Dear Aliens Contest Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (May 2026). We provide the following information as an archive. About The aliens are coming. Or at least they told us they were.They asked us for just one item: a written document from humanity.This is the only thing they are going to read before they arrive.We have no idea what the document should be, so we're asking you.Should we share a history of humanity? An introduction to your family? A science fiction story? A description of a sunset? A narrative from your life? A joke?We're not sure (yet), but we'd like your help. No Fees! This contest does not charge mandatory fees. Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2026 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationOne-time contest AI Policy AI use may be permitted in some circumstances (see their site for details) Collapse section Fiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Open to all/most Genres, including: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $2,000 for first prize.Submissions:Method: Postal. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Essay: Up to 1,000 words. Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 1,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $2,000 for first prize.Submissions:Method: Postal. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Correction/Update Dear Aliens Contest Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: All Categories Fiction Nonfiction Group by submission Accuracy We have received 4 reports from 4 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 21 min | 42.8 mean avg | 37.0 median | 76 max days (23.5 std dev) Other Information Most recent response reported was received on 02 Jun 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 11 May 2026. Date compiled: 17 Sep 2026 23:37 UTC (less than a minute ago). Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 22 May 2026 Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only