The summer heat seems like it’s here to stay, but these prizes aren’t going to last nearly as long… We’ve done the research, and now it’s time for you to submit your best work!
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 Tope Folerin, don’t let this opportunity slip by! Details here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 31
Emerging Voices Fellowship
Meant for new writers who are unfamiliar with the literary establishment, this prize provides financial support, professional mentoring, classes, and public readings to poets and writers of fiction and creative nonfiction! This 7-month fellowship awards a $1000 stipend, but participants must reside in LA for that period and housing is not provided. Applicants need to provide a professional CV, two letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. Learn more here!
Entry Fee: $10 Deadline: August 1
2019 ½ K Prize
Indiana Review and judge Megan Giddings 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! Fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction are accepted, and first place receives $1000 and guaranteed publication in Indiana Review! Details here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 15
2019 Barthelme Prize for Short Prose
This is Gulf Coast’s current contest, and they’re looking for a very specific and very succinct sort of entry! Submissions can be prose poetry, prose, or essays, but they all need to be less than 500 words. The winner receives $1000 and publication, and it’s judged by Ben Marcus! Apply 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
2019 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
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. More details here.
Entry Fee: $6 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. Learn more here.
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: August 31
By Kimberly Guerin