In the spirit of the journal’s founding mission, the Ploughshares Emerging Writer’s Contest recognizes work by an emerging writer in each of three genres: fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. We consider authors “emerging” if they haven’t published or self-published a book.

One winner in each genre per year will receive $2,000 and publication in the literary journal. **The 2025 contest—judged by R. O. Kwon in fiction, Joshua Bennett in poetry, and Elisa Gabbert in nonfiction—is now open. The winners will be announced this fall.**

One winner in each genre per year will receive $2,000 and publication in the literary journal.

Add

Emerson College

Opportunities

For Artists

ArtConnect

Support