Writing Competition 2026

Pick one or both categories to enter the 2026 Writing Competition. Please use the same email address for the entry form and the payment.

Full details here:

The Southlands Writing Competition 2026 is open for entries from [X].

There are two categories for entry – Fiction/Short Story and Life Writing

The deadline for receipt of all entries is [X].

Entries will be accepted in hard copy and by email. 

Hard copy entries should be sent to:

Southland Arts Centre,

75, The Green, West Drayton,

Middlesex

UB7 7PW.

Please mark your envelope ‘Writing Competition 2026’. Payment may be sent by cheque or payment can be made in person at Southlands by arrangement. 

Email entries should be sent to [email protected]

The theme for the Fiction/Short Story category is the weather. It’s up to you how you include the weather but some kind of weather must be included.  

Entries for the Life Writing category should be about the writer’s own life.

You may submit an entry to both the Fiction/Short Story and Life Writing category. Each entry should include a separate entry form. 

Entry fees are: £3.00 for a single submission. £5 if you submit to both life writing and creative writing. 

Fees go toward the prize pots and the Southlands Arts Centre. We are a charity with a mission to bring the arts to the local and wider community. All profits will serve this aim. (Registered Charity No. 1173801)

No contest entry fees will be returned.

Maximum word count for both categories is 2,000 words. There is no minimum word count. (Some very clever stories have been written in only six words.) 

All writers are required to obtain the prior approval of any third party who holds any rights in their story before submitting an entry

All entries will be judged anonymously. Please do not include your name, address, phone number, email, website, social media details, etc. on the submitted document(s). Your entry will be disqualified if you do include those details. Put your personal details only on the submission form.

Formatting your short story:

Your story must be written in English. A maximum of 2,000 words. No minimum. The title is not included in the word count.

We prefer submissions typed in Arial or Times New Roman, 12pt, black. Double spaced, preferably on a WORD document. We are a little flexible over this but bear in mind that judges will find it easier to read if formatted as requested.

Children (under 18s) may submit handwritten stories if they wish.  

No illustrations please.

Include a submission form with each entry.