The Raven Tongue CAWW Award

The CAWW award (Critically Acclaimed Women Writers) is given for the advancement of women in the literary arts, recognising skill while increasing opportunity for a traditionally underrepresented demographic. Challenges boost participation and winning a literary award lends both confidence and much needed clout within the industry.

Micro-fiction is a particularly challenging genre where our writing chops can really shine, taking readers for brief, yet potent story telling experiences. You'll have 4 of them to enrich a full seasonal wheel within our pages.

Contest parameters:
  • Open to women writers from Canada, the UK, and USA (additional countries may be accomodated)
  • Four 300 word, short fictional stories to be submitted between Feb 21st - May 1st 2026 using this form.
  • Seasonally themed (Autumn, Winter, Spring Summer)
    Interpretation is up to the writer. Literally, with seasonal weather the focus or prominently featured, or energetically, spiritually, expressively, metaphorically, etc.
    * Reference to the Equinoxes and Solstices highly encouraged.
  • No use of Generative AI or LLMs in any way. This includes brainstorming, formatting, and editing.
  • Stories may have been previously self published, eg: social media, blogs, etc.
  • Prior review of our Contributor Agreement is required with implied promise to sign before publication should you win.  Please review the .pdf download below * If winner is unreachable or does not sign before the required date, your submission here will be considered as publication consent with terms as laid out in the Contributor Agreement.
  • Traditional names, pen names, and preferred names are welcome.
  • Winner will be contacted by email, announced on social media, and in the Summer Solstice 2026 edition.
  • $10 CAD non refundable entry fee. All 4 short stories count as 1 entry. Enter as often as you like.
CAWW winner to receive:
  • Publication in Raven Tongue's Autumnal Equinox 2026, Winter Solstice 2026, Vernal Equinox 2027, and Summer Solstice 2027 editions.
  • Embossed certificate of CAWW award.
  • Complimentary annual subscription.
  • Honourable mentions, promotions, and listings as applicable.
  • Contributor digital media package.
Judging Process:
  1. On Bealtaine, the editor-in-chief will screen entries for adherence to submission requirements.
  2. Approved entries will then be anonymized for judging.
  3. A select panel of 5 to 7 judges will review entries and put forward their top 3 choices based on emotive quality, writing style, theme recognition, and personal preference.
  4. The editor-in-chief will tally votes, cast a tie breaking vote if needed, and announce the winner on Summer Solstice.

Ready? LET'S GO!

3 Steps to Enter

Step 1:
Download and preview the Contributor Agreement
preview_of_contributor_agreement__1_.pdf
File Size: 84 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Step 2:
Pay the $10 CAD entry fee
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Step 3:
Submit all 4 short stories through this form

Good Luck!