The Chautauqua Janus Prize

The Chautauqua Janus Prize will be awarded for the ninth time in 2026, celebrating an emerging writer’s single work of short fiction or nonfiction for daring formal and aesthetic innovations that upset and reorder readers’ imaginations.

Submissions may be up to 15,000 words in length but no more than 100 pages. The Chautauqua Janus Prize encourages writing that challenges conventional presentation and publication of fiction/nonfiction in the English language.

Entries be authored by emerging writers of fiction/nonfiction. Emerging writers are defined as writers who have yet to publish their first book (exceeding 15,000 words and/or 100 pages) in any prose genre.

In addition to receiving a $5,000 award plus a travel expense, the winner receives a week-long writing residency at Chautauqua Institution, during which they will give a combined reading and lecture on the grounds during the summer assembly season.

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.

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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.

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