Charleston Writing Contest

The Charleston Writing Contest is organised by Bound by Words Magazine and hosted via Chatoyant Magazine. It invites writers to submit original work – fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry – inspired by Charleston, South Carolina. The theme is open, but all submissions must be grounded in Charleston itself: its history, beauty, contradictions, resilience, secrets, and soul. Work may be rooted in the past or present, real or imagined, so long as the city is central to the piece.

The contest is open to emerging and established writers worldwide, and welcomes writing that feels vivid, intentional, and emotionally resonant – writing that could only be about Charleston. Submissions must be original and unpublished;

The winner receives a $500 cash prize and publication, with up to 10 honourable mentions also considered for publication.

Is this competition legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it’s your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.