It’s that time! The Cecil College creative writing contest is here again! Interested students can submit entries for their chance to win the Cecil College Creative Writing Prize (CCCWP). The student-winners are selected by the contest judges, including English Professor Nathanael Tagg, and will receive certificates commemorating their accomplishments, a cash prize, and the opportunity to read their submissions at the award ceremony on May 4, 2026.

All genres are welcome as Professor Tagg welcomes students to, “feel free to emulate the texts you study in your literature courses.” Channel your inner Chaucer for your chance to win this years contest!

Entrants are invited to submit a piece of prose no longer than 15 pages, including a nonfiction essay, a short story, or a play; or several shorter pieces which must be submitted as one document. Submitted prose should be double-spaced, while poetry may be single-spaced.

Contestants should include a cover letter containing the student’s name and contact information. The cover letter should also include the genre(s) and title(s) of the work(s), and a brief author biography written in the third-person. Additionally, when making their submission it is requested that contestants indicate whether they would be willing to attend the award ceremony or read their piece(s) if chosen as winners. 

Submissions are due via email by April 13, 2026, in doc, docx, or pdf formats to cecilcollege3cwp@gmail.com