No Fee Essay Writing Contest for Men Only!

More Than A Few Good Men Essay Writing Contest (no fee):

From the editors:

We're Looking For A few Good Men. Do you have a compelling story to tell about a defining moment in your life? The editors of More Than a Few Good Men are sponsoring a national writing contest and are accepting submissions from March 1 through May 1. The contest is open to men ages 35 to 60. Each writer should submit an original essay focused on a defining moment in his life, when the challenges of childhood, coming of age, work, relationships, fatherhood or death caused a fundamental change in his understanding of himself as a man. Essays should be from 1,000 to 3,000 words long and written in the first person. More Than a Few Good Men is an anthology of essays about what it means to be a man in America today. Contributors include such accomplished writers as Mad Men creator Matt Wiener, Memoires of a Geisha novelist Arthur Golden, and Not That You Asked essayist Steve Almond. An NFL Hall of Famer, a former Sing Sing inmate, a one-time Wall Street wunderkind, and a photojournalist embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq are among the other contributors. More Than a Few Good Men will be published in spring 2010. All proceeds from the book will benefit the Good Men Foundation, a charitable organization founded to support men and boys at risk. For more information about the book, the contributors or the contest, visit www.goodmenbook.org.

Call for Submissions: Assisi online journal: DL Apr 18

Call for Submissions

Assisi: An Online Journal of Arts & Letters

St. Francis College in Brooklyn, New York is pleased to announce that Assisi: An Online Journal of Arts & Letters is now accepting submissions for its inaugural issue.

Assisi will offer an eclectic mix of essays (both academic and personal), short fiction and poetry in an online journal which is published twice-yearly. We will also publish photographs, drawings
and other art works.

Submissions will be accepted by e-mail only. You may submit through April 18, 2009 for the inaugural Spring 2009 issue.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Your text submission must be in Word or Rich Text Format, and must be sent as an attachment to your e-mail. At this time, we can only accept photos and art work submitted as .JPEG files. Include your name, address, daytime telephone number and title(s) of submission(s) in the body of your e-mail. NO IDENTIFICATION SHOULD APPEAR ON THE MANUSCRIPT OR ART WORK ITSELF.

There is a limit of one submission in each category per person per submission period. You may send all your submissions together attached to one e-mail, or send them in separately.

Essays: Up to 20 pages total, double-spaced.

Short Fiction: Up to 20 pages total, double-spaced. Novel excerpts will be considered if they are self-contained.

Poetry:
Up to 5 poems per submission, single or double-spaced. Please, no
more than one poem per page.

Photography and Art: Up to 3 works per submission.

We do not reprint previously published work. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable as long as they are indicated as such and Assisi is notified immediately if the work is accepted elsewhere.

Send all submissions to: assisi(at)stfranciscollege.edu (replace (at) with @)

Assisi holds first rights for publication; we also reserve the right to use your name and the title of your work in press releases and on sections of our website other than the pages of Assisi. Beyond this use, and following publication in Assisi, rights revert to the author/artist providing Assisi is acknowledged in any subsequent publication of the work.

If you have questions, or need further information, please contact Dr. Wendy Galgan, Editor, at wgalgan(at)stfranciscollege.edu (replace (at) with @)

Were you born between 1960 and 1982?

Anthology seeks work from writers born from '60 to '82:

In Our Own Words: Call for submissions for A Generation Defining Itself: Volume 8. This book series is a platform from which a generation (born 1960 to 1982) is speaking out about its realities, dispelling the narrow, simplified stereotypes created by the mass media and commercial marketing. Beginning to finalize the selection of texts. Will still consider texts sent by December 31st. All genres sought, from poetry and lyrics to prose and essays. Target is 150-200 writers, approx. 300 pages, and release by end of first quarter 2009. Submission Guidelines.

Ink-Filled Page call for submissions

This just in from Ink-Filled Page:

Ink-Filled Page is a quarterly literary journal produced by Indigo Editing & Publications, www.indigoediting.com. The journal is published online quarterly, and we print an anthology annually. Our most recent quarterly issue was released in October and is available at www.indigoediting.com/ifp.

