NATIONAL HONOR ALLIANCE'S SHAKESPEARE PRIZE

 This Shakespeare Prize is open exclusively to works of fiction and welcomes writers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels—from young, emerging voices to seasoned authors around the world. We proudly welcome international submissions and believe every voice has value and deserves the opportunity to be recognized. 

Deadline to Enter: May 24, 2026

 Inspired by the legacy of the greatest fiction writer in history, William Shakespeare, the mission of the Shakespeare Prize—an exclusively fiction contest—is to celebrate creativity, promote literacy, and provide writers with meaningful recognition for their craft. By offering a fair, transparent, and well-structured competition, we aim to elevate both new and established authors while building a supportive, engaged community of storytellers. 

• Beautiful, one of a kind Digital Seals are awarded for all winners and finalists.
• Press Releases & Public Announcements to highlight author achievements.
• The Winner and Finalists receive a Lifetime Recognition Listing in one of our Fiction Honor Society.
   

• Process Entry Fee.
• Complete the online application form while selecting your category or categories.
• Upload your manuscript, cover, and any other book details.
• Submit the completed entry form and book details to team@nationalhonoralliance.com.
• Deadline to Enter: May 24, 2026

There is a modest entry fee associated with each submission. These fees allow us to:

• Compensate judges and reviewers for their time and expertise.
• Cover administrative costs, promotional materials, and website management.
• Ensure long-term sustainability so that our contest remains credible, professional, and impactful.
   

Our goal is transparency: every dollar collected supports the contest’s mission of visibility, recognition, and opportunity for the authors.

1. Submission: Authors submit their works in one or more categories of fiction.
2. Review: Entries are reviewed by our judging panel, which consists of educators, editors, and literary professionals.
3. Recognition: Winners, Finalists, and Shortlisters are announced publicly, with awards, digital seals, and promotional opportunities. 

We celebrate the breadth and creativity of fiction by offering categories that recognize a wide range of storytelling styles and genres. Each category produces its own Shortlist and one Finalist. From the group of category Finalists, a single Overall Winner is selected. To be eligible for the top prize, a book must first be chosen as a Finalist in at least one category, which is why authors are encouraged—though not required—to enter their work in multiple categories to maximize consideration. 

 We celebrate the breadth and creativity of fiction by offering categories that recognize a wide range of storytelling styles and genres. Each category produces its own Shortlist and one Finalist. From the group of category Finalists, a single Overall Winner is selected. To be eligible for the top prize, a book must first be chosen as a Finalist in at least one category, which is why authors are encouraged—though not required—to enter their work in multiple categories to maximize consideration. Here is the full list of categories:

General Fiction
Literary Fiction
Mystery & Thriller
Crime Fiction
Detective & Noir
Psychological Thriller
Historical Fiction
Fantasy
Urban Fantasy
Epic/High Fantasy
Science Fiction
Dystopian & Post-Apocalyptic
Romance
Romantic Suspense
Speculative Fiction
Magical Realism
Horror & Dark Fiction
Political Fiction
Multicultural Fiction
LGBTQ+ Fiction
Women’s Fiction
Short Story Collections
Flash Fiction
Young Adult Fiction
Middle Grade Fiction
Debut Fiction
Humor & Satire
Adventure Fiction
Family & Domestic Drama
Inspirational & Uplifting Fiction

Sports Fiction

*THIS LIST CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON THE ENTRY FORM