For writers everywhere
We are committed to discovering and championing new writers in poetry, short story, flash fiction, novel and memoir. Our alumni read like a Who’s Who of the literary world: Kate Atkinson MBE, Gail Honeyman and Kit de Waal. Judges have included Roger McGough, Monica Ali and Zoe Heller. Trust us with your words and it really could be your name up here next year.
"I have enormously fond memories of the Bridport Prize. It gave me one of the first affirmations that I could write. The story I wrote for the competition was the first time I felt I found that elusive thing - my ‘voice’. Without the Bridport Prize I would probably not have found my agent and quite possibly wouldn’t have written Behind the Scenes at the Museum so I have a lot to be thankful to it for."
Kate Atkinson MBE, Novelist
Your words out there
It’s every writer’s dream, seeing your words on the page for others to read. We are a step on the road to making that happen. From our highly respected judges to our experienced partners, we do whatever we can to make your voice heard.
Poetry. 1st Prize £5,000
You don’t have to be Tennyson. Just talented.
Up to 42 lines.
Short story. 1st Prize £5,000
Quick to read, impossible to forget.
5,000 words or less.
Flash Fiction. 1st Prize £1,000
The art of just enough.
250 words or less.
Novel. Winner £1,500 plus package
The Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award.
8,000 words and a synopsis - initially.
Learn about Peggy Chapman Andrews here
Up to a year’s mentoring from The Literary Consultancy through their Chapter & Verse scheme (worth £2,640) and a detailed critique from the novel judge.
Runner-up £750 plus package
Full manuscript appraisal and Industry Day place from The Literary Consultancy.
Memoir. 1st Prize £1,500 plus package
Your own story. In your own words
5,000 to 8,000 words plus a 300 word overview - to begin with.
A year’s mentoring with The Literary Consultancy through their Chapter & Verse scheme (worth £2,640) and advice from an editor at John Murray (part of Hachette) plus you'll be offered the option of a discussion with the University of Exeter's Creative Writing Department.
Runner up £750 plus package
Full manuscript assessment by The Literary Consultancy with editorial feedback plus you'll be offered the option of a discussion with the University of Exeter's Creative Writing Departmen
Young Writer Award £500
For the highest placed writer aged 16 to 25 in poetry, short story, flash fiction and novel.
Dorset Award £100
Given to the highest placed Dorset writer in poetry, short story, flash fiction and novel.
Sponsored by The Bookshop, Bridport.
Publication
All winning poetry, short story, flash fiction and novel pieces are featured in our anthology, opening doors with literary agents and publishers and giving access to other competitions not available to the public.
Bursaries available
We have a robust scheme of bursaries available for under represented writers. No proof of income is required. Find out more here.
POETRY £12 per entry
Deadline: 11:59pm UK time 31 May 2024
Need to know
42 lines max. No minimum. Title not included in the line count. Dedications not included in the line count. Lines between text / stanzas not counted.
You can submit multiple entries to the competition as long as each entry is paid for individually and includes a separate entry form.
How to enter here
Terms & Conditions here
Bursaries available
We have a robust scheme of bursaries available for under represented writers. No proof of income is required. Find out more here.
Need help?
If you have questions about Submittable or are having technical difficulties submitting your work, help is on hand at Submittable Customer Support via this link https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/
SHORT STORY. £14 per entry
Deadline: 11:59pm UK time 31 May 2024
Need to know
5,000 words max. No minimum. Title not included in the word count.
You can submit multiple entries to the competition as long as each entry is paid for individually and includes a separate entry form.
How to enter here
Terms & Conditions here
Bursaries available
We have a robust scheme of bursaries available for under represented writers. No proof of income is required. Find out more here.
Need help?
If you have questions about Submittable or are having technical difficulties submitting your work, help is on hand at Submittable Customer Support via this link https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/
FLASH FICTION £11 per entry
Deadline: 11:59pm UK time 31 May 2024
Need to know
250 words max. No minimum. Title not included in the word count.
You can submit multiple entries to the competition as long as each entry is paid for individually and includes a separate entry form.
How to enter here
Terms & Conditions here
Bursaries available
We have a robust scheme of bursaries available for under represented writers. No proof of income is required. Find out more here.
Need help?
If you have questions about Submittable or are having technical difficulties submitting your work, help is on hand at Submittable Customer Support via this link https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/
NOVEL £24 per entry
Deadline: 11:59pm UK time 31 May 2024
Need to know
Initially, 8,000 words max, 5,000 minimum from opening chapter/s PLUS 300 word synopsis. Title not included in the word count.
If you’re long listed: you need to submit 15,000 words (this count includes your initial entry - an additional 7,000 words) for the next stage of the competition.
If you’re shortlisted: you need to submit 30,000 words (this count includes the 15,000 words from your initial entry and the longlist - an additional 15,000 words) for the final stage of the judging process.
You can submit multiple entries to the competition as long as each entry is paid for individually and includes a separate entry form.
How to enter here
Terms & Conditions here
Bursaries available
We have a robust scheme of bursaries available for under represented writers. No proof of income is required. Find out more here.
Need help?
If you have questions about Submittable or are having technical difficulties submitting your work, help is on hand at Submittable Customer Support via this link https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/
