The New Voices Fiction Award presented by Jitney Books

After our first contest closed with a buzz, we had so much fun we have decided to make the contest biannual.

We hope to increase the visibility of this award and the cash prizes also. The 2nd New Voices Fiction Award is now open for submissions.

Official Contest Guidelines

The New Voices Fiction Award celebrates bold, original short fiction from emerging and established writers alike. We are seeking compelling stories across all genres that challenge, entertain, surprise, and linger in the reader’s mind long after the final sentence. We are excited for this contest and can’t wait to read your submissions.

TO SUBMIT YOUR STORY FOR THE NEW FICTION AWARD SUBMIT HERE

Prizes

First Place

• $200 Cash Prize
• Publication of the winning story
• Featured author interview published alongside the story

Second Place

• $50 Cash Prize
• Publication in The Jitney

Third Place

• Publication in The Jitney

In addition to the winners, selected finalists may also be considered for longlist or shortlist recognition.

Contest Timeline

• Submission Deadline: December 15
• Winners Announced: Within one month of the submission deadline

Eligibility

• Open internationally
• No age restrictions
• Writers of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to submit
• Must be in English

Submission Guidelines

• Fiction or creative non-fiction
• Any genre accepted
• Minimum Length: 500 words
• Maximum length: 2,000 words
• Stories must be original and previously unpublished
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but authors must notify us immediately if the story is accepted elsewhere

TO SUBMIT YOUR STORY FOR THE NEW FICTION AWARD SUBMIT HERE

Formatting Requirements

• Times New Roman
• 12-point font
• Double-spaced
• Standard document margins
• Include page numbers

Entry Fee

• $15  reading fee

Multiple submissions are welcome. Each entry requires a separate reading fee.

AI Policy

Submissions must be the original work of the author.

Stories generated wholly or substantially through artificial intelligence tools are not eligible. The editorial team reserves the right to disqualify any submission suspected of violating this policy.

Final Judge

J.J. Colagrande

Publication Rights

• First North American Serial Rights
  (or First World Rights, depending on publication format)

Authors retain full copyright to their work. Rights revert to the author after initial publication.

Legal Notice

This contest is void where prohibited by law.

Submissions are now open!

TO SUBMIT YOUR STORY FOR THE 2ND NEW FICTION AWARD SUBMIT HERE.