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Opportunity - Discover Your Voice: Enter the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026

  • Writer: Priya Khaitan
    Priya Khaitan
  • Sep 7
  • 2 min read

Are you sitting on a story that’s waiting to be told? Now’s your moment.


The Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 is officially open for entries—from now until 1 November 2025, 11:59 PM GMT   . This renowned literary prize, run by the Commonwealth Foundation, invites submissions of unpublished short fiction (2,000–5,000 words), offering a rare chance to gain international exposure and acclaim   .



What’s at Stake?



  • 5 Regional Winners (Africa, Asia, Canada & Europe, Caribbean, Pacific) each receive £2,500

  • Among them, one overall winner earns an additional £5,000—adjudged from the regionals   .

  • All five winning stories will be published in Granta (online) and a special print anthology by Paper + Ink  .

  • If your submission is a translated work and wins, your translator also receives £750 .




Who Can Enter?



  • Writers must be citizens of a Commonwealth country, or stateless and residing in one   .

  • You must be 18 years or older as of 1 November 2025   .

  • Entries must be unpublished and remain so until at least 1 May 2026   .

  • Only one submission is allowed per writer, and prior overall winners or thrice regional winners are not eligible   .




Why It Matters



Since launching in 2012, this prize has spotlighted emerging voices from regions often overlooked by mainstream publishing—bringing stories from communities with little infrastructure to a global stage  .


Writers like Kanya D’Almeida (Asia, 2021 overall winner) and Kritika Pandey (Asia, 2020 overall winner) prove that your voice, your culture, and your stories matter .

Similarly, Chanel Sutherland from Canada won the 2025 overall prize with her moving story “Descend”, drawing global praise for its powerful narrative .



How to Prepare Your Entry



  • Craft a compelling opening—your first lines should grip the reader and set tone .

  • Stay true to your voice—strong, consistent narration immerses judges in your world .

  • Keep the focus tight—center your story around a single protagonist and conflict .

  • Show, don’t tell—use vivid imagery and scene-building rather than exposition .

  • Aim for cohesion—ensure that the arc of your story flows seamlessly from beginning through resolution .



You can also sign up for writing guidance and tips from past winners and judges through the official prize site .



Final Thought



If you’ve written a short story—no matter how unconventional—this is your invitation. You’re entering a space where your voice, culture, and imagination can resonate across continents.


Submit now—let your storytelling echo across the Commonwealth. https://commonwealthfoundation.com/short-story-prize/

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