The Hollow Archives

Before You Submit

Whether you’re ready to submit your story or just want to understand the process, please take a moment to review the rules before submitting below. It’s important to ensure everything is in order before you take the next step.

Contest Rules

  • No entry fee is required.
  • Open to high school students (Grades 9-12), ages 14-18.**
  • One submission per entrant. Submissions are final—no revisions to a work will be accepted after submission.
  • All entries must be original works of fiction written by the submitting author. Plagiarism or content generated or created by software or artificial intelligence will be disqualified.
  • Word Count: 3,000–5,000 words. While 3,000 is the preferred minimum, slightly shorter stories may still be considered. However, 5,000 is a hard maximum—entries exceeding this limit will not be judged.
  • Entries must be submitted electronically. Entries must be double-spaced and include the title and page number on each page. All entries must have a cover page with the title of the work, author’s name, pen name (if applicable), email, and word count. No personal identifying information is to be in the manuscript beyond the cover page.
  • Submissions must be in .doc or .docx format. All other file types will not be accepted.
  • Rights:
    • Authors grant [one-time print and digital publication rights] for inclusion in the anthology.
    • The Hollow Archives retains the right to include stories in future reprint collections.
    • After a [short exclusivity period], all rights revert to the author.
    • The Hollow Archives reserves the right to make minor grammatical or typographical corrections to accepted stories to ensure consistency in the final anthology. Substantial edits will not be made without the author’s approval.

Theme and Content

  • Stories must align with the theme of the contest. The 2025 theme is Tales from the Black Sea:

The ocean is full of life, a world of wonder and mystery stretching into the unknown. Beneath the waves, in the deepest trenches and darkest currents, something stirs. The Black Sea is a place where the forgotten drift, where the line between reality and nightmare blurs. Its waters teem with unseen things, growing, waiting, consuming. Whether your story explores the vastness of the open sea, the quiet menace of a still lake, or something far more unearthly, the water must call to your tale.

  • Stories should explore horror, speculative, or weird fiction. They can be deeply rooted in these genres or simply touched by their shadows—subtle, eerie undertones are just as welcome as full immersion into the strange and terrifying.
  • Horror can be unsettling, but stories should prioritize atmosphere, tension, and the unknown over excessive gore or shock value. While body horror and disturbing elements are welcome when they serve the story, gratuitous violence or extreme content for its own sake is discouraged. Excessively violent or sexual content, as well as profane, vulgar, or otherwise offensive material, may result in disqualification at the judges’ discretion.
  • Great horror and speculative fiction thrives on atmosphere, tension, and the unknown. If you’re looking for examples of masterful storytelling consider looking at the works of the authors below. These writers are known for their ability to evoke fear, mystery, and the supernatural in ways that linger long after the final page. While your story doesn’t need to mimic their style, their works are great for understanding how to build suspense, create eerie atmospheres, and explore the limits of the unknown
    • Algernon Blackwood
    • Arthur Machen
    • Clive Barker
    • H.P. Lovecraft
    • John Langan
    • Laird Barron
    • M.R. James
    • Ramsey Campbell
    • Shirley Jackson
    • Thomas Ligotti

Submission and Judging

  • Submissions must be received by [submission deadline]. Submissions after this date will not be considered.
  • Winners and selected stories will be announced on [announcement date].
  • Winners will be contacted prior to the announcement date via email.
  • A panel of judges will evaluate based on:
    • Adherence to Theme
      • Does the story incorporate the sea, water, or its mysteries in a meaningful way?
      • Does it evoke speculative horror elements?
    • Originality & Creativity
      • Is the story unique and imaginative?
      • Does it bring a fresh perspective or unexpected twists?
    • Writing Quality
      • Is the prose engaging, clear, and well-crafted?
      • Does the writing enhance the mood and atmosphere?
    • Narrative & Structure
      • Is there a strong beginning, middle, and end?
      • Does the story flow logically while maintaining tension and engagement?
    • Emotional & Psychological Impact
      • Does the story create a lasting impression or sense of unease?
      • Does it effectively build suspense, dread, or wonder?
    • Stories that leave a haunting impression or push creative boundaries may stand out.

Prizes and Awards

  • There will be four cash prizes:
    • A First Prize of $XXX
    • A Second Prize of $XXX
    • A Third Prize of $XXX
    • An Acceptance prize of $XX
      Awarded to a number of stories selected for inclusion in the anthology print.
  • All prize winners and all accepted stories will also receive a physical copy of the “Tales from the Black Sea” anthology.
  • Winners will be provided with a consent form*** which must be returned signed to claim their prize. Failure to provide the form by a set deadline will result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.

READY TO SUBMIT?

If you’ve reviewed all the rules and you’re ready to share your story with us, click the link below to begin your submission process. We can’t wait to read your work!

Submit Your Story!

**Eligibility & Age Verification:
This contest is open to high school students aged 14-18 at the time of [[submission]]. Winners will be required to verify their eligibility before receiving prizes, which may include providing a copy of a school ID, report card, or a signed consent form confirming age and enrollment. If a winner cannot verify their eligibility within [X days] of notification, an alternate winner may be selected.

***Parental Consent:
If a winner is under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form before the prize is awarded and their work is published. Failure to return a signed consent form within [X days] may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.