Leicester Writes Short Story Prize

Leicester Writes Short Story Prize 2026

This year we’re celebrating our tenth anniversary and we thought we’d do things slightly differently…

Only previously longlisted writers are invited to submit a single short story of no more than 3,500 words. We’re looking for new and original fiction. There is no set theme and no fee to submit your story.

Everyone who is eligible will receive an email with a link to our new (private) submissions page shortly.

PRIZES

1st Prize   – £100

2nd Prize – £50

A longlist of a maximum of 20 stories will be published in an anthology and all contributors will receive a complimentary copy. A shortlist and overall winners will be selected by the Dahlia Books team.

Deadline:  23:59 on 31 July 2026.