Welcome to the Horror Short Story Competition for CEA Through the Dark, where we delve into the terrifying and the unknown. This anthology calls on writers to craft chilling tales that haunt the imagination and send shivers down readers’ spines.
We’re seeking stories that explore the many facets of fear—whether psychological, supernatural, or monstrous. From eerie hauntings and sinister secrets to lurking shadows and unspeakable horrors, your story should grip readers with suspense and leave them looking over their shoulders long after the final page.
Submissions start in January and close on 31 July of each year, with selected stories earning their place in this spine-tingling collection. This anthology is set to be published toward the end of each year.
Step into the shadows and share your chilling creation through the dark. Dare to terrify us in our Horror Short Story Competition!
CEA Short Story Competition Rules
Before submitting your entry for the Horror 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 Horror
Horror delves into the fears, anxieties, and terrors that haunt the human mind. Below are some examples of horror subgenres you may explore for your submission. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and we encourage fresh, spine-chilling takes within the genre.
Examples of Horror Subgenres
- Psychological Horror: Stories that unsettle through manipulation, paranoia, and mental unease.
- Supernatural Horror: Tales involving ghosts, demons, or otherworldly entities that evoke fear.
- Body Horror: Narratives focusing on physical transformation, mutilation, or grotesque bodily changes.
- Gothic Horror: Classic tales of haunted mansions, dark secrets, and eerie atmospheres.
- Cosmic Horror: Stories exploring humanity’s insignificance in the face of incomprehensible, otherworldly forces.
- Slasher Horror: Thrilling tales of serial killers or murderous rampages.
- Survival Horror: Stories centered on characters fighting for their lives in terrifying situations.
- Monster Horror: Featuring creatures that terrify, from vampires and werewolves to entirely original creations.
Horror thrives on the unknown, the eerie, and the deeply unsettling. Whether you’re crafting psychological dread for our Horror Short Story Competition, supernatural terror, or physical monstrosities, aim to evoke chills that linger long after the story ends.
What Writers Should Focus On
The Horror Short Story Competition challenges writers to delve into the macabre, crafting chilling tales that linger in the minds of readers. To make your submission stand out, here are some tips and insights to guide your storytelling:
1. Create an Eerie Atmosphere
- Use vivid descriptions to establish a sense of dread and unease early in the story.
- Incorporate sensory details—sounds, smells, and visuals—that evoke fear and tension.
2. Build Suspense Gradually
- Unveil the horror piece by piece, keeping readers on edge as the story unfolds.
- Use pacing to heighten anticipation, leading to a climax that leaves readers breathless.
3. Develop Relatable Characters
- Create characters readers care about, as their fears and struggles amplify the horror.
- Show how the events of the story affect their psyche, decisions, and relationships.
4. Use Unpredictable Twists
- Avoid clichés or predictable scares; surprise readers with unique and innovative approaches to horror.
- Incorporate unexpected twists that deepen the fear or change the stakes.
5. Explore the Psychological
- Go beyond physical scares to delve into the mental and emotional fears of your characters.
- Play with themes like guilt, paranoia, obsession, or suppressed trauma.
6. Incorporate Unique Monsters or Threats
- Introduce fresh interpretations of classic horror elements or create entirely new creatures or antagonists.
- Ensure your horror elements align with the story’s tone and world.
7. Deliver a Haunting Conclusion
- End your story with a resolution that leaves readers unsettled or pondering its implications.
- Whether it’s a twist, a moment of clarity, or lingering uncertainty, ensure it resonates emotionally.
Focus on crafting a story that grips readers with fear, suspense, and unforgettable moments. Let your imagination lead us Through the Dark in the Horror Short Story Competition.
Submission Form and Fees
To submit your entry for the Horror 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 anthology.
Horror Short Story Competition Submission Form
Enter the Horror Short Story Competition Today!
The Horror Short Story Competition invites you to delve into the macabre, crafting chilling tales that haunt the imagination. Bring your darkest visions to life as part of CEA Through the Dark and captivate readers with your storytelling.
Looking to Publish Your Horror Novel?
Have a spine-tingling horror novel ready to share with the world? Celenic Earth Publications specializes in publishing terrifying tales that leave readers on the edge of their seats.Visit our Horror Novel Submission Page to learn more and submit your manuscript today.