Announcing our Third Annual Short Story Contest

Written By Colin Mustful

Submissions Open June 15 – August 15, 2025

History Through Fiction is thrilled to announce our Third Annual Short Story Contest! Writers of historical fiction—this is your chance to share your work, receive personalized editorial feedback, and potentially see your story in print.

From June 15 through August 15, we’ll be accepting submissions of original historical fiction short stories. Whether you write intimate character studies or epic historical adventures, we want to read your work!

Celebrating Last Year’s Anthology: An End of Troubles

Last year's contest culminated in the publication of our anthology, An End of Troubles, featuring ten captivating stories from our talented finalists. The collection showcases diverse characters confronting pivotal historical moments, challenging their resilience and sparking transformation.

Explore the anthology and discover the power of storytelling to illuminate the past.

Submission Details

  • Word Limit: 5,000 words

  • Time Period: Must be set before the year 2000

  • Historical Setting: Any

  • Previously Published Stories: Not eligible

  • Multiple Submissions: Allowed

  • Genres: All subgenres of historical fiction are welcome

All entries must be submitted via our Duosuma Submission Manager.
Stories must be in PDF, .doc, or .docx format.

  • Early Bird Fee: $17.50 until July 14

  • Standard Fee: $25 from July 15 until the deadline

Note: All submitters will be subscribed to our newsletter. You may unsubscribe at any time, but contest updates will be sent via email.

Prizes & Publication

Grand Prize Winner (1st Place):

Runner-Up (2nd Place):

  • $150 cash prize

  • Story published in the anthology

  • Written interview on our blog

Shortlisted Authors:

  • $75 cash prize

  • Story published in the anthology

All Submitters Receive:

  • A written feedback form for each submission

  • A free ebook of our previous anthology, An End of Troubles

Judging & Feedback

Each submission will be reviewed by our editors and one volunteer judge. Every writer will receive a feedback form based on the following categories:

  • Strengths and Constructive Criticisms

  • Historical Relevance of the Story

  • Quality of Character, Plot, and Setting

  • Quality of Voice and Point of View

  • Overall Impact and Quality

Note: There is no numeric scoring—just thoughtful, narrative feedback from our team and judges.

Key Contest Dates

  • Submissions Open: June 15, 2025

  • Submissions Close: August 15, 2025

  • Longlist Announced: September 15, 2025

  • Shortlist Announced: October 15, 2025

  • Winners Announced: November 15, 2025

  • Anthology Release: March 3, 2026

Ready to Submit?

We can’t wait to read your stories and share your work with our readers! Submit early to take advantage of the early bird rate.

Colin Mustful

Colin Mustful is the founder and editor of History Through Fiction, an independent press dedicated to publishing historical narratives rooted in factual events and compelling characters. A celebrated author and historian whose novel “Reclaiming Mni Sota” recently won the Midwest Book Award for Literary/Contemporary/Historical Fiction, Mustful has penned five historical novels that delve into the complex eras of settler-colonialism and Native American displacement. Combining his interests in history and writing, Mustful holds a Master of Arts in history and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. Residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he enjoys running, playing soccer, and believes deeply in the power of understanding history to shape a just and sustainable future.

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