This roundup highlights literary magazines actively seeking submissions throughout April, with details on genres accepted, submission guidelines, and deadlines.

Every single one of these literary magazines is paying writers for accepted submissions.

Remember to carefully review each magazine’s submission guidelines before sending your work. Take time to read recent issues to ensure your writing aligns with their aesthetic and mission. With thoughtful submissions and a bit of persistence, April could be the month your work finds its next (or first) literary home!

The full collection with links, deadlines, and submission details is available below in full for paid subscribers.

Subscribe now

Not looking for creative writing opportunities? You can update your FWN preferences using this link so that you only receive the opportunities you really want.

Lit Mags Accepting Submissions in April 2026

West Branch
A highly regarded print journal published three times a year by Bucknell University, accepting poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and translation. Submit up to six poems or thirty pages of prose. They print only original, unpublished work, and purchase First North American serial rights. Affiliated with the Stadler Center for Poetry & Literary Arts.
Payment: $100 per submission of poetry; $0.10/word for prose, maximum $200.
Deadline: April 1, 2026.

Ninth Letter — Web Edition (Theme: Reaction)
The award-winning literary arts journal from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for its themed web edition. The theme “Reaction” invites work spanning the spectrum — chemical, physical, biological, psychological, and political — showing characters caught in unforeseeable moments, narrators who drop their guard, or poems that embody action’s equal and opposite reaction. Submit up to three poems or one piece of prose up to 3,500 words, including a cover letter explaining your work’s connection to the theme. Submissions without that note are not accepted.
Payment: $25 per poem; $75 per prose piece.
Deadline: April 1, 2026.

The Ex-Puritan
A Canadian literary magazine publishing fiction, essays, poetry, interviews, reviews, and experimental/hybrid work. Reads year-round with rolling deadlines tied to quarterly issues; all submissions received by March 25 are considered for the spring issue published in May. Particularly interested in work that pushes boundaries — hybrid and experimental pieces are especially welcomed. Only issues payments via e-transfer, PayPal, or Canadian cheque; writers who cannot accept these methods cannot submit. One publication per writer per year, across up to two sections.
Payment: CAD$50-$150, depending on the specific type of writing.
Deadline: April 1, 2026 (for spring issue).

The Forge Literary Magazine
An online literary journal publishing one prose piece per week, selected by a rotating cast of editors who read all submissions anonymously. Accepts literary fiction and creative nonfiction. Free submissions open on the 1st of each month and close when the monthly cap is reached. Simultaneous submissions encouraged — withdraw immediately if accepted elsewhere. No more than one free submission per month.
Opens: April 1, 2026 (capped at 200 submissions).

Okay Donkey
An online literary magazine publishing one piece every Friday, alternating between flash fiction and poetry. Submit one flash fiction OR one poem per submission period (not both). Flash fiction only — no flash nonfiction. Free submissions open on the 1st of each month until the cap is reached; tip jar and expedited response submissions remain open after the cap. Standard response time is 2–3 months.
Payment: $20 honorarium per published piece.
Opens: April 1, 2026 (capped submissions).

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This edition has got 50+ vetted opportunities with deadlines from early March through late May 2026, covering everything from flash fiction and poetry to screenwriting, journalism, residencies and grants.

You’ll find cash-prize contests, major literary awards, fellowships, translation residencies, emergency funding, plus practical workshops and conferences to sharpen your craft and grow your freelance business.

Every listing has been verified, with links to the official source and key details like prize amounts, entry fees, dates and eligibility clearly outlined.

Dip in, see what fits your goals for the next few months, and line up your next round of submissions (or professional development) with a bit less guesswork and a lot more clarity!

Creative submissions, prizes, awards, residencies, workshops & more

Writing Contests & Prizes

Cash prizes for submitted work — stories, poems, essays, and more.

