The Rhiza Edge Short Story Competition for 2026 is now open!
HIDDEN CREATURES: Weird and wild stories featuring cryptids of all types!
Editors: Rebecca Fraser and Bethany Loveridge
We're looking for short stories with the theme of "Hidden Creatures". We are open to stories of fantasy, horror, sci fi, action, and crime. With a focus on cryptids / cryptozoology we invite exciting stories that embrace folklore, mystery, speculation…and all the shadowy places in between.
Think Yetis and Big Foot, the Loch Ness Monster, Mothman, megalodons, mermaids, sea serpents, yowies, werewolves, and more. We’re looking for fresh and exciting spins on well known cryptids, or feel free to plumb the depths of your creativity and invent a new ‘hidden creature’ – the only limits are your imagination.
Story setting can be as diverse as the theme. Contemporary or historical fiction, or set in another world or planet – the choice is yours. While we welcome cryptids and mythology from all corners of the world, we ask you be respectful and mindful of different cultures and cultural representation when crafting your stories.
Stories are aimed at readers aged 12+ so should be clean and suitable for school sales.
Chosen short stories will be edited and published as part of an anthology. Find examples of previous anthologies below.
How to Enter:
Pay the entry fee here.
Complete this form after paying your entry fee: FORM
The form explains where to send your story.
Stories can be of length 1000 to 5000 words and need to be submitted in a word document file type. This word length is strict. We will not be accepting stories over 5000 words.
Competition entry fee:
School or Uni Students/Pensioners: 20% discount Use code 20DISC to get the discounted price.
Adult Writers: $22.00 (inc GST) per stor
Terms and Conditions Here.
Prize winners receive:
- Short story published in anthology by Rhiza Edge
- Complementary copy of the collection
- Winner's choice of 5 further copies or a $100 value off an appraisal by Wombat/Rhiza
- 15 minute pitch with Wombat/Rhiza publisher for a full manuscript
To find out about our other short story collections check out these pages:
Crossed Spaces | The Opposite of Disappearing | Dust Makers | Through Their Eyes | Stepping Sideways