News

Australian Book Review welcomes entries to the 2023 ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize, one of the world's leading prizes for an original short story. The prize – worth a total of AU$12,500 – is open to all writers writing in English. The winner will receive $6,000, second place will receive $4,000, and third place will receive $2,500. The submission period ends April 24, 2023.

ABR seeks original short stories of between 2,000 and 5,000 words on any subject and in any style.

This year, the ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize is judged by Gregory Day, Jennifer Mills, and Maria Takolander.

Entry costs AU$20 for current ABR subscribers or AU$30 for non-subscribers*. Entrants who are not current ABR subscribers can choose to subscribe when submitting their story for the special combined rates listed below:

Entry + ABR digital one-year subscription – $90

Entry + Print one-year subscription (Australia) – $110

Entry + Print one-year subscription (NZ and Asia) – $190

Entry + Print one-year subscription (Rest of World) – $210

Note: Please use the online entry form to submit your story. Click here for more information about past winners. Before entering the Jolley Prize, all entrants must read the Terms and Conditions. Before contacting ABR with a question, please read their Frequently Asked Questions.

Note: The value of an Australian dollar is less than a US dollar. To see the conversion value, select this currency exchange calculator.

Missouri Review announces the submission opening for The Perkoff Prize, a tri-genre contest that awards $1,000 and publication each to writers of the best story, set of poems, and essay that engage in evocative ways with health and medicine as judged by the editors. DEADLINE: March 15.

Guidelines:

● All submissions must engage with health and medicine in some way.

● All submissions must be previously unpublished.

● Poetry: up to 10 pages of poetry.

● Fiction and Nonfiction: up to 8,500 words, double-spaced.

● Winners will be published in print issue of the Missouri Review.

● All entries will be considered for publication (whether in print, or as part of our Poem of the Week or Blast features).

● Multiple submissions and simultaneous submissions are welcome, but you must pay a separate fee for each entry and withdraw the piece immediately if accepted elsewhere.

● Current University of Missouri students and faculty are ineligible.

● Standard Entry fee: $15. Each entrant receives a one-year subscription to the Missouri Review in digital format (normal price $24).

● “All Access” Entry fee: $30. In addition to the one-year digital subscription to the Missouri Review, the “All Access” entry fee grants access to the last 10 years of digital issues and the audio recordings of each digital issue.

Submit online or by mail.

For thirty years, Austin Film Festival has been catapulting writers into life-changing careers. With one of the most noteworthy competitions among Hollywood tastemakers, AFF consistently yanks newcomers from the isolation of their desks and ushers them into the bustling world of film and television. Their Script Competition for 2023 is open for entries! At the Austin Film Festival, they hope to give storytellers the opportunity to share their voices and have a chance at getting discovered in the industry.

● Early Deadline: March 23, 2023

● Regular Deadline: April 18, 2023

● Late Deadline: May 25, 2023

Additionally, here is a discount code! AFFWG23

In addition to feature screenplays and teleplay pilots and specs, they also accept short screenplays, digital series scripts, stage plays, and fiction podcast scripts. More information on all script competitions can be found here: Austin Film Festival Script Competitions

for a new and different kind of book:

Mary’s Vision: Mary Magdalene and the Quest for Gender Equality, by Philip R. Pryde

When? Sunday, February 12, 2023, 2:30 - 4:15 p.m.

Where? Warwick’s of La Jolla, 7812 Girard Avenue, La Jolla

Mary’s Vision: Mary Magdalene and the Quest for Gender Equality is an historical novel set in first century Palestine and Gaul. Its storyline is Mary’s desire to teach about her mentor, Jesus, despite the strict paternalism of that time which forbade women to instruct men. Mary’s Vision casts her as an early seeker of gender equality, determined to spread Jesus’s words regardless of the dangers. The book offers a plausible and inspiring life story for this fascinating but little understood, and often misrepresented, female apostle.

For more information about the book or Mary Magdalene, see Mary's Vision: Mary Magdalene and the Quest for Gender Equality

San Diego’s Independent Bookstores that Offer Signing Events

Bay Books, Coronado The store specializes in new titles, indie favorites, military history, young adult and children's books. It provides book reviews on their website: https://www.baybookscoronado.com/book-reviews. | 1007 Orange Ave | Coronado CA 92118 |

619.435.0070. | They only order books from Ingram Sparks.

The Book Catapult An independent bookstore in South Park; they carry exclusively debut books, and though small they do events. 3010-B Juniper Street | San Diego, CA 92104 | (619) 795-3780 | info@thebookcatapult.com | https://www.thebookcatapult.com.| They only order books from Ingram Sparks.

