This list of publishers meet our guiding principles, but are only open to free submissions from historically underrepresented writers or focus on publishing content produced by historically underrepresented writers. Some of these publications are open to a wide range of writers including writers of color, gender non-conforming and LGBTQ+ writers, and those living with disabilities. Some have limited definitions and are only interested in work by Black authors. Some are open to submissions from all authors for a fee, but allow free submissions from limited demographics.
We try to make it as clear as possible who the publisher is seeking work from. Sometimes the focus of the press is limited, even though there are no limitations on who can submit. A few of the opportunities are also limited by geography, again, we try to make this clear. There are always additional submission details at the site we link to, but we try to cover the basics as best we can as part of this list.
If you belong to a limited demographic that is not listed here, this list might be helpful to you.
As long as a press/opportunity/journal is open to submissions we will continue to list it, so some of the content on the list is new, some overlaps with previous issues. This article is an ongoing collaborative effort by Emily Harstone and S. Kalekar. Please send us an email at support@authorspublish.com if you have any feedback or an opportunity/journal/publisher, to recommend.
Literary Journals/Magazines
Hybris Press: OTHERSIDE
This is a speculative fiction magazine and they are currently open for nonfiction / essay submissions only; all other genres are closed. “As with original fiction and poetry, we are only looking for submissions from 2SLGBTQIA+ authors.” “We are looking for submissions that teach us something new, show us something surprising, or move us. Right now, we are particularly interested in: investigations of queer history, especially literary history or lesser-known aspects of queer history; essays that shine a light on “forgotten” queer speculative works or authors; thoughtful media criticism of all kinds; personal essays, memoir, and genre-blurring creative nonfiction; and non-US perspectives. We always like incisive literary criticism and essays that examine the intersection(s) of speculative fiction and queer identity. We aren’t looking for reviews at this time.” They pay $100 for essays up to 4,000 words (prefer up to 2,000 words). They are open for nonfiction/essays year-round, and for fiction and other genres during specific submission windows; they’ll open July 1-7 only for trans, BIPOC, and/or disabled 2SLGBTQIA+ authors, and will open July 8-21 for general 2SLGBTQIA+ submissions. Details here and here.
(Also see the Portals anthology series by Hybris Press, which opens for submissions on 22nd June by speculative horror fiction and poetry by trans/nonbinary authors. They have submission caps. Details here and here.)
Nightlight
Nightlight horror podcast accepts fiction submissions from Black writers only (one or both your parents must be Black). They are open for short fiction submissions now, of works over 3,000 words up to 6,000 words; they pay $200 for these stories; the deadline is 30th June 2026. Flash fiction is closed.
The New York Times: Modern Love
Modern Love is a nonfiction column of the New York Times. They want “honest personal essays about contemporary relationships. We seek true stories on finding love, losing love and trying to keep love alive. We welcome essays that explore subjects such as adoption, polyamory, technology, race and friendship — anything that could reasonably fit under the heading “Modern Love.” Ideally, essays should spring from some central dilemma you have faced. It is helpful, but not essential, for the situation to reflect what is happening in the world now.” Modern Love has two submission periods, March through June, and September through December. Writers are paid. They especially welcome work from historically underrepresented writers, and from those outside the US. They accept works of 1,500-1,700 words, and the deadline is 30th June 2026. Payment is unspecified.
The Masters Review
They are open to submissions from all authors, but have a special portal for BIPOC and other historically marginalized writers. Authors can submit through this portal for free to receive either a faster response to their submission, or few lines of feedback on it. They are also open to only “new voices” so authors that have published single-author novel-length work or under contract with a major press are ineligible. They publish fiction and narrative nonfiction.
The Rome Review
They are open to submissions from all writers and state that “Writers from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to submit”. They are open to submissions of creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and hybrid work till July 1st.
Abundance
They are open to submissions till June 20th, on the theme “Ekphrastic Creation”. They are open to submissions from everyone but particularly encourage underrepresented authors to submit.
Midnight & Indigo
They publish work by Black women writers only. They are open for character-driven literary fiction, creative non-fiction, and speculative fiction. Length guidelines are 1,500-7,000 words for literary fiction, minimum 1,200 words for nonfiction, and 2,000-7,000 words for speculative fiction. Pay is $0.07/word for fiction, $150 for nonfiction. The deadline is 30 June 2026. Details here and here.
