SAS SHORT FICTION Contest 2024-2025
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The winner will be selected from this year’s submissions of original, unpublished short stories between 3,000 and 7,000 words with LGBT content on the broad theme of “Saints and Sinners.” This contest would not be possible without a generous grant from The John Burton Harter Foundation.
The 2024-2025 SAS Short Fiction Judge is Greg Herren
Greg Herren is the author of over 30 novels, 50 short stories, and has edited over 20 anthologies. He has won several awards for his writing and editing, and has been nominated for a multitude of others, including the Shirley Jackson, the Lefty, the Agatha, and the Anthony. His most recent novels are Mississippi River Mischief (October 2023) and Death Drop (November 2023).
One grand prize of $500 and two second place prizes of $100 will be awarded. In addition, the top stories will be published in an anthology. There will also be a book release party and reading held during the 22nd annual Saints and Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival in New Orleans in 2025. A list of the top finalists will be posted on our website and in our e-newsletter.
Eligibility:
- The annual fiction contest is open to LGBTQ+ authors at all stages of their careers, from all over the globe, with stories in all genres.
- Only previously unpublished stories will be accepted.
- Stories that won this contest in previous years are ineligible; their authors remain eligible, but must submit new work.
- Stories submitted to this contest in previous years that were not finalists are eligible.
- Stories that have won any other writing contests are ineligible.
- Stories that do not adhere to the guidelines below will be disqualified. Please review our guidelines carefully.
Guidelines:
- Submissions should be in English, standard manuscript format (double-spaced, one inch margins, 12 point Times or Times New Roman or similar font.)
- Do not double space between paragraphs. Use indent.
- Please include a word count on first page under the title.
- Your name and contact information must NOT appear on the manuscript.
- No bios or resumes. We only consider manuscript quality.
- Word Count: 3,000 to 7,000.
- Submit only original, unpublished short stories.
- Please spell check and review your submission for typos. Excessive typos may disqualify your submission.
Entry fee: $20 per story. There is no limit on the number of stories each author may enter.
Deadline: October 1, 2024 through Submittable.