Short Story Competition 2025

Open 19 March to 30 April 2025

Spread your creative wings, let your imagination soar, and make your words count!

The spotlight's on again – it's time to make Upper Hutt's writing talent shine. Slice of life, fanfiction, vignette, a classic fable.

What story do you want to tell?

Calling all writers and writers-to-be

A rollercoaster tale of adventure, a thrilling mystery. Something wonderful, something fantastical, something to make us laugh, dream, or think.

Budding and aspiring writers, seasoned yarn spinners, old hands, and young minds. Our Short Story Competition is for all ages, and all levels of writing experience.

Know someone who loves to write – a family member, student, friend? Help us cheer our community on and share this opportunity with others.

Why should I take part?

Improve writing skills: Writing competitions are a great way to hone your skills. Challenge yourself to work on something specific, like character development, plot, or dialogue, and step out of your comfort zone.

Build your writing portfolio: Making the shortlist or winning can add significant weight to your writing portfolio. Having a well-crafted short story that has been recognised in a competition helps you gain credibility as a writer and can open doors to future writing opportunities.

Win prizes and boost your confidence: Receiving a reward can be a big incentive for participating. Even if you don't win, being shortlisted or receiving an honourable mention gives your confidence and motivation a big boost.

How to enter

Please read the terms and conditions of our competition first.

Submit your entry online (from 19 March 2025).

Download and print our official entry form(PDF, 108KB), or pick one up from Central or Pinehaven Library.
Submit your story with the entry form through one of our drop boxes at Central or Pinehaven Library.

Terms and conditions

Entries must be received by 6.00PM on 30 April 2025.
In the event of being shortlisted, entrants must be available to attend the Short Story Awards event at Central Library on 30 May 2025.
Entries must be 1,500 words or less.
Prizes will be awarded in all four age groups.
Entries must be original work – however, we do accept fanfiction.
Entries must not have been submitted to any previous competition or promotion.
Entries must be submitted with an official entry form(PDF, 108KB) at Central or Pinehaven Library or online through the Upper Hutt Libraries website.
Entries must be typed. We do not accept handwritten entries.
Online entries must be submitted in PDF or Word format.
Illustrations may be included.
We welcome entries in all language, however please also include an English translation.
All shortlisted and winning stories will be published by Upper Hutt Libraries in a booklet made available to the public.
Entrants must confirm that they have read and understood the competition's terms and conditions.

FAQs (frequently asked questions)

Click on each tile to read more.

What are the prizes for the winners?

Besides our printed anthology booklets, winning participants will receive a "writer's prize pack", which often includes a selection of book vouchers, stationery, and other items to spark creativity.

There are no cash prizes.

Can I submit more than one entry?

Yes, you can. There is no limit on entries per person.

Please note: each entry must be submitted with a separate entry form.

What are the judging criteria?

Our judging criteria are based on the CAWPILE system.

We look at character/relationships, atmosphere/setting, writing, plot, intrigue, logic, and entertainment.

But we'd like to stress this: the most important part is the joy of crafting your story and to have fun with words!

Who is judging the competition entries?

Staff from the Upper Hutt Libraries team will form the judging panel. They bring a variety of perspectives and diverse reading backgrounds across different genres and types of storytelling.

Will I get written feedback on my story?

No, unfortunately not. We simply receive too many entries to be able to give thoughtful and detailed feedback on each submitted story.

If you are interested in honing your writing skills and bouncing ideas with others who love writing, we recommend joining one of our regular writing groups at Central Library: Upper Hutt Writes or It's Write Easy.

Do you accept entries in languages other than English?

Yes, we do! We love the diversity of languages and cultures in Upper Hutt.

Please note: for entries in languages other than English, we ask that you provide an English translation with your entry.

When will I find out if my story has been shortlisted?

We will get in touch with you between 12-16 May 2025.

On your entry form, please make sure you provide us with the best contact details to reach you.

I don't live in Upper Hutt or in the Wellington region. Can I take part?

As part of the competition's terms and conditions, participants must be available to attend the Story Awards event at our Central Library on Friday, 30 May 2025.

Our Short Story Competition is for the Upper Hutt and wider Wellington community.

If you live further away and find that this has inspired you to pick up a pen or start typing on your screen – reach out to your local library to find out if they offer something similar.