*** The New Writers Flash Fiction Competition 2026 is now closed to entries. Thank you to everyone who entered. If you missed this deadline, our next competition is the New Writers 100-Word Writing Competition, with a top prize of £1,000. ***
Competition Details:
- Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on Saturday 31st January 2026
- Entry Fee: £10 (one entry), £19 (two entries), £27 (three entries)
- Prizes: 1st Place: £1,100; 2nd Place: £300; 3rd Place: £200
- Publication: The three winning entries will be published on the NewWriters.org.uk website and in a future New Writers Anthology
- Word Limit: 300 (excluding title and line spaces)
- Eligibility: Writers aged 18 and older from anywhere in the world
- Charity: 10% of the proceeds will be donated to charity (split between First Story and the Funzi & Bodo Trust)
- Please read the full Flash Fiction Competition Terms & Conditions before entering.
*Low Income Entries: We want to make the competition accessible to as many writers as possible. We have therefore funded a limited number of free entries for low-income writers. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis (though no later than 15th January 2026, one low-income entry per person). Please see the terms and conditions for details.
Winners and authors who have made the shortlist will be notified by email no later than Friday 27th March 2026. The announcement of winners and shortlisted entries will also be made no later than this date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter stories that have been published elsewhere?
No, this would invalidate your entry, even if published on your own website or social media.
Can I enter if I have published stories elsewhere?
Yes, as long as the story you enter has not been published, we welcome entries from published and non-published writers alike.
Is the competition open to international entries?
Yes, we welcome entries from anywhere in the world.
Can entries be written in other languages?
Mainly because our linguistic abilities are somewhat limited, entries must be written predominantly in English. It’s fine to include words or phrases from other languages where pertinent to the story, however. Regional or national dialects are fine, though.
Can I enter the competition if I’m under 18 years old?
No. The competition is open to writers aged 18 years and older. There are lots of children’s writing competitions out there for those under 18.
Where will you publish the winning entries?
The three winning entries will be published on the NewWriters.org.uk website and in a future issue of the New Writers Anthology, our electronic literary journal.
Will any shortlisted or longlisted entries be published?
We hope to publish several entries from the shortlist and longlist in a future issue of the New Writers Anthology (here’s the inaugural New Writers Anthology). We will contact entrants with the details after the competition winners have been announced.
Are there are any free entries for people on low incomes?
There are a limited number of free entries available to people from low income households. Details of how to apply can be found in the terms and conditions. Note that this must be done before 15th January 2026.
Who are the judges?
The New Writers editors, David Hanson and Robin Cohen will judge the competition.
Can I enter a poem rather than a story?
The Flash Fiction Competition is for prose rather than poetry (as we also run regular dedicated poetry competitions). Although poems will not be disqualified, we are generally seeking stories rather than poems. Having said that, prose poems with a narrative tilt might appeal to the judges.
Is there is a discount for multiple entries?
Yes. If you pay for and submit two or three entries at the same time, you will receive a discount ( Entry fees: £10 for one entry, £19 for two entries, £27 for three entries). Note that the maximum number of entries is three per person.
Is there a theme for the competition?
There is no specific theme. Stories can be about any subject or incorporate any theme or genre, although we are seeking stories that are likely to appeal to adult readers (as opposed to those specifically aimed at children). We don’t mean the stories have to have ‘adult themes’, but something specifically aimed at teens or younger children is unlikely to make the longlist.
Can you give a hint about what type of story might be successful?
Well-written stories that engage, excite or move the reader are likely to do well.
What is the word limit again?
300 words, excluding the title.
Can I use AI to help me write the story?
Please don’t use AI to help you write the story you enter. We use several AI-detection apps and any entry found to have been ‘written’ using AI will be disqualified and no refund will be issued.
Can I use AI software for editing my entry?
A basic grammar/spell check is fine (e.g. the free version of Grammarly), but please don’t use AI to enhance/change the entry itself.