Book Star, Barnes and Noble in Loma Theatre. | 3150 Rosecrans Place | San Diego, CA 92110 | (619) 225-0465. Also Barnes and Noble at Hazard Center | 7610 Hazard Center Drive #315 | San Diego, CA 92108 | 619) 220-0175. They have author virtual events for all genres. Each Barnes & Noble store will negotiate with a self-published author if they believe your book will sell at their store location.

Libelula Books focuses on Chicano and indigenous peoples in San Diego. They have in- and outdoor events and rent equipment for events. | info@libelulabooksandco.com | 950 S 26th St | San Diego, CA 92113| 619.775.4040 | Accepts self-published authors.

Meet Cute Romance Bookstore is a feminist bookshop focusing on romance books in North Park. They feature signing and bookpod events for romance genre books. Accepts self-published authors. https://meetcutebookshop.com/ | 4048 30th Street | San Diego, CA 92104| 619-228-9548

Mysterious Galaxy specializes in fantasy, science fiction, young adult, mystery and horror. They have signing events, many are virtual. Go to https://www.mystgalaxy.com/Contact-MG and fill out their form. They also have a writers’ group on the 2nd and 4th Sundays 4:30-6:30 PM. Newcomers are welcome. | 3555 Rosecrans St #107 | San Diego, CA 92110 | 619-539-7137. Accepts self-published authors.

Verbatim Bookstore carries over 200 local authors. Located in North Park at 3793 30th Street | San Diego, CA 92104 | 619-701-7466. Accepts self-published authors.

Events: Things to know before contacting Verbatim Bookstore about hosting your event:

As a primarily used bookstore, they rarely host traveling authors that they do not already sell in the store. Please do not contact them with sales pitches or attempts to get them to purchase new titles, they will not be able to respond to these messages.

They never buy books via Ingram or Amazon.

Since they don’t want to “play favorites,” they rarely host events for individual authors. If you would like to put together a lineup of authors/poets/etc. (as opposed to just one person) they will be much more likely to want to host that event!

They don’t really do the traditional “book signings” and prefer to do events that are engaging and experiential. They are looking for events that bring their patrons readings, discussions, multiple perspectives, etc.

Their events are always free to the public.

Warwicks Bookstore Located in the Village of La Jolla, Warwick’s is the country’s oldest continuously family-owned and operated bookstore. Beyond books, Warwick’s proudly hosts regular events. (858) 454-0347 | 7812 Girard Avenue | La Jolla, CA 92037. Self-published are covered in their “Weekend with Local Authors.” Learn more at: authors@warwicks.com.

Review Services for the Self-Published Authors

• Amazon Publishing - The full-service publishing arm of Amazon is composed of a number of imprints including AmazonEncore, AmazonCrossing, Montlake Romance, Thomas & Mercer, and 47North. Check the blog page at: How to get reviews for tips and advice.

• Kirkus Indie: For a nominal fee, Kirkus Reviews offers a review service for independent and self-publishers. Kirkus reviews are typically fewer than 300 words, and include summary content to give context along with a concise, unbiased opinion that can be positive, negative or neutral.

• American Library Association: Marketing to Libraries - By far the largest association for writing related topics. Go to the Reviews section to find a list of professional review magazines, journals, and newspapers. Fee for membership required, however there is no fee to access information on their website.

• BookLife - As part of Publishers Weekly, BookLife offers reviews. Check the Review Submissions Guidelines page to see if your book qualifies. If selected it means your book will be judged by professional standards, the same standards Publishers Weekly applies.

• Midwest Book Review - The Midwest Book Review gives priority consideration to small publishers, self-published authors, academic presses, and specialty publishers whenever possible. Reviewing print books/CDs/DVDs is always free of charge.

Reference: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/news-events/localauthors/resources#community

Adventures By the Book announces Super Book IV: a San Diego Adventure featuring 22 New York Times/bestselling authors including half-time speakers Julia Whelan and Allison Winn Scotch

About the Live and In-Person Adventure

Virtual registration is now available!

It’s kickoff time! No, this isn’t about Super Bowl; this is about Super Book IV, and you are invited!

Join the team of 22 renowned authors, including half-time speakers, renowned audio book narrator and author Julia Whelan and New York Times bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch, who will give book enthusiasts and reading fans the experience of a lifetime, complete with national anthem, special half-time presentation, four quarters of excitement, and crowd-pleasing food, scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 16, 2023. at:

Admiral Baker Golf Course Clubhouse, 2400 Admiral Baker Rd #3604, San Diego, CA 92124

Registration

Available at the link to Adventures by the Book website at the bottom of this post—scroll all the way to the bottom of the page. Your choice of End Zone Registration ($140) and/or MVP add-on ($25) to request seating with your favorite author (limited availability).

