Chaotic Creators Magazine Short Story Contest!

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This competition is open to beginners, experts and anyone in between. Use the word birthday three times throughout your short story. Your story does not have to be about a birthday, but it can be. 

The winner will receive a £50 cash prize (subject to increase if we receive more entries than anticipated), have their story featured in the next issue of Chaotic Creators Magazine, and receive a free printed copy. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to have your work published in a magazine. Please note that the entry fee for this competition is £10. Your support not only gives you a chance to get published but also helps us keep our platform running to support future artists.

We can’t wait to read your work!

Deadline for entry: 11:59pm 3rd March 2026. Please read the full rules below. 

• Line count: Entries must not exceed 1250 words. This does not include the title and your name. If your submission exceeds the limit, we may contact you to offer a chance to resubmit. There is no lower limit for entry.
• Theme: Your story will be featured in the April 2026 edition of our magazine, and the theme is birthday. You must use the word birthday three times throughout your short story. Your story does not have to be about a birthday, but it can be. 
• Multiple Entries: You can enter the competition more than once, but a £10 entry fee is required for each submission.
• Content Guidelines: Please avoid using offensive or discriminatory language. Swearing is permitted, but slurs are not allowed. We understand that some communities have reclaimed certain words or phrases, but we are unable to verify this, and in the interest of safety, we prefer not to allow slurs or other reclaimed language.
• Final Submissions: Once submitted, all entries are final. If you don’t adhere to these rules, your entry will not be considered, and no refund will be issued.
• Submission: All entries must be emailed to chaoticcreatorsmagazine@gmail.com as a Google Doc or PDF. If you require alternative submission methods due to accessibility reasons, please contact us, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
• Deadline: Final submissions must be received by 11:59pm on 3rd March 2026. By submitting your entry, you agree to have your work featured in the next issue of Chaotic Creators Magazine and used for promotional purposes across our social media, newsletters, website, and other marketing materials. You will retain the rights to your work.

 We understand that the entry fee might be a barrier for some artists, and we want to ensure that this competition is accessible to as many creative voices as possible. To that end, we’re offering 5 free entries to individuals who are facing financial hardship.

Eligibility: To apply for a free entry, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• You are currently receiving benefits or government support (e.g., Universal Credit, Job Seeker’s Allowance, etc.).
• You are a student or part-time worker facing financial challenges.
• You are in a position where the entry fee is a significant burden on your income.

How to Apply:  If you meet any of the above criteria and would like to be considered for free entry, please email us at chaoticcreatorsmagazine@gmail.com with the subject line "Free Entry Application". In your email, briefly explain your situation and why you are applying for a free entry. Please note that the free entries will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to those eligible.