March, 2026

Event Details
The Inception Contest is an international writing and arts prize that celebrates the power of beginnings by inviting creators to submit the very best opening of a work, whether in
Event Details
The Inception Contest is an international writing and arts prize that celebrates the power of beginnings by inviting creators to submit the very best opening of a work, whether in prose, poetry, graphic narrative, or visual art.
Submissions must be original and previously unpublished. For prose entries the limit is 250 words, and for poetry it’s 25 words; titles are not included in the word count. Graphic novel or comic submissions should include the first page only (with a maximum of 250 words), and visual art entries should be the first piece in a series or lineup. There is no theme restriction — the competition is about the strength of the opening itself.
The contest is international and open to writers, poets, and artists worldwide. Winners and selected finalists may be offered publication in Sunspot Lit’s digital and annual print editions, gaining exposure alongside the cash award.
1st Prize: $100 cash and publication for the winner. Publication opportunities for finalists and runners-up.
Is this competition legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.
FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it’s your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.
