Electric Literature Emerging Writers Contest ($1,000)

Electric Literature Emerging Writers Contest 2026: Win $1,000, Publication, a Residency, and Literary Agent Feedback

Emerging writers looking for a major publishing opportunity should take note of the Electric Literature Emerging Writers Contest 2026. For the first time, Electric Literature is hosting a dedicated contest for fiction and poetry, offering cash prizes, publication, a writing residency, and valuable industry feedback.

One winner in each category will receive $1,000, publication in one of Electric Literature’s respected literary platforms, and a two-week residency at the Writing Downtown Residency Program in Downtown Las Vegas. Fiction finalists will also receive professional feedback from a literary agent, making this competition an excellent opportunity for writers seeking publication and career development.

Submissions opened on July 1, 2026, and writers can submit their entries through Submittable until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on July 15, 2026, or until submission caps are reached.

 

Benefits of the Electric Literature Emerging Writers Contest

The contest recognizes excellence in both fiction and poetry.

First Prize (Fiction and Poetry)

• $1,000 cash prize
• Publication in Recommended Reading (fiction) or The Commuter (poetry)
• Two-week residency at the Writing Downtown Residency Program in Downtown Las Vegas

Additional Awards

• Second Prize: $250
• Third Prize: $100

In addition, all fiction finalists will receive a professional manuscript review from either literary agent Sarah Bowlin of Aevitas Creative Management or Danielle Bukowski of Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc.

 

Who Can Apply?

The contest is open to writers worldwide.

Electric Literature defines an emerging writer as someone who has not published a full-length book with a major publisher. Writers who have published chapbooks, books with independent or university presses with print runs under 500 copies, or self-published books remain eligible, provided the submitted work is original and unpublished.

Current and former Electric Literature staff, interns, readers, and close associates of the judges are not eligible.

 

Submission Guidelines for the Electric Literature Emerging Writers Contest

Fiction

• One unpublished story
• Between 2,000 and 10,000 words

Poetry

• Up to three unpublished poems
• Maximum 1,500 words total

Applicants should also note the following requirements:

• Remove all identifying information from your manuscript for anonymous judging.
• Submit files as .DOC or .DOCX.
• Multiple submissions are permitted, but each requires a separate entry fee.
• Simultaneous submissions are accepted.
• AI-generated work is generally not permitted unless its use is intentionally artistic and fully disclosed.

Entry Fee

Each submission requires a $20 entry fee, which supports Electric Literature’s nonprofit publishing mission.

Important Dates

• Contest Opens: July 1, 2026
• Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. Pacific Time)

Please note that submissions will close early if the contest reaches its caps of 1,000 fiction entries or 600 poetry entries.

Meet the Judges of the Electric Literature Emerging Writers Contest

This year’s contest will be judged by two acclaimed contemporary writers.

Fiction Judge: Alexander Chee, award-winning novelist and essayist, author of Edinburgh and The Queen of the Night.

Poetry Judge: Danez Smith, acclaimed poet and performer, author of Don’t Call Us Dead and Homie.

Their involvement makes this one of the year’s most prestigious opportunities for emerging writers.

 

Strengthen Your Submission Before Entering

Competition for publication is always high, so taking time to polish your work can make a significant difference. Before submitting, consider seeking professional editorial feedback. This guide on how to get a writing critique explains how constructive critiques can help identify weaknesses, sharpen your narrative, and improve your chances of success.

Strong storytelling also depends on pacing and emotional resonance. Learning how to get your characters to pause effectively can help you create more authentic dialogue, build tension, and give readers meaningful moments to connect with your characters.

 

Submit Your Entry

Entries must be submitted through Electric Literature’s Submittable portal before July 15, 2026, or earlier if the submission cap is reached. Early submission is strongly recommended to avoid missing this opportunity.