The Pinch Literary Award in Fiction A project of The Pinch (see other related projects). About The Pinch Literary Award in fiction recognizes the best short stories. All forms and types of fiction are eligible for this prize. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $28 (above average for contests). 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 FasterThe Pinch Literary Award in Fiction's overall average response time is faster than most contests. More ChallengingThe Pinch Literary Award in Fiction's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveThe Pinch Literary Award in Fiction's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Fiction Temp Closed Dates:Will be open to submissions from 01 February 2027* (approx. 138 days from now) through 28 February 2027.2Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Short Story: 1,000 - 4,000 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 for first 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:Instagram @thepinchjournalX (Twitter) @pinchjournal Support this Publisher: Subscribe For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope The Pinch Literary Award in 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 14 reports from 14 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 39 min | 61.6 mean avg | 65.0 median | 82 max days (12.0 std dev) Responses 92.86 % 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: 92.86 % (62.9 avg. days per rejection) | 30.8 % personal, 53.9 % form, 15.4 % unspecified | 14.3 % shortlisted Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 7.14 % (39.0 avg. days per withdrawal) Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $28.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 24 Apr 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 28 Feb 2026. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 03:50 UTC (5 hours, 13 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 ProjectsGLISH: Variety English Poetry Project CLOSEDThe Page Prize in Nonfiction Charges fees for all submissionsThe Pinch Art Contest DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsThe Pinch Literary Award in Poetry Charges fees for all submissionsThe Pinch 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: 29 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