Short Story Contest FAQs

updated 4/23/2026

What is the submission window?

For the cozy mystery contest: March 30 through June 30.

For our upcoming, yet-to-be-announced contest: June 15 through August 15.

When will I know if my story has been accepted?

All winners from the cozy mystery contest should be notified by July 31.

Who can submit to these contests?

The cozy mystery contest is open internationally to both debut and experienced authors. Short stories should be previously unpublished OR authors should hold the rights to publication.

Why are you asking for a submission fee?

I am literally running NFB and its imprints out-of-pocket, so I’m hoping the small submission fee will help cover some of the costs of production, printing, cover design, and promotion/marketing. And I provide feedback to all who enter, so that $10 is not going to “waste” in any way!

Is this a pay-to-play type of contest?

No. Everyone who enters is not featured in the anthologies. Those who do not follow the prompt are not accepted (with feedback). Those whose stories would need too much work for the quick editorial window we have are not accepted. Those who do not respond to any questions we may have about their work are not accepted. Those suspected of using AI to create their work are not accepted. See above for why I collect a submission fee.

Is there a payout for the authors included in the anthology?

There is a clause in the (nonexclusive) contract that authors sign which states that if the anthology earns a certain amount within its first year on sale, each author will get a payout. Those numbers (the total and the amount the authors may receive) will be dependent on the number of authors included in each anthology. I usually aim to make the payout $100 per author.

In addition, I also offer the authors a significant discount on copies of the anthologies so they can sell them on their own websites, at events, to friends and family, etc. at whichever “sticker price” they choose.

Also, I usually offer a separate (exclusive) contract to publish their story (if it’s long enough) as a standalone ebook via the Attic Ebooks imprint. They earn royalties from this agreement.

What is the publishing plan for the anthology?

The anthologies are printed as paperbacks and released as ebooks. They will be promoted/marketed as budget allows, and ideally, authors included in the anthology will do their part to promote the collection, as well. The marketing budget should allow a cover reveal, release day blast, and review tour, among other opportunities. The NFB Street Team is gathering steam, as well, and should also do its part to help promote.

Beyond the possibility of being published in this anthology by a newer publishing company, what is the benefit of submitting to this contest?

Ideally, I want this company to be a stepping stone for authors. I work with many who get to the bottom of query letters and are unable to say they’ve ever published a story or an essay in a collection, magazine, or journal. I work with many more who have never worked with a professional editor before, who have never received a professional critique or edit because it’s simply outside of their budget to do so. I want to be able to offer those experiences to authors who need them, and by creating an opportunity such as a short story contest, and setting up this company in a traditional way, I may be able to give ten to fifteen authors those experiences (and even more will receive feedback even if they aren’t accepted).

If accepted for publication in these anthologies, you will:

  • Spend $10

  • Receive 1 to 2 rounds of developmental editing (if needed)

  • Receive 1 to 2 rounds of line/copy editing (if needed)

  • Have input in publicity/marketing brainstorming

  • Be invited into a private chat with the other authors in your anthology, ideally making bookish friends for life ;)

  • Receive a TBD number of free author copies of the paperback edition of the book. If you are an international author, shipping may make this difficult. We’ll chat.

  • Receive a discount for copies you want to purchase of the book and any other printed NFB book previously published

  • Be able to say you’ve been published, if you have not yet been

  • Be able to tell agents/editors that you’re familiar with the traditional publishing process

I noticed that you partnered with another editor for some of the anthologies. I’m an editor and have an idea for an anthology that I’d like to discuss with you. Are you open to these discussions?

Absolutely! There’s no way I can do all of this alone. Email me directly at nicole@nicolefrailbooks.com or fill out my contact form.

I noticed that you partnered with another small retail business/coffee shop for the release of one of your books. I’m the owner of a similar space. Would you be open to discussing publishing a branded book with me?

Always open to discussion! Send me your idea and we’ll see if our goals align and what we can do for each other. Email me directly at nicole@nicolefrailbooks.com or fill out my contact form.

I have short story/novella but it doesn’t fit your contest/anthology. Can I still submit it to receive feedback?

If it’s very obviously not even close to the theme of the anthology, please do not submit it for these contests. If you want to submit it to Attic Ebooks for consideration for publication, you absolutely can. If you’re not ready to query yet and are looking for professional editorial feedback, I still offer that via my editing company, and I’d be happy to chat with you separately over there.

If you have other questions, please don’t hesitate to email me!