The Leicester Writes Short Story Prize 2024.

We’re delighted to announce this year’s winning stories for the Leicester Writes Short Story Prize. The stories were chosen by our fantastic judging panel writers Abi Hynes, Iqbal Hussain, and last year’s winner, Laura Coleman.

Around 300 entries were received from across the UK in the eighth year of the prize, open to published and unpublished writers, for a short story of up to 3,500 words on any theme or subject. All entries were judged anonymously.

Judges were impressed by the outstanding quality of entries received.

The winning stories in this year’s competition are:

1st prize: All Eyes on Me by Melanie Carvalho

2nd prize: The Maw by Liz Allan

3rd prize: Molly by Robyn Jefferson

Highly Commended: The Nook by Ismail Karolia

Commended: Pepper Soup by Chiamaka Okike

See the full announcement and judges’ report.


The Leicester Writes Short Story Prize 2024 is now CLOSED.

We’re looking for new and original fiction under 3,500 words.

Stories can be any length (up to 3,500 words) style, or subject. There is no set theme.

£7 per story. Max three entries per person.

PRIZES

1st Prize   – £200

2nd Prize – £100

3rd Prize – £75

A longlist of a maximum of 20 stories will be published in an anthology and all authors receive a complimentary copy. A shortlist and overall winners will be selected by our esteemed judging panel Abi Hynes, Iqbal Hussain, and Laura Coleman.

Deadline:  23:59 on 15 July 2024.

TO ENTER

Please use the form below to submit your entry. As we read submissions blind please do not put your name on your entry or in your file name. Your file must be saved as a .doc or .docx file otherwise it will not be accepted.

If you would like a short feedback report of up to 250 words on your story please choose this option below. The fee for feedback is £30 and must be selected at the time of submission. Please select the option for feedback along with the number of entries you are submitting.

See Full rules.