Announcing the Author Gold Short Story Award!!

SUBMISSIONS OPEN April 23 - May 4, 2026!

Photo: freepik.com

The window is open!

This is a writing contest for writers who are serious about getting published.

If you’ve been sitting on a story, this is your moment to put it in front of a real editorial process.

What makes this contest BETTER:
• Blind judging using a professional editorial rubric and experienced guest judge
• Winners get published and promoted to thousands
• Built specifically for emerging authors with real publication potential

I want to help you get visibility, and I take notice when I read talent. This is just the beginning!

Quick snapshot:

• 1,000–7,000 words

• Any genre short story

• $5 entry fee (covers contest costs)

• Deadline: May 4th 11:59pm Eastern (or when we hit 150 entries - whichever comes first)

• Prize: $50 Cash + personal coaching session ($50 value) + 1-year Author Gold subscription ($90 value) + publication and promotion in Author Gold (invaluable!)

👉 Learn More and Submit your Story to the Contest Here:

WRITING COMPETITION!

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If you’ve been thinking about upgrading…

👉 Gold Tier members get their first entry FREE.

This is honestly the best time to upgrade. You’ll immediately get your contest submission covered, plus you get everything inside Author Gold’s Gold Tier!

• 1–4 special in-depth posts each month focused on helping you grow as a writer and author.

• Full access to the Author Gold Archives with my complete library of strategies, insights, and lessons to help you improve craft, build audience, and grow your author career.

• Full guest interviews and Q&As with industry professionals sharing practical advice and real experience.

• Access to every downloadable toolkit and workbook in the Resources Tab.

• One-on-One Messaging with me for advice and support.

• Feature opportunities through Author Gold to help spotlight your work and increase discoverability with thousands of readers, including free submission to the Author Gold Short Story Award.

Why I am Hosting this Contest

I created this because there aren’t enough real opportunities for undiscovered writers to get visibility.

This is one of them.

And spots will fill.

If you’re ready to take your writing seriously, I cannot wait to read your story.

Jen
Author Gold

PS: Gold Tier Members, you will receive a separate welcome email with specific instructions to submit your free entry!