Narratively’s Annual Memoir Prize: A Platform for Powerful Personal Stories

Narratively, celebrated for its commitment to authentic, deeply human storytelling, has announced its 2024 Memoir Prize, inviting writers to submit compelling first-person nonfiction narratives. This prestigious contest provides a unique opportunity for writers to share their stories while gaining industry recognition and the potential for multimedia adaptation. By participating, writers not only showcase their personal journeys but also engage with a platform known for amplifying voices that resonate on a universal level. The competition encourages narratives that inspire, challenge, and connect readers through shared experiences of resilience, identity, and transformation.

About the Contest

The Narratively Memoir Prize seeks stories that explore themes of resilience, identity, and personal transformation. Writers are encouraged to share authentic, emotionally resonant experiences told through a personal lens. Winning entries will be published on Narratively.com and featured in a special digital collection, offering exposure to a broad literary audience.

Key Details

Submission Period: October 28, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. EDT - December 19, 2024, at 9:00 p.m. EDT
Word Count: 2,000 to 7,000 words
Entry Fee: $20 (nonrefundable); free for paid Narratively subscribers.
Eligibility: Open to writers aged 18 and older. Stories must be original, unpublished, and written in English (translations permitted).

Prizes and Recognition

Grand Prize: $3,000
Finalists (3): $1,000 each
Publication: Winning entries will be published on Narratively.com.

In addition to publication, Narratively’s editorial team may collaborate with finalists to adapt their stories into other formats, such as TV, film, or podcasts—a significant opportunity for multimedia storytelling.

Judging Panel

This year’s guest judge is critically acclaimed author Jami Attenberg, known for her works The Middlesteins and All Grown Up. Attenberg’s expertise in memoir and narrative fiction ensures a thoughtful evaluation process focused on originality, emotional depth, and storytelling craft.

Evaluation Process

Submissions will undergo a multi-round review by Narratively’s experienced editorial team. Finalists will be selected based on creativity, narrative voice, and overall impact, with the final round judged by Jami Attenberg herself.

How to Submit

Writers can submit their stories through Narratively’s official submission portal. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but writers must notify the team if their work is accepted elsewhere. Multiple submissions are also permitted, with each requiring a separate entry fee.

Why Enter?

The Narratively Memoir Prize stands out as more than a literary competition—it’s a career-changing opportunity. With cash awards, publication, and potential adaptation into other media formats, this contest offers emerging and established writers a chance to share their stories on a global stage.

For more details and to submit your entry, visit Narratively’s official submission page. Don’t miss the chance to have your voice heard and your story celebrated in one of the literary world’s most respected narrative platforms.

FOR THE WRITERS

NARRATIVELY ANNUAL MEMOIR PRIZE