Q: Can I make changes after submission?
A: No. If you want to submit a more recent version you have 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: If the work was not published, you did not receive a cash prize and it has been altered, then yes it is eligible.
Q: My work was long listed in another competition and published in an online anthology. Can I submit it?
A: No. Previously published work is not eligible.
Q: My work was previously shortlisted in this competition. Can I re-submit it?
A: Yes.
Q: Are simultaneous submissions to other competitions allowed?
A: Yes, though if you submit your entry at the same time, it’s on the understanding you will immediately withdraw from the Bridport Prize if it wins 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 in each category.
Q: What about copyright?
A: Worldwide copyright remains with the author but we have unrestricted rights to first publish winning and highly commended poems, short stories and flash fiction in the 2026 anthology and we may use extracts for promotional material.
Q: Must entries be unpublished?
A: Yes.
Q: Does a short story on my blog count as publication?
A: Yes.
Q: Are translations allowed?
A: An author’s translation of their work into English is eligible but someone else’s or a AI translation of the work is not.
Q: My piece was previously published in another language. Can I submit it in translation?
A: Yes, providing amendments have been made to the original work, it was not published in the UK and you are making the translation yourself without the assistance of AI
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: Can I send the same piece I entered in last year’s competition?
A: Yes.
Q: I accidentally included my details on the piece. Will it be disqualified?
A: Yes. You need to start over.
Q: Are entries returned after judging?
A: No. They are deleted or shredded.
Q: When are winners notified?
A: During September. The full results will be posted on the website and social media on Saturday 17th October 2026. The shortlists, novel long list and Judges’ Report with a list of the winners are available as downloads. All winning and Highly Commended poetry, short story and flash fiction writers will be contacted during September.
Q: How do I get an entry form?
A: Download and print it from our website or email [email protected] to get one emailed or posted.
Q: What happens if I send my postal entry close to the deadline?
A: Entries postmarked on 31st May deadline date 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 shortlisted.
