In line with our mission to provide opportunities to deepen artistic and cultural experiences (particularly during what can be challenging times!), Fivesparks is seeking original short stories on any topic for PENdemic — our first Short Story Contest!
Three categories will be judged separately: 5th-8th graders, 9th-12th graders, and adults.
– Contest Guidelines & Submission Form Below
DATES:
Open for Submissions: February 19, 2021
Submission Deadline: March 19, 2021 (11:59pm)
STORIES:
Word Limit: 2000 words (excluding title)
Topic: No theme requirement
SUBMISSIONS:
One submission per author
No entry fee
Categories:
Youth: 5th-8th grade
Young Adult: 9th-12th grade
Adult (18+, not in high school)
Stories must be submitted using online submission form (BELOW)
Submissions must be fictional and entirely author’s own work
No changes/corrections after story has been submitted
Format:
Submissions must be in English
Submissions must have a title
Title and page number must be included on each page as a header
Submissions must be double-spaced, and use 12pt Helvetica font
Submissions must be in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF format
Total number of words must be listed at the end of the last page
Author’s name (or any identifying information) may not appear anywhere on the pages of the submission
JUDGING:
Judging for each category will be separate
Judging will be anonymous
Winners will be announced on April 5th (or as soon as possible thereafter, depending on the number of submissions)
Winners will be notified by email and announced at fivesparks.org
Prizes:
There will be one winner in each of the three categories
By submitting a story, authors agree to allow their name and work to be viewed online via fivesparks.org and/or published elsewhere (e.g. The Harvard Press)
