Scribophile
  • About
  • Beta readers
  • Finish your novel
  • Forums
  • Contests
  • Academy
  • Log in
  • Join now!

Group-Sponsored Unvarnished Truths Contest

Details

Deadline:May 14 (38 days left)
Fee:Free

The Dive group is looking for fiction with the nerve to swerve away from the polished surface. Stories that don’t dress things up or chase easy resolutions, but dig into the mess people usually smooth over. The point is seeing clearly, especially when what’s there is uncomfortable and disturbing. We want stories that don’t just flirt with the abyss, but move in with it. Even better when the existential dread is seen through the lens of dark humor, irony, and grim wit.

We’re looking for deliberate, original work, unafraid to twist familiar ground into something sharper. Subversion matters, but has to come from intent, not gimmick.

Keep it lean. Let it bite and linger, because it didn’t take the easy way out. If your work finds humor in the cracks while refusing sugarcoating, it belongs in this contest.

Prize money for this contest is provided by the Scribophile Writing Contest Prize Fund.

See entries

Prizes

1st prize:$100 cash via PayPal
2nd prize:$75 cash via PayPal
3rd prize:$50 cash via PayPal

Rules

  • Entries must be flash fiction between 100-800 words.

  • No novel chapters.

  • Only one entry per member.

  • Entries must have Public visibility on Scribophile until winners are announced.

  • You may post your work, receive critiques and edit until the deadline.

Submission guidelines

  • To post your work for this contest, check the box that says “Enter this work into the Group-Sponsored Unvarnished Truths Contest.” Your work will automatically be considered. The check box will be visible until the contest deadline, which is in UTC time.

  • Entry is free, but you'll need karma points to post your work. You can earn karma points by writing critiques of work by other members.

Help

  • The Help Center
  • FAQ
  • Contact us

Newsletter

  • Get our writing markets & contests newsletter

Scribo-Stuff

  • Codes of Conduct
  • Gift a membership upgrade

Friends

  • Get a professional online writing portfolio
  • Free, liberated ebooks for the true book lover

An Interesting Tidbit

Dubliners, by James Joyce, only sold 379 copies in its first year—Joyce bought 120 of them.

  • Scribophile on Facebook
  • Scribophile on X

Terms of Service. Writing posted to Scribophile is © its author.