5 mistakes to avoid when submitting to the CBC Literary Prizes
The 2024 CBC Nonfiction Prize is open for submissions until March 1 at 4:59 p.m. ET
The 2024 CBC Nonfiction Prize is open for submissions until March 1, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. ET. You can submit original, unpublished nonfiction that is up to 2,000 words in length. Nonfiction includes memoir, biography, humour writing, essay (including personal essay), travel writing and feature articles.
The winner will receive $6,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts, a two-week writing residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and will have their work published on CBC Books.
Four finalists will each receive $1,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts and have their work published on CBC Books.
If you're thinking about entering one of the CBC Literary Prizes, make sure you check your work twice to avoid these common mistakes.
1. Not respecting the word count
We are strict when it comes to word count. Every entry we receive is individually verified and those that do not meet the parameters do not move on — even those that are a few words above the word count. Submissions to the Short Story Prize can be up to 2,500 words. Submissions to the Nonfiction Prize can to be up to 2,000 words. Submission to the Poetry Prize can be up to 600 words. There is no minimum word requirement for our Prizes.
2. Sending in work that has been previously published
The CBC Literary Prizes recognizes original, unpublished work. The winning entry and the four finalists will have their work published on CBC Books. If your work is published elsewhere, it is not eligible. Posting work on social media or on a personal website does not count as published. If you're unsure if your work is eligible, email us at canadawrites@cbc.ca.
3. Sending a story or poem to the wrong competition
The timelines for the three CBC Literary Prizes are set and nonnegotiable. Submit your work to the correct prize when the prize is open for submissions.
4. Not reading the rules and regulations
We know rules and regulations can seem long and boring. But if you have any questions about what you need to send, you'll find it there or in our FAQ. And if you can't find the answer you're looking for, email us.
5. Submitting at the last minute
Things tend to be rushed at the last minute and you might forget some important details. Sure, you can procrastinate, but it could make a difference.
