12 Open Opportunities for African Writers
Up to $2000, Publication, Funded Travel, Jobs, Workshops
This newsletter is published every Wednesday.
1. Trippy and Loud Poetry Contest (Nigeria)
The organisers of the Trippy and Loud Festival, Osun State, Nigeria, are inviting interested poets to submit poems under the theme: For the Love of My City.
Deadline: 10th June 2024. | Prize: N25,000
To submit:
Email your entries to trippyandloud@gmail.com
2. PencilMarks and Scribbles Magazine: Call for Essays
For their June anthology PencilMarks is doing a collection of essays. The theme of the collection is “You can do big things from a small place.” They want personal essays, memoirs or monologues written about extraordinary consistent acts that have changed lives from a seemingly small place. Something amazing that you have witnessed.
Deadline: 15th June 2024. | Pay: unstated
To submit:
Submissions are to be between 900-1000 words and should be sent to scribblesmagbyrara@gmail.com with the theme as a header.
Also attach your name and a 100 word reason as to why you chose that particular narrative.
3. Anansi: Call for Submissions
Flame Tree is producing a hardcover series brimming with myths and short stories. Each book brings back to life a classic mythological or folkloric figure, with completely new stories alongside the original tales. For the book on Anansi (West African & Jamaican trickster folk hero), they are requesting submissions which explore new angles to the character: have him follow alternative paths, present different viewpoints, imagine new futures, or perhaps pursue story lines that are hinted at in the original tales.
Deadline: 23rd June 2024. | Pay: from $180 per piece
Things to note:
Multiple submissions are fine but must be in separate emails.
Simultaneous submissions are fine but you must have the right to license your story in an anthology.
They will aim to read each story and confirm its status within 4 months of the submission deadline.
Payment for the chosen stories will be made within 30 days of the final advertised publication date (see our website flametreepublishing.com for details), although some may be paid earlier than that.
Submission does not imply the right to publication. Each story will be read and assessed by the selection panel.
Let us know in your submission email whether your story would be a reprint or is currently unpublished.
Submit to anansi@flametreepublishing.com
4. Umuofia Arts and Books Anthology: Call for Submissions
Umuofia Arts and Book Festival is a literary festival created in honour of Chinua Achebe to foster the advancement of literary and artistic culture in Igbo land (but is inclusive of the global world). Named after Umuofia, the fictional village in which Achebe’s iconic novel Things Fall Apart was set, Umuofia Fest is now accepting poems, fiction, nonfiction, and essays for its anthology.
Deadline: 30th June 2024 | Pay: Unstated
Submission guidelines:
Submissions should be type-written, Times New Roman font, size 12 pt.
Max word count is 4000 words for all categories.
Email subject heading should contain the title of your submission and genre.
Email submissions to umuofiabookfestival@gmail.com.
Source: Brittle Paper
5. Altitude Press Flash Fiction: Call for Submissions
Altitude Press is an emerging small press specializing in fiction and nonfiction in the middle grade, young adult, and adult categories. They are requesting submissions for their 2024 Flash Fiction Anthology on the theme ‘Dogs’.
Deadline: 1st July 2024. | Pay: $20
Guidelines:
Please send your thoroughly beta read, edited, and polished flash fiction submission of 1,500-2,000 words plus a short bio (a 3 to 6-sentence paragraph written in third person) in the text box of an email (no attachments, please) to: altitudepress@protonmail.com
Genres and categories accepted:
Literary, Romance, Sci-Fi & Spec Fic, Mystery, Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retellings, Historical Fiction, Humor/Satire, Paranormal, Magical Realism, and others.
No horror (spooky is okay), gratuitous violence, or erotica, please. No essays, CNF, poetry, or anything that isn’t fiction.Reader Demographic: Young Adult to Adult.
Include “Dog Flash Fiction” in the subject line to help us filter out spam.
Initial response time is typically within 72 hours, but this may vary slightly due to holidays, etc.
Submission guidelines are subject to change without notice.
6. The AprilCentaur Prize 2024
The AprilCentaur Network poses as an online literary magazine with an approach to building a network of creatives in multiple fields. They organise contests for the sake of amassing talents, and aim to provide selected participants with a regular and recurring income. They are currently accepting short stories for their second contest.
Timeline: 1st July 2024. Prize: Total of $2000
Guidelines:
We only accept one submission per person, so send in your best work.
All participants must be between 16 and 30 years old.
Word count is 3000-5000.
Please email your submission as a Word document attachment to theaprilcentaurprize@gmail.com. Include a five-line bio in the body of the email. Only previously unpublished works would be reviewed and considered.
