Internationally renowned literary prize, the Aesthetica Creative Writing Award is now open for entries for its 11th year. The Prize is a platform for emerging and established poets and writers to showcase their work to audiences across the globe. It is a celebration of excellence in new writing and supports and nurtures talented practitioners at all levels by offering them opportunities to further their career, such as through publication and exposure via Aesthetica’s digital channels.

The Award is judged by a panel of literary experts, including Professor and Poet Dr Oz Hardwick, and Arifa Akbar, journalist, critic and former Literary Editor of The Independent. There is also a panel of readers for the Short Fiction category, including writer Steve Toase; Martine Pierquin, Lifelong Learning Tutor at the University of Edinburgh; Liz Jones, School of Education & Lifelong Learning at Aberystwyth University; Katy Guest, Editor and Journalist (The Guardian) and former Books Editor on the Independent on Sunday; Teresa Palmiero, journalist and editor and former reader for the Wasafiri short story prize; Tom Vowler, Associate Lecturer at the University of Plymouth and Rebekah Lattin-Rawstone, author and Creative Writing Lecturer at City University London

Each year, the Award attracts thousands of entries from artists working across the world. 60 finalists are selected for publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual and a winner is selected from each category. As well as publication, the winners are awarded £1,000 prize money each; a selection of books from Vintage and Bloodaxe Books; a one year print subscription to Granta; Full Membership to The Poetry Society (Poetry Winner) and a consultation with Redhammer Management (Short Fiction Winner). Each published finalist receives a complimentary copy of the Annual – an inspiring compendium that unites innovative practitioners.

The Creative Writing Award has two categories for entry: Poetry and Short Fiction. It is open to all writers working at all levels and based across the world. It accepts all themes and subject matter. All works must be written in English. Poetry submissions should be no more than 40 lines and Short Fiction entries should be no more than 2,000 words. The Award is open for entries until 31 August 2017.

For full guidelines and the entry form, visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/cwa

Credits:
1. Creative Writing Award 2017.