The HG Wells Short Story Competition was founded by the world-renowned BBC Aeronautics Correspondent Reg Turnill and his wife, Margaret, to celebrate the life and works of HG Wells and encourage creative writing, especially among the young.
This annual Short Story Competition offers a £500 Senior and £1,000 Junior prize (* see footnote) and free publication of all shortlisted entries in a quality, professionally published paperback anthology (and Kindle version).
Entry to the Junior competition is FREE and entry to the Senior competition is £10 (£5 for those with student ID).
Previous years’ publications are available here.
The theme for this year’s competition is THE CHEAT in its broadest interpretation.
There are two categories:
- Authors 21 years of age and under (on 7th July 2026) with a prize of £1,000. (Entry is free).
- Authors aged 22 years and above on 7th July 2026 with a prize of £500 (entry £10 or £5 with student id). Yes, the Junior Prize is higher than the “22 and over” Prize – see footnote for explanation!
Entry will be via online form only.
Dates for your diary:
- Tuesday 7th July 2026 (11pm BST) : final date for entries
- Monday 21st September 2026 : shortlists announced
- Sunday 15th November 2026 : Awards Ceremony
For further information contact hgwellscompetition@gmail.com.
You can ONLY enter online via our website.
* The £1,000 HG Wells Short Story Competition Junior Prize is funded by a legacy from our founder Reg Turnill at his specific instruction. The £500 “22 and over” prize was not part of that legacy, hence the different amounts. You can learn more in our FAQs.