Our adult and student short story contest is now open. Entries will be accepted March 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025.
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival Short Story Contest
Aspiring writers are invited to delve into the world of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival and participate in the Short Story Contest by submitting their original, thought-provoking works.
About the Short Story Contest
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival’s Short Story Contest has been an integral part of the festival since its inception in 1996, showcasing a rich tradition of celebrating literary excellence. Open to both adult and student writers, this contest provides a platform for emerging talents to showcase their storytelling prowess in the spirit of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary legacy. With a commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering a love for literature, the contest encourages participants to craft compelling narratives that resonate with the timeless themes that Fitzgerald explored in his own works.
The festival’s dedication to promoting literary arts is exemplified through this contest, where participants have the opportunity to contribute to the festival’s vibrant tapestry of literary exploration. Winners of the adult and student contests will be invited to read their stories aloud before an audience.
Prizes
First prize for the adult contest: $750
Prizes for adult finalists: $250
First prize for the student contest: $500
Prizes for 2nd and 3rd place student finalists: $100
Winners will be invited to appear at the Short Story Readings event in the fall.
2025 Submission Rules
Adult Contest
- Contest open to ALL residents of the DMV (DC Metro Area)
- FSF Members entry fee is free, $15 per entry for NON-MEMBERS
- Entries accepted March 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025
- There are no restrictions on subject matter
- Entries must be typed, 10 point or 12 point sized font, double-spaced, no more than 26 lines per page, one-inch margins and numbered pages
- All stories must be fewer than 4,000 words and unpublished
- Writer’s name should NOT appear on the first page.
- Place a title on the first page.
- The writer’s name should NOT appear on subsequent pages of the story. Any identifying information included on the cover page will be removed and a number will be assigned to the entry before it is sent to the judges
- Entries will be judged and will not be returned
Student Contest
- Contest open to ALL Montgomery County high school students
- Entry fee is FREE for ALL students
- Entries accepted March 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025
- There are no restrictions on subject matter
- Entries must be typed, 10 point or 12 point sized font, double-spaced, no more than 26 lines per page, one-inch margins and numbered pages
- All stories must be fewer than 4,000 words and unpublished
- Writer’s name should NOT appear on the first page.
- Place a title on the first page.
- The writer’s name should NOT appear on subsequent pages of the story. Any identifying information included on the cover page will be removed and a number will be assigned to the entry before it is sent to the judges
- Entries will be judged and will not be returned