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A prize of $1,000 and publication in American Short Fiction is given annually for a work of flash fiction. Using only the online submission system, submit up to two stories of no more than 1,500 words each with an $18 entry fee by February 1. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Two prizes of $500 each and publication in Rafu Shimpo and on the Discover Nikkei and Little Tokyo Historical Society websites are given annually for short stories that take place in the Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles and that convey “the spirit and essence” of the neighborhood. One prize is given for a story written in English; the other is given for a story written in Japanese. Submit an English-language story of up to 2,500 words or a Japanese-language story of up to 5,000 ji via e-mail by February 28. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
A prize of $1,000 and publication by Schaffner Press is given annually for a poetry collection, a novel, a story collection, an essay collection, or a memoir that “deals in some way with the subject of music (of any genre and period) and its influence.” Submit a poetry collection of at least 60 pages or a prose manuscript of 75,000 to 100,000 words with a $25 entry fee by January 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Three prizes of $1,000 each and a five-day stay at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, are given annually for a poetry collection, a book of fiction, and a book of creative nonfiction published in the previous year. Writers who are residents of Wisconsin or who have previously resided in Wisconsin for at least five years are eligible. For the Edna Meudt Poetry Book Award, submit an application form and two copies of a book of at least 48 pages published in 2025 with a $30 entry fee ($20 for Arts + Literature Laboratory members) by January 15. For the Edna Ferber Fiction Book Award and the Norbert Blei/August Derleth Nonfiction Book Award, submit an application form and two copies of a book of any length published in 2025 with a $30 entry fee ($20 for Arts + Literature Laboratory members) by January 15. All poetry and prose books must be received by January 20. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
A prize of $3,000 and online publication in Masters Review is given biannually for a short story by an emerging writer. Writers who have not published a book, have self-published, or have published a book with an independent press are eligible. The winning story is also reviewed by a select group of literary agents, including Victoria Cappello (Bent Agency), Sarah Fuentes (United Talent Agency), Andrea Morrison (Writers House), Heather Schroder (Compass Literary), Nat Sobel (Sobel Weber Associates), and Marin Takikawa (Friedrich Agency). Using only the online submission system, submit a story of up to 6,000 words with a $20 entry fee by February 1. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Nine fellowships of $1,500 each and participation in a virtual five-month mentorship program, which includes one-on-one mentorship with an established writer; introductions to editors, agents, and publishers; a professional headshot; and a one-year PEN America membership, are given annually to emerging poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers “from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the publishing world.” Fellows also participate in workshops on editing, marketing, and building a professional platform. Writers who have not yet published a book and who do not hold an advanced degree in creative writing are eligible. Using only the online submission system, submit a writing sample of up to 10 pages of poetry or 15 pages of prose, a series of personal statements, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least one reference with a $25 entry fee by January 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Three prizes of $5,500 each and publication by a participating press are given annually for a poetry collection, a short story collection, and a novel. A prize of $2,500 and publication by a participating press is also given annually for an essay collection or a memoir. For the Donald Hall Prize for Poetry, submit a manuscript of at least 48 pages. For the Grace Paley Prize for Short Fiction, submit a manuscript of 150 to 300 pages. For the James Alan McPherson Prize for the Novel, submit a manuscript of 60,000 to 110,000 words. For the Sue William Silverman Prize for Creative Nonfiction, submit a manuscript of 150 to 300 pages. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript with a $30 entry fee ($20 for AWP members) by February 28. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Grants of up to $2,000 each are given in alternating years to feminist poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers who are citizens of the United States or Canada. This year, grants will be awarded to fiction writers. Using only the online submission system, submit 10 to 15 pages of prose, a statement regarding interest in receiving support from a feminist fund, a project description, a budget, and a résumé with a $25 entry fee between January 1 and January 31. A limited number of fee waivers are available upon request. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Three prizes of $1,500 each are given annually for a poetry collection, a book of fiction, and a book of creative nonfiction published during the previous year. Authors or publishers may submit three copies of a book published in 2025 (poetry collections must be at least 42 pages in length) by January 31. The entry fee is $25 for poetry and $30 for fiction and creative nonfiction. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.
