The SmokeLong Grand Micro Contest 2025 is an esteemed global literary competition hosted by “SmokeLong Quarterly”, an online magazine renowned for publishing flash and micro narratives. Open to writers worldwide who are 18 years or older, the contest welcomes micro pieces—fiction, nonfiction, or hybrid narratives—of 250 words or fewer. Entries may be previously published or unpublished, and may be submitted in any language so long as an English translation accompanies entries not originally in English.
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Entrants can submit up to four micros, with submission options and fees structured accordingly: up to two micros for US $14, or up to four for US $22. For writers facing financial hardship, fee waivers are available upon request. Submission materials must be anonymized: remove all identifying information from the manuscript itself, including names in headings, filenames, or page headers; any author details should appear only in a separate cover letter, which remains unseen by judges during evaluation.
The judging process is blind and anonymous, conducted by the SmokeLong editorial team from around the world. Authors typically receive notifications of rejection within two weeks; delays often indicate advancement to further judging rounds.
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Prizes are substantial and include:
Grand Prize: US\$1,000
Second Place: US\$500
Third Place: US\$300
Finalists: US\$100 each
All winners and finalists will be published in the December 2025 issue of SmokeLong Quarterly. Additionally, a long list and shortlist will be announced beforehand.
The closing date for submissions is November 15, 2025. For writers working in the compact, evocative space of micro narratives, this contest offers not only generous compensation and anonymized evaluation but the prestige of being featured in a leading flash-fiction venue.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
The benefits of participating in this competition include:
- Generous Prizes: Winners receive significant cash awards — US$1,000 for the grand prize, US$500 for second place, US$300 for third, and US$100 for finalists.
- Prestigious Publication: All winners and finalists will be published in the December 2025 issue of SmokeLong Quarterly, a highly regarded online magazine for flash and micro narratives.
- Global Recognition: The contest is open internationally and judged by an editorial team with worldwide reach, giving participants the chance to gain recognition beyond their local writing communities.
- Blind Judging Process: Entries are read anonymously, ensuring fairness and giving every submission equal opportunity regardless of an author’s background or prior reputation.
- Inclusive Entry Rules: Writers may submit work in any language (with English translation), and both previously published and unpublished micros are accepted, broadening eligibility.
- Support for Emerging Writers: Fee waivers are available for writers facing financial difficulties, making the contest more accessible.
- Quick Feedback: Authors typically receive responses within two weeks, giving them timely insight into their submission status.
Eligibilities
The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or older, from anywhere in the world. However, participants should refer to the Guidelines provided in the official link to be aware of the limitations.
Eligible Regions: Open for AllApplication Process
The apply link can be found in the Official Link. The apply link is different depending on the number of micros the participant is willing to submit.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2025 (77 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link