Call for Submissions: The Forge Literary Magazine Flash Competitions 2025

The Forge Literary Magazine has officially announced the opening of its annual Flash Fiction and Flash Nonfiction Competitions. Known for its tagline, “where literary excellence is the only criteria,” The Forge remains committed to discovering powerful short-form prose from writers across the globe.

The Forge Literary Magazine will open this year’s competition on September 1, 2025, and close it on September 14, 2025 (or earlier, if the Submittable quota fills). Writers working on a flash piece under 1,000 words should prepare their entry now.

Benefits of the Forge Magazine Flash Competitions

The first-place winners in each category (fiction and nonfiction) will each receive:

• $1,000 USD (paid in two installments: 50% upon publication, 50% within 60 days after publication)
• Publication in The Forge Literary Magazine
• A two-year subscription to Duotrope (valued at $100), courtesy of this year’s sponsor
• Possible additional prizes at the editors’ discretion

International writers are encouraged to apply, but should note that payments are made via PayPal.

Entry Fee and Accessibility

The entry fee is $5 per flash submission. However, true to their mission of reducing barriers, The Forge Literary Magazine reserves 25% of their Submittable quota for no-fee entries from low-income writers.

Guidelines of The Forge Magazine Flash Competitions

• Submit one unpublished piece under 1,000 words per category (fiction and nonfiction).
• Writers may submit one entry in each category.
• The editors will read all submissions anonymously (do not include your name in the file name or manuscript).
• Writers may send simultaneous submissions, but they must withdraw promptly if another outlet accepts their work.
• The editors will also consider all entries for regular inclusion in The Forge Literary Magazine.
• The Forge excludes current Fiction Forge members and the immediate family of its editors from eligibility.
• The editors will announce the winners in mid- to late-October 2025.

Past Winners

The Forge has a strong history of spotlighting exceptional flash writers. Some of the most recent winners include:

• 2024 Nonfiction Winner: Amy Strong, “Standing in a TJ Maxx Selecting a Suitcase for My Dad’s Ashes”
• 2024 Fiction Winner: Dawn Miller, “Mother of Pearl”
• 2023 Nonfiction Winner: Kathryn Aldridge-Morris, “The Mechanics of Speech”
• 2023 Fiction Winner: Marti Trgovich, “Minor Tortures in the Villa Borghese Gardens”

For inspiration, you can check out the full list of honorees.

Why You Should Enter

Writing flash fiction or nonfiction requires precision, intensity, and control—skills that every writer can sharpen through competitions like this. If you’re preparing a submission, you may find this resource helpful: How to Write a Great Short Story: Lessons from a Short Story Day with TJ Benson.

How to Submit

Entries must be submitted via The Forge Literary Magazine’s Submittable portal. Make sure to read the full competition guidelines carefully before submitting.

For inquiries, please contact The Forge Literary Magazine directly through their official website.