Publishing … and Other Forms of Insanity Newsletter: May 2022
“If you don’t know what’s impossible, it’s easier to do it …” ~ Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is one of the darlings of sci-fi. Like another British-born sci-fi darling, Douglas Adams, his wit is dry, and his prose whimsical. In this commencement speech, Gaiman, without wasting too many words, summarizes the craft of writing, which is to make art out of experience. “When things get tough … make good art.” Read more here>>
45 Writing Contests in May 2022 — No entry fees
This May there are more than three dozen free writing contests for short fiction, novels, poetry, CNF, nonfiction, and plays. Prizes range from $60,000 to a free writing class. None charge entry fees. Read more here>>
113 Calls for Submissions in May 2022 — Paying markets
This May there are more than nine dozen calls for submissions. All of these are paying markets, and none charge submission fees. As always, every genre, style, and form is wanted, from short stories to poetry to essays. Read more here>>
26 Marvelous Writing Conferences in May 2022
This May there are more than two dozen writing conferences and workshops. Some conferences and workshops will be held online, but some will be held in person as pandemic restrictions ease. Virtual events still offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, to how to market yourself and your books, discussions — there is something for everyone. Read more here>>
AGENTS SEEKING CLIENTS
3 New Agents Seeking Literary Fiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Kidlit, Magical Realism, YA, Romance, Memoir and more
Lisa Highton is interested in a wide variety of narrative fiction and non-fiction. Jonathan Rosen represents Young Adult, Mysteries, Thrillers, Historical Fiction, Sports, Romantic Comedy, and anything with humor for that matter. He will always have an eye out for diverse voices, and in particular Jewish stories. In Non-Fiction, he is looking for Biographies and Memoirs, Pop Culture, Humor, Sports, and Journalism. Tess Weitzner is primarily drawn to literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, horror, and middle grade, and especially that which is rooted in unreliable narrators, magical realism, interrogations of power and violence, reclamations of identity, and dark-as-night humor. Read more here>>
2 New Agents Seeking Science Fiction/Fantasy, LGBTQ, Literary, Mystery, Memoir, Pop Culture, True Crime & more
Kimberly Peticolas is interested in Non-fiction: Business, Leadership, Self-Help, Lifestyle, History, Military History, Children’s. Fiction: Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, YA, Children’s Books. Ali Lake represents Fiction: Action/Adventure, Children’s, Fantasy, LGBTQ, Literary, Mystery, New Adult, Thriller, Young Adult. Non-Fiction: Cookbooks, History, Journalism, LGBTQ, Memoir, Pop Culture, True Crime. Read more here>>
PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITIES
10 Literary Journals Accepting Poetry NOW — Paying markets
Here are ten literary journals accepting poetry right now. All are paying markets and none charge submission fees. Most have rolling deadlines. Poetry is an exacting discipline. Not only must every word be carefully chosen to convey meaning, every punctuation mark, every line break, every “breath” must be agonized over. A poet must dwell in metaphor, and choose imagery that plumbs the depths of emotion and thought. Read more here>>
12 Literary Journals With No Fixed Deadlines Open NOW — Paying Markets
Here are a dozen journals that are open until filled. These publications are looking for all genres and forms: short stories, poetry, nonfiction, reportage, fantasy, horror, humor, suspense … there is something for every writer. Read more here>>
WRITING WORLD
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Most Famous Failure
F. Scott Fitzgerald never saw The Great Gatsby become a success. In fact, at his untimely death at the age of 44, he had earned a grand total of $13.13 in royalties. Read Newspaper Alum’s great blog on why it took so long for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece to make it to the big time. Read more here>>
What Did Stephen King Read as a Child?
Stephen King — he’s smart, he’s successful and he says exactly what he thinks. He also grew up without a TV. (That explains a lot.) In this interview, King shares the horror classic his mom read to him as a child and his views on gun control. Read more here>>
Top 6 Online Resources for Short Story Markets
Short stories are an art form that requires fast efficient character development, a plot that moves at the speed of light, and an ending that sticks in your mind like that song you can’t get out of your head. If you can write a good short story, I envy you. Get it published! Read more here>>
Are You Ready to Contact an Agent? Take This Short Quiz and Find Out
Before you can even think about contacting an agent, there are several important questions you must be able to answer. Why? Because, if an agent calls you, she or he will ask them. (I know this from painful personal experience.) You must be prepared to reply with compelling answer This short quiz will tell you if you are ready to take on the publishing industry. Read more here?>>
Want to get a jump on next month’s calls for submissions, agents seeking clients, free writing contests, and publishing news? Sign up for the Publishing … and Other Forms of Insanity newsletter. It’s free, and I work my butt off every month getting it out to you, lovely writers. (I also have a TON of free writing resources on my blog.)
