Erika Dreifus

A couple of these have been cross-posted in the latest issue of The Practicing Writer 2.0, which features only fee-free calls and competitions that also pay for winning/published work. But since the pool of opportunities that explicitly seek Jewish writing isn’t large, I don’t limit the listings here on My Machberet that way.

A couple more preliminaries: As always, read all submission guidelines carefully. Remember that for a variety of reasons, not every opportunity will be appropriate for every writer. And find more Jewish-writing resources here on the site.

On to the listings!

• Voices of Heritage Writing Contest: Launched in May (Jewish American Heritage Month) by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), this competition has a June 15 deadline. “Participants are invited to submit original essays, stories, or poems that capture the rich tapestry of Jewish life in America. We encourage entries that reflect on historical milestones, personal narratives, or profiles of influential Jewish Americans who have shaped the nation’s culture and values. This contest not only celebrates the past and present achievements of Jewish Americans but also aims to educate others about their enduring legacy and continuing impact.” Prizes (for each category: “historical insights,” “personal stories,” “profiles of influence”): “first prize of $3,000, second prize of $1,500, and up to ten runner-up prizes of $500 each. Winning entries will be prominently featured in a special publication on CAM’s digital platforms.”
• Writing on the Wall seeks submissions for The Miklat Project: “In Israel, the ‘miklat’ provides a safe space – protecting us from incoming threats. Outside of Israel, we search for new spaces as the old ones are no longer available. For all of us, the miklat has become more – whether a refuge of tranquility for reflection, or a community space to gather and commiserate. Our miklats are both solitary and shared; they may be literal of metaphorical. Write about your miklat, your shelter, your safe space.” They’re seeking submissions of about 500 words. Deadline: June 23.
• “For close to half a century the Wingate Literary Prize has been shining a light on the books that best explore Jewish themes and matters by an illustrious list of writers. The winning book must be of literary merit and aimed at the general reader. Our judges are looking forward to being immersed in the wide range of fiction and non-fiction books published over the past year.” Prize confers £4,000. Note that books “must be published between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024”; “must be published, distributed or easily available in the UK and Ireland”; and “must be published in English, whether originally or in translation for this publication.” Deadline: July 7.
• The Joseph’s Inkwell Writing Contest for teen writers (ages 13-19) is open for no-fee entries until August 1. “A cash prize of $500, sponsored by Temple Emanu-El of Atlanta, will be awarded to the best submission in both categories [fiction and nonfiction, with Jewish content as detailed on the website] and many of the top submissions will be displayed on the website.” NB: “Joseph’s Inkwell will have the right to publish any work entered into the contest”—not an ideal contest guideline, so entrants may want to ask the organizer (not me!) about this, especially if there’s any wish to try to publish non-winning work elsewhere. (Thanks to Yetzirah for letting me know about this new project.)
• Kaleidoscope has announced a summer deadline of August 15. This (still-)new project “collects contemporary autobiographies of young Jews in Europe. Inspired by a collection of memoirs by young Polish Jews from the 1930’s, Kaleidoscope showcases the rich variety and complexity of the lives of young European Jews today. Write about what it’s like being a young Jew in Europe and add your own words to the ever evolving story of Jewish life in Europe.”