Paying submissions

Short story

Short story — fiction longer than flash, usually a few thousand words. This list is no-fee contests with a stated cash prize. 5 currently open of 5 total.

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Intrepid Voices Fund (2026 Short Story: Spooky Speculative Fiction)
Open
pay1st place $1,250; 2nd place $500
windowAugust 1, 2026 through September 6, 2026, 11:59 PM PST, or once 90 eligible applications are received, whichever comes first
feenone ("No — it's completely free to apply.")
verified2026-08-31
sourceSource
Details
pay whenunknown
genrespooky speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, and horror; contemporary and historical fiction not eligible)
wordsup to 2,000 words
simultaneousStories may have been previously published online, in a magazine, or submitted to other contests — they just can't be part of an already-published novel or have been assigned an ISBN.
flagCap of 90 eligible applications; remaining count not stated. Optional $20 paid feedback "has no effect on scoring." Applicants must be 18+ and current U.S. residents. Page still shows Applications Open August 1, 2026; close September 6, 2026 or 90 eligible apps.

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Witnessed: An Anthology of Literary Horror
Open
pay$500 first prize; $200 second prize; $100 honorarium for each of the remaining 14 selected stories
windowJuly 15 – September 15, 2026
feenone ("Submission Fee Free")
verified2026-08-31
sourceSource
Details
pay whenunknown
genrepsychological / literary horror
words2,000–6,000 words
simultaneousyes ("Simultaneous submissions: Yes. Please notify us promptly if your story is accepted elsewhere.")
flagLead URL https://edgeandbusby.com/witnessed returned 404. Guidelines are at /witnessed-1. Page also states "Submissions are now open until September 15, 2026."

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Six Word Wonder Contest 2026
Open
pay$100 cash prize
windowcloses 30 September 2026, midnight Pacific Time (unless extended)
feenone ("Entry is free.")
verified2026-08-31
sourceSource
Details
pay whenunknown
genresix-word story, memoir, poem, or joke
wordsexactly six words
simultaneousunknown
flagWinner also named Six Word Wonder 2026 and published in a future Six Word Wonder book. Shortlisted entries published in the book series. Ages 16+.

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The Aluminium Crown short story contest
Open
pay1st place: Minimum AUD$300 and publication on the website
windowSubmissions open on 1 July 2026 and close on 31 Oct 2026
feenone ("No entry fee")
verified2026-08-31
sourceSource
Details
pay whenunknown
genrespeculative fiction (Melbourne Central Business Cube, 2055)
words500-4000 words
simultaneousunknown
flagJudge's Prize is publication on the website (no cash stated). Prize pool may increase from container-deposit funds; page says any shortfall with the $300 prize total will be made up by the collective.

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Debutiful Short Story Contest
Open
paytwo first-place winners $100 each; two second-place winners $50 each; plus publication on Debutiful’s website and Substack
windowopen 12:01 a.m. August 17 through 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time November 13, 2026, or until 500 submissions are received
feenone ("This is free to enter.")
verified2026-08-31
sourceSource
Details
pay whenunknown
genreshort fiction (no theme)
wordsone short story of fiction between 3,000 and 6,000 words
simultaneousyes ("Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify Debutiful immediately if your story is accepted for publication elsewhere.")
flagCapped at 500 submissions; remaining count not stated. Optional donation portal is "not required for submitting to the contest." Open to U.S.-based writers. Winners announced in early 2027. Form live and accepting on 2026-08-31 within stated window.

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