A New Opportunity for Hockey Romance Writers
Hockey romance stories have a special kind of magic. They bring together the fast-paced action of the rink with the deep emotions of love, creating stories that are intense, passionate, and impossible to put down. Whether it’s a forbidden romance between rival players, a second-chance love story, or a grumpy hockey star falling for the sunshine-y reporter, these books keep readers hooked from the first drop of the puck to the final buzzer.
If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a story like that, now’s your chance! Inkitt’s Rinks and Romance Writing Contest is looking for the next great hockey love story, and the prizes are as exciting as the game itself. Keep reading to find out how you can enter, win amazing rewards, and have your story read by thousands!
Prizes for the Top Three Winners
1st Place Winner
- $300 USD
- Galatea Publishing Contract – a chance to have your story published on Galatea, reaching thousands of readers.
- 1 Free Year of Galatea Unlimited – unlimited access to Galatea’s vast library of immersive stories.
- Inkitt VIP Badge – special recognition for your Inkitt profile.
- Contest Winner Badge – displayed on your book cover to showcase your win.
- Feature on @inkittbooks Instagram – extra visibility for your story on Inkitt’s social media.
2nd Place Winner
- $150 USD
- 1 Free Year of Galatea Unlimited
- Inkitt VIP Badge
- Contest Winner Badge
- Feature on @inkittbooks Instagram
3rd Place Winner
- $50 USD
- 1 Free Year of Galatea Unlimited
- Inkitt VIP Badge
- Contest Winner Badge
- Feature on @inkittbooks Instagram
Additional Benefits for All Eligible Entries
- Featured Shelf Placement – All stories with at least 1,000 free-to-read words that pass Inkitt’s content guidelines will be showcased on a special contest shelf in the Inkitt app (later in the contest).
- Exposure to thousands of readers – Your story will be part of a growing hockey romance community!
Submission Deadline and Contest Timeline: Key Dates to Remember
Contest Duration: January 9, 2025 – June 30, 2025
Writers have nearly six months to craft and submit their best hockey romance stories.
Final Submission Deadline: June 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST
Make sure your story is published and submitted before the deadline—late entries won’t be considered.
Winners Announcement: Within 4 weeks after the deadline
The winning stories will be revealed on Inkitt’s social media and the official Winners page—so keep an eye out for updates!
How to Submit Your Story to the Rinks and Romance Writing Contest
Step 1: Write Your Hockey Romance Story
- Your story must focus on hockey as a central theme and include a romantic element.
- It can be a new story or an existing one on Inkitt.
- The story must be written in English.
- It must reach at least 20,000 words by June 30, 2025, to be eligible to win.
Step 2: Publish Your Story on Inkitt
- If you’re new to Inkitt, create a free account at Inkitt.com.
- Click “Write” and upload your story.
- Ensure your story follows Inkitt’s content guidelines and has a suitable title.
Step 3: Submit Your Story to the Contest
You can submit your story in one of two ways:
From the Contest Page:
- Visit the Rinks and Romance Writing Contest page on Inkitt.
- Click “Submit Story” and select your published story from the list.
From Your Story Settings:
- Go to your story dashboard on Inkitt.
- Click on “Contests” in the settings menu.
- Select the Rinks and Romance Writing Contest and confirm submission.
Step 4: Keep Writing and Engaging with Readers
- You can continue updating your story until June 30, 2025, but it must be marked as “Complete” before the deadline to qualify for prizes.
- Interact with readers, respond to comments, and encourage engagement—winners are chosen based on popularity and binge-ability.
Step 5: Wait for the Winner Announcement
Extra Inspiration
If you’re looking for inspiration for your story, here are a few popular tropes that fit perfectly into the Rinks and Romance Writing Contest:
- Forbidden Love Between Rival Teams – Imagine two players from opposing teams falling for each other. The tension is off the charts—sneaking around, stolen glances across the rink, and the risk of being caught. Will they choose love, or will the rivalry keep them apart?
- Second Chances With an Old Flame – Maybe they were high school sweethearts, but life (and hockey) took them in different directions. Now, years later, they find themselves on the same team, coaching together, or facing off in a championship. Can they mend old wounds and find their way back to each other?
- Enemies-to-Lovers on the Ice – Nothing heats up a cold rink like two rivals constantly pushing each other’s buttons. Whether it’s competing for the same position, arguing over a game strategy, or dealing with a messy past, this trope is packed with banter, tension, and undeniable attraction.
- Teammate’s Sibling Romance – The ultimate off-limits love story! Maybe it’s the star player falling for his best friend’s little sister or a team captain secretly dating his teammate’s older brother. Either way, this trope delivers plenty of drama, stolen moments, and the fear of being found out.
No matter which trope you choose, the key is to make readers feel the intensity—both on and off the ice. So lace up your skates, bring your characters to life, and get ready to melt hearts with your hockey romance!
Don’t Wait—Start Writing Now!
If you haven’t started your hockey romance story yet, now is the perfect time! Whether you already have an idea brewing or need a little inspiration, this contest is your chance to bring your characters to life on the ice.
It’s completely free to enter—there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain! With the chance to win cash prizes, a Galatea publishing contract, and major exposure for your work, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
