Commonwealth Short Story Prize

## About the opportunity The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is the Commonwealth Foundation's annual international literary award, celebrating imagination and flair in short fiction from across the Commonwealth. It is open to all Commonwealth citizens aged 18 and over — including Ugandan writers — and aims to amplify less-heard voices from every Commonwealth region.

## What it offers Winning stories receive publication and regional winners are celebrated across the Commonwealth's literary community; an overall winner is selected from the regional winners each year. The prize is one of the most globally accessible awards for emerging short-story writers. Exact cash award figures are not stated on the current prize page — see the official site for current prize details.

## Eligibility - Open to all Commonwealth citizens aged 18 and over (Uganda is a Commonwealth member) - Stories must be original and previously unpublished - Entrants must meet the Foundation's submission rules (word limit, language and translation requirements are published in the prize FAQ)

## How to apply Entries are submitted online through the official Commonwealth Short Story Prize page during the annual submission window. The 2027 prize is postponed to open in January 2027 — sign up for prize updates and watch for the January 2027 opening.