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There are loads of free literary contests in April, some with substantial prizes. All genres and forms are included, from humorous poetry, to short fiction, to full length-works, both published and unpublished. Some of these contests have age and regional restrictions, so be sure to read the full guidelines before submitting. Good luck! Note : I post a list of free upcoming contests the last week of every month. But if you want to get a jump on contests, the tab labeled " Free Contests " is regularly updated. Be sure to check there for future and past contests. _______________________________ Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest . Now in its 15th year, this contest seeks today's best humor poems, published and unpublished. Please enter one poem only, 250 lines max.  Prize : $2,250 in prizes, including a top prize of $1,000, and publication on Winning Writers.  Deadline : April 1, 2016.  Submission form   HERE . Harold U. Ribalow Prize .  Genre : Fiction on a J...

Here are 29 calls for submissions during the month of April. All genres and styles are represented, including poetry, creative non-fiction, essays, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, translation, speculative fiction, screenplays, and graphic art. Happy submitting! Note : I post upcoming calls the last week of every month. You can find more sources for open calls on the tab labelled " Calls for Submissions ." ____________________ Stories of Music Genres : Creative nonfiction (personal essays, memoir excerpts, and literary journalism), poetry, photography and art, videos, and audio recordings, and additional genres and styles, as long as music is the centerpiece and the story is true . Payment : $200 (US dollars), a copy of the print edition Deadline : April 1, 2016 ____________________ Impact: Colonialism in Canada Anthology The anthology will feature works from emerging and established Indigenous-Canadian writers, and will focus on the effects of colonialism in Canada ...

Spring has sprung, and writers are thawing out! There are conferences springing up all over the country in April. Topics range from the nuts and bolts of how to get published, to how to write fight scenes, to how to write science for children. There are workshops with authors and industry professionals, as well as critique groups, pitch sessions, and informal schmoozing. For writers, who spend so much time in solitary pursuits, writers' conferences are exciting and rewarding experiences. I encourage you to attend one. Even if it's a one-day workshop, you will be invigorated. Note : For a month-by-month listing of conferences, see Writing Conferences . _____________________ University of North Dakota Writers Conference . April 6 - 8, 2016. Grand Forks, North Dakota. This year’s theme is “The Art of Science.” The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as panel discussions and readings. Participating authors include poet Katharine Coles;...

Updated 5/18/21 It seems personal essays are all the rage lately. Even otherwise stodgy publications are turning to them as a means of drumming up clientele. (I blame blogs.) In case you are wondering what a personal essay is, it's any nonfiction story written in first person. Personal essays always involve a true experience, especially one that evokes emotions that speak to a broader audience. Like the short story, personal essays are structured, have a theme, and usually involve a moral or message of some kind. Some literary journals and niche magazines are willing to pay substantially for these essays, so devoting a few hours to writing one is worth your consideration. Read submission guidelines carefully. Many of these publications only read during submission periods. ____________________ For additional markets for personal essays see : Writing to Heal 20 Places to Publish Personal Essays 325 Paying Markets for Short Stories, Poetry, Nonfiction For more paying markets go to :  ...