Fiction Contest 2027 — Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival ($1,500, Emerging Writers)
COMPETITION

Fiction Contest 2027 — Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival ($1,500, Emerging Writers)

Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival

October 15, 2026 (16 publicSeo.openCall.daysLeft)New Orleans, Louisiana, USA (online submission; reading at the Festival, French Quarter)

Annual fiction contest of the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival for emerging writers without a published book of fiction.

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Grand prize $1,500, domestic airfare (up to $500) and French Quarter accommodations to attend the Festival in New Orleans, a VIP All-Access Festival pass ($600 value), a public reading at the Festival, publication in French Quarter Journal, and an interview feature. Top finalists receive a LitPass ($100 value). Judge: Bernice L. McFadden.

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Open only to emerging writers who have not yet published a book of fiction (any book with an ISBN, including self-published; books in other genres are fine). One original, previously unpublished short story in English, up to 7,000 words; stories that have won or placed in another contest are ineligible. Students and faculty of the University of New Orleans Film & Theatre Arts Graduate Program and Creative Writing Workshop are ineligible. Unlimited entries; anonymous judging.

Dates & details

Programme dates
Next Festival: 17–21 March 2027, New Orleans
Costs to the artist
Entry fee only; submission online
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$1,500 grand prize
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$25 per entry