Desmond O’Grady International Poetry Competition
Submit poems for this long-running international competition. Winner invited to read at the 2027 April is Poetry Month in Limerick festival.
Prize: €200 first, €50 runner-up.
Deadline: March 7, 2026

Mairtín Crawford Awards for Poetry and Short Story 2026
Aimed at writers working towards their first full collection. Submit 3–5 poems for the poetry award, or a short story up to 2,500 words. Open to those born in, citizens of, or residents of Ireland and the UK. Winners also receive a “Time to Write” package including a three-night stay in Belfast and four days of writing space. Entry fee: £10.
Prize: £500 per winner, £250 for runners-up.
Deadline: March 11, 2026

The London Magazine Poetry Prize 2026
Open internationally. Poems must be previously unpublished and no longer than 40 lines. Prize winners appear in a print issue and are celebrated at a prize-giving event. Entry fee: £12 per poem (£6 subsequent entries; £6 for students/low-income).
Prize: £1,000 first, £600 second, £400 third.
Deadline: March 13, 2026​

Robinson Jeffers Tor House Poetry Prize
Submit up to three poems of no more than three pages each. Entry fee: $10.
Prize: $1,000.
Deadline: March 14, 2026​

Waterman Fund Essay Contest
For emerging writers who have not published a major work on environmental topics. Essays of 2,000–3,000 words on wilderness, wildness, or environmental ethics. Free to enter.
Prize: $3,000 first place, $1,000 second place.
Deadline: March 15, 2026

Cymera-Shoreline of Infinity Prize for Speculative Short Fiction
For writers who are Scottish by birth or inclination, aged 14+. Submit a speculative story up to 2,500 words. Free to enter.
Prize: £150.
Deadline: March 22, 2026

Letter Review Prize
Submit the first 5,000 words of a novel or nonfiction manuscript, or 15 pages of poetry. Entry fee: $30 (additional entries $20).
Prize: $1,000 total prize pool shared among 2–4 winners. Winners may choose to have an extract published and receive a letter of recommendation from judges. 10–20 writers shortlisted.
Deadline: March 28, 2026

Parsec Ink Short Story Competition – Metamorphosis
Speculative fiction contest for non-professional writers. Stories up to 3,500 words on the theme of “Metamorphosis.” Free to enter.
Prize: $200 first, $100 second, $50 third. $50 for best youth story.
Deadline: March 31, 2026​

Foley Poetry Contest (America Media)
Submit an unpublished poem of 45 lines or fewer. Free to enter.
Prize: $1,000.
Deadline: March 31, 2026​

Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award
A grant for emerging crime fiction writers of colour. Submit an unpublished piece of crime fiction, 2,500–5,000 words. Free to enter.
Prize: $2,000 towards career development activities (workshops, seminars, courses, research).
Deadline: March 31, 2026

Fish Publishing Poetry Prize 2026
Poems up to 60 lines. Judged by Billy Collins. Entry fee: €16 (€11 for subsequent entries).
Prize: €1,000 first, €300 second, €300 third. Top 10 published in the Fish Anthology 2026.
Deadline: March 31, 2026

Wild Atlantic Writing Awards
Flash fiction on the theme of “Power.” Stories up to 500 words — the word “power” cannot appear in the story. Entry fee: €10.
Prize: €500 per category winner (or €1,000 off a writing retreat).
Deadline: March 31, 2026​

Prime Number Magazine Awards
Two prizes for a poem and a short story. Entry fee: $15.
Prize: $1,000 each, plus publication in Prime Number Magazine.
Deadline: March 31, 2026​

Lascaux Prize in Poetry
For poems. Previously published and unpublished poems accepted. Up to five poems per entry. Entry fee: $15.
Prize: $1,000 plus publication in Lascaux Review.
Deadline: March 31, 2026​

Eye Contact Prize in Genre Fiction
Submit fantasy flash fiction (up to 1,000 words). Free to enter.
Prize: $250.
Deadline: March 31, 2026​

Henshaw Press Short Story Competition
Short stories up to 2,000 words. Entry fee: £6 (optional critique: £14).
Prize: £200 first, £100 second, £50 third.
Deadline: March 31, 2026

