The Summer Short Story Award for New Writers returns! Since 2016, our Short Story Award has connected emerging writers with some of the industry’s top literary agents.
We’re looking for spectacular stories—up to 6,000 words, fiction or creative nonfiction—that only you can tell.
This year’s guest judge is Jennine Capó Crucet, a recipient of the 2025 Joyce Carol Oates Prize and author of Say Hello to My Little Friend and other works.
Our contest is open to any writer who has not published a novel or memoir with a major press.
International submissions are allowed, provided the work is written primarily in English.
The first-place winner of this contest, selected by our guest judge, will receive a $3,000 grand prize, along with online publication. Second- and third-place finalists will receive $300 and $200 respectively, along with online publication. All finalists will receive agency review from our six partnered agencies.
The entry fee is $20.
Find out more here
Deadline: Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT