Have you always wanted to write a story but never taken the leap? Our Short Story Competition, in partnership with Guildford Book Festival, could be the moment you’ve been waiting for.
We’re looking for original, imaginative short stories that surprise, move or entertain. There is no set theme, so you’re free to write the story you’ve always wanted to tell. The competition is open to Surrey residents aged 18+ who have not previously been professionally published and distributed online or in bookshops. It should not exceed 1,000 words and must be submitted by September 30, 2026.
The winning short story will be published on essentialsurrey.co.uk. The winner will also receive a selection of signed books from the Guildford Book Festival (Oct 4-18).
Entries will be judged by Alex Andrews, director of Guildford Book Festival, Jane McGowan, editor of The Guildford Magazine, and award-winning author Elizabeth Buchan, whose latest book, Woodspring, was published this year.
Submit your entry by Sept 30 to editguild@sheengate.co.uk.
T&Cs apply:
Entry details and terms and conditions: The competition is open to previously unpublished individuals aged 18 and over currently living in Surrey. To enter, email an original, unpublished short story, written in English and of no more than 1,000 words to editguild@sheengate.co.uk. The competition closes at midnight on 30 September 2026. Stories received after the closing date will not be considered. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges and will be based on literary merit, originality and readability. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these terms and to have agreed to be bound by them.
