January 14, 2021

Trampoline: Now Seeking Submissions

Helmed in New Orleans, this new weekly online poetry journal is looking for poems that are both beautiful and unconventional. They want powerful, heartfelt poems, “poems of anger and light.” They aim to publish a wide variety of forms and styles, from lyrical to experimental. They also publish narrative poetry, as well as poetry that…

The Art of Describing Characters

By Gillian Haines Gary Provost said, “The story is not what happens; the story is who it happens to.” In other words, characters create and drive plot. They also make readers care about plot events. So how do we introduce vibrant, believable characters imbued with flesh, breath, and spirit that readers connect with? Create a…

January 11, 2021

How to Find the Right Agent for Your Book

Researching agents can be a time-consuming process, but I would never submit to an agent without first doing significant research. To me, research is the most important step of the submission process. It is vital because there is no point going through all the work of writing your manuscript and submitting, just to end up…

January 7, 2021

Hera: Accepting Submissions

Hera is a new female-led, independent digital publisher. They focus exclusively on publishing commercial books, including works psychological suspense, police procedural, and thrillers, to romance, and glamorous contemporary fiction. They were founded in 2018 and published their first book in January 2019. Their books generally have excellent and engaging covers. Hera is based in the…

Third Wednesday: Now Seeking Submissions

Third Wednesday is an established print journal of poetry, fiction, and visual art. The product of a monthly writer’s group in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Third Wednesday has become a respected source of good literature. They don’t adhere to a particular aesthetic; instead, they simply publish what speaks to them most deeply. A number of poems…

5 Paying Literary Markets to Submit to in January 2021

These markets pay for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, and they’re open in January. Also see this list for themed (and paying) submission calls that are open now. Nashville ReviewThis literary magazine accepts fiction, nonfiction (memoir excerpts, essays, and imaginative meditations), translations, poetry, and comics in January, May, and September. Submissions for literary comics and featured…

The Benefits and Challenges That Come With Writing Under a Pen Name

By Holly Garcia A nom de plume, or pen name, was introduced in the 19th century and has been used by many well-known authors. From Mark Twain to Louisa May Alcott, every writer has different reasons for choosing how to represent themselves. This article will discuss the benefits and challenges that come with writing under…

January 4, 2021

28 Themed Submission Calls for January 2021

There are 28 themed calls for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in the 20 markets here. Some of the themes are: mermaids, lost civilizations, lesbian historic fiction, monsters, protest diaries, stories inspired by Jules Verne, parenting, engaging with the natural world, health, and (reimagined) Gothic fiction. All are paying markets (also see this list for more…