Parsec Short Story Contest A project of PARSEC Ink (see other related projects). About All stories must be of the Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror genres. The winning story will be the one that most effectively uses the contest theme as a key element within the genre. Your interpretation of the theme must be integral to the story and not just mentioned in passing. No Fees! This contest does not charge mandatory fees. Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to those with limited publication (see their guidelines for details). Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Regular Speed Parsec Short Story Contest's overall average response time is within a normal range for contests. More ChallengingParsec Short Story Contest's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveParsec Short Story Contest's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Fiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Fantasy Open to all/most Subgenres Horror Open to all/most Subgenres Science Fiction Open to all/most SubgenresLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words. Short Story: 1,000 - 3,500 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream.Topics: Other: May vary.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $200 for first place.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are 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: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @parseconfluenceink.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @parsec_confluence_ink_word Support this Publisher: Become a Member Donate on PayPal For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Parsec Short Story 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: Group by submission Include related projects Accuracy We have received 10 reports from 10 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 18 min | 77.3 mean avg | 83.0 median | 122 max days (32.6 std dev) Responses 90.0 % Acceptances: 0.00 % No publication has a 0% acceptance rate. This data is based on submission reports sent to Duotrope, and we have not received reports of any acceptances yet. Rejections: 90.00 % (84.3 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 77.8 % form, 22.2 % unspecified Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 10.00 % (28.0 avg. days per withdrawal) Other Information Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 22 May 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 17 Mar 2026. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 09:02 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! Related ProjectsTriangulation Anthology Series 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: 29 Jun 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. 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