GENERAL

Can I edit my story after I’ve submitted it?

Yes! You will be able to edit your submission until challenge end time. After this deadline, stories are final. Double-check for errors and ensure the story follows all guidelines before submitting.

Is any type of content banned?

Yes. We do not accept stories that promote and glorify harmful or bigoted rhetoric. If we receive a story like this, it will be immediately disqualified.

Can I use generative ai to help me write my story?

No. We do not accept stories written by AI, even partly. Your submission must be 100% written by you and if applicable, a co-author (a human one).

Can I submit fanfic?

No. For this challenge we are not recognizing fanfic. This is because not all of our readers will have read the original series and therefore wouldn’t understand the full context of the characters.

Can I post my story on social media after I submit it?

You may not share the title of your story with any of the review panel or on social media before the results are announced. This is to ensure that the judging process remains strictly anonymous.

I’ve never written fantasy before. What do I need to include?

Your story must include elements of the fantasy genre. For example, epic themes, mythical creatures, magic systems, world-building, quests, fantastic objects, mythology, etc.

Can I adopt a portion of my novel-in-progress to be a short story for this challenge?

Your story short must be written specifically for this challenge. If you want to use the same world and characters from your novel, you are welcome to do so.

Can I submit multiple entries?

No, only one entry per writer.

Do I have to include all three prompts in my story?

Yes!

Can my story be part of a larger novel or series?

Yes, but it should be a self-contained, stand alone story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Readers should not need to read other works to understand it.

Can I write in first-person or third-person?

You’re free to use any POV (point of view) that best fits your story and characters.

Can I mix fantasy subgenres?

Absolutely! You can explore high fantasy, urban fantasy, historical fantasy, dark fantasy, or any blend that fits your vision.

Can I use characters and worlds from past challenges?

Yes! However this story needs to be written during the week of the challenge, and must read as a stand alone short story vs part of a larger project.

Should we include trigger warnings?

Yes, there will be an option to add these when you submit your story.

How specific should trigger warnings be?

You do not have to be overly specific, general trigger warnings for common triggers will do.

Can I have someone read/review my work before submitting?

Yes, you can have friends review your submission, so long as none of them are a reader/reviewer for this challenge.

Why does it take 3 months to get results?

Because we have real humans read every single submission and write feedback for each entry and that takes TIME. We are not willing to sacrifice quality just to get results out sooner. So thank you for your patience!

FORMATTING

What is the word count requirement for the challenge?

Your story must be a maximum of 2,000 words. This does not include the title and synopsis. There is no minimum.

How strict are you on the word count?

Strict! A story will not qualify if it exceeds 2000 words, excluding the title page and synopsis.

What word counter do you use?

We check word counts in Google Docs.

Can I include page numbers?

Yes.

What goes on the title page?

Just your title and a short synopsis. NOT YOUR NAME.

Can I use a unique font for the title page?

Yes, just make sure it is still legible.

Can I add artwork to the title page?

Yes. This will not impact your score and is just for fun!

Can I add character art?

For this challenge we ask that you do not submit additional artwork.

Does my title page count toward the 2,000 word limit?

No.

What DOES count toward the 2,000 word limit?

Everything after your title page counts. That includes glossaries, poems, opening quotes, footnotes, anecdotes. Be as creative with these elements as you’d like, just do so within the word limit.

Can I include a glossary?

Sure! It WILL count toward your 2,000 word limit.

Can i include a dedication?

Sure! Add this to the title page and it will not count toward the word limit.

Can I include a map?

You can include a map that takes up no more than 1 full page. This will not impact your score and is just for fun!

What size/font should I use?

12 pt font. Acceptable fonts are: Times New Roman, Garamond, Courier, or New Courier.

What type of file should I save my story as?

Your file should be saved as a pdf.

What size spacing should I use?

Please use double-spacing.

How should I name my file?

The name of your file should be the title of your short story. DO NOT include your name in the file name. This is to ensure that we keep submissions anonymous for our readers. For example, if the title of your story is “Wicked,” your file should look like this: wicked.pdf. Do not worry, we will be able to cross-reference your story back to you after all of the judging is complete.

THEME

What is included in Dark Academia?

Dark Academia is a broad genre, so there are many different interpretations! Generally, we’ll be keeping an eye out for themes related to schools/college, classic literature, museums, competitions, secret societies, old libraries, ancient texts, and so much more. Please feel free to do your own research and reach out with any questions.

A flame is extinguished

Does the flame have to be extinguished in real time?

No, that is for you to decide.

What if the flame is re-lit?

That is fine, as long as it was extinguised at one point!

Does the flame have to be extinguished by a person/character?

No!

Does the flame have to be significant?

All of the prompts should ideally be significant to the story.

An unexpected visitor

Does the visitor have to stay for a certain period of time?

No, that is up to you!

Does the visitor have to be a character or can it be metaphorical?

Up to you! We welcome creative interpretations.

Does the visitor have to visit in current time?

No, that is up to you how you include the prompt.

A sentient object

Does the object have to talk?

No!

Does the object have to be a main character?

No! That is up to you.

Does the object have to appear in the scene or can it be alluded to?

That is up to you! We welcome creative uses of the prompt.

Can the object be sentient only sometimes?

Sure! As long as it is sentient at one point, that counts.