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Welcome to Dreambridge Publishing's second annual short story contest!
Last year's debut anthology contest featured work from authors all pondering the possibilities of utopia. Trouble in Paradise offered twenty lucky authors the opportunity to see their name in print, some for the very first time! You can check out our debut anthology here.
We are excited to present our new contest for our second anthology, In My Element !
Just like last year, the chosen writers will work with our team of dedicated editors to prepare for publication at the end of this year, offering a unique opportunity to experience the world of indie publishing firsthand.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT:
March 31st, 2025 @ 11:59pm
Theme:
Elements & Alchemy
Your story MUST include the following:
Something comes together, and something falls apart
'Alchemy' is defined as "a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination."
Here are various definitions and uses of the word 'element'...
1. a part or aspect of something abstract, especially one that is essential or characteristic. (ex. "It had all the elements of a classic love story.")
2. a small but significant presence of a feeling or abstract quality. (ex. "the element of power")
3. the rudiments of a branch of knowledge.
4. any of the four substances (earth, water, air, and fire) regarded as the fundamental constituents of the world in ancient and medieval philosophy.
5. a person's or animal's natural or preferred environment.
6. and more!
Story submission guidelines:
This year's short stories must fit the theme of elements and alchemy. The story MUST include something that comes together and something that falls apart (this does not have to be a key plot point).
Maximum length: 4000 words. Shorter is sometimes better—make each word count!
We’re looking for compelling characters who struggle to achieve their goals. All genres are welcome, so long as the stories are original works of fiction.
Your story should be a stand-alone work of prose, not a chapter from a novel, a play, a screenplay, etc. Short poetry may be considered but is not the focus of the anthology. Works requiring specific typesetting, such as words that form shapes, cannot be accommodated due to publishing limitations.
One entry per author. No previously published stories or simultaneous submissions.
Please proofread your story before you submit. Grammar check using the Chicago Manual of Style, Grammarly, or Grammar Girl.
Winners will receive a notification two to three weeks after the contest deadline, and when we publish our blog post sharing the winners. Stories that are not chosen will not receive an email.
We do not accept re-submissions for edits. If we select your story, our editors will work with you to polish it.
Formatting instructions:
DO center your title on the first page of the manuscript.
DO use one-inch margins,12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, no extra spaces between paragraphs.
DO use your title or first few words of the title as your file name.
DO save your manuscript in .doc or .docx file format.
DO NOT put your name or contact info in the manuscript itself, or as part of the file name.
DO NOT submit a PDF.
DO NOT use single-space or 1.5-space line formatting.
DO NOT insert headers or footers, or page numbers.
DO NOT make a title page or use unusual title fonts.
Please note: this is a free-to-submit, unpaid opportunity to showcase your writing. You will retain the rights to your story should you choose to publish it elsewhere later. Since we're just starting out, this is an entirely self-funded venture, and all book sales will go towards the self-publishing printing costs for the anthology and to fund future Dreambridge short story contests.
Please also consider joining our mailing list! It's the best way to stay up to date with contest result announcements, writing tips, community events, and more.
Submit your story today through the link below!