Short story writing contests in 2018 brought fresh opportunities for emerging and established writers to reach readers and editors. These contests combined strict craft standards with new digital platforms, reshaping how stories were discovered and judged.
Across the year, organizers emphasized transparency in criteria, clearer deadlines, and more diverse judging panels. This environment made 2018 a pivotal moment for writers looking to test their work against rigorous standards while building a professional profile.
| Contest | Organizer | Deadline | Prize | Submission Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBC National Short Story Award | BBC & The Society of Authors | July 2018 | £15,000 | Single unpublished story up to 4,000 words |
| Flash Fiction Day Competition | Flash Fiction Day Foundation | May 2018 | Publication & workshop access | Flash stories up to 1,000 words |
| Creative Future Writers’ Award | Creative Future | June 2018 | £10,000 | Short story or excerpt up to 5,000 words |
| Bridport Prize Short Story | Bridport Prize | April 2018 | £1,000 | Short story up to 3,000 words |
| Wasafiri New Writing Prize | Wasafiri Magazine | 2018-03-01Publication in magazine | Short story up to 3,000 words |
Evaluating Story Craft and Marketability
Judges in 2018 looked for tightly structured narratives, vivid voice, and emotional clarity. Marketability played a role, with many contests seeking stories that could appeal to both literary and general audiences through accessible yet innovative prose.
Contest guidelines often specified genre expectations, word count ranges, and submission formats. Entrants who tailored their manuscripts to these explicit requirements increased their chances of advancing to later rounds.
Genre and Style Trends in 2018
Literary and Experimental Fiction
Many leading contests favored literary fiction with inventive structures, layered imagery, and psychological depth. Experimental approaches coexisted with clear, direct storytelling that prioritized emotional truth.
Genre Crossovers and Speculative Elements
Stories blending realism with speculative elements gained traction, reflecting reader interest in hybrid forms. Magical realism, subtle dystopia, and fabulist twists appeared frequently among shortlisted works.
Preparing Your Submission Strategy
Successful writers approached contests as part of a broader professional strategy, not one-off attempts. Tailoring each submission, tracking deadlines, and studying past winners helped build a stronger portfolio.
- Read current guidelines for each contest and verify word count and formatting rules.
- Submit polished work that has undergone multiple rounds of revision and feedback.
- Maintain a timeline that accounts for submission windows, notification dates, and award ceremonies.
- Use contest results and judge comments to refine subsequent drafts and target future opportunities.
Marketing and Visibility Through Contests
Placement in reputable short story contests raised author profiles, attracted literary agents, and opened doors to publishing contracts. Contests offered curated exposure to editors, bloggers, and book festival programmers actively seeking fresh voices.
Contest organizers emphasized clear communication about privacy policies, rights retention, and usage terms. Writers who understood these clauses protected their work while maximizing promotional opportunities.
Regional and Thematic Diversity in 2018
Contests in 2018 welcomed voices from varied cultural and geographic backgrounds, encouraging stories that reflected local experiences with universal resonance. Thematic focuses included migration, identity, technology’s impact, and community resilience.
This diversity strengthened the field, providing editors with a broader spectrum of material and helping contests connect with wider readerships through relevant, timely narratives.
Building a Sustainable Writing Practice Beyond Contests
Treat contests as milestones within a long-term writing routine that includes drafting, peer review, and targeted submission plans. Combining contest participation with regular readership and community engagement sustains momentum and artistic growth.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I choose which short story contest to enter in 2018?
Align your choice with genre, prize structure, and judging profile. Prioritize contests organized by reputable publishers or literary societies and review recent winners to assess fit.
What story length is most common for these contests?
Most short story contests in 2018 requested stories between 2,000 and 4,000 words, though flash categories allowed up to 1,000 words and some prizes accepted longer excerpts.
Can previously published work be submitted to short story contests?
Many contests accept previously published work if it appears online or in small-circulation magazines, but top prizes typically require unpublished stories verified by the organizer.
What rights do I retain if I place in a contest?
Standard practice is that placing grants the organizer non-exclusive publication rights for promotional use, while the author retains copyright and can license additional rights separately as negotiated.