The May 2025 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.

Contests & Awards

The Halifax Ranch Fiction Prize | American Short Fiction

Fee: $20; Award: $2,500; Deadline: June 1st

The judge for the Halifax Ranch Fiction Prize is Eric Puchner, author of the 2025 New York Times bestselling novel Dream State as well as the novel Model Home. They are partnering with the Tasajillo Residency, an idyllic writing residency that neighbors the Halifax Ranch just outside of Austin in Kyle, Texas. In addition to publication and a $2,500 prize, they offer the winning writer an all-expenses-paid writing retreat at the Tasajillo’s beautiful cabin. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

The Bard Fiction Prize | Bard College

Fee: $0; Award: $30,000; Deadline: June 1st

The Bard Fiction Prize is awarded to a promising emerging writer who is an American citizen aged 39 years or younger at the time of application. In addition to a $30,000 cash award, the winner receives an appointment as writer in residence at Bard College for one semester, without the expectation that he or she teach traditional courses. Visit the website for complete guidelines..

Residencies

Writer-in-Residence | The Associates of the Boston Public Library

Fee: $0; Award: $70,000 stipend; Deadline: June 6th

The Associates of the Boston Public Library's Writer-in-Residence program is intended to provide an emerging children’s writer with the financial support and office space needed to complete one literary work for children or young adults. And promote the awareness of the Boston Public Library and its resources, by establishing a living link between the Library and the community. The Writer-in-Residence program will run from October 2025 through September 2026. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Grants

PEN/Bare | Life Review Grants

Fee: $0; Award: $5,000; Deadline: June 1st

The PEN/Bare Life Review Grants support literary works in progress by immigrant and refugee writers, recognizing that the literature of migration is of inherent and manifest value. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Panel Proposals

Event Proposals | AWP

Fee: $0; Award: $0; Deadline: June 16th

The 2026 AWP Conference Subcommittee seeks proposals featuring presenters who are diverse in their backgrounds, pursuits, affiliations, and ages. While an institutional affiliation is not required of participants, when appropriate, panels should showcase presenters from a variety of organizations and institutions who are at different stages of their careers. The ideal event will consist of participants who represent a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The committee also encourages event participation from graduate and undergraduate students. Visit the website for complete guidelines.