The July 2026 edition of "Get Submitting" is a monthly hand-curated list of the top five contests, grants, scholarships, submission calls, and awards. We try to prioritize opportunities that are at least one of the following: open to all genres, local, free to apply, and/or committed to celebrating and supporting writers from historically marginalized communities. We do the research, so you have more time for what matters: the writing.

Submissions

Red Rock Review

Fee: $2; Award: publication; Deadline: September 30

Red Rock Review is a biannual print and online publication that features poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction by emerging and established writers. The submission period for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry run from July 1st to Sept 30th, in the event that they reach the Submittable cap for the month, submissions may close early. Please check back with them once the month resets. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Contests & Prizes

Summer Creative Nonfiction Contest | Prairie Schooner

Fee: $20; Award: $1,000 and publication: August 1

Prairie Schooner's annual summer nonfiction contest is open to all types of creative nonfiction essays up to 5,000 words. This year's guest judge is Orenda Fink. Visit the website for more guidelines.

Literary Awards | Los Angeles Review

Fee: $20; Award: $1,000 and publication: July 31

Four prizes and publication in the Los Angeles Review are given annually for a poem, a short story, a work of flash fiction, and an essay. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

2026 Editor's Prizes in Poetry & Fiction | Adroit Journal

Fee: $15; Award: $1,000 and publication; Deadline: July 31

The Adroit Journal Editor’s Prizes in Poetry & Fiction to recognize outstanding work in poetry and fiction from mid-career writers. This prize is dedicated to excellence in craft and daring in vision. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Summer Short Story Award for New Writers | The Masters Review

Fee: $20; Award: $3,000 and online publication: Deadline: August 30

The Masters Review contest runs from July 1 to August 30, 2026, and is open to any writer who has not published a novel or memoir with a major press. The first-place winner of this contest, selected by our guest judge, Weike Wang, will receive a $3,000 grand prize, along with online publication. Second- and third-place finalists will receive $300 and $200 respectively, along with online publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.