Announcing: The Dreambridge 2026 Short Story Anthology Contest
- Anastasia Barbato
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 3
We’re thrilled to announce that submissions are now OPEN for this year’s Dreambridge anthology!
Our most recent anthology In My Element achieved Amazon Bestseller status, and we are committed to continuing that standard of professional editing, thoughtful curation, and intentional marketing this year and beyond.
The inspiration for the theme and prompt of our 2026 contest came not just from our own name, but from our mission itself: to give wings to the dreams we keep locked away inside us, allowing our creativity to burst free in vibrant colors.
Up to 20 lucky winners will be published in our 2026 anthology in print paperback and e-book, and will receive professional developmental editing and copyediting in preparation for publication!
First things first: to get reminders about our contest deadlines and updates - and to receive future Dreambridge opportunities - sign up for our newsletter.
Now, read on for all the details!
Deadline for Submissions:
April 15th, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific
Title:
Enter the Dreamscape
Theme:
Dreams & the Subconscious
Prompt:
Include something that needs to be unlocked
To support editorial labor, production, and marketing costs, this year’s contest includes a tiered submission fee.
Early (Mar 2-16): $20
Standard (Mar 17-Apr 7): $26
final (Apr 8-15): $34
We recommend submitting early, both for savings and for peace of mind.
A Note on the Contest Entry Fee
Dreambridge contests are designed to produce professionally edited, thoughtfully curated anthologies with intentional marketing and distribution. We are committed to transparency and to sustaining the editorial and production work that makes each book possible.
Entry fees support blind review, professional editing for selected authors, book design and formatting, contributor copies, and the costs required to bring the anthology to readers.
Our most recent anthology reached Amazon Bestseller status, and we remain committed to upholding that same standard of care in every release.
Fee Waiver Policy
Dreambridge is committed to accessibility, which is why a limited number of submission fee waivers are available for writers experiencing financial hardship.
To request a waiver, please Contact Us with the subject line “Fee Waiver Request” and a brief (1–2 sentence) statement of need. No documentation is required.
Waivers are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited.
Story submission guidelines:
This year's short stories must fit the theme of dreams and the subconscious. The story MUST include something that needs to be unlocked (this does not have to be a key plot point).
Maximum length: 4000 words. Shorter is sometimes better—make each word count!
We’re looking for compelling characters who struggle to achieve their goals. All genres are welcome, so long as the stories are original works of fiction.
Your story should be a stand-alone work of prose, not a chapter from a novel, a play, a screenplay, etc. Check our FAQ for more details on what is accepted.
One entry per author.
No previously published stories or simultaneous submissions.
Please proofread your story for spelling, grammar, and cohesion before you submit.
Winners will receive a notification two to three weeks after the contest deadline, and when we publish our blog post sharing the winners. Stories that are not chosen may not receive an email.
We do not accept re-submissions for edits. If we select your story, our editors will work with you to polish it.
Entry fees are non-refundable, including in cases where a submission does not meet these eligibility requirements.
Our Commitment to Creative Integrity
Dreambridge is committed to honoring the craft of storytelling. All submissions are read blind to ensure an impartial selection process, and we seek work that reflects the author’s individual voice, imagination, and creative labor.
Submissions must be original fiction written by the author. Work generated in whole or in substantial part by artificial intelligence is not eligible for consideration and will be disqualified. Selected stories undergo developmental and copy-editing and must stand as cohesive, author-driven works of fiction.
Additional Perks
Want some feedback on your story? This year, we're offering limited slots for receiving developmental feedback on your work from our editorial team! Head over to our store to purchase your Developmental Feedback add-on alongside your Entry ticket.
If you pay for Feedback and end up getting chosen for publication, we will refund your Feedback purchase (since by default, publication guarantees feedback). Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours soon!
If you have questions about the submission guidelines, theme, or entry fees, please Contact Us.
We look forward to reading your work!
Comments