The Portage Prize for Short Fiction
Fiction has always been one of the most powerful ways to explore ideas. A story can illuminate a philosophical question, reveal the tensions of a cultural moment, or capture the quiet search for meaning in ordinary life.
The Portage Prize for Short Fiction seeks stories and poems that do exactly this. We are interested in fiction that does more than tell a compelling narrative. We are drawn to stories that engage seriously with ideas—stories that invite readers to think more deeply about the forces shaping contemporary experience.
Each year, Portage selects a group of exceptional stories that reflect this spirit.
Many literary contests reward craft alone. The Portage Prize for Short Fiction seeks stories where craft and ideas meet.
About the Portage Prize
Each year Portage selects a group of outstanding short stories through the Portage Prize for Short Fiction, an annual competition open from May through August.
The prize recognizes exceptional unpublished short fiction by U.S.-based authors, regardless of publishing history.
While strong narrative craft and memorable characters remain essential, we are especially interested in fiction that explores intellectual and philosophical questions. The stories that resonate most strongly with our editors often engage with themes such as:
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philosophical inquiry
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cultural tension and social change
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intellectual life
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history and memory
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the search for meaning in contemporary experience
Each year, one story is selected as the Portage Short Fiction Prize winner, and five additional stories are recognized as prize finalists.
In addition, a group of selected submissions—including the winner and finalists—will be published in Pathways, our 2026 anthology of short fiction featuring literary voices that explore ideas, culture, and intellectual life.
The Prize
The Portage Short Fiction Prize winner receives:
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$1,000 cash prize
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Publication in Pathways
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Five contributor copies
Five finalists will receive:
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$100 prize
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Two contributor copies of Pathways
In addition, a small number of additional submissions may be selected for publication in Pathways.
Authors whose work is selected for publication will receive:
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Publication in Portage Pathways
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Two contributor copies
Readership Fee
$25 per submission
Entry fees help support the editorial work involved in reading and selecting submissions.
*Scroll down for submission guidelines and eligibility.
The Prize
The Portage Short Fiction Prize winner receives:
-
$1,000 cash prize
-
Publication in Pathways
-
Five contributor copies
Five finalists will receive:
-
$100 prize
-
Two contributor copies of Pathways
In addition, a small number of additional submissions may be selected for publication in Pathways.
Authors whose work is selected for publication will receive:
-
Publication in Portage Pathways
-
Two contributor copies
Readership Fee
$25 per submission
Entry fees help support the editorial work involved in reading and selecting submissions.
*Scroll down for submission guidelines and eligibility.
Eligibility
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Open to U.S.-based authors
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Writers at all stages of their careers are welcome
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Stories must be previously unpublished
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Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but authors must notify us immediately if the story is accepted elsewhere
Submission Guidelines
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Submit one short story
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Stories should be between 1,500 and 7,500 words
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Submissions must be unpublished
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Multiple entiries per author aloud. Each entry requires a reading fee.
Formatting Requirements
Please format submissions as follows:
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Double-spaced
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Standard readable font (Times New Roman, 12 pt recommended)
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Page numbers included
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Submitted as a single PDF or Word document
Include:
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the story manuscript
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a brief author bio (2–3 sentences)
The Judging Process
All submissions are read by the Portage editorial team.
A shortlist of finalists will be selected, and the Portage fiction editor will choose the prize-winning story.
Important Dates
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Submissions open: May 1
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Submissions close: August 31
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Winner and finalists announced: November
Portage believes that fiction can illuminate the ideas that shape our lives. We look forward to discovering the stories that will move this conversation forward.
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