Phyllis Grant Zellmer Prize for Fiction
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Contest opens January 15, 2026, and concludes at end of day on March 15, 2025. Each entry includes a copy of the Spring 2025 print edition.
Grand prize is $1000 and publication in the Spring 2027 print edition.
Eligibility
- This contest is open only to emerging writers only who have not yet published a book with a print run over 1,500.
- Only previously unpublished work will be accepted.
- Stories that have won and/or placed in any other writing contest are ineligible.
- Unlimited entries allowed (one story per submission).
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed but work previously accepted or published in West Trade Review is ineligible.
- Please withdraw your submission and notify West Trade Review if it is accepted elsewhere.
- No one editorially or financially affiliated with West Trade Review can enter the contest.
Guidelines
- One submission per entry fee of $15. Entry fee includes a copy of our spring 2025 print edition.
- Author may submit one story per $15 submission, but author is allowed multiple entries.
- The author’s name must not appear on the manuscript or in the file name.
- Please use a standard font, either Times New Roman or Arial in 12-point font size.
- Entry must include a title.
- Please do not include professional resumes or biographies with your entry. Entries are judged anonymously; the judge will only consider entry quality.
- Revisions or edits will not be accepted once submitted for judging.
Entries that do not meet guidelines or eligibility requirements will not be considered.
$1000 and publication in West Trade Review will be awarded to the winning story. Other entries of merit may be considered for publication. The winning story will be announced on our website and social media platforms mid-April 2026 and then published in the 2027 spring print issue of West Trade Review.
Upload submission here:
To be considered for the prize, submissions must be uploaded to the proper folder titled, "Phyllis Grant Zellmer Prize for Fiction.
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PREVIOUS CONTEST WINNERS:
2025: "A House Built Out of Color" by Vincent Perrone
2024: "[SILENCE]" by Jessie Carver
2023: "Nave Nave Moe" by Shannon Savvas
2022: "Happiness and Other Found Objects" by Maria Alvarez
