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Texas Authors Short Story Contest - Adults
9th Annual Short Story Contest
Presenting the 9th Annual Short Story Contest! I'm thrilled to declare the commencement of our ninth yearly Short Story Contest. The past eight years have been brimming with surprises and remarkable tales. Volumes 3, 4, and 5 were generously distributed to over 1,000 Texas Libraries for FREE as part of the DEAR Texas Literacy Program, supporting Title 1 schools and libraries. Unfortunately, due to the challenges posed by COVID-19, volumes 6 and 7 couldn't follow the regular distribution channels. However, Volume 8 is slated to reach 1,000 readers as per our usual schedule in 2024.
This exhilarating contest is open to all Texas Authors, and we're excited to extend an additional contest for Indie Authors worldwide, eager to share their short stories. Prizes of distinction await the top three winners in each genre, including printed copies of the anthology, memberships, and cash rewards.
Submissions are open from March 1st, through July 31st, with the winners set to be revealed in early September. Anticipate the release of the 9th anthology in October.
Winning brings not only recognition but also coveted prizes such as anthology copies, press releases, and extended marketing support over six months. Join the ranks of Texas Authors who have experienced a boost in readership through this esteemed short story award.
Short stories serve as powerful marketing tools, allowing published authors to share compelling backstories from their novels, ultimately promoting their literary works. Don't miss the chance to be part of this exciting literary journey!
How to Enter:
Texas authors are welcome to enter in any genre. Entry fee is $40.00. Click here to pay entry fee.
We have kept our entry process as simple as possible.
Please email us your short story to
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Click here to view the past nine anthologies our winners have been printed in.
Judging Guidelines
The following are the guidelines that the librarian judges will use to score your short story entry.
1. Plot: When evaluating the plot, we look for coherence, originality, and engagement. A well-constructed plot should have a clear and logical progression of events that is easy to follow. It should be original, presenting fresh ideas or a unique take on common themes. Additionally, the plot should be engaging, capturing the reader's interest from beginning to end and keeping them invested in the story's outcome.
2. Character Development: For character development, we assess depth, relatability, and growth. Characters should be multi-dimensional with complex personalities and motivations. They should be relatable, allowing readers to connect with their experiences and emotions. Throughout the story, characters should show growth or change, reflecting the impact of the events and their personal journeys.
3. Setting: In scoring the setting, we look for vivid description, integration, and relevance to the story. The setting should be richly described, painting a clear picture of the environment. It should be seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the overall atmosphere and supporting the plot. The setting should also be relevant, influencing the story and characters in meaningful ways.
4. Theme: The theme is evaluated based on clarity, depth, and exploration. The theme should be clearly conveyed, providing insight into the underlying message or central idea of the story. It should have depth, encouraging readers to think critically about the issues or concepts presented. Additionally, the theme should be thoroughly explored, woven throughout the narrative and reflected in the characters and plot.
5. Writing Style: For writing style, we consider clarity, grammar, and creativity. The writing should be clear and easy to understand, free of confusing language or structure. It should be grammatically correct, with proper punctuation, spelling, and syntax. Creativity is also key, with the author using language in a unique and imaginative way to enhance the storytelling.
6. Pacing: Pacing is assessed based on the flow and balance of the story. The narrative should have a smooth and consistent flow, without dragging or rushing through important scenes. It should maintain a good balance, with the right mix of action, dialogue, and description to keep the reader engaged. Proper pacing ensures that the story unfolds at a natural and enjoyable rhythm.
7. Dialogue: When evaluating dialogue, we look for realism, relevance, and contribution to character development and plot. Dialogue should sound natural and believable, reflecting how people actually speak. It should be relevant, moving the story forward or revealing important information. Dialogue should also contribute to character development, showcasing personalities, relationships, and changes.
8. Emotional Impact: Emotional impact is judged by the story's ability to evoke emotions and resonate with readers. The narrative should provoke a strong emotional response, whether it's joy, sadness, fear, or excitement. It should resonate with readers, leaving a lasting impression and connecting with them on a personal level. A powerful emotional impact can significantly enhance the reader's experience.
