BWW Short Story Award: Celebrating Craft and Heart
We partner with Atta Galatta and Out of Print magazine to honor stories that capture the human experience. Take a look at our past shortlist and award moments.
Jury member Saikat Majumdar shares what he looks for in a good piece of fiction: a story that is well-crafted, deeply human, and realized through the effortless beauty of language.
Congratulations to Vrinda Baliga for winning the BWW Short Story Award for the R K Anand Prize 2024! A proud moment with the winner and our esteemed jury.
The shortlist for The R K Anand Prize is out! I loved every single story on this list, and I'm so proud that four of my BWW babies made it. Congratulations to all the writers.
You are invited! The official invitation to the BWW Short Story Award ceremony at the Bangalore Literature Festival. This award was instituted in my Papa's name, and it means the world to me.
The official announcement for The BWW Short Fiction Award. We are looking for stories that are detailed, craft-intensive, and look at the world with openness and empathy.
The spoils of victory! The beautiful trophy and prize hamper for the winner of the BWW Short Story Award for the R K Anand Prize 2024.
Here's our official shortlist announcement! We received 174 entries, and we are thrilled to see these talented authors make the cut. The winner will be announced at the Bangalore Literature Festival.
An update on our Short Story Award: all 174 entries have been read! The stories chosen were those with a real theme and meticulous craft. We are excited for everyone to read them.
A reminder that the deadline is approaching for The BWW Short Story Award. This is your chance to send in your best work and have it read by our eminent jury.
Only 15 days to go! A final call for entries for The BWW Short Story Award. Don't miss the deadline to submit your craft-intensive stories with a lot of heart.
About The BWW Short Story Award
Our award isn't about accolades for the sake of fame. We look for stories that move the needle on craft while remaining deeply rooted in human experience. When our jury reviews your work, they are hunting for that rare balance where the writing is technically sound but pulses with genuine empathy.
What do we look for? We value the intersection of meticulous craft and a clear, heartfelt theme. Whether you are an alumnus of our classic course or a new writer from our broader community, the BWW Short Story Award—instituted in honor of R.K. Anand—is designed to give your voice a platform.
The Judging Process
We keep the process transparent and grounded. Entries are read by our team and then passed on to a panel of established writers and editors. In past years, our jury has included figures like Saikat Majumdar and Jahnavi Barua, who prioritize narrative structure, sensory detail, and the effortless beauty of language.
Why Participate?
Beyond the trophy, the winning story gets published in Out of Print magazine. It is a chance to have your work read by professionals and recognized within the Bangalore literary scene. We receive over 170 entries annually, so we prioritize works that feel urgent, honest, and well-edited. If you have a manuscript or a short piece you have been holding onto, this is the environment that will appreciate the soul you have poured into it.
Bhumika Anand
I built BWW to be a place where your stories find a home. We are a community of writers who cheer for each other’s wins, push for better craft, and create a space where you can finally finish what you started.
Find more ways to refine your craft
Search for specific writing workshops, retreats, or courses to support your development.
More from Creative Writing Workshops by Bhumika Anand