Monday Markets and Jobs for Writers

dollar-sign-mdMonday brings the weekly batch of no-fee competitions/contests, paying submission calls, and jobs for those of us who write (especially those of us who write fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction).

  • Big news about the Louise Meriwether First Book Prize: “In 1970, Louise Meriwether published her novel of life in the post–Harlem Renaissance era, Daddy Was a Number Runner. Nearly fifty years later it is still considered a classic. Following Paule Marshall’s 1959 Brown Girl, Brownstones, Daddy Was a Number Runner is one of the first contemporary American novels featuring a young black girl as the protagonist. The book inspired the careers of writers like Jacqueline Woodson and Bridgett M. Davis, among many others. In order to celebrate Meriwether’s achievements and continue her legacy, the Feminist Press has partnered with TAYO Literary Magazine to launch a contest seeking the best debut books by women and nonbinary writers of color. First time authors, submit your complete manuscript, either fiction, including novels and short story collections, or narrative memoir, of 50,000 to 80,000 words, and you could receive $5,000 and a publishing contract from the Feminist Press!” No fees to submit. Deadline: July 31, 2016.
  • “As of 2015, The Norwegian American is a market for short fiction. We will consider stories of up to 1,500 words (1,000 or fewer preferred) of any genre that have something to do with Norway, or crime/mystery stories even if they have nothing to do with Norway (but bonus points if they do). We pay a flat rate of $50 for stories, on publication.” NB: No multiple or simultaneous submissions. (Editor’s note: I’ve asked about the possibility of translated fiction submissions. Here’s what I heard back: “Yes, absolutely! We’d even be open to printing both versions side by side. We have no set terms or rates for that. If you’ve got a proposal, please email fiction(at)na-weekly(dot)com and we’ll figure out the details.”
  • Anthology call: “Krampus, Santa’s dark companion, is in the spotlight these days. Thousands of people across the globe celebrate Krampusnacht on December 5th of each year. And the movie, Krampus, was a hit during the 2015 holiday season. Krampusnacht: Twelve Nights of Krampus, which I anthologized and World Weaver Press published, was a hit as well. So, World Weaver Press and Enchanted Conversation are publishing another volume. For now, it’s just called Krampusnacht Two. Remember, Krampus is the “corrective” to Saint Nick or Santa’s indulgence and generosity. He carries a switch and chains, and sometimes throws very rotten children in a basket he carries on his back. He has horns, hooves, and a creepy, long tongue. He’s horrible and fascinating at the same time. You can learn a lot about him from this site , and you should read Krampusnacht: Twelve Nights of Krampus as well, to see what we like. But we are interested in new, fresh stories, not retreads of what we have already published. We’re looking for short stories that explore every possible Krampus angle. He’s a nasty old dude, and we hope your imaginations will get the better of you.” Pays: “Payment: $10 and paperback copy of the anthology. We are looking for previously unpublished works in English. We are seeking first world rights in English and exclusive right to publish in print and electronic format for six months after publication date, after which publisher retains non-exclusive right to continue to publish for life of the anthology.” Deadline: August 15, 2016.
  • Resource alert #1: ICYMI, the June issue of The Practicing Writer went out to subscribers early last week. As usual, it’s filled with news on current opportunities in fiction, poetry, and cnf—all of them pay writers for their work; none charge fees to submit/enter. You can read the current issue online if you haven’t received your subscription copy.
  • Resource alert #2! Many (though not all) of the June listings from Cathy’s Comps and Calls are no-fee opportunities that pay.
  • “Interested in working in the not-for-profit sector? Then join CavanKerry Press, which is a not-for-profit literary press based in northern New Jersey, as its marketing and development manager. The marketing and development manager is responsible for planning, development and implementation of CavanKerry Press’s marketing strategy and marketing communications. This manager also spearheads development and fundraising efforts.”
  • The State University of New York College at Fredonia seeks an Assistant Visiting Professor (Poetry) and an Assistant Visiting Professor (Fiction).
  • 2 thoughts on “Monday Markets and Jobs for Writers

    1. Clive Collins says:

      I remember reading Louise Meriwether’s Daddy Was a Number Runner in the mid-70s and really enjoying it. Thank you, Erika, for the reminder.

      1. Erika Dreifus says:

        Very glad to know that, Clive.

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