Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The Val Wood Prize 2026 invites writers aged 16 and above to submit original, unpublished short fiction inspired by the titles of Val Wood’s books. The competition theme is “Titles,” and each entrant may submit only one entry based on a title from Val Wood’s published works list.
The prize includes £100 and a signed copy of Val Wood’s upcoming novel for the winner. Two runners-up will each receive a signed copy of the novel, and the winning entry will be published on the Val Wood website and promoted on social media.
What is the Val Wood Prize 2026?
The Val Wood Prize 2026 is a short fiction writing competition for writers who want to create an original story inspired by the title of one of Val Wood’s published books.
The competition encourages writers to explore how a title can shape a story’s idea, mood, character, setting and direction.
The 2026 competition theme is “Titles.”
Main Purpose of the Competition
The purpose of the Val Wood Prize 2026 is to support creative short fiction writing and encourage writers to use book titles as a starting point for storytelling.
The competition aims to:
- Promote original short fiction writing
- Encourage creative interpretation of Val Wood’s book titles
- Support emerging and established writers
- Showcase strong storytelling based on a clear theme
- Recognise writers who can build a compelling story from a title
Competition Theme: “Titles”
The theme for the Val Wood Prize 2026 is “Titles.”
Each entry must be inspired by a title from Val Wood’s published works list.
Writers should use the chosen title as the foundation for the story. The title should influence the narrative, tone, characters or central idea of the work.
Who is Eligible?
The competition is open to writers aged 16 and above.
Eligible entrants must submit work that is:
- Original
- Unpublished
- Written as short fiction
- Based on a Val Wood book title
- Not previously submitted to any other competition
- Submitted as the entrant’s only entry in the competition
Each participant may submit only one entry.
What Types of Writing Are Eligible?
The competition accepts short fiction entries.
Eligible writing may include most forms of short fiction, provided the work follows the competition theme and submission rules.
The story must clearly reflect or be inspired by the selected Val Wood book title.
What is Not Eligible?
The competition does not accept every type of writing or content.
Ineligible submissions include:
- Poetry
- AI-generated work
- Previously published work
- Work previously submitted to another competition
- More than one entry from the same participant
- Brutal, graphic or violent material
- Entries not based on a Val Wood book title
No edits are permitted after submission.
Prize Details
The Val Wood Prize 2026 includes one overall winner and two runners-up.
First Prize
The winner will receive:
- £100
- A signed copy of Val Wood’s upcoming novel
- Publication of the winning entry on the Val Wood website
- Promotion through Val Wood’s social media channels
Runners-Up
Two runners-up will each receive:
- A signed copy of Val Wood’s novel
Entrants may only win one prize in the competition.
Copyright and Publication Rights
Copyright remains with the author.
However, the organisers reserve the right to publish winning entries online or in print for up to one year.
This means the author keeps ownership of the work, while the organisers may use the winning entries for competition-related publication and promotion.
Key Concepts Explained
Original Short Fiction
Original short fiction means a story created by the entrant and not copied, published or submitted elsewhere.
Unpublished Work
Unpublished work means the story has not appeared online, in print, on a public platform or through another publication channel.
Theme-Based Writing
Theme-based writing means the story must respond directly to the competition theme. For the Val Wood Prize 2026, the required theme is “Titles.”
AI-Generated Work
AI-generated work refers to stories created by artificial intelligence tools. Such work is not accepted under this competition.
How to Enter
Entrants must prepare and submit their short fiction by email.
Submission Format
Entries must be submitted in one of the following formats:
- Word document
- Pages document
Required Personal Details
The email submission must include the entrant’s full personal details:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
Suggested Entry Steps
- Review the list of Val Wood’s published book titles.
- Choose one title that inspires a strong short fiction idea.
- Write an original and unpublished short story based on that title.
- Make sure the story is not poetry and does not include graphic or violent content.
- Confirm that the story has not been submitted to any other competition.
- Save the entry in Word or Pages format.
- Include your name, address, phone number and email address in the submission email.
- Submit only one entry.
- Check the full entry before sending, as edits are not allowed after submission.
Selection Process
Entries will be reviewed through a selection process that identifies:
- One overall winner
- Two runners-up
The winners will be announced on 27 November 2026.
Why It Matters
The Val Wood Prize 2026 gives writers a focused creative challenge and a platform for recognition.
By asking entrants to build a story from a book title, the competition encourages writers to think carefully about how titles can influence storytelling.
It also provides visibility for the winning writer through website publication and social media promotion.
Tips for Strong Entries
A strong entry should clearly connect to the selected Val Wood title.
Writers should focus on:
- A strong opening
- Clear character motivation
- A focused plot
- A meaningful connection to the chosen title
- Original storytelling
- Emotional depth
- Clean writing and careful editing
- A complete story arc within the short fiction format
The chosen title should not feel like an afterthought. It should shape the story’s meaning, atmosphere or direction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Entrants should carefully follow all competition rules before submitting.
Common mistakes include:
- Submitting more than one entry
- Sending poetry instead of short fiction
- Using AI-generated content
- Submitting work that has already been published
- Entering a story previously submitted to another competition
- Choosing a title but failing to reflect it in the story
- Including graphic, brutal or violent material
- Forgetting to include full personal details
- Trying to edit the entry after submission
FAQ
What is the Val Wood Prize 2026?
The Val Wood Prize 2026 is a short fiction writing competition inviting writers to submit original stories inspired by the titles of Val Wood’s books.
Who can enter the competition?
Writers aged 16 and above can enter.
What is the theme of the competition?
The theme is “Titles.” Each story must be inspired by a title from Val Wood’s published works list.
How many entries can each writer submit?
Each entrant may submit only one entry.
Are AI-generated stories allowed?
No. AI-generated work is not accepted.
What does the winner receive?
The winner receives £100, a signed copy of Val Wood’s upcoming novel, website publication and social media promotion.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced on 27 November 2026.
Conclusion
The Val Wood Prize 2026 offers writers aged 16 and above an opportunity to create original short fiction inspired by Val Wood’s book titles. With the theme “Titles,” the competition encourages entrants to use a title as the creative foundation for a compelling story.
Applicants should submit only one original, unpublished short fiction entry and ensure it follows all competition rules. Strong entries will clearly reflect the chosen title, demonstrate creative storytelling and avoid ineligible formats or content.
For more information, visit Val Wood Prize.