Jesmyn Ward Prize in Fiction A project of Michigan Quarterly Review (see other related projects). About The Michigan Quarterly Review has established this prize for fiction in honor of Helen Zell Writers’ Program alumna Jesmyn Ward and her significant contributions to the literary arts. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $25 (above average for contests). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2021 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work preferred, but limited AI use may be permitted in some circumstances (see their site for details) Statistics Synopsis FasterJesmyn Ward Prize in Fiction's overall average response time is faster than most contests. More ChallengingJesmyn Ward Prize in Fiction's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveJesmyn Ward Prize in Fiction's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Fiction Open Fee-based Dates:Open to fiction submissions through 30 November 2026* (approx. 76 days from now).6Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Short Story: No specific word count limits known (our definition: 1000 to 7500 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 $2,000.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Unknown.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.* 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 @michiganquarterlyreviewX (Twitter) @mqr_tweets Support this Publisher: Make a Donation Subscribe For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Jesmyn Ward Prize in 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 Include related projects Accuracy We have received 16 reports from 16 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 36 min | 68.9 mean avg | 69.0 median | 131 max days (22.2 std dev) Responses 87.50 % 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: 87.50 % (71.5 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 71.4 % form, 28.6 % unspecified | 6.3 % shortlisted Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 12.50 % (51.5 avg. days per withdrawal) Pending 5 responses are pending (8 min | 12.0 mean avg | 13.0 median | 14 max days waiting | 418.9 std dev) from 5 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 10 Apr 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 30 Nov 2025. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 02:10 UTC (6 hours, 53 minutes 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 ProjectsJames A. Winn Prize in Nonfiction Charges fees for all submissionsLaurence Goldstein Prize in Poetry DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsMichigan Quarterly Review Charges fees for all submissionsMQR Mixtape Charges fees for all submissionsMQR Online 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: 09 Sep 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