$3K Total Prize Pool
Three winners will share in cash prizes, marketing support, and exclusive partnership opportunities
First Place
$1,500
One grand champion will receive the top prize plus exclusive benefits
• Featured banner placement
• Marketing budget allocation
• Potential partnership
• Monthly payouts
• Featured in social media platform (optional)
Second Place
$1,000
One runner-up will receive this prize
• Homepage featuring
• Potential partnership
• Monthly payouts
• Promotional support
• Featured in social media platform (optional)
Third Place
$500
One talented author will receive this prize
• Featured stories section
• Potential partnership
• Monthly payouts
• Featured in social media platform (optional)
Receive Partnership & Marketing Benefits
Every contest winner will be contacted to potentially enroll in our partnership program with 70% revenue share, monthly minimum guarantee, and full creative rights as outlined on our author page.
Entry Requirements
Simple criteria to ensure quality submissions and fair competition
Story Requirements
✓
Can be an existing story or a new submission
✓
Minimum 1,500 words (can be a complete one-shot)
✓
Must be uploaded on Minkly platform
✓
Does NOT need to be exclusive to Minkly
Engagement Minimum
✓
Must reach at least 10 favorites during contest period (you can still enroll the story, but it won't be eligible for prizes until it meets this requirement)
ℹ
Stories can continue gaining favorites until Dec 31
One-Shots Welcome!
Your 1,500+ word story can be a complete one-shot with beginning, middle, and end all in one chapter. Perfect for authors who want to showcase their storytelling without committing to a series upfront.
Note for Winners: If your one-shot wins, Minkly will contact you to discuss a potential serialization agreement to qualify for ongoing monthly payments. This is optional and you can keep your prize even if you choose not to serialize.
How We Judge
Stories are evaluated across multiple dimensions to ensure fair and comprehensive judging
Originality (20%)
Unique storylines, creative world-building, and fresh perspectives that stand out
Length (5%)
Substantial content showing commitment to storytelling and reader satisfaction
Judge & Moderator Picks (20%)
Our panel focusing on writing quality, character development, plot coherence, and overall storytelling excellence
Popularity (30%)
Reader engagement metrics including views, favorites, and reading completion rates
Community Votes (25%)
Direct voting from the Minkly community shows real reader appreciation
Contest Timeline
Mark your calendar for these important dates
October 1 - December 31, 2025
Three full months to craft, refine, and submit your best work. You can continue updating your story throughout this period.
January 1-21, 2026
Our panel of judges and moderators will carefully review all submissions. Community voting will be open during this period.
Last week of January 2026
Winners will be announced on our Discord server with a special celebration event. All participants will be notified.
Key Dates
Contest Opens
Submission Deadline
Judging Begins
Winners Announced
Join our Discord server to stay updated on contest news, connect with other participants, and be there for the live winner announcement!
Beyond the Cash Prizes
Marketing Support
First place winner gets dedicated marketing budget and promotional campaigns from Minkly's team to boost story visibility
Featured Placement
Winners receive premium placement on the platform including banners, homepage features, and special collections
Ongoing Earnings
All winners qualify for partnership with 70% revenue share and $100+ monthly minimum guarantee
This contest isn't just about winning prizes, it's about giving a good reason to breathe life into that story you've always wanted to tell.
Contest FAQ
Who can participate?
Any author can enter! Whether you're new to Minkly or an existing author, all original stories submitted during the contest period are eligible.
Can I submit multiple stories?
Yes! You can submit as many stories as you like. Each story will be judged independently, giving you multiple chances to win.
What genres are accepted?
We are accepting most genres with an emphasis on: Romance, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, slice-of-life, horror.
keep in mind that we are looking for fiction stories.
Do you accept mature/adult content?
We accept stories with mature themes and romantic elements (including "spicy" content), but not explicit pornography. All submissions must remain within ethical boundaries.
How are winners notified?
Winners will be announced on our Discord server in late January 2026. We'll also contact winners directly via their registered email.
Can I edit my story after submission?
Yes! You can continue updating and improving your story throughout the entire submission period until December 31, 2025.
Do I keep rights to my story?
Absolutely! You retain 100% ownership of your work. Our contest and partnership agreements are completely non-exclusive.
Ready to Compete for $3K?
Join Minkly's inaugural writing contest and showcase your storytelling talent. With substantial cash prizes, marketing support, and potential partnerships for all winners, this is your chance to launch your writing career.
Contest runs now - December 31, 2025 • Winners announced January 2026