Oxfordshire Libraries eBook short story competition 2026

Terms and conditions

1. Please read all terms and conditions carefully before submitting an entry.
2. Submissions will only be accepted through the form on the Oxfordshire Libraries eBook Short Story Competition web page. Submission of an entry is taken as acceptance of all the terms and conditions of entry.
3. Entrants must be aged on the date the competition closes, 9 November 2025:
   • 7 – 11 years to enter the children's category
   • 12 – 17 years to enter the young adult category
   • 18 years and above to enter the adult category
4. Entries should be written for readers in the same age category as the author.
5. Children and young adults must have the consent of an adult parent/carer who fills in the consent form at the point of submitting a story.
6. Entrants must provide the following details via the submission form:

• name
• category of entry (children / young adult / adult)email address

7. Entrants can submit one entry only.
8. The opening date for entries is Monday 8 September 2025
9. The closing date for all entries is midnight on Sunday 9 November 2025. Entries submitted after that time will not be accepted. All entries will receive an acknowledgement of receipt.
10. The competition is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Oxfordshire, or has an Oxfordshire library card. Staff employed by Oxfordshire Libraries are excluded.
11. Stories should be written predominantly in English.
12. Each entry must be original, fictional, in a short story format, and entirely the work of the entrant. It should have not been previously published.
13. Entries that are deemed to be the first chapter of a novel will not be accepted.
14. Entries must not be libellous, unlawful or defamatory of any living person or corporate body.  Illegible, obscene or fraudulent entries will be automatically disqualified.
15. The story should be submitted as a Word, PDF or other word-processed document via the submission form. The font size should be 12pt or larger.
16. The length of each submission, including the title, must not exceed:
    • 3,000 words for adults and young adults
    • 1,000 words for children

There is no lower limit. 

17. The publication of the winning entry of the Oxfordshire eBook Short Story Competition is exclusive to Oxfordshire Libraries for the period of one year from first publication date on Oxfordshire Libraries’ Overdrive platform. It will be provided with a suitable cover and made available for Oxfordshire Libraries' customers to borrow. After this period the title will be removed.
18. The decision of the judges is final. Oxfordshire Libraries is unable to offer individual feedback to entrants.
19. No cash alternatives to the prize are available.
20. Announcements in relation to the prize will be posted on Oxfordshire Libraries’ social media and website. The winners will be notified in February 2026.
21. Oxfordshire Libraries will only use information supplied by you for the purposes of administering this competition. It will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK General Data Protection Regulation.