Are you ready to showcase your storytelling talent on a global stage? The prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize is now open for submissions for 2025. This is a chance to have your unpublished work read by a wide audience, compete for substantial cash prizes, and get your story published in one of the world’s leading literary magazines.
Whether you're an emerging or established writer, this is the perfect opportunity to share your voice with the world.
Key Information at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 1st November 2024 |
| Top Prize | £5,000 for the overall winner |
| Regional Prizes | £2,500 for regional winners |
| Eligibility | Citizens of Commonwealth countries |
| Entry Type | Unpublished short fiction |
| Regions | Africa, Asia, Canada/Europe, Caribbean, Pacific |
| Publication | Winning stories will be featured in Granta |
| Age Requirement | 18+ by 1st November 2024 |
About the Commonwealth Short Story Prize
Launched in 2012, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize is an annual competition that seeks to discover, encourage, and celebrate new voices from all 54 Commonwealth countries. Organized by Commonwealth Writers, a cultural initiative of the Commonwealth Foundation, this prize receives thousands of submissions every year from writers across the globe.
The competition fosters diversity, inclusivity, and creativity, giving writers a platform to share their unique perspectives.
Each year, between 6,000 and 7,000 short stories are submitted, making it one of the most prestigious literary contests in the world.
Prizes and Recognition
Five regional winners will be chosen, one from each of the following regions: Africa, Asia, Canada/Europe, Caribbean, and Pacific. These regional winners compete for the overall prize, which comes with substantial financial rewards and international acclaim.
- Overall Winner: £5,000
- Regional Winners: £2,500 each
Winning stories will be published in Granta, a leading literary magazine known for featuring the work of top writers from around the world. Additionally, all winners will receive international exposure, with their stories celebrated across various Commonwealth platforms.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate, writers must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country or a stateless person living in a Commonwealth country.
- Dual Citizenship: If you hold dual citizenship in two Commonwealth countries, your entry will be judged in the region of your permanent residence.
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old by 1st November 2024.
- Unpublished Work: Submitted stories must not have been published in any form, language, or platform and must remain unpublished until 1st May 2025.
- Past Winners: Previous overall winners are not eligible to re-enter, and regional winners can only enter again if they have not won the prize more than three times.
- Employees: Commonwealth Foundation employees are not eligible.
- Other Competitions: Stories shortlisted or winning in other competitions are eligible as long as they remain unpublished.
Prize Regions and Countries
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is awarded to winners from five distinct regions:
- Africa: Includes countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya, as well as Overseas Territories like Saint Helena.
- Asia: Includes countries like India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
- Canada and Europe: Includes Canada, the UK, Cyprus, and Malta, as well as Overseas Territories like Gibraltar.
- Caribbean: Includes countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados, as well as Overseas Territories like Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.
- Pacific: Includes countries like Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, as well as Overseas Territories like the Cook Islands.
How to Submit Your Story
Submitting your entry is straightforward. Simply:
- Visit the official Commonwealth Short Story Prize website.
- Complete the online entry form.
- Ensure your entry is submitted before 11:59 pm in any time zone on 1st November 2024.
Why Enter?
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is more than just a competition. It is an opportunity to:
- Gain global recognition.
- Share your story with thousands of readers across the world.
- Become part of an exclusive group of writers whose work is celebrated on a global platform.
Conclusion
Don’t miss this chance to bring your unique voice to the world and take the first step toward literary success. Ready to submit? Visit the official Commonwealth Short Story Prize website for more details and start your writing journey today.
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