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- Previously unpublished work only—we do NOT review reprints for contests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