Sunspot Lit Inception Contest A project of Sunspot Literary Journal (see other related projects). Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (May 2026). We provide the following information as an archive. About Beginnings have the power to spark passion or curiosity. They might immediately connect a specific place and time with an emotional tone. The best offer a feeling, atmosphere, action, or image that is gripping. Too often in commercially driven industries, this results in sensationalism. But meaning, thoughtfulness, emotions, or shadings of tone...that is, connection...are the impulses that draw audiences into the moment. A poem handles this differently than a flash piece, which handles an opening differently than a novel. The first photo, painting or frame presented in a gallery, series, or collection strives for the same intent. Openings contain a spark that promises to continue to burn. For Sunspot Lit’s Inception contest, send your best opening. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $5 (below average for contests). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2019 Publication Media & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per yearPrint Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Collapse section Fiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 250 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 $100 first place prize.Submissions:Methods: Duosuma submission manager. Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Essay: Up to 250 words. Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 250 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 $100 first place prize.Submissions:Methods: Duosuma submission manager. Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.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 $100 first place prize.Submissions:Methods: Duosuma submission manager. Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Visual Art Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Graphic Narrative: No page limits known.Art Media: Open to all/most Art Media, including... Cartoon/Comic strip.Art Styles:Open to all/most Art Styles.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (US$50 or more per piece) Professional payment. Details: USD $100 first place prize.Submissions:Methods: Duosuma submission manager. Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Image. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Correction/Update Support this Publisher: Make a Donation Sunspot Lit Inception 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: All Categories Fiction Nonfiction Poetry Visual Art Group by submission Include related projects Accuracy We have received 2 reports from 2 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $5.00. Most recent response reported was received on 14 May 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 18 Apr 2026. Date compiled: 08 Sep 2026 22:15 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 ProjectsGeminga Contest for Tiny Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, or Art CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsGoldilocks Zone Contest for Authors and Artists CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsA Single Word Contest CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsSunspot Lit Culmination Prize for a Prose, Poem, or Art Ending CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsSunspot Lit Rigel Contest CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsSunspot Lit Solar Flare Contest CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsSunspot Literary Journal 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: 01 May 2026 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