More pitch calls, grants, contests + events

Slate, Reader's Digest, gal-dem, and more

Hi all! I just got back from a lovely, whirlwind trip to my parents’ in Connecticut where they threw us a baby shower and we did all the ooo-ing and awww-ing over tiny clothes and toys. So I’m just getting back into the swings of things and don’t have an intro essay for you today. But I do have lots of other good stuff to share! Let’s jump right to the fellowship and grant deadlines, and pitch calls from editors. Hope your week is off to a good start.

Education, Funds, Inspiration, Etc.

• Applications for Pacific Islands Story Grants are due 4/30. Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering 12 reporting grants to support the production of in-depth stories that will call attention to critical environmental issues in the Pacific region.

• Submissions to the Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction and Essay Contest are due 4/30. Two prizes of $3,000 each, two-year gift certificates for membership to the literary database Duotrope, and publication on the Winning Writers website are given annually for a short story and an essay.

• The Professional Editors Network is hosting a free workshop on contracts and other legal documents on 5/10. It will offer writers and editors a better understanding of contract language including red flags and how to make sure you get paid.

• Looking for time away to focus on your work? Applications for the Anne LaBastille Memorial Writers Residency are due 5/15. It’s a two-week residency in the Adirondacks for writers.

• You’ve got some time on this one: Applications for the Courage to Write Grants, from The de Groot Foundation are due 5/30. Grants encourage and support emerging voices of all ages. “Writing takes focus, courage and time. The COURAGE TO WRITE grants provide a monetary respite that offers you freedom to focus on your creative process and enhance your craft.”

• I really appreciated this painfully honest perspective on whether or not you should pursue a career in writing, from long-time writer and editor Sari Botton.

• This guide to solutions journalism is super helpful and might inspire some ideas for pitches.

Editors Who Want Your Pitches