Killer Instinct
The first magazine to pay professional rates and only accept submissions from new writers.
AUGUST PRIZES
1st Place:
$3000 Elegant Literature Award
10c/word and publication
Free enrollment in New Novelist Accelerator
2nd – 10th Place:
10c/word and publication
11th – 35th Place:
$20
Final Submission Count:
226
About the Contest
Write a story involving killer instinct, and a shadow.
$3,000 grand prize.
Do you feel safe? Do you believe doors and locks will protect you? They won’t, but lies are necessary to distract us from the terrifying truth – killers are everywhere.
Life is full of danger. The wilds are home to fearsome predators. Sharks smell blood, and other territorial animals will rend you with tooth and claw for the misfortune of crossing their path. But urban spaces might just kill you quicker. Humans have the propensity to kill one another six times higher than the average mammal. Born killers and those brought to it by chance and fate, the true predators of the world wear familiar faces. Sharp teeth lurk behind kind smiles and watchful eyes. History is full of atrocities and bloodshed, and stories of our future suggest more to come. Even good people suffer intrusive thoughts, visualizing horrendous acts for a split second before recoiling. Beware strangers, but keep a closer eye on friends.
This contest invites you to explore the killer instinct, whatever that means to you. Fantasy, contemporary, romance, crime. All genres are welcome.
Submissions close August 31st at 11:59 pm EST. Contest only open to new writers.
Share on:
Read stories from
the last contest.
Get it in your inbox (it’s free).
Are you a new or unpublished author? We want to see your work. Check out the link below to learn what we are looking for.
Meet the Judge
Nicky Shearsby
I am fascinated by the human mind, our emotions, how we think, those nonsensical things we do, including the struggles life too often throws our way. Because of this, my writing directly reflects the questions I feel are not asked often enough.
My novels are targeted for the adult reader market due to the sensitive, often triggering content included. Those who enjoy a dark psychological thriller, told from a first person viewpoint that dives directly into the troubled, emotional mindset of the main character, will hopefully find my books intriguing and enjoyable.
Contest Short Rules
Who can enter?
New or unpublished authors, from anywhere in the world (excluding Quebec, Canada). Full details here.
Prize: 1st place: $3,000 USD. Free enrollment in the New Novelist Accelerator.
2nd – 10th: 10c/word and publication.
11th – 35th: $20 USD and an honorable mention in the magazine.
How to enter: Sign up for an Elegant+ Membership and visit the Members Area, or click “Enter Now” on the contest page. Fill out the form and copy/paste (preferred method) or upload a file containing your work.
Important Dates:
The contest opens at 12:01 am EST on August 1st.
The contest closes at 11:59 pm EST on August 31st.
Winners will be announced on October 1st.
Entries:
Unlimited. English language only. Must follow the contest theme/prompt and include the word “shadow”.
Length:
Minimum 500 words. Maximum 2000. Word count does not include title of work.
Head Judge:
Nicky Shearsby
Selection Criteria:
The Judge will choose the winner based on:
Creativity
Character
Structure & Flow
Quality of Writing
For more information, please see the full Contest Rules.
For answers to common questions, please see the FAQ.
We have a uniquely streamlined Publication Process. Read about it here.
See our Submission Guidelines for information on how to increase your chance of selection.
Killer Instinct
The first magazine to pay professional rates and only accept submissions from new writers.
The first magazine to pay professional rates and only accept submissions from new writers.
AUGUST PRIZES
1st Place:
$3000 Elegant Literature Award
10c/word and publication
Free enrollment in New Novelist Accelerator
2nd – 10th Place:
10c/word and publication
11th – 35th Place:
$20
Final Submission Count:
226
About the Contest
Write a story involving killer instinct, and a shadow.
$3,000 grand prize.
Do you feel safe? Do you believe doors and locks will protect you? They won’t, but lies are necessary to distract us from the terrifying truth – killers are everywhere.
Life is full of danger. The wilds are home to fearsome predators. Sharks smell blood, and other territorial animals will rend you with tooth and claw for the misfortune of crossing their path. But urban spaces might just kill you quicker. Humans have the propensity to kill one another six times higher than the average mammal. Born killers and those brought to it by chance and fate, the true predators of the world wear familiar faces. Sharp teeth lurk behind kind smiles and watchful eyes. History is full of atrocities and bloodshed, and stories of our future suggest more to come. Even good people suffer intrusive thoughts, visualizing horrendous acts for a split second before recoiling. Beware strangers, but keep a closer eye on friends.
This contest invites you to explore the killer instinct, whatever that means to you. Fantasy, contemporary, romance, crime. All genres are welcome.
Submissions close August 31st at 11:59 pm EST. Contest only open to new writers.
Share on
Meet the Judge
Nicky Shearsby
I am fascinated by the human mind, our emotions, how we think, those nonsensical things we do, including the struggles life too often throws our way. Because of this, my writing directly reflects the questions I feel are not asked often enough.
My novels are targeted for the adult reader market due to the sensitive, often triggering content included. Those who enjoy a dark psychological thriller, told from a first person viewpoint that dives directly into the troubled, emotional mindset of the main character, will hopefully find my books intriguing and enjoyable.
Read stories from
the last contest.
Get it in your inbox (it’s free).
Are you a new or unpublished author? We want to see your work. Check out the link below to learn what we are looking for.
Contest Short Rules
Who can enter?
New or unpublished authors, from anywhere in the world (excluding Quebec, Canada). Full details here.
Prize: 1st place: $3,000 USD. Free enrollment in the New Novelist Accelerator.
2nd – 10th: 10c/word and publication.
11th – 35th: $20 USD and an honorable mention in the magazine.
How to enter: Sign up for an Elegant+ Membership and visit the Members Area, or click “Enter Now” on the contest page. Fill out the form and copy/paste (preferred method) or upload a file containing your work.
Important Dates:
The contest opens at 12:01 am EST on August 1st.
The contest closes at 11:59 pm EST on August 31st.
Winners will be announced on October 1st.
Entries:
Unlimited. English language only. Must follow the contest theme/prompt and include the word “shadow”.
Length:
Minimum 500 words. Maximum 2000. Word count does not include title of work.
Head Judge:
Nicky Shearsby
Selection Criteria:
The Judge will choose the winner based on:
Creativity
Character
Structure & Flow
Quality of Writing
For more information, please see the full Contest Rules.
For answers to common questions, please see the FAQ.
We have a uniquely streamlined Publication Process. Read about it here.
See our Submission Guidelines for information on how to increase your chance of selection.