Did you make a writing resolution for 2021? Have you struggled with completing resolutions in the past?
It’s all well and good to set writing goals for yourself for the year, but it’s a lot harder to actually achieve those goals. Failing to back up goals with any clear plan or steps to take is a sure-fire way to ensure that those goals remain far out of reach. Sometimes, though, it’s hard knowing where to start.
To make things worse, it can seem impossible getting back into the writing habit after the busy holidays.
Entering writing contests and submitting to anthologies is a great way to start your year of writing off on the right foot. Why? If you don’t know where to start, having a clear, goal with guidelines—such as writing a short story for a fantasy anthology—can be an achievable first step to get you in the writing habit and help you on the way to the rest of your writing goals.
That’s why we’ve collected 3 short story writing opportunities with deadlines this month to jumpstart your year of writing in 2021.
Here’s a pro-tip on how to ensure your work gets selected: talk to a professional who understands what literary journals, writing contests, and publishers look for in submissions. I can work with you on your first 5 pages. You will receive tailored feedback and feel 100% ready to publish. Drop yourself into my calendar here. Spaces are limited.
If these aren’t your thing, no worries. We put out a curated list of the latest publishing opportunities each week. Be sure to check back here in 7 days for 3 more opportunities! Or, you can get on our mailing list to have this list delivered straight to your inbox. Never miss a publishing opportunity again. Click below to sign up.
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The Masters Review Short Story Award For New Writers
Who They Are: From their website: “Founded by Kim Winternheimer in 2011, the Masters Review is an online and in print publication celebrating new and emerging writers. We are on the lookout for the best new talent with hopes of publishing stories from writers who will continue to produce great work.”
What They’re Looking For: Previously unpublished short stories (under 6,000 words) from emerging authors.
What You Can Win: $3000, publication, and agency review.
Deadline: January 31.
Get more information and submit here.
Penfluenza Short Story Contest
Who They Are: From their website: “Welcome to WriteFluence! We feature worthy authors and showcase their talent. We believe in building authors into brands and giving aspiring writers the opportunity to expand their wings on our platform…WriteFluence presents PenFluenza, a short story contest that you cannot resist.”
What They’re Looking For: Penfluenza is looking for fiction short story submissions around the theme “fragrance” from 1500-2000 words.
Deadline: January 31.
Get more information and submit here.
SmashBear Charity Anthology
Who They Are: From their Facebook: “SmashBear Publishing is here to publish authors of genres including fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance and horror.” All profits of the anthology will be donated to Women’s Aid.
What They’re Looking For: “Short stories up to 6,000 words, challenging stereotypes and tropes in Urban Fantasy.”
Deadline: January 20.
Get more information on Smashbear from their website or about the anthology from their Facebook.
Is your work good enough to win?
Many writing contests and anthologies receive thousands of submissions. Are you confident that your work is strong enough to stand out from the rest?
We help writers hone their craft so they can feel confident about submitting their best work to publications or competitions. If you’re serious about winning, you can speak with us to see how we can help you put your best foot forward when you submit your work. Book a call with us today.