Contests and Calls for Submissions

Contests!

The fourth annual Chase the Dream Contest is now open. Polish up the first 1000 words of your romance novel (or novel with a romantic theme) and enter to win some great prizes that include a scholarship to a Gotham Writers Workshop and a manuscript-in-progress critique. The contest is judged by a panel of editors and agents. No entry fee!

The Washington-Centerville Public Library and the University of Dayton team up to  challenge you to capture the essence of Erma Bombeck to win $100 cash prize plus entrance to the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop. The Erma Bombeck Writing Competition deadline is January 31, 2010.

Thanks to C. Hope Clark for this one: If I Ruled the World Essay Contest. “In 1,000 words or less, tell the contest judges what you hate about the world – what bothers you or ticks you off, and how you’d fix it if you were running things. Open to anybody who enjoys writing.” Entry is free. Deadline is February 1, 2010.

The Toronto Star Short Story Contest will be launched this week, so watch for details. First prize is $5000 plus tuition for the Humber School of Writers correspondence program.

Calls for Entries

Graywolf Press accepts unagented submissions during the month of January. “Graywolf Press is a literary press that publishes about twenty-seven books annually, mostly collections of poetry, memoir, essays, novels, and short stories. Our editors are looking for high quality literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that combines a distinct voice with a distinct vision.”

Glimmer Train is also looking for submissions of stories up to 12,000 words during the month of January. Accepted submissions receive 10 copies of the issue they appear in plus $700. They are also hosting a Very Short Fiction Award this month ($15 entry fee, first place wins $1200 plus publication and 20 copies of the issue it appears in, 3000 word limit). Deadline for both submissions is January 31, 2010.