Terrain.org Annual Contest A project of Terrain.org (see other related projects). About Terrain.org's annual contests in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry provide a showcase for new, outstanding placed-based literature selected by a wide array of accomplished judges. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $20 (average for contests). Want more insight into the affiliated editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s) of Terrain.org. Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2009 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Slower Terrain.org Annual Contest's overall average response time is slower than most contests. More ChallengingTerrain.org Annual Contest's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveTerrain.org Annual Contest's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Collapse section Fiction Temp Closed Dates:Will be open to submissions from 01 May 2027* (approx. 231 days from now) through 06 September 2027.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Short Story: 1,000 - 5,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Other: May vary.Winner's Prize:Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) to Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Pay ranges from Semi-pro payment to Professional payment. Details: USD $1,000 award for grand prize.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Temp Closed Dates:Will be open to submissions from 01 May 2027* (approx. 231 days from now) through 06 September 2027.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Article: Up to 5,000 words. Essay: Up to 5,000 words. Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 5,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Personal.Topics: Other: May vary.Winner's Prize:Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) to Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Pay ranges from Semi-pro payment to Professional payment. Details: USD $1,000 award for grand prize.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Temp Closed Dates:Will be open to submissions from 01 May 2027* (approx. 231 days from now) through 06 September 2027.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known; 3 - 5 pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Other: May vary.Winner's Prize:Semi-pro payment (US$5-49 per poem) to Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Pay ranges from Semi-pro payment to Professional payment. Details: USD $1,000 award for grand prize.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.* 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:Bluesky @terrainorg.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @terrain_orgX (Twitter) @terrainorg Support this Publisher: Make a Donation For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Terrain.org Annual 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 related projects Accuracy We have received 13 reports from 13 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 102 min | 149.2 mean avg | 146.0 median | 226 max days (48.1 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 % (149.2 avg. days per rejection) | 7.7 % personal, 69.2 % form, 23.1 % unspecified Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals - Pending 25 responses are pending (4 min | 22.1 mean avg | 12.0 median | 79 max days waiting | 21.7 std dev) from 23 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 $20.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 13 Dec 2025. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 01 Sep 2025. Date compiled: 11 Sep 2026 23:28 UTC (4 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 ProjectsLetters to America NEW!Poetry & Polar Science CLOSED NEW!Sowell Emerging Writers Prize Charges fees for all submissionsTerrain.orgWords, Woods, and Wellness 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: 06 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