1. Heart2World Book Prize
This literary prize is currently open for poetry submissions from Nigerian writers that explore everyday life and universal human experiences. “We prefer writings that remind us of what humans have in common — no matter how trivial — over what sets us apart.” A writer can submit between 30 to 35 poems, not exceeding 55 pages. The winner receives ₦250,000 Cash Prize, 100% Net Royalties on net sales, 12-Month Publishing Package valued at ₦5,000,000 and printing and distribution of 500 paperback copies and an e-book edition, including bookstore placements in Nigeria.
Deadline: August 5, 2026
https://heart2worldpublishing.org/prize
2. Oriire Folklore Prize
The annual prize for new writing on Nigerian and African folklore, open to writers across the continent and the diaspora. They explore African mythology, studying its philosophical frameworks, ethical debates and sociocultural records. They also have an eye for cautionary tales, historical echoes, and spiritual blueprints. Writers are submit under any genre: Folktales & Narrative Retellings (800-2500 words), Encounters (1200-3000 words), and Essays (1500-2500 words). Four winners share in the ₦425,000 prize, have their works published on Oriire, and featured in the end-of-year Oriire Journal.
Deadline: August 15, 2026
3. MacDowell Fellowship
The MacDowell Fellowship is open for application. Artists from around the globe are encouraged to apply. 300 are selected across seven disciplines. The disciplines are architecture, film/video, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. There are no residency fees, and need-based stipends and travel reimbursement grants are available to open the residency to the broadest possible community of artists. Please note the main components of what the selection panels consider during the review process are: a list of professional achievements in an artistic field (consideration of your prior body of work), a current work sample (demonstration of your practice), and your project proposal (what you hope to accomplish with your residency).
Deadline: Applications open on August 17, 2026 and close September 10, 2026
https://www.macdowell.org/apply/apply-for-fellowship
4. Vermont Studio Center – Artist & Writer Residency
The Vermont Studio Center is open for residencies from Artists and writers. “Our mission is to provide studio residencies in an inclusive, international community, honoring creative work as the communication of spirit through form. Our buildings, many of them historic Vermont landmarks, overlook the Gihon River in the northern Green Mountains.” The center offers fellowship opportunities with deadline for such. Applicants whose works were well-received but not awarded a fellowship may still be invited for admission. Residents stay for the 2, 3, and 4-week residency sessions (January to June 2027), depending on the admission status.
Deadline: Opens on August 15 through September 30
https://vermontstudiocenter.org/apply
5. A/A Residency 26/27
“About: AA2A is a national artist residency programme placing visual artists and designer-makers into higher and further education institutions. AA2A connects professional artists with universities and colleges to facilitate experiential learning, enriching students’ creative practice and academic discourse through direct engagement.” Applicants must be UK based and must be willing to deliver sessions to students. The location for the residency is Nottingham, England.
Deadline: From late July to September
https://aa2a.org/application-info-2026/
6. Collaborature Monthly Contest
Collaborature Monthly Contest is open for submissions from poets and fictional writers. A writer is eligible to submit once to a genre. Only one poem or fiction is acceptable. Winning entries will be selected and announced by the last date of the month. The monthly winning entry will receive a $20 cash prize, payable via PayPal. There must be a minimum of two submissions for a prize to be awarded.
Deadline: August 17, 2026.
https://share.google/VmmbX9rNFKfKSfZbI
7. 53-Word Story Contest
This contest is open for submissions from fictional writers to submit a flash fiction of exactly 53 words based on the monthly theme. Last month’s theme was Leaf. Winning entries receive free publication and a free book.
Deadline: August 15, 2026
https://www.press53.com/53word-story-contest
8. Ligonier Valley
Ligonier Valley is open for submissions for its annual LVW’s 21st Flash Fiction Contest. Writers are invited to explore the topic, “What’s behind the door?” The first prize winner will receive $50, second prize $25, and third prize $15. Three honorable mentions will not receive cash prizes but will be published with the other winners on LVW’s website. All six winning stories will be edited by a professional editor. Their authors will also receive a one-year complimentary membership to Ligonier Valley Writers. There is no entry fee.
Deadline: August 15, 2026.
https://www.lvwonline.org/flash-fiction
9. Nine Mile Literary Magazine
Nine Mile Literary Magazine is opening a poetry series named the Propel Disability Poetry Book Series, for poetry written and/or edited by poets living with disabilities. They defined disability as “any physical, mental, sensory, or developmental difference that limits full participation in life activities, including barriers that stem from a lack of understanding, accessibility, and equality within society and its institutions.” Eligible poets in any career stage are welcome to submit. They welcome full-length collections around 48-95 pages long. The winning entry in this series wins a $2,000 prize.
Deadline: August 31st, 2026.
https://share.google/vMlBY31fVodxgwCBu
10. THE VAL WOOD PRIZE 2026: TITLES
Val Wood Prize is inviting writers to submit fiction that explores the theme, “Titles”, inspired by the titles of Val Wood’s books. “A title is often the first doorway into a story. It can suggest mood, setting, character, conflict, or mystery. A strong title can stay with a reader long after the final page, and for this competition we want entries that show how powerfully a title can inspire a story of its own.” Short stories must not exceed 1500 words. All genres are accepted except poetry or brutality/graphic/violent content. Writers must be above 16 and only one entry is accepted per person.
Deadline: August 31, 2026.
https://share.google/28xG8WbV3vPVFbj7V