Ann Petry Award (Red Hen Press)
For a work of previously unpublished prose (novel or collection of short stories/novellas, minimum 150 pages) by a Black writer. Free to enter.
Prize: $3,000 and publication.
Deadline: March 31, 2026​

Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
Submit a humor poem of up to 250 lines. Free to enter.
Prize: $2,000 first (plus two-year Duotrope subscription), $500 second, $250 third, plus ten prizes of $100.
Deadline: April 1, 2026

Great American Think-Off
Essay contest — 2026 question: “Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?” Essays up to 750 words. For US-based writers. Free to enter. Four finalists are invited to a live debate in New York Mills, MN (travel covered).
Prize: $500 each for four finalists.
Deadline: April 1, 2026​

Baen Fantasy Adventure Award
Adventure fantasy short stories up to 8,000 words. Free to enter.
Prize: Industry-standard payment rates plus publication. Winners announced at Dragon Con.
Deadline: April 30, 2026​

Black Orchid Novella Award
For novellas (15,000–20,000 words) in the tradition of Rex Stout’s deductive detective fiction. Focus on the sleuth’s deductive skills. Free to enter.
Prize: $1,000 plus publication in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine.
Deadline: May 31, 2026

Professional Development Events

Paid professional development events for writers.

Whale Rock Writing Workshops: Digging Deeper – Subtext
A single-evening online workshop on using subtext to add depth to your writing, with former editor and author Laurie Calkhoven.
Cost: $35.
Date: March 10, 2026​

The Unglamorous Secrets of Freelance Writing
Live online session digging into the unglamorous but essential parts of freelance life: following up when editors don’t reply, finding and contacting sources, handling rejection, and building long-term professional relationships without awkwardness. Sithara will share practical approaches, real examples, and honest stories about what works (and what doesn’t). The session will be recorded for those who can’t attend live, and complements previous FWN events like Pitch Lab and Write Your First Pitch.
Free for paid members of the Freelance Writing Network.
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 1pm ET / 10am PT / 5pm GMT.

The Inside Scoop on Freelance Journalism: Q&A with Isabel Woodford
In-person masterclass and Q&A at Loom Club, Angel, London. Former Reuters reporter Isabel Woodford shares practical framework for building a freelance career, pitching major publications, financial roadmap, and industry realities (including money talk). Special guests: commissioning editors from Boston Globe, New Scientist, Bloomberg.
Cost: £25.
Date: Monday, March 16, 2026, 7:00 PM GMT

Las Vegas Writers Conference
Three days with virtual attendees from around the world. Pitch sessions with literary agents and editors included. One-on-one mentoring available.
Dates: April 23–25, 2026​

The 2026 Online Pittsburgh Writing Workshop
A two-day online “How to Get Published” event. Instruction on queries, pitches, marketing, and more. Includes optional one-on-one agent and editor pitching. 200 seats.
Dates: May 8–9, 2026​

Major Literary Awards

High-profile awards and prizes recognising published and unpublished work.

The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize
For a debut novel by an American citizen or permanent resident published during the award year. Entry fee: $100.
Prize: $15,000. Six finalists also receive prizes.
Deadline: March 13, 2026​

BBC National Short Story Award with Cambridge University
One of the world’s most prestigious short story awards. For published UK writers. Submit one story of up to 8,000 words. Free to enter.
Prize: £15,000 for the winner, £600 for four shortlisted writers. Stories broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and published in an anthology.
Deadline: March 16, 2026

Fitzcarraldo Editions / Mahler & LeWitt Studios Essay Prize
For unpublished writers in the UK & Ireland. Submit a proposal (up to 5,000 words) for a book-length essay (minimum 25,000 words). Free to enter.
Prize: £4,000, publication by Fitzcarraldo Editions, and up to six weeks’ residency at the Mahler & LeWitt Studios in Spoleto, Italy.
Deadline: March 16, 2026

DAG Prize for Literature
For US-based writers working on a second book of prose. Must have published one book with a nationally distributed US press. Free to enter.
Prize: $20,000.
Deadline: March 18, 2026

