Tom Grass ‘Spirit of Adventure’ Literary Prize

The Tom Grass Spirit of Adventure Literary Prize is an annual literary prize for a short piece of stand-alone fiction, non-fiction or journalistic writing that embodies the Spirit of Adventure.

The prize is open to emerging writers aged 25 and over from anywhere in the world. Entries must be written in English and be 1,500–3,000 words in length. Submissions may be adapted from a longer work, provided they are satisfying to read as a complete, self-contained piece.

Writers are invited to submit fiction or non-fiction in a wide range of forms, including short stories, essays, memoir, reportage, historical investigation, or hybrid work. The prize is not limited to the action-adventure genre, nor to physical adventure alone. Writers are encouraged to interpret “adventure” generously — whether inner or outer, emotional, intellectual, imaginative or lived.

Entries will be judged on literary merit, originality, and engagement with the general reader. All submissions are read with care by a judging panel that includes experienced literary professionals, among them two literary agents.

Prizes:

• £1,000 for the winner
• Two runners-up prizes of £500 each

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.

Subscribe to Writing Deadlines
Never miss a deadline again. The Writing Deadlines newsletter delivers curated, verified writing competitions, prizes, and open calls straight to your inbox — subscribe here.

Could your writing use a second pair of eyes?
ProWritingAid combines deep grammar and style checks with genre-specific reports on pacing, repetition, and readability, helping you self-edit like a pro before you submit your work. Get started here —  it’s free to try!