Bristol Short Story Prize 2026
Bristol Short Story Prize 2026 is now open for entries!
The Bristol Short Story Prize 2026, organized by the University of Bristol in England has been recently opened for entries inviting all published and unpublished writers to participate.
Short description
The Bristol Short Story Prize 2026, organised by the University of Bristol in England has been recently opened for entries.
Stories can be on any theme or subject and are welcome in any style including graphic, verse or genre-based (Crime, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Romance, Children's etc.).
All entries must be in English.
Submissions must not exceed 4000 words not including the title. Headings, subheadings, and character names used to indicateperspective shifts are included in the word count. There is no minimum length for submissions. Entries must be in a clear 12-14 point font (ie. Times New Roman, Arial, Comic Sans). Entries must be double spaced.
Entries must never have been previously published, in print or online (including self-published, eBook, magazines, journals, websites, blogs, social network sites). Entries must be entirely the work of the entrant.
Entrants may enter as many stories as they like.
Entries must be entirely the work of the entrant and must never have been previously published, in print or online, or broadcast or won a prize in another writing competition.
Entries will be read by the readers who will select a longlist of 30 stories for the judging panel. The judging panel will select the 15 stories to be published in the Bristol Short Story Prize Anthology Volume 18 and the top 3 prize winning stories for the 2026 Bristol Short Story Prize that will be displayed on the website within one week after the awards ceremony at Writers’ Day at the University of Bristol in
Who may enter?
The competition is open to all published and unpublished writers. Entrants must be over 16 years old. There is no geographical restriction on entry – the 2026 Bristol Short Story Prize is open to everyone, whether they are based in the UK or outside the UK.
Prize:
➜ 1st prize: £1,500
➜ 2nd prize: £500
➜ 3rd prize: £250
➜ Each of the 12 remaining shortlisted writers will receive £50.
The judging panel will select the 15 stories to be published in the Bristol Short Story Prize Anthology Volume 18 and the top 3 prize winning stories for the 2026 Bristol Short Story Prize that will be displayed on the website within one week after the awards ceremony at Writers’ Day at the University of Bristol in
Entry fees:
The entry fee is £14.
