January 12, 2026

106 Traditional Poetry Manuscript Publishers (2026 Update)

Most traditional poetry manuscript publishers charge their readers a fee to submit. You can read about why that is the case here. This article focuses on a number of poetry manuscript publishers who do not charge submission fees to writers, which is good news for poets. This is the longest and most accurate list of…

January 8, 2026

5 Paying Literary Magazines to Submit to in January 2026

These magazines pay for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. They are a mix of literary and genre magazines. They’re open now, or will soon open for submissions. Three-Lobed Burning EyeThey publish speculative fiction: including horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction. They want works “across the speculative genres, including all the shadows between and fluid mixtures thereof….

Baubles from Bones: Now Seeking Submissions

Baubles from Bones is a fantasy and sci-fi magazine based in Pittsburgh. They publish stories that give readers a sense of “the small lives we lead and the dreams we glean from them.” They also aim to help authors by connecting them with eager audiences. Baubles from Bones launched its first issue in the summer…

How to Balance Research and Writing

Ratika Deshpande “Write what you know” is common advice, but sometimes, we need to know more about the things we’re using in our stories, and that requires research.  The illusion of research as productive work But research is a double-edged sword: it is as distracting as it is useful. As you click on yet another…

January 5, 2026

51 Themed Submission Calls and Contests for January 2026

These are themed calls and contests for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from 51 outlets that are open for submissions now; a couple of the outlets are open for more than one call. Some of the themed calls are: Cupid’s misfire; metamorphosis; solarpunk horror; endings; miracles, messages from heaven & angels; immortality; climate crisis (and climate…

January 2, 2026

Ten Manuscript Publishers Open to Direct Submissions in January 2026

This list focuses on ten publishers that we are excited about that are open to submissions this month. Some are only open for a short period of time, others will be open the whole month and beyond. At least four of these are presses we have not covered previously. Please note that if a publisher…

The Dilettante: Now Seeking Submissions

The Dilettante zine is an online and print publication founded in 2018. They accept submissions on a rolling basis for their website. They also have an email list that alerts readers of when submissions are open for their print issue, which you can sign up for here. You can see the digital version of the…

The Physics of Emotion: Writing the Moment Before It Hits

There’s this weird blink in time — that hiccup between something happening and your brain sending out the official memo that says “Hey champ, you’re about to feel things.” Fiction lives there. Camps there. Probably steals cable from the neighbor there. That micro-instant is where your characters actually become human instead of cardboard standees with…

7 Ways to Increase Your Visibility as a Writer on Social Media

By Immaculata Chidera Osuji A social media profile is a powerful tool for writers. While many writers are naturally introverted and prefer to keep a low profile, hiding your creativity can present challenges. It’s perfectly fine to be introverted, but don’t let it silence your voice. This article will show you exactly how to build…