Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize 2025

Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize is calling for submissions of an original work of fiction under 2,000 words from writers based anywhere in the world. 

The aim of the Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize is both to celebrate the best of new short fiction and to give winners the most visibility possible for their writing. In addition to a cash prize, there are also residencies for winners. 

Prizes

First Prize:

• 2,000 EUR
• A week’s residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, Italy
• A consultation with Literary Agent Ed Wilson from Johnson & Alcock
• A manuscript assessment with The Literary Consultancy

Runner-up Prizes:

• 1,000 EUR (two prizes available).

One Shortlisted Writer: 

• Will be invited to participate in the European Writers Salon in Brussels (EU writers Only). This includes a travel stipend of 100 EUR.

One Shortlisted Writer: 

• Will be offered a ten-day stay in the in-house residency, Madrid. This includes a travel stipend of 100 EUR.

Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize 2025 application guidelines

Deadline: 30 April 2025