Literary Submissions

Fiction submissions can be short stories or novel excerpts, and the nonfiction section is open to personal narratives and essays. While all genres are welcome, special interests include:

• travel
• multicultural themes
• feminism
• magical realism

We are specifically looking for fresh, untold stories and unique voices that draw us into the world of the story. While we know and love many Jo(h)ns, we are inundated by character Jo(h)ns. We ask that you only submit characters by that name if it is necessary for the story.

Limit submissions to 5,000 words, one submission per candidate. Authors who submit more than one piece will not be considered. Electronic submissions only.

The Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest

Dream Quest One is sponsoring Poetry and Writing (Fiction/Non-Fiction) Contests. In their own words:

Deadline: December 31, 2008
Open to anyone who loves to express their innermost thoughts and feeling into the beautiful art of poetry or to write a short story that is worth telling everyone! And to all who have the ability to dream. Write a poem or short story for a chance to win cash prizes. All works must be original.
Write a poem, thirty lines or fewer on any subject, style, or form, typed or neatly hand printed. And/or write a short story, five pages maximum length, on any subject or theme, creative writing fiction or non-fiction (including essay compositions, diary, journal entries and screenwriting). Also, must be typed or neatly hand printed. Multiple poetry and short story entries are accepted. All winners will be announced on January 31, 2009.
Prizes:

• Writing Contest First Prize is $500. Second Prize: $250. Third Prize: $100.
• Poetry Contest First Prize is $250. Second Prize: $125. Third Prize: $50.

Entry fees: Writing Contest entry fee: $10 per short story.
Poetry Contest entry fee: $5 per poem.
To send entries: Include title(s) with your story (ies) or poem(s), along with your name, address, phone#, email, brief biographical info. (Tell us a little about yourself), on the coversheet. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for entry confirmation. Fees payable to: “DREAMQUESTONE.COM” Mail to:
Dream Quest One
Poetry & Writing Contest
P.O. Box 3141
Chicago, IL 60654
Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com for further details or to enter!

"ZYZZYVA" Is Accepting Submissions Now!

Zyzzyva (ziz-uh-vuh) is not only the last word in the dictionary ("any of various South American weevils of the genus zyzzvya, often destructive to plants"); it is also the name of a literary magazine that appears in March, August, and November.
They publish a wide range of fiction, poetry, and essays (no interviews, reviews or criticisms), and accept submissions only from writers who live on the West Coast: CA, OR, WA, AK, HI. They also pay $50 on acceptance for first North American serial rights.
Submissions are accepted by snail mail only, and they ask that you not send anything via certified or registered mail. Send your work to: Editor, P.O. Box 590069, San Francisco, CA, 94159-0069. You may submit material of any length, and as many manuscripts as you like. "Take your best shot," and why not? It's free! Please go to their website to check out the rest of their submission guidelines.

Queer, Here, and Accepting Submissions!

Queer Collection is accepting submissions for the June 2009 publication of The Queer Collection: Prose and Poetry 2009. They are looking for original prose and poetry by and for a gay, lesbian, bi, transgender and queer audience. Poems may be up to 40 lines, the prose word-count limit is 3000 words, and you may submit up to 5 pieces for consideration. Authors whose work is selected for publication will receive $25; there is no entry or reading fee. Mail your submissions, along with a cover letter and bio to Gregory A. Kompes, Editor, Queer Collection, Fabulist Flash Publishing, P.O. Box 570368, Las Vegas, NV 89157. Please go to their website for the rest of the submission guidelines.

The Best Advice You Ever Had ~

FundsforWriters, (and its annual sponsor IdeaWeaver), is announcing its 7th Annual FundsforWriters Essay Contest. FundsforWriters changes its theme every year; this year they are offering two topics to choose from that have one thing in common: write about the best advice you ever had.

• Topic 1: The Best Advice I Ever Had and Ignored
• Topic 2: The Best Advice I Ever Had and Followed.

