own competition front, as of a few minutes ago, all three sections were still open. FWIW, the Flash category has 15 entries, the shorter than Flash category has 28, and the 'long' category has ten entries. IMO, those are impressive totals.

Coffee's on, water's hot. The rest is up to y'all.

Later, Inspirators.

glasses8

glasses8

28 Oct 2020

Happy Hump Day Here's your good news for the day. By the next Hump Day, the presidential election will have come and gone though the final scorecard may still be fought over. Hey, I said it was good, not great, news.

Coffee's cooking, the tea kettle is full of pure water and ready to do its duty. Me, I'm gonna fill my mug, grab a few cookies and hunker down in a warm corner (it's 45f) out here in the desert) to read more contest entries.

Later, Inspirators.

glasses8

glasses8

27 Oct 2020

In the words of the psalmist, "I couldn't sleep at all last night." So instead of tossing and turning in bed, I slipped in here through the unlocked, as always, back door. There's now a fresh pot of coffee and a kettle full of hot water if tea is your thing. All that at the cost of a dent in the cookie supply.

On my way out I'm leaving an official pimp of my contest entry which Karen was kind enough to mention. BTW, so far, no commenter has mentioned being nauseated by reading, 'Commuting To An Unplanned Future'.Here's the link.

https://www.storiesspace.com/stories/general/-commuting-to-an-unplanned-future-.aspx

Later, Inspirators

glasses8

glasses8

26 Oct 2020

Well, let me tell you, it's like this. I've just submitted a contest entry in the long form category. What with the proverbial one thing and another, it's been many moons since I submitted anything of any length. Chaulk it up to RL, depression, and the writer's block from hell. . What made everything even more 'interesting' was my having all new software featuring fiendishly depraved new features, along with tweaks to the Lush/Stories Space package

But it is now accomplished. Once I've recuperated from all the writerly trauma, I'll see if there's -a non-contest story or two anxiously waiting for some sort of approval. ;)
No doubt a mug of coffee and a handful of Sarah's cookies should speed up that process.

:Later, Inspirators.

26 Oct 2020

All of the publishers on this list sell many copies of physical books. All of them have books that are available not just at stores near you, but at libraries as well, because they have good distributors.

If you want your novel or book to have a good chance of being placed on bookshelves and you don’t have an agent, the following publishers are all good options. All of them publish print books (with digital options) and all of them have a good distribution system.

Not all of the publishers are open to submissions or queries at all times, but most are. This list is in no particular order.

Quirk Books

This Philadelphia based press publishes just 25 books a year in a whole range of genres, from children’s books to nonfiction to science fiction. Unlike most publishers that tackle a large range of topics, Quirk Books has a clear marketing plan and to a certain degree their books have a cohesive feel, because they all are quirky.

Gibbs Smith

Gibbs Smith is an established publisher with good distribution and a focus on cook books, interior design and architecture books, and board books for children. They have published a number of bestsellers, including a board book version of Pride & Prejudice.

Harlequin

Harlequin is easily the most famous romance only publisher out there. In fact, their name was synonymous with romance novels when I was growing up. They have wide distribution, from grocery stores to bookstores. They are everywhere.

DAW

DAW is an imprint of Penguin that is open to manuscript submissions from authors without an agent. This is unusual and a great opportunity. DAW is a highly respected publisher of science fiction and fantasy. They have published authors such as Marion Zimmer Bradley and Roger Zelazny, as well as many bestselling books and Hugo award winning books. They are respected and popular.

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

Founded in 1911 and located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company is an independent publisher of religious books. They have a large range, including academic books and reference works in theology, biblical studies, and religious history to popular titles in spirituality, social and cultural criticism, as well as literature. They are primarily a print publisher with excellent distribution. My local independent bookstore regularly carries a number of their titles.

Holiday House

Holiday House is an established and reputable children’s book publisher. Holiday House has been around for over 75 years. They publish picture books and books aimed at children in grades 1-3, grades 4-6, and grades 7 and up. They are based out of New York City. They have published many well known books and authors, including Kenneth Grahame. The books that they have published have won numerous respected awards and honors.

Charlesbridge

Charlesbridge publishes high quality books for children and young adults with the goal of creating lifelong readers and lifelong learners. In 2010 Charlesbridge acquired Imagine Publishing, which expanded what they were able to offer. They now have extensive audio offerings. They also publish adult nonfiction, cookbooks, and puzzle books.

Chronicle Books

Chronicle Books is a reputable publishing house that publishes many wonderful books, including a wide range of gift books, children’s books, and adult non-fiction.

Free Spirit Publishing

Free Spirit Publishing is an established publisher with good distribution. They publish primarily nonfiction, mostly curriculum based books, where they have a number of niche focuses.

They do publish fiction but only in the form of board books (aimed at infants to 4-year-olds) and picture books (for ages 4 to 8) that focus on social skills and getting along, early learning, character education, self-esteem, and other topics related to positive early childhood development.

Baen

Baen is one of the best known publishers of science fiction and fantasy books. They have published many of the classic genre novels. They have excellent distribution, their books are found in libraries and bookstores everywhere.

Chicago Review Press

Chicago Review Press was founded over 40 years ago. They are an established independent publisher of literary fiction, nonfiction and memoir. They also publish books for children (but not picture books). They were founded by Curt Matthews and his wife, Linda Matthews. They are only open to unsolicited works of nonfiction.

Tor/Forge

Tor/Forge publishes science fiction and fantasy books. Run by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC, Tor/Forge is an imprint of Macmillan, one of the big five publishers. Tor is one of the most established science fiction publishers. They offer advances. They are currently closed to general submissions due to COVID-19 but have been regularly opening special calls for submissions on specific topics, so the site is still worth checking.

Prometheus Books

Prometheus Books is a large established publisher of what they like to call “intelligent non-fiction.” They specialize in publishing nonfiction books that fall into the following categories: popular science, philosophy, atheism, humanism, and critical thinking. They are distributed by Random House.

