Third Annual Short Story Contest

History Through Fiction is proud to announce our 3rd annual short story contest. Open June 15 – August 15, all submissions have a chance to be published in a paperback anthology!

Submissions Open June 15 – August 15
$250 Grand Prize!

Description
History Through Fiction is proud to announce its third annual short story contest. We're opening submissions on June 15, 2025, and they'll close on August 15, 2025. We invite writers to send in their historical fiction short stories. Each story will be reviewed by our editors, including one volunteer judge who will provide direct feedback. On September 15, we'll announce the longlist. Then, on October 15, we'll reveal the shortlist. All shortlisted stories will be published in a paperback anthology, and each author will get $75. The big announcement for the runner-up and grand prize winners will be on November 15. The runner-up receives a $150 cash prize, and the grand prize winner takes home $250. Look for the anthology's release on March 3, 2026.

Submission Period

June 15, 2025 – August 15, 2025

Submission Guidelines

Word Limit = 5,000
Time Period = Must take place prior to the year 2000
Historical Setting = Any
Publication Status = All submissions must be previously unpublished
Multiple Submissions = Accepted
We will accept any subgenre of historical fiction.

Submission Requirements and Details

Submissions can only be made through our Duosuma Submission Manager.
$17.50 Early Bird Submission Fee. Fee increases to $25 on July 15, 2025.
All submitters will be subscribed to the History Through Fiction newsletter. Submitters may unsubscribe at any time, but all contest announcements will be made through the HTF newsletter.
Stories must be in a PDF, .doc, or .docx format
If our editors believe you submission does not meet the criteria, or is deemed inappropriate in any way, we reserve the right to disqualify your submission. Submission fees are non-refundable.

Judges

Click here to meet the judges.

Judging Criteria

Your story feedback will be delivered on September 15, 2025. Your feedback form will include:

Strengths and Constructive Criticisms
Historical Relevance of the Story
Quality of character, plot, and setting
Quality of voice and point of view
Overall Impact and Quality

There will no longer be a point scale. Rather, editors will review all stories while also relying on the recommendations of the judges.

Prizes
1st Place, Grand Prize

2nd Place, Runner-Up

Shortlisted

  • $75 Cash Prize

  • Publication in our paperback anthology

All Submitters Receive:

  • One written feedback form for each submission

  • A free ebook of our previous anthology, featuring last years winners, An End of Troubles

*Note – If your story is selected for publication, the author retains all copyright. Stories must be previously unpublished and History Through Fiction asks for first rights to publish +30 days. Thirty days after publication, the author is free to publish their story elsewhere.