Fourteen Hills
Their general submission period is currently open and will remain open until June 15th. They have fee free submissions for BIPoC, LGBTQ+ and disabled writers. They accept poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, visual art, and experimental and hybrid work. You can learn more here.
beestung
“beestung considers poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, hybrids, and art by creators who fall under the non-binary umbrella, genderqueer umbrella, and two-spirit umbrella. Multilingual work and work in translation is welcome. Historically underrepresented writers are encouraged to send work.” They pay $20. They are closed for general submissions till December 2026 but are open for a special Pleasure-themed issue. The call is now closed for general submissions and is only open for BIPOC writers till 20th June, details here.
East Jasmine Review
East Jasmine Review is an electronic literary magazine that publishes quality fiction, nonfiction, poetry, articles and reviews. They don’t have strict rules around who can submit but they state “Our first goal is to publish diverse voices that may not have mainstream access or traditional access to publishing. This includes but is not limited to LGBTQIA, ethnic minorities, women, lower socio-economic status, those who are older or younger, religious minorities, and non-American persons”.
Bipolar Poetry
This not-for-profit online publication publishes original poetry by people who have been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder.
The B’K Magazine
This art and literature magazine prioritizes and pays traditionally marginalized creators, but they are open to submissions from all. They have very in-depth and detailed submission guidelines that everyone should read carefully before submitting.
CVNT
A new journal that declares they exist “for the solicitation, exhibition, advancement, & support of transfeminine writers”. Submissions are restricted to transfeminine people, binary trans women, & genderqueer folks. They accept submissions of poetry, fiction, & creative nonfiction on a rolling basis.
Gasp Magazine
I’m not linking to this publication in the title, because their website is not safe for work as they are a publisher of adult work. Please do not click on this link unless you are 18+/ They focus on sharing a multifaceted discussions on sexuality, eroticism, and queerness. They are interested in essays, interviews, research articles, creative writing, poetry, artistic illustrations, and photography (with additional rules) that reflect upon sex or the absence thereof in one way or another.
The Saartjie Journal
This new journal is only open to writing and visual art by Black women artists and writers. They accept submissions of previously unpublished original poems, short stories, and visual art.
Mande
This is a journal of bipolar talent. “Mande is always open to submissions from bipolar creatives on any topic. While I appreciate the long shadows bipolar throws, I’m particularly interested at the moment in its high points, in any joy or positive elements you find in bipolar. We also publish work by people familiar with bipolar, as long as it’s directly related to manic depression.” They pay for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and art. They pay $50-250.
Cripple Punk Mag
This Substack publishes “essays, criticism, news and reviews, literary nonfiction, fiction, rants and raves, comics, and hybrid works on the subject of disability and live music, especially within the context of punk, alternative, and DIY music.” They also have an annual print anthology. Payment starts at $10 and is dependent on length and sliding scale based on need. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Previously published work is allowed, and work should be between 300 and 1,000 words in length.
The West Trestle Review
This respected journal is only open to submissions poetry and art by creators around the globe who self-identify as women or as non-binary. They are always open to free submissions by BIPOC writers who self-identify as women or as non-binary, and you can see those guidelines here.
Decolonial Passage
According to their website they “publish writing from writers of all backgrounds regardless of race, origin, or gender while simultaneously centering African, African American, and Black Diaspora writing.” Their mission statement goes into more details about this. They are open on a rolling basis to essays, creative nonfiction, short stories, and flash fiction. They are open to poetry only during the months of February, June, and October; and for prose, only during April, May, August, and December.
Magnets and Ladders
They publish the work of disabled writers in two issues a year.
DisLit Youth Magazine
They only publish work by writers 14-22, and they primarily publish disabled writers.
AURORE
This publications tagline is “a curated collection of erotic stories written by and for women and LGBTQ+ based on their own experiences”. Because it is a NSFW site, the link to get to it is here, instead of the title, please only click on it if you are 18+ They publish nonfiction erotica and their website is NSFW, please do not visit it if you are under 18.
