At Celenic Earth Publications, we’re passionate about celebrating the art of storytelling. Our CEA Short Story Competitions provide a platform for writers from around the globe to showcase their creativity, talent, and unique perspectives.
Each year, we aim to host the CEA Short Story Competitions across a variety of genres, inviting writers to craft compelling stories that captivate readers and push the boundaries of imagination. From the gripping suspense of thrillers to the timeless allure of historical fiction, there’s a category for every kind of storyteller.
Explore our competition guidelines, submission process, and more on this page. When you’re ready, use the links below to learn more about each genre and submit your entry.
Let your story shine. The next great anthology awaits your voice.
Eligibility for CEA Short Story Competitions
The CEA Short Story Competitions are open to writers of any nationality aged 17 and over at the time of the closing date, writing in English.
- Language Requirements:
Submissions must be in English; however, stories that incorporate small amounts of other languages (e.g., Afrikaans or Xhosa) are acceptable if accompanied by an English translation and a note on the page. - Localisation:
Stories may use any form of English localisation, such as UK, US, or AUS English. Stories will be published in their respective localisation. - Geographic Scope:
The competition is open to writers from around the world. Preference will be given to South African stories, following a 60/40 ratio of South African to international submissions. If the required number of South African stories is not met, the remaining slots will be filled by international entries. - Originality:
Entries must be entirely your own work. Any evidence of plagiarism or lack of originality will result in immediate disqualification. - Previous Publication:
Submissions must not have been previously published, self-published, published on any website, blog, or online forum, broadcast, or placed (2nd, 3rd, runner-up, etc.) in any other competition. - Simultaneous Submissions:
Simultaneous submissions are allowed if the writer retains the right to publish the story elsewhere. However, you must inform us immediately if your entry is published elsewhere. - Multiple Submissions:
Multiple submissions are permitted, but a separate entry fee is required for each submission. Only one story per writer will be selected for inclusion in the anthology. - Entry Fees:
Entry fees are non-refundable. These fees cover administrative costs, including the evaluation and preparation of selected stories for publication. - Withdrawal Policy:
Selected stories cannot be withdrawn after publication. - Posthumous Submissions:
Entries submitted posthumously are not eligible.
Right to Decline Publication
Celenic Earth Publications reserves the right not to publish the anthologies stemming from the CEA Short Story Competitions if an insufficient number of acceptable short stories are received. We aim to include between 15 to 20 stories in each volume, depending on the quality and suitability of submissions. If the anthology cannot proceed due to a lack of acceptable entries, all entrants will be notified.
Rules of Entry
Please ensure you read the following rules carefully before entering the CEA Short Story Competitions.
Submission of an entry implies full acceptance of these rules. Failure to comply with any of the outlined rules may result in disqualification.
Submission Guidelines
Disqualification from CEA Short Story Competitions
Submissions will be disqualified if they do not meet the eligibility criteria outlined above. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Entries that are not primarily in English.
- Stories exceeding the specified word count or falling below the minimum.
- Submissions that do not adhere to the specified genre for the anthology.
- Any violations of the rules below.
Please ensure your submission complies fully with these guidelines to avoid disqualification from any CEA Short Story Competitions.
General
- Entries can be on any subject, in any style or form, but must align with the anthology’s specified genre.
- Stories written for children are not recommended.
- You may submit multiple CEA Short Story Competitions, but ensure each is the correct and final version before submitting. Mistakes cannot be rectified post-submission.
- If you realise a mistake has been made, you may withdraw the entry and resubmit the corrected version before the deadline. If work had already commenced on the original entry, then a new submission fee will apply.
Deadline
Submissions for all CEA Short Story Competitions close on 31 July of each year.
Length
Word Count:
- Minimum: 1,000 words
- Maximum: 5,000 words
Note: The title is not included in the word count, but a glossary of terms or expressions (if included) is.
Format
- Include the word count in the top right corner of the first page.
- Do not include cover or title pages.
- No images within or for the story will be accepted.
- Use any font at 12pt size.
- Double line spacing (i.e., leave a blank line between each line).
- Do not number the pages; this will be handled for the anthology.
- Save the file as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or share a Google Doc link (ensure access is granted).
- Name the file using the story’s title only, matching exactly what appears on the document. Example: Pride and Prejudice
Copyright
- Author Rights: The worldwide copyright of each entry remains with the author.
