Black Writing Bulletin #11 - Publishing and Employment Opportunities
Get paid for your writing.
Hello Creatives!
We’re back this week with a plethora of opportunities to spotlight. I’m in the thick of trying to complete a draft of a novel, and life is making it very hard. It can sometimes feel like completion is unreachable. But my partner made a very important point to me, something that they learned from Alexander Chee’s How To Write An Autobiographical Novel: “we only ever hit what we aim at.”
I want to extend that thinking to you. If there is a goal you want to achieve, aim at that target. Come up with a plan. Keep it front of mind. And whether it happens in big leaps or in baby steps, you can make it happen.
- Daren
This week, there are featured opportunities to publish at:
PACIFICA LITERARY REVIEW
Pacifica Literary Review publishes poetry, fiction, and creative non three times a year on our website, and we are the best at what we do. We are an inclusive space for the best emerging and established writers. Seattle is our home base, and everything you’ve heard is true: the coffee is good, it rains a lot, and we have the best writing community in the US. Writers from all backgrounds, races, orientations, occupations, and sports fandoms are encouraged to send us work. Professors and baristas will receive equal consideration. Sonnets and memes will receive equal consideration. If it is excellent and gives us the feels, we’ll print it.Deadline: April 30
Submission fee: $3Details here.
TETHERED LITERARY
Send us words for what we cannot see or have not seen or have refused to see, words for what happens between the words we speak out loud, words that trace the threads and cords and cables and chains that run invisibly through and between us. Because we want this journal to be home not only to writing that fits into conventional literary categories, but also to all manner of misfit, genre-defying work, creative writing submissions are classified only by word count. Your submission can be as short as you want it to be—there is no minimum. We love poetry, flash, microlit. We want stories that need more space too, and will read anything that comes in under 10,000 words.Deadline: May 31
Submission fee: freeDetails here.
Head over to the main Substack page to view previously shared opportunities.
This is your sign to get your work out there. Submit to literary journals. Get your essay published. Take your writing seriously.
Fiction Submission Opportunities
PINE HILLS REVIEW
At Pine Hills Review, we’re interested in the intersections of shopping, art, and community. And that’s why we’re holding space for our next special feature: Malls. All types of malls are welcome.
Deadline: Open year-round with closures in September, January, and May
Submission fee: free
Details here.
PACIFICA LITERARY REVIEW
Pacifica Literary Review publishes poetry, fiction, and creative non three times a year on our website, and we are the best at what we do. We are an inclusive space for the best emerging and established writers. Seattle is our home base, and everything you’ve heard is true: the coffee is good, it rains a lot, and we have the best writing community in the US. Writers from all backgrounds, races, orientations, occupations, and sports fandoms are encouraged to send us work. Professors and baristas will receive equal consideration. Sonnets and memes will receive equal consideration. If it is excellent and gives us the feels, we’ll print it.
Deadline: April 30
Submission fee: $3
Details here.
LIGHT
Leaders Igniting Generational Healing and Transformation (LIGHT) is calling for submissions for Issue 5 of LIGHT Magazine. Let creativity lead the way—Using art, letters, stories, and poetry, tell us: how might we build public health systems that are trustworthy?
Deadline: May 1
Submission fee: $5
Prize: 1st: $500, 2nd: $375, 3rd: $125
Details here.
TETHERED LITERARY
Send us words for what we cannot see or have not seen or have refused to see, words for what happens between the words we speak out loud, words that trace the threads and cords and cables and chains that run invisibly through and between us. Because we want this journal to be home not only to writing that fits into conventional literary categories, but also to all manner of misfit, genre-defying work, creative writing submissions are classified only by word count. Your submission can be as short as you want it to be—there is no minimum. We love poetry, flash, microlit. We want stories that need more space too, and will read anything that comes in under 10,000 words.
Deadline: May 31
Submission fee: free
Details here.
IHRAM PRESS
This anthology explores the challenges faced by today’s youth, including the pressures of social media, societal expectations, and family dynamics. We invite submissions that amplify the voices of young people—firsthand accounts from youths, reflections on the author’s personal experiences, stories of resilience, and perspectives on isolation or societal pressures.
Deadline: June 1
Submission fee: free
Details here.
Non-Fiction Submission Opportunities
PACIFICA LITERARY REVIEW
Pacifica Literary Review publishes poetry, fiction, and creative non three times a year on our website, and we are the best at what we do. We are an inclusive space for the best emerging and established writers. Seattle is our home base, and everything you’ve heard is true: the coffee is good, it rains a lot, and we have the best writing community in the US. Writers from all backgrounds, races, orientations, occupations, and sports fandoms are encouraged to send us work. Professors and baristas will receive equal consideration. Sonnets and memes will receive equal consideration. If it is excellent and gives us the feels, we’ll print it.
