The Second Annual Short Story Contest is HERE!

If you’ve been following History Through Fiction for a while, you might remember that last year we put on our first ever Short Story Contest. Well, it was so much fun we decided we had to do it again!

This summer, from June 15th-August 15th, you’ll be able to submit your short stories of up to 5,000 words for review and feedback from two fantastic judges. Your story can take place in any historical period as long as it’s prior to the year 2000 and must be previously unpublished. You can even submit multiple stories! We’d love to see what you come up with.

Stories will be rated on a 50 point scale, with 10 points in each of the following categories: Theme/Message, Historical Relevance, Character/Plot/Setting, Narration and POV, and Overall Impact/Quality.

New this year we will be releasing a paperback anthology on March 1st, 2025, that includes the story by the Grand Prize Winner, Runner Up, and shortlist winners. The anthology will be titled after the Grand Prize story.

The Grand Prize Winner also gets $250, and an interview for the History Through Fiction Podcast. The Runner Up will receive $150 and a written interview for the History Through Fiction Blog. The shortlist stories will receive $75.

There is a $15 submission fee, and submissions will be through Duosoma. We ask that you submit a brief cover letter and bio as well.

Hopefully those gears are turning and ideas are flowing! Happy Writing.