Zoetrope Short Fiction Competition A project of Zoetrope: All-Story About The Zoetrope: All-Story Short Fiction Competition is a catalyst for writing careers. Recent winners and honorable mentions have subsequently been recognized among the finalists for the PEN/Hemingway Award, the National Book Award, and the Pulitzer Prize. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $30 (above average for contests). Country of Publication United States Publication Media & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per yearPrint Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Statistics Synopsis Regular Speed Zoetrope Short Fiction Competition's overall average response time is within a normal range for contests. More ChallengingZoetrope Short Fiction Competition's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. Less ResponsiveZoetrope Short Fiction Competition's overall rate of non-response is higher than most contests. Fiction Open Fee-based Dates:Open to fiction submissions through 01 October 2026 11:59 PM PDT (in 16 days).19Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Short Story: 1,000 - 5,000 words.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 $1,000 for first prize.Submissions:Method: Online form. 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:Facebook FacebookInstagram @zoetrope_magThreads @zoetrope_mag Support this Publisher: Shop their Store For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Zoetrope Short Fiction Competition 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 Accuracy We have received 71 reports from 69 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 38 min | 102.7 mean avg | 88.0 median | 254 max days (319.0 std dev) Responses 81.69 % 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: 81.69 % (91.2 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 67.2 % form, 32.8 % unspecified Non-Responses 9.86 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: 9.86 % (207.0 avg. days before reporting submissions as never responded) Withdrawals 8.45 % (104.0 avg. days per withdrawal) Pending 38 responses are pending (2 min | 51.1 mean avg | 43.0 median | 436 max days waiting | 426.9 std dev) from 35 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $30.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 14 Jan 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 08 Oct 2025. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 08:30 UTC (32 minutes 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! 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: 28 Jul 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