A Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Story Competition.
Moonlight & Mawazo
There is always room for your story.
Discover extraordinary stories, imaginative new worlds, and the writers bringing them to life. Moonlight & Mawazo celebrates bold storytelling and creates opportunities for voices and perspectives too often overlooked in speculative fiction.
Submissions open March 1, 2027
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Coming March 1, 2027
2027 Short Story Competition
SUBMISSIONS
March 1–August 31, 2027.
ELIGIBILITY
Ages 18+ Worldwide.
GENRES
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Speculative Horror.
ENTRY FEE
$10 for students and Seniors Age 65+.
Standard Entry fee is $20 per story
LENGTH
1,500–7,500 words
ENTIRES
Up to three stories per Writer
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Wilhelm
Author Spotlight with Paul Watson. Monday, December 7, 2026
THE LUNAR COHORT
More Than a Winner. Become Part of the Lunar Cohort.
Each year, Moonlight & Mawazo selects up to three exceptional writers whose stories receive more than recognition. Through publication, commissioned artwork, promotion, and literary opportunities, we help bring
their imaginative worlds to life.
Publication
Commissioned Artwork
Promotion
Literary Opportunities
OUR MISSION
Imagination Without Boundaries.
Moonlight & Mawazo celebrates science fiction and fantasy short stories that introduce readers to
extraordinary worlds, unexpected perspectives, and voices too often overlooked.
Through our annual short story competition, publication opportunities, original commissioned illustrations,
and literary events, we support emerging storytellers and help bring their imaginative worlds to life.
Safe House
by Elizabeth Baizel. Illustrate by Bridget Hayes. 2025 Lunar Cohort
Stay in Our Orbit.
Be the first to hear about competition announcements, Lunar Cohort writers, new stories, and upcoming
events.