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New and amateur science fiction and fantasy writers who have not exceeded the contest's professional publication limits may submit one original prose short story or novelette per quarter.
Quarterly first-, second-, and third-place prizes are $1,000, $750, and $500. One annual grand-prize winner selected from quarterly first-place winners receives the Golden Pen Award and an additional $5,000. There is no entry fee, and entrants retain publication rights.
Entries must be original works in English up to 17,000 words. Quarterly submission deadlines are December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30.
The L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest awards $1,000 (13 winners).
September 30, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline are typically not considered, so plan to finish early.
Key requirements include: English Literature. Check the full eligibility section above, or create a free Award Scholar profile to have every requirement checked against your profile automatically.
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