Heaven Magazine
They are interested in publishing fiction, creative non fiction, flash, and poetry by all underrepresented creators.
Sinister Wisdom
A multicultural lesbian literary & art journal. Founded in 1976, this literary journal is always open to submissions.
Saffron City Press
Saffron City Press is an online literary journal dedicated to amplifying the voices of Middle Eastern and Middle Eastern-American writers.
The Kalahari Review
A weekly African literary magazine interested in material exploring modern Africa and Africans in unique and avant-garde ways. They publish their work on Medium.
Transition
Born in Africa and bred in the diaspora, Transition is a publication of the Hutchins Center at Harvard University, published three times annually. Transition publishes writing by and about Africa and the African diaspora, with an eye towards a global perspective. They accept submissions year-round on a rolling basis, and generally respond to submissions within four months.
Lavender Review
An international, biannual e-zine published in June and December, they are open to submissions of poetry and art by, about, and for lesbians. Submissions are open year round.
Ricepaper
This publication offers Asian Canadian context to ongoing arts and cultural issues, new perspectives on emerging and established Asian Canadian artists, and challenges mainstream media perspectives, little-known facts of interest, or critical stories that haven’t been told elsewhere. They are open to submissions from Asian writers around the globe as long as the editors can see a link between the content and some aspect of the Asian Canadian experience.
Raising Mothers
Raising Mothers celebrates and centers the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and Brown parents. Some sections have reading periods; columns are open year-round. Guidelines are here. See their call for 2026 here.
African Writer
They are open to all genres of literature from Africa and the African Diaspora. They do not allow simultaneous submissions.
Afritondo
According to their website, “Afritondo is a media and publishing platform that aims to connect with and tell the stories of Africans and black minority populations across the globe.” They accept a wide range of work, including manuscript-length work.
Brittle Paper
Brittle Paper is an online literary magazine for readers of African Literature. They accept the following: “fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, book reviews, essays, literary commentaries, fun listicles, and any writing with a literary bent”.
Torch Literary Arts
Torch Literary Arts is a nonprofit organization. They publish and promote creative writing by Black women only; you can read more about them here. They publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers. “We are interested in work that challenges and disrupts preconceived notions of what Black women’s contemporary writing should be.” General submissions are accepted for Friday Features only, in which they publish fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and drama (including that accompanied by video or dramatic audio). Send up to 3,500 for prose works, up to 10 pages for drama, or up to 5 poems. Pay is $150. Submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis; you can submit here.
Bi Women Quarterly
BWQ features the voices of women “with bi+ sexualities (i.e., bi, pan, fluid, and other non-binary sexualities)” and they see “woman” as a broad category and welcome contributions those who identify as trans, non-binary, cis, etc. They publish articles, creative writing, musings, and more.
KOENING ZINE
They publish art, fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction submissions primarily by Asians, but they are open to submissions from non-Asians. Their uniting theme is Asian Folklore. Submitters must be over 18.
POETRY SANGO-OTA
We only usually include journals currently open to submissions, but this list is always published on the third Thursday of a given month, and this journal is only open to submissions through the 1st to the 10th of each month, so we are listing it and encouraging you to set a calendar alert for when it reopens on the 1st of the next month. “We are interested in poems with a keen connection to a sense of place, nature, or otherworldly geographies.” They only publish African poets, and pay N2,500 per poem.
The Gay & Lesbian Review
The Gay & Lesbian Review is a bimonthly magazine of history, culture, and politics targeting an educated readership of LGBT people, and their allies that publishes themed features (2,000-4,000 words), reviews, interviews, and departments. They have announced a couple of themed calls, and they also invite suggestions for future themes.
- Sex in Public: From bathhouses to “cottaging”
- Going South: LGBT lives below the Mason-Dixon Line
- LGBT+Z: The Gen Z queer experience
Writers can send proposals or complete pieces. They pay for features ($250) and full-length book reviews ($100).
The Acentos Review
The Acentos Review publishes writing, art, music and multigenre work by Latinx writers. They are open to submissions all year long. Details here.
Craft
This respected literary journal is open to creative work from authors of all backgrounds, but they offer free submissions + fast response times to BIPOC and other mis- and underrepresented writers, here. Craft pays $100 for flash and $200 for short fiction and creative nonfiction.
