The Ampersand Review Essay Contest 2025

It is time for the second annual Ampersand Review Essay Contest! The Ampersand Review is seeking innovative and thought-provoking creative non-fiction or a personal essay for this prize. This year’s guest judge is Paige Maylott!

Submission Guidelines

Who: Any Canadian writer or writer living in Canada. At this time, we are unable to consider international submissions. Please note that we do not consider or publish work written by current students, staff, and faculty at Sheridan College.

What: Creative non-fiction or personal essay that is 3000 words maximum. 

When: Submit your essay from July 1st - August 31st, 2025, at 11:59pm ET.

How: 

Please complete the entry form on our website and pay the entry fee. Submissions that are not accompanied by an entry fee will not be considered.

Once your entry fee has been paid, submit your essay as a Word document and PDF file to our Submission Form. Essays should be double-spaced and should include the total word count in the submission.

Entry Fee: $25.00. All entrants will receive a one-year subscription to The Ampersand Review. 

Prize: The winner will receive $500 and publication in Issue No. 7 of The Ampersand Review. The runner-up will receive $100 and publication in Issue No. 8 of The Ampersand Review. 

FAQ

Q: Can I submit more than one essay? 

A: Yes, however, each entry will require its own entry form and fee. 

Q: Can I submit my essay elsewhere? 

A: No. All essays submitted to this contest must be exclusively submitted to The Ampersand Review for the duration of the contest. If you need to withdraw your submission at any time, please let us know immediately. 

Q: When will the winner be announced? 

A: Details coming soon!