Contest Rules

Summer 2026 Writing Contest

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Contest details

  • Theme: Stranger
  • Prompt: Whether danger or meet cutes, strangers always offer something new. Write a 1,500 word story based on this theme.
  • Maximum length: 1,500 words
  • Enrollment deadline: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
  • Workshop deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
  • Final submission deadline: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
  • Winners announced: Friday, August 14, 2026
  • Grand prize: $300 · Runner-up: $100

How the contest works

The contest is open to fiction writers of all kinds, any genre. You'll write a new story based on our contest theme, workshop it in our writing community, and submit it for publication in Short Fiction Break literary magazine.

  1. Write a new story based on the contest theme.
  2. Join The Write Practice community. All entrants get sixty days of access to the feedback tier of The Write Practice community, where you'll be able to connect with a supportive, encouraging group of fellow writers and workshop your writing.
  3. Finish your story. This isn't just a writing contest. We want to give you accountability to write something new. We'll give you the support you need to write a new story of up to 1,500 words.
  4. Workshop your story. After you finish your story, get valuable feedback from other members of The Write Practice workshopping community. Then edit your story so it's the best it can be.
  5. Submit your story to the judges. After your story is workshopped, submit the final draft to the judges, who will review your story for publication. Feel free to use the workshops for other stories or chapters of your work too.
  6. Get published. Every writer who enters has the option of getting published by Short Fiction Break. Whether the judges select your piece or not, you'll get the exposure your writing deserves.
  7. Get feedback from the judges. If you choose the premium entry, you'll also get personalized feedback about why your story was or wasn't selected by the judges.
  8. Celebrate the winners. The judges will choose several winning stories. These top stories will get featured publication and cash prizes, as well as be publicized to The Write Practice's community of readers.

AI Policy

The Write Practice is about practice. Our whole mission is to help you get better as a writer, not to replace your creativity and craft with AI. This contest exists so you can stretch your skill, finish a real story, and grow alongside a community of other writers doing the same. AI can't do that growing for you, and we don't want it to.

So we treat AI as a tool, not an author.

✅ Allowed

  • Writing without any AI assistance at all
  • Using AI as a process tool: brainstorming, research, grammar checks, feedback on your own writing, or critique

❌ Not allowed

  • Submitting a story that was primarily written by AI, even if you've rewritten or edited it after
  • Submitting a story written entirely by AI

When you submit, we'll ask you how you used AI in your story. We trust you to answer honestly. Entries that misrepresent AI use will be disqualified. The point isn't to police you, it's to make sure this contest stays a place where real writers practice real craft.

Publication and the Readers' Choice Award

Every writer who submits a story to this contest will be published by Short Fiction Break.* Winners will be announced 4 to 8 weeks after the judging deadline.

Those who choose to have their stories published will be entered for the Readers' Choice Award. Readers and fellow contest participants will have a week to vote for their favorite story, and the winner will be featured on the front page of Short Fiction Break.

*Authors who do not wish to be published may opt out.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I miss the deadline?

You must meet the deadlines to have your story considered by the judges. Refunds will not be given for any reason, including missing deadlines.

Why do I have to workshop my story?

You must workshop your story to be considered by the judges. We require this because we want this contest to be about learning the craft and making connections, not just writing something. We want you to have every opportunity to better your story before you enter it into the contest. And, believe it or not, giving feedback is the best way to learn.

When will I get my feedback from the judges?

We strive to provide feedback as quickly as possible. Expect to receive it at least six weeks after the winners are announced. This time is needed for our judges to form considered and constructive feedback. (Feedback from judges is only given to premium contest entrants.)

When will winners be announced?

Winners are announced 6–8 weeks after the final deadline. The more entries we get, the longer it takes to read the stories. In the meantime, workshop more stories in the community.

What happens after my sixty-day access ends?

You'll lose access to the workshops and the short story class (if you purchased a premium entry). You'll have the opportunity to sign up for a membership. Regardless, you'll have access to the community (free resources and events) forever.

Have more questions?

Email [email protected]