Do you need something to take your mind off the heat? Take a look at these prizes, but don’t stare for too long… These contests won’t stick around, so submit as fast as you can!
FEATURED Summer Short Story Award for New Writers
There is no need for modesty here, when it comes to our biggest submission period of the year! The Masters Review is looking for stories under 6000 words, written by emerging writers who have a way with words and a passion for prose! The winner receives $3000, publication, and agency review, and the runners-up also receive cash prizes, publication, and review. Judged by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, don’t let this opportunity slip by! Submit here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 30
Red Hen Press Novella Award
This is the third year for Red Hen Press’ contest, and the prize is for a previously unpublished, original work of fiction! Acceptable submissions include entries between 15,000 and 30,000 words. The winner, selected by judge Donna Hemans, receives $1000 and publication by Red Hen Press. Details here!
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: August 1
Stories That Need to Be Told: The Contest
Presented by TulipTree Press, the best entry for this contest is a submission that truly tells a story. The grand prize is $1000 and a gift certificate for two years of Duotrope. Additional prizes are offered to stories that excel in humor, passion, depth, and love. Entries must be less than 10,000 words, but multiple entries are allowed. Learn more here!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 3
2020 ½ K Prize
Indiana Review and judge Tiana Clark are looking for writers who are sharp, short, and definitely not shy – could that be you? Entries must be less than 500 words, but multiple entries are allowed! All genres are accepted, and first place receives $1000 and guaranteed publication in Indiana Review! Details here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 15
Poetry and Short Fiction Prizes
In these contests offered by Kallisto Gaia Press, contestants can submit entries for short fiction or poetry. The two winners of the Chester B. Himes Memorial Short Fiction Prize and the Julia Darling Memorial Poetry Prize will receive $1000 and publication in The Ocotillo Review. Make sure to choose the correct category when you submit, and good luck! Submission information here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 20
Blue Mesa Review Contest
There are actually three contests offered here, looking for fresh prose and powerful poetry! The judges are Eduardo C. Corral for poetry, Amy Irvine for nonfiction, and Denise Chavez for fiction. Submissions may be up to 6000 words, or up to 3 poems, and the winner of each contest receives $500 and publication. Make sure to select the correct contest for your submission! More details here.
Entry Fee: $12 Deadline: August 31
Gemini Magazine Flash Fiction Contest
Here is a great chance for writers of all stripes, as Gemini Magazine’s contest is open to any subject, style, or genre! Entries must be unpublished, and the maximum length is 1000 words. The winner receives $1000 and publication. Submission details here.
Entry Fee: $5 Deadline: August 31
Kenneth Patchen Award
If you have an unpublished fiction manuscript, this is opportunity knocking! The Journal of Experimental Fiction is currently accepting submissions for this prize. An innovative full-length fiction work will be selected, and the winner will receive publication and $1000. Judged by Yuriy Tarnawsky. Do it!
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: August 31
2020 Publishing Lab Prize
The University of New Orleans Press is looking to publish the best novel/short story collection written this year, to bring innovative publicity and broad distribution to authors! The contest is open to all writers, and entries are allowed any length and any subject. The winner receives a $10,000 advance and a publishing contract, along with promotion from The Publishing Laboratory at the University of New Orleans. Submit here!
Entry Fee: $28 Deadline: August 31
The St. Lawrence Book Award
If you have an unpublished poetry or short story collection, this could be your big break! Black Lawrence Press is currently accepting submissions from any author who has not yet published a full-length collection. The winner will receive book publication, $1000, and 10 copies of the book. Details here.
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: August 31
by Kimberly Guerin