Calls for Submissions May 2026

Each month we curate a list of contests, fellowships, and other writing opportunities with approaching deadlines. Opportunities will be posted in the month prior to their deadlines, so that you have ample time to submit your work or applications.

Fiction Contests

Crook’s Corner Prize
Eligibility: Debut novels set predominantly in the American South, published btwn January 1, 2025 and May 15, 2026
Prize: $5,000
Entry Fee: $35
Deadline: May 15, 2026

BOA Short Fiction Prize
Eligibility: Writers who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have DACA status, TPS or LPS
Prize: $1,000 + publication
Entry fee: $30
Deadline: May 31, 2026

Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction
Eligibility: All writers
Prize: $1,000 + publication
Entry fee: $30
Deadline: May 31, 2026

Poetry Contests

Loraine Williams Poetry Prize
Eligibility: All poets
Prize: $1,500 + publication
Entry fee: $25
Deadline: May 15, 2026

Stan & Tom Wick Poetry Prize
Eligibility: Poets who have not published a full-length volume of poetry
Prize: $2,500 + publication
Entry fee: $27
Deadline: May 1, 2026

Stanley Kunitz Memorial Prize
Eligibility: Poets under 40 years of age
Prize: $1,000
Entry fee: $15
Deadline: May 15, 2026

Guy Owen Prize
Eligibility: All poets
Prize: $1,000 + publication
Entry fee: $20
Deadline: May 31, 2026

Multi-Genre Contests

Kellman Prize for Immigrant Literature
Eligibility: First-generation residents of their country
Prize: $10,000, residency with Millay Arts, and publication by Restless Books
Deadline: May 31, 2026