Prairie Schooner, the literary quarterly published at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, runs an annual Summer Creative Nonfiction Contest for a single unpublished essay of up to 5,000 words. Writers anywhere in the world may enter; each submission carries a $20 reading fee that includes a copy of the resulting issue. One winner receives a $1,000 cash award and publication in the following Spring issue. The 2026 cycle is read by guest judge Orenda Fink. Entries are judged blind, so the manuscript itself must carry no identifying information.
Benefits & funding
- $1,000 cash award to the winning writer.
- Publication of the winning essay in the following Spring issue of Prairie Schooner.
- Each $20 entry includes a copy of the Spring 2027 issue.
- Note: the $20 fee is charged per submission and is required to enter.
Eligibility
- Open to writers of any nationality or country of residence.
- One creative nonfiction essay of up to 5,000 words per entry.
- Work must be previously unpublished, in print or online.
- Simultaneous submissions allowed if withdrawn promptly when accepted elsewhere.
- Multiple entries permitted; a separate $20 fee applies to each.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Prepare an unpublished creative nonfiction essay of up to 5,000 words.
- 2Remove your name and contact details from the manuscript itself.
- 3Submit electronically through Submittable (or by mail to the listed address) with a cover letter giving the title and your contact information.
- 4Pay the $20 entry fee for each submission before the 1 August deadline.
Program timeline
Submissions open
May 15, 2026
Submission deadline
Aug 1, 2026
Winner announced and published in the Spring issue
Spring 2027