Table of contents for October 2025 in Writing Magazine

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This summer, the UK Crime Writers’ Association awarded its first Twisted Dagger for the best psychological thriller of the year, to Tracy Sierra for Nightwatching. The CWA has celebrated excellence in crime writing for seven decades, first with the Gold Dagger for crime novel of the year and then, among others, the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for best thriller and the Whodunnnit Dagger. Now, at last, psychological suspense – described as ‘dark and twisty tales that often feature unreliable narrators, disturbed emotions, a healthy dose of moral ambiguity, and a sting in the tail’ – is recognized as deserving a fully-fledged category of its own. As a type of fiction, psychological suspense stories aren’t new, of course, and they’ve have certainly been the best crime novels of their year: Barbara…

No one can edit for everything all at once. My systematic approach to editing breaks down the revision process into manageable activities. You focus on and improve one aspect of your novel at a time. The questions and exercises in my previous two articles helped you solve any lingering structural problems. Only when you’ve solved any overall issues of plot, subplot, character arcs, theme, etc., is it time to line edit. These final exercises from my book – The Ultimate Guide to Editing Your Novel: A revolutionary approach to transform your writing – will help you polish every sentence and word so your work is submission ready. Colour-coded analysis This first exercise will help you uncover how you tell a story at a sentence-by-sentence level. Not only will it force…

Everybody talks and posts online about the bad things that have happened to them. They complain about bad service in shops or restaurants and cafés. They moan about the weather, the government, everything. So, why don’t writers complain? Writers often keep quiet about their bad times – the rejection, the pitiful earnings from their novel, the days on end when they can’t think of a thing to write about, the lack of time to begin, or finish, a project. Online we see writers telling all their friends about their successes. I’m not saying that’s wrong. It’s always uplifting to hear good news. When a story or article is accepted, or you have a new book out, sharing your news is fine, but consider it from the view of a novice…

STAR LETTER WRITE MY LIFE Many things in the September issue resonated, particularly the term ‘autofiction’ – it’s new to me and yet perfectly describes my writing. For far too long, I’ve felt like a fraud because my short stories don’t come solely from my imagination but rather coalesce around my own personal experiences. It feels really nice to finally remove my self-doubt and have my writing method validated. I also latched onto the term ‘Discovery’ writer. I take things that have happened to me, throw in other elements and sort of blindly feel my way towards a story as I go. There’s no plan and it’s only several drafts in that I begin to see where I’m heading. This has always felt like the ‘wrong way’ to write and…

AI IN MAG ARTIFICE VRT NWS is the main news channel of the Flemish national broadcasting company VRT, writes Gary Dalkin. In the summer its fact-checking team reported that over half the articles on the website of the Belgian edition of fashion magazine Elle published between March and May had been produced partially or entirely by AI. Similarly, 44 out of 46 articles published on the website of Psychologies magazine in June were AI-generated and attributed to just one author, a ‘psychologist’ supposedly named Femke. The revelation about the AI-generated articles was initially made on the Belgian podcast ‘Het uur van de Waarheid’, and reported in English on the website of the Brussels Times. Both magazines which published the AI content are owned by Ventures Media, which also owns global…

Art UK Art UK is a charity supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Freelands Foundation, the Deborah Loeb Foundation, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, writes Gary Dalkin. Its website has five million annual visitors, and while many are already knowledgeable about art, the editorial team want the site’s content to be enjoyed by people who don’t think of themselves as art lovers, and are always open to pitches for stories where art intersects with science, history, fashion or pop culture. They want stories on wider themes as well as writing that is purely about art and artists, including on diverse or underrepresented subjects, for example, stories relating to, but not limited to, women artists, LGBTQ+ history, Black history. Stories can be anywhere from around 800 to 1,800 words (Art UK will…

Solstice Books Solstice Books is a new science fiction, fantasy, romantasy, and horror imprint launched by Simon & Schuster UK this September, writes Gary Dalkin. The editorial director is Gemma Creffield, formerly associate publisher at speculative fiction imprint, Angry Robot. Initial titles scheduled for 2026 include The Rainshadow Orphans by Naomi Ishiguro, ‘The first novel in a dazzling epic fantasy trilogy inspired by Japanese folklore and Studio Ghibli’, Deathbringer by Sonia Tagliareni, ‘a dark academia romantasy steeped in necromancy, forbidden love and a twisty murder mystery’, and TimeLess by A.F. Steadman, a romantasy featuring, ‘Timeless enemies. Timecrossed lovers. A future in freefall….’ Senior marketing manager Sarah Jeffcoate said, ‘From the shadows to the stars, Solstice Books is a true celebration of the mystical and the fantastical, publishing a curated list…

