Thank you to everyone from around the world, who has entered our 2026 Award so far.
It closes at midnight BST on Monday 27th April. You still have time to write or refine a short story!

Here are a few reminders:

The fee is £9.00 per entry

£1750 prize pot, including a prize for an unpublished writer of fiction and a local prize.

2200 word limit

The stories can be on any subject. But we have fewer hopeful or funny stories and it is always great to read those too. We accept simultaneous submissions. Let us know asap if you are accepted elsewhere.

Our shortlist judge is Gordon Wise of Curtis Brown literary agency

Results are out by the beginning August and shortlisted authors are offered publication in our 2026 BSSA anthology.

Before you submit, check the rules and send your stories to the email address on the entry page (Some have been arriving at the wrong email address). Remember the word limit of 2200 (we have received stories much longer than this) and don’t add any identifying marks on your stories.

Thank you and good luck!

BSSA team
April 20th 2026