Monthly Flash Fiction Competition
Get Published. Get Noticed. Get Writing.
We know how hard it is to get published. The rejections. The waiting. The endless slush piles. That’s why we created our Monthly Flash Fiction Competition — to give emerging writers a real chance to be recognised.
Each month, we invite you to send us a flash fiction story of 500 words or fewer. If you win, your story will be:
✅ Published on our website
✅ Included in our annual print anthology
✅ Credited to you as a published author
Whether you’re looking for your first byline or another publication to add to your CV, this is your shot.
📝 What We’re Looking For
We want stories that:
- Deliver a complete narrative — beginning, middle, end
- Use strong characterisation and voice
- Surprise or move us
- Work in any genre (except erotica or gratuitous violence)
- Are written by you — not AI
✍️ Flash Fiction Writing Tips
Flash fiction is short, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Here’s how to make your 500 words count:
- Limit your characters. One or two is usually enough.
- Stick to one scene or setting. Avoid sprawling plots.
- Start in the middle. Don’t build slowly — drop us in.
- Make every word earn its place. Use vivid, active language.
- Imply a bigger world. Suggest what lies beyond the page.
- Think about your ending. Make it resonate — with emotion, surprise, or a satisfying twist.
- Read flash fiction. Learn what works. Then make it your own.
🗓️ How to Enter
- Submit your story. After payment of the entry fee, you will be diverted to the submissions page. You can submit immediately, or later via the link we will email you.
- Entry fee: £2
- Deadline: the 25th of each month
- One entry per person per month
🏆 What You’ll Win
- Publication on our website for the winner and the 5 shortlisted stories.
- Print publication in our annual anthology for the winner.
- A contributor copy of the anthology for the winner.
- A public publishing credit to your name
📜 Competition Rules
- Maximum word count: 500 words (excluding title).
- Stories must be original and unpublished.
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
- Entries must be written in English.
- You retain copyright. We ask only for First Publication Rights.
- No AI-generated entries (this includes ChatGPT, Sudowrite, etc.).
- Entries are open to all writers anywhere in the world.
- We do not accept stories containing hate speech, gratuitous violence, or plagiarism. Please be nice!
- The editorial team’s decision is final.
- No feedback can be given on individual entries.
- By entering, you agree to publication online and in print, should you win.
🚀 Ready to Enter?
As soon as you pay the £2 entry fee, you may submit!