Each year, the Gulf Coast Writers Association holds a writing contest. Writers may submit work in three genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry. First, second, and third prizes will be given in each genre.
- First prize is $200.
- Second prize is $75.
- Third prize is $50.
There is no limit on the number of entries, but there is only one prize per author. In addition, the winners will be published on our website and possibly in Fort Myers magazine. The Contest for 2026 is accepting submissions from November 1, 2025, to March 15, 2026. The only way to submit is through our website by completing the entry form once you have read the guidelines.
For a sample of the work we have honored, read the 2025 contest winners.
Submission Guidelines: PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW
- Unpublished Work Only.
- Eligibility: Anyone writing in English.
- Word Limit: Prose 1,500 words. Poetry 40 lines.
- Format: Please submit a .docx file.
- Font: For both prose and poetry, use a 12-point font: Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, or similar, easy-to-read font.
- Double Space Prose: Poetry may sit on the page as is appropriate to the poem.
- Do Not Include Your Name on the Document: The judging is blind, so your name should NOT APPEAR in or on the document itself. Don’t worry, we get all the information we need from the submission form.
- Page Numbers: Number your pages in the lower right-hand corner. In Word, use the Insert/Page Numbers function.
- Title: Give your piece a title and use the “Header” function so that the title appears on all the pages.
- Save the Document by its Title: For example, if your piece is called “Skinny Jeans,” save it as “Skinny Jeans”, not “My Weight Loss Journey-Chapter 12 for Gulf Coast Writers.”
- Pen Names: Do not use pen names. If you win and want to be published on our website under a pen name (or no name), we can accommodate that at the time.
Submission Fees:
Enter as often as you like, but you must pay a separate fee for each submission.
| Non-Member | Member | Student | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Submission | $20 | $10 | $10 |
| Subsequent Submissions | $10 | $5 | $5 |
A Note on Judging:
We use nine volunteer judges, each of whom is a writer, editor, or agent, and the slate of judges changes each year. Each piece is judged by three separate individuals who grade it on a list of characteristics such as quality of prose (or poetry), story arc, narrative voice, and emotional impact. The scores are an average of the three grades. Except for a few breakout pieces, scores are very close.
The judges cannot edit or critique your work for you. Sorry, but we cannot tell you what they liked or didn’t like about your writing.
Winners will be announced on our website. So use your powerful words to write straight from your heart, and send us your stories. We can’t wait.
How To Submit Your Work
Complete the Online Entry Form
Accurately fill out all required fields on the submission form. Double-check your contact details to ensure we can reach you if needed.
Receive Confirmation
After submitting your form and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation on-screen AND via email. Keep this for your records as proof of entry.
