World History Encyclopedia’s Ink of Ages Youth Fiction Prize is a free short story competition for students aged 13–17 (those aged 18+ can enter the adult category), sponsored by Oxford University Press.
We invite students to send their short fiction inspired by history, mythology, or alternative history. Submit stories of 800–1,000 words before 29 August 2025, and they’ll be read by a panel of authors, editors and history enthusiasts, with prizes, publication and promotion for five selected champions.
1. It’s free to enter
There are no entry fees for Ink of Ages, and we accept submissions in English from anywhere in the world. Students can send their story via our simple online entry form and follow the email prompt to provide consent from a parent/guardian.
2. Engage your students with history, mythology, and creative thinking
Ink of Ages encourages students to revive or reimagine the past, remix ancient myths, or explore alternative history. That means research, critical thinking, empathy, structure, and revision – great skills that link history and English.
No time travel is allowed, and stories must be set at least 50 years ago.
3. Stories are reviewed by authors, editors, and history enthusiasts
Our submission readers are a diverse team from all over the world, and our judging panel features J.F. Fox, author of the Head-to-Head History series published by Kids Can Press, including titles such as Napoleon vs. the Bunnies and The Van Buren Sisters vs. the Pants Police!
Stories are selected based on literary merit, originality and creativity, historical interest, and impact and enjoyment.
“Ink of Ages encourages students to revive or reimagine the past, remix ancient myths, or explore alternative history.”
4. There are prizes!
All shortlisted entries receive a certificate. Five winners receive custom artwork inspired by their stories, created by our in-house cartographer and graphic designer, a history book of their choice, and a free lifetime World History Encyclopedia membership and World History Insider e-magazine subscription.
5. Publication and promotion
We promote winning stories on World History Encyclopedia to millions of readers, newsletter subscribers and social media followers. Longlisted and shortlisted writers get a mention on our website too.
All rights remain with the authors.
Encourage cross-curricular writing – invite your students to enter Ink of Ages today.
- Free to enter
- For ages 13–17
- Write 800–1,000 words of historical or myth-inspired fiction
- Submit by 29 August 2025
- Find full details on our rules page
