The W.S. Porter Prize A project of Regal House Publishing (see other related projects). About The W.S. Porter Prize is awarded to recognize masterfully written short story collections, while also honoring William Sydney Porter, a native born son of North Carolina and an accomplished short story writer who wrote under the pseudonym O. Henry. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $25 (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 Regular Speed The W.S. Porter Prize's overall average response time is within a normal range for contests. Fiction Open Fee-based Dates:Open to fiction submissions through 01 December 2026* (approx. 77 days from now).2Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Fiction Collection: 25,000 - 87,500 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Semi-pro advance (US$200-1999) + Unknown royalties Semi-pro advance. Unknown royalties. Details: USD $1,000.Submissions:Methods: Submittable submission manager. Postal. 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:Facebook FacebookLinkedIn LinkedInX (Twitter) @RegalHouse1 Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope The W.S. Porter 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 related projects Accuracy We have received 4 reports from 4 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 | 89.5 mean avg | 80.0 median | 139 max days (36.8 std dev) Pending 1 response is pending (12 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 $25.00. Most recent response reported was received on 29 Jan 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 01 Dec 2025. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 09:02 UTC (less than a minute 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 ProjectsThe Acheven Book Prize for Young Adult Fiction CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsChanging Tides Anthology CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsFitzroy Books Charges fees for all submissionsThe Fugere Book Prize for Finely Crafted Novellas Charges fees for all submissionsHouse of Kel Charges fees for all submissionsThe Kraken Book Prize for Middle-Grade Fiction CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsOpioid Epidemic Anthology CLOSEDPact Press DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsThe Petrichor Prize For Finely Crafted Fiction Charges fees for all submissionsRegal House Publishing Charges fees for all submissionsThe Terry J. Cox Poetry Award Charges fees for all submissionsWe Refugees 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: 01 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