Hard Case Crime

Hard Case Crime is a well respected and established niche publisher of hard boiled crime novels. The publisher has been featured in a number of respected publications including Time Magazine and The Stranger. They are distributed by Random House.

Dalkey Archive Press

Dalkey Archive Press specializes in the publication and re-publication of avant-garde works of literary fiction. They are not interested in traditional prose or poetry, their focus is on publishing literary fiction of a modernist or post modernist bent. The National Book Critics Circle has awarded many of their authors and translators over the years, and in 2011, the Press itself was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NBCC.

Skyhorse Publishing

Skyhorse Publishing is one of the largest small presses in the United States. They were founded in 2006. Over the past couple of years they have started to acquire other small presses. Skyhorse started out focused on publishing nonfiction and that is still their primary interest.

Skypony Publishing

Skypony is the division of Skyhorse that focuses on publishing work for children, they are also open to publishing Young Adult work as long as it intersects with other areas of interest for the publisher such as ecology, farm living, wilderness living, recycling, and other “green” topics. They are currently open to submissions of picture books, books aimed at early readers, young adult novels with a “green” focus, midgrade novels, and informational books for children and young adults.

Workman Publishing

Workman Publishing is a large independent publishing company that now includes a number of separate imprints (most started out as their own companies and were purchased by Workman). The imprints include large established companies like Algonquin Books (which is no longer open to unaganted submissions). The original Workman imprint is open to unagented submissions. They focus on publishing exclusively nonfiction books for children and adults, as well as calendars. They do not accept unsolicited picture book submissions.

McSweeney’s

McSweeney’s publishes literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Founded in 1998 by Dave Eggers. They originally started out publishing a literary magazine, and now they are responsible for a number of publications, online and off, as well as podcasts, and books. They are based out of San Francisco.

Ig Publishing

Ig Publishing is a New York based small press that focuses on publishing literary fiction and progressive political nonfiction. The books they’ve published have won or been honorable mentions for many major awards, and are frequently mentioned on “best of” year end lists.

Text Publishing

Text Publishing in an Australian press that has published a wide variety of best sellers. They have won the Small Publisher of the Year award three times. You can get a feel for what they publish here. One of their biggest hits in recent years is the internationally bestselling novel The Rosie Project, by Graeme Simsion (the first in a series of Rosie novels).

Bellevue Literary Press

Bellevue Literary Press publishes works of narrative nonfiction and literary fiction geared towards a general readership. They are generally open to unsolicited submissions of both kinds of work, but are temporarily closed due to COVID-19. The work they publish explores the intersection between arts and science. Many of the characters in the fictional work that they publish are doctors and scientists, but many of their books also focus on the natural world. They seem to publish about four novels for every work of nonfiction they publish.

Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP) is an established UK Press (with a US office) that was purchased by John Murray Press/Hachette UK in 2017. You can read more about this acquisition here. JKP focuses on publishing high quality books for professional and general readers on a variety of subjects.

Beacon Press

Beacon Press is an established publisher of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. However they are only open to direct submissions of nonfiction proposals. Works of fiction, poetry, and self help, will not be considered.

# # #

Adapted from the free online newsletter of, Authors Publish (highly recommended)

23 Oct 2020

How y'all are? I'm onboard big time with the chorus of 'Best Wishes' directed toward our, Larry, the aptly named, Survivor.

I've fallen behind schedule on my competition entry. Sharing a suite in a residential care facility with a spouse in the latter stages of dementia can play hell with schedules. But I still have her and we can still communicate. As some of you can testify, things could be a lot worse.

Out here in the desert, temps have plummeted and are now hovering around 82f at sunset. Think I'll whip up a mug of hot chocolate, liberate a handful of Sarah's cookies then go sit outside in the 'gloaming' Grab yourself some refreshment and come join me and let me know how I did spelling, 'gloaming'. ;)

Later, Inspirators..

19 Oct 2020

Morning, y'all. Larry, thake care of your old fool self. Keep us posted if you can.

Coffee's on. The tea kettle is kettling to supply the hot water needs for our tea and coco crowd.

Xander, what's a nice neurotic like you doint in this Oasis of culture and refinement. Of course,they let me let slip in so anything's possible. ;) But semi-seriously, welcome and don't hog all of the cookies.The following is top secret, sub rosa and on the hush-hush but someday this week I'll probably enter a longish (2500 or thereabouts) insult to good taste and English letters. Only possible problem is with my current marathon writer's block, I'm not sure about how to submit a 'regular' story much less a contest entry. (sigh)

And now, in the immortal words of Frankie Lane, "Keep them dogggies rolling," till me meet again.

14 Oct 2020

Seems like everybody is sleeping in today. But never fear, the Rumple-unit is here (after a short absence) and has the coffee cooking and the tea kettle kettling. The supply of Sarah's cookies is holding up and the roof ain't leaking so everything else must be okay. Later, y'all. Till then, keep on keeping on.

glasses8

glasses8

14 Oct 2020

13 Literary Journals that Focus on Nature and the Environment

Most literary journals, unless they have a very focused mission, or are genre journals, are open to publishing poems, prose, and nonfiction featuring nature. Most writers that focus on the natural world do not have an issue finding homes for their work in general interest literary journals.

Still, there are a number of journals that focus on publishing writing that focuses on the environment.

It’s important to note that most journals that only publish poems that focus on the natural world are currently preoccupied with ecopoetics, which, according to the Poetry Foundation, is a “multidisciplinary approach that includes thinking and writing on poetics, science, and theory as well as emphasizing innovative approaches common to conceptual poetry”.

Of course there is overlap between the ecopoetics and nature poetry, just like there’s an overlap between journals that publish nature writing and those that focus on environmental change. Below is a list of journals that publish one or both.

Not all of the journals are currently open to submissions but the majority of the journals are.

