The O. Henry Festival is a biennial celebration of the life and work of O. Henry.  An anthology to commemorate the 2003 festival will honor Greensboro's most famous author by publishing the best short fiction submitted.  Preference will be given to stories by North Carolina writers or with North Carolina themes or settings.

Go to the O. Henry Festival Web Site

  • Cash Awards for Top Three Stories

    $500, $250, $100

  • Contest Judge

    Michael Parker

    Author of a collection of short fiction, The Geographical Cure, and two novels, Hello Down There and Towns Without Rivers.

  • Entries must be postmarked by October 15, 2002

Manuscripts:

  • Two copies, typed, double-spaced, title on each page. 20 pages maximum length.
  • Include a 3x5 index card with author’s name, address, and phone number in the left corner and the story title in the center.  Do not include author’s name on the manuscript.
  • Previously published manuscripts, though not eligible for prizes, will be considered for publication (include place and date of former publication on the index card).
  • No manuscripts will be returned. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for notification.
  • Entry Fee of $10 per story (payable to O. Henry Festival).

Mail entries to:

O. Henry Festival Short Story Contest
C/O George Cheatham
Department of English
Greensboro College
815 West Market St.
Greensboro, NC 27401-1875