FAQ / Common Questions
Who can submit?
This competition is open to to all English language writers in the U.S., Canada,
or internationally who have written an original short story (5,000 words or fewer)
in English that has not been previously published at the time of entry.
Is there an entry fee?
There is an entry fee of $30. We can accept payments online via
PayPal or by credit card.
Can I submit multiple entries?
Yes! You may enter as many stories as you would like. The first entry is
charged the standard $30 fee, and subsequent entries will be discounted to
$15 each.
What happens after I submit?
You will receive an email confirming your submission. All entries are carefully
reviewed by a real human reader and you will receive professional feedback
on your work. We will provide updates on the judging process within
approximately two weeks of submission close. Finalists and winners will be
notified by email.
What is the judging process?
All submissions are read in full by a real person. Entries are evaluated based
on originality, use of theme, quality of writing, voice, and overall impact.
Final selections are made by the By Chance Books editorial team.
Do I retain the rights to my work?
Yes. Authors retain full rights to their work. By entering, you grant By Chance Books
the right to publish selected winning stories in the anthology.
Can I edit my submission after entering?
No. Once a submission has been received, it cannot be edited.
Please review your work carefully before submitting.
Are multiple entries allowed?
Yes! You may enter as many stories as you like.
What if I miss the deadline?
Late submissions cannot be accepted. We recommend submitting early to
avoid last minute issues.
How are winners announced?
Winners will be notified by email and announced publicly through By Chance Books’
website, newsletter, and social media channels.
By Chance Books 