I absolutely LOVE how the Internet helps us connect with people all over the world. Just the other day, I was contacted by Inkitt, a “freelance writing platform” based in Berlin. They are hosting a mystery/thriller writing contest, and asked me to spread the word. I checked out the contest, and it looks pretty cool. (Does anyone still say “cool”? Am I dating myself?)
Not sure if I’ll submit to the contest yet. I have published a couple of short mystery stories, like “A Fellow of Infinite Jest” (Ellery Queen, Nov. 2009) and “Summer Reading” (Mysterical-E, Winter 2010/2011 ), but I am not entirely sure that either of these stories fits the bill for the contest. (I do think writers are generally more successful when they actually submit what is asked for– although at times I have questioned myself, and been successful. Check out my recent post on this topic.) I am working on a new story–It’s been a while since I’ve written a short mystery story–but I doubt I’ll have it done by the deadline.
But that doesn’t mean YOU shouldn’t submit. I don’t know much about Inkitt– just what they’ve told me. They don’t charge a fee for their contest, and that is a good sign. (I VERY, VERY rarely submit my writing to ANYTHING that charges a fee.) They’ve sent me some info about their contest, which I’ve posted below. Check it out!
Writing contest for Mystery / Thriller stories “Fated Paradox” Inkitt’s latest contest is open for submissions!
What is Inkitt?
Inkitt is a free writing platform that helps authors reach their full potential. Users collaborate with fellow writers and readers to give each other feedback and improve their work. Inkitt’s vision is to help writers get the exposure they deserve and the publishing deals they covet, without having to jump through the fiery hoops of traditional publishing or wade in the shark-infested waters of self-publishing. They are opening a new writing contest for entries in June.
Mystery and Thriller – Fated Paradox
The theme for the contest is “Fated Paradox: Tales of gripping suspense”. They want you to keep them on the edge of their seats with your best mystery and thriller stories. Submit accounts of murders and red herrings, or have them biting their nails over stories full of adrenaline and espionage. Leave them breathless with your tales of unmatched suspense.
What are the guidelines?
They accept original fiction stories of any length. Entries must be posted on the Inkitt contest page to be considered eligible. The contest opens on June 4th and closes on July 4th. The contest is completely free to enter, and authors will retain all rights to any and all works submitted in the contest. The top 10% based on reader votes get the chance to be picked by the Inkitt staff for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize.
What are the prizes?
1st Prize: $50 cash, 5 printed copies of the winning story with custom Typography (created by Inkitt’s designer).
2nd Prize: $40 cash
3rd Prize: $20 cash
All entrants will have the chance to show their work to a rapidly growing community of authors and readers hungry for high-quality fiction.
Contest URL: www.inkitt.com/fatedparadox
Twitter Handle: @Inkitt
Hashtag: #FatedParadox
