Partial View of Gowanda Correctional Facility with Power Plant in Background at Left, September 1996
Efforts to restrict inmates’ access to books in New York State prisons reveal a troubling disregard for inmates’ right to read and appear to have no reasonable basis, PEN America announced on Monday.
In New York State, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Directive 4911A, put in place December 4, 2017, restricts prisoners’ ability to receive packages and articles: packages must be sent from a list of approved vendors, or face possible rejection. As of January 8, only six vendors are approved to send books. As a result, Directive 4911A prevents inmates from being sent books—including used books or books unavailable through purchase in any catalog—outside of these vendors’ limited lists.
Currently, the Directive is a pilot program, and applies only to three correctional facilities: Greene, Green Haven, and Taconic, with the possibility that the Directive will later be applied to all state facilities.
While this Directive does not restrict access to prison library facilities, NYC Books Through Bars has noted in a January 3 letter to Governor Cuomo that they have received requests for books from prison employees who are “struggling to stock libraries for the general population.”
“The State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision needs to promote moral and responsible prison policies that uphold inmates’ access to information and safeguard the right to read,” said Summer Lopez, PEN America Senior Director of Free Expression Programs. “Directive 4911A, a ruinously over-broad restriction on inmates’ ability to access published materials, goes in the opposite direction. We encourage the Department and the Governor’s office to revoke this ill-considered directive, and to ensure inmates have access to as much outside publications as possible.”
PEN’S ANNUAL PRISON WRITING CONTEST
PEN America Center’s annual writing contest is open to anyone incarcerated in a federal, state or county prison in the year prior to September 1, the annual deadline for poetry, fiction, drama and nonfiction. No submission fees. Cash award for first, second and third place. Details HERE.
Link HERE to read the winning manuscripts from the 2017 contest.
PEN America has run a national prison writing program for over forty years, including the above referrenced contest.
“Founded in 1971, the PEN Prison Writing Program believes in the restorative, rehabilitative power of writing and provides hundreds of inmates across the country with skilled writing teachers and audiences for their work. It provides a place for inmates to express themselves freely and encourages the use of the written word as a legitimate form of power.”
Prisons Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, “seeks a more creative and fulfilling world for both incarcerated and free citizens.”
Manuscript Submission Guidelines All books by prisoners and returning citizens and those who write about them and books by all citizens who donate are welcome for publication.Click Here for further information and submission guidelines for inmates.
Photo credit: Gawanda photograph courtesy of Daniellagreen under CC BY-SA 3.0 license; NY Correctional State Services logo is public domain.
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. PEN champions the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Its mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
2 ELIZABETHS, A Literary Magazine with a Heart for Community publishes flash fiction and poetry. Submission fee. Paying market. Details HERE.
FLORIDA REVIEW, University of Central Florida, accepts submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, graphic narrative, book reviews and interviews year-round . Details HERE.
INTERIM: A JOURNAL OF POETRY & POETICS is open for submissions of poetry, hybrid, translations, essays and book reviews to be considered for its next issue. Deadline March 1. Nominal submission fees. Details HERE.
THE BeZINE, Be Inspired, Be Creative, Be Peace, Be. Submissions for the March issue – themed Peace – closes on February 10 at 11:59 p.m. PST .
New rules: Please send text in the body of the email not as an attachment. Send photographs or illustrations as attachments. No google docs or dropbox or other such. No rich text. Send submissions to bardogroup@gmail.com.
Publication is March 15th. Poetry, essays, fiction and creative nonfiction, art and photography, music (videos or essays), and whatever lends itself to online presentation is welcome for consideration. No demographic restrictions.
Please read at least one issue and the Intro/Mission Statement and Submission Guidelines. We DO NOT publish anything that promotes hate, divisiveness or violence or that is scornful or in any way dismissive of “other” peoples.
The BeZine will be published on quarterly schedule in 2018 and for the foreseeable future:
March 2018 issue, Deadline February 10th. Theme: Peace.