FundsforWriters is "all about the writer," so your essay should be writing-related, or, at least will tie back into a writing lesson. The deadline is October 31, 2008, essays should be 750 words or less, and you have both No Fee and $5 Entry Fee options, (the $5 entry fee option has bigger prizes). Those that select the $5 entry fee option will also receive the ebook of their choice.
$5 Entry Fee Category:

• First Place: $200
• Second Place: $20 - and a free copy of IdeaWeaver software (a $49.95 value)
• Third Place: $10

No Entry Fee Category:

• First Place: $50
• Second Place: $20
• Third Place: $20

The same piece cannot be entered in both categories. Submit your entry in the body of an email to hope(at)fundsforwriters(dot)com. Please go to their website for the rest of the contest guidelines and to read previous winning essays.

What Was The Most Important Day In Your Life?

If you can think of many, select one of them, write a 1500-or-less-word essay (or polish up one you already have), and enter it in Real Simple's Life Lessons Essay Contest, for a chance to win a $3000 prize and have your essay published in Real Simple! The contest ends September 9, 2008, but they are accepting snail mail entries as late as September 16 (if they are postmarked by September 9); mail to: Essay Contest Real Simple, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 9th floor, New York, NY 10020. Email entries can be sent to lifelessons(at)realsimple(dot)com.

Is It Truly Better To Have Loved And Lost?

No matter how you answer that question, you probably have a short story, either written or not-yet-written, that could illustrate your point. If you do, If Only I Could Tell You ... Where Past Loves and Current Intimacy Meet is sponsoring it's 2nd annual Past Loves Day contest whose deadline isn't until midnight, August 17, 2008. Tell them, in no more than 700 words, as though you were telling a best friend, about how this past love influenced your life.

• First Prize: $100
• Second Prize: $75
• Third Prize: $50

All winners and Honorable Mentions will receive a copy of If Only I Could Tell You ... Where Past Loves and Current Intimacy Meet. Winners will also have their stories posted (anonymously, if requested) on their website.
Send your entry to: contest(at)ourpastloves(dot)com or: CONTEST, Spruce Mountain Press, 61 Katuah Road, Plainfield, VT 05667.
Winners will be announced on Past Loves Day, September 17, 2008. There is no fee to enter.

52 Perfect Days 2008 Travel Writing Contest

Do you know of an "off-the-beaten-track" area of the United States? If so, you are invited to submit a travel article to the First Annual 52 Perfect Days Travel Writing Contest. 52PerfectDays.com is looking for 750 to 1500 word submissions written by authors who have firsthand knowledge of an undiscovered section of city, or a relatively unheard of town or experience. Articles should appeal to those who enjoy U.S. travel and are willing to get a bit adventurous. Whether you want to explore the ethnic foods in a certain section of town, backpacking in a remote location, or know of a coastal town yet to be discovered, they want to know your story! Share how to spend a perfect day in the location of your choice. They're not interested in travelogues or diaries, but do tell them what makes your location unique or why is it off the main travel radar and why it is worth a visit. You have until October to submit your entry to travelwritingcontest(at)52perfectdays(dot)com.

• First Place Prize is $150
• Second Place Prize is $75
• Third Place Prize is $25

So, whether you are a freelancer, professional writer, or just looking for an excuse to finally write about your travels, this NO-FEE contest could be perfect for you. Please check out their website for the rest of the contest guidelines.

$150 Dollars For 50 Words!!

That's the prize for feedback being offered by The Summerset Review. All you have to do is send them your opinion, (at least fifty words worth), of stories and essays appearing in the current issue! In addition, winners will receive a copy of Volume One. They will publish your comments in the following issue, along with your name and home town. Only one entry is allowed per person per quarter, and the entry must pertain to a piece appearing in the current issue. They are particularly interested in how the story or essay affected you; what impact it had, what memory it stirred. Be honest and lucid. The deadline for comments is two weeks before the release date. Issues are released on the 15th of March, June, September and December. Email your entry to editor(at)summersetreview(dot)org, and be sure to include your name, town, state and country (if outside the USA). There's nothing to lose and much to gain: check out their website to read the current stories and essays, and then read some of the previous winning comments to get an idea of what they like.

