The Top Short Fiction Contests: The Iowa Review, Jefferson Press, Bakeless Literary Prizes, and the Crazyhorse Fiction Prize

So you want to be a published author of short fiction. So, where do you start? Short fiction contests are the best way to jump start your writing career. And there are many, many contests out there. This article will review a few of the best.

The Iowa Review has more than one contest annually. Currently the Iowa Review is accepting submissions for the fiction contest. Iowa is a name in literature that speaks to excellence, so you want to present your best work. For the prose category, one will need to submit at least 25 pages of original work for consideration of publication in the Iowa Review. The winner will receive $1000 and publication.

Ensure your work is presented professionally. The manuscripts will need to include a single cover sheet with the author's name, e-mail address, phone contacts, and home or business address, and the title of each work. There is a $15 entry fee (include an additional $10 for an annual subscription to The Iowa Review). All submissions will need to be postmarked between the dates of January 1st and January 31st, 2007 inclusive. As always with submissions you will want to enclose a self addressed stamped envelope, as well as a self addressed stamped post card for confirmation of receipt of manuscript, with the understanding manuscripts will not be returned. It is advisable to read a copy of The Iowa Review publication prior to submission to get an idea of the work they normally accept. Visit the Web site for further details on the short fiction contest.