June 2018 issue, Deadline May 10th. Theme: Sustainability
September 2018 issue, Deadline August 10th, Theme: Human Rights/Social Justice
December 2018 issue, Deadline November 10th, Theme: A Life of the Spirit
Suggestions for sub-themes are still being reviewed. Send yours to thebardogroup@gmail.com. (Current suggestions include: domestic abuse, eckphrastic poetry, the meaning/importance of poetry, and restorative justice.)
The BeZine is an entirely volunteer effort, a mission. It is not a paying market but neither does it charge submission or subscription fees.
Previously published work may be submitted if you hold the copyright. Submissions from beginning and emerging artists as well as pro are encouraged and we have a special interest in getting more submissions of short stores, feature articles, music videos and art.
THE MATADOR REVIEW, alternative art and literature, is now accepting submissions for the Spring 2018 publication. They publish poetry, fiction, flash fiction, and creative non-fiction, inviting all unpublished literature written in the English language (and translations that are accompanied by the original text) as well as many forms of visual art. The call for submissions will end February 28.Submission information can be found at: www.matadorreview.com/submissions ; Submissions can be sent to editors@matadorreview.com ; Questions and concerns can be sent to contact@matadorreview.com ; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matadorreview ; Twitter: https://twitter.com/matadorreview
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SATURDAY EVENING POST seeks nonfiction, fiction,
‘lighter side”, cartoons and post-it jokes. Details HERE.
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SESHAT, a Homeschool Literary Magazine named for the Egyptian Goddess of Writing, has an open call for submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, photography, and drama. Adult writers and children over 13 are invited to submit. Deadline for the second issue is February 15. Details HERE.
WEST TEXAS REVIEW is open year-round for submissions to its quarterly journal and is interested in poetry, essays, flash fiction and photography. Details HERE.
WORDRUNNER eCHAPBOOKS is open through January 31 for its spring 2018 themed chapbook anthology. This press reports that it has published 32 online chapbooks – fiction, memoir and poetry. Nominal payment if accepted. Nominal submission fees. Details HERE.
OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH
BRIDGE: THE BLUFFTON UNIVERSITY LITERARY JOURNAL extends an invitation to writers aged 14-24 to submit work that “demonstrates virtuosity an wonder, original writing that delights and challenges us.” Review details for submission.
CONTESTS
2 ELIZABETHS SPECIAL WRITING CONTEST ends on January 31, 2018 for short fiction (up to 6,000 words) and poetry collection. Submission fee. Cash award. Details HERE.
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BROKENPENCIL, The Magazine of Zine Culture and Independent Arts announced that it has extended the deadline for Indie Writer’s Deathmatch 2018 through January 15. “The Deathmatch Short Story Contest, the world’s only and most dangerous interactive short story competition. . . What exactly is the Indie Writer’s Deathmatch? It’s an online battle. The top 16 stories battle it out online complete with reader voting, author trash talk and lots of comments. It’s fun and crazy and all about finding and promoting new voices!” Entry fee. Cash award. Details HERE.
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THE [2019] SEVENTH ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN FICTION CONTEST is hosted by the Saturday Evening Post. The winning story (between 1,500 – 5,000) words will be published in the January/February 2019 issue. Winner and five runner-ups will receive cash awards. Submission fees. Deadline: July 1, 2018. Details HERE.
VITA BREVIS LITERATURE / MONTHLY COMPETITION: There is no paywall or reading free. The editors simply ask that poets send in only one piece of their best work. First place winners will be paid $15 and will be published on the site. Second and third place winners will get an honorable mention and will also be published on the site. Details HERE.
WELLS COLLEGE PRESS, 2018 Chapbook Competition invites submissions of Poetry Chapbooks through January 15, 2018. Entry fee. Cash award and publication. Details HERE.
WEST VIRGINIA WRITERS, INC. hosts writing contests for adults and children living in West Virginia. Online submissions from Jan. 2-Mar. 15, 2018, with a late submissions period between Mar. 16 and Mar. 31, 2018.Contests are open for student writing (Grades 6-8 and 9-12) and adults: short and long poetry, short stories, nonfiction, humor, mystery, and emerging writers prose. Details HERE.
