Competitions
The Limelight Resilience Short Story Competition 2025
Theme: “Hardship and Resilience”
Prize: A Free Publishing Package valued at up to $3,200 with Limelight Publishing
About the Competition
Limelight Publishing invites storytellers from around the globe to share short stories that explore the extraordinary power of the human spirit. We want stories of struggle, endurance, and triumph—moments that move and inspire.
🖋️ Submission Guidelines
· Theme: Hardship and Resilience
· Word Count: 1,000 – 3,000 words
· Genre: Open (fiction or creative nonfiction)
· Language: English
· Eligibility: Writers aged 16+ worldwide
· Entry Fee: $25 per submission
🏆 Prize
1st Place: A Free Publishing Package with Limelight Publishing valued up to $3,200 (any genre).
Includes:
o Full publishing package (fiction, nonfiction, children’s, coffee table, or journal)
o Professional editing report
o Cover design & typesetting
o ISBN, copyright & LCCN registration
o Unlimited electronic cover mockups & layouts
o Global distribution (Amazon, Lulu, Kobo, Apple, Booktopia & more)
o Social media marketing campaign
o Dedicated author page & spotlight seller page
o One-on-one author manager support
o Free physical proof copy
o Ongoing technical & marketing support
2 Runners-up: Professional manuscript feedback and a feature on Limelight’s online platform.
📅 Key Dates
· Opening Date: November 1, 2025
· Deadline: January 31, 2026
· Winners Announced: March 15, 2026
How to Enter
1. Prepare your story as a Word or PDF file.
2. Include your name, email address, and a 50-word bio on the first page.
3. Pay the $25 entry fee through Limelight’s secure payment portal - ENTER COMPETITION
4. Email your submission and proof of payment to info@limelightpublishing.com
5. Subject line: “Resilience Short Story Competition 2026”.
Judging Criteria
· Originality & Creativity
· Emotional Impact & Authenticity
· Strength of Narrative Voice
· Technical Quality (grammar, structure, style)
🌟 Why Enter?
· A chance to publish your own book with a premium professional package.
· Showcase your voice and story to a global audience.
· Celebrate the power of human resilience and inspire readers worldwide.