Charleston Writing Contest A project of Bound by Words Magazine Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (August 2026). We provide the following information as an archive. About Bound by Words Magazine invites writers to submit original work set in Charleston, South Carolina—drawing from its history, beauty, contradictions, resilience, secrets, and soul. Submissions may be rooted in the past or present, real or imagined, but must be grounded in Charleston as place, presence, or setting.We are looking for writing that feels vivid, intentional, and emotionally resonant—work that could exist only in Charleston. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $15 (average for contests). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2026 Publication Media & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationOne-time contestPrint Publication Print PublicationOne-time contest AI Policy Unknown AI policy Collapse section Fiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words. Short Story: 1,000 - 2,500 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... Place/Regions: Specific region. Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $500 prize.Submissions:Method: Duosuma submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Essay: Up to 2,500 words. Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 2,500 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... Place/Regions: Specific region. Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $500 prize.Submissions:Method: Duosuma submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: Up to 30 lines; Up to 3 pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... Place/Regions: Specific region. Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Professional payment. Details: USD $500 prize.Submissions:Method: Duosuma submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Unknown.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: Purchase Issue(s) Charleston Writing 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. Filter: Category: All Categories Fiction Nonfiction Poetry Group by submission Accuracy We have received 1 report within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Pending 2 responses are pending (17 min | 18.0 mean avg | 18.0 median | 19 max days waiting | 1.4 std dev) from 2 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 $15.00. Most recent response reported was received on 17 Mar 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 13 Mar 2026. Date compiled: 17 Sep 2026 23:38 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! 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: 31 Aug 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