Submit your darkest most beautiful work for a chance to win cash prizes, publication, interview, critique, and more!
About the contest
The Ebon and Onyx Quill Prize focuses on bringing talented dark fiction authors to the forefront. Intended for independent authors, this contest will test writers ability to create intense stories riddled with delicious wording.
Authors will write a short dark fiction story under 1k words.
Do you have a dark story you want to share? We’re seeking dark fiction with depth—written with intention, atmosphere, and emotion. If your stories are layered, suspenseful, and beautifully crafted, this contest is your stage.
Contest rules
Accepted Genres – Experimental horror, extreme horror, splatterpunk, folk horror, erotic horror, cosmic horror, dark romance, gothic fairy tales. Some content is prohibited.
Multiple entries are allowed with payment.
MUST read contest rules here
Eligibility
This contest is intended for independent authors both published and unpublished. No agents necessary! We are looking for hidden talent.
The judges will do a blind reading!
Reward
Winner receives:
$100 cash prize
Author Interview with All Things Booktok Podcast
Story featured with Ebon & Onyx Press
Featured as Winner on Ebon & Onyx Press
Featured on Ebon & Onyx Press socials
Free digital copy of Juice by Lailo Lema
Digital medal and certificate
Custom artwork
Finalists receive:
Professional Feedback
Finalist medal
Judges
Lailo Lema is the founder of Ebon & Onyx Press and a dark fiction author known most for her story that ranked #1 for graphic content on Wattpad, I’d Keep Her Bound. She has been featured in Voyage La Magazine and has went on to publish many stories.
SCORING
Each category is scored for a potential total of 30pts
Hook 0-8pts
How are you going to engage the reader in the first paragraph? Get creative with this.
Intentionality 0-8pts
Is everything that’s done, said, or existent in the story there for a reason? Bonus if it serves more than one purpose.
Suspense 0-5pts
Is there something the audience is waiting to know? Leave us guessing until the end.
Prose 0-5 pts
Make your words sound wonderful with vivid imagery, sound, and pacing.
Judges choice 0-2 pts
An opportunity to get additional points for something unique that blows the judges away!
Professionalism 0-2 pts
Make sure you’re story is presented with respect. Grammar, formatting, ect.