Peter Hinchcliffe Short Fiction Award

$1000 for one outstanding short story

Sponsored by the St Jerome’s University English Department

DEADLINE: May 28, 2025

This contest honours distinguished St Jerome’s University lecturer, Peter Hinchcliffe, who was instrumental in founding The New Quarterly and who served for many years as co-editor. His approach to teaching, as well as his personal charm and endearing sense of humour, had an enduring influence on both students and colleagues; this award recognizes Peter’s outstanding contributions to his home department.

Overview

A $1000 top prize will be awarded for one work of short fiction.
All entries will be considered for publication in The New Quarterly ($250 paid upon publication).
Entry fee: $40 per work of short fiction (includes a 1-year Canadian subscription or renewal to The New Quarterly).
Entrants’ anonymity will be preserved throughout the judging process.
Decisions will be posted by late August. Finalists will be notified ahead by email.

Eligibility

Entrants must not have published either a first novel or short story collection.
Entrants must be Canadian (citizen or resident).
Submissions must be unpublished, nor can they be accepted for publication elsewhere.
Submissions are accepted online only.
We also accept payment by cheque or credit card over the phone. Contact usfor more information.

Formatting Guidelines

While there is no word limit to short fiction entries, most fall within the range of 2000 – 5000 words.
Kindly use 12-point font and use 1.5 spacing.
Include a word count at the end of your submission.
Include page numbers at the top right hand corner of your submission. Format page numbers as: “Page 1 of x.”
Submissions must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.
Do not include footnotes or Works Cited in your submission. If external sources are absolutely necessary to include, please reference them within the text.
Entrant’s name must not appear in the short fiction submission.
If names used in your story might reveal your identity, please use pseudonyms and make a note on your entry form; that way we can ask for real names should the piece go to publication.

Interviews with Past Winners

2023: Alex Kitt for “Bruise and Shine”

2019: Paola Ferrante for “The Underside of a Wing”
2018: Katie Zdybel for “The Last Thunderstorm Swim of the Summer”
2017: Shannon Blake for “The Mataram Miracle”
2016: Lisa Alward for “Old Growth”
2015: Sivan Slapak for “Road One”
2014: Alanna Marie Scott for “Maybe the World is Ending”