History Through Fiction is proud to announce its fourth annual short story contest. We're opening submissions on June 15, 2026, and they'll close on August 15, 2026. We invite writers to send in their historical fiction short stories. Each story will be reviewed by our editors, including one volunteer judge who will provide direct feedback. On September 15, we'll announce the longlist. Then, on October 15, we'll reveal the shortlist. All shortlisted stories will be published in a paperback anthology, and each author will get $75. The big announcement for the runner-up and grand prize winners will be on November 15. The runner-up receives a $150 cash prize, and the grand prize winner takes home $250. Look for the anthology's release on March 2, 2027.

Submission Period  June 15, 2026 – August 15, 2026

Submission Guidelines

• Word Limit = 5,000
• Time Period = Must take place prior to the year 2000
• Historical Setting = Any
• Publication Status = All submissions must be previously unpublished
• Multiple Submissions = Accepted
• We will accept any subgenre of historical fiction.

Submission Requirements and Details

• Submissions can be made through our Duosuma Submission Manager or Submittable.
• $20 Early Bird Submission Fee. Fee increases to $30 on July 15, 2026.
• All submitters will be subscribed to the History Through Fiction newsletter. Submitters may unsubscribe at any time, but all contest announcements will be made through the HTF newsletter.
• Stories must be in a PDF, .doc, or .docx format
• Please remove all personally identifying information from your short story manuscript, including your name and any other details that could reveal your identity.
• If our editors believe your submission does not meet the criteria, or is deemed inappropriate in any way, we reserve the right to disqualify your submission. Submission fees are non-refundable.

Judges

Meet the judges: https://www.historythroughfiction.com/short-story-judges 

Judging Feedback

Your story feedback will be delivered on September 15, 2026. Your feedback form will include:

• Strengths and Constructive Criticisms
• Historical Relevance of the Story
• Quality of character, plot, and setting
• Quality of voice and point of view
• Overall Impact and Quality

There will no longer be a point scale. Rather, editors will review all stories while also relying on the recommendations of the judges.

Prizes  1st Place, Grand Prize

• $250 Cash Prize
• Podcast interview History Through Fiction: The Podcast
• Publication in our paperback anthology
• The title of your story will also be the title of the anthology

2nd Place, Runner-Up

• $150 Cash Prize
• Publication in our paperback anthology
• Written interview on History Through Fiction's blog

Shortlisted

• $75 Cash Prize
• Publication in our paperback anthology

All Submitters Receive:

• One written feedback form for each submission

*Note – If your story is selected for publication, the author retains all copyright. Stories must be previously unpublished and History Through Fiction asks for first rights to publish +30 days. Thirty days after publication, the author is free to publish their story elsewhere.