UPDATE
The results are in! Out of 111 submissions, 24 stories were chosen as the winners of the short story contest and will be published in the 10th Annual Anthology later this year.
The chosen authors have been notified by email. Congratulations to our winners!
If you submitted a story but have not received an email, unfortunately, your story did not make it to the final round. There were so many fantastic stories to choose from, so know that it was a tough decision.
Thank you to everyone who submitted, and we hope to see your stories next year!

Join us for the tenth annual edition of the Los Angeles NaNo Anthology—a collection of stories written and edited by NaNoWriMo participants. Though our editing team is based in Los Angeles, we accept stories from writers around the world. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the anthology, a feat that could not be possible without you!
Our title is: Trouble in Paradise.
Our theme is: Utopia – or is it?
The prompt is: You must include something/someone that gets stuck
Please note: the title and theme is not meant to solicit or favor sci-fi; all genres are welcome! We encourage you to imagine your version of a “perfect” world, and all the imperfections that, inevitably, come along with it. In terms of the prompt, "stuck” is relative. Get creative!
Deadline EXTENDED to April 30, 2024 @ 11:59 pm!
If you want to see what we’ve accepted in the past, check out our previous anthologies.
Story submission guidelines:
  • This year's short stories must fit the theme of utopia – or is it? The story must include something/someone that gets stuck (this does not have to be a key plot point).
  • Maximum length: 4000 words. Shorter is sometimes better—make each word count!
  • We’re looking for compelling characters who struggle to achieve their goals. All genres are welcome, so long as the stories are original works of fiction.
  • Your story should be a stand-alone work of prose, not a chapter from a NaNo novel, a play, a screenplay, etc. Short poetry may be considered but is not the focus of the anthology. Works requiring specific typesetting, such as words that form shapes, cannot be accommodated due to publishing limitations.
  • One entry per author. No previously published stories or simultaneous submissions.
  • Proofread your story before you submit. Grammar check using the Chicago Manual of Style or Grammar Girl.
  • All submissions will receive a decision by two weeks after the contest deadline.
  • We do not accept re-submissions for edits. If we select your story, our editors will work with you to polish it.
Formatting instructions:
  • Do center your title on the first page of the manuscript.
  • Do use one-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, no extra spaces between paragraphs.
  • Do use your title or first few words of the title as your file name.
  • Do save your manuscript in .doc, .docx, .odt, .rtf, or plain-text file format.
  • DO NOT put your name or contact info in the manuscript itself, or as part of the file name.
  • DO NOT submit a PDF.
  • DO NOT use single-space or 1.5-space line formatting.
  • DO NOT insert headers or footers, or page numbers.
  • DO NOT make a title page or use unusual title fonts.
Send in your story now! submit