Odd Embers Writing Contest — Official Rules (Updated December 17, 2025)
These rules apply to Ember’s First Contest (January 30–February 2, 2026). By registering or submitting a story, you agree to everything outlined below.
1. Eligibility
The contest is open to writers age 18 or older, anywhere in the world, except where participation is prohibited by law.
This is a skill-based contest. The quality of your writing determines results; chance plays no part.
All deadlines refer to Eastern Time (New York, US).
2. Registration & Fees
You must register to participate. Entry fees vary depending on the level of feedback you choose.
Refunds are available until 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Thursday, January 29, 2026. After that point, all fees are final.
Each registration covers one story. You may register multiple entries, but we encourage quality over quantity.
3. Prompts & Submission Window
Prompts are released at 5:00 pm Eastern Time on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Stories are due by 10:00 pm Eastern Time on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Late submissions cannot be accepted for any reason—please give yourself time to upload your work!
4. Story Requirements
Your story must:
Be 750–1250 words, not including the title.
Be written during the contest window using the provided prompts.
Be your original work, with no AI assistance of any kind (writing, editing, or idea generation).
Be written in English.
Not contain erotica or hate speech.
Previously published stories are not allowed. This includes blogs, newsletters, Patreon, and any public or semi-public posting.
Simultaneous submissions elsewhere are fine, but if your story is selected for publication outside Odd Embers, please withdraw your story promptly by emailing hello at oddembers dot com.
5. Formatting
Please submit your story as a .doc or .docx file in a clear, readable font.
Use a simple, standard manuscript format (similar to the modern Shunn style, but anonymous):
Title on the first page
Include the assigned prompts at the top of the page
No author name anywhere in the file (stories are judged anonymously)
No decorative formatting, images, or unusual page layouts, please.
6. Submission Responsibility
You are responsible for ensuring that the correct file uploads successfully. We cannot accept emailed entries unless a site-wide technical failure prevents normal submissions.
7. Judging Process
All entries are judged anonymously. Judges do not see author names until after scoring is final.
Each story is read by at least two judges and evaluated using Odd Embers’ scoring rubric. Feedback is provided based on the tier you selected.
If a judge recognizes a story or has a conflict of interest, they will recuse themselves and another judge will take over.
Judges are experienced writers with publication credits, contest experience, and strong feedback skills. All decisions are final.
8. Prizes
Current prizes:
1st place: $200
2nd place: $175
3rd place: $150
Three honorable mentions: $50 each
If enough entries are received, prize amounts may rise or additional winners may be added at Odd Embers’ discretion.
Winners are announced Monday, March 16, 2026.
Prizes are paid via PayPal. If PayPal isn’t possible for a winner, we’ll try to find an alternative, though PayPal is the default.
9. Publication Rights
If your story does not place, you keep all rights. It will not be published or shared beyond the judging process.
If your story does place:
You retain full copyright.
In exchange for prize money, you grant Odd Embers non-exclusive, worldwide, English-language electronic rights to publish your story on our website and, potentially, in an end-of-year anthology.
You may republish your story anywhere else at any time—these rights are non-exclusive.
You will be contacted before publication and may decline publication by returning the prize money.
10. AI Policy
Stories must be written without AI tools. This includes writing, editing, rewriting, or idea generation.
Judges do not use AI in their scoring or feedback. Entries are never fed into AI systems.
11. Disqualification
We may disqualify entries for:
Violations of story requirements
AI-assisted writing or editing
Plagiarism
Hate speech or erotica
Attempts to influence judges or interfere with the contest
Harassment of staff or judges
Disqualified entries are not eligible for refunds.
12. Data & Privacy
We use your name and email only to run the contest, communicate results, and contact winners.
We do not sell or share your data with third parties.
13. Changes, Emergencies & Cancellations
If unexpected circumstances make it impossible to run the contest as planned—technical failures, or emergencies—Odd Embers may adjust dates, modify procedures, or, in extreme cases, cancel the contest. If that happens, all entry fees will be refunded to participants.
Any necessary changes will be communicated clearly and promptly.
14. Code of Conduct
We expect respectful behavior toward staff, judges, and fellow contestants. Harassment may lead to disqualification.
15. Agreement
By submitting an entry, you confirm that:
The story is your original work
You followed all contest rules
You agree to the judging process and decisions
You agree to the rights and conditions described above
Questions or concerns: hello at oddembers dot com