Deadline: Open year-round with closures in September, January, and May
Submission fee: $3
Pay: $25/piece published
Details here.
LIGHT
Leaders Igniting Generational Healing and Transformation (LIGHT) is calling for submissions for Issue 5 of LIGHT Magazine. Let creativity lead the way—Using art, letters, stories, and poetry, tell us: how might we build public health systems that are trustworthy?
Deadline: May 1
Submission fee: $5
Prize: 1st: $500, 2nd: $375, 3rd: $125
Details here.
TETHERED LITERARY
Send us words for what we cannot see or have not seen or have refused to see, words for what happens between the words we speak out loud, words that trace the threads and cords and cables and chains that run invisibly through and between us. Because we want this journal to be home not only to writing that fits into conventional literary categories, but also to all manner of misfit, genre-defying work, creative writing submissions are classified only by word count. Your submission can be as short as you want it to be—there is no minimum. We love poetry, flash, microlit. We want stories that need more space too, and will read anything that comes in under 10,000 words.
Deadline: May 31
Submission fee: free
Details here.
IHRAM PRESS
This anthology explores the challenges faced by today’s youth, including the pressures of social media, societal expectations, and family dynamics. We invite submissions that amplify the voices of young people—firsthand accounts from youths, reflections on the author’s personal experiences, stories of resilience, and perspectives on isolation or societal pressures.
Deadline: June 1
Submission fee: free
Details here.
Poetry Opportunities
PACIFICA LITERARY REVIEW
Pacifica Literary Review publishes poetry, fiction, and creative non three times a year on our website, and we are the best at what we do. We are an inclusive space for the best emerging and established writers. Seattle is our home base, and everything you’ve heard is true: the coffee is good, it rains a lot, and we have the best writing community in the US. Writers from all backgrounds, races, orientations, occupations, and sports fandoms are encouraged to send us work. Professors and baristas will receive equal consideration. Sonnets and memes will receive equal consideration. If it is excellent and gives us the feels, we’ll print it.
Deadline: Open year-round with closures in September, January, and May
Submission fee: $3
Pay: $25/piece published
Details here.
LIGHT
Leaders Igniting Generational Healing and Transformation (LIGHT) is calling for submissions for Issue 5 of LIGHT Magazine. Let creativity lead the way—Using art, letters, stories, and poetry, tell us: how might we build public health systems that are trustworthy?
Deadline: May 1
Submission fee: $5
Prize: 1st: $500, 2nd: $375, 3rd: $125
Details here.
HERON TREE
Heron Tree is accepting found poems composed from sources published in or before 1929. We are interested in any and all approaches to found poetry construction and erased or remixed texts. Accepted poems will be published weekly on the Heron Tree website starting later in 2025 and will be collected in a free, downloadable PDF volume.
Deadline: May 15
Submission fee: free
Details here.
TETHERED LITERARY
Send us words for what we cannot see or have not seen or have refused to see, words for what happens between the words we speak out loud, words that trace the threads and cords and cables and chains that run invisibly through and between us. Because we want this journal to be home not only to writing that fits into conventional literary categories, but also to all manner of misfit, genre-defying work, creative writing submissions are classified only by word count. Your submission can be as short as you want it to be—there is no minimum. We love poetry, flash, microlit. We want stories that need more space too, and will read anything that comes in under 10,000 words.
Deadline: May 31
Submission fee: free
Details here.
IHRAM PRESS
This anthology explores the challenges faced by today’s youth, including the pressures of social media, societal expectations, and family dynamics. We invite submissions that amplify the voices of young people—firsthand accounts from youths, reflections on the author’s personal experiences, stories of resilience, and perspectives on isolation or societal pressures.
Deadline: June 1
Submission fee: free
Details here.
Contests, Awards, and Fellowships
AMHERST COLLEGE CENTER FOR HUMANISTIC INQUIRY FELLOWSHIP
Amherst College
The Center for Humanistic Inquiry (CHI) at Amherst College seeks scholars from across the disciplines for full-time, two-year appointments as CHI Fellows and visiting lecturers. In colloquy with one another and the Amherst community, CHI Fellows will explore the theme of Tools. We invite applications from scholars whose research or creative work takes up some aspect of our theme. We are committed to providing financial aid that meets 100 percent of every student's demonstrated need, and nearly 60 percent of our students receive financial aid. Our expectation is that the successful candidate will excel at teaching and mentoring a broad range of students, and the college works to support all members of our community.
Deadline: until position is filled
Prize: annual salary of $62,400, an annual $3,000 allowance for professional research support, an office in the center, and additional support for moving expenses
Details here.
