The first writing contest we’re featuring this week, is PRI’s very own, Selected Shorts. This year, PRI is looking for great works of fiction no more than 750 words that address the theme of, “Complicated Families.” The winning story will be selected by Jim Shepard and will be read as part of the Selected Shorts performance at Symphony Space on June 12, 2013. The winner will also receive $1000 and a 10-week class from Gotham Writers’ Workshop. There are a few stipulations on this contest aside from word count and theme. For example there is an entry fee of $25, and the contest is specific about formatting. Entries are due March 15, 2013. To learn more, check out the full contest rules.
The Kenyon Review needs no introduction. This literary magazine based out of Gabier Ohio has been publishing short stories since 1939. They’re well known for the quality of work that they publish and for publishing early works from highly regarded authors. Their Short Fiction Contest is open for one month (Feb 1 – Feb 28) to all authors who have not yet published a work of novel length. Authors can submit a story on any theme as long as it does not exceed 1200 words. There is no cost to enter and winners will be announced in late spring. For additional information, check out their contest details.
Creative Nonfiction Magazine aims to publish the best narrative nonfiction from writers of all backgrounds. This magazine draws largely from unsolicited submissions, which means many new and emerging authors have had success publishing through them. Right now they’re currently holding a writing competition that awards $10,000 to the best narrative nonfiction essay not to exceed 4,000 words on the subject of “The Human Face of Sustainability.” Their deadline is May 31, 2013 and they do charge a $20 reading fee. For more information on this contest and other open submissions from Creative Nonfiction Magazine, check out their submission details, here.