Enter the 15th Tucson Festival of Books Literary Awards Competition

The 15th Tucson Festival of Books Literary Awards is now accepting submissions in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for the 2027 competition.

Whether you're an emerging writer ready to share your work or an experienced author looking to gain recognition, this is an opportunity to have your writing read by accomplished literary professionals and become part of one of the nation's premier literary festivals.

Submission Deadline: October 31, 2026

Why Enter?

The Tucson Festival of Books Literary Awards celebrate exceptional writing and provide meaningful opportunities for writers to grow their craft, gain recognition, and connect with a vibrant literary community.

Award winners receive:

• First Place: $1,000

• Second Place: $500

• Third Place: $250

In addition, all winners receive scholarships to the 2027 Tucson Festival of Books Masters Workshop, held immediately following the Tucson Festival of Books in March 2027.

Even if you don't place in the top three, outstanding submissions still have the opportunity to be recognized. The top 50 entrants will be invited to attend the acclaimed Masters Workshop (a $350 value), where writers learn from published authors, editors, and literary professionals in an immersive, supportive environment.

Whether your goal is publication, professional development, or simply taking the next step in your writing journey, we encourage you to submit your work.

For information about the Literary Awards or the Masters Workshop, contact Meg Files at masters@tucsonfestivalofbooks.org.

Submission Guidelines: 

• Submit five poems of any length, a short story or novel excerpt, or a nonfiction piece or book excerpt per submission.
• Maximum length for prose is 5,000 words per submission.
• Label each submission’s genre along with the title: fiction, nonfiction, poetry.
• $20 entry fee per submission
• No limit to number of entries ($20 fee per entry)
• Categories NOT accepted: stories for children, academic or how-to nonfiction.
• Submit poems in a single document with appropriate page breaks (up to five poems per submission).
• Submissions must be in English and unpublished at the time of entry (self-published allowed).
• Writers must be age 18 or older.
• The author’s name must not appear anywhere on the manuscript. Include name and contact information in the “Cover Letter” box. Manuscripts with the author's name anywhere on them will be disqualified.
• Authors retain all rights to submitted work.
• Winners and the top 50 will be notified by December 22, 2026.

Ready to Share Your Story?

Every writer starts by submitting their work. Take the next step, showcase your voice, and join a community that celebrates outstanding storytelling and literary excellence.

Enter the 15th Annual Literary Awards Competition Here