The Lighthouse / Black Girl Times
The tagline of The Lighthouse is, “Cultivating spaces of solidarity and safety for southern Black girls to shine through focused programming and research.” They have an extensive guide for pitching articles, including “We … are always looking for thought-provoking stories and other content from marginalized communities, Black girls, (in particular, but not exclusively) and gender non-conforming people. In addition to story and long-form story pitches and op-eds, they accept photography and original artwork for their online blogging platform, The Black Girl Times, and their monthly newsletter, The Black Girl Times Redux. Also, “Each month, we have an editorial theme board (kind of like the mood boards interior designers use) we post on our social media accounts (@luvblkgrls). The theme board is intended to be an inspiration and provocation of thoughts, ideas and feelings. Your response(s) can be literal or abstract and loose. And again, it might not have anything to do with anything we’ve seen.” Pay is $0.25-$1/word. Pay for art (graphic design, cartoons and photo essays) is $150-1,000.
Screen Door Review
They only publish work by individuals who are Southern and queer. You can learn more about how they define Southern here. They publish flash fiction and poetry.
Emergent Literary
An exciting new literary journal that accepts a wide range of submissions from Black and Brown authors.
Presses/Anthologies
Hybris Press: Portals Anthology
The Portals anthology series by Hybris Press will open for submissions on 22nd June by speculative horror fiction and poetry by trans/nonbinary authors. Their call on BlueSky says, “we are thrilled to officially announce Portals: a line of themed, guest-edited mini-anthologies coming soon from Hybris Press. So, what IS Portals? 📚 Each chapbook-sized installment will be helmed by a new guest editor. … Portals pays 8 cents/word for fiction and $50/poem! For this call, we have a cap: 150 stories and 100 poems. This time, we’re also looking for very short stories of under 2500 words.” See the call here and their submission portal is here.
Hear of Her
The new press Hear of Her is open to submissions for their first anthology, an erotic collection exploring female desire through the lens of darkness, in all its forms. You can learn more about what they are looking for here.
The Truth We Carry: An Anthology of Survivor Voices
“The anthology is focused on publishing creative work from survivors of domestic abuse and sex trafficking. While survivorship and/or lived experience with abuse or exploitation is a prerequisite to being published with The Truth We Carry, and we do expect submissions to deal with some aspect of being a survivor, your submission does not have to be autobiographical, and it can be fiction. The consistent element we look for an “aha!” moment about the survivor experience.” And, “Please note: We aim for ~75% of published work to be from Maine survivors.” They pay $100 and will accept submissions till 30th June 2026, or until they meet their submission cap, whichever is earlier. Details here and here.
Scylla: The Monstrous & The Divine Sapphic Anthology
Authors must be female identifying or non-binary; and the main character/s must be sapphic/wlw. They want short and flash fiction as well as poetry for this anthology. They have detailed guidelines, including, “Submissions should focus on Sapphic goddesses and monsters as you’ve not seen them before. Bring them down from the heavens and out of the caves. While goddesses and monsters aren’t like us, they do still crave the company of ones who love, fear and worship them. Not necessarily in that order.” And, “Sapphic urban fantasy, political fantasy, magical realism, sci-fi of ALL kinds, contemporary fantasy, weird fiction, and/or gender-bent takes are all welcome. Just make it speculative! Special consideration will be given to mythologies outside Greek and Roman (though interesting takes on these are still welcome).
We are interested in goddesses and mythic monsters hailing from all cultures and backgrounds.” Length guidelines are up to 1,000 words for flash fiction and poetry, and 2,500-5,000 words for short fiction. They pay AUD0.10/word up to AUD400 for original fiction and reprints are capped at AUD100. The deadline is 31 July 2026 (5 PM AEDT). Submission is via a form.
Thyme Travelers 2: An anthology of speculative fiction by Palestinian writers
Their website says, “Roseway, an imprint of Fernwood Publishing, will be publishing a sequel to the award-winning and acclaimed anthology Thyme Travellers featuring speculative fiction by Palestinian writers. … This anthology is open to writers who identify as Palestinian. This includes all Palestinians living anywhere in the world, and of any race. Authors from marginalized groups are encouraged to submit.” Payment is $0.08/word for stories up to 5,000 words. The deadline is 31 August 2026.
