Chalk Circle
Short Story Competition
2026
Our writing competition makes a creative comeback this year, with two different entry categories - one tried and tested, the other in a less conventional format for those who enjoy a writing challenge.
Proof-wise, the jury may still be out on this question. Yet industry experts like the Book Seller have already pointed to readers and publishers showing a growing shift towards 'slim fiction', while academic reports on declining attention spans are nothing new.
At Chalk Circle we are unashamed fans of reading and writing short stories. Concise, dramatic writing with an engaging plot - what's not to like? We already have three anthologies and a short story competition under our belt to prove it!
​
And now it's your turn. Enter our competition to produce your own 'slim fiction' and you could turn your story into a cash prize and see it printed online. You may already be a seasoned short story writer or perhaps you've always wanted to give writing a try and never have. What are you waiting for? It's time to get creative.
Is it true that today's readers prefer short stories and novellas to more time-consuming reads?
The 1500
Write a short story
in any format with a conventional 1,500 word limit.
​
​​
​The 360
Write a circular story, linking the beginning and end of your story in exactly 360 words. ​​
Both categories are open to fiction writing on any theme and in any genre except children's fiction.
​
Closing Date 31 August 2026
Early Bird 31 July 2026
Prizes
£200 for the 1500 Category Winner
​
£50 for the 360 Category Winner.
Both winning entries to be published in full on the Chalk Circle Website together with an author profile.
​​
Entry Fees
Chalk Circle 1500 £10
(Early Bird Entry by 31 July 2026 £5)
Chalk Circle 360 £7
(Early Bird Entry by 31 July £3.60)
​
​​​​​​How to enter
Please make sure you have read the competition rules before submitting your entry/ies and follow the entry process carefully.
Head over here to find out about past Chalk Circle Short Story Competition winners and their writing.