150 SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED JUNE 29 & 30, 2026 

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CALL FOR WRITTEN WORK

"Women Speak"Volume 12

The Women of Appalachia Project will celebrate its 18th season beginning March 2026. Submit your work for inclusion in Women Speak, Volume Twelve.

 

PUBLISHED BY SHEILA-NA-GIG EDITIONS

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SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JUNE 29 & 30, 2026

 

ELIGIBILITY:

• Women residing in or having strong ties to any of the 420 Appalachian counties are eligible to submit. Also women whose ancestors identified as Appalachian.

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•  Entrants must be at least 16 years or older.

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•  Only previously unpublished work will be accepted.

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•  Media accepted include poetry OR short story, essay, memoir (max. 2500 words) OR song. 

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• ORIGINAL WORK ONLY. ABSOLUTELY NO AI GENERATED WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.

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Writers may enter a maximum of three (3) poems OR (3) songs OR one (1) short story OR 1) essay or memoir, MAX 2500 WORDS.

Both fiction and non-fiction will be considered. Do not mix genres.

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• Musicians must upload all lyrics AND email audio MP3 format files of each piece submitted to: womenofappalachia@gmail.com.

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 SUBMISSIONS:

A WORD document only

Use Times font, 12 pt., single spaced:
At the top of the page-

1. type your name

2. your address


3. next, the title of your piece 


4. next, flow the body of your work/pieces

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Provide a 50-word, third person bio in the box provided. A cover letter is not required.

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ACCEPTANCE:

Writers/poets/musicians who are accepted will be notified by email by September 15, 2026.

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EVENT DATES: (performances)

February 2027 —I will schedule a virtual reading for those unable to travel

March 2027—I will submit a proposal for a possible reading at the 2027 Appalachian Studies Association Conference, Lewisburg, PA

April 2027: Word of South Festival, Tallahassee, FL

May 22, 2027: Clarksburg-Harrison Library, Clarksburg, WV

June DTBD 2027: Hindman Settlement School, KY

October DTBD 2027: Loyal Jones Appalachian Center, Berea ,KY

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(NOTE: Additional reading venues will very likely be added to

this list

AGREEMENT:
Submission of your application and document(s) shall constitute your agreement to comply with all conditions set forth by the WOmen of Appalachia Project.

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We believe that all women are capable, courageous, creative and inspired.

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SUBMISSIONS WILL OPEN JUNE 29 & 30, 2026