Precocious Prize for Fantasy

Submissions Closed

Thank you for all of you who have submitted for the inaugural 2026 Precocious Prize for Fantasy. I’m busy reading your wonderful work. I’ll be in touch with each of you in Autumn!

x Michelle Arden Moore (August 2026)

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Precocious Press is seeking bold, character-driven short fiction in the fantasy genre.

I’m drawn to stories that centre voice, tension, and characters that feel fully alive.

I want work that takes risks and characters that linger.

I’m especially interested in stories by and about LGBTQ+ and/or neurodivergent people, though this is not a requirement for entry.

This prize is open to both published and unpublished writers.

The winning story and a selected shortlist will be published in an anthology.

What I’m looking for:

  • Fantasy in any form (including urban, dark, contemporary, or romantic fantasy)

  • Your own work

  • A complete story - not an excerpt from a longer piece

  • Character-led stories with a strong sense of voice

  • Work that explores desire, tension, or emotional stakes

I welcome stories that include romance or spice, but please read the Terms & Conditions carefully before entering to understand the guidelines.

There is no required theme or prompt.

I’m not looking for one specific type of story, but I am looking for stories that I want to shout about.

THE DETAILS

Up to 6,000 words
No minimum word count

Entry fee

£9.75 per story

Deadline - submissions closed for this round!

The winning short story receives £100 and publication.

Up to 10 shortlisted writers will also be published in the anthology.

The inaugural Precocious Prize for Fantasy anthology will be published in autumn 2026 on paperback and e-book. All published writers will be offered a complementary copy in their chosen format.