Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 2024 (Poetry & Fiction) | $5000 Cash Prize

The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award for 2024 is currently open for submission. The contest is open to two categories: poetry and fiction. Submit.

Submit To Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 2024 For Poetry and Fiction 

The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award for 2024 is currently open for submission. The contest is open to two categories: poetry and fiction. To submit, ensure you read the submission guidelines and what the organizers of the contest really wants.

About The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 2024 For Poetry and Fiction 

The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award celebrates outstanding writers. From the heart of York, a UNESCO City of Media Arts making waves in the creative sector, Aesthetica is committed to shining a light on creativity around the world. The Award was launched after the publication of Aesthetica Magazine, as a way to support the next generation of literary talent. These were first published in the Creative Works Annual, a collection celebrating innovative poetry and short fiction from both established and emerging practitioners. Originally, it was an anthology of new writing and new artwork. However, as the Aesthetica Creative Writing Award and the Art Prize started to reach more audiences, the decision was made in 2013 to separate them into two Awards with their own prizes and publications.

In 2013, the Award evolved into a standalone publication and Prize. It was important to us to be able to give the writers a prominent platform and to further access to literary agents. The Short Fiction and Poetry winners have gone to achieve widespread acclaim, including nominations for the T. S. Eliot Prize and Forward Prize. The prize attracts thousands of entries each year from across the world and is an outstanding resource to discover the best new voices in creative writing. The judging panel includes leading figures from the publishing world, and by entering, you can showcase to key industry figures and organisations including The Poetry Society, Granta, VINTAGE and more.

What The Organizers Want

The Creative Writing Award is open to Poetry and Short Fiction submissions on any theme, however, they are particularly interested in works that reflect upon our ever changing world.

According to them: 

"We are looking for pieces that challenge us – that redefine the parameters of form, concept and technique. Winning pieces have reflected upon both social and political structures, human relationships and experiences. They have pushed the boundaries of imagination – providing new possibilities and ideas."

You can check their previous shortlists for more details.

Prizes For Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 2024 For Poetry and Fiction 

• £5,000 prize money
• (£2,500 for the Poetry Winner, £2,500 for the Short Fiction Winner)
• Publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual
• A five-day course from Arvon (Fiction Winner)
• Two online masterclasses with Arvon (Poetry Winner)
• One-year print subscription to Granta (Poetry & Fiction Winners)
• One-year digital subscription to Mslexia(Poetry & Fiction Winners)
• Six-week writing poetry course from Curtis Brown Creative (Poetry Winner)
• Full membership to The Poetry Society (Poetry Winner)
• A course from the Poetry School (Poetry Winner)
• Consultation with Redhammer Management (Fiction Winner)
• Six-week writing short stories course from Curtis Brown Creative (Fiction Winner)
• Full membership to Litopia (Poetry & Fiction Winners)

Submission Guidelines

• Poetry entries should be no more than 40 lines.
• Fiction entries should be no more than 2,000 words.
• Works published or entered elsewhere are accepted.
• We accept works on any theme.
• You may enter the Award as many times as you wish, although each work requires a fee and new submission form.
• For more information, read our FAQs here or for our refund policy. For further enquiries please email: info@aestheticamagazine.com

Timescale

• 1 December – 31 August: Entries Open.
• 1 September – 8 September: Late Entries.
• November 2024: Shortlisted writers are contacted and book proofs sent
• December 2024: Winners are announced
• December 2024: Publication of winners and shortlist in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual 2025

Entry Fees

• Standard Entry Fee: Poetry £12 | Short Fiction £18 (1 December – 31 August)
• Late Entry Fee: Poetry £18 | Short Fiction £24 (1 September – 8 September)

To Submit

Click Here