"I Love Cats" Magazine Accepting Submissions

For those of us with delightful furry companions, Lisa Allmendinger, editer of I Love Cats is now looking at stories for 2009 and beyond. They seldom publish poetry, but are interested in feature stories about cats and their owners, (no talking cats, please), interesting or odd happenings with cats, tips for cat owners, health issues, non-fiction, behavior problems, etc. They ask that you not send pieces about cats that go or live outdoors. She prefers stories with with photos or drawing that are between 500 - 800 words (1,000 words max). Payment upon publication is $50, ($25 for short fillers, which are also welcome). Please send your queries and/or completed stories to ilovecatseditor(at)sbcglobal.net. Check out the I Love Cats website for sample copies and further submission guidelines.

Whose Fawlt Is It?

Nobody's perfect, and now there is a magazine based on that premise: Fawlt Magazine is dedicating each of it's quarterly issues to human flaws. Guess I'll stop procrastinating long enough to tell you about it. ;) They are now taking submissions for their next issue, which will focus on Perfectionism. You have until August 1, 2008 to submit previously unpublished prose, poetry, art and photographs that will examine such issues as: who is affected by it, its impact on individuals, in which circumstances it can be especially bad (or actually good!), and any other aspect of the flaw that may be worth investigating. Please send your submissions to fiction(at)fawltmag.com, poetry(at)fawltmag.com, or artandphoto(at)fawltmag.com, depending on the category (don't forget to attach a cover letter). The Perfectionism issue will be launched online on September 15, 2008. They are also taking submissions for upcoming issues, Apathy and Arrogance. They ask that you do not send more than three prose pieces or five poems at a time, and if you are submitting to more than one issue, please send your submissions separately.

Profit From Mood Swings in Many Ways ~

If you are one of the estimated 5.7 million people with bi-polar disorder, you might be interested to know that there is an online magazine for you: bphope.com, whose aim is to provide "hope and harmony for people with bipolar." It is not a medical journal, but rather a lively and information-rich consumer magazine. The reason I mention it here is that, happily, they accept submissions -- articles and stories -- that relate to this often crippling disorder. They seek features that are:

• Useful to their readers, ie., they can relate the material to their own lives.
• Meaningful to readers on a personal level, through the use of stories, quotes, anecdotes and humor.
• Educational and rich in comments from experts and those living with bipolar.
• Informational and inclusive of resources such as Websites, books, and so on.

Main articles are between 1,500 and 2,500 words, and they also publish short features (650 to 750 words) on such topics as interviews with those living with bipolar; food and nutrition; healthy living; spirituality; parenting with childhood depression; exercise; wellness and so on. Email a query letter to queries (at) bphope (dot) com. Please go to their website for complete writer's guidelines.
Fees are negotiated on a per story basis, based on length, experience, complexity, etc. They pay for North American rights for original material, and for rights to post stories on their website, www.bphope.com.

* Celebrating the Goddess in Every Woman *

SageWoman, a quarterly magazine of women's spirituality, is dedicated to helping women explore their spiritual, emotional and daily lives in a way that respects all persons, creatures, and the Earth. Their readers relate positively with the term "Goddess," and include women from a variety of religious faiths, from Roman Catholic to Lesbian Separatist Witch and everything in-between. Their focus is on issues of concern to Pagan and other Goddess-friendly women, and they are accepting submissions (written by women), of non-fiction prose that relate to women's spiritual experience. They also accept modest amounts of poetry, photographs and graphic artwork. They do not accept fiction, screenplays, long narrative poems, erotica, or press releases. Since their editorial style focuses on personal experiences, please write in the first person!
Your articles should be between 800 and 5000 words in length. All material should be sent to the attention of the Editor to either meditor (at) sagewoman (dot) com, or P.O. Box 687, Forest Grove, OR. 97116. They'll pay $.01 per word for unsolicited material, with a minimum of $10, as well as one copy of the issue in which your work appears. They are often able to pay more for work that is commissioned especially for SageWoman, so please contact them directly if you are interested in working for them on this basis.
The theme of their next issue is "Giving and Receiving." For those of us who are already aware of some of the many instances that life is a plethora of give-and-take and sharings, that we are not as isolated and alone as we may feel, it might be a fun challenge to dip into this awareness and come up with something personal to illustrate this. You have until August 1, 2008 to send them your submission.
Please go to their website for more information and to find samples of articles they have published.

