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We're looking for stories that leave a mark. That hit fast and leave you a little sore after.
Contest details
Word count
1000 words*
Entry fee
Free to enter
Open to
All writers, English speaking
Genres
Any — no restrictions
Status
Competition closed
Submissions reopen
1st July, 2026
Prizes
Submission guidelines for The Coop
Word count: *Your story should be under 1000 words but take a few more if you need them.
Format: Paste your story directly into the submission form. Use plain text only.
Originality: Work must be your own, previously unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere. No AI generated content.
Limit per person: One submission per author. Please see FAQ for more thoughts on this.
Rights: Authors retain full copyright. We ask for first publication rights for winning entries only.
Questions? Reach us at hello@chickenblue.com
Enter the contest
Submissions are currently closed. The next round opens on 1st July, 2026 — follow us on Instagram or Bluesky so you don't miss it!
From the editors
About the organizer
Chickenblue believes there are many great writers in the world who are not published — and plenty of published fiction that frankly should never have made it that far.
The ambition is to build a credible space for new voices where they can get their first leg up. Winners are chosen on the strength of their work, not the size of their social media following.
Questions? Reach us at hello@chickenblue.com
FAQ
No — if it's been publicly posted, it doesn't qualify. Although to be honest there's not enough bandwidth to check every entry. I'm not even sure where I'd start. I might google the winner if I remember.
One entry per person per competition. This competition runs monthly so you can post another story next time.
If you opt in. Every author that wants will receive a drumstick rating. One drumstick = Needs more work. Two drumsticks = You're on to something. Three drumsticks = Well done sir or madam.
Winners will be announced on the 1st of the following month via our Instagram page.
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