We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Bristol Short Story Prize shortlist!
These 15 writers are in the running for this year’s top prize and their shortlisted stories will all be published in our volume 17 anthology. The winner and two runners up of the 2025 Bristol Short Story Prize will be announced at a special event at the end of June, more details to come. This will also be the official launch date of this year’s anthology
A huge thank you to our incredible judging panel: Jan Carson, Kate Johnson and Peace Adzo Medie, who were so generous with their time, knowledge, commitment and enthusiasm. They have ensured that we are able to publish a dazzling anthology.
Many congratulations to the writers below, we are delighted to be publishing your stories. And good luck for the rest of this year’s competition.
2025 Bristol Short Story Prize Shortlist (listed A-Z by author)
Redfern Jon Barrett – Borderline
Emma Challis – The Summer the Cows Burn
JR Fenn – Memory Box
Robyn Jefferson – Eggshell White
Phoebe Hamilton Jones – The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship
Kerry Mead – Redding Road Vs. Alderaan
Zoë Meager – Things with bodies
Laura Morris – The Weight of a Man
Issie Roll – How to Lose a Sister
Louis Rossi – Rambler
S-L Santana – 1992
Jillian Grant Shoichet – From Ashes
Becky Tipper – Metempsychosis
Debra Waters – Young Blood
Anne Wilkins – Washing Instructions for Delicate Fabric