The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award reaches out to writers of all ages and nationalities in order to showcase worldwide excellence in both short fiction and poetry. Working in conjunction with three other awards offered by Aesthetica in the arts, this prize aims to nurture the talent of both aspiring and established artists by unveiling their pieces to an international audience.

60 writers and poets will be shortlisted for the prize and are published in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual. Previously, this has served as a vital stepping stone for authors in the further recognition and publication of their work. Shortlisted writer Ríona Judge McCormack is now working with Eve White agency for new work following her work being featured in the Annual in 2016.

From the shortlist, a writer from each category – poetry and short fiction – will win additional prizes designed to help further their literary career. Examples of winners in the past include this year’s poetry winner Leland James who enjoys a career as a full time writer and has authored three books of poetry in the past.

Winners from both categories will also receive £500 prize money, one year print subscription to Granta, a selection of books courtesy of Bloodaxe and Vintage books and either full membership to The Poetry Society (Poetry winner) or a consultation with Redhammer Management (short fiction winner).

For over a century The Poetry Society has been a source for discovery and distribution of poetry as is the platform for esteemed poetry contests as well as the publication of The Poetry Review. The Poetry Society joins its members with thousands of others, making a deeper connection with poetry and the poetry world.

For the winner of the Short Fiction Award Redhammer Management is offering a consultation with one of the top literary agents – Peter Cox. In the past Cox has brokered book, film and television deals with the likes of bestselling novelist Michelle Paver and producer Sir Ridley Scott.

Submissions are open until 31 August 2016 and works published elsewhere are accepted. The word limit for Short fiction entries is 2,000 words and for Poetry is 40 lines.

To enter the Aesthetica Creative Writing Award, visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/cwa

Credits
1. Marcus Lyon, Exodus VI – West Lamma Channel, South China Sea 2011.