- CEP Rights: Celenic Earth Publications retains unrestricted rights to publish the winning and highly commended stories in the anthology and any related promotional material.
- The copyright of the anthology as a whole belongs to Celenic Earth Publications (CEP).
Submission Process
- Indicating Interest
To begin, please complete the submission form provided on any of the CEA Short Story Competitions pages indicated below. This form will serve as your initial expression of interest in participating in the competition. - Payment Arrangement
Once your submission form is received, we will contact you to arrange payment through a method that best suits all parties. Accepted payment methods include but aren’t limited to:- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
- Tymebank payment at Pick n Pay
- PayPal
- Payoneer
- Please note that the submission fee must be paid before proceeding to the next step.
- Agreement to Terms
After payment is arranged, we will provide you with a short agreement outlining the competition terms. This agreement must be signed and returned to confirm your acceptance of all the rules and conditions. - Submitting Your Story
Once the agreement and payment are received, you may submit your story. All entries must be submitted via email after completing the process above. Ensure your CEA Short Story Competitions submission adheres to all formatting and guideline requirements detailed earlier. - There are No Refunds if you change your mind or end up being disqualified.
- Please note that NO postal submissions will be accepted.
Genre Submissions
Each of the CEA Short Story Competitions is categorised by genre. Click on the preferred genre below to read specific guidelines and access the submission form:
- Historical Fiction: CEA Across the Ages
- Thriller: CEA Beneath the Shadows
- Fantasy: CEA Past Your Reality
- Crime: CEA Through the Evidence
- Contemporary Fiction: CEA Beyond the Moment
- Science Fiction: CEA Into the Beyond
- Horror: CEA Through the Dark
- Comedy: CEA Between the Laughter
- Spiritual: CEA Beyond the Light
- Biographical: CEA Through Their Eyes
- Romance: CEA Into the Heart
- Erotica: CEA Under the Sheets
- Mystery: CEA Beneath the Veil
Clicking on a genre will provide you with more specific guidelines and the appropriate submission form for that category.
Submission Fee
A submission fee is required for each entry in any of the CEA Short Story Competitions. This fee supports the administrative and production costs associated with evaluating, preparing, and publishing selected stories for the anthology. Please note that the fee is non-refundable, even if your story is not selected or withdrawn from the competition.
Submission Costs
The submission fee varies based on the writer’s location, taking into account regional economic factors and currency exchange rates. The fees for any of the CEA Short Story Competitions are as follows:
- South Africa: R75 ZAR per entry
- United States: $25 USD per entry
- Europe: €25 EUR per entry
- Australia: $30 AUD per entry
- United Kingdom: £20 GBP per entry
Reason for Varying Costs
The tiered fee structure for our CEA Short Story Competitions reflects the economic realities of different regions and aims to ensure fair access to writers from around the world. By offering a reduced fee for South African writers, we encourage greater participation from our local community while maintaining appropriate costs for international submissions to cover additional administrative expenses and exchange rate differences.
Proof of Location
To ensure fairness, we may require proof of location from entrants. This is to prevent individuals from misrepresenting their location to adjust their submission fee. Proof may include a copy of a government-issued ID, utility bill, or another valid document confirming residency.
Writer’s Right to Withdraw
Writers have the right to withdraw their submissions from any of the CEA Short Story Competitions at any time before the final selection is announced. To withdraw your entry, please contact us promptly using the email address provided in the submission process.
Important Note
Submission fees are non-refundable, even if you choose to withdraw your story. The fee covers administrative costs incurred during the evaluation and preparation stages, which cannot be reversed once your submission has been processed.
We encourage all participants in our CEA Short Story Competitions to carefully review their submissions and ensure their commitment before entering the competition.
Criteria for Selection
Our team will carefully evaluate each submission based on the following criteria to ensure the highest quality for any anthology in our CEA Short Story Competitions. Each story will be scored in these categories, and the totals will determine which entries are selected for publication.
1. First Impression: Does the story immediately capture our attention and draw us in?
2. Readability: Is the story engaging and easy to follow? Does it hold our attention from beginning to end?
3. Originality: Is the concept fresh and unique, or does it feel similar to stories we’ve read before?
4. Flow: Does the narrative progress smoothly, guiding the reader seamlessly from one point to the next?
5. Characterisation: Are the characters well-developed, with clear relationships and motivations? Do they feel authentic and relatable?
