CONTEST GUIDELINES 

Emerging writers are welcome in ALL categories, but this category is exclusively open to writers whose fiction has not appeared, nor is scheduled to appear, in any print publication with a circulation over 5,000. (Entries must not have appeared in any print publication.)

Most entries run from 1,500 – 5,000 words, but any lengths up to 12,000 words are welcome.

PRIZES

• 1st place wins $2,500, publication in Glimmer Train Stories, and 10 copies.
• 2nd place wins $500, or, if chosen for publication, $700 and 10 copies.
• 3rd place wins $300, or, if chosen for publication, $700 and 10 copies.

READING FEE: $18 per story.

DEADLINES

This contest is held in January/February, May/June, and September/October, with these deadlines:

February 29 | June 30 | October 31 

NOTE: There is always a one-week grace period.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS

Winners will be contacted directly the week before the public announcement in our bulletins, which will be on these dates:

May 1 | September 1 | January 10

We look forward to reading your work!

Wikipedia describes the “slush pile” as the set of unsolicited manuscripts sent to publishers, and normally sifted through by young assistants. Susan and I started Glimmer Train because we wanted to read the great short fiction being written by emerging voices, and to publish the very best in a handsome print publication that would endure.

When we dive into reading stories, we are prepared to be moved, surprised, and changed; we are never disappointed. We look forward to reading your work.