6 short story contests to look out for in 2016

Caine Prize for African Writing This is awarded to a short story of between 3000 to 10,000 words by an African writer published in English. It could be someone born in Africa, a national of an African country, or whose parents are African. First prize is £10,000 (N2,991,426.00) and the shortlisted writers will also receive […]

Caine Prize for African Writing

This is awarded to a short story of between 3000 to 10,000 words by an African writer published in English. It could be someone born in Africa, a national of an African country, or whose parents are African. First prize is £10,000 (N2,991,426.00) and the shortlisted writers will also receive a travel prize and £500 each. Entries close 31 January.

Raymond Carver Short Story Contest

It is open to writers from around the world. First prize is US$1000 (N199, 250.00). Entries open on 1 April and close on 15 May.

The Sunday Times Short Story Prize

This is one of the world’s richest short story competitions, with the winner receiving £30,000 (N8, 974, 170). In 2015 the prize was won by Yiyun Li for her story ‘A Sheltered Woman.’ The winner of the 2016 Sunday Times Short Story Prize will be announced on 22 April and entries for the 2017 prize are expected to open in July 2016.

Awele Creative Trust

Awele Creative Trust (ACT) is a non-profit trust formed with the aim of providing a platform for young Nigerians (between the ages of 16 and 26) who have not been published. Submissions for the 2016 award are presently ongoing.

Manchester Fiction Prize

This is a major international literary competition open to anyone aged 16 and above. The winner receives a cash prize of £10,000 (N2,992,753.14). Stories can be up to 2500 words in length. The organisers also offer a Manchester Poetry Prize. Entries for both competitions close on 23 September.

Commonwealth Short Story Prize

It aims to bring stories from new and emerging voices, often from countries with little or no publishing infrastructure, to the attention of an international audience. Open to citizens of the 53 Commonwealth countries, the prize covers the five Commonwealth regions: Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, Caribbean and Pacific. One winner will be selected from each region, with one regional winner to be selected as the overall winner. The overall winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize will receive £5000 (N 1,496,376.57) and the remaining four regional winners receive £2500. Entries close 1 November.