Publishing News Roundup: Grants, Residencies, and New Journals to Watch

Welcome to the monthly publishing roundup. Each month we curate notable grants, residency deadlines, and newly launched journals that merit a look. Whether you are seeking funding, a quiet place to write, or fresh outlets for your work, this list gives a concise snapshot and practical next steps.

Notable grants. The Riverlight Writing Grant now opens for submissions with a $10,000 award for mid-career writers working on longform nonfiction. The grant prioritizes projects that explore climate adaptation through local storytelling. Application materials include a project proposal, sample chapters, and a CV. Deadline: March 15.

New residencies. Harbor House Residency announced a six-week fall residency focusing on hybrid nonfiction and multimedia story forms. The residency includes a modest stipend, room and board, and a collaboration day with a local community organization. Ideal candidates include writers who plan community-engaged work. Rolling applications through June.

“Funding and time are different. Grants buy focus, residencies buy deep practice.”

Journals to watch. Two new online journals launched this quarter. First, Coastal Review publishes place-based essays and hybrid pieces under 3,000 words and emphasizes sensory scenes. Second, New Quiet is an experimental journal that seeks micro-essays under 800 words that play with form and voice. Both are accepting submissions and feature clear author guidelines on their sites.

Calls for submissions. The Midway Quarterly announced an open call for creative nonfiction exploring labor and technology, up to 5,000 words. Meanwhile, Small Hours Journal seeks short personal essays on aging in the digital era. Check submission windows and simultaneous submission policies before sending work.

Practical application tips. When applying for grants and residencies, tailor your project proposal to the mission of the grant. Committees read for focus and impact. For residencies, emphasize how the time will materially change your project timeline. For journals, follow submission guidelines and read recent issues to ensure fit.

Calendar highlights. March 15: Riverlight Grant. April 1: Coastal Review special issue on waterways. May 20: Harbor House rolling deadline closes for priority applications. June 30: Midway Quarterly call closes.

How to track opportunities. Build a simple spreadsheet with columns for deadline, link, eligibility, requested materials, and fees. Set calendar reminders two weeks before each deadline. If possible, apply to two or three well-matched opportunities per season rather than mass-applying to everything.

The publishing ecosystem is alive with smaller, mission-driven opportunities that are easier to miss than the big prizes. Regularly scanning newsletters, following small presses, and joining writer communities increases the signal-to-noise ratio. If you are uncertain whether to apply, reach out to past recipients or the residency director; a short email can clarify fit quickly.

We will publish this roundup monthly to help you spot cyclical opportunities and plan your applications. Share this post with writers who might benefit and send tips for grants or residencies you think should be listed next month. Good luck with your applications, and may your inbox be full of acceptances rather than rejections.