gates open
gates open according to listed dates below
ihlr book prize
june 15 - aug 15, 2025
We seek short story and essay collections between 150-250 pages from emerging writers, & particularly encourage writers from under-represented groups to submit. The winner receives $1,000 & publication with Texas Tech University Press. For more submission info: visit Book Prize Info.
SUBMIT
the photofinish
july 1 - aug 15, 2025
On New Year's Eve, we publish an annual e-issue featuring ten short pieces of prose or poetry in response to a photo we post in May. Send us your best flash stories and essays (500 words or less) or your best poems (fifteen lines or less). Entry few: $5. First prize: $250. Ten finalists: $50 each. For more info: PhotoFinish Info.
SUBMIT
the long story
aug 15 - oct 15, 2025
Every fall, we accept submissions for the IHLR Long Story, which is your chance to publish those marathon-long essays and stories most journals won't consider. Length: 20 to 40 pages. Entry fee: $18 (which includes a subscription). The winner--either an essay or story--receives $1,000. For more info: Long Story Info.
SUBMIT
napomo
aug 15 - oct 15, 2025
Every year, during National Poetry Month, Iron Horse releases an electronic issue dedicated to all things poetry. Send us your poems! Entry fee: $18 (which includes a subscription). The best poem receives $1,000. Two finalists receive $150 and $100. Other finalists receive $50 each. For more info: NaPoMo Info.
SUBMIT
toys, 28.2
oct 15 - nov 15, 2025
Send us your poems, stories, and essays that center around toys: Yahtzee, Easy Bake Ovens, Hot Wheels, dolls, trucks, pretend (!) guns, finger paints, marbles, collectibles, family traditions, play, winners, losers, sharing, refusing to share, hand-me-down toys, etc. Additional guidelines available at the Submittable link, when it opens.
SUBMIT
chapbook issue, 28.3
jan 1 - mar 15, 2026
Each year, Iron Horse publishes one issue as a chapbook. In 2025, the chapbook competition will focus on prose manuscripts, 40-56 pages in length. Entry fee: $18 (which includes a subscription). Winner receives $1,000 and 15 copies of their chapbook. For more submission info: visit Chapbook Info after September 1.
SUBMIT
