Literary Journal

The Bridport Prize

Journals & literary magazines0 open opportunities listed

About the magazine

Founded in 1973, the Bridport Prize is one of the UK's most enduring and respected literary competitions, with a founding ethos rooted in discovering and nurturing new writing talent. Originally established to support the Bridport Arts Centre, the prize has grown into an international benchmark for excellence in poetry, short fiction, and flash fiction, later expanding to include memoir. Its core mission remains to provide a platform for emerging and established writers alike, offering significant financial awards and, crucially, publication opportunities that have launched countless literary careers. The prize is distinguished by its commitment to blind judging, ensuring that each entry is assessed solely on its merits, and by a long-standing tradition of enlisting esteemed writers as judges.

Submitting your work

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Writers should approach the Bridport Prize with meticulous attention to craft and originality. Entries are judged blind, so remove all identifying details from your manuscript. Adhere strictly to word limits and genre guidelines; the competition values precision and narrative control. While the prize welcomes a broad range of styles, it favors work that demonstrates a distinctive voice and emotional resonance over trend-driven or gimmicky writing. Proofread rigorously, as even minor errors can undermine an otherwise strong submission. Deadlines are firm, and early submission is advisable to avoid technical issues. The entry fee is a necessary consideration, but the potential return in terms of prestige and publication makes it a worthwhile investment for serious writers.

Submission calls

1 listed

ClosedDeadline · 2026-09-30