A Single Word Contest A project of Sunspot Literary Journal (see other related projects). Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (January 2021). We provide the following information as an archive. About Submit the single word you feel is the most important in today’s world. You’ll have 1,000 words to describe why using any form of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. If you feel the word speaks for itself, your description can simply state that fact. Since English doesn’t always convey exact shades of meaning, the word you select can be in any language. A definition written in English will be required, and the definition will count toward the total word count of the description. The description must also be in English. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. Country of Publication United States Publication Media & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per yearPrint Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year Collapse section Fiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word).Note: We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.Submissions:Method: Electronic submissions. Reprints: Unknown.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Essay: Up to 1,000 words. Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 1,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word).Note: We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.Submissions:Method: Electronic submissions. Reprints: Unknown.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem).Note: We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.Submissions:Method: Electronic submissions. Reprints: Unknown.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Visual Art Closed Artwork is also accepted for this prize. Submit one image and up to 250 words describing the artwork’s relationship to the single word.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Artwork: Art Media: Open to all/most Art Media.Art Styles:Open to all/most Art Styles.Topics: Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (US$50 or more per piece) Professional payment (US$50 or more per piece).Note: We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.Submissions:Method: Electronic submissions. Reprints: Unknown.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Image. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Correction/Update Support this Publisher: Make a Donation A Single Word Contest Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. This listing is inactive and does not have any submission reports for the past 12 months. Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! 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Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 22 May 2026 Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only