We’ve teamed up with the folks at Tadpole Press for their 100-word writing contest. The winners will be featured on an episode of Micro! Listen to Tadpole founder, Amber Byers, talk about the contest and collaboration and visit Tadpole Press for more info!
Guidelines
Who Can Enter
All writers are welcome—of any age, gender, or nationality. You may submit under your real name or a pen name. If you win, we’ll confirm your preferred publishing name separately.
Genre & Theme
- Genre: Any genre is welcome—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, hybrid.
- Theme: Truth-telling. We’re looking for work that embraces honesty in a way that feels both risky and necessary.
What We’re Looking For
Our judges value pieces that are:
- Clever — surprising, layered writing that makes the most of brevity. Play with language, meaning, and word choice in inventive ways.
- Uplifting — work that transforms or inspires. Pieces may begin in darkness or difficulty, but should ultimately leave the reader with a sense of hope, resonance, or energy for change.
Word Count
100 words or fewer (including the title, if you have one).
Prizes
We’re excited to offer an expanded prize pool:
- 1st place: $1,000 USD
- 2nd place: Publishing & marketing package with Compassiviste Publishing ($6,000 value)
- 3rd place: Manuscript assessment package with Compassiviste Publishing ($1,500–$3,000 value)
- 4th place: Editing package with Tadpole Press ($1,500 value)
- 5th–6th place: Writing coaching package with Tadpole Press ($500 value each)
- 7th–10th place: $200 USD each
- 11th–15th place: $150 USD each
- 16th–20th place: $100 USD each
- 21st–30th place: $50 USD each
Winning entries will also be featured on Micro Podcast, read by the authors.
Entry Fee & Limit
- $15 USD per entry
- Submit as many entries as you like
Deadline
- November 30, 2025
Winners
Winners will be announced at the Celebration of Words event soon after the deadline. Sign up for the Tadpole Press email list to be the first to hear the results.