Blasting out of 2020
If you're a writer, you're probably only just now catching your breath (and for those living in countries badly affected by COVID-19, I send you much empathy, and hope you're keeping well).
You've likely been working all year at your other job (yes, very few of us can survive on the scant amount of money writing provides). So, hopefully you have at least a few days off, and some time to put your feet up. But before you do, you might want to consider these submission possibilities.
The Stinging Fly is accepting fiction and pitches for non-fiction pieces until January 8, 2021. This prestigious Irish literary journal publishes fiction from around the world. No cost to submit.
Asimov's Magazine is an acclaimed American sci-fi magazine with a fast response time of around 5 weeks, accepting international submissions. Submissions free.
Overland is accepting non-fiction and poetry submissions from Australian writers at the moment, and also is running the Kuracca Prize which 'encourages excellent and original works of Australian literature'. Aussie writers can enter poetry (up to 88 lines), fiction, essay, creative non-fiction and memoir (up to 300 words), cartoon or graphic stories and digital or audio storytelling. Entry to the prize costs $20 AUD ($12 for subscribers) and is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers.
The Moth Poetry Prize closes December 31, and is open to submissions from around the world. Entry isn't cheap but prizes are substantial.
You can also submit poetry and fiction to The Moth Magazine for free, any time from September to April.
For those of you who write short short fiction (maximum 1000 words), you may want to try the American Short(er) Fiction Contest which ends on Feb 2nd, 2021.
There's also the Retreat West Flash Competition on the theme of 'bridges' due by December 30, for even shorter pieces (maximum 500 words). Cost is 8 pounds.
If you have a story of up to 2500 words relating to food and/or drink in some way, you might like to try the Mogford Prize, winner receiving 10,000 pounds. Entries due by Jan 13, 2021.
The Fiction Desk in the U.K. currently has 3 callouts due by Jan 31 - general short stories, ghost stories and stories about music. International submissions welcome. Word count 1000-20,000 words (preferred range 2000-7000 words). Fee for submission 4 pounds.
I hope at least one of these options provides a possible home for your work. Wishing you a wonderful break & a Merry Christmas (for those who celebrate), and a healthy and happy 2021!
