SFReader Short Story Contest

This project is on indefinite hiatus. Check their site to find out whether this is a submission and/or publication hiatus.

About

We are interested in works that feature well developed characters along with colorful settings and fast-moving plots. There are no restrictions on sub-genres, though all stories must be firmly within the realm of Speculative Fiction. Our interests include, but are not limited to: Hard Science Fiction, Soft Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Cyberpunk, Slipstream, and Alternate History, just to name a few. The speculative element must be integral to the story.

No Fees! This contest does not charge mandatory fees.

Country of Publication

United States

Publication Medium & Contest Frequency

Electronic Publication Electronic Publication: Awarded 1 x per year

Fiction On Hiatus

Audience:

Unknown

Genres:

Fantasy Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Dark Fantasy, Slipstream
Horror Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Dark Fantasy, Slipstream
Science Fiction Open to all/most Subgenres, including: Alternate History, Cyberpunk, Hard Science Fiction, Slipstream, Soft Science Fiction

Lengths:

Short Story: 1,000 - 5,000 words.

Styles:

Open to all/most Styles, including: Dark.

Topics:

None found.

Winner's Prize:

Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) to Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Pay ranges from Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) to Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word).
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Electronic submissions.
Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.
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.

Recent cover image or website screenshot for SFReader Short Story Contest

Go to contest webpage

Report:
Correction/Update

SFReader Short Story Contest Submission Statistics

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This listing is inactive and does not have any submission reports for the past 12 months.

Your Submissions

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Before Submitting

We 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.

Dates

Last Updated: 22 May 2026