The Guernsey Literary Festival has launched of a new short story competition, culminating in the publication of the Guernsey Short Story Anthology, a professionally produced collection celebrating writers with a connection to the Bailiwick.
The competition opens on 1st August, with submissions accepted from 1st September 2025. The finished anthology will be published by Blue Ormer and launched at the 2026 Guernsey Literary Festival, offering a platform for original fiction or creative non-fiction shaped by local voices and island experiences.
Titled ‘Time & Tide’, the 2026 edition invites stories that explore themes of memory, transformation and the rhythms of island life. Writers aged 18 and over who were born in or currently reside in the Bailiwick are warmly encouraged to submit.
“This anthology is about amplifying local stories and perspectives,” said Claire Allen, Director of the Guernsey Literary Festival. “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.”
“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,” added Steve Foote, Publisher at Blue Ormer.
“Island communities have a distinct perspective on place, identity and change – all themes that make for powerful fiction,” said competition judge Ross Raisin (pictured). “It’s a pleasure to be part of a project that nurtures emerging writers and celebrates local voices.”
Entrants will be supported through writing advice and locally run critique groups. Selected stories will be published in both print and digital formats, with contributing authors invited to take part in a launch event during the 2026 Festival.
The Festival is also partnering with Art for Guernsey to commission a locally designed cover, created by a Guernsey artist in response to this year’s theme. Further information about the cover selection process will be announced in the coming weeks.
“At Art for Guernsey, we’re passionate about celebrating local creativity in all its forms,” said founder David Ummels. “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. It’s been a pleasure to shape the brand and build a digital home for the project.”
Stories will be reviewed through a two-stage judging process:
- Filter Judge: Ben Hinshaw – Guernsey-based writer and author of Exactly What You Mean
- Main Judge: Ross Raisin – award-winning novelist, winner of the 2024 BBC National Short Story Award, and judge for the 2025 BBC NSSA
Key Details:
- 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: [email protected]
- More Info: guernseyanthology.gg
- Facebook Group: Guernsey Short Story Anthology
