Intrepid Voices Fund

We believe every storyteller deserves access to community, visibility, and support — regardless of background or resources. The Intrepid Voices Fund exists to give to writers early in their creative journey — before the agent, before the book deal, before the big break — real recognition and real support. We built this fund for people who are still finding their voice, not people who've already arrived. A story doesn't need a platform behind it to be worth telling.

Empowering emerging writers.

2026 Short Story: Spooky Speculative Fiction

Science fiction, fantasy, and horror are all welcome. Contemporary and historical fiction are not eligible.

Prize: $1,250 for First Place, $500 for Second Place — yours to use however you like

What to submit: An original short story, up to 2,000 words

Application window: August 1 – September 6, 2026 (or until 90 eligible applications are received, whichever comes first)

Who can apply: U.S. residents, 18 or older, who haven't previously won First or Second Place in the Fund

Optional add-on: For $20, get ~250 words of written feedback on your story from a judge

Applications close September 6th!

*or once 90 eligible applications are received, whichever occurs first.

Submit Application Here!

Please review all documents before submitting your application.

Official Rules
Privacy Statement
Judges Rubric

FAQs

  • Applicants must be 18 years or older and current residents of the United States. Employees, owners, or immediate family members of the sponsor or judging panel are not eligible.

  • One finalist will receive a one time $1,250 cash award. The award is intended to support your creative work, but you may use it however you wish.

  • Applications include:

    • A Personal Statement (300–500 words) introducing yourself, your creative process, and how you incorporated this year’s theme.

    • An original Fiction Short Story (500–2,000 words) inspired by the year’s theme.

  • All submissions must be entirely human-written and reflect your own creative voice — the use of AI tools (like ChatGPT, Grammarly, or similar software) is not allowed.

    However, if you use assistive technology such as screen readers, dictation software, or other accessibility tools to support your writing process, that’s absolutely fine. We trust applicants to use these tools in good faith to ensure equal access, not to generate or edit creative content.

  • The Fund will accept a maximum of 90 eligible applications. Once this limit is reached, submissions will close — even if it’s before the official deadline.

  • Judging takes place in two rounds:

    • Round One: Judges review personal statements and select finalists.

    • Round Two: Finalists’ short stories are scored using a published rubric. Judges then meet to select the winner.

  • Final judging concludes on December 19, 2025. The winner will be notified on December 20, 2025 and announced publicly on December 21, 2025.