Inkspot Short Story Competition 2025 The inaugural contest has a £1,000 first prize and will be judged by literary agent Kate Nash. The new competition has been set up by Inkspot Publishing following the demise of the Chipping Norton Literary Festival. The competition is for original, unpublished short stories up to 5,000 words. There are two levels of entry fee: £10 for stories up to 2,500 words and £15 for stories up to 5,000 words. The winner will receive £1,000 and there are runner-up prizes of £250 and £100. The top three stories will be published online by Inkspot, and the top twelve entries will have the option to be featured on FictionJunkies.com. The closing date is 30 November. Website.https://inkspotpublishing.com/competition/2025-short-story-competition/ Crowvus Christmas Ghost Story Competition 2025 The annual Christmas Ghost…

Ironclad Creative Short Story Competition 2025 The contest is inviting writing that responds to the theme of ‘Switch’. Stories for the Ironclad Creative Short Story Competition may be in any style or genre, up to 6,000 words. All entries must respond to the ‘Switch’ theme and be original and unpublished. There are prizes of £100, £50 and £25, and the winners will be published in an anthology. Up to ten longlisted writers will also be offered anthology publication. The entry fee is £9 per story. The closing date is 31 October. Website: https://www.ironcladcreative.org/shortstorycompetition…

Self-publishing a book is a major accomplishment – but getting it into readers’ hands is where the real challenge begins. Without a traditional publisher’s distribution network, indie authors must navigate the complex world of online platforms, bookshops and libraries themselves. This month and next, we’re going to set out four key tips can help ensure your book reaches its full potential. 1. Choose the right distribution method for print books Your first big decision is often whether to use print-on-demand (POD) or a short print run. • POD prints books only when ordered, eliminating upfront costs and overstock risks. It’s ideal for online sales, but most brick-and-mortar bookshops avoid POD titles, particularly if they can’t be sold on a sale-or-return basis. Amazon KDP-produced books are especially unwelcome in many independent…

DEAR READER Every writer has a story we tell over and over. A theme that underlies everything we write. A motif we keep coming back to. Something that preoccupies, and really matters, to us. It might find its way into our work without us even knowing it, but it’s there. It’s unique to us, and as we’re finding our voice we tell it in different ways. And at some point we realise that this is our story. The one that needs to be told. The one that needs us to write it. To get to that point, writers can do themselves the greatest of favours by being open to what their story needs from them. If this strikes a chord with you, read Timothy O’Grady’s beautiful piece about what it…

Hattie Grünewald studied creative writing at university and soon realised the pressure to write killed any joy she took from writing. After securing an internship at the Blake Friedmann agency, she then worked her way up to the role of literary agent. She joined The Blair Partnership in 2019 and her authors include Catherine Miller, Sue Fortin, Clare Leslie Hall, and Lizzie Dent. What do you enjoy about being a literary agent? I think the best part of my job is working with authors. As a child, I thought they were the most exciting celebrities, so to work so closely with them is a real privilege. I find our discussions incredibly creative and intellectually fulfilling. What specific qualities do you look for in book club fiction? Book club fiction needs…

If you have a query for Lisa, please send it by email to lisacuttsenquiries@gmail.com Q How seriously would the police take a call from a parent whose fourteen-year-old son had gone missing? It’s the third time in two weeks and he has turned up safe and well after a couple of days on the previous occasions. Would the police feel compelled to do something to find him? Trevor Jones via email A The police would have to visit the parent and take a report, carry out a risk assessment and record the fact that he is missing. They would also cover whether he takes drugs or drinks alcohol, any mental health issues or whether he may be a risk to himself or others. Even if this is previously covered in…

Flame Tree Publishing Flame Tree Publishing will publish another anthology in the Gothic Fantasy series, Afrofuturism Short Stories, as part of their Beyond and Within, Gothic Fantasy, Classic Stories and Epic Tales, writes PDR Lindsay-Salmon. Submissions are now open for the anthology. For Afrofuturism Short Stories set stories, 2,000 to 4,000 words, in and about Africa, ‘whether that’s a future Africa, an alternative Africa or a parallel Africa.’ Think science fiction rather than fantasy, and write ‘towards positive scenarios and concepts.’ Deadline: 2 November. Payment is ‘8 US cents/6 pence per word for original stories, US6 cents/4 pence for reprints.’ Website: https://www.flametreepublishing.com The Stygian Society The editorial team at The Stygian Society, are ‘rooted in the ethos of ‘art for art’s sake,’ writes PDR Lindsay-Salmon. They’re proud of their beautifully…

