Genre: Fiction

Susan Kamil Emerging Writers Prize

Book Industry Charitable Foundation
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
March 31, 2026
Five prizes of $10,000 each are given annually for an excerpt of a poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction manuscript-in-progress written by a bookseller. Writers who are working on full-length manuscripts of poetry, fiction (including graphic novels), or creative nonfiction (including memoirs), who have not previously published a book in any genre, and who are currently employed at a bookstore or comic bookstore in the United States (after at least three consecutive months of employment) are eligible.

Short Fiction Prize

Desperate Literature
Entry Fee: 
$23
Deadline: 
April 19, 2026
A prize of €2,000 (approximately $2,334), publication in the Desperate Literature prize anthology, and a weeklong residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation’s castle in the Umbria region of Italy is given annually for a work of short fiction. Winners also receive a consultation with literary agent Charlotte Seymour (Johnson & Alcock Literary Agency), an editorial meeting with the Literary Consultancy, and the opportunity to give readings at the Desperate Literature bookshop in Madrid. Two runners-up receive €1,000 each (approximately $1,167). Claire-Louise Bennett, Ottessa Moshfegh, and Joanna Walsh will judge. All entries will be considered for publication in Bennington Review, Folly, Helter Skelter, Kill Your Darlings, London Magazine, Minor Literature[s], Souvenir Magazine, and Tenement and by Monitor Books. Submit a story of up to 2,000 words with a €20 (approximately $23) entry fee by April 19. To apply for a full or partial fee waiver, submit by April 1. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Narrative Prize

Narrative
Entry Fee: 
$27
Deadline: 
April 30, 2026
An award of $5,000 is given annually for a poem, short story, novel excerpt, or work of creative nonfiction by an emerging writer. Previously unpublished work and work published in Narrative during the year are eligible. The editors will judge. All entries are considered for publication. Using only the online submission system, submit up to five poems or between 2,000 and 15,000 words of prose with a $27 entry fee by April 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Chapbook Contest

DIAGRAM/New Michigan Press
Entry Fee: 
$28
Deadline: 
April 30, 2026
A prize of $1,000, publication by New Michigan Press, and 25 author copies is given annually for a chapbook of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or hybrid-genre work. Ander Monson will judge. Submit a manuscript of 18 to 44 pages with a $28 entry fee by April 30. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Winter Story Contest

Narrative
Entry Fee: 
$27
Deadline: 
March 31, 2026
A prize of $2,500 and publication in Narrative is given annually for a short story, a work of flash fiction, an essay, a memoir, or an excerpt from a longer work of fiction or creative nonfiction. A second-place prize of $1,000 is also awarded. The editors will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit up to 15,000 words of prose with a $27 entry fee by March 31. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Breakout! Prize

Epiphany
Entry Fee: 
$10
Deadline: 
April 15, 2026
Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Epiphany are given annually for a poem or a group of poems and a short work of fiction or nonfiction. Using only the online submission system, submit up to five poems of any length or up to 5,000 words of a short story, novel excerpt, or essay with a $10 entry fee by April 15. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Literary Prizes

New Ohio Review
Entry Fee: 
$22
Deadline: 
April 15, 2026
Three prizes of $1,500 each and publication in New Ohio Review are given annually for a poem or group of poems, a short story, and an essay. Submit a poem or group of poems of up to six pages or a story or essay of up to 20 pages with a $22 entry fee, which includes a subscription to New Ohio Review, by April 15. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Editor’s Prizes

Florida Review
Entry Fee: 
$25
Deadline: 
April 15, 2026
Three prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Florida Review are given annually for a poem or group of poems, a short story, and an essay. The editors will judge. Submit up to five poems of any length or up to 30 pages of prose with a $25 entry fee, which includes a subscription to Florida Review, by April 15. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Prizes in Poetry and Fiction

Orison Books
Entry Fee: 
$25
Deadline: 
April 1, 2026
Two prizes of $1,500 each and publication by Orison Books are given annually for a poetry collection and a book of fiction. Leila Chatti will judge in poetry, and Margot Livesey will judge in fiction. Using only the online submission system, submit a poetry manuscript of 50 to 100 pages or a novel, novella, or collection of short stories or flash fiction of at least 30,000 words with a $25 entry fee by April 1. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Writing Fellowships

A Public Space
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
March 31, 2026
Three six-month fellowships of $1,000 each are given annually to emerging poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers who “embrace risk in their work” and have not published a full-length book. The fellows will work with the editors to prepare a piece for publication in A Public Space, receive complimentary access to all A Public Space master classes during the fellowship year, and will have the opportunity to meet with publishing professionals and participate in a public reading. For fellowships from June 1 to November 30, using only the online submission system, submit a résumé, a group of poems totaling no more than 15 pages or a short story or essay of up to 6,000 words with a cover letter and a brief written statement by March 31. There is no application fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

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