Use this guide if you have a finished short story, or are writing one, and want readers, recognition or prize money. Have your story saved as a document and a simple tracking list ready.
Step by step
Find reputable opportunities
Look for competitions and magazines run by established literary organisations, festivals, publishers and libraries. The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook and writing magazines list many. Check past winners, judges and whether prizes were actually paid.
Read the rules closely
Note the word limit, theme, deadline, entry fee and whether previously published work is allowed, as many count blogs or social media posts as published. Check whether entries must be anonymous, with no name on the manuscript. Breaking a rule usually means disqualification.
Check the rights you give away
Read what rights the organiser takes if you win or are shortlisted. Reputable competitions normally take limited, time-bound rights to publish the story. Be wary of terms that claim all rights or ownership of every entry.
Polish the story
Make sure the opening hooks the reader and the ending lands. Cut anything that does not serve the story and read it aloud to catch clunky sentences. Put it aside for a few days, then revise again with fresh eyes.
Format and submit correctly
Use a clear font, double spacing and page numbers unless the rules say otherwise. Give the file a sensible name and include the word count if asked. Submit before the deadline and keep the confirmation email.
Track and keep going
Record where each story went, the date, fee and result. Most entries will not win, so line up the next place to send it. If a story is not allowed to be entered in two places at once, wait for results before resubmitting.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Organiser checked as reputable
- Word limit and theme met
- Previously published rule checked
- Anonymity rules followed
- Rights terms read
- Story revised and read aloud
- Formatted as required
- Submission logged in tracker
Practical tips
- Budget for entry fees and prioritise free competitions and magazines that pay contributors.
- Read past winning stories to understand what judges tend to choose.
- Keep several stories in circulation so a rejection feels less personal.
Common problems
A competition I entered has high fees and wants to publish every entry in a paid anthology.
This can be a way to make money from writers rather than reward them. Be cautious, research the organiser and avoid paying to be published.
My story is over the word limit.
Cut rather than cheat, as organisers check. Remove repeated information, trim dialogue tags and consider whether a secondary scene is needed at all.
I posted my story online and now want to enter it.
Many competitions treat anything posted publicly as published. Check the rules, and if in doubt, contact the organiser or enter a different story.
This guide gives general information, not personal legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and prices change, so check the current position with the official service before acting.
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