About
Since 1971, Ploughshares has been committed to promoting the work of up-and-coming writers. Over the years, Ploughshares has helped launch the careers of great writers like Edward P. Jones, Sue Miller, Mona Simpson, Tim O’Brien, and many more. In the spirit of the journal’s founding mission, the Ploughshares Emerging Writer's 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.
Important: 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 |
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Publication Medium & Contest Frequency
| PPrint Publication | Print Publication | Awarded 1 x per year. |
Fiction Temp Closed
- Audience:
- Open to a broad Audience.
- Genres:
- Styles:
- Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.
- Topics:
- Open to all/most Topics.
- Types/Lengths:
| Type | Length Details |
|---|
| FFlash Fiction Flash Fiction | Up to 1,000 words. |
| SShort Story Short Story | 1,000 - 6,000 words. |
- Winner's Prize:
- We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.
| PProfessional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word). |
- Submissions:
| Electronic | Postal | Reprints | Simultaneous | Multi-Entries | Media |
|---|
| OK | No | No | OK | No | Text format submissions |
- Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.
Nonfiction Temp Closed
- Audience:
- Open to a broad Audience.
- Styles:
- Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.
- Topics:
- Open to all/most Topics.
- Types/Lengths:
| Type | Length Details |
|---|
| YEssay Essay | Up to 6,000 words. |
- Winner's Prize:
- We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.
| PProfessional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word). |
- Submissions:
| Electronic | Postal | Reprints | Simultaneous | Multi-Entries | Media |
|---|
| OK | No | No | OK | No | Text format submissions |
- Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.
Poetry Temp Closed
- Audience:
- Open to a broad Audience.
- Genres:
- Poetry Forms:
- Open to all/most Forms.
- Styles:
- Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.
- Topics:
- Open to all/most Topics.
- Types/Lengths:
| Type | Length Details |
|---|
| PPoem Poem | No line limits known; Unknown number of pieces. |
- Winner's Prize:
- We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.
| PProfessional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem). |
- Submissions:
| Electronic | Postal | Reprints | Simultaneous | Multi-Entries | Media |
|---|
| OK | No | No | OK | No | Text format submissions |
- Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.
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