Genre: Creative Nonfiction

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Schaffner Press is given annually for a poetry collection, a novel, a story collection, an essay collection, or a memoir that “deals in some way with the subject of music (of any genre and period) and its influence.” Submit a poetry collection of at least 60 pages or a prose manuscript of 75,000 to 100,000 words with a $25 entry fee by January 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Nine fellowships of $1,500 each and participation in a virtual five-month mentorship program, which includes one-on-one mentorship with an established writer; introductions to editors, agents, and publishers; a professional headshot; and a one-year PEN America membership, are given annually to emerging poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers “from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the publishing world.” Fellows also participate in workshops on editing, marketing, and building a professional platform. Writers who have not yet published a book and who do not hold an advanced degree in creative writing are eligible. Using only the online submission system, submit a writing sample of up to 10 pages of poetry or 15 pages of prose, a series of personal statements, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least one reference with a $25 entry fee by January 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of €1,000 (approximately $1,155) and publication in the annual Fish Publishing anthology is given annually for a short memoir. The winner is also invited to give a reading at the West Cork Literary Festival in July. Ted Simon will judge. Submit a memoir of up to 4,000 words with a €22 (approximately $25) entry fee for online entries or €25 (approximately $29) for postal entries by January 31. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Fellowships of up to $5,000 each are given in alternating years to Mississippi poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers. This year the fellowships will be offered in poetry and fiction. Applicants must be permanent residents of Mississippi. Students enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program are ineligible. Using only the online submission system, submit 5 to 10 pages of poetry or 15 to 20 pages of prose written in the past five years, a résumé, a brief bio, a writer’s statement, and a fellowship impact statement by March 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.