The Hopper Magazine

This is an environmental literary journal published by Green Writers Press. The Hopper looks for a number of very specific things in the writing they publish, which includes poetry and prose, including work that “Offers new and different articulations of the human experience in nature. Specifically, nature writing that is psychologically honest about the environmental crisis and the impacts of mechanical modernity” and work that “Explores place as both the cultural and physical landscapes of an author’s region.” Read their full submission guidelines with care.

Newfound

This wonderful online journals focus is on how place shapes identity, imagination, and understanding. A lot of what they publish focuses on nature, but not all of it.

Moss

This respected and well paying journal publishes fiction, essays, and poetry, about the Pacific Northwest but only by authors based in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia.

Minding Nature

This journal publishes a wide variety of work on humans’ interactions with the environment as a whole, including works of ecopoetics.

Ecotone

A literary journal focused on re-imagining place. They publish prose and poetry. They charge for online submissions, but postal submissions within the US are fee-free.

Orion Magazine

Orion Magazine brings ideas, writers, photographers, and artists together, focused on nature, the environment, and culture, addressing environmental and societal issues. They generally have an additional theme for most issues. They are only open for pitches on a theme till October 15th, and are not currently open to fiction, general nonfiction, or poetry.

Hawk & Handsaw: The Journal of Creative Sustainability

Focused more on the environmental and sustainable side of things, Hawk & Handsaw publishes visual art, poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction.

Green Briar Review

An online literary journey that focuses on the natural world, and often on the changing of the seasons, they publish nonfiction, cultural essays, reviews, fiction, and poetry, and photography/art. They read a limited number of fee-free submissions during their reading periods.

Split Rock Review

They are an online publication that publishes “poetry, short creative nonfiction, short fiction, comics, graphic stories, hybrids, visual poetry, photography, and art that explore place, environment, and the relationship between humans and the natural world”. They read a limited number of fee-free submissions during their reading periods.

Canary

They bill themselves as the literary journal of the environmental crisis. They only publish poetry.

Words for the Wild

This UK-based publisher of poetry and fiction often has an additional theme for online issues and anthologies, some focus more on ecopoetics, others more on nature.

Terrain

An online journal that publishes fiction, poetry, and a variety of nonfiction, focusing on nature and the environment.

The Wayfarer

They focus on publishing contemplative voices. Not all that they publish focuses on nature and the environment, but much of what they publish, does intersect with these themes. They publish poetry and essays.

x x x

taken from the free online newsletter of 'Authors Publish' magazine (highly recommended)

8 Oct 2020

(The Rumple-unit slips in through the unlocked back door, puts coffee on and gets the kettle to kettling.)

Glad I am to catch all the good news posted yesterday. However, it does give one pause to realize just how rough things have been for Gil when she mentions getting a flu shot and going to the dentists as parts of a 'good' day. Great news about, Apollo.

Larry, same goes for you and your lady. Keep Victor on alert and take good care of you and yours.

Coffee's cooked. Think I'll take a mug full of it and a representative sampling of Sarah's cookies outside and wait for the sun to show up. Later

glasses8

glasses8

5 Oct 2020

Here are 25 themed submission calls for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Apart from these, there are also a few themed contests for writers at the end, with cash prizes and no submission fees.

SUBMISSIONS CALLS

Curiosities: Fairy Tales
This is an online magazine of retropunk audiofiction, and they will soon open a brief submission period for grim fairy-tale theme related stories. Their guidelines say, “We want them singularly grim and fractured. No modern settings. Do your worst. … Manuscripts that do not appear to be related to some kind of fairy tale will be automatically rejected.” They do not want variations of certain fairy tales, and these include Red Riding Hood, Bluebeard, and Pied Piper (see guidelines).
Reading period: 7-14 October 2020
Length: Up to 7,500 words
Pay: 4c/word
Details here.

Wizards in Space: Foraging
Their guidelines say, “for Wizards in Space’s sixth issue, we’re seeking words & art that explore what it means to forage, to gather, to fight tooth and nail for survival.
What have you been collecting? What wild seeds are you cultivating? Give us a peek inside your survival kit; share with us stories of tenderness and of resilience. Maybe foraging means providing for others in a time of need, or maybe it’s learning to fend for yourself in the wake of a storm. Maybe what you’ve gathered aren’t things at all, but stories and communities that lift you up and carry you forward. We want handfuls of berries and borrowed candles, your grandfather’s stamps and your family’s home cooking.” They publish fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and artwork. Also, they do not publish “just sci-fi/fantasy, despite our wild affection for wizards and space.” They accept reprints.
Deadline: 15 October 2020
Length: Up to 5,000 words for fiction and creative nonfiction, up to four poems
Pay: $40
Details here.

Shooter Literary Magazine: Animal Love
They want short fiction, nonfiction and poetry. They want writing “to do with all creatures great and small, wonderful and wild, exotic and beloved. Meaningful, offbeat and/or humorous writing on pets, exotic species, encounters in the wild, veterinarians, equestrian sports, animal shelters, or anything that revolves around humans in relation to other species is welcome.
We’d especially like to see work that concerns animals other than dogs and cats, as those are likely to figure prominently.”
Deadline: 18 October 2020
Length: 2,000-7,500 words for prose; up to three poems
Pay: £25 per story, £5 per poem. Stories that fall below the requested minimum of 2,000 words will be paid at poetry rates; non-UK contributors can opt for either a copy of the magazine, or cash payment
Details here.

WordFire Press: Unmasked
They want short stories of unmasking, to include a mix of science fiction, fantasy, horror, alien, magical, witchcraft, AI, and romance elements – see guidelines for further details, and potential ideas for stories. Stories must be appropriate for a PG-13 audience.
Deadline: 31 October 2020
Length: Up to 5,000 words
Pay: $0.06/word
Details here.

