Write it. Get shortlisted. Get published.

Yes. The 2026 Muzayrah Short Story Prize is completely free to enter. The theme and deadline are announced when entries open; sign up below and you will hear first.

Writers aged 11 to 19 on the closing date, in two categories: Juniors (11 to 14) write 200 to 400 words and Seniors (15 to 19) write 400 to 700 words. Each category is judged separately and has its own prizes, so younger writers never compete against older ones. You do not need to be a Learn With Yumnaa student.

No. Writers enter with their own details, so nothing is needed from you to take part. If a writer under 18 is shortlisted, we email them to ask for a parent or guardian's permission before we publish their story (on our website, on social media and in the Muzayrah anthology, which is sold). Prize money is paid to the winner's parent or guardian.

Not this time. Stories must be written in English and typed into the entry form, or pasted in from Word or Google Docs. We cannot accept photos, scans or attachments.

We read every story closely, and we never rely on an AI detector alone. Shortlisted writers may be asked to share their notes or drafts, or to talk to us briefly about their story. Basic spellcheck is fine; AI writing, rewriting or translating is not.

The writer keeps the copyright. By entering, they allow us to publish shortlisted and winning stories on this website, on our social media and in the Muzayrah anthology, always credited to them. The anthology is a printed book that is sold, and every published writer receives one free printed copy; writers are not paid royalties. We may correct spelling and punctuation, but we never change a story's meaning.

We use them only to run Muzayrah. We never sell or share your personal information, and we never publish an email address, phone number or a guardian's details. Only a writer's name (or pen name), age and school appear if they are shortlisted. Read our full privacy policy.

Teachers are very welcome to encourage their students. Each student enters on their own, through the form, with one story each.

Check the spam or promotions folder first. Your reference number is also shown on screen as soon as you submit. If you still cannot find it, contact us with the writer's name and story title.

Entries close on 30 November 2026 at 11:59 pm (Pakistan time). Results are announced on 20 December 2026, here on this page first, then on Instagram at @muzayrah_publications.