U.S. KIDS COVER ART CONTEST
Residents of the U.S. between the ages of 2 and 12
Artists ages 2-6 years old should enter Humpty Dumpty Magazine‘s contest.
Artists ages 6-12 years old should enter Jack and Jill Magazine’s contest.
A free poetry workshop sponsored by The Reader Berlin and The British Council and hosted by Sharehaus Reguio will be tutored by award-winning UK poet Nick Makoha on 28 January. The workshop is free but places are limited. Registration is obligatory. Sign up here: https://www.surveymonkey.de/r/BritLitWS2018For all enquiries regarding the workshop, please send an email to Lucy Curzon at lucinda.curzon@britishcouncil.de
Registration is now open for the 33rd British Council Literature Seminar. We are delighted that the renowned writer Professor Bernardine Evaristo MBE has agreed to chair the event once again. The seminar will take place at the Werkstatt der Kulturen, Wissmannstr. 32, 12049 Berlin, from Thursday, 25 January, to Saturday, 27 January 2018. The focus will be on gender diversity in contemporary UK writing. Details and registration HERE.
The Annikki Poetry Festival, 9 June 2018, Tempere, Finland “has grown to be one of Finland’s foremost poetry events … Annikki Poetry Festival aims to vitalize contemporary poetics and to put together surprising combinations of performers, as well as redefine the very boundaries of what poetry events can be.” Details HERE.
2018 Palm Beach Poetry Festival will be held for the 14th year at Old School Square in Delray Beach Florida, January 15-20, 2018, a week of poetry, poets, and poetry events. Details HERE.
Cheltenham 2018 Poetry Festival themed “Powerhouse” is scheduled for Wednesday 18 – Monday 30 April 2018 at Venues throughout the town and promises “a rich and electrifying programme of spoken word, poetry, comedy, music, slam, workshops, film, hip hop and dance.” Details HERE.
Cork International Poetry Festival 13-17 February 2018. Details HERE.
Accessible anytime from anywhere in the world:
The Poet by Day always available online with poems, poets and writers, news and information.
The Poet by Day, Wednesday Writing Prompt, online every week (except for vacation) and all are invited to take part no matter the stage of career (emerging or established) or status (amateur or professional). Poems related to the challenge of the week (always theme based not form based) will be published here on the following Tuesday.
The Poet by Day, Sunday Announcements. Every week (except for vacation) opportunity knocks for poets and writers.
THE BeZINE, Be Inspired, Be Creative, Be Peace, Be – always online HERE.
Beguine Again, daily inspiration and spiritual practice – always online HERE. Beguine Again is the sister site to The BeZine.
Rev. Terri Stewart
Terri Stewart (Beguine Again) shares a post-Christmas poem.
The Work of Christmas
by Howard Thurman (1899-1981), African-American poet, theologian, and civil rights leader
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among people,
To make music in the heart.
Vita Brevis Literature (Vita Brevis, The New Poetry Magazine) editors for a successful and tasteful launch this past November and for garnering enough donations to be able to award a small cash prize to the winners of their monthly contest.
YOUR SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS may be emailed to thepoetbyday@gmail.com. Please do so at least a week in advance.
If you would like me to consider reviewing your book, chapbook, magazine or film, here are some general guidelines:
send PDF to jamiededes@gmail.com (Note: I have a backlog of six or seven months, so at this writing I suggest you wait until June 2018 to forward anything. Thank you!)
nothing that foments hate or misunderstanding
nothing violent or encouraging of violence
English only, though Spanish is okay if accompanied by translation
your book or other product should be easy for readers to find through your site or other venues.
TO CONTACT ME WITH ANNOUNCEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION FOR THE POET BY DAY: thepoetbyday@gmail.com
TO CONTACT ME REGARDING SUBMISSIONS FOR THE BeZINE: bardogroup@gmail.com
PLEASE do not mix the communications between the two.
