Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 2026 with Prizes Worth Up to GBP 5,000
Applicant criteria
- No specific age required
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
Aesthetica Magazine is accepting entries for the Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 2026, an international literary competition open to writers and poets from around the world. The award aims to discover and support talent in creative writing, poetry, and short fiction.
The total cash prize is GBP 5,000, divided equally between the winner of the poetry category and the winner of the short story category. Each winner will receive GBP 2,500, in addition to publication opportunities and professional training and development in the field of writing.
The competition is open to works on any subject, with no set theme, and the judging panel looks for innovative writing that presents distinctive ideas, forms, and styles. Previously published works and pieces that have been submitted to other competitions are also accepted.
The award is suitable for both emerging and established writers. It attracts entries from around the world and provides a platform for literary talent to gain exposure among prominent figures and organizations in the publishing and writing industries.
Benefits
Winners receive a combination of financial and professional benefits, including:
- GBP 2,500 for the winner of the poetry category.
- GBP 2,500 for the winner of the short story category.
- A total cash prize fund of GBP 5,000.
- Publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Anthology.
- A one-year subscription to Granta for the poetry and short story winners.
- A one-year digital subscription to Mslexia.
- Full membership in Litopia.
- A one-year Deluxe subscription to The London Magazine.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants may apply if they:
- Are a writer or poet from any country around the world.
- Are of any age, as there is no minimum or maximum age limit.
- Wish to submit either poetry or a short story.
- Submit their work within the specified word or line limits.
- Pay the entry fee for the selected category.
The competition also allows:
- Previously published works.
- Works that have already been submitted to other competitions.
- Multiple entries, provided that a separate fee is paid and a new application form is completed for each submission.
- Entry into both the poetry and short story categories, with a separate fee required for each category.
- Works translated into English, provided that the original work belongs to the applicant and the translator’s name is clearly stated.
Application Fees
Participation is not free.
Until August 31, 2026:
- Poetry category: GBP 12 per entry.
- Short story category: GBP 18 per entry.
During the late-entry period from September 1 to September 6, 2026:
- Poetry: GBP 18.
- Short story: GBP 24.
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