The Warren Adler Short Story Contest is the most prestigious international short story contest online thanks to the extraordinary literary quality of our submissions. The theme is short fiction in all of its varied genres. We are looking for original, imaginative pieces featuring compelling characters and creative plots. Your story entry can be mainstream fiction, romance, horror, fantasy, science-fiction, satire, mystery, or any of their subcategories.

The top 15 winners will be published on Kindle and Amazon exclusively in what we hope will be an annual Short Story Anthology.

Entries must not exceed 2,500 words. We will only accept stories submitted using our web form (see Pay Now button below), no exceptions.

Stories from all the points of the globe will be considered provided that they are written in English. The Grand Prize will be $1,000.

The People’s Choice winners will be determined by public voting. Cash prizes and publication will be awarded for those stories chosen as “Honorable Mention.”

  • 1st Prize: $1,000
  • People’s Choice Prize: $500
  • Remaining finalists: $50 each
  • Honorable mentions: $25 each

Authors retain worldwide publishing rights.

Contest is open for worldwide entries from October 15, 2010 until January 15, 2011.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED FEBRUARY 15, 2011.

A $15 fee in advance is required for each story submission.

When you are ready to submit your story, make your payment to proceed to the story submission form. Each story must be written in English, previously unpublished and no longer than 2,500 words.

Good luck to all. We look forward to reading your work.