"Not where I breathe, but where I love, I live."
Southwell Media seeks to foster a Catholic culture through publication and distribution of writing, music, and other media that edify the soul and that are consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and further Her purposes.
Works of fiction to be published will accurately describe our world as a place in which millions of faithful and admirable Catholics seek holiness.
While we have a particular passion for science fiction, and see the dearth of quality writing in this area for tweens, teenagers, and young adults, we will consider writing in any genre and for any age-group that meets our criteria for publication.
Robert Hugh Benson Prize for Short Science Fiction
Deadline: September 18, 2026
Announcement of Winners: November 18, 2026
Publication, mid-December 2026​
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Southwell Media is announcing the Robert Hugh Benson Prize for Short Science Fiction. The winning story will be the headliner of a published anthology of excellent short science fiction works.
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Rules/Eligibility: Any previously unpublished short work of science fiction is eligible for consideration. Stories of fewer than 6,000 words are preferred but longer stories will be considered. If a longer story is well-written, but does not fit into this anthology, the author may be contacted for future publications. All science fiction subgenres will be considered.
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Timeline: All stories for consideration must be in by 11:59 p.m. September 18, 2026. The selected stories will be announced on Benson’s birthday, November 18, 2026. The anthology will be published in December.
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Terms and Conditions: Previously published, plagiarized, or AI generated works will be disqualified. Submissions do not obligate Southwell Media to publication.
Judging Criteria: Although entries need not be explicitly Catholic and may include sinful characters or activities, an entry will be disqualified if the work as a whole tends to promote anti-Catholic or otherwise un-Godly values. Entries should continue Catholicism’s history of finely crafted art that challenges the audience and shows the beauty of the universe that God created. Additionally:
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Adherence to the rules of grammar except where the needs of the story require deviations.
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Thoughtfulness and creativity.
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Compelling character development.
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Competent plotting.
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Unique concepts or an unique approach to established science fiction concepts.
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Brevity except where extra verbiage serves the story.
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Overall literary quality.
Entries are accepted at editor@southwellmedia.net. Please indicate that the entry is for the Benson contest.
Msgr. Robert Hugh Benson (1871–1914) was a Catholic priest and writer. His best-known novels are Come Rack! Come Rope! and Lord of the World. He believed it was important not only to provide the sacraments to Catholics but also to foster Catholic culture in a sometimes hostile environment, so he wrote historical fiction, apologetics, and science fiction.
WELCOME
We are working hard to begin our publishing adventures. Please check back and/or join our mailing list for updates.
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We are currently looking for books appropriate for tweens and teenagers. While we have a particular affection for science fiction, we welcome all genres to send pitches to editor@southwellmedia.net.
More Coming Soon!
Southwell Media requires a proposal, including a working title, plot summary, target audience description, and brief author bio submitted electronically. Manuscripts must align with Catholic Church teachings.
Key Submission Requirements:
• Proposal Package: a working title, target audience, possible competitors
• Format: Documents should be submitted in PDF.
• Content Focus: We especially seek science fiction for tweens, teenagers, and young adults. Other excellent writing is always considered, though.
• Adherence to Teaching: Submissions must reflect Catholic values, respect for life, and take place in a moral universe.