What Entry Rules Do The Best Short Story Competitions Usually Have?

Question

After browsing top competitions like Commonwealth Short Story Prize, I'm focusing on eligibility, formatting specifics, and maximum word counts for submissions.

MariaBlue · Answer

Okay, I'll admit my bias: I think some of these rules are gatekeeping. The strict formatting stuff feels arbitrary sometimes. Surely a great story is a great story, even if it's in Arial instead of Times New Roman?

JossLee · Answer

Original, unpublished work only—that's non-negotiable. If your story has appeared on your blog, a newsletter, or even a small online forum, it's considered published. They want the prestige of presenting something brand new to the world. This rule pushes writers to create specifically for the competition's theme or energy, which can be creatively freeing. It forces you out of your comfort zone and away from rehashing old ideas. The thrill is in crafting something from scratch for a specific audience and prize. Just make sure you understand their definition of 'published'; some are stricter than others.

RexBowen · Answer

Judging panels are part of the unspoken rules. A competition judged by a single famous author will have different tastes than one judged by a panel of editors. The 'rule' is to research the judge. What kind of stories do they write or publish? Your submission is, in a way, a direct appeal to their sensibilities. You're not writing for a faceless institution; you're writing for Margaret Atwood or N.K. Jemisin or whoever it is. Tailoring your submission to the judge's known preferences isn't cheating; it's strategic engagement with the competition's human element.

AmyHunt · Answer

Word count is the big one, and they're absolutely ruthless about it. I've seen competitions where going a single word over the limit means instant disqualification. It forces you to be incredibly precise with your language, which is a good skill to have.

JunoKelly · Answer

Honestly, after a few rejections, I started to see the rules not as hoops to jump through, but as a framework that forces me to be a more disciplined writer. The constraints of word count and format can really spark creativity.

FinnStone · Answer

Adaptation rights are a sneaky clause sometimes. Winning might grant the competition organizers the right to create an audio adaptation or include it in a 'best of' anthology without further payment. Usually, this is fine and gives you more exposure. But read the fine print. You should retain the core copyright and the right to republish the story elsewhere after an exclusivity period. Never sign away your copyright forever. That's the golden rule underlying all other rules: you are licensing the story for a specific use, not giving it away.

TomHill · Answer

Multiple entries are often allowed, but usually for an additional fee per story. This is a strategic rule. It lets you hedge your bets if you have two strong pieces, but it also increases the competition's revenue. Think carefully before using this option. Are your stories distinct enough in voice and theme that they won't cancel each other out in a judge's mind? Sometimes submitting one absolutely polished, perfect story is better than two very good ones. It shows confidence and focus. Scattering multiple entries can feel desperate unless each one is a undeniable contender.

EliseKid · Answer

Word count limits are strict, but so are minimums. A 500-word story in a 2000-5000 word competition might be seen as not engaging fully with the form. Aim for the middle to upper range of the limit to show scope.

NorahSky · Answer

Simplicity is king. The best competitions have clear, concise rules posted prominently. If you have to dig through a FAQ or contact them to understand basic requirements, that's a red flag about their organization.

EmeryKit · Answer

What nobody talks about enough is the formatting rules. Courier New, 12pt, double-spaced, one-inch margins, a specific header with your title and page number, and often no identifying information on the manuscript itself. They use 'blind judging' to ensure fairness, so your name and address usually go in a separate cover letter or online form. Ignoring these technical specs screams 'amateur' and might get your story tossed before a judge reads a word. It's not about stifling creativity; it's about creating a uniform, anonymous pile for the judges. Your story should stand out through its words, not its disobedient font.

AriaPage · Answer

Lol, rules. The only rule I know is that I never win. Maybe my stories suck, or maybe my formatting is off. Who can say? Back to writing fanfiction where the only rule is 'make it fun.'

EliseWest · Answer

The judging criteria are sometimes published. Look for words like 'narrative voice,' 'emotional impact,' 'originality of concept,' and 'quality of prose.' Tailoring your story to hit those noted points can give you a strategic edge.

MiraPerez · Answer

Simultaneous submissions are often allowed, but you must notify them immediately if your story is accepted elsewhere. It's professional courtesy and prevents them from spending time on a story that's no longer available.

What Entry Rules Do The Best Short Story Competitions Usually Have?

13 答案

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