Frequently Asked Questions
How do the awards work?
A writer with a Substack subscribes to the Lunar Awards and is notified via a post when a new round starts.
The writer reads the rules, publishes a story on their own Substack, and then adds a link to the story in the comments of the award season post.
A round lasts roughly two weeks. When it ends (including the judging period), subscribers receive a post identifying the winner and the honorable mention.
What are the general award entry rules?
It must be posted on the Substack platform (no external links, doc files, etc.) and not behind a paywall. However, comments or accompanying features (like author’s notes) can still be paywalled.
It must be written in English.
It must be speculative (Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror)
Only one submission per writer per round is allowed.
A submission will only be considered once. Do not resubmit the same short story over multiple rounds, even if it has been edited.
A link to the submission must be posted in the applicable round post’s comments section during the submission period. Each entry will be verified with a reply.
The previous round winner of any genre is not eligible to participate in the following rounds for that season.
What are the Short Story category award entry rules?
It must be 7500 words or less. The minimum for anthology consideration is 1000 words.
It can be published at any date.
It must be standalone (no serials or parts), but it can be a part of an anthology or a shared universe.
(ON HOLD) What are the First Chapter category award entry rules?
It must be part of a serial, but the serial does not need to be finished for it to be considered.
Do I have to subscribe to the Lunar Awards to be considered?
Yes. The winner will be announced here before an author is contacted directly. This will also be the central location to announce future seasons, essays, reviews, and interviews.
Is there a reading or award entry fee?
Never!
What is speculative fiction?
Speculative is the broad range of genres that encompass Science Fiction and Fantasy, including hard science fiction, fables, sword and sorcery, creature features, space opera, time travel, low fantasy, magic realism, etc. There are too many sub-genres to name them all. Dark speculative is allowed, which may cross over into Horror. True crime or any horror that does not include a foundational speculative element will be rejected.
The subject matter is left to the author’s imagination.
Are AI submissions allowed?
Absolutely not. If you have to ask how much or how little AI can be used to write the story, you should not submit it for consideration.
What are the judging criteria?
In short, the Lunar Awards looks at:
Mastery of storytelling. (50%)
Originality. (25%)
Editorial control. (25%)
Short Story Category
A great short story makes a promise at the start and makes good on that promise by the end. Don’t leave the reader hanging. You can use an even balance of character, plot, and setting, or you can lean heavily into any of those. Avoid familiar tropes, but don't be afraid to explore common themes from a fresh perspective. It should be professionally polished. Editorial control over the entire piece is essential – you know what to leave and what to cut. However, it will not be rejected for a spelling mistake or two. Images associated with the story won’t sway the judging either way. Readers need new voices and want to hear yours.
(ON HOLD) First Chapter Category
A serialized first chapter will be judged upon its ability to hook a reader and introduce a larger narrative. A first chapter typically includes the protagonist and some unique aspect of the world in which the protagonist lives, and it promises what type of story is about to unfold. An inciting incident or central conflict is not always necessary for a first chapter to be successful, but leaving it out means using a combination of exposition, character development, and world-building to attract a reader. Like short stories, any included images won’t sway the judging.
Discrimination Policy:
The Lunar Awards doesn’t discriminate or give preferential treatment. Decisions are made purely on the merits outlined in the judging criteria. Personal bios of any kind should not be included in the comments. Anyone who wants to know more about you can visit your Substack. Credentials are not necessary. The number of publication subscribers, comments, and likes on a short story doesn’t matter. The goal is to find and award the absolute best speculative fiction on Substack.
Why only a 15-day round for each genre?
This is very important. It keeps the number of entries lower and balances them between new and seasoned writers. Having only one genre per round allows writers to compete against their peers.
Is there an actual award?
The winning submission will be permanently linked on the Past Winners page. The submission and author will also be featured in a spotlight post. First place will receive a custom high-resolution image badge for the award season category that can be displayed proudly on Substack or used in merchandising at their discretion.
Winning writers will be offered a publishing contract to be included in the official Lunar Awards annual anthology.
I’m not going to submit an entry. Is there another way I can help?
Yes! Get the word out to your own Substack subscribers through a post, cross-post, or chat. We need as much support and recognition as possible to make this an ongoing success.