Literary Journal

CBC Literary Prizes

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About the magazine

The CBC Literary Prizes, administered by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, are among Canada's most prestigious awards for unpublished writing in English and French. Established in 1979, the prizes have a long-standing mission to discover and promote new literary voices across the country, offering a national platform for emerging writers in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The annual competition includes the CBC Short Story Prize, the CBC Poetry Prize, and the CBC Nonfiction Prize, each providing significant cash awards and, for some winners, publication in Air Canada's enRoute magazine or broadcast on CBC Radio. The prizes are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have not published a book in the category they are entering, ensuring a focus on emerging talent.

Submitting your work

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Submit only unpublished work that adheres strictly to the annual theme or category guidelines. Carefully review word limits (e.g., 2,500 words for short stories, 40 lines for poetry) and formatting requirements. Since the competition is open to emerging writers, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria regarding prior publication. Proofread meticulously; the judging process is highly competitive. Consider that winning entries often balance originality with accessibility, appealing to a broad Canadian audience. Deadlines are typically in the fall; check the CBC Books website for exact dates and submission portals.

Submission calls

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OpenDeadline · 2026-11-01