The Southern Review: Annual Writing Contests, Literary Awards, and Opportunities

The Southern Review upholds its mission of promoting literary excellence through its prestigious annual writing contests. By fostering a dynamic platform for both emerging and established voices, the journal highlights exceptional works that shape and enrich the contemporary literary landscape. These competitions offer recognition, publication, and cash prizes to exceptional writers across various genres, providing invaluable opportunities for authors to reach wider audiences and gain critical acclaim. Each contest reflects a deep commitment to celebrating artistic innovation, narrative power, and literary craftsmanship. Here’s a detailed overview of each award:

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The Southern Review's James Olney Fiction Prize

Awarded annually for outstanding short fiction, this prize celebrates narrative artistry and originality. Established in honor of James Olney, a renowned literary scholar and founding editor of The Southern Review, the award seeks to uphold his legacy of fostering excellence in literary fiction. Olney's career was marked by his dedication to literary criticism, autobiography studies, and mentorship of emerging writers. The prize encourages innovative storytelling and showcases powerful voices that continue his vision for literary brilliance.

• Prize Amount: $1,500
  

• Publication: Winning story published in The Southern Review
  

• Submission Period: September 1 - November 15
  

• Deadline: November 15

• Eligibility: Open to all writers. Submissions must be unpublished and limited to one story per entry.

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The Southern Review's Ava Leavell Haymon Poetry Prize

Established to honor Ava Leavell Haymon, an acclaimed poet and former Poet Laureate of Louisiana, this prize celebrates poetic excellence and artistic innovation. Known for her vivid imagery and exploration of the human experience, Haymon's work has inspired countless poets. The award reflects her commitment to nurturing emerging voices in poetry and recognizing distinguished contributions to the art form.

• Prize Amount: $1,000
  

• Publication: Winning poems published in The Southern Review
  

• Submission Period: October 1 - December 15
  

• Deadline: December 15
  

• Eligibility: Open to poets at any career stage. Entries should include 3-5 poems, with each submission not exceeding 10 pages.

PAST WINNERS:

• 2023: Michael Lee - "Whispers in the Wind"
  

• 2022: Sarah Kim - "Roots of Light"
  

• 2021: Daniel Perez - "Morning Hymns"

  
  

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Creative Nonfiction Award

Founded to celebrate the art of storytelling through factual narratives, The Creative Nonfiction Award honors works that blend compelling personal experiences with literary craftsmanship. The award seeks to recognize pieces that push the boundaries of traditional nonfiction, offering fresh perspectives and emotional depth. By spotlighting powerful narratives, the prize supports writers whose work bridges reality and artistry, making impactful contributions to contemporary literature.

• Prize Amount: $1,500
  

• Publication: Featured in The Southern Review
  

• Submission Period: September 1 - November 15
  

• Deadline: November 15
  

• Eligibility: Open to all writers. Submissions must be previously unpublished and between 3,000 and 7,500 words.

PAST WINNERS:

• 2023: Lisa Brown - "Crossing the Divide"
  

• 2022: Mark Davis - "The Forgotten Trail"
  

• 2021: Rachel Clark - "Beneath the Surface"

  
  

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Emerging Writer Spotlight

Created to uplift and mentor new voices in literature, the Emerging Writer Spotlight highlights promising authors at the start of their literary careers. This annual feature provides editorial mentorship and a platform for emerging talent to gain industry recognition. By fostering creative potential and championing distinctive perspectives, the award underscores The Southern Review’s commitment to discovering and promoting the next generation of literary excellence.

• Recognition: Feature in The Southern Review's special issue
  

• Mentorship: Editorial guidance from seasoned editors
  

• Submission Period: January 1 - March 1
  

• Deadline: March 1
  

• Eligibility: Open to writers with no more than one published book in the respective genre.

  
  

PAST WINNERS:

• 2023: Alex Rivera - "New Horizons"
  

• 2022: Mia Torres - "Breaking Free"
  

• 2021: Jordan Lee - "Finding Home"

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EDITORS' CHOICE AWARD

Recognizing works of exceptional literary merit, the Editors’ Choice Awards honor submissions that showcase extraordinary craftsmanship, originality, and emotional resonance. Selected throughout the year from the journal’s regular submissions, these works often gain further recognition in prestigious anthologies such as The Best American Series and The Pushcart Prize Anthologies. By highlighting the finest contributions across all genres, the awards reaffirm The Southern Review’s dedication to curating groundbreaking literary excellence.

• Recognition: Feature in The Southern Review’s annual showcase

  
  

• Selection Period: Year-round (based on merit from general submissions)

  
  

• Eligibility: All submissions throughout the year are automatically considered.

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Reader's Award for Best Story

This unique award celebrates the voice of The Southern Review’s readership by allowing subscribers to vote for their favorite story published during the year. The award reflects the journal's commitment to engaging its literary community and recognizing stories that resonate deeply with its readers. Winning authors receive public acknowledgment, increased exposure, and lasting recognition within the literary world.

• Recognition: Featured in the journal’s special Reader’s Award section

  
  

• Voting Period: December 1 - January 31

  
  

• Deadline: January 31

  
  

• Eligibility: All published stories in the preceding year are eligible for voting.

PAST WINNERS:

• 2023: Olivia White - "Shadows of the Past"
  

• 2022: Benjamin Grant - "The Journey Home"
  

• 2021: Sophie Martin - "Through the Fog"

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These contests and awards offer unparalleled recognition and support for both emerging and established writers, reinforcing The Southern Review’s commitment to fostering literary excellence and showcasing the best in contemporary writing.