Scare Street: Night Terrors
They want short horror stories with a focus on ghosts, the supernatural, paranormal, monsters, and dark tales. The stories will be published in their ‘Night Terrors’ anthologies. “We go for stories that are dark, literary; we are looking for the creepy, the weird and the unsettling” according to their guidelines. The magazine also accepts reprints.
Deadline: 26 October 2020
Length: 3,000-7,000 words
Pay: “$10 per 1,000 words” ($0.01/word)
Details here.

FurPlanet Productions: Reclamation Project – Year Two
This is a shared-planet anthology with furry characters as primary protagonists. The tagline for the project is “Casablanca Meets Thundarr: The Barbarian …With a touch of Studio Ghibli”. Their website says, “Reclamation Project – Year One was the first foray into shared-world tales of future fantasy and solarpunk from some of the brightest stars of anthropomorphic literature. Year Two hits the ground running as the healing world of Ambara Down deals with catastrophe, assassination, and betrayal. As their flying cities begin to fail, humans must find a home on this new Earth, among the sentient animals that are its inhabitants. Love and danger, power and promise, and a world to win or lose in the balance!” Themes and aesthetics include rebirth, regrowth, integration, transformation, adventure, building a new world from the bones of the old. Hope in the face of difficult challenges. They also have a Reclamation Project Wiki, and writers can mail to request an anthology bible – see guidelines. They do not want erotica or extreme violence. They also accept some reprints (see guidelines).
Deadline: 31 October 2020
Length: 3,000-15,000 words
Pay: Half a cent per word
Details here.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times
They accept true inspirational stories and poetry on set themes. For October, they are reading on ‘Tough Times’; there are other themes listed, as well (see guidelines). For the Tough Times theme their guidelines say, “We are looking for stories about how you have been affected and how you and your loved ones are handling the changes in your life. We’re looking for the ups and downs, so share the tough times but also the silver linings, the unexpected blessings, and resilience and gratitude that you have discovered in yourself and the people close to you.
We’re also looking for stories about tough times unrelated to the pandemic. Are you going through other challenges that have nothing to do with the pandemic, such as health crises, loss of loved ones, personal challenges, family issues, job loss and economic upheaval”. Other themes, with later deadlines, are: Angels, Cats, Counting Your Blessings, and Eldercare.

Deadlines: 31 October 2020
Length: Up to 1,200 words
Pay: $200
Details here (theme details – scroll down), here (guidelines), and here (submission portal).

Lonely Cryptid Media: Resist with every inch and every breath
They want fiction, nonfiction, and poetry on the theme. They have extensive submission guidelines about what they want, including: “Stories of resistance and rebellion, but also of the steps in between and the change that comes after. … Tell us about resistance big and small; real and imagined; rooted in reality or fantastical in nature; science fictional or science factual; historical, contemporary, or in the future. The everyday resistance of women. The power of youth and children’s rebellions. Resistance in the streets. The dismantling of white supremacy. Overthrowing colonial states. Empowering workers and undoing capitalism itself.” They have two submission windows, one for marginalized authors only, and the second one is for all authors. They also accept reprints
Deadlines/reading periods: Up to 31 October for historically marginalized authors; 1 November to 31 December 2020 for all authors
Length: Up to 15,000 words for prose; up to 300 lines for poetry
Pay: $25
Details here.

The Periodical, Forlorn: Haunted Holidays
This is a new literary magazine and they are reading for their first issue, themed ‘Haunted Holidays’. They will accept short form fiction in any of these formats: flash fiction, poetry, or short stories. Their guidelines say, “For this issue, we don’t want tales of peace on earth and good will to men. We don’t want to hear about the warmth of family gatherings or how the Christmas spirit inspires a new outlook on life for those once thought irredeemable

We want to know how misfits and outcasts approach the holiday season. We want to know how ghouls and goblins and all manner of pagan creatures mark the season.” They want work that is dark, creepy, weird and just a little off-kilter. “We’re open to genre fiction, particularly anything related to horror, science-fiction, speculative fiction or weird fiction. But we’re also interested in anything that twists or subverts these genres in some unexpected way.”

Deadline: 1 November 2020
Length: Up to 6,000 words
Pay: $15
Details here.

Bouchercon: Second Time Around
The aim of this project is to raise money for the New Orleans public library. For this fiction anthology their guidelines say, “The theme of this anthology is second chances, redemption, second try, play it again. Since this is the second Bouchercon in New Orleans, we may call it Second Time Around”. The story does not have to be set in New Orleans.

Deadline: 1 November 2020
Length: Up to 4,000 words
Pay: $75
Details here.

Thema: Three themes
They are accepting short stories, poems, essays, photographs, and art on three themes currently: The Other Virginia; A Postcard from the Past;and Watch the Birdie! The premise (target theme) must be an integral part of the plot, not necessarily the central theme but not incidental, either. They do not accept electronic submissions, except from writers living outside the US.
Deadline: 1 November 2020 for The Other Virginia; 1 March 2021 for A Postcard from the Past; and 1 July 2021 for Watch the Birdie!
Length: Fewer than 20 pages of prose; up to 3 poems
Pay: $10-25 for short fiction and artwork, $10 for poetry
Details here.

Off Limits Press: Far From Home
This is an anthology of adventure horror; short horror stories which strongly incorporate adventure. Their guidelines say, “Adventure is intended to be interpreted broadly and may include, but is certainly not limited to, tales involving mountaineering, cave diving, the open sea, parkour, rafting, treasure hunting, arctic expedition, and caving. We are interested in and welcome most horror sub-genres, so long as the theme is strongly incorporated. Stories may include horror steeped in realism and/or the supernatural.”
Deadline: 1 November 2020
Length: 2,000-8,000 words
Pay: $0.01/word
Details here.