TOM HOWARD/JOHN H. REID FICTION & ESSAY CONTEST
Submit stories and essays on any theme, up to 6,000 words each. The winning story and essay will each receive $3,500. Ten Honorable Mentions will receive $500 each. The top 12 entries will be published online. Mina Manchester is the final judge. This contest is proudly co-sponsored by Duotrope, which will award two-year gift certificates to the top two winners, a $100 value. For this contest, a story is any short work of fiction, and an essay is any short work of nonfiction. You may submit published or unpublished work. This contest accepts multiple entries (submit them one at a time).
Deadline: May 1
Entry fee: $25
Prize: $3500
Details here.
THE CENTER FOR FICTION SUSAN KAMIL EMERGING WRITER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The Center For Fiction
The Center for Fiction / Susan Kamil Emerging Writer Fellowship program offers grants, editorial mentorship, and other opportunities to early-career New York City-based practitioners who are at a critical moment in their development as fiction writers. Fellows receive a $5,000 grant, the opportunity to have their manuscript critiqued by an experienced editor, public readings, and more!
Deadline: May 31
Prize: $5000
Details here.
THE LASCAUX PRIZE IN SHORT FICTION
Stories may be previously published or unpublished, and simultaneous submissions are accepted. True stories are welcome as long as they’re written in a narrative style. Writers may enter more than once, and as many as three stories may be submitted per entry (all pasted into one document). Individual story length should not exceed 1,000 words. All genres and styles are welcome. Judges are the journal’s editors. Writers retain all rights to their work at all times.
Deadline: June 30
Entry fee: $15
Prize: $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review
Details here.
Positions and Residencies
MACMILLAN 2025 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
Macmillan
Macmillan Publishers is currently offering paid, full-time, remote internship opportunities for Summer 2025. Those hired locally will be given the opportunity to come into the office, if interested. Internships will be available in areas such as Editorial, Marketing, Publicity, Art & Design, Sales, Managing/Production Editorial, Production, Publishing Operations, Subrights, Creative Services, and Author Events. All interns will participate in Macmillan's sixth annual summer intern project. In teams of 6-9, interns will be asked to develop a cohesive plan and presentation in response to an assigned publishing-related topic or issue facing the business today.
Deadline: until position filled
Payment: $65,000 - $70,000
Details here.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, TOR
Macmillan
The Tor Publishing Group is seeking an Editorial Assistant to support two executive editors from acquisition to publication and beyond. In addition to coordinating all aspects of a fast-paced, high volume editorial desk, the successful candidate will have strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. The Editorial Assistant can expect to work with speculative genre fiction, science fiction, fantasy, upmarket commercial fiction and romance.
Deadline: until position filled
Payment: $50,000
Details here.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Macmillan
Join the Picador team at FSG and explore the infinite wonders of backlist publishing. We’re looking for an Associate Editor who will collaborate across departments and help rediscover, reinvent, develop, and ensure the lively and enduring success of our celebrated backlist. The successful candidate will have a voracious appetite for books of all kinds and a talent for making recommendations– a kind of matchmaker for books and their (sometimes unsuspecting) ideal readers. They will use their deep knowledge of literature and of the contemporary literary marketplace to identify lesser known treasures, commission new material, and propose packaging updates. This position combines project management, idea generation, copywriting, and publishing strategy, offering the chance to develop a range of skills as well as a rare and exciting view into a key element of our industry.
Deadline: until position is filled
Payment: $55,000 - $60,000
Details here.
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Girls Write Now
The building blocks of the Girls Write Now Collaboratory, which houses our programs and services, are Writing, Mentoring, and Community. The Community Manager (CM), a key member of the program management team, is central to all three in order to help implement the organization's strategic plan to scale while maintaining personalized supports for our members. The Community Manager will be focused specifically on providing guidance and quality control for our customized Learning Management System, building our Mentor-On-Demand system and driving activities in a variety of formats within the college and career space. They will drive curriculum, partnerships, recruitment, engagement, and evaluation to ensure quality and impact. They will work closely with the Community Programs team and across departments from marketing and development to systems and operations, ensuring that the Girls Write Now Community has all of the resources and supports they need.
Deadline: until position filled
Payment: 70,000 - $80,000
Details here.
BOOKSELLER & DIGITAL MARKETING ASSOCIATE
Rizzoli Bookstore
Rizzoli Bookstore is seeking a passionate and creative Bookseller & Digital Marketing Associate to join our team. The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of literary and digital culture, with a deep love for books and a strong grasp of content creation that resonates across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This role blends bookselling and customer service with digital marketing and content creation, making it ideal for someone with excellent communication skills and a background in arts and culture. Additional knowledge of architecture, interior design, and fashion is a plus.
Deadline: until position filled
Payment: not specified
Details here.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, ROTATIONAL PROGRAM
Book of the Month
The Editorial Rotational Program mission is to accelerate the professional growth and development of Early Career Editorial professionals through exposure to a multitude of assignments, apprenticeship style learning, and accelerated responsibility. As a full time Editorial Assistant, this program will offer employees the opportunity to explore areas such as: Analytics & Reporting, Industry Relations, Operations, Licensing & Contracts, Cross-Functional Business Initiatives, and Book Selections. After approximately 2 years, team members will be placed in a more specialized role based on performance, strengths, and interests demonstrated over the previous years.
