Short story competition FAQs

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What is the competition and how do I enter?

This is a story writing competition for children with three age categories: 5-8 / 9-12 / 13-16. To enter, children need to write a story that they would love to read which is no more than 500 words. Children need to be the relevant age for the age category on the closing date of 30th August.

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When is the competition open?

The competition will be open from Tuesday 23rd July until 6pm on 30th August. 

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Does the story have to be exactly 500 words?

No, the story does not have to be 500 words exactly, it can be less. It cannot go over 500 words though, if it does then it won't be accepted.

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What is the prize?

The winner of each category will get a £50 Suddenly voucher, which the winner will need to collect from the store. Winners will also get a bookish goody bag to take home with them. Most excitingly, we will be publishing the winning stories - along with a selection of our favourites - in a special short story collection! 

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Does the story have to be original?

The story has to be a child’s original work - they must not copy someone else's story, tv programme or film. Any entry deemed to be a copy by our judges will be disqualified.

The story must be an original piece of fiction and not an account of real events – either historical or current.

However, the stories can:

• Feature well known public figures from today or from history 

• Take place in historical eras 

• Use real life experiences as a creative springboard as long as the story is fictional 

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Can I use AI?

No. Every story needs to be written by a child and completely original. The use of generative AI tools to create any part of the entry is not permitted and will lead to disqualification. As part of the judging process, the stories will be checked for plagiarism. 

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Can a child write a story with a friend or sibling?

No, each story must be written by one person.

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How do I submit the story?

You can email the finished story to info@suddenlybookshop.com or hand a paper copy to a member of the Suddenly team in store. Please make sure all entries include the child's name and age. 

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When will the winners be announced?

Winners will be informed by September 30th, and formally announced by October 12th. 

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Can a child submit more than one story?

Each child may only enter one story into the competition. If you enter more than one story, we will only consider the first submission. 

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Competition Ts&Cs 

This competition is organised and run by Suddenly on Sheaf Street, Daventry, NN11 4AB. We reserve the right to amend the rules or cancel the competition at any time if it is deemed necessary. We reserve the right to disqualify any entry that does not adhere to the above rules. The judges' decision is final.​

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By entering this competition, you consent to having your work printed and published (online and in print), along with your name. Your work may be used (with credit) for additional marketing purposes.