BlackInk New Writing Competition 2026

Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is looking for creative writers from the African, African Caribbean and Latin American Diaspora to submit short stories for the 2026 edition of BlackInk Writing Competition.

The initiative seeks to showcase new short fiction; applicants are invited to submit stories of up to 2,000 words for consideration. One winner and one runner up will be published in Issue 7 of BlackInk for Black History Month in October 2026.

This year, BlackInk Issue 7 is focusing on the theme Reimagining Tomorrow: Black Classics. The judges are particularly interested in stories that encompass this theme.

To apply for this competition applicants should:

• Write a short story addressing the theme Reimagining Tomorrow: Black Classics.
• Complete the application form including a short biography.
• Submit a finished short story, a maximum of 2,000 words. The story should be fiction, written as prose, previously unpublished and the applicant’s own original idea.
• Deadline for applications: 28 March 2026, 5pm (GMT)
  
  

Application Form

Eligibility and Guidelines

1. Winning stories will be published as part of BlackInk magazine, issue 7, in October 2026.
2. Two winners will receive a £300 prize. 
3. Applicants must be from the African, African Caribbean or Latin American Diaspora.
4. Applicants must be over 18 years old.
5. The competition is open to applicants internationally.
6. The selection panel alongside representatives from Serendipity and independent industry leads will be responsible for choosing the winners. The organisers reserve the right to select different winners if those initially chosen do not confirm their participation within 7 days of notification.
7. Only one submission per applicant is allowed, if multiple submissions are made only the first will be accepted.
8. