The 2026 Leopold Bloom Prize for Innovative Narration

Now open for subs!

“I like fiction that banquets the reader. Too much fiction now follows a strict diet.”

— Michael Nath

Changing it up a bit this week to announce the final month of our contest!

L’Esprit Literary Review is currently seeking submissions for the 2026 Leopold Bloom Prize for Innovative Narration, guest judged by author Michael Nath.

We are looking for short fiction exhibiting exceptional ingenuity and vision in narration. This could be a short story or novel excerpt of up to 5,000 words, with all excerpts being able to stand on their own. Both first- and third- person work will be considered.

We are excited to be partnering with Chill Subs and their Contest Transparency Program. Because the contest meets their standards of transparency and fairness, Chill Subs is offering several awards.

All entrants will receive one free month of membership.

First Place: 5 years of membership ($1000 value)

Second and Third Place: 2 years of membership ($400 value)

Finalists: 1 year of membership ($200 value)

These awards are in addition to submission and the monetary prizes awarded by L’Esprit:

First Place: $500 and publication

Second Place: $150 and publication

Three Finalists: $50 and publication

Pieces with emotional depth and urgency that take sophisticated narrative risks in terms of both sentence and story will be in the strongest contention. We are drawn above all to voice and style. Surprise us. We look for fiction that accelerates form irrevocably into content.

The deadline for the contest is December 7th through Submittable. Learn more about the contest here. We look forward to reading your work!