Not every story is a fairytale.

But sometimes, in unexpected places, at unexpected hours, maybe after long searching for it in the dark, you will be able to find one.

We call these moments Fairtales.

For this competition, we invite you to tell a story about finding the Fairtale. At Fairtales, we believe stories should both comfort but also challenge. We like characters that resurrect from ashes, events that are impossible but still happen (call them miracles if you want), and places that should not exist, yet somehow become real.

We’d love to hear how you found your Fairtale.

For this competition, we expect short fiction, of up to 1000 words.

The deadline for contest entry is April 30, 2026. We will announce the shortlist within five to ten weeks of the contest's close. All writers will be notified when the results are final.

Prize: The first prize winner will receive EUR 300 plus publication on Fairtales, while the second- and third-place winners will receive publication and EUR 100 and EUR 50, respectively. All entries will be considered for publication.

Guidelines:

• You are allowed up to two stories with one submission - if submitting two stories put them both in a SINGLE document.

• For this competition, we expect short fiction of 1000 words or fewer

• We only consider unpublished work for contests—we do not review reprints, including self-published work (even on blogs and social media). Reprints will be automatically disqualified.

• Simultaneous submissions are okay—please notify us and withdraw your entry if you find another home for your writing

• All entries will also be considered for publication in The Fairtales

• Double-space your submission and use Times New Roman 12 (or larger if needed)

• We only read work in English, though some meshing is warmly welcomed.

• AI-generated or -assisted submissions will be automatically disqualified

• The Fairtales holds first serial publication rights for three months after publication. Authors agree not to publish, nor authorize or permit the publication of, any part of the material for three months following The Fairtales first publication. For reprints, we ask for acknowledgment of its publication in The Fairtales first.