Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize

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Short Description

The aim of the Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize is both to celebrate the best of new short fiction and to give winners the most visibility possible for their writing. That’s why we’ve teamed up with fourteen different literary and artistic institutions to not only offer cash prizes and writing retreats but also to ensure that all our shortlisters have the opportunity to be published in multiple print and online journals, have their work put in front of literary agents, and present their stories in multiple countries.

 

Eligibility

– The Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize is awarded to an original work of fiction under 2000 words
– Translations are accepted, but the prize is awarded to the original writer, not the translator
– Submissions are anonymous

_ Entrants must be over 18 years of age at the time of submission.

_ Submissions must be in English.

– Stories should be submitted in .pdf format upon payment of the entry fee, without mention of the author or translator name within the document.

 

How to Apply

Online Submission

 

Program Benefits & Awards:

First Prize:

– €2000
– A week’s residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation.
– A consultation with Literary Agent Ed Wilson from Johnson & Alcock.
– A manuscript assessment with The Literary Consultancy.

Runner-up Prizes:

– €1000 (two prizes available).

All Shortlisted Writers:

– Will be published in a truly smashing, limited edition book published by ourselves truly and launched at the Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize Salon, Madrid.
– Publication with one of our partner journals: Helter Skelter, The London Magazine, Prototype, gorse, Tenement, Kill Your Darlings, Minor Literature[s].
– Participation in Desperate Literature Prize events at Desperate Literature, Madrid and Burley Fisher, London.†

 

Entry Fee:

  • €20 for the first entry
  • €10 for every further entry
  • (max. of five entries per person)

 

Location:

London, United Kingdom

 

Timeline:

  • Application Deadline: 13 April 2025

 

Website Link: https://desperateliterature.com/prize/

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