Mary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction A project of Sarabande Books (see other related projects). About The Mary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction includes a cash award, publication of a collection of short stories, novellas, or a short novel, and a standard royalty contract. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $34 (above average for contests). Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Statistics Synopsis Slower Mary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction's overall average response time is slower than most contests. More ChallengingMary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveMary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Fiction Temp Closed Dates:Will be open to submissions from 01 January 2027* (approx. 107 days from now) through 15 February 2027.2Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Novella: 37,500 - 40,000 words. Fiction Collection: 37,500 - 62,500 words. Novel: 40,000 - 62,500 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional advance (US$2000 or more) + < 15% royalties Professional advance. < 15% royalties. Details: USD $2,000, plus a "standard" royalty contract.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT 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 @sarabandebooksX (Twitter) @sarabandebooks Support this Publisher: Make a Donation For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Mary McCarthy Prize in 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 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 123 min | 136.9 mean avg | 135.0 median | 169 max days (15.4 std dev) Responses 100.00 % 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: 100.00 % (136.9 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 83.3 % form, 16.7 % unspecified Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals - Pending 1 response is pending (207 days waiting). 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 $34.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 29 Jun 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 23 Feb 2026. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 08:50 UTC (12 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 ProjectsKathryn A. Morton Prize in Poetry Charges fees for all submissionsSarabande Books Charges fees for all submissionsSarabande Chapbook Prize Charges fees for all submissionsThe Sarabande Prize in the Essay Charges fees for all 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: 17 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