What the Wild Carries Prize
August 01 to October 05, 2025
For this contest, we want stories or excerpts of instinct, presence, and the creatures that change us. Drop us into those human and creature relationships that make us feel something new or old or leave us twisting to understand. Guest Judge Shelby Van Pelt will choose three winning stories from our shortlist. We’re excited to offer the first-place winner of this contest $2,000 and publication, while the second- and third-place winners will receive publication and $300 and $200, respectively.
Horror Challenge
October 02– October 12, 2025
It’s time for our horror writers to send us something that has us reaching for the light switch, making our hearts race, and scaring us so much that we see the world in a new and creepy way. And to make things extra spooky, we’re only giving you 10 days to submit! For this challenge, we’re pleased to offer the grand-prize winner $500 and publication. All entries will be considered for general publication at our regular rate of $200.
Novel Excerpt Prize
October 15– December 14, 2025
We’re looking for the best 5,000 words or fewer of your novel in progress! Have a favorite chapter? An exciting and noteworthy prologue? A section where the dialogue crackles and the characters loom larger than life on the page? Give us a chance to read the most captivating section of your novel—and make us want to read more!
Three winners will receive $1,000 each and publication!