Literary Journal

CBC Short Story Prize

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Journals & literary magazines1 open opportunity listed

About the magazine

The CBC Short Story Prize is an annual literary award administered by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Established to recognize and promote emerging Canadian fiction writers, the prize has been a fixture in the Canadian literary landscape for decades. It is open to unpublished short stories by Canadian citizens and residents, with a word limit of 2,500 words. The winner receives a cash prize of $6,000, a two-week writing residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and publication in Air Canada's enRoute magazine. Runners-up receive cash prizes and their stories are published on CBC Books. The prize is part of the CBC Literary Prizes, which also include the CBC Poetry Prize and the CBC Nonfiction Prize. The award's mission is to discover and nurture new literary talent, providing a national platform for writers at the early stages of their careers.

Submitting your work

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Submit only unpublished stories of up to 2,500 words. Ensure you are a Canadian citizen or resident. The competition typically opens in September and closes in November. Read past winners to understand the aesthetic range, which tends toward narrative clarity and emotional resonance. Avoid experimental forms that may not align with the prize's mainstream readership. Proofread meticulously; the competition is fierce. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but notify promptly if your story is accepted elsewhere. The entry fee is nominal, and multiple entries are permitted. Winning stories often feature strong characters and a distinct Canadian sense of place, though universal themes are welcome.

Submission calls

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OpenDeadline · 2026-11-01