Malahat Review Writing Contests and Prizes
The Malahat Review offers a prestigious platform for writers to showcase their work through a series of annual competitions. These contests span multiple genres, providing significant monetary awards and the opportunity for publication in the review's seasonal issues.
Key Facts
- Four major contest cycles occur throughout the calendar year.
- Prizes range from CAD$1,250 to CAD$2,000.
- Winning entries are published in specific seasonal issues (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter).
- Some awards are restricted to unpublished authors (those who have not yet published a book in that specific genre).
Annual Contest Schedule and Details
Open Season Awards
The Open Season Awards are a broad call for submissions across three primary genres: poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. With a deadline of November 1, this contest awards three separate prizes of CAD$2,000 (one for each genre). The winning pieces are featured in the spring issue.
Novella and Long Poem Prizes
Focused on longer works, these prizes have a February 1 deadline. The Novella Prize (CAD$2,000) and the Long Poem Prize (two prizes of CAD$1,250 each) operate on an alternating schedule, appearing in even and odd years, respectively. All winners are published in the summer issue.
Far Horizons Awards
The Far Horizons Awards are dedicated to short-form works and are specifically designed for emerging writers who have not yet published a book in the relevant genre. The deadline is May 1, and the prize is CAD$1,250. The award alternates annually between poetry (even years) and short fiction (odd years), with winners appearing in the fall issue.
Constance Rooke Creative Nonfiction Prize
Established in 2007, the Constance Rooke Creative Nonfiction Prize focuses exclusively on creative nonfiction—a genre that uses literary styles and techniques to create fact-based narratives. The deadline is August 1, the prize is CAD$1,250, and the winning entry is published in the winter issue.
Contest Summary Table
| Contest Name | Deadline | Prize Amount (CAD) | Publication Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Season Awards | November 1 | $2,000 per genre | Spring |
| Novella / Long Poem Prize | February 1 | $2,000 / $1,250 | Summer |
| Far Horizons Award | May 1 | $1,250 | Fall |
| Constance Rooke Prize | August 1 | $1,250 | Winter |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which contests are open to all writers regardless of publication history?
The Open Season Awards, the Novella/Long Poem Prizes, and the Constance Rooke Creative Nonfiction Prize do not list restrictions regarding previous book publications.
Who is eligible for the Far Horizons Award?
The Far Horizons Award is open only to writers who have not yet published a book in the genre for which they are applying (poetry or short fiction).
How does the alternating schedule for the Novella and Long Poem prizes work?
The Novella Prize is awarded in even years, while the Long Poem Prize is awarded in odd years.
When is the deadline for the Constance Rooke Creative Nonfiction Prize?
The deadline for this prize is August 1.
What are the prize amounts for the Open Season Awards?
There are three prizes of CAD$2,000 each, with one awarded for poetry, one for fiction, and one for creative nonfiction.