Deadline: July 31, 2016
The Seán Ó Faoláin Short Story Competition is an annual short story competition open to writers from around the world, submissions accepted from May to July annually. The competition is open to every writer, ages 16+, of any nationality. Furthermore, submitted stories can be on any subject, in any style.
The prize for winning the competition is €2,000 (approx $2308/£1583) and a week-long residency at Anam Cara Writer’s and Artist’s Retreat. Second prize winner gets €500 and publication in Southward. While four more entries will be selected for publication in Southward, with a €120 publication fee.
The winners will be announced at the Cork International Short Story Festival. Hotel accommodation, meals, drinks and VIP access to the literary stars will also be provided for the winners. The festival will take place September 7 – 11, 2016.
Seán Ó Faoláin Short Story Competition Guideline
Goes without saying, to qualify, submit original (no translation), unpublished and unbroadcast short stories. The stories must be written in English and consist of 3,000 words or fewer.
Please note that your submission should not have identifying contact information in with story document. Rather, provide your name, address and phone number in a separate document/page. Also include where you heard about the competition.
You can submit your submission by mail or by email.
For mail submission, your submission must be typed and sent to The Seán Ó Faoláin Short Story Competition
The Munster Literature Centre
Frank O’Connor House
84 Douglas Street
Cork, Ireland (no postal/zipcode).
All mailed entries must be postmarked by the deadline, July 31. In case, you want entry, submit a self-addressed stamped postcard with your submission. Also, international entries should include money for Irish stamps.
Same way, email submission should be sent to to sofcomp(AT)munsterlit(DOT)ie. And, your submission should be made as Microsoft Word document attachment. Do not submit PDF files. The subject header should say “SOF 2016 Entry.” In addition, type out in the body of the email or in a separate document your contact and payment information.
Fee and Payment
Each entry fee cost €15 or £15. Hence, you should pay by Paypal should you live outside the UK. Also, cheques or drafts by an Irish or British bank is acceptable. Such should be made payable to The Munster Literature Centre. You may submit as many entries as you wish.
Finally, a shortlist will be posted on its website in September and the winner will be announced at the festival. Also, winners and shortlistees will be notified individually.