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A Single Word Contest

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A project of Sunspot Literary Journal (see other related projects).

Do not submit here! 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 year.
Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year.

Fiction Closed
Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Genres:
General General
Lengths:
Flash Fiction Flash FictionUp 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.

Nonfiction Closed
Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Lengths:
Essay EssayUp to 1,000 words.
Narrative Nonfiction Narrative NonfictionUp 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.

Poetry Closed
Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Genres:
General General
Lengths:
Poem PoemNo 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.

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 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.

A Single Word Contest Submission Statistics — Free Preview!

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.
AccuracyWe have not received any complete reports within the past 12 months.

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Your Submissions

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Sunspot Lit Culmination Prize for a Prose, Poem, or Art Ending Charges fees for all submissions
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Sunspot Literary Journal Charges fees for all submissions

Dates

Last Updated: 22 Dec 2024
Date Added: 07 Dec 2019

Before Submitting

We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. 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.