National Poetry Series Open Competition
Five prizes for poetry collections by American residents or citizens living abroad. Entry fee: $35.
Prize: $10,000 each, plus publication by participating trade, university, or small press publishers.
Deadline: March 21, 2026

The Rubery Prize
International award for indie and self-published authors across fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and more. Entry fee: £46 / $70.
Prize: £2,000 for overall winner, £200 for category winners.
Deadline: March 31, 2026​

Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction
For a book-length work of imaginative fiction published in the US in English or translation. Free to enter.
Prize: $25,000.
Deadline: March 31, 2026

Maya Angelou Book Award
For a book of fiction demonstrating commitment to social justice, published in 2025 or scheduled for publication by November 2026. Entries must be made by publishers. Free to enter.
Prize: $10,000. Entrants must be available for a two-week reading tour in Missouri.
Deadline: April 1, 2026

Playwriting & Screenwriting

Opportunities for dramatists, scriptwriters, and screenwriters.

David Nobbs Memorial Trust Comedy Writing Competition
For UK-based comedy writers with at least one credited broadcast comedy writing credit. Submit the first 10 pages of a sitcom pilot script, or four three-minute comedy sketches.
Prize: £1,000 for winner, £250 for runners-up.
Deadline: March 6, 2026

Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest
Feature screenplays across all genres. Regular deadline: May 1, 2026.
Prize: $25,000 overall winner, plus industry exposure and representation meetings.
Early Deadline: March 5, 2026 (reduced entry fee)​

Script Pipeline TV Writing Contest
Original television pilots or indie series scripts.
Prize: $25,000 overall winner.
Early Deadline: March 5, 2026

PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
Feature screenplays across ten genre categories. Over $50,000 in prizes. Entry fee: $69 (late deadline), $79 (last minute).
Prize: $25,000 grand prize. Genre winners also receive cash prizes.
Late Deadline: March 15, 2026. Last Minute Deadline: April 15, 2026​

Papatango New Writing Prize
The UK’s leading unsolicited playwriting award. Open to residents of the UK and Republic of Ireland. Submit an original, unproduced play with a running time of at least 60 minutes. The winner receives a full London production at Park Theatre. All entrants receive written feedback. Free to enter.
Prize: £8,000 commission, royalties, production, and publication by Nick Hern Books. A Discovery prize winner also receives £8,000 commission and development.
Deadline: March 16, 2026

Grants & Funded Opportunities

Direct financial support for writers working on projects.

Paul Engle Prize
Awarded to a writer who represents a pioneering spirit in the world of literature through writing, editing, publishing, or education. Free nomination.
Prize: $25,000.
Deadline: March 15, 2026

PEN America Writers Aid Initiative
Emergency grants for fiction and nonfiction authors, poets, playwrights, screenwriters, translators, and journalists based in the US. Must be a professional writer and demonstrate that a one-time grant will help address an emergency.
Grant: Amount varies.
Deadline: March 31, 2026​

Silvers Grants for Works in Progress (Robert B. Silvers Foundation)
For English-language writers of any nationality. Supports long-form essays in literary criticism, arts writing, political analysis, and/or social reportage. Applicants should have an editorial agreement with a publication or publisher.
Grant: Up to $10,000.
Deadline: March 31, 2026

Susan Kamil Emerging Writers Prize
For unpublished writers currently employed at a physical book or comic store in the US. Free to enter.
Prize: $10,000 each (five prizes awarded).
Deadline: March 31, 2026​

Creative Capital Awards
Project grants for individual artists, including literature (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, plays). Multidisciplinary and socially engaged projects welcome. For US-based creators.
Grant: $15,000–$50,000 per project.
Application Period: March 2–April 2, 2026​

Fellowships & Residencies

Funded time and space to develop your writing.

