Perhaps it’s a personal story that holds a universal resonance, or maybe this is a chance to think beyond the real and write a compelling work of fiction. Think about communities, clubs, tribes, groups – parties, football matches, school rooms, chicken shops, barbers and the joy that comes from being part of something.

Whatever your take, this is an opportunity to tell an engaging story and win invaluable mentorship plus the chance to be published across Evening Standard platforms. This competition is not limited to a ‘short story’. Submissions can be a piece of spoken word or performance, perhaps it’s a monologue, a script or a self-contained episode of a narrative podcast. Entries can be submitted as written, audio, or film.

The Prizes

The winner:
Masterclass with Evening Standard Stories Editor, Lotte Jeffs
One year mentorship in their chosen field by management and production company, 42, who represent some of the world's leading voices across all forms of media
The chance to perform their story at the Evening Standard Stories Festival (not obligatory)

The winner and two runners-up:
Publication of their stories on the Evening Standard website
An invitation for two people to the Stories Festival Launch Party (Central London, 6th July 2023, time and location to be announced)
Two passes per day to the Stories Festival 2023 (7th-8th July 2023, location to be announced)
Complimentary places on a City Lit creative writing course of their choice

The 10 shortlisted candidates:
An invitation for two people to the Stories Festival Launch Party (Central London, 6th July 2023, time and location to be announced)
A one-day pass to the Stories Festival 2023 (7th-8th July 2023, location to be announced) on the candidate’s day of choice

Find out more here

Deadline: 11.59 am on 12 April 2023