July Opportunities 2020
We have compiled a small list of some exciting opportunities with upcoming deadlines for writers and literary organisations alike. Keep up to date with opportunities for writers by signing up to our newsletter and following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Due to the current situation in Wales regarding the Coronavirus, we suggest that anyone interested in taking part contacts the organisers directly for the most up-to-date information.
Language Evolves
A free workshop for science fiction authors and short story competition on the theme of language evolution. This project is organised by Seán Roberts, Hannah Little and Catriona Silvey.
For more information, visit https://correlation-machine.com/langEvolves.html or email Seán.
Gwylllion Magazine Submissions
Gwyllion Magazine are looking for Short Stories, Poetry, Reviews and Fanfiction. They want low fantasy, space opera, pulp fiction, swords-and-sorcery tales of mystery and adventure. They want your weird fiction, your eldritch horror, your wuxia, and your steampunk. They also accept high fantasy, literary fiction, and ‘hard’ science fiction.
For more information, visit: http://gwyllionmagazine.com/submissions/
Hamari Kahani – 11 July
Free writing workshop for Cardiff-based children of Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds between the ages of 7-15. Tell your story of growing up in Cardiff and become part of an illustrated publication. Ran by Hammad Rind as part of Literature Wales’ Platforming Under Represented Writers Programme.
For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hamari-kahani-tickets-109444369054?aff=ebdssbeac&fbclid=IwAR3KM4ODX-0qJKUey_0ZQ1hyzR0ZfPwdNdU46O8tE5KVtvgsx4lpz4TxZA8
Ledbury Poetry Festival International Poetry Competition 2020 – 16 July
Open to all entries of original, previously unpublished work across categories for Adults, Young People (12-17 years) and also Children (11 and under).
First prize of £1,000 cash and a residential course at Ty Newydd Writing Centre. Competition winners (from all categories) also have the opportunity to read their poems at Ledbury Poetry Festival 2021.
For more information, visit: http://www.poetry-festival.co.uk/ledbury-poetry-competition/
Plethu/Weave: Poetry and Dance Collaboration – 17 July
National Dance Company Wales and Literature Wales are working in collaboration to commission fresh short form content fusing dance and poetry from across Wales.
This project is already underway with NDCWales’ dancers; and the Company are now calling for expressions of interest from two Independent dance artists to each work in collaboration with a poet to create a film, up to 90 seconds in length, based on the loose theme of ‘harmony’. The poem will be written in the Cynghanedd form, in any language relevant to Wales, and the dance will consist of a corresponding solo.
For more information, visit: https://ndcwales.co.uk/poetry-and-dance-collaboration
Tŷ Newydd Programme of Virtual Courses – July onwards
We hope to reopen Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre in the near future, but in the meantime we are committed to providing opportunities for writers to hone and diversify their skills. Therefore, we will return virtually with both short taster courses, and longer courses that follows our usual residential pattern.
Visit our courses page to read more about the content of the courses and to book your place: https://www.tynewydd.wales/blog/ty-newydd-programme-of-virtual-courses-launched/
Ten Stories to Make a Difference – 30 July
Pop-Up Projects are commissioning and publishing Ten Stories to Make a Difference: ten original short stories for young readers by ten writers and ten illustrators. To make this venture especially unique, five well-known illustrators will illustrate stories by five emerging writers, and five emerging illustrators will illustrate stories by five well-known writers.
For more information, visit: https://pop-up.org.uk/uncategorized/competition-10-stories-to-make-a-difference/
RSL Giles St Aubyn Awards for Non-Fiction 2020 – 31 July
Now open for submissions for the fourth year of the RSL Giles St Aubyn Awards for first-commissioned works of non-fiction. Open to writers resident in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland. three awards will be presented: one of £10,000, one of £5,000, and one of £2,500 – to provide financial support for talented new writers to complete their first book of non-fiction for a mainstream audience, especially by buying them time for writing or research.
For more information, visit: https://rsliterature.org/award/rsl-giles-st-aubyn-awards-for-non-fiction/
The Highland Book Prize – 19 August
The Highland Book Prize, established in 2017, celebrates the finest published work that recognises the rich talent, landscape and cultural diversity of the Highlands. UK publishers can access a full application pack and entry form to submit their books here:
For more information, visit: http://www.highlandbookprize.org.uk/apply/
Planet Essay Competition 2020 – 1 September
Anyone under 30 is invited to anonymously submit an essay. The brief is extremely broad – the best guide for the kind of material they would be keen to publish is found in Planet itself. They would welcome creative and unconventional ways of exploring the essay form as well as a more traditional style. Prizes: £200, A year’s subscription or renewal, A range of 6 books* published by Planet, Publication of the winning essay in the November 2020 issue of Planet, which marks our 50th anniversary. Runners-up will receive a year’s subscription or renewal.
For more information, visit: https://www.planetmagazine.org.uk/competitions
Wales Poetry Award 2020 – 27 November
After 55 years of publishing contemporary poetry in 212 issues (and counting) of its magazine, Poetry Wales hosts its second year of Wales Poetry Award, a national competition to discover the very best international contemporary poetry. Wales Poetry Award is open to single poem entries from new and established poets from Wales and beyond, with 3 awards and 10 highly commended prizes to be won.
For more information, visit: https://poetrywales.co.uk/award/