Announcing the Winners, Shortlist, and Longlist of The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction, Manuscripts, Poetry, and Nonfiction (July – August 2023)

It is our honor and privilege to announce the winning entries of The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction, Manuscripts, Poetry, and Nonfiction. Our sincere congratulations go out the writers listed below. We hope you agree that these breathtaking works of literature have earned their positions as winning entries: We are tremendously proud to have … Read more

Tips For Unpublished Manuscript Prizes: 44 Do’s and Don’ts

Unpublished Manuscript Prize

Oh, the unpublished manuscript – the gem that’s hiding on your hard drive, just waiting for the spotlight! Maybe you’ve written the next great American novel or a short story collection that’ll make readers weep. Perhaps you’re sitting on a poetry collection that’ll stir souls or a nonfiction book that’ll change minds. How do you … Read more

Poetry Competitions: Everything You Need To Know 

Guide to Poetry Contests

Hey there, fellow poets! If you’re anything like me, you’ve often wondered how to dive into the exciting and rewarding world of poetry contests. I get it—there are so many contests out there, each with unique rules, themes, and prizes. It can feel overwhelming, right? But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! I’ve entered my … Read more

Guide to Short Story and Flash Fiction Contests: 47 Questions

Short Fiction Contests

Welcome to my comprehensive guide to navigating the fascinating world of short story and flash fiction contests! Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just dipping your toes into the world of fiction, this resource is designed with you in mind. I’m here to demystify the process, offering insights based on my personal experience and answering … Read more

Hell – New Fiction by Ciaran Buckley

Second Place in the Letter Review Prize for Short Stories During mid-morning coffee break, Fintan told Shauna about his recurring dream. He told it, if not for laughs, then as fodder for caffeine-time banter. He said that he was in Chapters, rooting through the second-hand CD racks, picking out some rare finds, while feeling an … Read more

The Mine – New Fiction by Mark Grant

The Mine Third Place in the Letter Review Prize for Short Stories New Fiction by Mark Grant June 29th, 2023 After wiping the grey earthenware bowl, he ate the sodden bread, licked his fingers, and finished the lopsided beaker of sour beer. He looked across the smoky room at three soldiers, dark cropped heads clustered … Read more

An Element of Time – New Flash Fiction by Dale Shank

An Element of Time Second Place in the Letter Review for Flash Fiction New Flash Fiction by Dale Shank June 29th, 2023 One evening while Argon went through his parents’ documents to settle their estate, he discovered in their will that he, the estate’s sole beneficiary, was born a generation before them. Immediately, he went … Read more

Dislocation – New Flash Fiction by David Osgood

Dislocation Third Place in the Letter Review Prize for Flash Fiction New Flash Fiction by David Osgood June 29th, 2023 Mom wakes up twice during the night. The first time I carry her to the bathroom, the second is a night terror: something about a disfigured mummy unwrapping and moaning. No more old Boris Karloff … Read more

The Replacement – New Flash Fiction by Morgan Karpiel

New Flash Fiction by Morgan Karpiel

The Replacement First Place in the Letter Review Prize for Flash Fiction New Flash Fiction by Morgan Karpiel June 29th, 2023 At first, Robert assumed that she was simply well made, a beautiful unit, sleek and warm, with a bob of white-blonde hair, heavy-lidded eyes sparkling with iridescent pink glitter, and a laugh that sounded … Read more

After a Massacre – New Poetry by Abby E. Murray

After a Massacre Joint Third Place in the Letter Review Prize for Poetry New Poetry by Abby E. Murray This morning, she woke up to mesitting beside her, my hand on herlavender-pajamaed still-baby-belly, a gesture that has calmed her sincethe day she was born. She is eightand I’m not certain I will ever feel her … Read more