Rules

• Entries must be submitted as a single-spaced Word document or PDF, using Arial font, 12pt.
• Stories must not exceed 1,000 words (excluding the title). Entries over the word limit will not be considered.
• All entries are judged anonymously. Please include the story title but do not include your name, address, or any identifying information within the document.
• The competition is open internationally; all entries must be written in English.
• Entries containing material that is discriminatory, including but not limited to homophobic, transphobic, racist, ableist, or sexist content, will not be accepted.
• Submissions must be entirely the entrant’s own work and must not have been previously published online or in print, nor accepted for publication elsewhere. Copyright remains with the author.
• Entries will only be accepted upon payment of the entry fee. Any submission that does not comply with these rules may be disqualified.
• Once submitted, entries cannot be altered. Refunds will only be issued in exceptional circumstances.
• Results will be published online. The decision of the judge(s) is final, and no correspondence will be entered into. Unsuccessful entrants will not be contacted unless they have opted into the mailing list.
• The closing date for entries is midnight (UK time) on 31 August. Winners will be notified by email within four to six weeks of the closing date.
• Previous prize winners are not eligible to enter again for a period of three years from the date of their win.
• Entries are not eligible if the writer is involved in the judging process, administration, or management of the prize, or is a close family member of someone who is.
• Any use of AI-generated content will result in automatic disqualification.