July 24th, 2021

Announcing: The Paper Crane Anthology Prose Competition
As of 10/24/2021, the Prose Competition is closed. You can still submit via regular submissions, and if you're an Editor-in-Chief, you can still nominate young writers.

This winter, the Paper Crane will release a print anthology containing the best of the year’s short prose by young writers. Readers will be able to purchase this anthology through online retailers. 

While we’re busy putting the volume together, we would like to open submissions to any writer 19 years of age or younger. There are three ways to formally submit your work for consideration: 

• Through the journal’s submissions. Anyone who submits to the Paper Crane, regardless of whether they end up published under our name, is considered for the anthology. Regular submissions are also considered for publication in the journal and the gallery. Those who submit this way may only find out whether they made it on the shortlist after the reading period is over. 
• A formal nomination by the EIC of a teen lit mag. The EIC must send a copy of the nomination as well as the following:
  • Editor’s commentary
  • Third person author’s bio
  • Link to the issue wherein the piece was formerly published
• Through the annual Paper Crane Anthology Competition. Anthology submissions are not considered for the journal or the gallery. Those who wish to receive an expedited notice regarding the status of their submission must pay a fee of $5.00. This fee goes directly toward the funds required to print the anthology. Regular submissions are free of charge, and those who submit this way will receive the status of their work on October 31. 

Prose Competition

The competition is an express method of applying for recognition in the annual print anthology. Our editors will select any number of pieces for the shortlist, based on complex understanding of language, compelling story, and maturity of thought and voice. There is no word limit and no limitation on content, so long as you provide a content warning.

Here’s how to submit.

Step 1: If you would like to purchase expedited feedback, please donate $5 to our Ko-fi. Take a screenshot for later proof of purchase.

Step 2: Submit your work through this Google form. Make sure you have a cover letter ready and that your work has been uploaded to your Google Drive. 

Step 3: Submit another form if you would like to submit more work. Writers may only submit 2 works during this competition. 

Step 4: Wait. If you have purchased expedited feedback, you can expect word from the editors within one week. If not, we will send you the status of your work on October 31. 

Resources

Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/papercranejournal  

Submit to the contest: https://forms.gle/NRzwFPBAsJf2FsGe9