The Galley Beggar Press
Short Story Prize 2024/25
Frequently asked questions
Is the prize open to previously published writers?
Yes. The prize is open to both published and unpublished writers.
Is the prize open to writers outside of the UK?
Yes. The competition is open to writers from anywhere in the world.
are there age restrictions?
No. We welcome writers of any age and at any stage of their career.
Do you accept translated stories?
Translated stories are welcome, but must be clearly marked ‘translated’ (and the translator’s name supplied). Translated stories must follow the same criteria as untranslated stories (see t&cs and full information), and both the original story and its translation should not have been previously published.
Can I enter a short story that has been previously published?
Both published and unpublished writers are welcome to enter, but stories that have been previously published (online or in print form) are not eligible.
can I make multiple submissions?
Yes!
What is the maximum word count?
6000 words.
Is there a minimum word count?
No. You can have a brilliant story – such as Tim O’Brien’s ‘The Things They Carried’ – which unspools over several thousand words. But there are also equally brilliant ones – such as Lucia Berlin’s ‘My Jockey’ – which take a page or less.
Are you interested in particular genres?
We love fiction in all of its forms – experimental, ‘literary’, crime, fantasy, Sci-Fi – and the only thing that matters to us is quality.
Is there a limit on the number of stories I can submit?
No. Free entries are allocated at one entry per writer (in order to reach as many writers as possible), but there is no limit on the number of paid entries an individual writer can enter.
How should the stories be formatted?
We ask for stories to be submitted in Word or PDF form, with the story title and contact details (your name and email address) supplied on the first page of the document. Please do not include your name or the story title on any of the subsequent pages. Your contact details are logged into a database and stored separately before being removed from the entry – to enable us to judge your story anonymously.
Will my story be disqualified if it is formatted incorrectly?
No! But please try to follow the instructions above – they make our life easier.
Who is eligible for a free entry and how do I apply?
Each year, we aim to offer a significant number of free entries to our prize, in order to make sure that writers who would like to enter (but cannot afford to) are not excluded. This year, we are happy to say that we are able to offer 200 free entries. These were offered on a first come, first serve basis – and by emailing your request to info@galleybeggar.co.uk. Places will be offered for just as long as they are available (one per person) – and please note that we do not require proof or an explanation: we trust you!