Juniper Prize for Fiction A project of University of Massachusetts Press (see other related projects). About In 2004, in collaboration with the UMass Amherst MFA Program for Poets and Writers, the Press established a third contest—the Juniper Prize for Fiction—to honor and publish outstanding works of literary fiction. The prize is judged each year by a distinguished writer of fiction and carries a cash award. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $30 (above average for contests). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2004 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy AI use may be permitted in some circumstances (see their site for details) Statistics Synopsis Slower Juniper Prize for Fiction's overall average response time is slower than most contests. Fiction Open Fee-based Dates:Open to fiction submissions through 30 September 2026 11:59 PM EDT (in 15 days).2Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Novella: 37,500 - 40,000 words. Fiction Collection: 37,500 - 87,500 words. Novel: 40,000 - 87,500 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Semi-pro advance (US$200-1999) + No royalties Semi-pro advance. No royalties. Details: USD $1,000.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. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @umasspress.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @umasspress Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) Make a Donation For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Juniper Prize for 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 8 reports from 8 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 150 min | 171.0 mean avg | 172.0 median | 208 max days (19.2 std dev) Pending 2 responses are pending (19 min | 26.0 mean avg | 26.0 median | 33 max days waiting | 405.9 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: USD $30.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 03 Mar 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 30 Sep 2025. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 09:01 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 ProjectsJuniper Prize for Creative Nonfiction Charges fees for all submissionsJuniper Prize for Poetry Charges fees for all submissionsUniversity of Massachusetts 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: 11 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