World's Best Short-Short Story Contest A project of Southeast Review (see other related projects). We list other projects with similar titles. Please check that you report any submissions under the correct listing. About In 1986, Jerome Stern, the then-director of Florida State University’s Creative Writing Program and renowned author of Making Shapely Fiction among other books, founded this contest to celebrate what he called “micro fiction” (submissions at that time were required to be under 250 words, and the winner received a crate of oranges as well as a check). Stern passed away from cancer in 1996 and though the guidelines and prize have changed since then, we are grateful to have a modern master of the short-short story judge the entries annually, and continue to hold the contest in memory of Stern. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $16 (average for contests). Want more insight into the affiliated editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s) of Southeast Review. Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 1986 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 World's Best Short-Short Story Contest's overall average response time is within a normal range for contests. Fiction Open Fee-based Dates:Open to fiction submissions through 20 December 2026* (approx. 96 days from now).Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 500 words; Up to 3 pieces.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $750 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.* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookInstagram @southeastreviewX (Twitter) @SoutheastReview Support this Publisher: Subscribe For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope World's Best Short-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 4 reports from 4 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 56 min | 76.5 mean avg | 70.5 median | 109 max days (23.0 std dev) Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $16.00. Most recent response reported was received on 23 Feb 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 28 Dec 2025. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 09:03 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 ProjectsThe Gearhart Poetry Contest Charges fees for all submissionsThe Ned Stuckey-French Nonfiction Contest Charges fees for all submissionsSoutheast Review Charges fees for all submissionsSoutheast Review Art Contest CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsSoutheast Review Narrative Nonfiction Contest CLOSED Charges fees for all submissions 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: 31 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