Monday Markets and Jobs for Writers

Monday brings the weekly batch of no-fee, paying competitions, contests, and calls for submissions—plus jobs for those of us who write (especially those of us who write fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction).

  • For the new Novel Gazing, Electric Lit’s personal essay series about the way stories shape our lives, we’re asking: What’s a book that made you fall in love?” The editor wants “to hear about a book (or movie, show, game, or other story) that made you fall in love—with someone, or something, or even the book itself if you can make that an interesting essay.” Pays: $60. Deadline: January 26, 2018.
  • Canthius accepts submissions of poetry and prose from a diversity of established and emerging women and genderqueer writers. For those who wish to submit to Canthius, we ask that your submission reflect the best of your creativity, your voice, your humour, your intelligence, your strength. Be political, honest, witty. We thank you for considering us as a forum for your work and for reading and writing about women’s experiences and feminist issues.” Deadline: February 1, 2018. Pays: “Writers accepted for publication will receive $15 per poem and $50 per work of prose. Contributors will also receive a complimentary a copy of the issue and a discounted price on any further copies of the issue in which their work appears.” NB: This is a Canadian journal, so payment is presumably in Canadian dollars. (Thanks to Literistic for the tip on this one.)
  • “Every year, The Old Farmer’s Almanac holds an essay contest with cash prizes. This year, our essay topic is ‘How the Weather Changed My Life.’ Cash prizes (first, $250; second, $150; third, $100) will be awarded for the best essays in 200 words or less.” NB: “All entries become the property of Yankee Publishing, which reserves all rights to the material.” Deadline: January 26, 2018. No entry fee. (Thanks to FundsforWriters.com for mentioning this one.)
  • “The Roswell Award for short science fiction by adults (18+) from across the globe is an international competition. Past submissions have come from dozens of countries including Malawi, Ethiopia, Singapore, Brazil, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Australia, India, Pakistan, England, America, Kazakhstan, and others. Four to six finalists are chosen and their stories are read by celebrity guests on stage at LitFest Pasadena in May. First, second, and third place prizes, as well as certificates, are awarded to both finalists and the honorable mentions at the reading. Artemis and Hollywood NOW will also present the Women Hold Up Half the Sky Award for the best feminist themed science fiction story.” For cash-prize breakdowns and more information, check the website. There are no entry fees, and the deadline is January 29, 2018. (Thanks to CRWROPPS-B for the reminder on this one.)
  • In New York, “Harper’s Magazine is looking for two assistant editors. One assistant editor will serve as the copy-editor for the magazine. Responsibilities will include copy-editing each piece in the magazine to ensure its compliance with the dictionary and internal style guides, working with the managing editor and art staff on production (using InDesign), and helping supervise freelance typesetters and proofreaders….The other assistant editor will join the magazine as a fact-checker, responsible for ensuring the accuracy and correctness of various articles and sections each month, which may include conducting primary research or additional reporting as needed. The assistant editor may have to supervise stringers or freelancers. The ideal candidate will be an experienced, tenacious researcher who is attentive to detail, proactive, and diplomatic in dealing with writers, sources, and other editors.”
  • “The Asian American Writers’ Workshop (AAWW), the preeminent literary arts nonprofit dedicated to excellent literature of Asian American descent, seeks to hire an Asia Editor to lead our Transpacific Literary Project….This is a four-day-a-week position with health benefits with the possibility of full-time should funding increase. The Editor must be physically based in New York City.” (The same organization is also advertising for a full-time Deputy Director.)
  • Another Assistant Editor position, also in New York: “Mysterious Ways is a magazine from Guideposts, America’s favorite inspirational publisher, featuring true stories of unexpected and wondrous experiences that reveal a hidden hand at work in our lives. We’re seeking a dedicated writer and editor who can uncover the miraculous in unusual places, with the critical eye necessary to sort through the fluff and dig out deep, powerful and credible narratives that defy easy explanation and leave our readers in awe and wonder. This position is primarily responsible for gathering, writing, editing and developing high-quality original content for Mysterious Ways magazine, our e-newsletter and social media accounts.”
  • At Boston University, they’re hiring a Program Administrator for the Favorite Poem Project. This employee “assumes responsibility for the ongoing programs of the Favorite Poem Project (FFP), which has had its administrative home at Boston University since its 1997. Employee responds to print and electronic correspondence regarding the FPP; maintains and updates the FPP website, The Art of Poetry MOOC Repository, and social media; plans FPP readings and consults with libraries, schools, and organizations who wish to organize FPP events; manages project records; archives and disseminates educational materials from the FPP K-12 Institutes; initiates FPP expansion by cultivating partnerships with local, national, and international organizations; oversees selection and production of new FPP videos; plans poetry readings for the Creative Writing Program; assists MFA students who teach at Boston Arts Academy and coordinates with BAA staff and administrators; helps raise funds for FPP programs; manages program accounting and budgets. The position also provides editorial and general assistance to Professor Robert Pinsky, related to his professorial duties, his professional obligations, and to the Favorite Poem Project.”