The Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans A project of The Iowa Review (see other related projects). About This creative writing contest for U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel is hosted by The Iowa Review and made possible by a gift from the family of Jeff Sharlet (1942–69), a Vietnam veteran and antiwar writer and activist. The contest is open to veterans and active duty personnel writing in any genre and about any subject matter. No Fees! This contest does not charge mandatory fees. Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel. Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded biennially (every other year) AI Policy Unknown AI policy Statistics Synopsis FasterThe Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans's overall average response time is faster than most contests. Collapse section Fiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience, including: Military personnel.Genres: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words. Short Story: 1,000 - 5,000 words.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 place.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience, including: Military personnel.Lengths: Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 5,000 words.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 place.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience, including: Military personnel.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known; Up to 20 pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.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 place.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.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: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @theiowareview.bsky.socialX (Twitter) @iowareview Support this Publisher: Purchase Issue(s) Subscribe Subscribe For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope The Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans 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 related projects Accuracy We have received 3 reports from 2 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 13 min | 39.7 mean avg | 45.0 median | 61 max days (24.4 std dev) Pending 6 responses are pending (103 min | 119.3 mean avg | 122.0 median | 133 max days waiting | 13.9 std dev) from 6 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information Date compiled: 11 Sep 2026 23:43 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 ProjectsThe Iowa Review Awards Charges fees for all submissionsThe Iowa Review Series in Fiction ON HIATUSThe Iowa Review Charges fees for some submissions 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: 20 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