9. Ending: The ending is evaluated based on satisfaction, resolution, and impact. The conclusion should be satisfying, providing a sense of closure and tying up loose ends. It should offer a resolution that feels appropriate for the story and its characters. Additionally, the ending should have a lasting impact, leaving readers with something to think about or a strong emotional response. A well-crafted ending is crucial for a memorable story.
Below is the suggested concept of the scoring of points from 1 to 10
1 – this should have never been written
5 – it’s ok, but…
10 – this is fantastic
The story must meet a minimum score of 70 to be considered in the final round of judging.
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Are you ready to ignite buzz around your new book and get it into the hands of readers who matter? With the Tell the World PR Service from the Texas Authors Institute of History (TAIH), you can make a powerful debut—or reintroduce your title with impact—across the literary landscape of Texas and beyond!
For a modest investment, we’ll professionally craft and distribute a targeted press release about your book to our trusted and refined network, which includes:
Over 200 press outlets across Texas
More than 1,000 newsletter subscribers, including readers, book buyers, librarians, and media professionals
But we don’t stop there.
Your book will also be spotlighted across our social media platforms for two full weeks—featured in engaging, eye-catching posts and stories designed to connect you with a dynamic and growing audience of book lovers, authors, and influencers.
Want even more visibility?
Upgrade to include a 1/4-page ad in the Texas Authors Magazine, a premier digital publication that reaches avid readers, book clubs, and literary organizations statewide.
Choose Your Package:
Cost $50.00 for PR Only
Cost $100 for PR and 1/4 Page AD in the Texas Authors Magazine.
Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned pro, Tell the World PR Service gives your book the spotlight it deserves—with reach, professionalism, and credibility.
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Supporting Mother Earth
Introducing "Books for Earth" campaign.
As authors, we've directly contributed to the felling of thousands, if not millions, of trees for paper in our books. Additionally, our craft entails substantial electricity consumption and the utilization of various chemicals in the production process. Rather than casting blame, let's view this as a straightforward acknowledgment.
Irrespective of one's stance on climate change, it's evident that we contribute to deforestation and high electricity consumption. With this realization in mind, we've devised a new social media marketing initiative aimed at assisting you in promoting your books while simultaneously contributing to three worthy causes.
We are introducing the "Books for Earth" campaign.
When you allocate a portion of your book sales to this initiative, we'll assist in promoting your book across our social media platforms over a two-month period. This means exposure to thousands of potential readers globally, with each post bearing an emblem we're designing to signify your support for tree planting, renewable energy development, and museum preservation.
You'll also have the privilege of displaying this emblem on your website and books, enhancing your appeal to readers aligned with conservation efforts.
To participate, authors commit to donating a minimum of $0.10 per book to this cause over a one-year period. The initial donation starts at $25, followed by subsequent contributions every three months or monthly, coinciding with book royalty receipts.
Upon the initial $25 donation, we'll promote your boo2k for two months to our 40K followers, featuring it at least once a week. This promotion applies to one title per two-month period per donation. Subsequent donations will dictate the duration of the promotion, with specifics to be determined shortly.
The donation will be divided among the following organizations. You can scroll down for more information on each one:
One Tree Planted: Dedicated to global tree planting initiatives. Will receive $7 of the $25 donation. https://onetreeplanted.org/
Rocky Mountain Institute: Supports renewable energy projects worldwide. Will receive $7 of the $25 donation. https://rmi.org/
Texas Authors Institute of History: Preserves Texas literary heritage. Will receive $7 of the $25 donation. https://TexasAuthors.Institute
The remaining $4.00 of your donation will go to expenses for this program.
Together, let's make a positive impact on our planet while spreading the joy of literature.
Begin Your Donation here: https://buy.stripe.com/8wM28cdsGgsRabu28g
Once we receive your donation, we will reach out to you to get more information on which title(s) you would like to promote.
