Deadline: 29-Aug-2025
The World History Encyclopedia has opened submissions for its Ink of Ages Fiction Prize. Writers from around the world can enter, with stories that must qualify as historical or mythological fiction set at least 50 years ago. Only unpublished work is accepted, although personal blogs or social media posts are allowed. Entrants must be at least 18 years old. Youth participants aged 13 to 17 may enter with parental consent.
Each story must be original, solely the author’s work, and not written by or with the help of AI models like ChatGPT. Using tools such as grammar checkers is acceptable. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but authors must notify the organizers if the story is accepted elsewhere. Submissions are limited to one story per author, with lengths between 1,500 and 2,000 words for the main contest and 800 to 1,000 words for youth entries.
Stories should function as complete, standalone works. Introductions should be placed in the “inspiration” section of the submission form, not within the story. Optional brief footnotes or glossaries may be included in the story document if they aid clarity for a global audience. Stories should avoid excessive notes, gore, offensive content, present-day settings, or pure fantasy without roots in actual myths or traditions.
Historical fiction entries must reflect the social, cultural, or political atmosphere of the past, even if they explore alternative histories. Prehistoric settings are allowed if they convincingly capture the worldview or oral traditions of the time. Mythological fiction must clearly draw on traditional myths or cultural beliefs and be set at least 50 years ago, even if the setting differs from the myth’s origin. Fantasy is welcome, provided it remains grounded in specific mythology or folklore.
Entries are judged based on literary quality, historical depth, creativity, and overall impact. The judging panel’s decision is final. Stories must be submitted with a third-person biography (under 100 words), and youth entries also require parental consent. All work must be formatted in Times New Roman or Calibri, 12 pt font, with double or 1.5 spacing. The filename should contain the story title and word count but no hyphens or author names. The title should appear at the top of the document, with page numbers added, and the author’s name excluded to ensure anonymous judging.
For more information, visit World History Encyclopedia.