Think you can write a winning story in 1,500 words or less? Then check out Writer’s Digest’s 21st Annual Short Fiction Competition for a chance to win $3,000, a spot in Writer’s Digest magazine, and a paid trip to their annual conference.
There are prizes for the first place to eleventh place winners. You do have to pay an entry fee to submit to the competition. They accept applications from writers everywhere, with a few exceptions (please view their submission guidelines).

How to Submit to Writer’s Digest’s 21st Annual Short Fiction Competition
Interested in submitting? Great! Here’s what you need to know:
- Your word count cannot exceed 1,500 words.
- Entry forms must have the word, line, and page count listed where requested.
- All entries must be in English.
- Only original works unpublished at the time of submission in print, digital, or online publications will be considered.
- Self-published work in blogs, on social media, etc., will be considered.
All entries must be made online through their submissions manager. They do accept simultaneous submissions but ask you to remove your work if you decide to publish elsewhere.
Unfortunately, I do not know their submission fee, but if it’s of a similar price to their big competition, it’ll be around $35.
The deadline to submit is December 15, 2020.
To learn more and to view their submission guidelines, click here and here.
Good luck to all of you who choose to submit. I’ve got my fingers crossed for you.
And if you are accepted, please let me know! I’d love to read your work and pass it along to a friend.
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Stay safe, everyone.
Until next time.
Cheers,
Danielle
8 Responses
Hee-hee! I had forgotten how active WD is. Even without all the stuck-at-home activity, I’ll bet they’re going to get a lot of submissions.
Strangely enough, they have pushed back a lot of their deadlines this year due to a lack of submissions. I don’t think a lot of writers are either writing or submitting due to all things pandemic. 🤷♀️
I see what you’re saying. That’s too bad.
It really is too bad because WD usually gets some really good stories.
Yep. Talent is within the people!
Precisely! 😊
Just submitted a story for this–here’s hoping! Submission fee was $30.
Woohoo! Good luck!
Ah! Thanks for letting me know! 😊
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