Loud Music and Dark Places Short Story Contest

 

Loud Music and Dark Places Short Story Contest

Loud Music and Dark Places Short Story Contest is only open to new writers. Fantasy, contemporary, romance, crime. All genres are welcome. Submissions close February 28th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. 

Eligibility Requirements of of Loud Music and Dark Places Short Story Contest

• Firstly, anyone 13 years of age or older may enter the contest.
• Significantly, new or unpublished authors, from anywhere in the world (excluding Quebec, Canada).
• Also, there is no rule against collaboration. However, the submission can only be in one persons name, and the prize will be awarded to the person who holds an Elegant+ membership and submits the work.
• Should your work be selected for publication, we will use the details you provide on the submission form.

Guidelines of Contest

• Generally, all entries will be kept private, unless you choose to share them in the members-only area that functions as a critique group. If we don’t purchase your work you are free to sell it elsewhere.
• It is important to note that this contest requires entries in English language only. Must follow the contest theme and include the prompt word (i.e. bridge, bridges, bridged, etc).
• Minimum 500 words. Maximum 2000. Word count does not include title of work.
• The organisers claim first world electronic rights, and non-exclusive anthology and audio rights. We have one of the most favorable contracts for authors we know of, and also a uniquely streamlined publication process. Please take a minute and have a look at our easy-to-read overview here.
• You retain all copyrights to your work.
• Multiple entries are allowed, providing they are different stories. We do not allow multiple entries with different endings, or any similar minor alterations.
• We are keen to encourage quality, so suggest writers to check their stories before submitting using Prowritingaid. They have free and paid versions and are the best writing software we know to help improve grammar, readability and check for repetition, ‘sticky’ sentences and suggest alternatives.
• One month from submission close. This ties into our streamlined publication process mentioned above.

Submission Process 

• Elegant Literature uses an online submission system only. Do not email, mail, fax, or text us. Do not attempt to send us your work over social media.
• If you are submitting to the Magazine via the Contest you must create an Elegant+ account and go to the Contest Submission page. If you are not entering the contest, you must create a free account and navigate to the Magazine Submission page.
• Fill in your author details. There is no need for a cover letter. Add your story details. Copy and paste your story into the box provided. 
• You may upload a file only if there is bolding, italics, or other text effects because they will not copy/paste well. We accept .RTF, .DOC, or .DOCX formats.
• If you are entering the contest do not include your name or other identifiable details in the uploaded file. Judges receive the stories without names attached so their judgments can be unbiased. If they open your file and see your name you will be disqualified from the contest, although you will still be eligible for publication.
• You will receive confirmation through a thank you message displayed on screen. If you do not see it, or if you believe something has gone wrong, please send us a message through the Submission Issue contact form. Our team will work with you to resolve any concerns. Do not submit multiple times.

What are the Prizes for Winners?

We pay winners and authors selected for publication via Direct Deposits in selected countries, and PayPal. We will confirm all details prior to sending out the payment. 

• 1st place: $3,000 USD. Free enrollment in the New Novelist Accelerator.
• 2nd – 10th: 10c/word and publication.
• 11th – 35th: $20 USD and an honorable mention in the magazine.