Often information is just that–information – and not necessarily recommendation. I haven’t worked with all the publications or other organizations featured in my regular Sunday Announcements or other announcements shared on this site. Awards and contests are often (generally) a means to generate income, publicity and marketing mailing lists for the host organizations, some of which are more reputable than others. I rarely attend events anymore. Caveat Emptor: Please be sure to verify information for yourself before submitting work, buying products, paying fees or attending events et al.
“Advocacy for literary translators is increasingly important to us. Many of our members are both authors and translators, and with the number of books in translation growing each year, many of which are very high-profile titles, it is important for us to understand the landscape,” said Authors Guild executive director Mary Rasenberger.
The Guild’s translator members are also working with Guild legal staff on a model contract for literary translation, which the Guild is planning to roll out early next year as part of its commitment to merge translators’ concerns into its ongoing Fair Contract Initiative.
The survey confirmed some long-held assumptions, while shedding light on new issues.
Contradicting the belief that royalties for translators are a rarity, nearly half of the respondents reported always or usually negotiating royalties in their contracts. Similarly, over half reported receiving royalty payments, and over half of those whose contracts did not stipulate royalties said it was because the publisher refused.
Two-thirds of translators reported always or usually retaining copyright to their work; over half of those who did not retain copyright said it was because the publisher refused.
Half of the respondents who translate prose (where pay, as a rule, is significantly higher than it is for poetry) reported receiving 13 cents per word or more—slightly higher than the rate the Society of Authors states that UK publishers are prepared to pay. On the other hand, a disturbing number of respondents reported working for subpar rates of 7 cents per word or less.
On the whole, the survey showed that income for literary translators has not changed significantly over the past five years. Although 39% reported spending more than half of their time on translation and translation-related activities, just 17% reported earning more than half of their income from that work.
“It’s so wonderful to have this detailed information about translation contracts and earnings finally available,” said Susan Bernofsky, director of the program Literary Translation at Columbia University and a past chair of the PEN America Translation Committee. “I hope translators across the country will take advantage of the Authors Guild’s contract-vetting service, and also that more publishers will step up as champions of translator-friendly contracts. I’m grateful to the team at the Authors Guild for this significant contribution to translator advocacy.”
About the Survey:
The survey was distributed online in April 2017, to members (approximately 1,200) of the Authors Guild, the American Literary Translators Association, the PEN America Translation Committee, and the American Translators Association’s Literary Division, and was also publicized on social media. The survey was open to all translators, but focused on those who work in the U.S. and/or work predominantly with U.S.-based publishers.
Click here for the main findings of the survey, with commentary and advocacy recommendations.
The Authors Guild has served as the collective voice of American authors since its beginnings in 1912. Its over 9,000 members include novelists, historians, journalists, and poets—traditionally and independently published—as well as literary agents and representatives of writers’ estates. The Guild is dedicated to creating a community for authors while advocating for them on issues of copyright, fair contracts, free speech, and tax fairness.
RELATED:
THE 2018 PEN World Voices Festival will run from April 16-22. Stay tuned for details.
Poetry Translation Centreoffers the poetry of Africa, Asia and Latin America translated into English. It works with communities in diaspora. (Recommended.)
BELLETRIST MAGAZINE is a literary arts journal published out of Bellevue College in Washington state that publishes fiction, nonfiction and poetry online and in print. No submission fees. Details HERE.
DIAPHANOUS PRESS (poetry, short fiction, visual arts) next publication date and window for submissions to be announced. Details HERE.
HUB CITY WRITERS PROJECT, independent press of the American South, publishes eight titles per year of literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, regional nonfiction, nature and art. Query only and only March/April and September/October via Submittable. Details HERE. There is also an interest in “emerging visual artists, illustrators and photographers for book cover collaborations.”
STORM CELLAR, a literary journal of safety and danger, emphasises the Midwestern United States, writing and art. “Two to three issues per year in print and ebook. Free samples up weekly-ish …. Storm Cellar is not wholly serious; whimsy and humor are recurring features in its pages.” Details HERE. (Note: also hosts an annual contest, which usually closes in April. Watch the site for announcements.)
