Seventh Annual M.F.K. Fisher Emerging Writers Contest
February 6 @ 12:00 am - May 30 @ 11:59 pm
It’s hard to believe that this is our Seventh Annual M.F.K. Fisher Emerging Writers Contest! This time it’s being run under the auspices of the recently formed M.F.K.Fisher Foundation. We’ve had entries and winners from all over the world and from just down the road these past years. We’ve already begun receiving registrations and essays! Once again, we have a stellar panel of judges helping us.
The theme this year is Fire. Warming, illuminating, transforming. It evokes glow, destruction, passion and so much more.
Submissions begin: Submissions are currently being accepted (as of February 1, 2026). Deadline for submissions: Monday, May 25, 2026 - 5 p.m. PST Contest entry and details: mfkfisher.org/emerging-writers-contest Format: Writers are invited to submit an original unpublished essay or short story (poetry not accepted) in PDF format, 300–500 words for children and youth, 750 words maximum for adults 18 and older. Please include your name, category, and essay title at the top of your submission.
Entries accepted in three age categories:
Adults 18 and older
Youth (13–17) (must have parent or legal guardian's consent (indicate on registration))
Children (8–12) (must have parent or legal guardian's consent (indicate on registration))
Entry Fees:
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Adults: $50
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Children and Youth: Thanks to a generous donation by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, all entries for children and youth are free of charge.
Prizes include:
- $250.00 awarded to the first place winner in each category
- An additional $250.00 awarded to the grand prize winner
- First, second and third place submissions (and their authors’ names) in each category will be published on the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation website.
Terms of entry:By entering the M.F.K. Fisher Emerging Writers Contest you agree that the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation may screen your submission through GPTZero (or a similar tool) and may use the results, at the Foundation’s sole discretion, to evaluate originality and eligibility. Entrants further agree to allow the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation to publish/reprint your essay and name. Employees/board members of the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation and immediate family members are exempted from entering.
