The Light Bringer Project has announced submissions will open for its two science fiction writing competitions in Fall 2020. The winners will receive cash prizes and will be recognized on stage by celebrity guests at a LitFest Pasadena Reading & Awards event in May 2021.

THE ROSWELL AWARD: Heading into its 6th year, the competition offers cash prizes for science fiction writing on any theme. In addition, special prizes will be awarded for feminist themed sci-fi. 

The 6th Annual Roswell Award short science fiction writing competition open for submissions on September 15, 2020. It is free to submit stories. Stories must be original, 1,500 words or less, not published or posted, and not fan fiction. 

The competition winners and honorable mentions will be announced and a culminating event held at LitFest Pasadena in May 2021.

The Roswell Award for Short Sci-Fi by an Adult 

• Open to adults (18+) worldwide.
• Stories must be original (no fan fiction), unpublished, 1,500 words or less.
• Stories must not be posted or not have been posted online in any format.
• One submission accepted per author in either the General or “Women Hold Up Half the Sky Award” category (one submission per author, total).
• Submissions are due on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 by 11:59pm.

General Category Prizes include: $500 (1st place); $250 (2nd place); $100 (3rd place); & the “Women Hold Up Half the Sky Award” Category prize for a feminist sci-fi story (dual publication in Artemis Journal & on the Hollywood NOW site & $100 from Hollywood NOW). Honorable Mentions will also be recognized on stage in a certificate presentation.

THE TOMORROW PRIZE for Los Angeles County high school students will be open for submissions on September 15, 2020. Heading into its 6th year, the competition offers cash prizes for science fiction writing on any theme. In addition, special prizes will be awarded in environmental conservation. 

Stories must be original, 1,500 words or less, not published or posted, and not fan fiction.

The competition winners and honorable mentions will be announced and a culminating event held at LitFest Pasadena in May 2021.

The Tomorrow Prize for Short Sci-Fi by an L.A. County High School Student

• Open to high school students attending school in Los Angeles County.
• Stories must be original (no fan fiction), unpublished, 1,500 words or less. – Stories must not be posted or not have been posted online in any format.
• One submission accepted per category — General and Green Feather Award — for up to two submissions per author.
• Submissions are due on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 11:59pm.

General Category Prizes include: $250 & L.A. Parent Magazine publication (1st place); $150 (2nd place); $100 (3rd place); & “The Green Feather Award” Category prize for the top sci-fi story that depicts overcoming today’s environmental issues ($250 & a membership from the Los Angeles Audubon plus story publication by Los Angeles Audubon). Honorable Mentions will also be recognized on stage in a certificate presentation.

Complete submission guidelines will be posted here.

[Thanks to Michael Toman for the story.]