Uncharted Magazine Cinematic Short Story Contest A project of Uncharted Magazine (see other related projects). About For this short story contest, we want stories that feel immersive, like we walked out of our lives and into the technicolor settings and conflicts of your main characters. We want stories that use the array of our senses in new and exciting ways. We want stories with vitality and velocity that rely on swift cuts of action and reaction. Allow your characters to make good and bad choices and face the consequences in scene. Don’t let the camera look away!Consider crafting your story based on the most important moments in your character’s life, and fully envelop us in these moments. Think of the opposites of shadow and light, and the gray areas in between, and write the stories we can’t look away from. We especially love stories that incorporate aspects of all genres, so consider how these combined elements might enhance your story. We’re drawn to stories that use their conflicts to create tension and resonance. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $20 (average for contests). Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationUnknown contest frequency AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis FasterUncharted Magazine Cinematic Short Story Contest's overall average response time is faster than most contests. More ChallengingUncharted Magazine Cinematic Short Story Contest's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveUncharted Magazine Cinematic Short Story Contest's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Fiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience, including: Young adults.Genres: General Subgenre: Historical 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 SubgenresLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words. Short Story: 1,000 - 5,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Mainstream.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $2,000 winning prize.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are 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:Instagram @uncharted_magX (Twitter) @uncharted_mag_ For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Uncharted Magazine Cinematic 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 outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 20 reports from 19 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 14 min | 49.1 mean avg | 43.5 median | 133 max days (28.7 std dev) Responses 95.00 % 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: 95.00 % (49.7 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 84.2 % form, 15.8 % unspecified | 5.0 % shortlisted Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 5.00 % (39.0 avg. days per withdrawal) Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $20.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 01 Jun 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 08 Mar 2026. Date compiled: 14 Sep 2026 21:37 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! Related ProjectsRefractions: Genre Flash Fiction Prize CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsUncharted MagazineUncharted Magazine Camp Summer Contest CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsUncharted Magazine Historical Fiction Challenge CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsUncharted Magazine Horror and Thriller Short Story Award DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsUncharted Magazine Horror Challenge CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsUncharted Magazine Noir Challenge CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsUncharted Magazine Novel Excerpt Prize Charges fees for all submissionsUncharted Magazine Short Story Award DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsUncharted Reprint Prize NEW! 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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: 09 Aug 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