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.

Never Too Late Award

This £500 award is given to the highest placed writer aged 60+ in Poetry, Short Story, Novel and Flash Fiction. The winning piece will feature in our anthology, which counts as being published and opens doors with literary agents and publishers. It also accesses other competitions not available to the public.

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