Hudson Review Short Fiction Contest

We’re happy to announce The Hudson Review’s biennial Short Fiction Contest will be open for submissions from September 1 to November 30, 2025. Online submissions will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on November 30; mailed submissions must be postmarked November 30. As always, there is no fee to submit. Guidelines as follows:
 
First Prize: $1,000 + publication
Second and Third Prizes: $500 + publication
Contest open September 1–November 30, 2025.
No fee (:
Open to writers never before published in The Hudson Review.
10,000 words maximum.
No simultaneous submissions.
No previously published work (if your story has appeared in any form, including online—in a blog, social media posts, etc.—we consider it to be previously published work).
There is no theme. Please write about anything you would like.
We welcome both US and international submissions.
Submit online or by mail (enclose SASE) to 33 W. 67th St., NY, NY 10023.
 
Winning stories will be published in The Hudson Review. All submissions will be considered for publication and payment at our regular rates.
 
Winning stories from the previous contest are free to read to nonsubscribers:
“Salamander” by Evan Howell
“Full Term” by Reyumeh Ejue
“Zinnias in the Graveyard” by Annie Zaidi and “The Rest Is Silence” by Brecht de Poortere.
 
Submit here.
 
Questions? Please reach out to [email protected] and we will be happy to assist.
 
We look forward to reading your work!