NCW Korean–English Translation Residency (Norwich)
A four-week residency at Dragon Hall in Norwich for one experienced literary translator working from Korean to English. Runs Monday 6 July – Saturday 1 August, 2026.
Award: Residency, workspace, mentorship, and networking provided.
Deadline: March 20, 2026​

David Whyte Poet-in-Residence Award at Burren College of Art
A four-week residency for a poet with official residency in Ireland, running August 31–September 25, 2026. Develop work in the unique environment of the Burren alongside students and artists-in-residence.
Award: €5,000 bursary plus campus accommodation.
Deadline: March 21, 2026

BMI-Kluge Fellowship (Black Mountain Institute / Library of Congress)
A three-month, primarily virtual fellowship for a writer whose book would directly benefit from access to the Library of Congress collections. Includes two weeks on-site at the Library of Congress and a later visit to UNLV Las Vegas for a public programme. Must have a master’s/doctorate or bachelor’s plus five years’ professional experience.
Award: $15,000, plus flights to Washington D.C. and Las Vegas.
Deadline: March 22, 2026

A Public Space Writing Fellowship
For writers who have not yet contracted to publish a book. Submissions of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry welcome. Three fellowships awarded. Six-month fellowship period (June–November 2026). International applicants welcome (work must be in English). Free to apply.
Award: $1,000, editorial support, publication in the magazine, Master Class access, and a public reading.
Deadline: March 31, 2026

NCW Norwich–Jakarta Circular Residency
Open to published writers based in England with a connection to Norwich. Residency in Jakarta runs September 14–October 10, 2026. Writers of novels, short stories, poetry, children’s/YA literature, or literary nonfiction.
Award: Free accommodation, economy class travel, and a stipend towards living expenses.
Deadline: March 31, 2026​

Marguerite and Lamar Smith Fellowship for Writers
A three-month residency (September–December 2026) in Carson McCullers’s childhood home in Columbus, Georgia. Apply via email with cover letter, CV, writing sample (up to 20 pages), and two letters of recommendation.
Award: $5,000 stipend plus private apartment.
Deadline: April 1, 2026

Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Public Services Journalism
Supports investigative journalism serving the public interest. For mid-career journalists at US news outlets.
Prize: Up to $100,000.
Deadline: April 20, 2026

This roundup highlights literary magazines actively seeking submissions throughout March, with details on genres accepted, submission guidelines, and deadlines.

Every single one of these literary magazines is paying writers for accepted submissions.

Remember to carefully review each magazine’s submission guidelines before sending your work. Take time to read recent issues to ensure your writing aligns with their aesthetic and mission. With thoughtful submissions and a bit of persistence, March could be the month your work finds its next (or first) literary home!

The full collection with links, deadlines, and submission details is available below in full for paid subscribers.

Subscribe now

Not looking for creative writing opportunities? You can update your FWN preferences using this link so that you only receive the opportunities you really want.

Lit Mags Accepting Submissions in March 2026

New Feathers Anthology
An online literature and art magazine published three times annually, with a year-end print anthology. New Feathers accepts literary fiction of all forms (including experimental or genre elements), poetry, creative nonfiction (memoir, personal essay, lyric and experimental work, hybrid forms), and visual art.
Payment: Contributor copies only.
Deadline: March 1, 2026.

Short Fiction (UK)
A UK-based journal seeking short fiction. Open to all writers outside the USA.​ They have wide-ranging tastes and have happily published traditional character-driven stories next to non-conformist work of extraordinary innovation. We admire and love poets and memoirists, but can’t accept poetry or life writing.
Payment: £0.02 per word.​ Minimum of £30, maximum of £100.
Deadline: March 1, 2026 (or until cap is reached).​

Gulf Coast
A prestigious nationally distributed literary journal housed at the University of Houston’s English Department. Gulf Coast publishes fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and translations. Submit up to 5 poems, fiction or essays up to 7,000 words. Simultaneous submissions accepted. No previously published work.
Payment: $50 per page for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction (print); $50 for poetry, $100 for prose (online exclusives).​
Deadline: March 1, 2026.​

Black Warrior Review
A prestigious literary journal at the University of Alabama seeking unpublished poetry, short fiction, essays, comics, artwork, and hybrid texts. They are particularly interested in stories by and about underrepresented people, artwork that witnesses the current moment, and poetry that explores personal and/or political history. $5 submission fee per entry; fee waivers available for financial hardship.
Payment: Pays but amount varies per issue and contributor count).
Deadline: March 1, 2026.​

