Guernsey Literary Festival launches new short story competition
- A new short story competition has been launched by the Guernsey Literary Festival.
- The competition will result in the publication of the Guernsey Short Story Anthology in 2026.
- Submissions open on 1 September 2025, for writers aged 18 and over connected to the Bailiwick.
- The anthology invites stories themed around memory, transformation, and island life.
- Selected stories will receive support through writing advice and critique groups, with a launch event during the 2026 Festival.
The Guernsey Literary Festival has officially announced the launch of a new short story competition that will culminate in the publication of the Guernsey Short Story Anthology. This collection aims to celebrate writers with a connection to the Bailiwick and will be published by Blue Ormer in 2026.
The competition is open for submissions starting 1 September 2025, welcoming original fiction or creative non-fiction from writers aged 18 and over who were born in or currently reside in the Bailiwick. The 2026 anthology, titled Time & Tide, encourages narratives that explore themes of memory, transformation, and the unique rhythms of island life.
Claire Allen, Director of the Guernsey Literary Festival, said, “This anthology is about amplifying local stories and perspectives. It’s the first publication of its kind supported by the Festival, and we’re excited to celebrate the islands’ literary talent in this new way.”
Karel Harris, Managing Director at Sarnia Hotels, expressed support for the initiative, noting, “We’re proud to support this celebration of storytelling from across the Bailiwick. As a locally owned group, we’re passionate about Guernsey’s culture and community – and we’re delighted to help share its voices through this exciting new anthology.”
Publisher Steve Foote from Blue Ormer added, “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the depth and originality of Guernsey’s writing talent, and we’re proud to help bring these stories to life.”
Ross Raisin, a competition judge and award-winning novelist, commented on the project's significance, stating, “Island communities have a distinct perspective on place, identity and change – all themes that make for powerful fiction. It’s a pleasure to be part of a project that nurtures emerging writers and celebrates local voices.”
Entrants will receive support through writing advice and locally run critique groups, fostering an environment conducive to creativity. Selected stories will be published in both print and digital formats. Contributing authors will be invited to participate in a launch event during the 2026 Festival.
The Guernsey Literary Festival is partnering with Art for Guernsey to commission a locally designed cover for the anthology, created by a Guernsey artist that resonates with this year’s theme.
David Ummels, founder of Art for Guernsey, said: “This partnership allows us to connect visual art with storytelling in a way that reflects the richness and diversity of Guernsey’s cultural landscape.”
Ric Le Poidevin, Web Director at U&US, said: “As soon as the Guernsey Literary Festival approached us, we knew it was something we wanted to support. We love backing local creative ideas, and the opportunity to help bring a book of Guernsey stories to life really spoke to us.”
The judging process will involve a two-stage assessment, featuring Filter Judge Ben Hinshaw, a Guernsey-based writer, and Main Judge Ross Raisin, who is notable for winning the 2024 BBC National Short Story Award.
Key details of the competition are as follows:
- Theme: Time & Tide – stories shaped by memory, change, and island life.
- Eligibility: Writers aged 18+, born in or currently residing in the Bailiwick.
- Word Limit: Up to 2,500 words.
- Submissions Open: 1 September 2025.
- Deadline: 30 November 2025.
- Contact: anthology@guernseyliteraryfestival.com.
- More Info: guernseyanthology.gg.
- Facebook Group: Guernsey Short Story Anthology.
This project is sponsored by Sarnia Hotels and generously supported by partners including Art for Guernsey, U&US, and Blue Ormer.
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