Visiting soon? We are repaving the Main Library parking lot this week. Half the lot will be open each day. The drive-thru book return will be closed Wednesday, Oct 15. The full lot will be open again Friday, Oct 17.
2025 Short Story Contest Entry Form
The submission form will open on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025. All entries must be submitted by 6:00 pm on Friday, November 7, 2025. Writers must be 18+ to enter and reside in Champaign county.
Only one entry per person will be accepted. The following submissions are ineligible:
- Entries from past and current judges
- Entries from past and current presenters
- Entries from last year's winners
**Please use this form to submit your story.**
Entry guidelines:
- Length: Up to 2500 words
- Font size: 12 pt
- Font type: Times New Roman or Arial
- Margins: 1 inch
- Spacing: 1.5
- Format: PDF or Word
Prizes
Grand Prize – One-on-one consultation with local fantasy author Ted Sanders. Professional headshot for your author’s portfolio. An annual membership to MasterClass for access to online writing courses. Opportunity to read your story, or have an actor read it for you, at the Short Story Awards Ceremony, and have your story published on our website for the community to read.
2nd + 3rd Place – Opportunity to read your story, or have an actor read it for you, at the Short Story Awards Ceremony, and have your story published on our website for the community to read. One-year subscription to Writer’s Digest Magazine.