The Forge Literary Magazine
Seeking prose — they prefer stories under 3,000 words but will consider up to 5,000. Free submissions open on the 1st of each month and close when the cap is reached, so submit early.​
Payment: $100 regardless of length.
Deadline: Opens March 1, 2026. Closes when cap is reached.​

Teach. Write.
Accepting fiction, nonfiction, flash fiction, poetry, and CNF. They prefer writing that is either written by composition teachers and writing students, or about teaching and learning.​
Payment: $15 for short stories, creative non-fiction, and essays; $10 for all other categories​
Deadline: March 1, 2026.​

Toronto Journal
Seeking short stories from anywhere in the world, with no word limit. They will also consider nonfiction pieces set locally or exploring Toronto/GTA history. All published writers receive two printed copies.​
Payment: $50 CAD per piece.​
Deadline: March 1, 2026.​

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Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your publication journey, this month presents numerous chances to find the perfect home for your writing.

This roundup highlights literary magazines actively seeking submissions throughout February, with details on genres accepted, submission guidelines, and deadlines.

Remember to carefully review each magazine’s submission guidelines before sending your work. Take time to read recent issues to ensure your writing aligns with their aesthetic and mission. With thoughtful submissions and a bit of persistence, February could be the month your work finds its literary home!

The full collection with links, deadlines, and submission details is available below for paid subscribers.

Subscribe now

Not looking for creative writing opportunities? You can update your FWN preferences using this link.

Lit Mags Accepting Submissions in February 2026

Chortle: Love Theme
Seeking short humor pieces (600 words or fewer) with a funny, unique POV on romance, dating, love, or relationships. Formats include satire, parody, lists, fake articles, and absurdist pieces similar to McSweeney’s or The New Yorker’s Shouts and Murmurs. No personal essays or short fiction.
Payment: $100.
Deadline: February 6, 2026.

Little Somethings Press: Motherhood Anthology
Seeking poetry, prose, and art centered on motherhood — both the joy and the trauma. Contributors will receive a small honorarium and a contributor copy. The anthology will be launched at a community event at the Tempe History Museum in May 2026, featuring readings by published writers.
Payment: Small honorarium.
Length: Poetry under one page; prose under 500 words.
Deadline: February 7, 2026.

The Suburban Review: Aftermath
An Australian quarterly digital journal seeking radical, reflective, and resilient work for Issue #41: Aftermath. They want writing that honors the past, tends to the present, and shapes the future—whether you’re starting from scratch or back to your old tricks. Submit fiction, nonfiction, poetry (maximum 3 poems), comics, or art. Only one submission per person; choose your category. Simultaneous submissions allowed.
Payment: Fiction: AUD$300-450 (based on length 500-2,500 words); Nonfiction: AUD$400 (1,250-2,000 words); Poetry: Up to AUD$550 (suite of 3 poems); Comics: AUD$300; Art: AUD$200-300.
Deadline: February 8, 2026 (5 p.m. AEDT).

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Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your publication journey, this month presents numerous chances to find the perfect home for your writing.

This roundup highlights literary magazines actively seeking submissions throughout January, with details on genres accepted, submission guidelines, and deadlines.

Remember to carefully review each magazine’s submission guidelines before sending your work. Take time to read recent issues to ensure your writing aligns with their aesthetic and mission. With thoughtful submissions and a bit of persistence, January could be the month your work finds its literary home!

The full collection with links, deadlines, and submission details is available below for paid subscribers.

Subscribe now

Not looking for creative writing opportunities? You can update your FWN preferences using this link.

Lit Mags Accepting Submissions in January 2026

Hayden’s Ferry Review (Extended Deadline)
Based at Arizona State University, Hayden’s Ferry Review extended its submission deadline to December 31, 2025, for print Issue 78 and the Spring 2026 web folio themed “aftercare.” The magazine accepts fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and translations. Previous contributors must wait 2 years before resubmitting, and ASU affiliates must wait 3 years after their affiliation ends.
Deadline: December 31st, 2025.