Money raised as of May 1, 2024 - $150.00
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Texas Authors Book Contest
Texas Association of Authors created the Best of Texas Book Awards at the end of 2011. They held their contest through 2019 until they merged with Indie Beacon and created the Authors Marketing Guild. AMG then became an international organization helping authors around the world.
Texas Authors Institute of History, Inc., did not want to lose the continuation of honoring Texas Authors, so in 2020, they took over the awards program. Below are links to each year that TAIH continues to honor the best in Texas books.
We hope that authors will continue to submit their books and be part of a great collection of award-winning books and authors.
How to Enter
Any Texas author who has a book published in this calendar year (December 15, 2024, to December 1, 2025) may enter the book contest.
Entries are accepted for all genres.
The entry fee is $50 per title.
To begin the entry process, email a cover of the book you are entering, along with the PDF file of the book to
Once we receive the entry, we will send you an invoice that you can pay with a CC/Debit card.
Winners will be announced by April 2026.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach us at
Judging Guidelines
The following are the guidelines that the librarian judges will use to score your book entry.
1. Characterization: Does the author create believable, memorable characters with the uniqueness, complexity, and individuality of real people? Do you respond to the characters either positively or negatively? Does the main character respond to and influence events? Does the dialogue contribute to rich, vivid, unique characterization?
2. Plot: Has the author constructed a clear, convincing and compelling storyline with a recognizable arc of conflict, crisis, and resolution? Are obstacles to be overcome sufficiently challenging to the protagonists? Do you feel the tension mounting in the story? Is the resolution innovative, credible, and authentic?
3. Theme: Does the story contain a central or dominating theme? Does the author make this idea concrete through the characters and their actions? How well is the message integrated into the story? Is the story an agenda-driven platform?
4. Setting and Atmosphere: Are historical and geographic details sufficiently and accurately developed to give the story a realistic or appropriate atmosphere and setting? Can you visualize the places being described? Does the story contain anachronisms?
5. Mechanics: Are there errors present in spelling, grammar, paragraphing, and punctuation? Are words used incorrectly? Do typographical errors mar your enjoyment of the story?
6. Writing Quality: Does the quality of the author’s prose and deftness in handling point-of-view enhance the story? Do specific details appeal to your senses and hold your attention? Does the author use precise, active verbs? Does the rhythm of the prose enhance the meaning? Are metaphors and similes skillfully employed?
7. Passion: Does this story engage your emotions? Have you come to care deeply about the characters and what happens to them? Is your mind and spirit stimulated and enlightened by the experience of reading this story?
Below is the suggested concept of the scoring of points from 1 to 10
1 – this should have never been written
5 – it’s ok, but…
10 – this is fantastic
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Elevate Your Author Journey with TAIH Membership Programs!
Financial Aid to cover membership of Level 2 dues is available. If you would like to apply for this service, please email us at
1 – FREE Author Membership: Unleash the power of visibility! This level of membership does NOT allow for book sales on the Texas Bookshelf Shop.
Enjoy a dazzling Author Listing featuring your pic, bio, and website link. Ignite the spark to your authorial adventure—for free!
For Level 1 Membership, email us your author pic, and author bio to
Low Income Grants are available. Click here for more information and application
2 – Author & Museum Supporter - $75/year
Dive into the realm of enhanced exposure! Your Author Listing now showcases not just your bio, but also captivating images of every masterpiece, each linked to the website of your choice. Experience the thrill of a 30-minute video interview ($50 value) and watch your social presence skyrocket with TAIH sharing your story across Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and Telegram—four times a year! Delve into the wisdom of our Top Ten for Authors series with 3 complimentary eBooks and savor the joy of an exclusive audiobook annually.
Detail Benefits
- One book per month by the author will be promoted on our social media system which is connected to our bookstore.
- Author Listing includes Author pic, author bio, and images of each book written with a link to the website of their choice.
