Ploughshares Emerging Writers' Contest A project of Ploughshares (see other related projects). About In the spirit of the journal’s founding mission, the Ploughshares Emerging Writers’ Contest recognizes work by an emerging writer in each of three genres: fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. One winner in each genre per year will receive [a cash prize] and publication in the literary journal. We consider authors “emerging” if they haven’t published or self-published a book. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions, except for current Ploughshare subscribers. The fee is USD $30 (above average for contests). Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to those who have not published a book (including chapbooks, ebooks, and self-published works). Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Regular Speed Ploughshares Emerging Writers' Contest's overall average response time is within a normal range for contests. More ChallengingPloughshares Emerging Writers' Contest's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsivePloughshares Emerging Writers' Contest's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Collapse section Fiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words. Short Story: 1,000 - 6,500 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: Online form. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Essay: Up to 6,500 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: Online form. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known; Unknown number of 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 $2,000.Submissions:Method: Online form. 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. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @ploughshares.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @psharesjournalX (Twitter) @pshares Support this Publisher: Make a Donation Subscribe For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Ploughshares Emerging Writers' Contest 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 outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 110 reports from 106 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 59 min | 112.1 mean avg | 101.5 median | 344 max days (506.3 std dev) Responses 97.27 % Acceptances: 0.91 % of submissions accepted (131.0 avg. days per acceptance) | 0.94 % of submitters accepted Rejections are often underreported, which skews the statistics in favor of acceptances. Most publishers have a lower acceptance rate than indicated here. Rejections: 96.36 % (110.4 avg. days per rejection) | 6.6 % personal, 66.0 % form, 27.4 % unspecified | 19.1 % shortlisted Non-Responses 0.91 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: 0.91 % (344.0 avg. days before reporting submissions as never responded) Withdrawals 1.82 % (88.5 avg. days per withdrawal) Pending 3 responses are pending (168 min | 185.0 mean avg | 185.0 median | 187 max days waiting | 1,450.7 std dev) from 3 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. Submissions are acknowledged within 4 days on average. Most recent response reported was received on 01 Aug 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 31 Mar 2026. Date compiled: 11 Sep 2026 18:08 UTC (5 hours, 35 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 ProjectsPloughshares Charges fees for some submissionsThe Ploughshares Blog ON HIATUS 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: 12 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