It’s about that time again. Deadlines for end-of-the month contests and reading periods are nigh. Prep your fiction, nonfiction, and poetry and check out seven contests and lit mags with upcoming deadlines.
The Masters Review – We’re going to plug our own contest first since this is our blog and we write the rules. On March 31, 2014, submissions for our printed anthology are due. This submissions category is open only to MA, MFA, and PhD creative writing students and is guest judged by Lev Grossman. Shortlisted authors will be announced by April 15, 2014, and winners will be printed in our third volume, distributed nationally, as ten of the best emerging writers to watch. Fiction and narrative nonfiction up to 7000 words. No Entry Fee. (We are angels, you guys, ANGELS.) DUE DATE: March 31, 2014.
Flyaway Magazine – $500 and another sweet prize will be awarded to the winning fiction story surrounding environment. Guest judged by author Dean Bakopoulos who will screen any genre of fiction as it pertains to environment up to 5000 words. Details here. DUE DATE: March 31, 2014. Entry Fee: $12, or $15 includes subscription
AWP Scholarship Applications – AWP offers two annual scholarships of $500 each to emerging writers who wish to attend a writers’ conference, center, retreat, festival, or residency. The scholarships are applied to fees for winners who attend one of the member programs in AWP’s Directory of Conferences & Centers. Winners and four finalists also receive a one-year individual membership in AWP. Submission guidelines here. DUE DATE: March 30, 2014.
Narrative Magazine Winter Contest – A prize of $2,500 and publication in Narrative is given annually for a short story, a short short story, an essay, or an excerpt from a work of fiction or creative nonfiction. A second-place prize of $1,000 is also awarded. Up to 15,000 words will be accepted. Details here. DUE DATE: March 31, 2014. Entry Fee: $22.
Beecher’s Writing Contest – Beecher’s 2014 Writing Contest offers prizes in poetry, nonfiction, and fiction. First place winners in each genre will receive $200 and publication in Beecher’s 4. Runners up will be considered for publication in Beecher’s 4, in print or online. Submission guidelines here. DUE DATE: March 31, 2014. Entry Fee: $12.
Glimmer Train Family Matters – Glimmer Train hosts a bevy of contests throughout the year and this month is no exception. If your story relates to “Family” consider submitting up to 12,000 words for the chance to win publication in a highly regarded journal in addition to $1500. Contest details here. DUE DATE: March 31, 2014 with one-week buffer. Entry Fee: $15
Blackbird Magazine – Virginia Common Wealth’s literary journal accepts poetry, nonfiction, and fiction for publication through April 15, 2014, which means if you want to be considered for their next issue get those stories prepped. Submission guidelines. DUE DATE: April 15, 2014. No Entry Fee.