Mslexia: Women’s Fiction Competition 2026 – Short Story
Mslexia’s competition is for unpublished complete short fiction of up to 3000 words. The competition is open to all women, of any nationality, from any country, provided you’re writing in English (or associated dialects). This includes under-18s.
No entrant may win more than one prize in any one competition. If the judge/s include more than one anonymised entry by the same writer in the winners’ list, the lower-placed entry will be eliminated to allow the maximum number of writers to win prizes.
Entries that have won a prize in any other competition are not eligible. Entries should not be a translation of another author’s work. AI-generated entries are not eligible.
Prizes:
- The winner will receive £3 000
- Three additional finalists will each receive £150.
- Eight shortlistees will each receive £75.
The winning entry and the three finalists will be published in the December 2026 edition of Mslexia.
The winning entry, three finalists and the eight additional shortlisted stories will also appear in Mslexia’s ebook anthology, Best Women’s Short Fiction 2026, published in December 2026.
- Entry fee: £14
- Deadline: 21 September 2026
For any further information email Mslexia at competitions@mslexia.co.uk