Precocious Prize for Fantasy
Precocious Press is seeking bold, character-driven short fiction in the fantasy genre.
We’re drawn to stories that centre voice, tension, and characters that feel fully alive.
We want work that takes risks and characters that linger.
We are 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This prize is open to both published and unpublished writers.
Selected writers will be published in a Precocious Press anthology.
What we’re looking for:
Fantasy in any form (including urban, dark, contemporary, or romantic fantasy)
Character-led stories with a strong sense of voice
Work that explores desire, tension, or emotional stakes
We welcome stories that include romance or spice, but please read our Terms & Conditions carefully before entering to understand our guidelines.
There is no required theme or prompt.
We are not looking for one specific type of story, but we are looking for stories that we want to shout about.
THE DETAILS
Up to 6,000 words
No minimum word count
Entry fee
£9.75 per story
Deadline
23:59 (BST) – 31 July 2026
Opening date
Submissions open Monday 13 April 2026
Prizes
First Prize: £100 and publication
Second Prize: £50 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.
HOW TO ENTER
Read the TERMS & CONDITIONS first
Pay the £9.75 entry fee by heading to the PAYMENT PAGE
SUBMIT YOUR STORY After you pay, After payment, you will be directed to the Submission Form to upload your work. (We’ve included the link here as well. please note that entries will only be considered once payment has been received.)
We use Google Forms for submissions. If you’re unable to access the form or have any issues uploading your document, please email:
michelle [at] infiniteupstart [dot] com