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- Submissions must be unpublished, nor can they be accepted for publication elsewhere.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
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”
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