The Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize is for original, unpublished short fiction up to 2,000 words. The aim of the Prize is both to celebrate the best of new short fiction and to give winners the most visibility possible for their writing.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with fourteen different literary and artistic institutions to offer not only a cash prize and writing retreats but to ensure that all our shortlisters have the opportunity to be published in multiple print and online journals, have their work put in front of literary agents and perform in multiple countries.
This year we’ve added more to the kitty: an increased winners package, a second residency, a spot at the Georgia literary festival and more sponsored entries. You’ll also still get published in a limited edition book collecting the shortlisted pieces.
First Prize:
– €1500
– A week’s residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation
– A consultation with a Literary Agent from Andrew Nurnberg Associates
Runner-up Prizes:
– €750 (two prizes available)
All Shortlisted Writers:
– Will be published in a limited edition book to be launched at the Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize Salon, Madrid
– Publication with one of our partner journals: Helter Skelter, The London Magazine, Open Pen, Prototype, Hotel, Gorse, Kill Your Darlings, Minor Literature[s] and The Second Shelf (women only)
– Participation in Desperate Literature Prize Salons at Desperate Literature, Madrid; Burley Fisher, London; Typewronger Books, Edinburgh; and The Second Shelf, London (women only)†
Entry Fee: €20 for the first entry / €10 for every further entry / Sponsored entries available.
Find out more here
Deadline: 15 April 2021, Midnight GMT + 1 (Madrid vermouth hour)