Annual Short Story (prev Active Writers)
MARCH 2024/2025
Open-themed Short Story Writing Competition
Opens - March 17th 2024 Closing Date - Entries must be received by March 16th 2025 at midnight (UK time) Results announced on May 1st 2025 (possibly before) Open to Everyone! |
DETAILS
Stories must be...
no shorter than 1000 words no longer than 3000 words previously unpublished of your own © typed in English max entries = 4 |
Our team will be looking for...
|
FEES
£7 for one story, £12 for two, £16 for three, £20 for four |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit an entry?
There is an Entry Form for the Annual Short Story HERE
I have paid to submit more than one entry, can I send them in one file?
No. Please complete the submissions form for each entry
Can I put my name on the file I upload?
No! Please do not place any identifying marks on the actual story file
I want to enter but I do not use PayPal
Not a problem, EMAIL US and let us know - we will contact you with an alternative for payment of entry fees
How will I know I have won?
We will announce the result on May 1st 2025
How will I be paid?
Prize money will be paid via PayPal to the email address you used to pay the entry fee
Why didn't my story get a place?
We know it is disappointing to not reach the prize categories. Remember, judging is just our point of view on the story. If you did not make it this time, don't be disheartened. Get back at your keyboard and continue to write!
I've sent my entry but now I notice errors, can I edit and resend?
No, sorry. Once you have hit that Submit button it's entered into the contest and no adjustments can be made. We can't stress enough the importance of proofreading and polishing that manuscript before you submit.
I've entered the contest but I've changed my mind, I want to withdraw from the contest. Will I be refunded?
You have every right to change your mind and yes, you will be refunded.
Who is judging my story?
Deb, Emily, Jeff & Gail if you're familiar with Secret Attic, you know who we are!
Will my entry be read blind?
Emily, Jeff & Gail will read blind - the only judge who will know who penned the story will be Deb.!
What about my copyright?
It's important to note that you still own the copyright to the work you submit for the competition. This means you are perfectly free to take what you have written and re-publish it somewhere else. If you have been placed in our competition and send it for publication elsewhere, be sure to let the company know your submission has been previously published online at Secret Attic.
What if there are not many entries and you can't cover the prizes for each place?
As long as there are more than 25 entries the competition will go ahead.
There is an Entry Form for the Annual Short Story HERE
I have paid to submit more than one entry, can I send them in one file?
No. Please complete the submissions form for each entry
Can I put my name on the file I upload?
No! Please do not place any identifying marks on the actual story file
I want to enter but I do not use PayPal
Not a problem, EMAIL US and let us know - we will contact you with an alternative for payment of entry fees
How will I know I have won?
We will announce the result on May 1st 2025
How will I be paid?
Prize money will be paid via PayPal to the email address you used to pay the entry fee
Why didn't my story get a place?
We know it is disappointing to not reach the prize categories. Remember, judging is just our point of view on the story. If you did not make it this time, don't be disheartened. Get back at your keyboard and continue to write!
I've sent my entry but now I notice errors, can I edit and resend?
No, sorry. Once you have hit that Submit button it's entered into the contest and no adjustments can be made. We can't stress enough the importance of proofreading and polishing that manuscript before you submit.
I've entered the contest but I've changed my mind, I want to withdraw from the contest. Will I be refunded?
You have every right to change your mind and yes, you will be refunded.
Who is judging my story?
Deb, Emily, Jeff & Gail if you're familiar with Secret Attic, you know who we are!
Will my entry be read blind?
Emily, Jeff & Gail will read blind - the only judge who will know who penned the story will be Deb.!
What about my copyright?
It's important to note that you still own the copyright to the work you submit for the competition. This means you are perfectly free to take what you have written and re-publish it somewhere else. If you have been placed in our competition and send it for publication elsewhere, be sure to let the company know your submission has been previously published online at Secret Attic.
What if there are not many entries and you can't cover the prizes for each place?
As long as there are more than 25 entries the competition will go ahead.