El Nacional and Papel Literario launch 73rd Short Story Contest

El Nacional, a cornerstone of Venezuelan journalism, proudly announces the 73rd edition of its esteemed Short Story Contest. Since its inception in 1946, this competition has been a vital platform for literary talent in Venezuela, fostering creativity and recognizing outstanding narrative works. We are committed to continuing this rich tradition, providing a space for Venezuelan voices to be heard, regardless of their current residence.

This year's contest, managed in collaboration with Papel Literario, invites all Venezuelan writers over 18 to submit their original works. The thematic freedom and the requirement for unpublished, AI-free submissions ensure a pure and authentic literary expression. We encourage writers to explore diverse narratives, adhering to the 2,000-word limit and the formatting guidelines, with submissions accepted until June 14, 2026.

The pre-selection committee, comprised of esteemed academics from Universidad Simón Bolívar and Universidad Central de Venezuela, alongside Héctor Torres from Ficción Breve, will meticulously review the entries. The final selection will be in the hands of a distinguished jury, including Francisco Javier Pérez, Secretary General of ASALE, Federica Consalvi, the 2025 contest winner, and Luz Marina Rivas from the Instituto Caro y Cuervo. The winning story and any honorable mentions will be revealed on August 3, 2025, a significant date marking El Nacional's 83rd anniversary, with full publication to follow in Papel Literario.