#USA #Philadelphia #Next Generation #Indie Book Awards #Short Story Awards

Winners of the 2025 Next Generation Short Story Awards

The prestigious Next Generation Short Story Awards has unveiled its winners for 2025, celebrating the vibrant talent of short story authors from around the globe. With a commitment to promoting outstanding literary achievement, the awards encourage writers to showcase their skills with original stories never before published.

The awards are part of a broader initiative led by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, which is recognized as one of the largest and most comprehensive programs dedicated to independent authors and publishers. This year, over 30 categories were open for submissions, focusing on diverse narratives and creative expressions, each limited to a maximum of 5,000 words.

The selection process involved a panel of esteemed judges, including literary professionals, publishing executives, educators, and celebrated authors. Their collective expertise helped identify stories that deserve greater recognition and broader audiences. This meticulous curation ensures that the winners exemplify the best of contemporary short fiction.

2025 Grand Prize Winners

The competition culminated in three standout stories, which not only received accolades but also impressive monetary prizes:

• - First Place: Grooves and Blisters by Robert Wright - $500 prize
• - Second Place: Three Cheers for Emilio! by Elizabeth Weiss Vollstadt - $300 prize
• - Third Place: Honeybee and the Sting of Love by Anne Freeman - $200 prize

These winners will be honored in a prestigious gala ceremony at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, taking place on June 27 at The Notary Hotel in Philadelphia, PA.

Awards and Recognition

In addition to the grand prizes, each category winner received a gold medal and a cash prize of $75. Moreover, all winners and finalists are granted significant literary exposure with features on the official website, www.ShortStoryAwards.com, comprehensive social media marketing, and the chance to display winner and finalist badges on their promotional materials, enhancing their visibility in the literary community.

Winners and finalists will enjoy a year-long spotlight, offering a platform for their words to reach new readers. The organization encourages budding authors to take advantage of this opportunity to craft compelling narratives and gain recognition for their talent.

Call for Entries for 2026

Looking Ahead

The Next Generation Short Story Awards is now accepting entries for the 2026 cycle. This competition is open to writers of all ages and backgrounds, inviting fresh, creative voices to participate. The deadline for submitting your original short stories is February 26, 2026. To learn more about how to enter and the various categories available, visit www.ShortStoryAwards.com.

This initiative continues to foster a love for storytelling and acknowledges the importance of nurturing literary talent in the ever-evolving world of independent publishing. Join the community of writers and celebrate the art of short form fiction!

For more information or media inquiries, contact Cathy Teets at 304-789-3001 or email [email protected].