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The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award is an international competition that champions new and established voices in poetry and short fiction. With a total prize fund of £5,000 (£2,500 awarded to each category winner), the award also offers publication in the annual Aesthetica Creative Writing Anthology, alongside further prizes including subscriptions to leading literary journals, professional writing courses, and development opportunities with industry experts.

The competition is open worldwide with no age restrictions and accepts work in English on any theme. Short fiction submissions must be under 2,000 words, while poetry entries are limited to 40 lines. Previously published pieces are eligible, and writers can submit multiple entries. Shortlisted writers will be contacted in November, with winners announced in December and published in the 2026 Creative Writing Annual.

This is a chance to gain international recognition, see your work in print, and join a global community of writers pushing the boundaries of contemporary literature.