Monthly Archives: April 2023

Open Call for Novella Length Fiction, NF, Graphic Novels

Sunspot Lit seeks fiction and nonfiction, including scripts and screenplays, from 29,001 to 49,000 words in their current open call for novella-length prose. 

Graphic novels are included in this call, and should run between 51 and 100 pages. 

Please note that collections are not accepted in this category.

This call is open for only a limited time. Send in your work before the deadline using Submittable or Duotrope.

Open Call for Novelette Length Fiction, CNF, Graphic Novel

Sunspot Lit seeks fiction and nonfiction, including scripts and screenplays, from 17,501 to 29,000 words in their current open call for novelette length works. 

Graphic novels should run 41 to 85 pages. 

Please note that collections are not accepted in this category.

This call is open for only a limited time. Send in your work before the deadline using Submittable or Duotrope.

Open Call for Very Longform Fiction, CNF, Graphic Novel

Sunspot Lit seeks works of fiction or nonfiction, including scripts and screenplays, from 7,501 words up to 17,500 words in their Supernova category. 

Graphic novels should be 26 to 40 pages. 

A single poembetween 11 and 15 pages is also accepted. 

Please note that collections are not accepted in this category.

This call is open for only a limited time. Send in your work before the deadline using Submittable or Duotrope.

Personalized Feedback for Genre Authors

Angel Leya, a staff member of Sunspot Literary Journal, offers feedback on genre fiction, which includes short stories and novel excerpts. She specializes in fantasy and paranormal, with experience in light sci-fi, contemporary romance, and YA.

Leya is the coauthor of the USA Today bestselling book, Shifted (Siren Prophecy series), with over 12 additional novels, novellas, and short stories to her name. She’s been published in  several anthologies, including Fiddlehead Press and The Alliance of YA Authors. She specializes in giving practical advice, with a bent toward characterization and dialog, as well as word flow, breaks in logic, and hooks.

Submissions are capped each month, and the form will shut off once the cap is reached. Visit Sunspot Lit’s Submittable page for options and guidelines.

Rigel 2023: $500 for Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, or Graphic Novel

Authors & Artists Eligible

Rigel is the brightest star in the Orion constellation. Sunspot Lit is looking for the single short story, novel, novella, artwork, graphic novel, or poem that outshines all the rest. Literary or genre works accepted; the only requirement is quality. 

Rigel offers $500 plus publication to the winner, and offers publication to select finalists. No restrictions on theme or category. The length for prose is restricted to a maximum of 5,000 words for short stories, or ten pages for poetry, scripts, and graphic novels. 

Excerpts from longer works are eligible, should start with the beginning of the manuscript, and must include a synopsis. The synopsis counts toward the entry’s total word/page count. An excerpt selected as the winner or as a finalist will be offered publication only for the submitted sample.

Titles do not count toward the limit for any prose piece. Epigraphs are included in the word count for works of prose. Artwork should consist of a single piece. 

Feedback is available for fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels for an additional fee. This is entirely optional and will not impact the judging process. The written comments will consider the work’s strengths, point out critical weaknesses, and make recommendations for any changes that would make the work stronger. The commentary will be provided 4-6 weeks after the contest closes. 

Open: April 1, 2023

Close: May 31, 2023

Entry fee: $10

Prize: $500 cash and publication for the winner; publication offered to runners-up and finalists. 

Sunspot asks for first rights only; all rights revert to the contributor after publication. Works, along with the creators’ bylines, are published in the next quarterly digital edition an average of two months after contest completion, as well as in the annual print edition. 

Works should be unpublished except on a personal blog or website. Artists offered publication may display their pieces in galleries, festivals or shows throughout the publication contract period.  

Enter as many times as you like, but only one piece per submission. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please withdraw your piece if it is published elsewhere before the winner is selected. Enter through Submittable or Duotrope (Duotrope’s form will be available soon).

Open Call for Novella Length Fiction, NF, Graphic Novels

Sunspot Lit seeks fiction and nonfiction, including scripts and screenplays, from 29,001 to 49,000 words in their current open call for novella-length prose. 

Graphic novels are included in this call, and should run between 51 and 100 pages. 

Please note that collections are not accepted in this category.

This call is open for only a limited time. Send in your work before the deadline using Submittable or Duotrope.