- The Bellwether Prize for Fiction -- October 2
U.S. citizens with some publication record, but without a substantial book publication may submit an original, previously unpublished novel at least 80,000 words in length. $25.00 processing fee. - American Antiquarian Society (AAS) Fellowships for Historical Research -- October 5
The AAS is calling for applications for visiting fellowships for historical research by creative and performing artists, writers, film makers, journalists, and other persons whose goals are to produce imaginative, non-formulaic works dealing with pre-twentieth-century American history. The fellowships provide recipients with a period of uninterrupted research, reading, and collegial discussion at the Society, located in Worcester, Massachusetts. No application fee. - Dogwood Poetry and Fiction Prizes -- October 15
Prize of $1,000 and publication. All entrants will be considered for publication. Submit stories up to 7,500 words to: Kim Bridgford, Editor, Dogwood, English Dept., Fairfield University, North Benson Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824-5195. $15.00 reading fee. - New Rivers Press MVP Competition -- October 15
Three prizes of $1,000 each and a standard book contract for unpublished book-length manuscripts by emerging writers. Submit a manuscript of short stories, novellas, or personal essays of 100-200 pages; or a novel of up to 400 pages to New Rivers Press, MVP Competition, 1104 Seventh Avenue South, Moorhead, MN 56563. $20 entry fee. - Inkwell Short Fiction Competition -- October 30
$1500 prize and publication in Inkwell. Submit up to three short stories for up to 5,000 words to INKWELL, Manhattanville College, 2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY 10577. $15.00 reading fee. - Union County (North Carolina) Writers' Club Annual Contest -- October 31
Prizes of $10-$30 for unpublished writing in the following categories: short story, fantasy, poetry, and childrens' story. Open to U.S. residents over 18 years of age. Send entries to: P.O. Box 496, Monroe, NC 28111. See site for complete rules. Entry fees are $3 per poem, or 2 for $5, and $5 per story. - Wyoming Arts Council Blanchan/Doubleday Awards -- October 31
Three $3,000 fellowships given annually to Wyoming literary artists and two prizes of $1,000 each are awarded, the Neltje Blanchan Memorial Award and the Frank Nelson Doubleday Award. See site or contact WAC for details; deadlines may vary with award.
October Short Story Contests and Awards
By Ginny Wiehardt, About.com Guide
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