Summer has managed to sneak up on most of us, but don’t let yourself be caught unaware by these amazing contests! There’s still time to find the perfect home for your writing, so give this list a look!
Salamander 2020 Fiction Prize
Offered through Suffolk University, Salamander is working with Elliot Ackerman to discover amazing new fiction! Each submission must be less than 30 pages, include a two-page cover sheet, and be entirely unpublished. First prize is $1000, second prize is $500, and all entries are considered for publication Learn more here.
Entry Fee: $15 Deadline: June 1
Halifax Ranch Fiction Prize
American Short Fiction and brilliant judge Manuel Gonzales are looking for writers who are confident, concise, and creative – could that be you? Stories must be between 2000 and 6500 words, but multiple entries are allowed. First place receives $2500 and guaranteed publication in an upcoming issue! Details here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: June 2
Marguerite McGlinn Prize for Fiction
This annual short fiction contest is made possible through the generous support of the McGlinn and Hansma families, and they are looking for superbly crafted short stories! The winner will receive $2000 and an award dinner on the campus of Rosemont College, second place receives $500, and third place receives $250. Entries should be 8000 words or less, and simultaneous submissions are allowed. Learn more here!
Entry Fee: $15 Deadline: June 15
New American Fiction Prize
If you have an unpublished fiction manuscript, this is opportunity knocking! New American Press and Nick White are currently accepting submissions for this prize. A full-length fiction work of outstanding merit will be selected, and the winner will receive a publication contract, including a $1500 advance, 25 author’s copies, and promotional support. Do it!
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: June 15
Spokane Prize for Short Fiction
Willow Springs Books could be the perfect home for your newest manuscript of short stories, if you have enough nerve to try! Each submission needs to contain at least three distinct stories, totalling at least 98 pages, as well as a cover letter. First place wins $2000 and publication, under the direction of poet Christopher Howell. Submit here.
Entry Fee: $27.50 Deadline: June 15
Autumn House Press Contests
In this threefold contest offered by Autumn House Press, contestants can submit manuscript entries for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The categories are judged by Dan Chaon, Jaquira Díaz, and Ilya Kaminksy, respectively. Not only do the winners in each contest receive $2500 in prizes and publication, but promotional help as well! Make sure to choose the correct category when you submit, and good luck! Find more details here.
Entry Fee: $30 Deadline: June 30
Barrow Street Press Book Contest
If you have been hoping for a chance to show the world your talent for poetry, your wait is definitely over with this competition! Judged by the incomparable Dorianne Laux, the best previously unpublished manuscript of poetry in English will receive $1500 and publication. Each collection should be between 50-80 pages, but you are allowed multiple submissions. Don’t wait!
Entry Fee: $28 Deadline: June 30
Drue Heinz Literature Prize
This contest has some very stringent requirements, but the prize is almost beyond belief! In order to be eligible for the University of Pittsburgh Press’ award, you must have been published by a reputable journal, magazine, or publisher, before you can submit your collection of short fiction for consideration. The winner of this award, however, will have that manuscript published, and then receive $15,000! Details here.
Entry Fee: FREE Deadline: June 30
Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction
The University of North Texas Press offers this prize every year, and this could be the year for you! Entries can be a combination of short-shorts, short stories, and novellas, from 100 to 200 book pages in length. Authors may submit multiple applications, and simultaneous submissions are allowed. The winner receives $1000 and publication by UNT Press! Submit here.
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: June 30
Lascaux Prize in Flash Fiction
If you think you’re ready to medal in writing flash fiction, then this is the contest for you! The Lascaux Review is accepting three stories per submission, less than 1000 words each. All finalists in this contest will be published, but the winner also receives $1000 and a bronze medallion for their efforts. Check it out!
Entry Fee: $15 Deadline: June 30
2020 Short Story Prize
The Moth is looking for short stories, less than 5000 words, with little constraints beyond that! Only unpublished short stories are eligible, but authors may submit multiple times. The winner receives €3000 and publication in the autumn issue, second place receives a week-long writing retreat, and third place receives €1000. Judged by Mark Haddon. Learn more here!
Entry Fee: €15 Deadline: June 30
by Kimberly Guerin