A list of upcoming publishing opportunities and some tips for submitting.
Throughout the year there are so many publishing opportunities that it can be hard to keep up with them all. For our readers who also enjoy writing, I’ve compiled a list of upcoming deadlines for which many students are eligible. If you’ve got some pieces burning a hole in your Documents folder or some ideas you’ve been wanting an excuse to dig into, here are some contests and literary magazines currently open for submissions!
For those of you who haven’t submitted before, or even those who could use a refresher, I will also include some tips for successful submission processes.
SNAPS – February 22nd
To begin this list, I highlight the Coterie’s very own call for submissions: our poetry chapbook SNAPS. Inspiring but not restrictive, for our Spring Issue we’ve chosen the theme “Rebirth,” and are accepting submissions of up to three poems per person until February 22nd. Additionally, Western’s Student Writer-in-Residence, Gray Brogden, will be judging and naming the top three poets, who will receive extra prizes alongside publication in SNAPS. More information can be found on our Instagram page.
Iconoclast Collective – February 25th
Iconoclast is a student-run literary magazine based out of our very own Western University! Funded by the Arts and Humanities Students’ Council, Iconoclast bi-annually publishes a magazine featuring visual art and creative writing from members of the campus community. The current submission period runs until 11:55 p.m. on February 25th, and the current theme is “Witness.” This theme is meant for inspiration, introspection, and interpretation, so don’t let it discourage you from submitting any pieces you fear don’t fit perfectly into its description. An added bonus for those interested in Iconoclast, they usually host a ravishing launch party!
Arts and Humanities Students’ Council Feature Fridays – Ongoing
The AHSC is giving Arts and Humanities students the opportunity to publish their art, writing, and music on the council’s social media pages. With over 1200 followers, students will have a chance for their work to be seen by many students, faculty, locals, alumni, and more. Feature Fridays will be happening weekly, so there is no hard deadline to submit, just fill out the Google Form in AHSC’s Instagram LinkTree.
Toronto Star Short Story Competition – February 28th
Venturing outside of Western’s Campus, the Toronto Star is hosting a writing contest for Ontario residents who are 16 years of age or older. This contest has no entry fee but features monetary prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, as well as publication in the Toronto Star’s printed paper and website. This contest exists in a joint effort between the Toronto Star, the Toronto Public Library, and Humber College – a bonus for the 1st place winner is paid tuition to one of two programs at the Humber School for Writers. The Toronto Star website contains in-depth information regarding the entry process and submission guidelines. Those interested have until 5:00 p.m. on February 28th to enter!
The Writers’ Union of Canada Short Prose Competition – February 19th
The Writers’ Union of Canada is currently running their Annual Short Prose Competition for Emerging Writers until February 29th. They are accepting submissions of 2500 words or less from Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents, with attention to previously unpublished writers looking for an opportunity to showcase their work. There is a fee of $29 per entry with the option for multiple entries per person and specific formatting guidelines. The Writers’ Union is offering a $2500 prize for the winner and will be submitting the winner and other finalists’ pieces to 3 Canadian magazines for publication. This contest has specific parameters for submission, which can be accessed on The Writers’ Union website.
Most of the calls for submissions that I’ve listed are free to enter, and all of them are meant to provide new and emerging writers with the opportunity to publish and celebrate their work. Aside from specified prizes, these contests benefit writers by giving them valuable writing experience for resumes, CVs, and portfolios. Regardless of winning, the act of submitting itself should invoke pride, as it demonstrates bravery and hard work.
To improve your chances when submitting, here are some tips to consider:
Thoroughly read all guidelines. This includes ensuring you and your work are eligible, and that you follow the correct formatting rules. Failure to meet these requirements often results in automatic disqualification.
Proofread carefully. While the odd typo won’t keep you from being published, as copyediting is a part of every publishing process, pieces with many grammar and spelling mistakes are less likely to be considered. The quality of the prose matters just as much as the content.
Read past winners’ and contributors’ work. When possible, read former magazine issues or check out past contest winners to familiarize yourself with the kind of content the organization is looking for. This is especially important when submitting to literary magazines and presses, as they often have specific audiences and genres they cater to.
Give yourself the benefit of the doubt. You can’t be chosen if you don’t submit, and if you aren’t published, then you reserve the right to resubmit the entries to other opportunities. However, I recommend going into each submission period with confidence and excitement; this is, after all, a really cool chance you’re taking, and it might be the start to a new chapter in your writing career.