Stories That Need To Be Told The Contest A project of TulipTree Publishing (see other related projects). About What if the only way to save yourself from this reality is to write yourself a new one? The story you choose to tell is everything. There is still only one category: the Story. That means fiction, nonfiction, or poetry—as long as it tells a story, it fits. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $20 (average for contests). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2015 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Statistics Synopsis Slower Stories That Need To Be Told's overall average response time is slower than most contests. Collapse section Fiction Open Fee-based Dates: Rolling Deadlines: Check cutoff dates.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words. Short Story: 1,000 - 7,500 words. Novelette: 7,500 - 10,000 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.Submissions:Methods: Email. Postal. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Open Fee-based Dates: Rolling Deadlines: Check cutoff dates.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 10,000 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.Submissions:Methods: Email. Postal. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Open Fee-based Dates: Rolling Deadlines: Check cutoff dates.Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known.Poetry Forms:Narrative poetry.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Professional payment. Details: USD $1,000.Submissions:Methods: Email. Postal. 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 Facebook For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Stories That Need To Be Told 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: All Categories Fiction Nonfiction Poetry Group by submission Include outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 7 reports from 7 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 64 min | 189.3 mean avg | 100.0 median | 690 max days (226.5 std dev) Pending 2 responses are pending (31 min | 46.5 mean avg | 46.5 median | 62 max days waiting | 202.4 std dev) from 2 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 $20.00. Submissions are acknowledged within 3 days on average. Most recent response reported was received on 27 Oct 2025. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 06 Aug 2025. Date compiled: 06 Sep 2026 22:41 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 ProjectsTulipTree Publishing Story of the Week CLOSEDTulipTree Review Genre Contest DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsTulipTree Review Humor Story Contest Charges fees for all submissionsTulipTree Review New Writers Contest ON HIATUS Charges fees for all submissionsTulipTree Review Underdogs Story Contest ON HIATUS Charges fees for all submissionsWild Women Story Contest 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: 21 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