Welcome to the Mystery Short Story Competition for CEA Beneath the Veil, where secrets unfold, and the unknown comes to light. This anthology invites writers to craft captivating tales of intrigue, suspense, and discovery that keep readers guessing until the very end.
We’re seeking stories that delve into enigmatic puzzles, hidden truths, and the shadowy spaces between the known and the unknown. From classic whodunits and clever conundrums to atmospheric mysteries steeped in suspense, your story should unravel piece by piece, revealing its secrets with every turn of the page.
Submissions start in January and close on 31 July of each year, with selected stories earning their place in this mesmerising collection. This anthology is set to be published toward the end of each year.
Pull back the curtain, uncover the mystery, and take us beneath the veil. We’re ready to be intrigued by your imagination in our Mystery Short Story Competition!
CEA Short Story Competition Rules
Before submitting your entry for the Mystery 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 Mystery
Mystery fiction captivates readers with intrigue, puzzles, and the thrill of uncovering the truth. Below are some examples of mystery subgenres you may explore for your submission. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and we encourage creative approaches within the genre.
Examples of Mystery Subgenres
- Classic Whodunit: Traditional mysteries centered around solving a crime, often with a surprising twist.
- Cozy Mystery: Lighthearted tales featuring amateur sleuths, small-town settings, and minimal violence.
- Police Procedural: Stories focusing on the methods and investigations of law enforcement professionals.
- Psychological Mystery: Narratives delving into the mental and emotional complexities of characters involved in the mystery.
- Historical Mystery: Mysteries set in historical contexts, blending period details with compelling intrigue.
- Legal Mystery: Tales revolving around legal battles, courtroom drama, and hidden truths.
- Paranormal Mystery: Mysteries involving supernatural elements, such as ghosts or psychic detectives.
- Crime Mystery: Stories where the mystery revolves around the planning or aftermath of a crime.
- Locked-Room Mystery: Intricate puzzles where a seemingly impossible crime occurs in a confined or isolated setting.
- Thriller Mystery: Fast-paced mysteries with high stakes, often overlapping with the thriller genre.
Mystery thrives on curiosity, suspense, and clever resolutions. Whether your story involves a baffling crime, a hidden secret, or a thrilling chase for the truth, aim to keep readers guessing and engaged until the very end in our Mystery Short Story Competition.
What Writers Should Focus On
The Mystery Short Story Competition invites writers to craft tales that unravel secrets, challenge perceptions, and captivate readers with twists and turns. To make your submission stand out, here are some tips and insights to guide your storytelling:
1. Begin with Intrigue
- Start your story with a compelling mystery or question that immediately hooks readers.
- Introduce a puzzling event, an enigmatic character, or an unexpected discovery to set the stage.
2. Craft Multi-Layered Characters
- Develop characters with hidden depths, secrets, and motivations that unfold as the story progresses.
- Give your detective, investigator, or protagonist distinct traits that make them memorable and relatable.
3. Plant Clues and Red Herrings
- Skillfully weave clues into the narrative to guide readers toward the solution.
- Include red herrings to mislead and surprise, ensuring the final reveal remains unpredictable.
4. Build Suspense and Atmosphere
- Use vivid descriptions to create an immersive setting that complements the mystery’s tone.
- Maintain a sense of tension and anticipation as the story moves toward its resolution.
5. Focus on Logical Progression
- Ensure the mystery unfolds naturally, with each revelation building on the last.
- Avoid deus ex machina solutions; the resolution should feel earned and logical.
6. Explore Unique Angles
- Consider unconventional settings, perspectives, or types of mysteries to stand out.
- Explore themes like betrayal, justice, or the darker sides of human nature to add depth.
7. End with a Satisfying Resolution
- Deliver a conclusion that answers the central mystery while leaving room for reflection.
- Whether it’s a shocking twist, a clever deduction, or a bittersweet revelation, ensure it resonates with readers.
Focus on creating a story that keeps readers guessing and eagerly turning the pages. Take them on a journey Beneath the Veil in the Mystery Short Story Competition.
Submission Form and Fees
To submit your entry for the Mystery 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 Mystery Short Story Competition anthology.
Mystery Short Story Competition Submission Form
Enter the Mystery Short Story Competition Today!
The Mystery Short Story Competition invites you to weave intriguing tales filled with secrets, suspense, and unexpected twists. Take readers on a captivating journey of discovery as part of CEA Beneath the Veil, where every clue matters.
Looking to Publish Your Mystery Novel?
Have a mystery novel ready to keep readers guessing? Celenic Earth Publications is here to help you share your story and connect with readers who love a good puzzle. Visit our Mystery Novel Submission Page to learn more and submit your manuscript today.