The 2026 Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize is open for entries.
Submission Guidelines
- Original work of fiction under 2000 words
- Translations are accepted, and prizes will be shared between translator and original author, where possible
- Submissions are anonymous
Judges: Claire-Louise Bennett, Ottessa Moshfegh, and Joanna Walsh
Entry fee: €20 for the first entry, €10 for every further entry (max. of five entries per person)
Prizes:
- First Prize:
– €2000
– A week’s residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation
– A manuscript assessment with The Literary Consultancy
– Meeting with literary agent Ed Wilson from The Literary Consultancy - Runner-up Prizes:
– €1000 (two prizes available)
Deadline: April 19th 2026 (23:59 CEST)
Please note: This is an external competition; all details and all submissions are on their website. Click here.