We have 30+ categories for you to enter your story into the 2027 Next Generation Short Story Awards. You can enter as many categories as you wish that apply to you. Please note that there will be one winner and three finalists selected for each category. Unless otherwise indicated, both fiction and non-fiction stories are eligible in all categories.
The entry fee is $25 per story for the first category entered and $20 for each additional category entered for the same story.
The full list of categories is included below:
Categories by Topic
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)
General Fiction (2,000 to 3,500 words)
General Fiction (3,500 to 5,000 words)
Categories for Students and Seniors
College/University Students - Can write about any topic
High School Students (Grades 11 and 12) - Can write about any topic
High School Students (Grades 9 and 10) - Can write about any topic
Middle School Students (8th grade and under) - Can write about any topic