When Will the Winners Be Announced?

🏆 Winners will be revealed within 3 weeks of the contest end date on Inkitt’s Instagram and on the Inkitt Winners Page.

Contest Terms

📅 Contest Dates

• Start: July 18, 2025
• End: September 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST

📝 Entry Guidelines

• ✅ Entry is free!
• ✅ Publish your story on Inkitt and submit via the contest page or your work settings.
• ✅ Minimum 20,000 words by the end of the contest
• ✅ No maximum word limit
• ✅ Must be original and written in English
• ✅ Primary genre must be Mystery
• ❌ Fanfiction and poetry are not eligible
• ✅ Stories can span a wide range of settings and styles, but the core plot must be mystery/suspense
• ✅ Story does not need to be completed, but must reach 20,000 words by the deadline
• ❌ Stories completed more than 30 days before July 18, 2025 are not eligible
• ✅ Ongoing stories with a recent chapter (within 30 days of July 18, 2025) or newly started stories are welcome
• ❌ Entries in a signed series or published on Galatea are ineligible
• ✅ Paid-tier subscription stories are eligible
• ✅ Multiple entries allowed (only one can win)

📚 Age Rating & Title Guidelines

• Titles must be suitable for all audiences
• Age-restricted content is allowed if correctly labeled in story settings

🏆 Winner Selection

• Winners selected based on popularity and binge-ability
• Engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and reads will be considered

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a free writing contest?

Yes — Inkitt’s writing contests are always free to enter.

Do I need to finish my story before submitting?

No — in-progress and ongoing stories are welcome, as long as you reach the 20,000-word minimum by the deadline.

Can I submit multiple entries?

Yes! You may enter multiple mystery or suspense stories, though only one can win.

Who can enter this contest?

Any author worldwide, age 18 or older, can enter.

Why enter this writing contest instead of others?

Because Inkitt contests don’t just award cash prizes — they give you the chance to grow your readership, earn publishing opportunities, and potentially reach global audiences through Galatea and CandyJar.