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.

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