Six big opportunities for poets and writers

Poets and writers are always on the lookout for opportunities that will put some spring into their careers. Every year ushers in a new wave of opportunities and those that dare send in their work rise from grass to grace.

The Afro Poetry Times dug deep in the information chambers and mined some opportunities that will add that spectrum of hope.

Here are six opportunities for those who have work and are considering to submit either poetry, prose or other art in 2020.

1. Shoreline of Infinity Science Fiction Magazine

BAME (Black, Asian, and minority ethnic) special edition to be published in June 2020. Entry criteria for this issue is purely by self-definition. We are looking for fresh, innovative SFF stories and poems from right across the spectrum, from the surreal to high octane space operas and everything in between so long as it has a speculative element. Guest editors for this issue are Tendai Huchu (fiction) and Raman Mundair (poetry).

2. The Mainlander #3: The Sprout Issue

The Mainlander is a showcase of emerging voices in arts and literature, are we are now accepting submissions for the third issue. The theme for the third edition is SPROUT, we are interested in works

that explore shifts, trends and the new rhythm of the society from the last decade into the future. We desire submission of works that engages this theme. As 2020 marks the beginning of another decade, we welcome individual expression of new beginning as creatives in this modern fast-paced society.

3. Sarah Maguire Prize £3000 for Poetry in Translation

The Sarah Maguire Prize for Poetry in Translation has been established in the memory of Sarah Maguire (19572017), the founder of the Poetry Translation Centre and champion of international poetry. The prize will be awarded every two years for the best book of poetry from a living poet from Africa, Asia, Latin America or the Middle East in English translation, published anywhere in the world. Winning poets and translators will divide a prize of £3,000.

4. Adda

adda is the online magazine of Commonwealth Writers. We are looking for new writing on the theme of climate change. We seek poetry, fiction and – in particular – non-fiction. Non-fiction submissions can be sent either completed or in the form of a detailed proposed idea/pitch (maximum 500 words). For those sending in a pitch, Commonwealth Writers recommends submitting as far in advance of the deadline as possible.

Deadline: January 31, 2020.

5. Caine Prize for African Writing 2020

The Caine Prize is awarded annually for a short story by an African writer published in English. It is named after the late Sir Michael Caine, former Chairman of Booker plc and Chairman of the Booker Prize management committee for nearly 25 years. The prize has made a call out for entries for its 2020 edition. This entries are to be made by publishers and NOT writers.

6. Agbowo

Agbowó is an afrocentric literary and arts community which has been doing intriguing work in many spheres of the arts. The organisation is looking for submissions for the newest edition of their lit + art Magazine themed “Memory.” They are accepting submissions of poetry, fiction, essay, nonfiction, visual arts, and photography by Africans.

Deadline: March 31, 2020.