Free to enter International History and Myth Short Story Prize

Love history? Like a good myth? The Ink of Ages Fiction Prize is one for you.
Run by World History Encyclopaedia and sponsored by Oxford University Press, there are two categories:

• For adult entrants aged 18+ submissions must be between 1,500 and 2,000 words long.
• For youth entrants aged 13 to 17 submissions must be between 800 and 1,000 words long.

What you can submit

Historical Fiction

A story set at least fifty years ago, which takes the social, political, and cultural atmosphere of that past time into consideration during the writing process. Alternative history and events that could have happened are allowed.

Mythological Fiction

A story set in the past, at least fifty years ago, but which does not have to be set in the time or place of the original myth. Authors must indicate which myth or mythological character they are basing their submission on, e.g., Circe from Greek Mythology, or Ravana from Southeast Asia. Fantasy elements are allowed.

What you can’t send

Time Travel
Stories set in the present day that discuss events or people in the past.
No content that is religiously, politically, or otherwise offensive.
The organisers also advise that the reading team do not enjoy gore. Ignore that warning at your peril.

What the Judges are looking for:

Read it in full HERE but it is best summed up as historical setting AND action/intrigue plus emotional impact

PRIZES

The winner gets the following but there are also prizes for runners up, highly commended and short listed.

$200 to spend in the WHE store (free international shipping).

Any 4 Oxford University Press books from a list up to a total value of $120 (free international shipping).

Promotion on World History Encyclopedia to millions of readers, newsletter subscribers and social media followers.

Personalized map, family tree, or infographic created by our in-house cartographer and graphic designer Simeon Netchev.

Translation into French, Spanish and other languages.

Lifetime WHE membership & World History Insider magazine subscription.

WARNING

The deadline is next weekend –  Sunday 15 Sep 2024. If you haven’t got anything ready that fits the criteria, remember this is an annual competition. You can get a head start on next year by writing and researching now..

Picture credits:
Goddess close up Sonika Agarwal on Unsplash
Knights by Ember Navarro on Unsplash

Follow the rules. Every single one. Find out what they are HERE

Good luck!