Anomaly Anomaly is a UK-edited Patreon-hosted blog all about and featuring micro science fiction, writes Gary Dalkin. The title publishes interviews about flash fiction, run a monthly drabble story writing competition (a drabble being a short story exactly 100 words in length), and from 1-7 of every month are open to submissions for stories under 300 words. The editorial team are looking for original (no reprints) dark and disruptive stories that have strong emotional resonance. They like stories that stick in the memory, that get them thinking about the twisted use of technologies, the way the world may be, or how characters might react to an evolving technological future. Payment is 8 cents US per word for 90 days exclusive rights and continuing non-exclusive rights. Full guidelines and submission form…

Black Fox Literary Magazine Black Fox Literary Magazine is an international print and online biannual publication featuring quality fiction of all styles and genres, poetry, and creative nonfiction. It publishes one summer issue and one winter issue of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry each year. Open for submissions until 30 November 2025. Submit fiction and creative fiction, poetry and blog posts on the craft of writing, personal essays on writing, book reviews, book news, and publishing news. Payments: US$20 Website https://blackfoxlitmag.com Baubles From Bones Baubles From Bones is a quarterly zine publishing fantasy and SF. It’s open to most subgenres and themes. Submit stories between 1,000 to 8,000 words, and poems and prose poetry. Payment is US$.01/word and US$10 per poem.Website: https://www.baublesfrombones.com The 100 Word Project The 100 Word Project is…

While we might all hope to have a bestselling novel produce massive royalties and put our name up in lights – and I for one am still waiting – most writers make more modest returns on their efforts. This is a good reason to consider the range of writing activities in which your skills could be employed in additional ways that could increase your income. The possibilities constitute a surprisingly long list. For example, over the years I have written non-fiction and fiction, and done so in several different genres from travel (see page 63) to humour. I have co-written books, ghost-written books and articles, edited books and contributed to anthology-type books, undertaken copywriting and had work published in conventional print form and online. Other things on my list, naming…

The Ascent Novel Prize 2025 The Ascent Novel Prize is inviting entries from unpublished, unagented novelists writing in any genre for adults. Novels that are self-published or published without a book deal are eligible for entry. The winner will receive £1,000. There are additional prizes for underrepresented writers, and each entrant will receive feedback. To enter, send the opening 3,000 words, a one-page synopsis and a one-line pitch. The entry fee is £29. The closing date is 1 November. Website: https://www.ascentnovelprize.com/ascent-novel-prize Historical Novel Society 2026 First Chapters Competition To enter, send the first three chapters of historical fiction set before 1974. The minimum total wordcount is 1,500 and the maximum, 15,000. Also send an 800-word synopsis. There are ten competition categories. The winner will receive £1,000. Nine category winners will…

Oh, you want to hear about fairy-tale retellings? You want to know the secret of why I write them? Is that it? Fine. Come a little closer. These aren’t some enchanted beans I’m selling, this is the real deal. Let me whisper in your ear so the others don’t hear. I write fairy tale retellings because…plots are hard. Sorry, were you expecting magic? T. Kingfisher here, and much as I wish I could spin you out some tale about archetypes and primal mythologies, the fact is that I mostly retell fairy tales because blank pages choke me up. With a fairy tale, there’s already a story splayed out on the page like a body ready for autopsy, and I can get out the scalpel and the bonesaw and get down…

The lyric essay is a relatively new form of creative non-fiction, and it’s often considered the most challenging to write because it is hard to describe and define. In fact, the key is blurring boundaries and breaking rules; it’s all about experimentation and play. This new form is a literary hybrid that has elements of poetry, personal essay, and memoir, with variations across the full range we’ve looked at in this column so far, from the most lyrical (prose poems) to the most theoretical (personal essay). So, what are its characteristics? Like the personal essay, the lyric essay is rooted in the writer’s personal thoughts and experiences, but rather than using that material to propose an idea or explain an opinion, it remains open like a poem, giving the reader…