- Personal Website & Social Media Links on the TAIH webpage
1 30 – Min Interview on Video ($50 value) - TAIH social media posting of the author at least 1 per every 3 months for a calendar year. (4 times total per year) Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, Telegram ($50 Value)
- 1 eBook from the 30 books of the Top Ten for Authors series for each group: Pre-Publishing, Publishing & Marketing (Total 3 Books - Value $14.97)
- 1 Audiobook per year from the 30 books of the Top Ten for Authors series from one of these groups: Pre-Publishing, Publishing & Marketing (Total 1 Book – Value $24.94
Click here to purchase a Level 2 Membership
3 – Authorpenuer Membership - $150/year
Embark on an extraordinary authorial odyssey! Your Author Listing shines with glamour, presenting your pic, bio, and book images, all linked to your chosen website—Revel in a 30-minute video interview PLUS 4 questions for social media ($100 value). Brace yourself for a dazzling 12-month journey with TAIH featuring monthly social media shoutouts, a spotlight on your New Book Release or Event, and a consistent flow of eBooks and audiobooks from our Top Ten for Authors series. Dive deep with a 20% discount on any TAIH classes/sessions and a 10% discount on entry fees throughout the year.
Unleash your full author potential with TAIH Memberships – Your Gateway to Literary Stardom!
Detailed Benefits
- Featured Article about the Author in the Texas Author Magazine ($150 Value)
- One book per month by the author will be promoted on our social media system, which is connected to our bookstore.
- Author Listing includes Author pic, author bio, and images of each book written with a link to the website of their choice.
- Personal Website & Social Media Links on the TAIH webpage
1 30 – Min Interview on Video? Plus, 4 Questions for Social Media (Value $100) - TAIH social media posting of the author at least 1 per month for a calendar year. (12 times total per year)
- 1 New Book Release or Event Posting (Value $50)
- 1 eBook every six months from the 30 books of Top Ten for Authors series for each group: Pre-Publishing, Publishing & Marketing (Total 6 Books – Value $29.94
- 1 Audiobook every six months from the 30 books of Top Ten for Authors series from one of these groups: Pre-Publishing, Publishing & Marketing (Total 12 Books – Value $24.99)
- 20% Discount on any classes/sessions that TAIH holds during a calendar year.
- 10% Discount on any entry fee that TAIH holds during a calendar year.
Click here to purchase a Level 3 Membership
Level 4 – Elite Author Membership - $250/year
1. Featured Author Spotlight
Homepage Feature: Your author profile and books will be prominently displayed on the TAIH homepage for one month.
Magazine Inclusion: A dedicated Full-page ad in one issue of our Texas Authors Magazine in the form of a Book Sales sheet.
2. Advanced Social Media Promotion
Monthly Campaigns: Customized social media promotions across all TAIH platforms, including Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter.
Professional Graphics: Creation of eye-catching promotional materials for your books.
3. Professional Book Trailer
30-second Video: A professionally AI produced book trailer to captivate potential readers ($200 value).
4. Podcast and Webinar Opportunities
Guest Appearance: Feature on the TAIH podcast series to discuss your work and author journey.
5. Event Promotion and Support
Event Promotion: Priority seating and placement at TAIH-sponsored event programs; i.e., Lone Star Festival, World Record events. Includes a $50 discount at TAIH Sponsored events valued at $100 or more.
6. Advertising Credits
$100 Credit: Apply towards advertising in TAIH publications or partner outlets.
7. Personalized Marketing Consultation
One-Hour Session: Strategize with a TAIH marketing expert to tailor a marketing plan for your books.
8. Exclusive Discounts
30% Off: All TAIH classes, workshops, and sessions throughout the year.
15% Off Entry fees for any TAIH-held events during the calendar year.
9. Enhanced Educational Resources
Monthly eBooks: Receive one eBook every three months from the Top Ten for Authors series across Pre-Publishing, Publishing, and Marketing (Total 12 Books – Value $59.88).
Quarterly Audiobooks: Access one audiobook every three months from the same series (Total 4 Audiobooks – Value $99.96).
10. Networking and Collaboration
Exclusive Community Access: Join a network of Level 4 members for collaboration and support.
Annual Networking Event: Invitation to an exclusive annual event for Elite members.
11. Priority Author Listing
Premium Placement: Top-tier positioning in the TAIH author directory.
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