Emerging Writers' Contest
Ploughshares
Closed
- Length
- Up to 6,500 words
- Pay
- Not stated
- Fee
- Reading fee
- Simultaneous
- Allowed
- Reprints
- Original only
What they accept
The Emerging Writers' Contest fiction category is for emerging writers who have not published or self-published a book in any of the contest genres, with fiction up to 6,500 words. One winner in each genre receives a $2,000 prize and publication in Ploughshares. The contest runs annually from February 1 to March 31; non-subscribers pay a $30 entry fee that includes a one-year subscription, while current subscribers enter free.
Literary
- Anonymous reading
- Remove your name from the manuscript
- AI policy
- We do not accept AI-generated manuscripts.
- Since
- 1971
- Best American Stories
- O. Henry Prize
- Pushcart Prize
More like this
| Publication | Length | Pay | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Flash Literary Review Also publishes Literary | 50 to 1,500 words | Unpaid | No closing date |
| CutBank Also publishes Literary | Up to 8,500 words | 50 USD flat | Closes 1 Feb 2027 |
| Grain Magazine Also publishes Literary | Up to 3,500 words | Not stated | Closes 15 Jun 2027 May close early |
| Permafrost Magazine Also publishes Literary | Up to 8,000 words | Not stated | Closes 30 Apr 2027 |
| Plenitude Magazine Also publishes Literary | Up to 5,000 words | 125.00 CAD flat | Closes 30 Nov 2026 May close early |
| Southeast Review Also publishes Literary | Up to 7,500 words | Not stated | No closing date |