Q: Can I make changes after submission?
A: No. If you want to submit an amended version, you need to enter again and pay the fee. You can withdraw your original entry by logging into your Submittable account. To see how to withdraw, please click here. To withdraw postal entries, please email [email protected]
Q: Do you accept email attachments?
A: No. You can only submit online or by post.
Q: An earlier version of my work was shortlisted in another competition, but I’ve changed it. Can I submit it?
A: Yes.
Q: My memoir is based on posts from my personal blog / website / Substack which I’ve expanded. Can I enter?
A: Yes.
Q: My work was long listed in another competition and published in an online anthology. Can I submit it?
A: Yes, providing no more than 8,000 words of the memoir have been previously published.
Q: I’m writing my autobiography. Can I submit an extract to the memoir award?
A: No. The competition is for memoirs only, autobiographies are not eligible. Please see our resources article here for an explanation about these different writing forms.
Q: Are simultaneous submissions to other competitions allowed?
A: Yes, though it’s on the understanding you’ll withdraw from the Bridport Prize if you win elsewhere. Equally, if you win with us you should withdraw from any other competitions.
Q: How many pieces can I enter?
A: You can enter any number of pieces.
Q: What about copyright?
A: Worldwide copyright remains with the author, but we have unrestricted rights to publish extracts from the winning and runner-up memoir on the website. Short excerpts from the twelve long-listed memoirs may be used for promotional material.
Q: Must my memoir be unpublished?
A: Yes, although memoirs that have been self-published, in print or digitally are eligible.
Q: My memoir isn’t finished. Can I submit it?
A: Yes, but please note the required length and timing of further submissions needed for long listed and shortlisted work. These can be found at here
Q: Are translations allowed?
A: An author’s translation of their work into English is eligible but someone else’s translation of the work is not.
Q: My memoir was previously published in another language. Can I submit it in translation?
A: Yes, providing you are translating the work yourself and it was not previously published in the UK.
Q: How do you sort entries if they’re anonymous?
A: Postal entries are coded then matched to an entry form once the judges have made their decision. Online entries are automatically tagged with a number connected to personal details.
Q: Can I use a pen name?
A: Yes. But please submit your piece in your real name. When winners are selected, we check what name you want to use.
Q: I accidentally included my details on the manuscript. Will it be disqualified?
A: Yes. You need to start over.
Q: Are postal entries returned after judging?
A: No. Please keep a copy.
Q: How do I get an entry form?
A: Download and print it from our website or email [email protected] to get one posted.
Q: What happens if I send my postal entry close to the deadline?
A: Entries postmarked on or before the 30 September deadline but arriving later will be accepted. Late entries are not.
Q: What if I forget to add a word count?
A: Don’t worry. We check if the work is long listed.
Q: When are winners notified?
A: Please see the full results timetable here
