The February 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

Proposals for Phosphorescence and Tell It Slant Festival 2026 | The Emily Dickinson Museum

Fee: $0; Award: Performance and  $200; Deadline: February 15th

The Emily Dickinson Museum is now accepting proposals for our 2026 programs: Phosphorescence Contemporary Poetry Series – a virtual event held monthly from April through September AND the 14th annual Tell It Slant Poetry Festival, held September 21 – 27! The Museum’s poetry programming features established and emerging poets who represent the diversity of the flourishing contemporary poetry scene and fosters community by placing poetry in the public sphere. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Tell-All Boston

Fee: $0; Award: Performance Opportunity; Deadline: March 20th

Tell All celebrates essays and memoir on the same stage. One special guest reads a short excerpt from their recently published book. Three or four featured readers join them onstage to read short, unpublished pieces of their own. The April 23rd event features author Maria Pinto and they are inviting submissions on the the theme of Sustenance. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Contests & Prizes

The Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize | Selected Shorts

Fee: $25; Award: $1000 and Publication; Deadline: March 6th

A writing competition sponsored by the stage and radio series Selected Shorts. The prize will be judged by Simon Rich. The winning work will be performed by an actor in spring 2026 and published on Electric Literature. Entries should be 750 words or less. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

AWP Book Awards

Fee: $20 for AWP members, $30 for non-members; Award: $5,500-$2,500 and publication; Deadline: February 28th

The AWP Award Series is an annual competition for the publication of excellent new book-length works. Prizes are offered for Poetry, Short Fiction, Novel, and Creative Nonfiction. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Residency

MacDowell Fellowship in Peterborough, New Hampshire

Fee: $0; Award: Tow week to Two Month Residency Deadline: February 10th

For artists of various disciplines the MacDowell residencies range from 2 weeks to 2 months. Recipients receive a private studio, meals, and accommodations. MacDowell awards need-based travel grants and stipends. Visit the website for complete guidelines.