Rebel Satori Press
Rebel Satori Press is open to submissions for it’s LGBTQ+ speculative fiction imprint, Queer Space and Arabi Manor, it’s esoterica imprint. Queer Space only allows submissions from Queer authors and Arabi Manor is open to submissions from all authors but highly encourages submissions from Queer authors. You can read our full review here. Queer Space closes to submissions on October 14th, and Arabi Manor closes to submissions on October 31st.
Heyday Books: Berkeley Roundhouse program
Heyday is an established independent and nonprofit publisher that focuses on California and the American West. They publish nonfiction books that explore history, celebrate Native cultural renewal, fight injustice, and honor nature. They are open to submissions from Native voices in particular for their Roundhouse imprint, which you can learn more about here.
Neon Hemlock Press: Novella series
Neon Hemlock Press is open for submissions for their Novella Series till 30th June 2026 for trans women and writers of color; “We are looking for:
- Wordcount: 17,500–40,000 words.
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural, Slipstream, & Weird. Hybrid work or difficult to categorize novellas are also welcome.
- Standalone works, although they may be connected to other series or work.
- We are particularly interested in work that explores some element of queer experience, broadly speaking.”
They’ll open for speculative novella submissions from all writers October 15th to 30th 2026. Details here (scroll down) and here.
Palimpsest Press
They only publish Canadian authors. They are open to submissions from authors who identify as BIPOC, Deaf, or Disabled, all year round. They accept submissions from authors who do not identify as BIPOC, Deaf or Disabled from March 1st through March 31st. They publish poetry and other literary genres.
Adarna House
This established press based in the Philippines is committed to promoting culture and languages is support of Filipino artistry and talent. They are open to submissions from Filipinos 18 years or older, based anywhere in the world. There is no limit to the number of pitches one may submit. Submissions may be in Filipino or English or come with a Filipino or English translation.
Lantana
They are an award-winning children’s book publisher based in England, United Kingdom. They are looking for manuscripts and book dummies by authors and illustrators from underrepresented groups. They almost exclusively publish stories with child protagonists (including poetry, graphic novels and non-fiction) and are not looking for stories only featuring animal characters.
The University Of Arkansas Press
The University of Arkansas Press accepts unsolicited proposals for scholarly and trade books on topics related the African American history and culture. You can visit their website here to see the titles they’ve previously published.
aunt lute
A multicultural women’s press. Their priority is to publish work by women, both transgender and cisgender, particularly women of color. We have reviewed them here.
Little Puss Press
A feminist press run by trans women. They are open to general submissions of fiction and non-fiction manuscripts. They are also open to reprint proposals of literary/historical works of significance by transgender authors. They have good distribution, excellent press, and have already published work that has won a major award.
Arte Público Press
They focus on publishing literary work by “Hispanic writers”, and they publish work in both English and Spanish, but primarily focus on English work. They also have bilingual children’s and YA book imprint, Piñata Books.
Phoenix
Phoenix is a new speculative imprint launched by Nigerian publisher Ouida Books in collaboration with Nnedi Okorafor and Lọlá Shónẹ́yìn. Phoenix is dedicated to publishing African speculative fiction and fantasy (Africanfuturism and Africanjujuism). You can learn more about it here.
The Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series
This opportunity, from Black Lawrence Press, is for immigrants living in the US – for manuscripts of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid writing. “Poets and authors, at any stage of their careers, who identify as immigrants are welcome to submit a book manuscript of poetry or prose or a hybrid text for consideration. Submissions are accepted year-round. However, selections are made in June and November for a total of two books per year. In addition to publication, marketing, and a standard royalties contract from Black Lawrence Press, authors chosen for the Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series will receive a travel stipend of $500, which can be used for book tours or in any manner chosen by the authors.”
North Dakota State University Press: Contemporary Voices of Indigenous Peoples Series
The goal of this series to feature the authentic stories, poetry, and scholarly works of Native Americans, First Nations, Maori, Aborigines, Indians, and more to give voice to contemporary Indigenous peoples. NDSU Press considers book-length manuscripts of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for publication in this series.