6. Mental Imagery and Use of Language: Does the story evoke vivid imagery and strong emotions? Is the language creative, precise, and effective?
7. Lingering Essence: Does the story leave a lasting impression? Does it resonate with us and linger in our thoughts the next day?
8. Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation: Is the story free of errors, especially in punctuation, which can significantly impact readability and flow? The more we have to fix, the lower the score.
CEA Short Story Competitions Selection Process
- Each story is scored across all criteria, and the total score determines its ranking. Only the highest-scoring stories will be selected for the anthology.
- The final selection will honour the 60/40 ratio of South African stories to those from other countries. If the desired ratio cannot be achieved due to insufficient submissions from South African writers, entries from other regions will be selected to fill the remaining spots.
Dos and Don’ts
PLEASE DO
- Carefully review all rules, entry requirements, and eligibility criteria before submitting your story.
- Double-check that you are submitting the correct and final version of your piece.
- Monitor your spam or junk folder for any correspondence from us, as our emails may occasionally land there.
- Reach out with any questions well in advance of the 31 July deadline. For inquiries, please email [email protected].
PLEASE DON’T
- Stress if you forget to include the word count for your story. This will not lead to disqualification.
- Worry if your entry confirmation email doesn’t arrive immediately. Processing times may vary.
- Flood us with emails asking if your story has been selected. We will notify all participants once the selection process is complete.
- Be offended if your story isn’t selected. Not everyone can win, but that doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer—every writer’s journey is unique.
Prizes, Rights, and Royalties
Prizes
The reward for participating in the CEA Short Story Competitions is the opportunity to have your story selected for inclusion in the anthology. This recognition allows you to showcase your talent and grow your author brand through publication in a professionally curated collection. There are no cash prizes associated with this competition.
Rights
- Author Rights: Writers retain full worldwide copyright to their submitted stories.
- Publisher Rights: Celenic Earth Publications (CEP) holds unrestricted rights to publish the selected stories in the anthology and use them for related promotional material. The copyright of the anthology as a complete volume belongs to CEP.
Royalties
There are no royalty payouts for writers whose stories are included in the anthologies arising from the CEA Short Story Competitions. The competition focuses on providing exposure and a platform for authors to gain recognition through publication.
About Celenic Earth Publications (CEP)
Celenic Earth Publications (CEP) is a South African-based independent publishing house dedicated to bringing exceptional stories to readers worldwide. Since our founding in 2016, we’ve been passionate about fostering talent and providing a platform for both emerging and established writers to share their voices.
We specialise in publishing anthologies, novels, and other creative works across a variety of genres. With a focus on professionalism and quality, CEP strives to connect writers with their audience, creating lasting literary legacies.
Join us as we continue to inspire, entertain, and showcase the incredible diversity of global storytelling.
FAQ
Can I make changes after submission?
No. If you want to submit a more recent version of your story in the CEA Short Story Competitions, you will need to enter again and pay the submission fee.
Do you accept posted manuscripts?
No. We only accept submissions via the online form and email.
Are simultaneous submissions to other competitions allowed?
Yes, but this is on the understanding that you will immediately withdraw from the CEA Short Story Competition if your entry wins elsewhere. Similarly, if your story wins with us, you are expected to withdraw it from any other competitions.
How many pieces can I enter?
You can enter any number of pieces in each category of our CEA Short Story Competitions, but an entry fee applies for each submission.
My piece was previously published in another language. Can I submit it in translation?
Yes, provided the original work was unpublished and you have made amendments during the translation process. The translation must be your own work.
Can I use a pen name?
Yes. However, you must submit your entry under your real name. Once winners are selected, we will confirm the name you wish to use for publication.
What happens to entries after the competition closes?
All entries are securely deleted once the competition concludes. They will not be retained or reviewed again by our team.
When are winners notified?
Winners of the CEA Short Story Competitions are notified during October. The full results will be posted on our website and social media during that month. All winning and shortlisted writers will be contacted individually in October.
Good Luck with your Entry!
Thank you for considering our CEA Short Story Competitions. We’re excited to read your story and discover the creativity, passion, and talent you bring to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting your journey, we wish you the best of luck and can’t wait to see your submission.
Good luck with your entry, and happy writing!