Open Call for Ink of Ages Fiction Prize 2026

The Ink of Ages Fiction Prize 2026 is an international short story competition organized by World History Encyclopedia and sponsored by Oxford University Press. The contest invites writers worldwide to submit original historical or mythological fiction in English, with separate categories for adults and young writers.

The competition is open to adults aged 18+ and youth aged 13–17, with word limits ranging from 800 to 2,000 words depending on the category.

Overview of the Ink of Ages Fiction Prize

The Ink of Ages Fiction Prize celebrates outstanding historical and mythological fiction by providing a global platform for emerging and established writers.

The competition encourages authors to create original stories inspired by history, mythology, historical events, legendary figures, ancient civilizations, folklore, and cultural traditions.

Organized by World History Encyclopedia and sponsored by Oxford University Press, the contest aims to promote creative storytelling while inspiring greater appreciation of world history and mythology.

Objectives of the Competition

The competition aims to:

• Encourage historical and mythological fiction writing
• Promote creative storytelling inspired by history
• Support emerging and established writers
• Increase public interest in historical narratives and mythology
• Showcase original literary talent from around the world

Competition Categories

Main Contest

The main competition is open to adult writers.

Requirements include:

• Applicants must be 18 years or older
• Stories must be written in English
• Word count must be between 1,500 and 2,000 words

Youth Prize

The Youth Prize is designed for young writers.

Requirements include:

• Applicants must be 13 to 17 years old
• Stories must be written in English
• Word count must be between 800 and 1,000 words
• Parental or guardian consent is required

Who Is Eligible?

The competition is open to participants from any country.

Main Contest Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Submit an original story in English

Youth Prize Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be 13–17 years old
• Submit an original story in English
• Provide parental or guardian consent with the application

Story Requirements

All submissions must:

• Be written in English
• Be original works
• Fit within the required word limit
• Follow the formatting requirements
• Be submitted with the official entry form

Word Limits

Main Contest

Stories must contain:

• 1,500–2,000 words

Youth Prize

Stories must contain:

• 800–1,000 words

Submissions outside the required word limits may not be considered.

Submission Rules

Applicants may submit:

• One story only

If multiple entries are submitted:

• Additional submissions will be deleted.

Publication Requirements

Eligible stories must be:

• Previously unpublished

However, stories that have appeared on the author’s:

• Personal blog
• Personal website
• Social media accounts

remain eligible.

Simultaneous Submissions

Authors may submit the same story to other publishers or competitions while it is under consideration.

If the story is accepted for publication elsewhere, applicants should:

• Inform the organizers
• Indicate whether the story should be withdrawn from the competition

Formatting Requirements

Stories should be prepared using:

• Times New Roman or Calibri
• 12-point font
• Double spacing or 1.5 line spacing

Applicants should follow all formatting requirements before submission.

Required Documents

Main Contest

Applicants must submit:

• Completed entry form
• Eligible short story

Youth Prize

Applicants must submit:

• Completed entry form
• Eligible short story
• Parent or guardian consent

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should ensure they:

• Meet the age requirements
• Are submitting only one story
• Can submit the story in English

Step 2: Write an Original Story

Prepare a historical or mythological short story that:

• Fits the required category
• Meets the word limit
• Has not been formally published

Step 3: Format the Manuscript

Ensure the story uses:

• Times New Roman or Calibri
• 12-point font
• Double or 1.5 line spacing

Step 4: Complete the Entry Form

Fill out all required application information.

Youth applicants must also include parental or guardian consent.

Step 5: Submit the Entry

Submit the completed application and story according to the official competition guidelines before the deadline.

Tips for a Strong Submission

Applicants should:

• Develop an original historical or mythological narrative
• Maintain historical authenticity where appropriate
• Create compelling characters and engaging storytelling
• Carefully follow the required word count
• Proofread the manuscript before submission
• Ensure formatting complies with the competition guidelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting more than one story
• Exceeding or falling below the word limit
• Forgetting the entry form
• Omitting parental consent for Youth Prize entries
• Using incorrect formatting
• Submitting stories that have already been formally published

Why This Competition Matters

The Ink of Ages Fiction Prize provides writers with an opportunity to:

• Gain international recognition
• Showcase historical and mythological storytelling skills
• Share creative interpretations of history and mythology
• Reach a global audience of readers and literary professionals
• Develop their writing careers through an internationally recognized competition

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Ink of Ages Fiction Prize?

The Ink of Ages Fiction Prize is an international historical and mythological short story competition organized by World History Encyclopedia and sponsored by Oxford University Press.

Who can enter the competition?

The competition is open worldwide. Adults aged 18 years and above may enter the Main Contest, while writers aged 13–17 years may enter the Youth Prize.

What language must submissions be written in?

All entries must be written in English.

What are the word limits?

• Main Contest: 1,500–2,000 words
• Youth Prize: 800–1,000 words

Can I submit more than one story?

No. Each author may submit only one entry.

Can previously shared stories be submitted?

Yes. Stories posted on your own blog or social media are eligible, provided they have not been formally published elsewhere.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a completed entry form. Youth Prize applicants must also provide parental or guardian consent.

Conclusion

The Ink of Ages Fiction Prize 2026 offers writers around the world an opportunity to showcase original historical and mythological fiction through an internationally recognized literary competition.

By welcoming both adult and youth authors, encouraging creative storytelling inspired by history, and supporting unpublished original work, the competition provides an excellent platform for emerging and established writers to gain international recognition.