THE BeZINE, Be Inspired, Be Creative, Be Peace, BeDecember issue – themed Spirituality (Spiritual Paradigms, Awakenings, Miracles)call for December issue submissions closes today at 11:59 p.m. PST. NEW RULES: Please send text in the body of the email not as an attachment. Send submissions to me (Jamie) at bardogroup@gmail.com. Publication is December 15th. Poetry,essays, fiction and creative nonfiction, art and photography, music (videos or essays), and whatever lends itself to online presentation is welcome for consideration. No demographic restrictions. Please read at least one issue and the Intro/Mission Statement and Submission Guidelines. We DO NOT publish anything that promotes hate, divisiveness or violence or that is scornful or in any way dismissive of “other” peoples.
The BeZine will go to a quarterly schedule in 2018:
March 2018 issue, Deadline February 10th. Theme: Peace.
June 2018 issue, Deadline May 10th. Theme: Sustainability
September 2018 issue, Deadline August 10th, Theme: Human Rights/Social Justice
December 2018 issue, Deadline November 10th, Theme: A Life of the Spirit
Suggestions for sub-themes are still being reviewed. Send yours to thebardogroup@gmail.com. (Current suggestions awaiting review by the team include: domestic abuse, eckphrastic poetry, the meaning/importance of poetry, and restorative justice.)
The BeZine is an entirely volunteer effort, a mission. It is not a paying market but neither does it charge submission or subscription fees.
Previously published work may be submitted if you hold the copyright. Submissions from beginning and emerging artists as well as pro are encouraged and we have a special interest in getting more submissions short stores, feature articles, music videos and art.
WORLD LITERATURE TODAY, published by the University of Oklahoma, was founded in 1927 and publishes essays, book reviews, fiction, poetry, and interviews. Guidelines HERE.
Xi DRACONIS BOOKS has an open call for creative nonfiction book manuscript submissions for its 2018 production year. Its reading period for 2019 for all genres (novellas, novels, short story collections, memoirs, essay collections, long-form poems, and poetry collections) runs from May 15-August 15, 2018. Details HERE.
CONTESTS
ASSOCIATION OF WRITERS & WRITING PROGRAM (AWP), The Kurt Brown Prizes, for emerging writers in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction “who wish to attend a writers’ conference, center, retreat, festival, or residence.” The prizes ($500) are applied to fees for winners to attend on of the” AWP,s Directory of Conference & Centers. Submissions through March 30, 2018. Details HERE.
HUB CITY WRITERS PROJECT, South Carolina Novel Prize, opens to novels from South Carolina only. Submissions begin January 1, 2018. Details HERE.
HUB CITY WRITERS PROJECT, C. Michael Curtis Short Story Book Prize for emerging writers in thirteen Southern states closes January 1, 2018at noon EST. Award $10,000 and book publication. Details HERE.
SPECTURM Publication house, UK, Weekly Contest. Topic dozen. Through Tuesday, December 12th. International English or Hindi Poetry. Certificate awarded for participation. Post to their Facebook page HERE.
SPECIAL FOR STUDENTS (U.S.)
POETRY OUT LOUD sponsors school-wide, regional, state and national contests to encourage “students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking sills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.” $50,000 in awards for students’ schools. Details HERE.
Together for the First Time: Four Visceral Contemporary Poets, Philip Fried; Rachel Eliza Griffiths; Richard Hoffman; D. Nurkse tonight at The Cornelia Street Cafe, 29 Cornelia Street, New York, 212-989-9319, 6 p.m. $10 admission includes a drink. Details HERE.
Hear Stories! Tell Stories! with Jean le Bec, Asher Novek, Thomas Pryor, and Gianmarco Soresti Tuesday, December 12 at The Cornelia Street Cafe, 29 Cornelia Street, New York, 212-989-9319, 6 p.m. also open mic with sign-up. $10 admission includes a drink. Details HERE.
2018 MASS POETRY FESTIVAL (“Mass” as in Massachusetts), MAY 4-6. Details HERE.
VERVE, A Birmingham (England) Festival of Poetry & Spoken Word, February 15 – 18, 2017. Details HERE.
