Ploughshares: Writing Contests, Literary Awards, and Career Opportunities

Ploughshares hosts a series of highly regarded annual contests aimed at discovering and elevating exceptional literary talent. With a long-standing legacy of championing innovation and excellence, the journal offers meaningful opportunities for writers—whether emerging or established—to gain critical recognition, publication, and financial support.

Each award reflects Ploughshares’ dedication to diverse voices and boundary-pushing storytelling. Below is a detailed overview of their current awards and competitions:

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Ploughshares Emerging Writer’s Contest

The Emerging Writer’s Contest was created to spotlight new voices in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Open exclusively to writers without major publication credits, the contest offers a rare platform for early-career authors to break through industry barriers and reach a wide literary audience. Winners receive:

• Prize: $2,000 cash

• Publication: Winning entries published in Ploughshares

• Eligibility: Open to writers without major publication credits in their submission genre

• Submission Window: March 1 – May 15

• Deadline: May 15

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