Tiny stories. Huge impact.
Tell a Story
in Exactly Six Words
Win $100 cash • Shortlisted stories published in the next book
Free worldwide entry • Ages 16+
Deadline: 30 September 2026 • midnight Pacific Time
“For sale: baby shoes. Never worn.”SUBMIT YOUR SIX-WORD STORIES NOW
— The most famous six-word story ever told
Up to 5 entries • Make them your best
- Win $100. Get published.
- Only one will be crowned Six Word Wonder 2026.
- Entry is free.
- Over 30,000 entries submitted worldwide in past contests.
- Enter up to five six-word stories, memoirs, poems, or jokes.
Enter the Six Word Wonder Contest
By entering, you agree to the contest’s full terms and conditions.
Inspiration? Read Six Word Wonders
Looking for ideas? Every category hides a different kind of story.
Want to Improve Your Chances of Winning?
10 Tips for Writing a Winning Six Word Wonder
1. Immerse yourself in great examples
Study what works. Read past winners and strong entries to understand how to deliver maximum impact in six words.
2. Use prompts or challenges to spark ideas
Stuck for ideas? Start with a strong prompt or constraint — it often leads to your best and most original entries.
Try the 1000 Six Word Prompts or the
Challenge Generator
3. Experiment with proven structure
Templates give you a solid framework while leaving room for your own voice, twist, or emotion.
4. Master the rules — especially word counting
Know exactly what counts as a word so your entry is valid. Contractions count as one, punctuation doesn’t.
5. Edit ruthlessly
Every single word must earn its place. Cut, rearrange, and test until the story hits hard when read aloud.
6. Pick a clear genre or mood
Story, joke, poem, memoir, horror, romance — choose one direction and commit to it for stronger impact.
7. Get a second opinion
Share your drafts with someone else. Fresh eyes often spot the magic (or the weakness) immediately.
8. Try multiple ideas
Don’t stop at one entry. Use all five slots — experiment with variations and take creative risks.
9. Study the definitive guide
Learn the core elements (clarity, emotion, implication, twist) and pro techniques that separate good entries from winners.
10. If in doubt — just enter
You can’t win if you don’t submit. In previous contests, roughly 1 in 7 entrants made the shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Six Word Wonder Contest 2026
What is a Six Word Wonder?
A Six Word Wonder is a complete story, memoir, poem, or joke told in only six words.
What does the 2026 winner win?
The winner will be:
- Named Six Word Wonder 2026
- Published in a future Six Word Wonder book
- Awarded $100 cash prize
Shortlisted entries will also be published in the book series.
Does only the winner get published?
No — all shortlisted entries will be included in a future Six Word Wonder book.
Can I enter under a pen name?
Yes — feel free to enter under your pen name.
Do I need to be a writer to enter?
We’re all writers. If you can read, you can create a Six Word Wonder.
What are you looking for in a winning entry?
Great six-word stories, poems, jokes, or memoirs. We’re looking for creativity, originality, and real impact.
It can be beautiful, surprising, clever, emotional, or funny — as long as it works powerfully in six words.
How many entries can I submit?
You can submit up to five entries.
Is it really free to enter?
Yes — completely free.
How is the prize funded?
Shortlisted entries are published in the Six Word Wonder book series. Book sales help fund the cash prize, hosting, and running the contest.
What is the aim of the contest?
To discover outstanding six-word stories and help more people fall in love with the power of Six Word Wonders.
Can I enter in a different language?
Entries must be in English.
Will my entry be credited to me?
Yes — using the name or pen name you provide.
Can I use strong language?
Keep it suitable for a wide audience. Very strong language may not be accepted.
Full Terms and Conditions
Six Word Wonder Contest 2026
Please read these terms carefully before entering. By submitting an entry, you agree to be bound by these rules.
Eligibility
- Open to entrants worldwide
- Entrants must be aged 16 or over
Entries
- Each entry must be exactly six words
- Written in British or American English
- You may submit up to 5 entries per person
- Entries must be submitted via the form on dougweller.net
Original Work
- All entries must be your own original work
- You must hold the copyright
- Plagiarized or copied entries will be disqualified
Copyright & Usage
- You retain copyright of your work
- By entering, you grant Doug Weller and Six Word Wonder a non-exclusive right to publish your entry (including on the website, in books, on social media, and in promotional material)
- No additional compensation will be provided beyond the stated prize
- AI-generated entries are not allowed and may result in disqualification
Judging & Prize
- Entries will be judged by Doug Weller or his delegates
- Judging is blind and the judge’s decision is final
- The winner will receive a $100 cash prize (via PayPal or equivalent)
- Shortlisted entries will be published in a future Six Word Wonder book (more than one entry may be shortlisted)
Communication
- You may be contacted by email if shortlisted or selected as winner
- You may also receive occasional updates about future contests and publications
- You can unsubscribe from emails at any time
Other Important Rules
- Entries must be lawful in your country of residence
- Friends and family of Doug Weller or his delegates may not enter
- The contest closes on 30 September 2026, midnight Pacific Time (unless extended)
- Late entries may not be considered
Last updated: April 2026