Calls for Submissions
Tom Holmes’ The Line Break is one of the best resources I’ve found for presses with open reading periods. Divided by month, the list is updated frequently.
Entropy includes monthly “Where to Submit” links as part of their standard content; information changes based on what’s open, so be sure to check back frequently.
Poets & Writers online provides access to a searchable database of literary magazines, presses, and residency programs for writers of poetry, nonfiction, and fiction. The resource “is the primary source of information, support, and guidance for creative writers. Founded in 1970, it is the nation’s largest nonprofit literary organization serving [writers].”
Newpages.com is “news, information, and guides to literary magazines, independent publishers, creative writing programs, alternative periodicals, indie bookstores, writing contests, and more.”
The ReviewReview includes an alphabetized, searchable database of literary magazines and presses. It also has an excellent blog, interview section, and is one of the few resources publishing reviews of literary magazines.
My favorite resources, though it is a paid subscription, is Duotrope. With an excellent search feature and submissions tracker, Duotrope helps writers keep up with submissions (and keep track of where their work is going).
Conferences & Workshops
The largest writers’ conference is AWP (the Association of Writers & Writing Programs) held each year in a major city. AWP “is an essential annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Each year more than 12,000 attendees join our community for four days of insightful dialogue, networking, and unrivaled access to the organizations and opinion-makers that matter most in contemporary literature.”
Sewanee Writers’ Conference in the hills of Sewanee, Tennessee “will gather a distinguished faculty to provide instruction and criticism through workshops and craft lectures in poetry, fiction, and playwriting.”
The Meacham Writers Workshop takes place each spring and fall at The University of Tennessee Chattanooga and Chattanooga state. Workshops are free and the “programs consists of readings, discussion sessions, and group conferences. The philosophy of the workshop is to provide support but also honest and direct criticism for developing writers. The atmosphere is informal, and there are many opportunities for lunch and other casual meetings. The conference welcomes non-writers who are avid readers of contemporary prose and poetry, as well as school groups.”
Sponsored by Humanities Tennessee, the Southern Festival of Books brings together hundreds of writers and thousands of participants every year. Featuring well-known bestsellers and those just starting out, SoFest is a great opportunity to see your favorite writers in action (and to present your own work).
Residencies
Be an artist-in-residence in a National Park! Many NPS locations offer programs open to artists of all types (including writers); residencies are available throughout the year.
While Poets & Writers has an extensive list of literary journals and presses, the list of residencies and conferences is also user-friendly and easily searchable. It’s the best database of residencies I’ve found and, as the website states, “the database includes details about over two hundred writing conferences, writers residencies, and literary festivals.”
Tennessee Local
Humanities Tennessee is “dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, civil discourse, and an appreciation of history, diversity, and community among Tennesseans.” With a focus on integrating art into the daily life of Tennesseans, Humanities Tennessee is involved with the Southern Festival of Books, Chapter 16, and The Partnership for Public Humanities.
A community of local readers, writers, and “passersby,” Chapter 16 is truly a literary gateway for locals (and non-locals) alike.
The mission of the Tennessee Arts Commission is to “cultivate the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities.” This means supporting arts education, building community, and supporting artists with grants and arts funding opportunities.
The Clarksville Writers’ Conference includes “sixteen writing workshops and presentations at Austin Peay State University” as well as numerous readings, book-signings, and events.
The Porch Writer’s Collective does a lot of good work in and around Nashville: “That means offering Nashvillians and Middle Tennesseans exciting, accessible opportunities to create as well as consume – to tell their stories, craft their own narratives, learn with and from mentors, and collaborate with other artists…giving our city’s youth access to those same opportunities for creative expression—and in the process instilling in them the confidence and life skills that come with crafting a vision of one’s world with words… creating a space where all members of the Nashville community can come together to experience the power of the written word and share resources…[and] doing all of these things in an effort to nourish a thriving, progressive literary culture worthy of our world-class city.”
Misc.
I’ve been raving about it after using the service in my poetry workshops, and the Journal of the Month subscription service deserves those accolades. Whether you are teaching creative writing or you’re a patron of literary journals looking to add more variety to your reading list, Journal of the Month is an excellent resource. For questions about how I integrate the classroom program into my courses, feel free to contact me HERE.
Andrea Spofford 