$500 prize for the best poem, and $500 prize for the best short story (flash fiction), plus publication in Able Muse (the print journal).
Finalists in each category will also be considered for publication.

Entry deadline: February 15, 2011

Entry Fees:

  • $15 for each entry which should contain a minimum of 1 poem, a maximum of 5 poems, but all the poems combined should not exceed 10 pages per entry).
  • $15 for each entry minimum which should contain a minmum of 1 story, a maximum of 2 stories (stories should be flash fiction/short-short-short under 1,500 words each, typed double-spaced).

Guidelines:

  • Blind Judging by the Final Judges (Rachel Hadas for poetry, Alan Cheuse for flash fiction).
  • Initial screening by the Able Muse Editors.
  • Entries may not be previously published.
  • Simultaneous submissions accepted as long as we’re immediately notified if your work is accepted elsewhere.
  • Unlimited entries per person for one or both categories
  • For poetry entries, all styles are welcome (metrical or free verse).
  • We prefer online entries, however, paper/snail mail entry is available for those who insist on the traditional submission method.
  • If you wish to enter in both cateogries or if you enter more than once in one or both categories, then a separate entry fee and submission form must be completed for each entry.
  • If you’re entering by paper/snail mail, the manuscripts cannot be returned so, do not send us your only copies.
  • For paper/snail mail entries, include an SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to receive the announcement of the winners.
  • The contests will be judged blind by the final judge, so:
    • Author’s name should only appear on cover page and nowhere else.
    • Initial screening will be done by the editors of Able Muse.
      1. The final judges will received anonymized manuscripts (five to ten each depending and the number of total entries and their quality).
      2. The final judge will be instructed to disqualify any work that he recognizes. The entry fee the work thus disqualified will be refunded.
    • Include on your cover page ONLY:
      1. the category of your submission— i.e. “poetry contest” or “fiction contest”
      2. the poems/stories titles
      3. the total number of lines for all poems combined / total word count for all stories combined. (For deriving line or word count, do not include, blank lines, the poem or story title, epigraphs in the line/word count.)
      4. the poet’s/writer’s name
      5. address
      6. phone number, and
      7. email address.
    • For paper/snail mail entries, send manuscripts in duplicate.
  • Final Judge (Poetry): Rachel Hadas
  • Final Judge (Flash Fiction): Alan Cheuse

Visit the website for details: http://www.ablemusepress.com/ablemuse-write-prize