Writing Contest: Chicago Tribune Seeks Short Stories for Nelson Algren Awards
The Chicago Tribune is looking for original and unpublished short stories no longer than 8,000 words for the Nelson Algren Literary Awards. A grand prize of $3,500 and possible publication in the newspaper will be awarded to one winner. Nine other prizes will also be given.
To enter your story in the contest, it must be entirely fictional and not based on actual person, whether living or not. Deadline for submission is Jan. 31, 2016. Winners will be announced on or about July 15, 2016.
In addition to the grand prize, the following prizes will also be awarded:
- Four finalist prizes: $1,000
- Five runner-up prizes: $500
How to Enter the Writing Contest
Looking for your writing breakthrough? Maybe this writing contest is for you. Take note of the following:
- You have to be at least 18 years old and a United States resident to enter the contest.
- You may enter up to two stories only. Each story must be entered separately.
- Stories must be appropriate for publication in a commercially distributed publication.
- Your name must not appear anywhere in the story.
The contest is named after Nelson Algren, whose novel, “The Man with the Golden Arm,” won the first National Book Award for fiction in 1950. Algren was born in Detroit, but grew up in Chicago.
Learn more about the Chicago Tribune short fiction writing contest.