Erika Dreifus

For many years—since long before Substack arrived on the scene—I’ve been curating weekly “Monday Markets and Jobs” posts on the Practicing Writing blog, where everyone can still find them (albeit later in the day than in the past). But not too long ago, I began sharing this information early every Monday morning via Substack, too, as a benefit for paid subscribers.

Reminder: These weekly posts are supplements to the free monthly newsletter, allowing me to amplify opportunities that I may not have caught in time for each month’s edition.

The October issue will be going out to all subscribers midweek. If you haven’t yet had a chance to peruse the September issue, take some time to do so now, as plenty of the opportunities listed there remain open for submissions or applications, and archival access will be limited to paid subscribers once the October edition is published.

Another note about these Monday posts: Unlike the monthly newsletter, which filters out listings that may be limited to writers in a single city/state/province, these posts do carry such localized opportunities (jobs included).

But in all cases, calls and competitions must not charge submission or application fees, and they must offer (specified) payment for winning/published work (or, in the case of residencies, they must not charge application or participation fees).

And now—the latest gleanings.

• September 30 is the extended deadline for submissions for a Chicken Soup for the Soul volume on the theme “Random Acts of Kindness”: “We are looking for true stories about random acts of kindness that have happened to you or stories about a kindness that you performed for someone else. Stories can be serious or funny but they should definitely inspire our readers to look for ways in which they can perform kind acts.” Pays: “If we publish your story, you will be paid $250 one month after publication of the book and you will receive ten free copies of the book your story or poem appears in.”
• “WSHU, the NPR affiliate station based out of Sacred Heart University, and Westport Writers’ Workshop are pleased to host a contest that invites Connecticut residents to submit original, short-form personal stories (500 – 700 words). Through this contest celebrating the power of storytelling and personal reflection, we encourage writers to explore the theme: What Haunts You Submissions must reflect on the theme – creative interpretation is encouraged. While we welcome your ghost stories, we also look forward to reading your deeper interpretations of what it means to have a lingering doubt, fear or emotion.” Prize packages include cash awards ($250/$100/$50) and publication. Deadline: October 1. (Hat tip: Writing Deadlines.)
• October 4 is the deadline set by Flame Tree Publishing for submissions of short stories for two upcoming anthology projects: Icarus & Pandora, which are both part of their Myths, Gods & Immortals series. Pays: “Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) rates of 8 cents/6 pence per word for original stories, 6 cents/4 pence for reprints.”
• In the UK, the National Life Stories team “is seeking an interviewer to record five life story interviews for Authors’ Lives over the next 12 months.” Compensation: “NLS will fund 14 days’ work per interview at £193.40 per day, plus expenses.” Apply by October 4. (Hat tip: Sian Meades-Williams.)
• “The Creative Writing Program in the Department of English at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for two non-renewable 3-year term visiting Assistant Professors, one for Fiction and one for Poetry. The anticipated start for these positions is Spring Semester 2027.” Compensation: “The salary for this position is $100,000.” Apply by October 9.
• “The Illinois Arts Council’s (IAC) Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) provides crucial support to artists with a goal of strengthening the creative workforce that composes a significant portion of Illinois’ economic activity. CAF recognizes and supports the vital role that artists play as builders and innovators in their communities. By investing in their practice and professional growth, the fund not only enriches the lives of artists but also encourages broader community engagement and investment, leading to a vibrant cultural landscape and fostering connections among residents. This is a $10,000 taxable award.” Among eligibility criteria: “Be established as an Illinois resident prior to October 14, 2025.” Deadline: October 14. (Hat tip: Funds for Writers.)
• The Epiphany Fresh Voices Fellowship is for “one early-career Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander or other writer of color who does not have nor is currently pursuing an advanced writing degree. Fellows receive $2000, print publication, a year-long position on our editorial masthead, and a year-long writing mentorship with Epiphany editors.” NB: Numerous eligibility criteria apply, including that “preference will be given to New York City-based applicants, as in-person interaction will enhance the fellowship experience.” Deadline: October 15.
• In Maine, “Colby College’s Creative Writing Program invites applications for the 2027–2028 Jennifer Jahrling Forese Residency. We seek a journalist with experience in deep reportage, long-form and investigative storytelling, or digital, multimedia, and podcast journalism. This yearlong residency provides a dedicated space for a writer to develop a major project while engaging with a dynamic campus community eager to explore the literary craft and public inquiry needed to create multi-layered stories that ground us in our shared humanity.” Compensation: “The anticipated salary range for this position is $79,200 to $83,200.” Deadline: “Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.”
• In New York, The Wall Street Journal is advertising for a Books Reporter “to write consumer-facing book and literary-world features, report lively and prescient trend stories, cover big industry news and write delectable, highly shareable feature stories with a focus on authors, books and readership for a general consumer audience.” Salary: “$120,000 – $150,000.” No deadline indicated.
• “The Department of English at The Pennsylvania State University at University Park, Pennsylvania, USA, invites applications for the Steven Fisher Professorship in Creative Writing. This is a tenure-track position (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) in Creative Writing (Fiction) to begin August 2027, with flexibility. Secondary expertise in Creative Nonfiction is also desirable.” No deadline indicated.