The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is one of the most prestigious international awards for unpublished short fiction.

Organized annually by the Commonwealth Foundation, this competition offers emerging writers from across the Commonwealth a unique opportunity to gain recognition and launch their literary careers.

The 2025 edition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with substantial cash prizes and the chance for global exposure.

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About the Commonwealth Short Story Prize

Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025: Win £5,000 and Launch Your Writing Career | Deadline Nov 2

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize aims to uncover and promote the best new writing from across the Commonwealth nations.

It celebrates the rich diversity of voices and storytelling traditions found throughout this global community of 56 countries.

Since its inception in 2012, the prize has helped launch the careers of many talented writers by providing a platform for their work to reach an international audience.

Past winners have gone on to secure book deals, win other major literary awards, and establish themselves as important new voices in contemporary fiction.

The competition is open to writers aged 18 and over from all Commonwealth countries. Stories can be submitted in English or can be translated from other languages.

This inclusive approach allows the prize to showcase linguistic and cultural diversity while discovering exciting new literary talent.

Key Details for the 2025 Competition

Eligibility

To enter the 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, you must:

Be aged 18 years or over on November 2, 2024
Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
Submit an original, unpublished short story of 2,000-5,000 words
Write in English, or provide an English translation if the original is in another language

Prizes

The prize offers substantial monetary awards to winners:

Overall Winner: £5,000
Regional Winners: £2,500 each (5 total)

In addition to the cash prizes, all regional winning stories will be published in the prestigious literary magazine Granta, providing invaluable exposure to a global readership.

Key Dates

Submissions Open: September 1, 2024 (TBC)
Submission Deadline: November 2, 2024
Regional Winners Announced: April 2025 (TBC)
Overall Winner Announced: June 2025 (TBC)

How to Enter

Entries must be submitted online through the official Commonwealth Writers website. The submission portal typically opens in early September.

Click here to visit the official Commonwealth Writers website

Why You Should Enter

Launch Your Writing Career

Winning or being shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize can be a game-changer for aspiring writers. The recognition and exposure it provides can open doors to publishing deals, literary agents, and further opportunities in the writing world.

Global Readership

Having your story published in Granta magazine exposes your work to a discerning, international audience of readers and industry professionals. This exposure can be invaluable for building your reputation as a writer.

Substantial Cash Prizes

The monetary awards are significant, especially for emerging writers. Winning £5,000 or £2,500 can provide financial support to focus on your craft and potentially fund future writing projects.

Join a Community of Writers

Participating in the competition connects you with a diverse community of writers from across the Commonwealth. This network can provide support, inspiration, and potential collaborations in the future.

Feedback and Recognition

Even if you don’t win, being longlisted or shortlisted provides validation of your talent and can motivate you to continue developing your craft.

Tips for Crafting a Winning Story

Read Past Winners

Familiarize yourself with the style and quality of stories that have won in previous years. You can find past winning stories published on the Commonwealth Writers website.

Focus on Originality

The judges are looking for fresh, innovative storytelling. Avoid clichés and predictable plots. Instead, strive to bring a unique perspective or voice to your narrative.

Polish Your Prose

Ensure your writing is crisp, clear, and free of errors. Pay attention to pacing, character development, and narrative structure. Consider having trusted readers provide feedback before submitting.

Embrace Diversity

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Commonwealth. Don’t be afraid to draw on your unique cultural background and experiences in your storytelling.

Adhere to Guidelines

Carefully follow all submission guidelines, including word count limits and formatting requirements. Entries that don’t meet the criteria may be disqualified.

The Judging Process

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize employs a rigorous judging process to ensure fairness and identify the most outstanding entries:

Initial Screening: All eligible entries are read and evaluated by a team of experienced readers.
Regional Judging: Shortlisted stories are then assessed by panels of judges for each of the five Commonwealth regions (Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, Caribbean, and Pacific).
Final Judging: The regional winning stories are evaluated by an international judging panel to select the overall winner.

The judges look for well-crafted stories that are original, compelling, and showcase excellence in English-language fiction writing.

Past Winners and Their Success

Winning the Commonwealth Short Story Prize has been a launching pad for many writers’ careers. Here are a few success stories:

Jennifer Makumbi (Uganda): Won in 2014 and has since published acclaimed novels and short story collections.
Ingrid Persaud (Trinidad and Tobago): 2017 winner who went on to publish the award-winning novel “Love After Love.”
Kanya D’Almeida (Sri Lanka): The 2021 overall winner whose story “I Cleaned The—” received widespread critical acclaim.

These writers and many others have used the platform provided by the Commonwealth Short Story Prize to establish themselves in the literary world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I submit more than one story?

A: No, only one entry per person is allowed.

Q: Does my story need to be set in a Commonwealth country?

A: No, there are no restrictions on the setting or subject matter of your story.

Q: Is there an entry fee?

A: No, entry to the Commonwealth Short Story Prize is free.

Q: Can I submit a story that has been published on my personal blog?

A: No, all entries must be previously unpublished in any form, including online.

Q: When will I hear back about my entry?

A: Longlisted and shortlisted writers are typically notified in March or April of the following year.

Conclusion

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025 represents an unparalleled opportunity for writers to gain recognition, win substantial prizes, and potentially launch their literary careers.

With its focus on diverse voices and commitment to showcasing the best new writing from across the Commonwealth, this competition is a must-enter for any aspiring author.

Remember, the deadline for submissions is November 2, 2024. Start crafting your story now, and you could be on your way to joining the ranks of acclaimed Commonwealth writers. Good luck!

Click here to learn more and prepare your entry

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