Who is eligible to submit an entry ?
Authors must be Black or African.
Will my entry be considered for general publication as well as for short story prize?
Finalist pieces which do not win a monetary prize and online publication will be reconsidered for the next print issue of short story and poetry anthology. All entries will be considered for online publication. We will reach out to you if we intend to publish your work. If you would like us to publish your work on our website or YouTube channel, email us at info@blackphoenixink.org
May I enter more than one story/poem in this contest?
Yes, authors may enter a maximum of two stories or poems.
Are simultaneous submissions okay?
Yes, but please let us know right away if your work is accepted elsewhere.
Are previously published work eligible?
No, Black Phoenix Ink only accepts original, unpublished work for the contest.
Is there an age restriction?
No, anyone can submit an entry provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
Who is my audience or what age group should the writing be for ?
All entries must have a target reading audience of 15 years or younger. Stories should be at the reading level or interest of children between the ages of one to fifteen years old.
What kind of story should I submit?
Suggested genres include black folklore, black fairytale, and others. The most important thing is that your story highlights Black excellence and positive Black experience. Stories must depict or reveal being African, African-American or a Black person in a positive light.
What type of poems should I submit?
Poems should be in keeping with this year’s theme of Black Metamorphosis. We are looking for poetry that channels the creativity, energy, and sense of survival that come from being Black. As a poet, ask yourself how you can link changes throughout history and the present to Black culture, identity, etc. Check out a complete description of this year’s theme for some ideas!
What are the prizes?
Short story contest: The top three authors will receive a cash prize of $500, $250 & $100, respectively, and will automatically advance to our top 10 Black Gold Medal List. The remaining seven authors will also advance to the Black Gold Medal List to be considered for publication in Black Phoenix Ink’s short story anthology.
Poetry contest : The top three authors will receive a cash prize of $500, $250 & $100 cash price, respectively, and will automatically advance to our top 10 Black Gold Medal List. The remaining seven authors will also advance to the Black Gold Medal List.
What is the Black Gold Medal List?
The top 10 short stories will automatically be considered for publication in the Black Phoenix Ink anthology. However, we reserve the right to swap out a top 10 story with another that might not have placed as a top ten contender if it is more closely aligned with the current year’s edition. The top 10 best works from the Black Gold Medal List will also be published on our website. All content creators—from illustrators to authors—will be fully recognized for their work, and by submitting their work they give us the right to publish their work in our anthologies.
