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The Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize

Image of writer Simon Rich on a blue background. Text reads: Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Contest 2026 Guest Judge Simon Rich

The Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize is a writing competition sponsored by the stage and radio series Selected Shorts.

This long-running series at Symphony Space in New York City celebrates the art of the short story by having stars of stage and screen read aloud the works of established and emerging writers. Selected Shorts is recorded for Public Radio and heard nationally on both the radio and its weekly podcast.

We are thrilled to announce this year’s winner, as chosen by our guest judge, Simon Rich:

Congratulations to Laurie Lathem, whose story "The Flamingo Café" is our 2026 winner!

We are also happy to announce and congratulate our two runners-up:

Adam Sharp: "Oscar the Unsinkable"

Patrick Walczy: "Unsavory Characters"

Read "The Flamingo Café" here!

The 2026 Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize was judged by Simon Rich (All In, Glory Days). The winning work will be performed by an actor in spring 2026 and published on Electric Literature. The winning writer will receive $1000 and a free 10-week course with Gotham Writers.

Thank you to all entrants and stay tuned for more details about the 2027 contest!

Simon Rich is a frequent contributor to The New Yorker. He has written for Saturday Night Live, Pixar, and The Simpsons and is the creator of the TV shows Man Seeking Woman and Miracle Workers, which he based on his books. His other collections include Ant Farm, Spoiled Brats, New Teeth, Glory Days, and Hits and Misses, which won the Thurber Prize for American Humor. Rich’s play All In: Comedy About Love premiered at the Hudson Theatre on Broadway in December 2024.

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Contest Details and Guidelines
  • Entries should be 750 words or less.
  • Stories can be on any theme.
  • There is a fee of $25 to enter.
  • Submissions must be entered by 11:59 PM EST on March 6, 2026
  • Writers of all ages and nationalities are eligible.
  • The story must have a title.
  • We do not accept work that has been previously published in print, online, or any other medium.
  • Entry must be original and unpublished; AI generated entries are not permitted.
  • We do not accept works in translation.
  • Once entered, we do not accept revisions for any stories. Your $25 is nonrefundable.
  • You may enter as many stories as you like, but a $25 fee is required for each story.
  • We no longer accept mailed, paper submissions. Stories received in the mail will be returned unread with your uncashed check. If you have problems with the online form or are unable to submit online for some extenuating circumstance, please contact Selected Shorts directly at [email protected] and we will make sure your work reaches us.
  • The winner will be announced no later than June 2026.

2025 Contest Winner

"Kestrel" by J. Condra Smith

Read