The BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Award for Writers in The Caribbean warmly welcomes your submission.

The entry deadline for submission of stories is July 1st, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST. Late submissions will not be considered.

WHO MAY SUBMIT:

• Exclusively open to unpublished and published writers who were born/raised and holding nationality in the Caribbean
• You may submit if you are currently on temporary assignment elsewhere in the world (except the US and Canada)
• Submitted stories must be original works of fiction
• Be over the age of 18 years
• All writers regardless of their publishing status may apply

WHAT TO SUBMIT:

• Stories must be original works of fiction
• Word count: 3,000 words or less

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

To submit your story, please click the SUBMIT ENTRY button below

• All stories should be submitted in English
• Entrants are allowed one (1) submission only. Entrants may not submit in both categories. Multiple submissions (of stories/award categories) will be rendered ineligible and disqualified from consideration
• Writers who use pen names may not submit multiple entries
• English translations of another language will be accepted    
• Review categories thoroughly to self-determine eligibility. The BCLF will not switch entry categories if there is a user error at selection
• All stories must be the original work of the entrant. The BCLF appreciates your integrity in this regard
• The judges’ decision is final

WRITING CONTEST POLICY ON AI USE

Restrictions on AI Use

Any and all use of generative AI tools to prepare your submission is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the use of ChatGPT, Claude, and other LLM-based tools to generate, edit, revise, summarize, or otherwise assist in preparing your submission.

All work submitted for the Writing Contest must be your own work, drafted by you for the Contest. You may not rely on any external AI assistance or materials. Copying and pasting any content directly from any external source is strictly prohibited.

BCLF employs various tools to review competitors' entries and assess compliance with this policy. 

Attestation of Compliance with the Contest’s Policy on AI Use. 

Each entrant must include at the top of their manuscript an attestation, in their own words, that: (1) they read the Contest’s Policy on AI Use, (2) they did not use generative AI tools in any prohibited manner, and (3) that all submitted work is entirely their own.

For illustrative purposes, an attestation might read: “I affirm that I read the Contest’s Policy on AI Use, that I did not use any generative AI for the Contest, and that all work is entirely my own.” Entrants should use their own language for their attestation.

Consequences for Violations of the Competition’s Policy on AI Use

The consequence for violation of the Contest’s Policy on AI Use is immediate disqualification. The decision is final and unappealable. 

*PLEASE READ before uploading manuscript.

Do not include your name in the manuscript (story) upload. This ensures a blind judging process. Stories must be 3,000 words or less. 25 extra characters have been added to accommodate your title.

Please review for grammar and formatting before uploading. *Note that this platform will accept whatever formatting you have set in your writing program.

Stories above word limit will be rejected. Good luck!