The KSP Writers' Centre is proud to present our annual Spooky Story competition sponsored by Little Black Dress Productions and supported by Dragonfly Publishing and the Shire of Mundaring.

 

As always, we will be looking for good quality original, unpublished writing with engaging characters and a compelling narrative including an excellent beginning, middle and end. ​ However, in 2025, we are adding a twist to allow for even more spooktactular storytelling! 

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Categories

1. Spooky Stories

Youth, 12 and under — 500 word count — Open to all of Australia — Free entry

Teen, 13-17 years — 1000 word count — Open to all of Australia — Free entry

(Entry MUST be rated 'PG' (i.e. suitable for readers up to age 14). Click here for the Australian PG rating system we are using as the basis to accept story submissions).

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2. Horror Stories

Open/Adult 18 and over — 2500 word count — Open to all of Australia — $15 entry

(There will be no limitations on subject matter, horror, sexual or gore elements).

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Anthologies

We will have 2 separate anthologies printed in 2025, one for the youth and teen categories, and the other for open/adult category.

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Each will be sold for $15 in presale and at the Spooky Stories Sundowner. Priced at $20 after the event.

Our adult anthologies will be available in print and Ebook versions. 

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2025 Theme

'The Call'.

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​​Prizes for youth (12 years and under) *subject to discretion of judge*

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WA first prize: $25, certificate, complimentary print copy of Spooky Story anthology.

WA second prize: Certificate, complimentary print copy of Spooky Story anthology.

Interstate writer award: $25, certificate, complimentary print copy of Spooky Story anthology.

Shire of Mundaring encouragement award: $25, certificate, complimentary print copy of

Spooky Story anthology.

Shortlist/Highly Commended/Commended awards: Certificate and publication in Spooky Story anthology.

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Important Note: Entries that do not meet the Terms of Use (Conditions of Entry) or Entry formatting Rules will be disqualified. 

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Prizes for teens (13-17 years) *subject to discretion of judge*

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WA first prize: $50, certificate, complimentary print copy of Spooky Story anthology.

WA second prize: Certificate, complimentary print copy of Spooky Story anthology.

Interstate writer award: $50, certificate, complimentary print copy of Spooky Story anthology.

Shire of Mundaring encouragement award: $25, certificate, complimentary print copy of Spooky Story anthology.

Shortlist/Highly Commended/Commended awards: Certificate and publication in Spooky Story anthology.

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Prizes for adults (18+ years) *subject to discretion of judge*

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First prize: $100, certificate, complimentary print copy of Horror anthology.

Second prize: $50, certificate, complimentary print copy of Horror anthology.

Shortlist/Highly commended/Commended awards: Certificate and publication in

Horror anthology.​

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Results will be announced at an awards ceremony and book launch event in winter (August) and published on social media and the KSP website thereafter. Shortlisted entrants will be contacted prior to the awards ceremony with an invitation to attend and read an extract of their entry. ​

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How to Enter

You will need a Submittable account to enter this competition. Don't worry! It is free and easy to set up.

Note: Teachers cannot submit multiple entries on behalf of their students. Each student will need to set up their own Submittable account and submit their entry individually.

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Deadline

MARCH 13, 2025​

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Eligibility

All submissions: Entries must be unpublished, original, and not under consideration elsewhere. They must adhere with the Terms of Use and Entry Formatting Rules (view these in Submittable).

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Entry Formatting Rules

Please note there are rules on how to format your entry. You will find this in Submittable when you commence an entry submission for this competition.​

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How to Submit

Set up a Submittable account

Prepare your entry according to the formatting rules (refer to Submittable entry form)

Complete Submittable entry form and submit before the deadline (see button below)

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Can I change my entry after submitting?

You can request to edit your submission up to one week prior to the deadline; just send KSP a message via your Submittable account. 

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Sponsors

KSP acknowledges Little Black Dress Productions as the primary sponsor for this competition, and the Shire of Mundaring for their ongoing support of the Centre as well as Dragonfly Publishing for their assistance and help.​​

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Previous anthologies:

See here for a list of our most recent winners.

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