We are thrilled to announce our new contest, The Varnish Prize for Fiction!

We’re looking for submissions of the most compelling, formally-inventive and vital unpublished short fiction. Submissions are open to everyone, but judges will be selecting in accordance with Varnish Online’s mission to highlight emerging writers and early career voices.

Open Now until 15 November 2025

Guidelines:

• Word Limit: 5000 words.
• We’re only able to consider the first 300 submissions, so don’t delay!
• Please do not submit non-fiction or poetry.
• Please only submit previously unpublished works.
• Submissions are limited to one story per writer.
• Please send all submissions to: [email protected].
• When submitting, please add “The Varnish Prize for Fiction” to your email subjectline.
• Please do not put your name on the actual document

Prizes:

• First Place: $350
• Second Place: $100
• Third place: $50

All finalists and shortlisted writers will be published in Varnish Online.

For more information & submission head to their website: The Varnish Prize for Fiction – Varnish Literary Journal