Tundra Books, Puffin Canada, Penguin Teen Canada
These children and teen focused Canadian imprints are open to direct submissions by underrepresented authors and illustrators only. Authors need not be Canadian.
Monsoon Books
This respected press accepts unsolicited manuscripts with Asian, particularly Southeast Asian, themes.
Arsenal Pulp Press
A Canadian independent press that publishes a wide variety of work, prioritizes work by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors. We have reviewed them here.
Lily
A small poetry press that publishes work of varying length. Submitting shorter work is free for everyone, but submitting poetry manuscripts is free only for poets who identify as Black. They are always open to these submissions.
Angry Robot
A great science fiction publisher that only accepts direct submissions from Black authors.
Heartdrum
Heartdrum is an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books, which is edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, and is in partnership with We Need Diverse Books. Native and First Nations writers and writer-illustrators are welcome to query her directly via a form on her website. Native and First Nations illustrators are also invited to reach out.
Magabala Books
They are an Indigenous publishing house that just publishes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers, storytellers and illustrators.
Opportunities/Support/Contests
The FSG Writer’s Fellowship
This is for emerging writers from underrepresented communities in the US. This fellowship, from Farrar, Straus and Giroux, is a yearlong program designed to give an emerging writer from an underrepresented community additional resources to build a life around writing: funding, editorial guidance, and advice on how to forge a writing career. It offers the unique opportunity for a writer to spend time with and enjoy the support and mentorship of the FSG community. It is for U.S. writers of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry who have never published a book, and are uncontracted. This fellowship will take place remotely. The applicant should be writing for an adult audience. Submissions include a writing sample (40-50 pages for prose, 8-12 pages for poetry). The award is $15,000, and the deadline is 6th July 2026. Details here and here.
4th Write Short Story Prize
This is a fiction competition open to Black, Asian and minority ethnic writers living in the UK or Ireland, for a story up to 6,000 words; the contest is promoted by HarperCollins. The prize is £1,000, and the deadline is 19 June 2026.
Sisters in Crime: Pride Award for Emerging LGBTQIA+ Crime Writers
This is a grant for an emerging writer in the LGBTQIA+ community. It is for an unpublished work of crime fiction, aimed at readers from children’s chapter books through adults. This may be a short story or first chapter(s) of a manuscript in-progress of 2,500 to 5,000 words. An unpublished writer is preferred, but writers with publication of not more than 10 pieces of short fiction and/or up to 2 self-published or traditionally published books are also eligible. Please note, you have to register/log in to access the submission portal. The grant is $2,000 and the deadline is 31 July 2026. Details here and here.
The BCLF Short Fiction Story Contest for Caribbean Writers
This is a short story contest for Caribbean-descended writers, by Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival (BCLF). There are two categories, with different eligibility requirements. Submission is via a form on the website.
— The BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Caribbean-American Writer’s Prize is open to unpublished writers of Caribbean heritage. Self-published writers may apply. This prize seeks to unearth hidden storytellers in the United States and Canada; and
— BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Award for Writers in the Caribbean is open exclusively to Caribbean writers of all levels who reside and work in the Caribbean or are on temporary assignment overseas.
Writers should send short stories of up to 3,000 words.
The prizes are $1,750 each, as well as other non-cash prizes, and the deadline is 1 July 2026.
Indigenous Creative Nonfiction Prize (Chapter House 2026 Summer Issue)
This prize is for Indigenous writers; they want creative nonfiction on the theme, Celestial Bodies: Honoring the Stars, the Moon, and Sky. “On April 1, 2026, NASA launched Artemis II, sending a crew on a nine-day journey looping the moon, sharing images, sound, and story back to Earth. A reminder: we are only a small part of an immense, living history of Nihimá Nahasdzáán, of Yethi’nisténha Ohóntsya, of Uŋčí Makhá, and of all our relatives whose names for Earth are not recorded.
We invite Indigenous voices to write into the cosmos, creative nonfiction that orbits memory, land, language, and relation. Tell us what the sky holds. Tell us what Earth remembers.
How do your stories move between ground and galaxy? What truths return when we look outward, and inward, at once?
