Our world is made up of so many different voices, and that is what makes any community great! These contests, both new and old, are all waiting to hear what you have to say. Pick your favorite, and let them know! Bonus: Don’t forget, our Flash Fiction Contest closes on Sunday!
Halifax Ranch Fiction Prize
American Short Fiction and brilliant judge R.O. Kwan 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. Additionally, a new 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 2021 Fiction Prize
Offered through Suffolk University, Salamander is working with Yiyun Li 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 Each submission must be less than 30 pages, include a two-page cover sheet, and be entirely unpublished.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
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 $2500 and an award dinner on the campus of Rosemont College, second place receives $750, and third place receives $500. Entries should be 8000 words or less, and simultaneous submissions are allowed. Judged by Rion Amilcar Scott. 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If you have an unpublished fiction manuscript, this is opportunity knocking!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 Kristen Arnett 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
Aura Estrada Short Story Contest
In memory of Aura Estrada, Boston Review is honouring her story by supporting other emerging writers. Any author writing in English is eligible, although entries should not exceed 5000 words in length and must be unpublished. All entries must deal with this year’s theme of Repair, in whatever way best resonates with them. Kali Fajardo-Anstine is judging, and the winning author will receive $1000 and publication! Submission details here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: June 30
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 Deesha Philyaw, Steve Almond, and Eileen Myles, respectively. The winners in each category receive publication, a $1000 honorarium, and a $1500 travel/publicity grant to promote their book! Make sure to choose the correct category when you submit, and good luck! Find more details here.
Entry Fee: $30 Deadline: June 30
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 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 A. Van Jordan, 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
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
Spring 2021 Travel Writing Prize
The award-winning literary travel magazine Nowhere is looking for writers who know how to convey setting and atmosphere with ease and grace! Submissions may be fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or essay, and can range from 800 to 5000 words. The winner receives $1000 and publication, and up to 10 finalists will be published as well. Submit here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: June 30
by Kimberly Guerin