Writers of the Future Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by L. Ron Hubbard

Description L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest is a long-established competition for emerging writers of science fiction and fantasy. It offers newcomers an opportunity to have short fiction evaluated by established professionals and to reach a broad readership. The contest emphasizes discovery and career development rather than commercial entry fees or rights acquisition. Entrants remain the owners of their work and submit without charge. Key takeaways: - Focused on new and emerging writers in SF, fantasy, and light horror. - Judging conducted by established professional authors. - Free to enter; entrants retain publication rights. - Emphasizes discovery and career development. Eligibility The contest is designed for non-professional writers; professional writers should not enter. Submissions must come from individual authors rather than AI or other non-human sources. Specific eligibility definitions and edge cases are governed by the contest rules, so prospective entrants should consult those rules before submitting. Key takeaways: - Intended for non-professional/new writers. - Professional writers are not eligible. - AI-generated work is not accepted. - Check official rules for precise eligibility definitions. Submission Requirements Submissions must be original short stories in science fiction, fantasy, or light horror and must not exceed 17,000 words. Content should avoid excessive depictions of sex or violence on the page. Authors may submit one story per quarterly cycle, with a maximum of four entries per calendar year. Entrants keep all publication rights to their submissions. Key takeaways: - Genres: science fiction, fantasy, or light horror. - Maximum length: 17,000 words. - Content restrictions: no excessive sex or violence. - One entry per quarter, up to four per year; rights retained by author. Judging Process All entries are evaluated solely by professional writers serving as judges; the contest uses anonymous judging to ensure impartiality. Decisions are merit-based, focusing on the quality of the writing and storytelling. Detailed judging criteria and procedures are defined in the contest rules and applied consistently across submissions. Key takeaways: - Judged only by professional authors. - Anonymous and merit-based evaluation. - Consistent criteria applied; see official rules for details. Awards & Prize Structure Prizes are awarded quarterly: first, second, and third places receive $1,000, $750, and $500 respectively. Each year, the four quarterly first-place winners are reviewed by a separate panel to select a single grand-prize story. That grand-prize author receives the L. Ron Hubbard Golden Pen Award plus an additional $5,000 cash prize. Key takeaways: - Quarterly prizes: $1,000 (1st), $750 (2nd), $500 (3rd). - Annual grand prize selected from quarterly first-place winners. - Grand prize includes the Golden Pen Award and $5,000. Application Timeline The contest operates on a quarterly submission cycle, allowing authors to enter up to once each quarter. Entrants may submit up to four distinct stories across the year, following the contest’s quarterly deadlines. Specific opening and closing dates for each quarter are published by the contest organizers and should be checked before submitting. Key takeaways: - Submission cycle: quarterly. - Maximum of one entry per quarter; four per year total. - Check official contest schedule for exact deadlines. History of the Award Named for L. Ron Hubbard, the Writers of the Future Contest is presented as an enduring and influential competition within the science fiction and fantasy community. Over time it has become known for discovering new talent and providing an early platform for emerging authors. The contest’s combination of professional judging and public exposure underpins its reputation for launching writing careers. Key takeaways: - Named after L. Ron Hubbard. - Long-standing contest aimed at discovering new SF and fantasy writers. - Known for professional judging and career-launching exposure.