Chestnut Review
A highly professional literary magazine with rapid 30-day response times. Chestnut Review accepts flash prose (up to 1,000 words), poetry, short fiction (1,000-5,000 words), and visual art/photography. Reading period runs January 1-March 31 for the Summer issue (releasing July 15th). Payment is $120 per piece regardless of genre, paid upon publication. Black and Indigenous authors can submit longer prose fee-free. If submissions take longer than 30 days, the submission fee is refunded. The magazine seeks work with literary ambition and emotional resonance.
Opens for submissions: January 1st, 2026.​

Radar Poetry
An electronic journal publishing poetry and artwork, Radar Poetry features pairings of poetry and visual media in three issues per year: Winter, Summer, and the Coniston Prize Issue. The magazine accepts 3 unpublished poems in a single document, welcoming work from established and emerging writers internationally. They aim to respond within 60 days.
Deadline: January 1st, 2026.​

table//FEAST Literary Magazine: The Blossom Contest
A fee-free contest exclusively for BIPOC writers. Submit up to 5 poems or one piece of fiction or creative nonfiction up to 3,000 words for a chance to win $250 and publication.
Deadline: January 1st, 2026.​

Hawaii Pacific Review
Hawaii Pacific University’s award-winning online literary magazine features poetry and prose by authors from Hawaii, the mainland, and around the world. While the magazine often publishes work about Hawaii and the Pacific, it accepts great work from all regions on all subjects. HPR publishes on a rolling basis rather than in issues, posting poems, stories, and essays one piece at a time several times per month. Work has appeared in the Best of the Net Anthology and Pushcart Prize Anthology.
Deadline: January 2nd, 2026.​

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Welcome to the first edition of Creative Submissions, Prizes & Awards on the Freelance Writing Network.

This month features 50+ verified writing opportunities with deadlines from late December 2025 onwards. We’ve curated legitimate literary magazines, paying markets, fiction contests, poetry prizes, novel competitions, and journalism awards — all of which have been researched and verified for credibility.

Inside you’ll find opportunities for every genre and career stage: flash fiction under 300 words to full-length novels, free submissions to $10,000+ prizes, emerging writer contests to prestigious international awards and more.

All links lead directly to submission pages, with entry fees and payment rates clearly marked. Happy submitting!

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CREATIVE SUBMISSIONS

Literary magazines, fiction contests, poetry journals, and creative writing opportunities.

Fiction Submissions

Mississippi Review Fiction Prize​
Winner receives $1,000 and publication in the 2026 Contest Issue. All finalists also published. Submit stories of 800-8,000 words. Read anonymously. Entry fee: $16.
Deadline: January 1, 2026

Ropes Literary Journal​
A themed literary journal accepting fiction (max 3,000 words, one piece per submission) and flash fiction (max 500 words, up to three pieces per submission). Check their website for the current theme for this deadline. Also accepts nonfiction, poetry, and visual art submissions (visual deadline extends to January 19, 2026). Deadline: January 5, 2026

Story Unlikely Annual Short Story Contest​
This free-to-enter contest awards $3,000 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $750 for third. Stories up to 7,000 words accepted (10,000 for WRITER level members). No genre restrictions—they want good stories regardless of genre. Winners published with professional illustrations.
Deadline: January 14, 2026

Bourbon Penn​
A highly imaginative magazine specializing in the odd, surreal, and speculative. "We are looking for highly imaginative stories with a healthy dose of the odd. Odd characters, odd experiences, odd realities. We're looking for genre/speculative stories and are quite partial to slipstream, cross-genre, magic realism, absurdist, and the surreal." They will open for original fiction submissions January 1-14, 2026, with an extended window (January 15-21) exclusively for BIPOC, trans, and/or disabled authors. Must identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ to submit. Payment: $100 for fiction.
Deadline: January 14, 2026 (general); January 21, 2026 (BIPOC/trans/disabled authors)

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