FAQ

Do you have questions?

Check out the FAQ below. If you don't find an answer to your question in this FAQ section or have any further questions, feel free to email us at:

Info@ShortStoryAwards.com

What is the Next Generation Short Story Awards?

The Next Generation Short Story Awards was established to recognize and honor the most exceptional short stories written each year. With 30+ categories, the NG Short Story Awards offers a vast array of opportunities to celebrate a diverse group of short story authors. Winning entrants receive cash prizes, awards and recognition.

The Next Generation Short Story Awards is brought to you by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (the largest book awards program in the world for self-published authors and independent publishers which was established in 2008) together with Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (www.IBPPG.com ).

Who can enter the 2025 Next Generation Short Story Awards?

The 2025 Next Generation Short Story Awards is open to writers in the U.S., Canada or internationally who have written an original short story in English that has not been previously published at the time of entry. You can find out more about the rules here.

What are the cash prizes and awards given out for the 2025 Next Generation Short Story Awards?

Grand Prize Winners:

• 1st Place: $500 Cash prize and a Gold Medal
• 2nd Place: $300 Cash prize and a Gold Medal
• 3rd Place: $200 Cash prize and a Gold Medal

In addition to cash prizes, all Grand Prize Winners also receive:

• An invitation to attend the awards gala
• Their story published in our Anthology
• A complimentary copy of the Anthology

Category Winners:

• $75 cash prize and a Gold Medal
• Story published in the Anthology
• A complimentary copy of the Anthology

Category Finalists:

Name and Title of Story mentioned in the Anthology for 3 Finalists in each of the 30+ categories

What other benefits will Winners and Finalists receive?

In addition to the recognition and prestige of having an award-winning short story, Winners and Finalists will also receive the following:

• Exposure for a full year as a Winner or Finalist at ShortStoryAwards.com.
• Social Media coverage.
• The opportunity to display Finalist or Winner gold award sticker image on your story, website or social media.
• Other benefits of an award-winning story such as recognition and accolades.
• Complimentary copy of Anthology provided to all Grand Prize Winners and Category Winners. Each Finalist can purchase Anthology at half price.

What are the Entry Fees for the 2025 Next Generation Short Story Awards?

The entry fee is $25 for the first category and $20 for each additional category entered for the same story.

How does the judging work?

All stories are judged for their content and are judged by category entered. The judges include individuals actively involved in writing and/or the literary world and have a wealth of experience. Judges include publishing executives, book reviewers, editors, literary agents, writing teachers, professional authors, and others involved in the publishing industry.

When are entries being accepted and what is the deadline for entry?

Entries are being accepted now for the 2025 Next Generation Short Story Awards. The deadline for entry is February 27, 2025; all stories must be submitted digitally by February 27, 2025.

What forms of payment are accepted to pay the Entry Fees?

We only accept payments online by PayPal or by credit card via PayPal.

Note: If you pay by credit card, the charge on your credit card statement will show as Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (for ShortStoryAwards.com).

How can I enter the 2025 Next Generation Short Story Awards?

First start by ensuring you follow all of the Rules here

SUMMARY OF ENTRY GUIDELINES

1. Select the category or categories you wish to enter
2. Create/log into your NG Short Story Awards Account and complete the online entry form for each story you want to enter
3. Make payment of entry fee(s) through PayPal
4. Upload your Story in PDF Format (ensuring you name your PDF with the name of your story first followed by your last name in brackets) by February 27, 2025

A more detailed explanation of our entry guidelines may be found here

Will I receive confirmation that my entry has been received and, if so, when will I receive confirmation?

We will send you an email confirmation receipt of your submission after your entry has been paid for. You can also check the status of your entry anytime by logging into your account.

Does it make a difference if I upload my story digitally or can I send a print copy of my story?

We only receive digital PDF copies of stories submitted online at the time of entry. We will not judge any stories printed and sent in manually.

How many stories can I enter in the 2025 Next Generation Short Story Awards?

There is no limit to the number of stories you can enter in the 2025 Next Generation Short Story Awards.

How many categories can I enter per story?

You can enter as many categories as you like per story. We recommend selecting the categories you wish to enter based on which categories most apply to your story or to your marketing strategies. Alternatively, you may choose to only enter one category. The choice is yours!

What are the categories for this years awards program?

The categories are listed here.

Will I be notified even if I don't win or do not place as a Finalist?

Only Winners and Finalists will be notified of their Winner or Finalist placement by email notification, however, a complete list of Winners and Finalists will be available to view online at www.ShortStoryAwards.com near the end of May.

When will I be notified if my story has been selected as a Winner or Finalist?

Winners and Finalists will be announced and notified by email in approximately mid-May, 2025. If you change your email address, please let us know so that we can get in touch with you if you are named a Winner or Finalist.

If I entered my story in the Short Story Awards one year, can I enter the same story in the same category in a subsequent year?

You can enter the same story in a subsequent year but it must be entered into a different category.