Creative Nonfiction Joy Contest

A project of Creative Nonfiction Magazine (see other related projects).

Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions. We provide the following information as an archive.

About

For an upcoming issue, Creative Nonfiction is seeking new essays about JOY. Too often the moments that move us to write are bleak ones—stories of loss, hardship, or learning through painful interactions. For this issue we’re looking for well-crafted narratives that explore the brighter moments in life, those that teach and enlighten us through their beauty or humor.

Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions.

Country of Publication

United States

Publication Medium & Contest Frequency

Print Publication Print Publication: One-time contest

Nonfiction Closed

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Lengths:

Essay: Up to 4,000 words.

Styles:

Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Personal.

Topics:

Memoir: See guidelines.
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: Postal.
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.

No recent cover image available for Creative Nonfiction Joy Contest

Go to contest webpage

Report:
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Creative Nonfiction Joy 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

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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.

Dates

Last Updated: 22 May 2026