There is no writer’s block abroad.

A Writing Contest in Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, and Poetry.

Prizes: A full registration waiver to attend our writing retreat in Krakow, Poland in July of 2014, with lots of face time with established writers, as well as a $250 cash stipend.  You will also give, if you desire, a featured reading of the winning piece at our retreat, and it will be published on our website.  Plus bragging rights.  Storming Wawel Castle is entirely up to you.  People who are better at math than us say thats a price worth well over two thousand dollars.

Partial Registration Fee Waivers for runner ups will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please note: this prize does not include airfare, housing, or meals.  Burlesque Press can, however, make housing suggestions for every price range.

All entries will be considered for publication on our website!

Theme: We’re looking for dark subject matter – fairy tales, scary tales, and plots that make us shiver.  True crime, mystery, suspense, and dark magic.  It doesn’t have to be sad, but it can be, it doesn’t have to be scary, but it can be.  Above all, we’re looking for seamless writing in all categories, and something that catches us, surprises us, winds us up and makes us want to read more.  But we also like funny.  It would be very un-Burlesque of us if we didn’t like funny.  So show us what you’ve got!

Final Judges:

Fiction: Joseph and Amanda Boyden

Non-Fiction: Kristen Iversen

Poetry: Shelley Puhak

GUIDELINES

• All fiction and nonfiction submissions must be 15 pages or less, double-spaced, 12 pt. font. Poetry submissions should not exceed five pages or three poems total. No identifying information on the manuscript.  Page numbers are ok though.  Page numbers are helpful!
• All submissions must be previously unpublished (print or electronic media).
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed as long as you notify Burlesque Press should your piece be accepted elsewhere.

HOW TO SUBMIT

• All submissions must be uploaded through our online submissions manager found here.
• One story or essay, or up to three poems per entry fee.  You may enter more than one Burlesque Press contest at a time, and as many pieces in each contest as you wish, as long as they are accompanied by an entry fee.  For more information on our other contests, click here.
• You will receive a confirmation email once your submission has been uploaded.
• Winners will be announced in February 2013.  All entries will be considered for publication on our website.
• If you are unable to attend the Poland Retreat you will still be eligible for the stipend and publication on our website. However, no further remuneration in place of the Retreat will be provided.