Unlike the temperature slowly creeping up, don’t forget that the time left for these contests is slowly counting down! Make sure you find your favorite contest, and send in that submission on time.
FEATURED! The Masters Review Anthology Prize
The entry period for The Masters Review Anthology is coming to a close, but there’s still a bit of time left! For the thirteenth volume, we are looking for stories from the best emerging writers. Submissions can be fiction or narrative nonfiction, but they need to be under 7,000 words. The winners will be published in print and online in The Masters Review Anthology, and $7,000 will be awarded between the ten finalists. This contest is judged by the marvelous Gina Chung, and she is hoping for stories that leave her feeling changed by the end. Check it out!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: June 2
Bard Fiction Prize
This amazing prize is offered to a promising emerging writer through Bard College, and the winners receive a stipend of $30,000, an appointment as writer-in-residence on campus for one semester, and the opportunity to give a public lecture. Be aware, though, they’re looking for writers who are 39 years old or younger. You’ll need to have published a book in order to apply, but this is the chance of a lifetime! Learn more here.
Entry Fee: FREE Deadline: June 1
Halifax Ranch Fiction Prize
American Short Fiction and judge Daniel Mason are looking for writers who are confident, concise, and creative—could that be you? Stories must be between 2,000 and 6,500 words, but multiple entries are allowed. First place receives $2,500 and guaranteed publication in an upcoming issue. Additionally, the continued partnership with Tasajillo Residency means that the winner will also receive an all-expenses-paid writing retreat! Details here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: June 1
Salamander 2024 Fiction Prize
Offered through Suffolk University, Salamander is working with Kevin Wilson to discover amazing new fiction! Each submission must be fewer than thirty pages, include a cover sheet, and be entirely unpublished. First prize is $1,000, second prize is $500, and all entries are considered for publication. Learn more here.
Entry Fee: $15 Deadline: June 1
New American Fiction Prize
If you have an unpublished fiction manuscript, then this is opportunity knocking! New American Press and Kalani Pickheart 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 $1,500 advance, twenty-five author’s copies, and promotional support. Do it!
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: June 15
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 distinguished Kevin Prufer, the best previously unpublished manuscript of poetry in English will receive $1,500 and publication. Each collection should be between 50-80 pages, but you are allowed multiple submissions. Don’t wait!
Entry Fee: $30 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 flash fiction, 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 $1,000 and publication by UNT Press! Submit here.
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: June 30
2024 LAR Literary Awards
Here is a great chance for writers of all stripes, as the Los Angeles Review’s contest rewards authors in creative nonfiction, short fiction, flash fiction, and poetry! Alyssa Graybeal judges creative nonfiction, Juliana Lamy judges short fiction, C Bain judges flash fiction, and Brenda Cardenos judges poetry. The winner in each category receives $1,000 and publication. Make sure you submit to the correct category! Submission guidelines here.
Entry Fee: $20 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, fewer than 1,000 words each. All finalists in this contest will be published, but the winner also receives $1,000 and a bronze medallion for their efforts. Check it out!
Entry Fee: $15 Deadline: June 30
2024 Short Story Prize
The Moth is looking for short stories under 3,000 words, with little constraints beyond that! Only unpublished short stories are eligible, but authors may submit multiple times. The winner receives €3,000 and publication in the autumn issue, second place receives a week-long writing retreat, and third place receives €1,000. Judged by Louise Kennedy. Learn more here!
Entry Fee: €15 Deadline: June 30
by Kimberly Guerin