short story contests Archives

The Write Catalyst Short Story Contest is back and open for submissions until July 22, 2026. We’re looking for breakthrough voices and experienced authors alike.

Our previous contests astounded us. The quality of the writing, the range of voices, the heart in these stories was a reminder of how many genuinely talented writers are out there not getting the recognition they deserve.

So today, we’re showcasing the winners from our last contest.

Winners of the Write Catalyst Short Story Contest receive cash, memberships, and are published and promoted through our platform. The contest is also listed by Kindlepreneur and Reedsy among the best writing contests to enter.

Thanks to the winning authors and all who participated. We invite all writers to submit your short fiction to the current contest.

Away From the World and the Horrific Things That Happen In It by Barb Weitzner – Short Story Contest 1st Place Winner

… most of us well into our eighties, gather every morning to claim our familiar positions at a table under an umbrella on the veranda, at The Bowers, an upscale assisted-living facility, our lives lived in slow motion, killing time, in similar, desperate ways.

If No One Speaks by Sam Szanto – Short Story Contest 2nd Place Winner

When they threw my kitten into the furnace, I thought: how in God’s name can I survive this? But what else can I do?

Feathers by Tomas Marcantonio – Short Story Contest 3rd Place Winner

All at once my whole being seemed to shrink, as though something had reached inside my chest and grabbed my very soul, and with bony fingers was attempting to wrestle it out of existence.

The Elements by Yong Takahashi – Short Story Contest Finalist

When does life begin? Does it start in the air as the breeze carries a lover’s call? Does it start in earth as warm bodies roll around in the soft grass? Does it start with fire as a look ignites new possibilities? Does it start in water as the amniotic sac explodes and pushes us out into the world?

The Knowable Failures by Samuel Parr– Short Story Contest Finalist

If you join r/windowlessroom on Reddit, you will learn about the Gift of the Meaningless Library, and your obsession will begin.

The current Write Catalyst Annual Short Story Contest closes July 22, 2026.

Your story could be next.

Read submission guidelines and submit here.

Submit Your Story

The Best Writing Contests and How to Apply–Kindlepreneur

Add these contest deadlines to your calendar and get your stories ready! This article also provides tips on how to submit and increase your chances of winning.

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The Best Writing Contests and How to Apply

You live to write and have numerous short stories to prove it. Best of all, people other than your mother love and praise them! But because your name doesn’t happen to be Danielle Steel, no publisher is currently knocking down your front door to rip manuscripts from your printer before the pages even cool. So what is an aspiring writer to do? Apply to a writing contest, perhaps?

If you were a singer, you could try out for American Idol; if a dancer, you could apply to So You Think You Can Dance. But let’s face it, a television show where you typed at your keyboard is not must-see TV.

Even so, there are numerous (non-televised) writing contests where you can display your skills and improve your writing. Plus, if you win, you might receive some well-deserved critical acclaim—not to mention a cash award and potential future writing contracts.

In this article, you will learn:

How to enter a writing contest and increase your chances of placing or even winning

Which contests are reputable

Which contests are currently accepting submissions