Edinburgh Short Story Awards 2026
Opportunity type: Award
For: Writers
Deadline: 28/02/26
Rewards: Up to £3,000 cash + publication + multiple special awards
Location Eligibility: Worldwide
About this opportunity
The Edinburgh Short Story Awards is an international competition open to writers of all backgrounds and experience levels. The award seeks outstanding short stories of up to 2,000 words across all genres, including literary, historical, crime, romance, humour, and experimental writing. Selected stories gain both financial awards and publication opportunities, alongside recognition from established literary judges.
Rewards
- First Prize: £3,000
- Second Prize: £500
- Third Prize: £250
- Five Commendations: £100 each
- Isobel Lodge Award: £750 (for unpublished writers in Scotland)
- Write Mango Award: £300 (most amusing or bizarre story, worldwide)
- First Write Award: £300 (unpublished writers worldwide)
- Publication in the Edinburgh Anthology for all longlisted and shortlisted authors (15 stories)
- One year free membership at the Scottish Arts Club for major prize winner
Eligibility
- Open to writers worldwide
- Applicants must be 16 years or older
- Open to published and unpublished writers
- Stories must:
- Be written in English
- Be original and unpublished
- Be suitable for an adult audience
- Be no more than 2,000 words (title not included)
- Simultaneous submissions are permitted (must be withdrawn if published elsewhere)
- Writers may submit multiple entries
Entry Fee
£11 per story
How to Apply
- Apply using the link: Edinburgh Short Story Awards 2026
- All questions regarding this award should be sent to artsadmin@lucidity.ltd.uk
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