PERSONAL GROWTH My little girl Skye is one of my biggest inspirations in life and you will find the journey of motherhood in so many of the pages in my newly published book, And On We Grow, writes subscriber Kenna Anderson. When my first book, The Winds of Change, was launched in 2024, she proudly told everyone we met, ‘my mum is an author you know,’ and perhaps didn’t realise then, just how much that meant to me. For many of us, our roles change as we move through life, and our responsibilities change with the seasons of our life too. And if we are lucky, we will find people along the way to grow with us and share in the journey. And On We Grow is a collection of poems…

I’m often asked about the editing stages that occur after a manuscript is finished. There are several different layers and each serves a unique purpose within a book. For an author, the hard work of writing is over and they then have the tricky task of assessing their own work to determine what level of editing to start with. This should be a high-level examination of your manuscript, looking at the overall flow with as critical an eye as possible. A beta reader can help but – as discussed previously – there are skews, biases and viewpoints that can come with this approach, helpful though it might be for some. There are five key levels of editing a manuscript with beta reading, or self-editing, offering the starting level. A professional…

Booker longlist The Booker Prize 2025 longlist has been announced, 13 novels chosen from over 150 submitted, written in English and published in the UK and/or Ireland between 1 October 2024 and 30 September this year. The 13 nominated books are: Love Forms, Claire Adam; The South, Tash Aw; Universality, Natasha Brown; One Boat, Jonathan Buckley; Flashlight, Susan Choi; The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, Kiran Desai; Audition, Katie Kitamura; The Rest of Our Lives, Ben Markovits; The Land in Winter, Andrew Miller; Endling, Maria Reva; Flesh, David Szalay; Seascraper, Benjamin Wood; Misinterpretation, Ledia Xhoga. The list, which features seven women and six men, includes five authors who identify as British or joint British. It represents writers from four continents and nine countries: Albania, Canada, Hungary, India, Malaysia, Trinidad and…

‘Then & Now’ Together in the UK Writing Competition 2025 The competition is for first or second generation migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and international students and workers living in the UK The competition invites stories focussing on the writer’s migration story, or that of their family. Entries may consist of a poem or song lyrics, an essay, or a short story, up to a maximum of 1,500 words. All entries must be original and unpublished. There are two age categories: under and over 18. In each category there is a £250 first prize. The second prize is a writing masterclass and the third, a gift voucher for a bookshop or cinema. The closing date is 31 October. Website: https://togetherintheuk.co.uk/competition/…

The National Poetry Competition 2025 The National Poetry Competition from The Poetry Society is one of the world’s most prestigious prizes for unpublished poems. The first prize is £5,000. There are second and third prizes of £3,000 and £2,000, and further commended poets will each get £500. This year’s judges are Denise Saul, Ian Duhig and Susannah Dickey. Enter original, unpublished poems up to 40 lines. The entry fee for the first poem is £8, and £6 for subsequent entries in the same submission. The closing date is 31 October. https://npc.poetrysociety.org.uk/ The Gregory O’Donoghue International Poetry Competition 2025 The Gregory O’Donoghue International Poetry Competition is for single poems up to 40 lines. Poems may be on any subject and in any style. All entries must be original, unpublished and unbroadcast.…

Sundress Publications Sundress Publications publishes chapbooks and full-length works in both print and digital formats, writes PDR Lindsay-Salmon. Its mission is to champion great work, especially from ‘persons under-represented in literary publishing.’ It also publishes a variety of online journals including the Best of the Net Anthology, Stirring, Rogue Agent, Doubleback Review, and beestung. Authors whose work has gone out of print because a press or journal closed, may submit their books or shorter pieces of poetry and prose to the team. Doublebck Review features individual pieces of poetry and prose and the Doubleback Books imprint creates e-pubs for out-of-print books and collections. Payment: 50% of all book sale profits from all distributors after the initial cost of book production (usually valued at $800) is covered. Website: http://www.sundresspublications.com/ Nat 1…

The biggest story in publishing in the week that I am writing this – by far – is the furore over the authenticity or lack of it of The Salt Path. There are reports of legal cases being prepared, so I need to tread carefully and should also make it clear that I have not read the book, nor did I ever want to. It’s a type of story which crops up every few years: I’m old enough to remember two versions of it in the past. James Frey’s Million Little Pieces was a huge bestseller detailing the author’s decent into addiction hell. As it turned out, much of it was fiction and the book, originally marketed as non-fiction is now sold as semi-fictional and, as far as I can…