Literary Journal

Commonwealth Short Story Prize

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About the magazine

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is an annual award administered by the Commonwealth Foundation, established to identify and nurture emerging short fiction writers from across the 56 Commonwealth countries. Since its inception in 2012, the prize has become a significant platform for voices from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, with winning and shortlisted stories often addressing pressing social and political themes. The award is distinctive for its regional structure, selecting winners from five regions—Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific—before choosing an overall winner. This approach ensures broad representation and brings attention to writers who might otherwise remain outside mainstream publishing circuits. The prize is free to enter and includes a cash award, publication in an anthology, and opportunities for professional development.

Submitting your work

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Writers should submit original, unpublished short stories between 2,000 and 5,000 words. The prize is open to citizens of Commonwealth countries, and there is no entry fee. Submissions are typically accepted from September to November each year. It is advisable to carefully review the eligibility criteria and regional categories. Stories that engage with contemporary issues, demonstrate a strong sense of place, and exhibit originality in voice and structure tend to fare well. Avoid overly familiar genre tropes unless subverted with fresh perspective. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but notify the organizers if the story is accepted elsewhere. Proofread meticulously; the competition is intense, with thousands of entries annually.

Submission calls

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OpenDeadline · 2026-11-01