Welcome to the Crime Short Story Competition for CEA Through the Evidence, where we uncover the secrets behind every clue! This anthology calls on writers to craft compelling tales of crime, mystery, and justice that captivate readers and keep them guessing until the very end.
We’re seeking stories that delve into the heart of criminal investigations, from gritty detective work and courtroom drama to dark conspiracies and high-stakes heists. Whether your narrative unravels in the shadows of a bustling city or the quiet tension of a small town, your story should be packed with twists, turns, and gripping suspense.
Submissions start in January and close on 31 July of each year, with selected stories earning their place in this intriguing collection. This anthology is set to be published toward the end of each year.
Follow the trail, uncover the truth, and share your story through the evidence with our Crime Short Story Competition!
CEA Short Story Competition Rules
Before submitting your entry for the Crime Short Story Competition, please ensure you are familiar with the full CEA competition rules, eligibility criteria, and submission guidelines. These can be found on our dedicated CEA Short Story Competition Rules page.
This page contains all the important information you need to know, including:
- Eligibility requirements
- Submission guidelines
- Submission process and fees
- Criteria for selection
- Prizes, rights, and royalties
We encourage all writers to review the rules carefully to ensure their submission meets the requirements. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Subgenres of Crime
Crime fiction delves into the darker sides of humanity, uncovering mysteries and exploring justice, corruption, and the consequences of wrongdoing. Below are some examples of crime subgenres you may explore for your submission. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and we encourage you to experiment within the genre.
Examples of Crime Subgenres
- Detective Fiction: Stories centered on investigators solving crimes, often involving clever deductions and twists.
- Hardboiled Crime: Gritty tales featuring tough, morally complex protagonists in dark, urban settings.
- Cozy Mysteries: Lighthearted crime stories where violence and graphic content are minimal.
- Police Procedural: Narratives focusing on the methods and procedures of law enforcement solving crimes.
- Legal Crime Fiction: Stories highlighting the legal aspects of crime, from court cases to legal investigations.
- Heist Stories: Thrilling tales involving detailed planning and execution of thefts or robberies.
- Psychological Crime: Stories exploring the motivations, manipulations, and inner workings of criminals and victims.
- Historical Crime: Crime fiction set in a historical context, combining mystery with period details.
Crime stories thrive on intrigue, complexity, and high stakes. Whether you’re solving a whodunit or delving into the psyche of a criminal, aim to create a narrative that keeps readers hooked until the final reveal in our Crime Short Story Competition.
What Writers Should Focus On
The Crime Short Story Competition challenges writers to craft gripping tales of intrigue, deception, and justice. To make your submission stand out, here are some tips and insights to guide your writing:
1. Start with a Compelling Crime
- Introduce the crime or mystery early to hook readers and establish the stakes.
- Whether it’s a theft, a murder, or a conspiracy, ensure the crime is central to your plot.
2. Develop Intriguing Characters
- Create complex protagonists and antagonists with compelling motivations.
- Add depth by exploring their personal struggles, moral dilemmas, or hidden secrets.
3. Build Suspense and Tension
- Keep readers engaged by revealing clues and red herrings at just the right moments.
- Maintain an atmosphere of uncertainty and danger, ensuring the stakes feel real.
4. Focus on the Investigation
- Highlight the process of solving the crime, whether through traditional detective work, forensics, or clever deductions.
- Make the investigation believable and grounded, avoiding unrealistic shortcuts.
5. Use Strong Settings
- Place your story in a setting that enhances the plot, whether it’s a bustling city, a quiet rural town, or an isolated mansion.
- Use vivid descriptions to immerse readers in the environment.
6. Avoid Predictability
- Surprise readers with twists, unexpected motives, or clever resolutions.
- Avoid clichés and ensure your story feels fresh and original.
7. Deliver a Satisfying Conclusion
- Tie up all loose ends and reveal the truth in a way that feels earned.
- Leave readers with a sense of closure, whether the criminal faces justice or the resolution is more ambiguous.
Focus on crafting a narrative that grips readers with its mystery and keeps them guessing until the final reveal. Let your creativity shine in the Crime Short Story Competition as you uncover the truth Through the Evidence.
Submission Form and Fees
To submit your entry for the Crime Short Story Competition, please complete the form linked below. This form is required for all submissions and helps us process entries efficiently.
Submission Fees
The following submission fees apply based on your location:
- South Africa: R75 per entry
- United States: $25 USD per entry
- Europe: €25 EUR per entry
- Australia: $30 AUD per entry
- United Kingdom: £20 GBP per entry
Please read the CEA Competitions page to understand the costs and rules.
Payment Process
After completing the submission form, we will contact you to arrange payment. Payment methods include but aren’t limited to:
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
- Tymebank payment by Pick n Pay (South Africa)
- PayPal
- Payoneer
Please note that the submission fee is non-refundable, as it covers the administrative costs of evaluating and processing entries for the Crime Short Story Competition anthology.
Crime Short Story Competition Submission Form
Enter the Crime Short Story Competition Today!
The Crime Short Story Competition is your chance to unravel mysteries, expose secrets, and craft compelling tales of justice and intrigue. Showcase your storytelling skills and leave readers captivated as part of CEA Through the Evidence.
Looking to Publish Your Crime Novel?
If you have a gripping crime novel ready to share with the world, Celenic Earth Publications can help you bring it to life. We specialize in publishing engaging crime stories that keep readers hooked from start to finish. Visit our Crime Novel Submission Page to learn more and submit your manuscript today.