How to Enter the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025 is a prestigious global writing competition now open for submissions from unpublished writers. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your talent and win up to £5,000. Here’s all you need to know about eligibility, prizes, and the submission process.

What is the Commonwealth Short Story Prize?

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize was launched in 2012 by Commonwealth Writers, a project of the Commonwealth Foundation. The prize aims to discover and celebrate new literary voices from the 54 Commonwealth countries. Each year, the competition attracts between 6,000 and 7,000 entries globally, offering a significant platform for writers to reach an international audience.

Prizes for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025

Five winners will be selected from different regions, and one of these regional winners will be chosen as the overall winner.

- Overall Winner: £5,000
- Regional Winners: £2,500 each (regions: Africa, Asia, Canada/Europe, Caribbean, Pacific)
- All winning stories will be published in Granta, a highly respected literary magazine.

Eligibility Criteria for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025

To enter the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025, ensure you meet the following criteria:

- Citizenship: You must be a citizen or a stateless person residing in a Commonwealth country.
- Dual Citizenship: If you have dual citizenship in two Commonwealth countries, your entry will be judged based on the region of your permanent residence.
- Age: You must be 18 years or older by 1st November 2024.
- Unpublished Work: Your story must not have been published in any language and must remain unpublished until 1st May 2025.
- Previous Winners: Past overall winners and those who have won the regional prize three times are ineligible.
- Other Competitions: Stories that have been shortlisted or have won other competitions are allowed if unpublished.
- Staff Members: Employees of the Commonwealth Foundation are not eligible to participate.

Prize Regions for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025

Winners will be chosen from five regions:

- Africa: Includes Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and more.
- Asia: Includes Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and more.
- Canada and Europe: Includes Canada, Cyprus, Malta, the UK, and more.
- Caribbean: Includes Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and more.
- Pacific: Includes Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and more.

How to Apply for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025

1. Submit Your Story: Use the official Commonwealth Short Story Prize entry form.
2. Deadline: Ensure your entry is submitted by 1st November 2024 at 11:59 pm in any time zone.

For more information and to access the entry form, visit the Commonwealth Short Story Prize official website https://www.commonwealthwriters.org/

Why Enter the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025?

This is a fantastic opportunity to share your work with a global audience, gain international recognition, and win substantial cash prizes. It is also a chance to have your work published in a prestigious literary magazine, Granta.