Glass Woman Prize

The Fourth Glass Woman Prize submission deadline is September 21, 2008. What, you may ask, is a Glass Woman? It is someone who is able to acknowledge, transparently, who she is. The contest sponsor, Beate Sigriddaughter, would depict her as:

a woman of glass, with a blood system and gut system visible inside her, pipes and veins, and in those there would be bits of poetry, newspapers, roses, sentimental things, baby’s teeth, locks of baby hair, all kinds of lace bits, birds, and foxes, ice-picks, wedding rings, veils, and wedding cake doves, graduations gowns, tarot cards, sacred stones, pressed flowers, and a whole lot of joy and a whole lot of sorrow. She’d have a flute and a piano key, an ankh, and a woman symbol (♀), everything, anger and joy, hiking gear, rock climbing gear, motorcycle gear, dirt, fear, bras, lilacs, mirrors, underwear.

I'm thinking that pretty much includes all of us, so, if you have a short piece of fiction, or creative non-fiction between 50 to 5,000 words, you have nothing to lose (No Entry Fee!), and the possibility of gaining $600 if you win, or $100 if you're one of the two runners up. Her criterion is passion, excellence, and authenticity in the women's writing voice. You may email your submission to glasswomanprize (at) comcast (dot) net, or send it via regular mail to Beatte Sigriddaughter, 333 East 16th Avenue, #517, Denver, CO, 80203. Please visit her website for more information and links to previous winning entries.

For Women Only ~

Here's one for women only: Underwired Magazine publishes personal essays every month! They set the theme, and all we have to do is submit an essay, from 800 to 1200 words, by the 15th of every month for publication in the following month's issue. June's will be The Getaway Issue, and they are looking for essays that relate to being adventure bound, the road less traveled, roving, wandering, rambling, planes, trains and automobiles, going abroad, seeing the world, globe-trotting, getting lost, and getting found. Sounds like fun, yes? And they'll pay $100 per essay! Submissions may be sent via regular mail to the attention of the editor, P.O. Box 2158, Louisville, KY, 40255-0128, or via email to editor (at) unmag (dot) com. Please include a brief bio with your submission. You may go to their website for further details.

What's Your Semicolon IQ?

It's not often that a punctuation mark makes headlines in the New York Times. How thrilling that not only was this particular semicolon noticed; it was found remarkable enough for a journalist to write about, and for the editor to accept that article for publication! Heartening, yes, that something as simple as this could bring fame to the writer; this can be an inspiration to us all!

Here Comes The Sun * * *

The Sun Magazine publishes essays, interviews, fiction and poetry. They tend to favor personal writing, but they're also open to thoughtful, well-written essays on political, cultural, and philosophical themes. In fact, they're open to just about anything except journalistic features, academic works or opinion pieces. They invite us to "surprise them:" they often don't know what they'll like until they read it. This generous attitude is matched by generosity of payment also:

• $300 to $3000 for essays and interviews
• $300 to $2000 for fiction
• $100 to $500 for poetry, the amount determined by length and quality

They may pay less for very short works. Contributors will receive a complimentary one-year subscription to The Sun. They also use 10 to 30 photographs in each issue, so if your creativity includes talent in that direction, The Sun is equally as generous on that score as well:

• $100 to $300 for one-time use of photographs inside the magazine
• $500 for those they use on the cover
• $500 to $1000 for photo essays

The give contributors four copies of the issue in which their work appears, as well as a complimentary one-year subscription. Please go to their website to check out the rest of their submission guidelines and also the snail-mail address to send your work.