Story Unlikely Short Story Contest A project of Story Unlikely About The short story contest is open to everyone with a brain (this is more restrictive than you think). There are no restrictions on genre: fantasy, sci fi, memoir, fiction/nonfiction, etc - we don't care as long as it's a good story. Our goal is to connect great writers with readers craving great stories (and pay really stinkin' well, without charging writers a dime!) Want more insight into the affiliated editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s) of Story Unlikely. Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2021 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationUnknown contest frequency Collapse section Fiction Temp Closed Dates:Will be open to submissions from 15 October 2025 12:00 AM CDT (in 89 days) through 31 January 2026.2Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: General Open to all/most Subgenres. Action-Adventure Open to all/most Subgenres. Fantasy Open to all/most Subgenres. Horror Open to all/most Subgenres. Mystery/Crime Open to all/most Subgenres. Science Fiction Open to all/most Subgenres. Suspense/Thriller Open to all/most Subgenres. Western Open to all/most Subgenres.Lengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words. Short Story: 1,000 - 4,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $1,500 for winner.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Temp Closed Dates:Will be open to submissions from 15 October 2025 12:00 AM CDT (in 89 days) through 31 January 2026.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 4,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream, Personal.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... Memoir.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $1,500 for winner.Submissions:Method: Email. 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: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial Platforms:None known For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Story Unlikely Short Story Contest Submission Statistics Free Preview! 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. Accuracy: We have received 19 reports from 16 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported: 26 min | 198.1 mean avg | 204.0 median | 427 max days (190.4 std dev) Responses 47.37 % 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: 47.37 % (122.7 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 77.8 % form, 22.2 % unspecified Non-Responses 52.63 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: 31.58 % (300.3 avg. days before reporting submissions as never responded) Withdrawals: 21.05 % (134.8 avg. days per withdrawal) Pending 8 responses are pending (167 min | 189.1 mean avg | 213.0 median | 262 max days waiting | 116.4 std dev) from 6 different members This only includes pending reports from users who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 02 Jun 2025. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 31 Jan 2025. 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: 13 Jul 2025Last Audited: 13 Jul 2025 Date Added: 01 Sep 2021We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year.