Anyone. HG Wells was a self-taught writer, so we warmly encourage anybody to give it a go.

‘The Fool’ – interpreted any way you wish.

You can enter the H G Wells Short Story Competition online here.

There are two different competitions in 2024: one for those 21 and under, and one for those over 21.

The competition for those 21 and under is free to enter and has a prize of £1,000 for the winning entry. All shortlisted entries will also be published in a quality, professionally published paperback anthology. You can purchase anthologies from previous years’ competitions.

The competition for the over 21s costs £10 (£5 with student ID) to enter and has a prize of £500 (yes, lower than the Junior prize).

No. We welcome, and receive, entries from across the world. The competition is open to any writer, anywhere, from any country – our 2019 winner was from California!

No. Your story can be set anywhere, feature any characters, and be written in any style.

We’re afraid not. Entries shorter than 1,500 words and longer than 5,000 words will be disqualified.

You can use the HG Wells Short Story Competition Template that is designed to ensure you follow the below rules, but whether you use it or not we ask:

1. Each page should be numbered;
2. Absolutely no identification of author on the page or in the document properties (stories not meeting this rule will be disqualified);
3. All text 12 point, Verdana (for judging – it’s easier to read);
4. 1.5 lines spacing;
5. Single space left after full stops, colons, etc.;
6. Titles: centre, bold;
7. First paragraph and after each break – no indentation;
8. Second and subsequent paragraphs – indented.

Congratulations! But please don’t submit that story. Entries must be entirely your own work, and no part must have been previously published or broadcast in any format. We do accept stories previously published on a personal blog.

Sorry, no – we can only consider stories written in English. We haven’t got the resources to translate stories and automatic translation will not do your entry any favours.

You can only enter online, including uploading a copy of your story. For details of how to enter, see How to Enter.

No. You can enter only online via our website. We will not accept entries by any other route.

Sorry – we can only accept payment by those routes.

Sorry, no. However, all shortlisted authors will get a copy of the anthology of that year’s shortlisted entries and a certificate.

Yes, but we need to know your real name ourselves (we will not publish it) and be able to verify your real name and address if you are shortlisted. To enter under a pen name / pseudonym please use your pen name on your entry form and put your real name in brackets after it. We will not publish your real name.

Yes, that’s fine, but please ensure that they tell us they are your agent, and provide us with contact details for both of you.

We have different funding streams, and follow the wishes of those who gave us the money. We are working hard towards getting more funding so we can offer additional prizes.