Ninth Letter: Touch
They are accepting essays, fiction, and poetry on the ‘Touch’ theme for their online edition. Their guidelines say, “When was your last? The question is particularly evocative (and provocative) at the present moment, when physical and social touch seem so restricted. With this in mind, the theme is necessarily constellatory. Consider: in touch, out of touch, touchdown, Midas touch, human touch, be in touch, lose touch, touchback, don’t touch, wouldn’t touch, wouldn’t touch with ten foot pole, touch a nerve, touch on, touch up, just a touch, touch and go, touch base, touch pad, lost touch, magic touch, touchy, retouched, I’m touched, truly touched, two-hand-touch, untouched, stay in touch, touchback, touch-less, finishing touch, put me in touch, lose touch, lost touch, untouched, untouched, untouched. ” (For the print edition, there are separate guidelines and mailed submissions for that are free.)
Deadline: 3 November 2020
Length: Up to 3,500 words for prose, up to 3 poems
Pay: $75 for a story or an essay, and $25 per poem
Details here.

Pinch: GLISH – Variety English Poetry Project
They want poetry written in or regarding variety Englishes. Poems in Singlish, Konglish, Spanglish, AAVE, and other English-associated linguistic forms will be considered for publication. Poets may be asked to contribute supplementary linguistic information to facilitate publication.
Deadline: 15 November 2020
Length: Up to three poems
Pay: $150
Details here.

Cemetery Gates Media: Five themes
They are looking for 500-1,000 word horror flash fiction for a “pocket-sized” anthology, and the theme of the anthology is horror subgenre medley. Writers can choose a theme to write and submit a story for: Cemetery Chillers, Houses, Supernatural Slashers, Witchcraft, Within the Woods. Writers can submit one story for each theme.
Deadline: 26 December 2020, or until filled
Length: 500-1,000 words
Pay: $0.08/word

Details here.

The New York Times: Modern Love
Submissions for Modern Love column are open again. They especially encourage BIPOC to submit, as well as those outside of the United States and people who identify as members of L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ communities. Modern Love publishes honest personal essays about contemporary relationships; see guidelines for details and examples of past published essays. Submissions are also open for Tiny Love Stories (of 100 words), though these are unpaid.
Deadline: 31 December 2020
Length: 1,500-1,700 for Modern Love
Pay: $500 for Modern Love
Details here.

Zombies Need Brains: Three themes
They are reading fiction submissions for three anthologies. They are looking for a range of tones, from humorous all the way up to dark.
— The Modern Deity’s Guide to Surviving Humanity is to feature urban fantasy stories set in the modern-day world with some type of god or deity as the central focus of the story. Stories featuring more interesting gods and deities, especially those from less-used cultures, will receive more attention than those that use standard gods/deities. From the open call, they are unlikely to use stories featuring gods/deities the anchor authors intend to use (see guidelines).

–– Derelict is to feature stories involving abandoned ships, whether it be ships at sea or starships in space. Half of the anthology with science fiction stories and half with fantasy stories. They are somewhat flexible as to the definition of “ship” for this anthology, but it must still be somehow abandoned in some way. Stories featuring more interesting takes on the use of the abandoned ship will receive more attention than those that are more mundane or are tropes.
— When Worlds Collide is to feature science fiction and fantasy stories, including alternate history stories, where two different cultures “collide” in some way. They expect mostly first contact types of collisions, but the story doesn’t need to be a first contact story. The cultures can be human, alien, technological, fae, etc. They should clash in some significant, meaningful way.
Deadline: 31 December 2020
Length: Up to 7,500 words
Pay: At least 8c/word
Details here.

THEMED CONTESTS

Transitions Abroad: Expatriate and Work Abroad Writing Contest
This is an international contest for professional and freelancer writers, to write a non-fiction inspirational and practical article or mini-guide of 1,200 to 3,000 words that describes their experience living, moving, and working abroad.
Value: $500, $150, $100, $50
Deadline: 15 October 2020
Open for: All professional and freelance writers
Details here.

Welter 55 Contest
Welter is the literary journal of the University of Baltimore, and their contest guidelines say, “Something to say? Up for a challenge? Can you get your point across in exactly 55 words, no more, no fewer? Help us celebrate our 55th year of Welter by composing a 55-word story, poem, or piece of creative nonfiction.”
Value: $55
Deadline: 19 October 2020
Open for: Unspecified
Details here.

Victoria Literary Festival Short Story Contests: Hats Off; Ghost Writer
There are contests on two themes for this Canadian literary festival. They want short stories of at least 1,400 words. For 2020, the themes are: ‘Hats Off’ and ‘Ghost Writer‘. An author can submit stories in each of the two contests. Read the guidelines carefully – writers have to send both, an emailed entry and a postal one.
Value: CAD350; CAD50 each for runners-up
Deadline: 30 October 2020
Open for: Unspecified
Details here.

James Tiptree, Jr Literary Award
This is for a range of disciplines – writers, artists, scholars, media makers, remix artists, performers, musicians, or something else entirely. If the applicant’s work is changing the way we think about gender through speculative narrative – maybe in a form recognizable as the science fiction and fantasy genre, maybe in some other way – they are eligible. Writers do not have to be a professional or have an institutional affiliation, as they hope to support emerging creators who do not already have institutional support for their work.
Value: $500
Deadline: 31 October 2020
Open for: All writers
Details here.

Malice Domestic Grants for Unpublished Writers
This is given to an unpublished writer (see guidelines) in the Malice Domestic genre at each year’s Malice Domestic convention. The grant may be used to offset registration, travel, or other expenses related to attendance at a writers’ conference or workshop within a year of the date of the award. In the case of non-fiction, the grant may be used to offset research expenses. The Malice Domestic genre is loosely described as mystery stories of the Agatha Christie type—i.e. “traditional mysteries.” These works usually feature no excessive gore, gratuitous violence, or explicit sex. See guidelines for additional details and submission requirements. Apart from the cash award, the prize covers a comprehensive registration for the upcoming convention and two nights’ lodging at the convention hotel, but does not include travel to the convention or meals.
Value: $2,500, and other expenses – see above
Deadline: 1 November 2020
Open for: Unpublished writers in the Malice Domestic genre
Details here.