The Annikki Poetry Festival, “one of Finland’s foremost poetry eventS … has expanded to also include prose, music and the visual arts.” June 9, 2018. Details on the Festival’s Facebook page and its website.
Tomorrow night in Israel:
Accessible anytime from anywhere in the world:
The Poet by Day always available online with poems, poets and writers, news and information.
The Poet by Day, Wednesday Writing Prompt, online every week (except for vacation) and all are invited to take part no matter the stage of career (emerging or established) or status (amateur or professional). Poems related to the challenge of the week (always theme based not form based) will be published here on the following Tuesday.
The Poet by Day, Sunday Announcements. Every week (except for vacation) opportunity knocks for poets and writers.
THE BeZINE, Be Inspired, Be Creative, Be Peace, Be – always online HERE.
Beguine Again, daily inspiration and spiritual practice – always online HERE. Beguine Again is the sister site to The BeZine.
KUDOS TO:
Amy Barry for publication in A New Ulster.
Kinga Fabó for the publication of six poems in French in an international magazine, The Opiate.
Myra Schneider for the latest of fourteen collections, Lifting The Sky, which is on the theme of survival [from every viewpoint – all to relevant in these times] to be published next autumn Ward Wood Publishing (U.K.). Will announce here at The Poet by Day or follow Myra’s poetry site HERE.
Next Line, Please, David Lehman, The American Scholar (“Each Tuesday, our readers contribute a new line of verse—or a completed poem—in collaboration with a renowned poet.”)
SPECIAL REQUEST (deadline today at 11:59 p.m. PST): More and more magazines are charging submission fees and these are in some cases going up. The highest I encountered recently was $23 for the submission of one poem. Sometimes the publication pays writers and poets. Sometimes it doesn’t. This is not new, of course. Its been going on for some years now. It makes me wonder how much of a barrier that creates for writers. I’m collecting material on how you feel about these charges as a poet/writer and/or editor. Fair? Not fair? Okay depending on rate? Okay depending on whether they pay poets and writers? That sort of thing. I do plan to share the results of this informal survey at The Poet by Day. I won’t quote you by name without first getting your permission. Please let me know your thoughts about submission fees in the comments section below or by email: thepoetbyday@gmail.com. Thank you! J.D.
YOUR SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS may be emailed to thepoetbyday@gmail.com. Please do so at least a week in advance.
If you would like me to consider reviewing your book, chapbook, magazine or film, here are some general guidelines:
send PDF to jamiededes@gmail.com (Note: I have a backlog of six or seven months, so at this writing I suggest you wait until June 2018 to forward anything. Thank you!)
nothing that foments hate or misunderstanding
nothing violent or encouraging of violence
English only, though Spanish is okay if accompanied by translation
though your book or other product doesn’t have to be available through Amazon for review here, it should be easy for readers to find through your site or other venues.
TO CONTACT ME WITH ANNOUNCEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION FOR THE POET BY DAY: thepoetbyday@gmail.com
TO CONTACT ME REGARDING SUBMISSIONS FOR THE BeZINE: bardogroup@gmail.com
PLEASE do not mix the communications between the two.
Often information is just that–information – and not necessarily recommendation. I haven’t worked with all the publications or other organizations featured in my regular Sunday Announcements or other announcements shared on this site. Awards and contests are often (generally) a means to generate income, publicity and marketing mailing lists for the host organizations, some of which are more reputable than others. I rarely attend events anymore. Caveat Emptor: Please be sure to verify information for yourself before submitting work, buying products, paying fees or attending events et al.
In New York State, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Directive 4911A, put in place December 4, 2017, restricts prisoners’ ability to receive packages and articles: packages must be sent from a list of approved vendors, or face possible rejection. As of January 8, only six vendors are approved to send books. As a result, Directive 4911A prevents inmates from being sent books—including used books or books unavailable through purchase in any catalog—outside of these vendors’ limited lists.
Jamie Dedes' THE POET BY DAY Webzine 