The Reed Magazine Contests
John Steinbeck Award for Fiction
Awarding one of the richest purses among literary magazines—$1,000 for the winning story—the John Steinbeck Award for Fiction recognizes exceptional works of fiction. Aesthetically, we are open to most styles and approaches, including experimental and literary. All works should be stand-alone short stories, not chapters of a longer work. Please limit prose submissions to 5,000 words.
Gabriele Rico Challenge for Nonfiction
The Gabriele Rico Challenge for Nonfiction recognizes outstanding works of nonfiction, awarding $1,333 to the author of the winning entry. We are looking for creative nonfiction, such as personal essays or narratives, not scholarly papers or book reviews. All works should be stand-alone essays, not chapters of a longer work. We do not accept previously published work. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify us if your work is selected for publication elsewhere. Please limit prose submissions to 5,000 words.
Edwin Markham Prize for Poetry
With an award of $1,000 for the winning poem, the Edwin Markham Prize honors outstanding works of poetry. Our taste is eclectic and celebrates the wonderful diversity of forms, styles, and levels of diction available to the contemporary poet. We do not accept previously published work. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify us immediately if your work is selected for publication elsewhere. Writers may submit up to five (5) poems per submission.
Mary Blair Award for
Art
The Mary Blair Award for Art honors exceptional artists’ work across various media. With a prize of $1,000, this award is constantly seeking new and fresh artist perspectives to create a dialogue with our audience. Works can be stand-alone pieces or part of a larger series. We do not accept previously published work. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify us if your work is selected for publication elsewhere. Artists may submit up to five (5) pieces of studio art, including photography, per submission.
Emerging Voices Contest
Reed Magazine is looking to publish the young voices of the south Bay Area. Submit your original fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or visual art/photography and let your voice be heard! Scholarly works are also accepted. We do not accept work that has been previously published. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify us if your work is selected for publication elsewhere.