We invite you to submit your writing for a chance to be published in Fence, one of North America’s most prestigious literary magazines, and be awarded a full scholarship to attend the December 2023 International Literary Seminars program in Kenya. The ILS program is a unique and intensive series of literary workshops, career consultations, and cultural offerings in Nairobi and Lamu, Kenya. All entries will be considered for publication in Fence or Fence Digital, and a chance to receive editorial feedback.

The first-prize winner will have their winning work published in Fence and will be awarded a full scholarship, including tuition, accommodations, and an airfare stipend, to attend the December 2023 International Literary Seminars program in Kenya.

The second-prize winner will have their work published in Fence, and be offered a full tuition fee waiver to attend the December 2023 International Literary Seminars program in Kenya.

The third-prize winner will be offered 50% off the tuition fee. Runners-up will be awarded partial fellowships to attend the program.

Submit previously unpublished fiction manuscripts of 6,000 words or less, or up to three poems, per entry. Multiple entries may be submitted. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but please notify us immediately if your work gets accepted elsewhere. The contest will run until August 25, 2023 (11:59 p.m EST). The winners will be announced in September 2023.
Since entries are read blind, please leave off identifying information in your submission and file name. Submissions capped at 1,000.

Our low entry fee of $19 USD helps cover costs for running ILS, a not-for-profit organization.