Next Generation Short Story Awards
Brought to you by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (the largest book awards program in the world for self-published authors and independent publishers) and Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group.
A not-for-profit awards program open to authors writing short stories worldwide is now accepting entries written in English.
Enter by 26 February 2026 to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to have your short story considered for cash prizes, awards, exposure, and recognition as one of the top short stories written this year!
There will be 1 Winner and 3 Finalists in each of the 30+ categories and 3 Grand Prize Winners will be selected from all entries. Grand Prize Winners of the Short Story Awards will be invited to attend the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA) annual awards gala to be honored for their winning stories.
Grand Prize Winners:
All Grand Prize Winners receive a gold medal, an invitation to attend NGIBA awards gala, their story published in the Anthology of Winners, a complimentary copy of the Anthology and as well as a cash prize.
- First Place: $500 cash prize
- Second Place: $300 cash prize
- Third Place: $200 cash prize
Winners:
- $75 cash prize and gold medal, their Story published in the Anthology of Winners and a complimentary copy of the Anthology.
Finalists:
- Name and Title of Story mentioned in the Anthology of Winners.
All stories must be original work written in English and no longer than 5000 words. Work must not be previously published at the time of entry and must not contain any copyrighted images, headers, text unless it is entrant’s original work. You must be at least 13 years of age to enter. If under the age of 13, you must get your parent or guardian or teacher to grant you permission to enter and make payment on your behalf.
Entry fee: $25 per story. You may enter as many categories as you like. Payment must be made online with submission.
Deadline: 26 February 2026
For any questions please contact info@shortstoryawards.com