2026 BARRY LOPEZ CREATIVE NONFICTION CONTEST
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One essay or memoir piece (5000 word limit/double s spaced) in 12 point font. NO AUTHOR NAME ALLOWED ON ANY MS. There is a $25 nonrefundable entry fee per submission. READING PERIOD: August 1, 2026- November 01, 2026. UNPUBLISHED WORK ONLY! No work that has already won a prize is eligible. No former CUTTHROAT prize-winning author may enter the contest he/or she has previously won. Enter as often as you wish. Multiple submissions okay, but we must be informed immediately of acceptances elsewhere. Finalists considered for publication. Winners published in CUTTHROAT and announced on our website, in POETS & WRITERS and NEW PAGES. No relatives of or staff members of CUTTHROAT nor close friends, relatives and no students of judges are eligible to enter our contests. See www.cutthroatmag.com for more information. WE RECOMMEND YOU READ A COPY OF CUTTHROAT, PREFERABLY TAKING LIBERTIES, BEFORE ENTERING OUR CONTESTS.
This year, we call for nonfiction that addresses where we go from here in the face of great national and global change? The world is in a great state of flux. The effects of Climate Change, Foregin Wars, the War against Civil Liberties, Genocide, and the current administrations' domestic and foreign affairs assail us daily. What is your response? How are you as a writer and citizen coping? Send ONLY your finest unpublished/unposted writing. We are open to all styles, but we favor nonfiction with an edge. Include a short bio note. Give us two to six months to make a decision. We read and consider carefully all work we publish. Thank you for your interest in our journal.
FINAL JUDGE