American Fiction Short Story Award A project of New Rivers Press (see other related projects). This project is on indefinite hiatus. Check their site to find out whether this is a submission and/or publication hiatus. (March 2019) About A well-known writer serves as guest judge, chooses three prizewinners who receive a cash award, and writes the introduction. In 1998, Writer's Digest chose the series as one of the top fifteen fiction magazines in the United States. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year Fiction On Hiatus Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Open to all/most Genres, including: GeneralLengths: Short Story: 1,000 - 7,500 words. Novelette: 7,500 - 10,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.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: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. 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: Buy Book(s) American Fiction Short Story Award 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! Related ProjectsMany Voices Project ON HIATUS Charges fees for all submissionsNew Rivers Press ON HIATUS Charges fees for some submissionsNew Rivers Press Chapbook Contest DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsNew Rivers Press Creative Nonfiction Series ON HIATUSNew Rivers Press Electronic Book Series ON HIATUS Charges fees for all submissionsVisiting Bob CLOSED Before SubmittingWe 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. 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