Defenestrationism: 2020 Flash Suite Contest
This is a contest for at least three flash fiction pieces that co-relate in some way. Finalists will be published daily on the site, followed by at least two weeks of Fan Voting – winners will be selected by a judging panel, with Fan Voting counting as an additional judge vote.
Value: $75, $60
Deadline: 1 November 2020
Open for: All writers
Details here.
# # #

Taken from the free online newsletter of Authors Publish magazine (highly recommended)

5 Oct 2020

It's Moanday. Sorry about that.

Gil, give Apollo a hug for me.

Larry, please keep us posted on your wife's procedure.

Victor, sic 'em, big guy.

Larry's right, the coffee he concocted ain't half bad. Later.

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glasses8

30 Sep 2020

What will be the procedure for submissions? Clueless minds would like to know. No doubt I've missed this info somewhere along the line, either that or the plan is to wait until 1012 to list all the nuts and bolts type rules and regs?

glasses8

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30 Sep 2020

Morning, y'all. Coffee's on, kettle is full of hot water and despite my best efforts, there are still some of Sarah's cookies left.

I've just posted a list of 22 venues currently accepting 'spooky' submissions. Check it out. Later.

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30 Sep 2020

These are venues which accept short horror fiction, and all are open now for submissions. Some accept only horror, while others accept other fiction genres as well. A few also accept non-fiction and poetry. Many of them pay writers. Some calls are themed. Here they are, in no particular order.

Please visit authorspublish.com for links to the individual venues.

https://www.authorspublish.com/26-horror-fiction-markets-open-now/

Apex Magazine
This is a popular magazine of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, and works published here have been nominated for/won major awards. They are open now for submissions, and they pay professional SFWA rates. Send stories of up to 7,500 words. Pay is $0.08/word, and an additional $0.01/word if the story is podcast.

Oscillate Wildly Press: The Asylum Diaries
This is an Australian press and they publish The Asylum Diaries magazine triennially. They want body horror fiction and poetry for The Asylum Diaries: Autopsy, and cosmic horror fiction for The Asylum Diaries: Akhram (for the latter, stories have to be structured on Lovecraft’s writing style – see guidelines). Stories should be up to 7,500 words, and pay AUD15. Submissions are generally open year-round.

Red Cape Publishing: A-Z of Horror
They are (and will be) reading for horror fiction anthologies. Until 30th September, they’re reading on the G is for Genie theme (“Think about wishes gone wrong, a disobedient genie, or even from the perspective of a disgruntled Djinn.”); and from 1st October to 15th November 2020, on the H is for Hell theme (“experiences of Hell, whether that be a literal interpretation of fire and brimstone or a hellish situation.”). See guidelines for other forthcoming themes. Stories have to be 4,000-8,000 words, and pay is £10.

The Dark Sire
This is an online literary journal for short fiction, poetry, and art. They want work by authors and artists who delve into the mystery, psychosis, suspense, and looming darkness of the fantasy, gothic, horror, and psychological realms. Suitable subject matter may include, but is not limited to, vampires, monsters, old castles, dragons, magic, mental illness, hell, disease, or decay of society. For horror their guidelines say, “Blood, violence, and adult language is permitted, as is monsters, devils, angels, and killers. Slasher friendly. Influence includes Shelley and King.” For psychological work their guidelines say, “Special intetest in psychological horror tales with deep, inner character development. Influence includes Dostoevsky.” Read their guidelines carefully – they require both, an online form submission and an emailed query letter.

Black Poppy Review
This literary arts journal publishes flash fiction, of up to 750 words. They also publish mini-chapbooks (closed now) and poetry; work “of a darker nature. All is not as it seems at Black Poppy. … Find the key. Unlock the creaky gate on rusted hinges. Explore the dilapidated, mossy grounds. Discover hidden paths and nooks which lead to words that linger and haunt–poems of abandonment, discovery, enchantment, flora & fauna, ghosts, isolation, memories, nature, weathering, wonder, and the otherwise forgotten.” They are partial to poems about ancient gardens, abandoned manors, and dark forests. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.

Dread Imaginings
This is a new online fiction magazine. The editor wants stories of up to 4,000 words “that present your protagonist’s encounter with the horrific, disturbing, uncanny, weird, macabre, and/or grotesque.” Also, creature-features are welcome, but your own monsters will probably be an easier sell than vampires, zombies, werewolves, et. al. See guidelines for the kind of work the editor is looking for. Pay is $0.01/word.

96th of October
This is a new quarterly magazine (their first issue was in Summer 2020) and they read horror, as well as science fiction and fantasy. They also accept poetry and artwork. Fiction should be 1,000-10,000 words.

The Arcanist
This magazine publishes flash fiction — science fiction and fantasy only (and their sub-genres, including horror), and essays. They love humorous works, horrifying works, and timely works. They do not want excessive gore (also see other hard sells and what they do not want). Stories should be up to 1,000 words, and pay is $50 for fiction.

War Monkey Publications: From the Yonder Volume 2
This is a horror, short story collection of regional legends and tall tales from around the world. Stories (1,000-7,500 words) must be based upon a regional/cultural legend or tall tale from any location or culture in the world. “Regional” can be a specific place (Loch Ness) or a larger region (Bigfoot in the Pacific Northwest). Inclusion of elements of other genres is welcome, so long as, overall, the story is an horror story. Ghosts, hauntings, alien abductions, monsters, demons, spirits, witches, etc, all are acceptable, as long as the subject is based on an actual legend or tall tale. They are reading submissions until 15 October 2020.

Perpetual Motion Publishing Newsletter
They want horror flash fiction to publish in their newsletter. Accepted pieces will also be published in a future issue of Dark Moon Digest. Fiction reminiscent of The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror, Tales from the Crypt, and Tales from the Darkside. Their guidelines say, “We want stories with complex characters and ideas spun in ways nobody’s ever conceived. Make our brains hurt. Make our hearts explode with love and terror. Make us fear.” Stories should be up to 1,500 words, and pay $25.