Send us your work. Let it travel like signal, like prayer, like light.” The deadline is 30th June 2026; see the relevant category in their Submittable for details, as well as this Instagram post. The prize is $250. They’re also open for general submissions of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry on that theme, from all writers.
The Northern Writers’ Awards
They have various awards through the year for writers in the north of England. They especially welcome submissions from people of colour and those from LGBTQ+, disabled and lower socio-economic backgrounds, who are particularly under-represented in this area of the TV industry. They have three awards with upcoming deadlines. See guidelines for details on eligibility and other submission requirements. At the time of writing, they’d announced the application dates for their Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards – Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards: Warp Films as well as Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards: FilmNation TV UK. For both of these awards, writers should submit a pitch of an idea for an original storyline (up to 400 words) and a sample script of up to 10 pages. The winner will be offered the chance to work closely with Warp Films and FilmNation TV UK respectively, receive a bursary of £3,000 and mentoring support. The deadline is 28 June 2026.
Details here (the page also has details of all their awards, including closed ones).
Speculative Literature Foundation Grants
These are international grants for writers of speculative literature, and they have various grants in through the year. There are two upcoming grants. The Diverse Writers Grant is for writers from an underrepresented and underprivileged backgrounds – “intended to support speculative fiction writers from underrepresented and underprivileged groups — such as writers of color, women, queer writers, disabled writers, etc. — whose marginalized identities may present additional obstacles in the writing and publishing process” – the grant pays $500, and is open 1-31 July.
The Diverse Worlds Grant, for work that best represents diversity, regardless of the writer’s background, pays $500, is also open 1-31 July. The grants have various eligibility and submission guidelines, please read them carefully before applying. The submission portal will open during the grant application period
Hachette UK: The New Voices Award
Each year a different imprint of Hachette hosts the New Voices Award for writers from Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, as well as those who are disabled, gender diverse, part of the LGBTQIA+ community or from cultural or religious minorities in the UK. This year the imprint will be Robinson, an imprint of Little, Brown Book Group, and they are looking for works of commercial non-fiction aimed at general readers on any topic within any branch of psychology. They close to submissions on July 31st. The winner receives an offer of publication from Robinson as well as an advance of at least £5000, and additional prizes detailed on the site. Submitting authors must be unagented and previously unpublished, aged 18 or over, a resident in the UK and from a Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage or Minority Ethnic background, or must identify as disabled, gender diverse, part of the LGBTQIA+ community or from a cultural or religious minority.
The Seventh Wave: Fall 2026 Narrative Shifts Virtual Residency
This queer and BIPOC led organization is open to applications for its virtual residency through the 30th of June. They say this about the residency, “Our seven-session, genre-agnostic program is meant for the writer or artist who is looking to deepen their relationship to their writing. Over the course of seven weeks, residents will learn tools of the craft, receive resources and insights into their own creative processes, and build community with a cohort of 12-16 writers, artists, and activists from around the world.” Applications are free but they only have two fully funded scholarship positions per session, so please keep that in mind when deciding to apply.
Harbor Editions: 2026 Hybrid Chapbook Reading Period
They are open to submissions from all authors but they are open to fee-free submissions only from BIPOC writers and previous finalists. They define hybrid “as a collection that combines genres or defies classification. We will consider books that incorporate art.” Chapbooks should be between 20-50 pages. They close to submissions on June 30th.
Princeton University Press: Global Equity Grants
These grants are for authors of underrepresented groups to support the preparation of works that is already under contract, in production, or published within the last 12 months. Grants range from $500 to $1,000. The grants can be used to cover a wide range of supports including parental/family care, and translation. More details at the source. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
BIPOC scholarship for Emily Harstone’s classes at The Writer’s Workshop at Authors Publish
Each time Emily Harstone offers The Novel Writing Workshop (for manuscripts in progress), Submit, Publish, Repeat (for poems, short stories, and CNF publication in literary journals), and Manuscript Publishing for Novelists (for completed novel and memoir manuscripts) through the Writer’s Workshop at Authors Publish, there is now an opportunity for two writers who identify as BIPOC to take it for free. If you registered last year, please note that the form re-set in January, and you are encouraged to fill it out again.
Bio: S. Kalekar is the pseudonym of a regular contributor to this magazine. She can be reached here.
