Charleston Writing Contest
Theme: Charleston — Stories Bound by Place, Memory, and Meaning
Bound by Words Magazine invites writers to submit original work set in Charleston—drawing from its history, beauty, contradictions, resilience, secrets, and soul. Submissions may be rooted in the past or present, real or imagined, but must be grounded in Charleston as place, presence, or setting.
We are looking for writing that feels vivid, intentional, and emotionally resonant—work that could exist only in Charleston.
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Contest Dates
Submissions Open: March 1, 2026 & Close: August 31, 2026
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Prize
🏆 $500 Cash Award📖 Winning piece published in Bound by Words Magazine🌿PLUS 10 Honorable mentions may also be selected for publication
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Who Can Enter• Open to all writers, emerging and established• Writers must be 18 years or older• International submissions welcome (English-language submissions only)
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Accepted Genres• Short Fiction• Creative Nonfiction• Poetry
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Submission Guidelines• Submissions must be original and unpublished• Word limits:• Fiction / Creative Nonfiction: up to 2,500 words• Poetry: up to 3 poems• File format: PDF or Word document• Include a separate page with:• Name• Email address• Short author bio (50–75 words)
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Entry Fee
$15 per submission
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How to Submit
Submit your entry via:🔗www.duotrope.com or ​Chatotoyantmagazineeditor@yahoo.com
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Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:• Originality• Craft and voice• Emotional depth• Strength of connection to a Charleston setting

The winning writer will be notified by email and announced on our website and social platforms.