Have you written a short work of fiction all Albertans should read?
Send it to us! You could win $1,000 and have your story published in Alberta Views.
2026 Contest Rules
1. The contest is open to all current or former residents of Alberta except employees of Alberta Views and previous AV fiction contest winners.
2. The fee to enter one story is $40. You can submit additional stories as long as you pay a fee for each.
3. By entering the contest you also receive a one-year, 10-issue subscription to Alberta Views. If you are already have a subscription, it will be extended for another year.
4. Stories must be no longer than 3,000 words.
5. The author’s name must not appear anywhere on the pages. All entries are judged anonymously, on merit alone.
6. Entries must be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font. Digital entries must be submitted as a PDF. Physical entries must be on 8.5 x 11 inch paper.
7. Entries sent by mail must be accompanied by a cover page that includes: your name, mailing address, phone number, method of payment, email address, the title and word count of all entries. Do not send originals.
8. Entries must not be previously published. Should an entry be accepted for publication elsewhere after the AV contest deadline but before the winning entry has been announced, the author must notify Alberta Views immediately.
9. The judge’s decision is final. The winner will receive a prize of $1,000 and their story will be published in an upcoming issue, edited only for consistency with Alberta Views house style.
10. The deadline to enter is June 30, 2026.
Sign up for our newsletter to receive:
• Updates on the short story contest
• Book reviews and arts listings
• Sneak peeks into upcoming issues
Enter your story online:
To pay your fee: Pay online, mail a cheque or call us to pay over the phone.
To pay online: If you have an existing subscription please click here. Select “Short Story Contest Entry.” This will add 10 issues onto your existing subscription.
If you do not have a subscription please click here. Select “Short Story Contest Entry.”
Please allow 6–8 weeks for the arrival of your first issue.
To enter via mail: Print your entries and your cover letter, then mail them, along with your payment. Please ensure you have allowed ample time for us to receive your entry and payment.
We must receive both entries and payment before the deadline in order for entries to be eligible.
Contact info:
Alberta Views 2025 Short Story Contest
208–320 23 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2S 0J2
Phone: 403 243 5334
Email: shortstory@albertaviews.ca
FAQs:
Q: Will I get feedback about my story?
A: Story evaluations will not be offered.
Q: Does the story have to be about Alberta?
A: The story itself does not have to be about Alberta.
Q: Where can I read past winners?
A: All previous winners can be found here.
Q: When will a winner be announced?
A: The winner is typically announced in October.
