We’ve reached the border between winter and spring, and all of the unpredictable weather that entails. As far as your writing, though, YOU are in control of where you submit your work!
American Short(er) Fiction Prize
American Short Fiction and judge Dantiel W. Moniz are looking for writers who know their way around flash fiction—could that be you? Stories must be less than 1,000 words, but multiple entries are allowed! First place receives $1,000 and guaranteed publication, and all entries are considered for publication. Details here.
Entry Fee: $18 Deadline: February 1
Michael Waters Poetry Prize
There’s only a little time left to enter Southern Indiana Review’s writing contest for poetry collections! Entries must be written in English, and be less than 100 pages. Judged by Fady Joudah, the first-place winner is awarded $6,000 and their collection will be published by Southern Indiana Review Press. Don’t miss it!
Entry Fee: $35 Deadline: February 1
Philip Roth Residence in Creative Writing
This amazing residency is offered to two writers through Bucknell University, and the winners receive a stipend of $5,000 and four months of lodging. They’re looking for writers in any creative genre in the literary arts, who are over the age of twenty-one but not enrolled in a college or university. You’ll need a twenty page sample of your prose, but this could be the opportunity for you! Learn more here.
Entry Fee: FREE Deadline: February 1
Slippery Elm Prize
This annual contest from Slippery Elm Literary Journal is looking for the best in both poetry and prose! Michael Czyzniejewski and Paula J. Lambert are judging the applications, with a three poem or a 5,000 word maximum per entry. The winner of each contest receives $1,000, and all entries are considered for publication in the 2024 print issue. Submit here!
Entry Fee: $15 Deadline: February 1
Courage to Write Grants
The de Groot Foundation is looking for applications from adult writers actively engaged in writing projects who could use a motivational boost! In 2024, the de Groot Foundation is offering ten COURAGE to WRITE grants of $7,000 to writers in any genre, and twenty Writer of Note grants of $1,500 selected from the pool of finalists. Applicants will need to submit a bio sketch, a letter of application, and a writing sample. Don’t miss your chance!
Entry Fee: $22 Deadline: February 5
The Mary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction
Sarabande Books is celebrating their 30th anniversary, and increasing their prize rewards to match! Their contest is open to any short fiction writer in English, and submissions can vary from short story collections to novellas. Judged by Lauren Groff, she’s awarding $3,000, publication of the manuscript, and a standard royalty contract to the winner! All finalists are considered for publication. Learn more here!
Entry Fee: $29 Deadline: February 15
Flash Fiction Prize
This annual contest from Fish Publishing is a true challenge: Can you write a compelling and resolved story in 300 words or less? Judged by Michelle Elvy, first place receives $1,130 and publication, and the other nine finalists are published as well. See more here!
Entry Fee: $16 Deadline: February 28
Women’s Prose Prize
This contest is for any and all writers who identify as women, who have a previously unpublished, original work of prose! Acceptable submissions include novels, short story collections, memoirs, and essay collections, between 25,000 and 80,000 words. The winner, selected by judge Laila Hallaby, receives $1,000 and publication by Red Hen Press. Learn more here!
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: February 28
Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize
This is an amazing opportunity, but it’s not for everyone—the editors want to see innovation in form and context, in projects that push the boundaries of literary nonfiction! The prize will be awarded to a manuscript in progress, with only one submission per author. The winner of this award receives a $20,000 advance, publication, and a $2,000 stipend intended to support the completion of the project! Check it out!
Entry Fee: FREE Deadline: February 29
by Kimberly Guerin