SIXTEENTH ANNUAL EVENTS
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APPALACHIA'S FINEST LITERARY, VISUAL AND PERFORMING WOMEN ARTISTS
SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED
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CALL FOR WRITTEN WORK
"Women Speak"Volume 11
The Women of Appalachia Project will celebrate its 17th season beginning March 2026. Submit your work for inclusion in Women Speak, Volume Eleven.
PUBLISHED BY SHEILA-NA-GIG EDITIONS
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SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JUNE 29 & 30, 2025
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.
• Entrants must be at least 16 years or older.
• Media accepted include poetry OR short story, essay, memoir (max. 2500 words) OR song. ORIGINAL WORK ONLY.
• Musicians must email audio MP3 format files of each piece submitted to: womenofappalachia@gmail.com.
• Previously unpublished work is preferred or please note first publication.
• Work previously read/performed in this exhibition may not be re-submitted.
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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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, 2023.
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EVENT DATES: (performances)
February TBA, 2026, Online Virtual Reading
March TBA, 2026, Frank & Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center Fairmount, WV
April 10, 2026, 6-8 PM - Berea College, Berea KY
May 2, 2026, 1-3PM - East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
(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 in this prospectus.
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We believe that all women are capable, courageous, creative and inspired.
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SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED



