Writing & Literature
A category for emerging voices who shape thought and feeling through original prose.
The Writing & Literature category welcomes original prose that reflects narrative insight, personal voice, and literary craft. Submissions may include short fiction, creative nonfiction, or research-based writing, and should demonstrate clarity, originality, and a meaningful engagement with theme or experience.
Manuscript
Submission may be one of the following:
• Short fiction (e.g., story, allegory, fable)
• Creative nonfiction (e.g., memoir, personal essay)
• Research-based writing or essays on a topic of interest (must be original, not formally submitted elsewhere)
• Any self-directed prose that demonstrates authentic voice and thought
Length
• 1,000 to 2,500 words
Format
• Font: Times New Roman or Garamond
• Size: 12 pt
• Spacing, Double-spaced
• Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm)
• File Format: PDF
• File name: LastFirstName_Title.pdf
Title Page
Include the following information as the first page of your submission:
• Title of the work
• Full name of the applicant
• Email address
• Submission category: Writing & Literature
• Total word count
Author’s Note (Maximum 200 words)
A short reflective note following the manuscript that may include
• Why you chose this topic or story
• What you hoped to explore or express
• Any personal or academic context that supports understanding of the work
Additional Notes
• Submissions must be written in English. You may attach an addition version in your native language, but the English version will be used for review.
• Previously published, AI-generated, or plagiarized work will not be considered.
• Feedback will not be provided on individual submissions.
Originality Policy
All submissions must be the applicant’s own, original work.
Submissions must not have been previously published, formally submitted to other competitions, or generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence tools. Work that is found to be plagiarized or in violation of these guidelines will be disqualified without exception.
Applicants are expected to uphold the values of integrity, authorship, and independent thought that define the spirit of the Hearth Fellowship Prize.