Barthelme Prize for Short Prose A project of Gulf Coast (see other related projects). About The contest is open to pieces of prose poetry, flash fiction, and micro-essays. Established in 2008, the contest awards its winner a cash prize and publication in the journal.Donald Barthelme (April 7, 1931–July 23, 1989) was an American author known for his playful, postmodernist style of short fiction. Barthelme also worked as a newspaper reporter for the Houston Post, was managing editor of Location magazine, director of the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston (1961–1962), co-founder of Fiction (with Mark Mirsky and the assistance of Max and Marianne Frisch), and a professor at various universities. He also was one of the original founders of the University of Houston Creative Writing Program. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $20 (average for contests). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2011 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Statistics Synopsis Regular Speed Barthelme Prize for Short Prose's overall average response time is within a normal range for contests. Collapse section Fiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 500 words; Up to 3 pieces.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. Details: USD $1,000 for first prize.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Essay: Up to 500 words; Up to 3 pieces.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. Details: USD $1,000 for first prize.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known; Up to 3 pieces.Poetry Forms:Prose poetry.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Professional payment. Details: USD $1,000 for first prize.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. 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: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookInstagram @gulfcoastjournalX (Twitter) @Gulf_Coast Support this Publisher: Make a Donation Subscribe For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Barthelme Prize for Short Prose 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. Filter: Category: All Categories Fiction Nonfiction Poetry Group by submission Include outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 5 reports from 5 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 70 min | 81.0 mean avg | 76.0 median | 100 max days (12.2 std dev) Pending 5 responses are pending (5 min | 17.2 mean avg | 16.0 median | 36 max days waiting | 1,605.3 std dev) from 5 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $20.00. Most recent response reported was received on 15 Nov 2025. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 06 Sep 2025. Date compiled: 05 Oct 2026 22:13 UTC (less than a minute ago). Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsGulf Coast Charges fees for all submissionsGulf Coast Online Exclusives Charges fees for all submissionsGulf Coast Prize for Translation DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsThe Gulf Coast Prizes Charges fees for all submissionsThe Toni Beauchamp Prize in Critical Art Writing DNQ 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: 30 Sep 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. 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