For more information see here.
7. Grant Writing Workshop: Eastern Nigeria Film & Art Initiative
The Eastern Nigeria Film & Art Initiative is hosting a free online grant writing workshop for interested writers and creatives.
Deadline: 9th July (Registration). | Prize: free workshop
Details:
The speaker is Ike Nnaebue (film director)
Participants will learn:
Learn how to find funding opportunities for special projects.
Learn how to write an effective grant application.
Have the opportunity to ask questions in the live Q&A session
To register click here.
8. Cassava Republic African Women Non-Fiction Writing Workshop
This workshop is part of Cassava Republic’s mission to increase Black women’s participation in the nonfiction space. The residential workshop will take place in September over 10 days. Aspiring editors will have the opportunity to learn all the skills and techniques to be a great nonfiction editor; they will share and improve their editing skills, culminating in a final essay that they will edit to be published in an anthology by Cassava Republic Press.
Deadline: 10th July 2024. | Prize: Funded travel + workshop
To apply:
They are asking for a CV and cover letter. The cover letter should include your editorial philosophy – what do you believe the role of an editor is and how do you approach a piece of writing as an editor.
They are accepting submissions via this link.
9. The Nurubian is Hiring Writers
The Nurubian, we are looking for talented writers who can help us bring a refined African perspective to the forefront of socio-economic discourse. Their readership is comprised of curious minds, academics, global citizens, and diplomats who are eager for well-researched and thought-provoking articles. By writing for The Nurubian, you will contribute to shaping the dialogue around key socio-economic issues, making a meaningful impact in the intellectual and cultural spheres.
Deadline: Unstated. | Pay: Unstated | Location: Remote
Requirements:
Passion for Storytelling: You have a knack for crafting compelling narratives that engage and inform.
Research Skills: You can dive deep into topics, uncovering insights and presenting them in a clear, accessible manner.
Apolitical/Moderate Perspective: You maintain an objective, unbiased approach in your writing, focusing on presenting facts and balanced viewpoints. This is a deal breaker.
Flexible Social Interaction: You possess social tactfulness and strong negotiation skills, making you adaptable in various social contexts.
Self-Regulatory: You can remain calm and demonstrate inner strength, honesty, empathy, and control in your interactions.
Internationally Astute: You are comfortable with cultures and norms different from your own, able to rapidly adjust and handle discomfort, and can put politics aside where appropriate. In addition, you understand and respect the complexities of global societies of African descent and are committed to presenting diverse perspectives. This is a deal breaker.
Strategically and Tactfully Mindful: You can think on your feet while operating within a given framework, showing strategic and tactical mindfulness.
Attention to Detail: Your writing is polished and precise, reflecting our commitment to quality journalism.
Professionalism: You meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and work well in a collaborative setting. This is a deal breaker.
10. Fit&Well is Seeking Fitness Stories
Fit&Well helps you live a healthier, longer, and happier life. Their editor is seeking pitches for fitness stories. They’re particularly keen on first-person pieces.
Deadline: Unstated. |. Pay: from $130
Instructions:
Email your pitches to ruth.gaukrodger@futurenet.com
Technical Writing
11. Food for Mzansi is hiring a Technical Journalist
Food For Mzansi is a dynamic media group committed to telling the story of agriculture in South Africa. As a leading voice in agricultural journalism, they are seeking a passionate and driven technical journalist to join our team.
Deadline: 29th July 2024 | Pay: Unstated | Location: Paarl (Hybrid)
Qualifications:
Tertiary qualification in agricultural sciences.
Strong language abilities and excellent communication skills.
Curiosity and a keen interest in agricultural and topics.
Energetic and enthusiastic with a proactive approach to learning.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Requirements:
Strong writing and research skills.
Ability to work to tight deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
Advanced understanding of agricultural practices.
Valid drivers licence.
Send application to info@foodformzansi.co.za
Prose of the Week
Instant Coffee | Amanda Nechesa
You grow up in this interior village in Kakamega, and the only time you hear the word coffee is when you’re playing the rope game of tea and coffee. Two girls swing the rope on each side, singing in Swahili: between tea and coffee which one do you choose?And you say tea every time as you skip, because the word coffee sounds foreign coming out of your tongue…
Poetry of the Week
Shayo | Tolu Fowowe
When you’re two bottles deep,
and you begin to feel that trap door
sliding open from underneath you,
Maybe, begin to say maybe…
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Ke u lakaletsa lehlohonolo (I wish you luck—Sesotho, Lesotho.)