Hypnos Magazine
This is a magazine of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. They are looking for original, thought-provoking weird fiction, and they prefer longer, more complex work to flash fiction. Their guidelines also say, “we do not automatically reject submissions because of violent, obscene, or otherwise offensive content. We are not, by any means, seeking such works, but we do not reject submissions simply because some readers might, theoretically, find them upsetting.” They read work of up to 10,000 words, and pay $0.01/word. They read submissions year round.

Corpus Press: In Darkness, Delight – Fear the Future
For this anthology their guidelines say, “We seek truly terrifying stories that deal with futuristic themes, set in the near future or far. Tales can be Earth-based or extraterrestrial, perhaps featuring technological or social upheavals that have frightful implications for individuals or society at large; as examples, the ongoing erosion of privacy and enduring nature of online activity, artificial human enhancement via DNA manipulation or implants, impact of emerging technologies on developing children, and so on. … Post-apocalyptic stories will not be accepted. Rather, we desire fiction that occurs during periods preceding any total collapse, be they stable or unstable times. The horrors that await us in utopian futures may be far more chilling and fascinating than those endemic to dystopias, and therein lies our primary interest.” They prefer stories of 2,500-4,500 words, but will accept up to 7,500 words. Pay is $0.03/word, capped at $150. The deadline is 15 November 2020.

Black Hare Press: Various anthologies
They are publishing various anthologies with different deadlines, and some of these accept horror. The themes include Play (horror toys), and Haunt. See guidelines for further information.

Sliced Up Press: Slashertorte – An Anthology of Cake Horror
They want short stories involving cake for their debut horror anthology. “Delicious as cake might be, we want you to bring out the darker side of baked goods and give us something scary, disturbing or just plain wrong”, according to their guidelines. Stories should be up to 2,000 words, and pay is $0.01/word. The deadline is 1 November 2020, or until filled.

Menacing Hedge
This quarterly magazine publishes short stories, poetry and art that gives them a “strange tingly rushing feeling.” Their guidelines say, “Genres that tickle our fancy are horror, slipstream, magical realism, and science fiction, with styles that lean toward humorous, absurdism, experimental, literary, bizarro, quirky and surreal.” See guidelines for editors’ preferences, and the kind of work they do not want.

LOM Media: Nightmares & Phantasms Podcast
This is a podcast of scary stories and horrifying true tales. Stories should be 1,000-6,000 words. Payment is $5.

The NoSleep Podcast
They want horror stories for their podcast, written from a first-person perspective. Stories should provide good audio cues and make good use of dialogue. They would like to see more script submissions – formats written as an audio drama starring two or more characters, with more being preferred. Dramas should ideally last 20-40 minutes. Their flash fiction submissions are closed right now, but the other categories are open. Short fiction should be 1,200-2,500 words, and regular submissions, at least 2,500 words. Pay is $100 for short fiction, and $125 for regular submissions.

The Wicked Library
This is a horror anthology podcast. They want horror fiction of 3,500-5,000 words, and they’re accepting submissions for Season 10 now. Their guidelines say, “We really enjoy first person stories, and we are interested in seeing more stories in “radio-play” scrip format, but we love traditional short story tales too. Stories should focus on character and creating a feeling of fear and unease.. … We do feature a large variety of horror from traditional ghost stories to modern horror and a lot of things in between.”

The Dark Magazine
They publish horror and dark fantasy, though not graphic, violent horror. The editors ask writers to try them with fiction that falls out of regular categories and welcome experimental works. They also accept some reprints. Stories should be 2,000-6,000 words, and pay is $0.06/word.

Sci-Fi Lampoon
They publish fantasy, sci-fi, and horror themed humor. They want flash and short fiction (up to 7,500 words), as well as high-res art, lampoon classifieds and ads – “Humor. Satire. Spoof. It can be a humorous take on space operas, a satire of apocalyptic disasters, a spoof of heroic fantasies, fake ads & letters to the editor or a love advice column for human/alien couples.”

Year’s Best Hardcore Horror
This is a reprint market. They want hardcore horror stories that were published in 2020. Stories should be up to 6,000 words. Pay is $0.01/word, capped at $60, and the deadline is 31 December 2020.

Coffin Bell
This quarterly magazine publishes dark literature – literary horror. They publish fiction (up to 7,500 words), poetry, creative non-fiction, essays, short works of criticism, and artwork. They read year-round.

SBI Press: The Book of Nightmares – A Gothic Anthology for Kids
This is an anthology for writers and artists aged up to 12 years. Their guidelines say, “This is your chance to tell the world about that creepy dream you keep having, or the scariest thing that haunted your nights when you were younger. Express yourself. Be you. No matter how weird, or silly, or scary that may be.” The text should be 250-1,000 words, but this is a flexible guideline. There is no deadline mentioned. Details here. (Also see guidelines for art samples, scripts, and completed graphic novels/comics for SBI Press.)

Cemetery Gates Media: Five themes
They are looking for 500-1,000 word horror flash fiction for a “pocket-sized” anthology, and the theme of the anthology is horror subgenre medley. Writers can choose a theme to write and submit a story for: Cemetery Chillers, Houses, Supernatural Slashers, Witchcraft, Within the Woods. Writers can submit one story for each theme, of 500 to 1,000 words. The deadline is 26 December 2020, or until filled. Pay is $0.08/word.

Tales from the Moonlit Path: Halloween
This is a magazine of dark, eerie, speculative stories. They also publish poetry and non-fiction. Horror is not a necessary element, although fiction should contain some aspect of the weak, frail, changeable human condition. They’re reading on the Halloween theme, and the deadline for is 8 October 2020. Stories should be up to 2,000 words, and pay $10.

MetaStellar
This is a new magazine and they are accepting submissions of fantasy, horror, and science fiction of up to 7,500 words. They also accept fiction reprints, as well as reviews and essays, though it is unclear whether they pay for these. Pay is $0.08/word for original fiction.

