CRAFT Short Fiction Prize

The CRAFT Short Fiction Prize is an annual contest, open each year from March 1 to April 30. Keep an eye on our calendar and submission page for upcoming opportunities throughout the year.

2020 GUIDELINES:

Open March 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020
CRAFT Short Fiction Prize submissions are open to all writers
International submissions are allowed
Short fiction only
Please submit work in English only
5,000 word count maximum
We review literary fiction, but are open to a variety of genres and styles—our only requirement is that you show excellence in your craft
Previously unpublished work only—we do NOT review reprints for contests
We allow simultaneous submissions—writers please notify us and withdraw your piece if your work is picked up elsewhere
We allow multiple submissions—please submit each piece as a separate submission accompanied by a reading fee
$20 reading fee per story/entry
All entries will also be considered for publication in CRAFT
All submissions must be made via Submittable
All entrants will receive an exclusive digital compilation next fall that includes: the winning pieces with the guest judge’s introductions and the winners’ craft essays; excerpts from the finalist pieces; notes from the readers and editors about the reading process; and more
Please, please, double-space your submission and use Times New Roman 12 pt font
Please include a brief cover letter with your publication history (if applicable)
We do not require blind submissions

Friends, family, and associates of the judge are not eligible for consideration for the award.

The writers of the top three stories will receive:

Winner: $2,000 award and a subscription to Journal of the Month
Runners-up: $500 and $300 award respectively for the second and third place finalists
Publication of the top three stories in CRAFT, each with an introduction by the quest judge
Publication of an Author’s Note (craft essay) to accompany the story by each of the writers of the top three entries