Weekly Roundup: April 26, 2024
Writing this while watching the universities around the country LIT UP! I'm worried for the kids, but I'm also thankful and DAMN PROUD!
I have things to share today.
Thing # 1: No more paid subscriptions.
At least not until I’ve decided whether or not this newsletter is worth paying for, and if it is, exactly why and how much would make sense.
Right now I feel a bit silly to ask for money while I write about an industry—creative writing, literary publications, submissions, etc.—that doesn’t pay its writers. Not well enough anyway.
I might pivot in the future and find ways to monetize this newsletter, but for now, this pub shall remain free until further notice.
To the few who upgraded to a paid subscription, you will not be charged again. (You should have already received an email from me communicating this. But feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions.)
Thing # 2: I got another acceptance.
Since I write about literary magazines and submissions, I feel that it’s important to share a literary win when I get one.
You know… to establish and prove my competency/authority/legitimacy etc. Heh.
So, yesterday I got a kinda sorta (but amazing!) acceptance from a lit mag for my second work of fiction :)
I say “kinda sorta” because they asked for a rewrite of a couple of sections. This is fine with me (appreciated, even) because after they pointed out the situation, I understood why they wanted a rewrite and I feel grateful because now I have a chance to make the story even better.
Here’s what they said about the story and excuse me as I sound a bit vain, but damn!
Text version:
Maliha,
Thank you for your patience and for considering us here ephemeras Literary. We've gone through many submissions, but this piece is a show-stopper.
"After the Funeral" has a startling shock factor. Despite it being shorter, it's enough to swallow the precariousness of writing something this taboo.
I didn’t realize I was writing taboo, but oh well. :p
OK, that’s enough gloating for one newsletter I think; thanks for putting up with me :)
Let’s get to the writing opps now, shall we?
Opportunities
With a focus on creative and magazine writing. I try to include a mix of super high-profile and indie publications that are more beginner-friendly. (Click the names of the publications for detailed submission guidelines.)
Chestnut Review: Their submissions window is now open for the Autumn issue across multiple genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, etc. Pay: $120.
The Masters Review: They’re always open for submissions to their New Voices category for emerging writers (those without a book-length work published or to be published). They accept fiction and narrative nonfiction. Pay: $100 - $200.
Driftwood: They’re now accepting free poetry submissions (+ paid submissions to competitions for fiction/novella and others.) Pay: $20 per poem.
Propagule: They’re accepting submissions for issue 5 until June 15. Send your fiction and nonfiction pieces by then. Pay: Smol payment of $5 - $30.
Black Lipstick: They have rolling submissions for nonfiction only, in the form of personal essays, reviews, and interviews. Read the guidelines in the link above for details. Pay: $100 - $150 based on genre.
128 Lit: Sending this early so you can prepare. They’ll open a reading period on May 1 (until May 31) for special themed submissions on “what is home.” More on the link above. Pay: $40 - $100.
The Offing: They’re always open for fiction, essay, and poetry submissions. Pay: $25 - $100.
Alien: They’re always open for nonfiction and art submissions. Pay: $20.
Little Engines: They’re always open for stories, essays, poems, photos, interviews, comics, reviews, etc. Pay: unknown.
PANK: They’re closing their magazine submissions (all kinds of genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, hybrids, etc.) on May 1. Submit soon. Pay: no.
West Trade Review: Their current reading period is now open (through Aug 1) and they accept fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Pay: no.
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*** Note: I cannot always vet each of these publications, unfortunately. So, please do your due diligence and research. See if their values align with yours, if there are conditions/restrictions to who can or cannot pitch/submit, whether or not they’re a paying market, how much they pay, etc., if these things matter to you.***
Thank you for reading.
Just a final reminder, this newsletter is now free. I have turned off the paid subscription option completely. If you still wish to help me out, there are things you can buy at my other website. No pressure to buy anything because I understand not all of you are into content marketing or blogging as a business.
In any case, hope you have a good weekend.
Congrats on the acceptance! Taboo--sounds intriguing. And thanks for what you do!