Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about WritingDeadline.com

Can't Find Your Answer?

If you don't see your question answered here, please reach out to us at support@writingdeadline.com

General Questions

What is WritingDeadline.com?

WritingDeadline.com is a comprehensive platform offering curated tools and resources for literary writers. We provide four main services: Callista (submission opportunities database), WriteWages (literary industry job board), LitEvents (literary events calendar), and LitQuery (literary-focused search engine). Our goal is to help writers navigate the literary landscape more efficiently.

Is WritingDeadline.com free to use?

Many features of WritingDeadline.com are free to access. Some premium features may require a subscription or one-time payment. We believe in making literary resources accessible while also sustaining our operations to continue providing quality services.

Do I need to create an account?

You can browse much of our content without an account, but creating a free account allows you to save preferences, filter opportunities based on your genre interests, bookmark submissions, and receive personalized notifications about opportunities that match your writing profile.

How often is your information updated?

We update our databases regularly—daily for time-sensitive opportunities like job postings and submission deadlines, and weekly for events and longer-term opportunities. However, external circumstances may cause information to change. We always recommend verifying details directly with the organization before taking action.

Callista (Submissions)

What types of submission opportunities does Callista include?

Callista includes a wide range of submission opportunities including literary magazines, journals, contests, anthologies, chapbook competitions, and other publishing opportunities for poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and essays. We focus primarily on literary and creative writing venues.

How do I filter submissions to find the right opportunities?

Callista offers multiple filter options including genre (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, etc.), submission fee (free, paid, or specific price ranges), payment offered (token, competitive, pro rates), deadline dates, and reading period status. You can combine multiple filters to narrow down opportunities that match your work and preferences.

What do the payment categories mean?

We categorize payment options to help you understand compensation levels:

  • No Payment: Contributor copies only
  • Token Payment: Small honorarium, typically under $25
  • Competitive Payment: Mid-range payment, typically $25-$100
  • Professional Payment: Higher rates, typically $100+

These are general guidelines and actual rates vary by publication.

How can I submit my work to opportunities listed on Callista?

Each listing includes a link to the publication's submission guidelines or submission manager. You'll need to visit the publication's website directly to submit your work. We provide the information and links, but submissions are managed by the individual publications themselves.

Can I submit my publication or contest to be listed in Callista?

Yes! We welcome submissions from literary publications and contest organizers. Please contact us with details about your opportunity, including submission guidelines, deadlines, genres accepted, and payment information. We review all submissions to ensure they meet our quality standards and are appropriate for our community.

WriteWages (Jobs)

What types of jobs are listed on WriteWages?

WriteWages features positions across the literary industry including editorial roles, publishing house positions, literary agency jobs, writing center and MFA program faculty, freelance editing opportunities, marketing and publicity roles, and administrative positions in literary organizations. We focus on careers that keep you connected to literature and writing.

Are these jobs only for experienced professionals?

No! WriteWages includes opportunities at all career levels, from entry-level editorial assistant positions to senior editor roles, from adjunct teaching opportunities to tenured faculty positions. We also list internships, fellowships, and other opportunities suitable for those just starting their literary careers.

How do I apply for jobs listed on WriteWages?

Each job listing includes application instructions and a link to apply directly with the employer. Applications are submitted directly to the hiring organization, not through WritingDeadline.com. Make sure to follow each employer's specific application requirements.

Can employers post job openings on WriteWages?

Yes! Literary organizations, publishing houses, agencies, universities, and other employers in the literary field can submit job postings. Please contact us with details about your position including job description, requirements, compensation, and application instructions. There may be a fee for job postings depending on the posting duration and visibility.

LitEvents (Events)

What kinds of events are listed on LitEvents?

LitEvents features literary readings, book launches, writing workshops, craft seminars, writing conferences, literary festivals, author talks, panel discussions, open mics, and other literary gatherings. We include both in-person and virtual events from around the world.

Are all events free to attend?

No, events vary in cost. Many readings and open mics are free, while workshops, conferences, and festivals typically charge registration fees. Each event listing includes pricing information when available. We encourage you to check the event organizer's website for the most current pricing and registration details.

Can I filter events by location or date?

Yes! LitEvents allows you to filter by location (city, state, country, or virtual), event type (reading, workshop, conference, etc.), date range, and whether the event is free or paid. This helps you find relevant events in your area or events you can attend remotely.

How can I submit an event to be listed on LitEvents?

Event organizers, reading series hosts, conference planners, and individuals hosting literary events can submit their events for consideration. Please provide details including event name, date, time, location (or virtual platform), description, featured writers or topics, cost, and registration information. We review all submissions to ensure they're appropriate for our literary community.

LitQuery (Search)

How is LitQuery different from regular search engines?

LitQuery exclusively indexes literary websites—journals, magazines, author sites, writing organizations, and literary blogs. Unlike general search engines that return results from across the entire internet, LitQuery focuses only on trusted literary sources. This means you get relevant, focused results from the literary community without wading through unrelated content.

What websites are included in LitQuery?

LitQuery indexes established literary magazines, reputable journals, author websites, literary organizations (like AWP, PEN America, Poetry Foundation), writing advice sites, literary blogs, publisher websites, and other trusted sources in the literary community. We carefully curate our index to maintain quality and relevance.

Can I request that a website be added to LitQuery?

Yes! If you know of a quality literary website that should be included in LitQuery, please contact us with the website URL and a brief description of why it would be valuable to our users. We review all suggestions and add sites that meet our quality and relevance standards.

Is LitQuery free to use?

Yes, LitQuery is free to use. We believe writers should have easy access to focused literary search capabilities without barriers.