Deadline: until position filled
Payment: $65,000 - $70,000
Details here.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews is seeking an excellent customer service representative/editorial assistant for its Indie (self-published) section. The customer service rep will be responsible for assisting authors and corporate partners; maintaining our database; assisting the editors; performing clerical tasks, including mailing/unpacking packages; as well as fact checking; assisting with new projects, including interviewing authors for our podcast. and other responsibilities. The primary focus, however, will be helping self-published authors with all of their questions, concerns, complaints, etc. An empathetic, patient person who feels personal reward from supporting others is a must; a book lover who appreciates the journey of a writer is a big plus! Individuals in the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and other traditionally underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply.
Deadline: until position filled
Payment: $44-$50k
Details here.
BOOK REVIEWER
Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Media is looking for experienced book reviewers of English and Spanish-language titles to review for Kirkus Indie, the book review magazine's section dedicated to self-published authors. Reviews are about 350 words due 10 days after the book is assigned. Kirkus currently reviews nearly all genres for books of all lengths, in digital, hardcover and paperback format. To apply, please submit your resume, writing samples and a list of reviewing specialties to Sr. Indie Editor David Rapp at Drapp@kirkus.com.
Deadline: until position filled
Payment: Freelance/Project Based
Details here.
LECTURER - DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
Clemson University
The Department of English at Clemson University invites applications for Lecturer appointments to support the teaching of general education literature classes. Please note: This advertisement is not for a specific role but for various temporary faculty opportunities within Clemson University's Department of English as they become available. Lecturers in the English Department are responsible for teaching a 4/4 course load. These are annual renewable positions with benefits packages. Additionally, there are summer teaching opportunities. Possible start dates include January 1, 2025, and August 15, 2025. The Department of English at Clemson University focuses on the analysis, creation, and history of textual production.
Deadline: until position is filled
Payment: 9-month salary is $50,000
Details here.
KEROUAC PROJECT RESIDENCY
The Kerouac Project provides six residencies a year to writers of any stripe or age, living anywhere in the world. We encourage BIPOC and LGTBQ writers to apply. In the past, we have accepted writers with no formal writing education alongside those with MFA’s and impressive résumés. You will be judged on the quality of the writing sample you submit. As writer-in-residence, all you are required to do is live in the Kerouac House during your residency, work on your writing project, and participate in four events: a Welcome Potluck dinner for you, two creative workshops to host, and a Final Reading of your work at the Kerouac House at the end of your residency.
Deadline: April 14
Entry Fee: $50
Payment: two-month stay in the cottage where Jack Kerouac wrote his novel Dharma Bums; utilities and a food stipend of $600
Details here.
GRAVES MILL FARM RESIDENCY
The Graves Mill Farm Residency is a fully funded retreat for writers and visual artists at all stages of their careers. It seeks to inspire participants through the power of the natural world, and to foster creativity through both solitude and community. We seek artists who are dedicated to their craft and are eager to engage with nature. Participants can expect to work privately throughout the day, while also interacting daily in our communal spaces and at evening meals. Everyone is invited — but not required — to share their work. Participants are encouraged to explore the 2,000-acre farm property, and adjoining forests, for inspiration in their work.
Deadline: April 15
Dates: May 31 - June 7
Entry Fee: free
Payment: Fully funded retreat ; all meals provided: independent and communal dinners
Details here.
Events
WRITE THE WORLD: USING CREATIVE WRITING TO ENGAGE WITH CURRENT EVENTS
This virtual short course emerges from Dr. Nandita Dinesh’s book Creative Writing and the Experiences of Others and draws on the seven strategies that the book outlines. Designed for participants 18 and older, each two-hour session will explore one unique strategy that participants can use to engage — ethically, responsibly, and humbly — with current events.
Date: May 3 - June 28
Entry Fee: $50
Details here.
SOUTHAMPTON WRITERS CONFERENCE
Held in Southampton, New York, on the campus of Stony Brook Southampton, we offer five immersive days of high-level workshops, lectures, and panel discussions led by acclaimed authors, editors, and industry professionals. Participants can hone their craft in fiction, poetry, memoir, children's lit, and more. In and out of the classroom, the conference fosters a supportive environment, encouraging collaboration and creative growth. Open mics and social events provide opportunities for attendees to build community. We've got brilliant workshop leaders and guest writers, but they're just part of the equation. You'll find beautiful beaches to inspire you, kind classmates to encourage you, and great lectures to expand your creative vision.
Date: July 9-13
Entry Fee: $950 - $1300
Details here.