Desperate Literature Prize for Short Fiction A project of Desperate Literature About The aim of the Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize is both to celebrate the best of new short fiction and to give winners the most visibility possible for their writing. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions, except for limited fee waivers available for underrepresented writers and those facing financial hardship. The fee range is EUR €10 to €20 (below average to above average for contests). Country of Publication Spain Publication Media & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per yearPrint Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Statistics Synopsis Slower Desperate Literature Prize for Short Fiction's overall average response time is slower than most contests. More ApproachableDesperate Literature Prize for Short Fiction's overall acceptance rate is higher than most contests. More ResponsiveDesperate Literature Prize for Short Fiction's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Fiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words. Short Story: 1,000 - 2,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Experimental, Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: EUR €2,000 for first prize, plus 7-day residency and consultation.Submissions:Method: Online form. 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 @desperateliteratureX (Twitter) @DesperateLit For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Desperate Literature Prize for Short Fiction 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: Group by submission Include outliers Accuracy We have received 14 reports from 14 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 77 min | 123.0 mean avg | 123.0 median | 391 max days (79.5 std dev) Responses 100.00 % Acceptances: 7.14 % of submissions accepted (136.0 avg. days per acceptance) | 7.14 % of submitters accepted Rejections are often underreported, which skews the statistics in favor of acceptances. Most publishers have a lower acceptance rate than indicated here. Rejections: 92.86 % (121.8 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 53.9 % form, 46.2 % unspecified Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals - Pending 2 responses are pending (173 min | 203.5 mean avg | 203.5 median | 234 max days waiting | 1,497.1 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: EUR €20.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 24 Aug 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 30 Apr 2026. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 04:10 UTC (4 hours, 53 minutes ago). View report of recent responses from this project 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: 18 Jul 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