And, they are now offering Virtual Registration ($35), which includes a Zoom link to view the live sessions and either 1 hardcover book or 2 paperback books.

Your ticket includes:

• Daylong Adventure featuring up to 22 New York Times and bestselling authors

• FREE copy of Thank You for Listening paperback book by Julia Whelan

• FREE copy of The Rewind paperback book by Allison Winn Scotch

• $25 reduced early bird ticket pricing available for the first 50 Adventurers

• Custom Super Book tote bag

• Continental breakfast

• Crowd-pleasing gourmet boxed lunch

• Collectible event program

• Seating at lunch tables with an author

• VIP option available to seat with your favorite author (limited availability)

• Multiple book signing autographing opportunities with all authors

• Photo ops with authors

• Meet and greet opportunities with the authors

• Books provided for sale and signing

• National anthem performance

• Four quarters of author activities

• Half-time presentation

• Discounted block of hotel rooms

• Fun prizes and giveaways

• …and much more

Book Pre-Sales

Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Or, pre-order copies using THIS ORDER FORM and then email completed forms to Amber at events@adventuresbythebook.com. Please note, only books purchased at the event or pre-purchased will be eligible for signing at the event.

For complete information, including a list of the speakers check out Adventures By the Book website: https://adventuresbythebook.com/event/super-book-iv-2-16-23/

The SDWEG Board of Directors meets each month on the second Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Members are welcome to attend the meetings as observers and will be invited to speak to the Board on topics of interest.

Observing Board meetings is a great way to keep in touch with the Board’s plans and for ensuring the Board knows of your priorities.

If you wish to attend the next Board meeting, send a message to events@sdwritersguild.org by noon Wednesday, February 8.

The San Diego Central Library announces the sixth annual Short Story Contest. The contest, a part of the Local Author Program, continues the support that the Library provides to local writing, and shines a spotlight on local authors who craft short stories. This is a popular program which accepts only 75 submissions.

Stories must not exceed 3,000 words

Submission period:

Begins Monday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Closes after 75 submissions

Winners announced in early May 2023

Rules & Guidelines

• All entries are submitted online during a prescribed schedule set by the San Diego Public Library.

• The contest is open to original, published or unpublished stories.

• Stories that have won and/or placed in other writing contests are not eligible.

• Stories previously accepted in this contest in previous years are not eligible.

• Simultaneous submissions are allowed. You may submit a new story to our contest while it is also being considered for other contests, so long as it has not won or placed at the time of submission.

• Stories should be suitable for a general audience.

• Authors must live in San Diego County.

• Only one (1) story per author.

The winner last year in the 2022 contest was David J. Schmidt for his story “Enter the Laag.” David is a member of SDWEG and served on the Guild’s Board of Directors in 2022.

For more information about prizes and answers to frequently asked questions, see the Library’s webpage: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/short-story-contest

Sun City Library

A member who resides in Riverside County shared this invitation of possible interest to other Guild members who live to the north. Sun City Library, part of the Riverside County Library System, is holding its first Creative Writing Workshop Short Story contest. The theme for the contest is “Heart and Soul.”

Live Reading and Contestants' Brunch will be held Feb 16th at 11 a.m. at the Sun City Library, 26982 Cherry Hills, Menifee, CA 92586.

Submitters must be at least 18 years old. The stories must be under 5,000 words in length. The last day to submit entries is Sunday, February 5, 2023. Send entries to lina.nguyen@rivlib.net.

In addition to the live reading event, there will be prizes and a contestants’ brunch on February 16, at 11 a.m.

San Diego Central Library

The San Diego Central Library announces the sixth annual Short Story Contest. This contest, a part of the Local Author Program, continues the support that the Library provides to local writing, and shines a spotlight on local authors who craft short stories. This is a popular program which accepts only 75 submissions. Submission right as the contest opens is recommended.

Stories must not exceed 3,000 words.

Submission period: Begins Monday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. and closes after 75 submissions have been received.

Winners announced in early May 2023.

The winner last year in the 2022 contest was David J. Schmidt for his story “Enter the Laag.” David is a member of SDWEG and served on the Guild’s Board of Directors in 2022. 

For more information about the San Diego Central Library’s contest, see their website—https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/short-story-contest.