Writing Opportunities February & March
Ways to get your writing into the world
Hello everyone, it’s been a while but I’m finally getting my head back into the world of writing. I had an operation in January to stabilise my dodgy ankle and have found getting my thoughts together a lot more challenging than I expected! I’ve managed to keep working from home, as the six flights of stairs to my office are a bit much at the moment. But I’m getting there and can finally walk around in my very attractive aircast boot. Hoping to be back at everything by the summer.
My plan to read and write while I recovered did not happen and I’m trying to be kind to myself about it. We can’t know how our body and mind will react to change and I’m doing my best to go with it. That being said, just pulling this together has motivated me so I think I’ll get cracking on at least one submission from the list…I hope you will too!
Not much else to say except I hope you find something to get your work out there. If you find this newsletter useful, please share with your writing friends. You can also buy me a virtual coffee here, which goes into my submissions pot…or towards a new notebook as my current one is about full…
First up, some opportunities closing very soon…
National Flash Fiction Day – if you love a last-minute challenge, this annual microfiction contest is open for submissions until midnight tonight! You can submit up to three 100-word stories, and winning stories are included in the print anthology. £2 for one entry. Send by midnight 15th February. And if this is too soon, keep an eye on the callout for NFFD’s Flash Flood.
BFI Network Shorts School – for anyone interested in short filmmaking, this series of free online sessions offers insight from people across the industry. Free to sign-up, sessions run from 24th – 27th February – I would sign up ASAP so you don’t miss out!
Papatango Studio – a lovely offer from Papatango to support playwrights. The Studio is a free to access scheme with opportunities to network, get feedback and access funding. Lots delivered online too making it accessible no matter your location. They’re also running a Q&A on Tues 18th Feb, more info on that here.
Closing in February
London Library Emerging Writers – this annual scheme offers writers a range of opportunities including free library membership. It’s free to enter and to take part, and although it is based in London with some expectation to attend events, I have heard that they’re open to applications from around the country. Deadline for applications is 26th February. Now, the website is currently not working properly, I’ve let them know so hopefully it’ll be sorted in time. There’s a little more info on BBC Writers Room here.
The North Poetry Journal – issue 71 is now open for submissions of contemporary poetry. Well worth familiarising yourself with previously published work before submitting. Free to submit and you can send up to six poems. Deadline for this round is 28th February.
Summer Shorts 2025 – South London Theatre are looking for 10 minute plays for their Summer Shorts slot. To apply, send a submission of interest by 28th February. You’ll then have until 28th March to submit your first draft. I’ve not worked with this theatre, but it sounds like a great way to work. Let me know how it goes if you’re selected!
Thi Wurd Pamphlet Series – this is such an interesting callout and I will definitely be sending something for it. Thi Wurd are seeking fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction on the theme of The City. The chosen work will be presented as a pamphlet, and Thi Wurd always publish beautiful work with a real eye on visual storytelling. Free to submit, check the guidelines before sending. Deadline is 28th February.
Newcastle Fringe – if you’re a performer or theatre maker with a show ready to go, Newcastle Fringe are looking for work for the 2025 festival. The scope is broad and there’s a particular need for family shows and work from underrepresented artists. The work should be ready to perform – this is not an opportunity for drafts or development. Have a good read through the guidelines and get your application in by 28th February.
Closing in March/April
Killer Twist Pitch Prize – this ones for unagented crime writers who need a leg up and is organised and funded by the author Alessandra Ranelli. Entry is free and the prize includes a pass for Theakston’s Crime Writing Festival and more. Your manuscript should be complete and query ready (by July). Apply by 2nd March.
BLB Press – Brick Lane Bookshop Press are looking for literary focused articles, essays, and book reviews. Pieces can run to 1500 words and contributors are paid £50. Free to submit, submissions deadline is 3rd March. This is only open to UK residents.
Forward Prizes for Poetry – this years prizes are now open and looking for the best poetry published over the last year. This year, poets can submit their own work to the Best Single Poem – Performed category. Lots of guidelines to read through but well worth a look if your works has been published recently – all other categories must be put forward by publishers. Deadline is 16th March.
Short Fictions – the next submissions window opens from 17th February to 23rd March. They’re looking for fiction between 500-5000 words and will consider hybrid and experimental work. No fee to submit and selected writers are paid.
Northern Writers Awards – the next submission window is now open and includes Finchale Prize, the Arvon Award and the Sid Chaplin Award. This ones for writers based in the North if England and you have until 20th March to get your submission in. Because the awards now roll throughout the year, you will need to read the entry details for each award carefully to make sure you’re eligible.
Alpine Fellowship – the theme for this year’s fellowship is ‘Fear’, and there are opportunities to submit across a range of creative areas, including writing and scriptwriting. This is a prestigious prize and even a long or shortlisting is great for your writing CV. You can also enter multiple awards if you work across different artforms. Deadline for 2025 is 1st April.
Portobello Literary – if you’re looking for advice on getting your proposal ready, Portobello Literary are running a course on their Substack to help you get everything together. This is for paid subscribers, but it’s only £5 a month. Lots of great insights here and the first two sessions are already available.
That’s all for this month, happy writing and let me know how you get on!
Sarah
Always look forward to these lists- very helpful
Best wishes and rays of support.