Write Catalyst Annual Short Story Contest

The Write Catalyst Annual Short Story Contest is an international short fiction competition open to writers aged 18 and over. Recognised by Kindlepreneur and Reedsy as one of the best short story contests to enter, it welcomes original, previously unpublished work across all genres — from literary fiction to speculative, thriller, romance, mystery, and more.

Entries are judged anonymously through a blind process, with author names excluded from all submitted manuscripts. Stories must be between 1,000 and 5,000 words and formatted to Classic Shunn manuscript standard. Multiple entries are permitted, with a separate $5 fee per submission.

The first-place winner receives $100 (cash or gift card), publication on the Write Catalyst blog, social media promotion, and a free one-year membership to the Write Catalyst writing group and app. Second place receives $50 and publication; third place receives $25 and publication. Winners are announced on 22 October 2026.

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.