The annual HG Wells Fiction Short Story Competition

The annual HG Wells Fiction Short Story Competition offers a £500 Senior and £1,000 Junior prize and free publication of all shortlisted entries in a quality, professionally published paperback anthology.

HG Wells Short Story Competition 2021: Mask


January 13, 2021 by Tim Prater


Founded by the world-renowned BBC Aeronautics Correspondent Reg Turnill and his wife, Margaret, to celebrate the life and works of HG Wells and encourage creative writing, especially among the young.

The annual HG Wells Short Story Competition offers a £500 Senior and £1,000 Junior prize (* see footnote) and free publication of all shortlisted entries in a quality, professionally published paperback anthology (and Kindle version).

Entry to the Junior competition is FREE and entry to the Senior competition is £10 (£5 for those with student ID).



Previous years’ publications can be seen at http://www.trencavel.co.uk/St%20Ursin.html

The theme for this year’s competition is MASK in its broadest interpretation.

There are two categories:
Authors 21 years of age and under (on 12th July 2021) with a prize of £1,000. (Entry is free).
Authors aged 22 years and above on 12th July 2021 with a prize of £500 (entry £10 or £5 with student id). Yes, the Junior Prize is higher than the “22 and over” Prize – see footnote for explanation!

Entry will be via online form only.

Dates for your diary:
Monday 12th July 2021 : final date for entries
Tuesday 21st September 2021 : shortlists announced
Sunday 21st November 2021 : Awards Ceremony

For further information contact hgwellscompetition@gmail.com.

You can only enter online via our website.

* The £1,000 Junior Prize is funded by a legacy from our founder Reg Turnill at his specific instruction. The £500 “22 and over” prize was not part of that legacy and is part funded by a sponsor, hence the different amounts. You can learn more in our FAQs.