Drue Heinz Literature Prize A project of University of Pittsburgh Press (see other related projects). About The Drue Heinz Literature Prize recognizes and supports writers of literary short fiction and makes their work available to readers around the world. The Prize is open to authors who have published a book-length collection of fiction or at least three short stories or novellas.Manuscripts are judged anonymously by internationally known writers. Past judges have included Ann Patchett, Richard Russo, Robert Penn Warren, Joyce Carol Oates, Raymond Carver, Margaret Atwood, Russell Banks, Michael Chabon, Rick Moody, Joan Didion, Manuel Muñoz, Deesha Philyaw, and Quan Barry. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $25 (above average for contests). Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to people who have published a book-length work or at least three shorter works. Country of Publication United States 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 Drue Heinz Literature Prize's overall average response time is slower than most contests. More ChallengingDrue Heinz Literature Prize's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. Less ResponsiveDrue Heinz Literature Prize's overall rate of non-response is higher than most contests. Fiction Temp Closed Dates:Will be open to submissions from 01 July 2027* (approx. 288 days from now) through 31 July 2027.1Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Novella: 37,500 - 40,000 words. Fiction Collection: 37,500 - 75,000 words. Novel: 40,000 - 75,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional advance (US$2000 or more) + Unknown royalties Provides free copy/copies Professional advance. Unknown royalties. Provides free copy/copies. Details: USD $25,000.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.* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookInstagram @upittpress Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) Make a Donation For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Drue Heinz Literature Prize 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 Include related projects Accuracy We have received 12 reports from 12 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 199 min | 252.5 mean avg | 245.0 median | 278 max days (286.0 std dev) Responses 91.67 % Acceptances: 0.00 % No publication has a 0% acceptance rate. This data is based on submission reports sent to Duotrope, and we have not received reports of any acceptances yet. Rejections: 91.67 % (253.0 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 63.6 % form, 36.4 % unspecified Non-Responses 8.33 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: 8.33 % (199.0 avg. days before reporting submissions as never responded) Withdrawals - Pending 24 responses are pending (46 min | 61.8 mean avg | 63.0 median | 76 max days waiting | 12.8 std dev) from 24 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 $25.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 06 Feb 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 29 Jun 2025. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 09:04 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 ProjectsAgnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize Charges fees for all submissionsCuban Studies DNQPitt Poetry Series Charges fees for all submissionsUniversity of Pittsburgh Press 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 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