Calendar

Cinematic Short Story Contest
January 05 to March 08, 2026

For this short story contest, we want stories that feel immersive, like we walked out of our lives and into the technicolor settings and conflicts of your main characters. We want stories that use the array of our senses in new and exciting ways. We want stories with vitality and velocity that rely on swift cuts of action and reaction.

Guest Judge Ananda Lima 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.

Noir Challenge
March 10 to March 22, 2026

It’s time for our noir writers (including crime, mystery, thriller, and atmospheric horror stories) to send us something that utilizes shadows, the juxtaposition of law and crime, and lurking antagonists. 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
March 30 to May 31, 2026

We know it’s a challenge to get humor into your pages, to have it pervade the mood of the text, to make the reader laugh out loud, but that’s why it’s a challenge! We know you’re up to the task to make us laugh! 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.

Literary Agent Panel
June 08 to July 16, 2026

Our submitters have been asking for more access to literary agents, and we’re excited to announce a new agent panel featuring fast, furious first-page critiques followed by an Ask An Agent Anything session! You’re ready to query, but you’ve got questions, so we’re bringing in the experts with the answers! Registrations will open in June. Stay tuned for an announcement on when the event will take place.

Camp Summer Contest
July 01 to August 30, 2026

Think summer heat, secrets by the campfire, killer mosquitoes, and everything we love and hate about summer camp and the dangers of summer! We’re excited to offer the winner of this prize $3,000 and publication, while the second- and third-place winners will receive publication and $300 and $200, respectively. All prize winners will be chosen by our guest judge.