Write a short story on the theme “Layers” and submit it for a chance to see your story published with The Pearl and win $100. It’s free to enter and open to everyone.
Fall is here. Don your comfiest flannel and crunch through the newly fallen leaves. Sink into a lawn chair by a roaring bonfire and make a S’more or two. Whatever your autumn looks like, it’s the perfect time to grab a toasty cup of coffee and boot up the old word processor.
The fall writing contest theme is “Layers” and we can’t wait to see what story you uncover. Maybe you’ll discover a Who Dun It?, delve into the strata of an alien civilization, or sweat bullets assembling a ten-tier wedding cake. There are layers to this theme, so take it and run!
Don’t be afraid to dig deep with this. You could write about a multifaceted grouch or a choice riddled with double meanings. You could completely go your own route with it. We fully support that! Just write a great story for us all to enjoy.
You may write in any genre or style. We are looking for stories (not poetry), but narrative essays and Creative Nonfiction count!
All entries must be 1,500 words or less. AI may not be used in any way to generate ideas or content.
The deadline to enter is 11:59pm ET on November 20th, 2026. We’ll announce the winners sometime in the month of December.
You may compete in the general or the “Teen” division. If you are less than 20 years old and you’d prefer to compete against other young writers, just check the box on the submission form. The teen division will have a separate prize only open to young writers.
This contest will be judged by The Company’s second-year writing apprentices: Emily Gwaltney, Sarah Sax, and J. Hulse White. (Learn more about becoming an apprentice here.)
Fabulous Writing Contest Prizes
The winner of this contest will take home a $100 Amazon gift card and be published by The Pearl.
The winner of our “teen division” will receive a $50 credit to spend in The Company Store and have his or her story fast-tracked for consideration for publication to The Pearl. If you are under 20 years, you may choose to submit your story as a teen or as an adult. It’s up to you.
Member Bonus: Anyone can enter one story in this contest for free, but Standard and Premium Members of The Company with an account in good standing can submit up to three stories.
We will announce the winner sometime in the month of December. Please do not email to inquire about the winners.
How to Enter this Writing Contest
Entering the contest is simple. If you don’t have an account with The Company yet, you can get one for free here. Simply register, log in, and then submit your story here. There’s some additional details on that page about file types, font sizes, and that sort of thing, so make sure you read all of the details on the submission page before you submit.
Details Roundup
Writing Contest Theme: “Layers” – all styles and genres are welcome. Your story does not need to include the words “Layers,” just the idea.
Word Limit: 1,500 words or less.
Deadline: 11:59pm ET on November 20, 2026
Contest Prize: Winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card and their story will be published by The Pearl.
Teen winner will receive a $50 credit to The Company Store.
Who can participate? Anyone. There is no cost to enter. The writing contest is open to writers of all ages and experience levels. You may live anywhere in the world, but you must have a mailing address in the United States to receive physical prizes. If you’re a Standard or Premium member of The Company, you can submit two additional stories for free.
Do I keep the rights to my work? Yes! All authors retain complete control and copyrights of their work. Before The Pearl publishes the winner, they will ask for permission from the author. You can still win even if you’d prefer your story to not be published.
How do I enter? Register for a FREE account with The Company. Registration is easy. Once registered, log in to submit your work for this contest.
Can I use AI? No AI may be used in the creation of your submission. Spelling and grammar checkers are OK. Details here.
I need help! We’d love to help you. Shoot us an email at info@writers.company. Don’t wait until the day of the deadline to ask for help. You can also ask questions on “The Company Secrets” Facebook group.
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