The Calvino Prize A project of Miracle Monocle (see other related projects). About The Calvino Prize is a fiction competition sponsored by the Creative Writing Program in the English Department of the University of Louisville. Prizes will be awarded to outstanding pieces of short fiction. Please note that these prizes are meant to encourage writing that feels fresh and enduring, like the writing of Italo Calvino--writing that refreshes, renews, or reorients our sense of what a story can do. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $25 (above average for contests). Want more insight into the affiliated editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s) of Miracle Monocle. Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy AI use may be permitted in some circumstances (see their site for details) Statistics Synopsis Regular Speed The Calvino Prize's overall average response time is within a normal range for contests. Fiction Open Fee-based Dates:Open to fiction submissions through 01 October 2026* (approx. 16 days from now).4Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: General Subgenre: FabulismLengths: Short Story: 1,000 - 6,250 words. Novel Excerpt: Up to 6,250 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Experimental, 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 for winner.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are 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:Bluesky @miraclemonocle.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @miraclemonocleX (Twitter) @miracle_monocle Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) For the Editor(s): Request Interview Link to Duotrope The Calvino Prize 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 9 reports from 9 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 47 min | 90.0 mean avg | 87.0 median | 126 max days (24.3 std dev) Pending 7 responses are pending (18 min | 39.0 mean avg | 28.5 median | 75 max days waiting | 902.7 std dev) from 7 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 recent response reported was received on 13 Jan 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 15 Oct 2025. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 02:30 UTC (6 hours, 31 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 ProjectsMiracle Monocle Charges fees for all submissionsMiracle Monocle Award for Ambitious Student Writers DNQMiracle Monocle Award for Innovative Writing Charges fees for all submissionsThe Miracle Monocle Award for Young Black Writers DNQYou Blew It! Micro-Anthology CLOSED 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: 27 Aug 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