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, provided no cash prize was awarded and no more than 8,000 words has previously been published in print or online. All other Memoir Award eligibility requirements still apply.
Q: My memoir is based on posts from my personal blog / website / Substack which I’ve expanded. Can I enter?
A: Self-published memoirs and ebooks are accepted. Your entry must meet the Memoir Award publication and eligibility rules. Commended, shortlisted or longlisted work is eligible provided no cash prize was awarded and no more than 8,000 words has previously been published in print or online.
Q: My work was long listed in another competition and published in an online anthology. Can I submit it?
A: Yes, provided no cash prize was awarded and no more than 8,000 words of the memoir has previously been published in print or online. All other Memoir Award eligibility requirements still apply.
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, but the memoir becomes ineligible if it wins a prize elsewhere or is published before prize giving. Entry fees will not be refunded. You must inform Bridport Prize immediately if your entry is published or wins a prize elsewhere.
Q: How many pieces can I enter?
A: You can enter any number of pieces.
Q: What about copyright?
A: Copyright in all submitted work remains with the author. Entrants grant Bridport Prize a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to publish winning and highly commended entries, extracts and related material in anthologies, on the website and in promotional materials related to the competition. Bridport Prize reserves the right to make editorial amendments where necessary for legal, editorial or formatting purposes.
Q: Must my memoir be unpublished?
A: Self-published memoirs and ebooks are accepted. Entrants must not have previously traditionally published a memoir; writers who have traditionally published other types of books, such as poetry or novels, are eligible. Memoirs must not have won or been placed in another competition. Commended, shortlisted and longlisted work is eligible provided no cash prize was awarded and no more than 8,000 words has previously been published in print or online. All other Memoir Award eligibility requirements still apply.
Q: My memoir isn’t finished. Can I submit it?
A: Yes. Longlisted entrants must submit a total of 15,000 words, including the original submission and overview. Shortlisted entrants must submit a total of 30,000 words, including the original submission and overview. Entrants unable to comply will be disqualified. Please read the full Memoir Award rules.
Q: Are translations allowed?
A: Translations into English of the entrant’s own work are accepted as long as the translation is made solely by the writer submitting without the use of AI. All other Memoir Award publication and eligibility requirements still apply.
Q: My memoir was previously published in another language. Can I submit it in translation?
A: Translations into English of your own work are accepted if you make the translation yourself without AI assistance. The work must also meet all Memoir Award publication and eligibility requirements. Self-published memoirs and ebooks are accepted; entrants must not have previously traditionally published a memoir. Please read the full Memoir Award rules.
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: Your name may appear within the body of the memoir where it forms part of the narrative. Do not include your name in the file name or use it to identify the manuscript outside the narrative. All other identifying details, including contact details, email addresses, websites and social media handles, must be omitted. Entries containing identifying information outside this narrative exception will be disqualified.
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
