Submission Guidelines

Guidelines for submitting your story in the 500 Words Fiction Contest

Please read following lines carefully.

• Eligibility:
  • Any person, with any gender is open to participate in the contest.
  • You must be at least 18 years old at the time of the entry.
  • Both published and unpublished writers are welcome to participate.
  • There are no restrictions based on geographical location.
• Theme and Genre:
  • Stories can be of any genre (fiction, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, etc.).
  • The theme is open-ended, allowing writers to explore various topics and concepts.
• Word Limit:
  • Each submission must be a short story and should not exceed 500 words.
  • Each submission must be at least 400 words.
  • Entries exceeding the word limit will be disqualified.
  • Title of the story will be excluded from the word count.
• Originality:
  • Submissions must be original and previously unpublished.
  • Any AI generated story will be immediately disqualified.
  • Plagiarised work will result in immediate disqualification.
• Formatting:
  • Submissions must be written in English.
  • Include the title of your story at the top of the first page.
  • Do not include your name or any identifying information on the document itself; submissions are judged anonymously.
• Submission Process:
  • Submit your story via authorised google form only.
  • Please provide valid Email ID and Mobile phone for qualification.
  • Please also provide brief bio about yourself (50 words max).
  • Please provide a valid mobile address, with UPI payment enabled on the same mobile number.
• Deadline:
  • The contest will open on 15th day of each month on 11.00AM IST
  • The submission deadline is 20th day of the each month at 10:00 PM IST.
  • Story submmited other than above mentioned period with not be considered.
• Entry Fee:
  • There is no entry fee for this contest.
• Judging Criteria:
  • Creativity and originality of the story.
  • Clarity of expression and writing style.
  • Adherence to the theme (if specified).
  • Overall impact and emotional resonance of the story.
  • The judges’ view is final and no correspondence will be entered into in connection with the award of the prizes.
• Prizes:
  • Winner gets Rs 500, Gold* Medal, and certificate of participation.
  • Runners-up gets Silver* Medal, and certificate of participation.
  • Second Runners-up gets bronze* Medal a certificate of participation.
  • Top 10 stories will be included in the upcoming story book collections.
  • Publication of winning stories on our website or in a designated publication.
  • Prize will be distributed over UPI payment mode.
• Rights and Permissions:
  • By submitting your story, you grant “Deccan Arts” and “Deccan Arts Publication” the right to publish the winning stories on our website or in any related promotional material.
  • You also grant permission to publish your stories as the part of the next 500 word story book.
  • All other rights remain with the author.
• Notification of Winners:
  • Winners will be notified via email by the 20th day of each month.
  • The results will also be announced on our website and through our social media channels.
• Disclaimer:
  • “Deccan Arts” and “Deccan Arts Publications” reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not adhere to the guidelines or for any other reason deemed necessary.

We encourage you to craft your stories thoughtfully and creatively.

Your submission should be a reflection of your unique voice and storytelling ability. Good luck, and we look forward to reading your entries!

If you have any further queries, please contact us at info.deccanarts@gmail.com