25 Sep 2020

How y'all are. Me, I slipped in through the back door (it was unlocked - again) because coming in through the bathroom window is no longer on my can-do list (sigh).

Anyway, coffee pot's been cleaned (more or less) filled with tap water and some off-brand coffee stowed away under the counter and is now converting all that into hot coffee. Meanwhile, the tea kettle has been put to work doing its 'kettle' thing.

Now pardon me while I sample some of Sarah's fudge a roone cookies which are, I presume, calorie free. ;) Later, agitators.

glasses8

glasses8

21 Sep 2020

Morning, y'all. First things first -- there better be some of those pineapple coconut cookies left or I'll throw and old-fashioned hissy-fit. You have been warned. ;)

Cyn, glad I am you were able to 'air out' for an hour or so. Was your drink a local speciality?

Larry, fingers crossed that all goes well for Ms Survivor today and in the future with her back procedure.

My Saints will be in Nevada tonight taking on the Vegas Raiders. Should be an interesting game and it'll be in the Raiders new stadium -- I think.

Later.

glasses8

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20 Sep 2020

Morning, Story Spacers. There should be mucho sports on the tube today. This is a bit of an 'off day' for me since the college football games I was interested were yesterday and my Saints won't be facing the Vegas Raiders until 'Monday Night Football'.

So odds are I'll be filling in my social schedule today with making coffee, putting the kettle on, grabbing some of Sara's cookies and go sit outside and wait for the sun to rise in about ten minutes.. Later.

glasses8

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18 Sep 2020

Happy TGIF to all and any sundry hiding in the broom closet.

Out here in the desert, the predicted high is 104f. Odds are it'll be some time before folks start switching the thermostats from 'cool' to 'heat'. ;)

Many thanks for the coffee, Larry. It's downright drinkable. Sarah's cookies are, of course, outstanding. Y'all do the best you know how the rest of the day -- tonight, you're on your own.

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17 Sep 2020

Coffee and cookies make for a perfect breakfast, imo.

A special 'atta boy' to the inspiring founder of Inspirations for finishing in the money. Sic 'em, Scott.

For everyone, including those of us who didn't enter or finish among the top-drawer' entries, there still was a serious bonus. Just about everyone who commented on the winners also mentioned how much they enjoyed the contest. That goodwill could benefit the future of Stories Space. Molly and company are deserving of both praise and thanks -- and that's not just imo, it's a fact Jack. ;)

Later.

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17 Sep 2020

All the contest participants deserve a big, 'WAY TO GO!' and the list of veteran writers with 'top-notch' stories is evidence of the quality of the writings. Two extra special shout outs to:

Molly and anyone who lent a helping hand in the contest. Y'all done did good and did it with style.

I'm not acquainted with Black Dog but I'm now a follower. His story 'Folds' was superb.

Hope there's some coffee left over at, Inspirations.

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15 Sep 2020

Morning, y'all. Curvy, best of luck with your dancing but be sure to warm-up your used less than usual muscles.

Larry, thanks for the coffee. It's gonna go so well with Sara's cookies. So how's by your 'better half'? Keep us posted. and we'll keep our fingers crossed. Later.

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14 Sep 2020

Morning, Larry. Hi ya doing, Vic? Coffee is a major goodness as are Sara's cookies. I'd pat Vic before heading outside but the last time I tried that he snatched a cookie from my very own fingerbones. ;) Later.

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7 Sep 2020

Morning, y'all. Instead of inflicting my usual mindless moanings on everyone, thought I'd copy and paste this note I just got (about five minutes ago) from our Survivor.

Today is the last day of the story writing competition. I'd like to remind everyone that all the entries must have at least 10 votes to be eligible for the contest. I can see that the last entry may not have enough. This story:

https://www.storiesspace.com/stories/flash-fiction/-folds-.aspx

If some folks could vote on it today it will be entered. Just a thought.

Thanks.

Me, I'm on my way. (sure hope I don't spill any coffee or (gasp) drop one of Sara's cookies)

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3 Sep 2020

Afternoon, evening and/or night depending on your time zone. I'm in agreement with Larry about jellyfish being something I'll pass on that is unless Ms Mendalla does the preparation and somebody else is paying for the beer. ;)

What I'm not gonna pass on is Gil's goodies and a judicious sampling of Sara's cookies. A cup of coffee to accompany them would seem to be in order.

It's noon out here in the desert and the temp just hit 100f. Me, I'm loving this cool snap. Later.

2 Sep 2020

Morning right back at ya, Mr. M. or should we rename you 'The Honda Honcho? Just a thought.

Coffee is officially being craved by deWriter type non-writer seeing as how my must is still on extended sabbatical or maybe just hiding out.

Weather-wise, out here in the desert this has been proclaimed the hottest summer on record with something like 50 days when the temp hit 110f (43.3c) That may explain my craving for a mug filled with scalding hot caffine. Of course some of Sara's cookies are mandatory.

Later, y'all.(sigh)

29 Aug 2020

Morning, y'all. Coffee, the tea kettle and the lights have all been turned on, more or less. Hope everyone has come through a second week of political conventions safe and sound of both mind and body.

Think I'll grab a mug full of coffee, some of Sara's cookies of choice and go sit out on the porch swing and wait for the sun to wake-up. Don't hesitate to come join me -- just bring your own coffee and cookies. When it comes to those, I'm not the sharing kind. ;)

glasses8

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27 Aug 2020

Morning, Spacers. Coffee's on, the kettle is kettling and there are Sarah cookies in the cookie jars.

In case anyone has noticed I haven't been showing up lately, well, here are my alibis.

Between political conventions, other downer national news, the never-ending lockdown, and now Hurricane Laura pounding my home state, well, I've been just a tad depressed.

Of course, as has been so wisely said, a day without me is like a day without rhubarb. But I'll try to do mo' better, honest.

Coffee and Sara cookies are a sure Rx for the mullygrubs. Later.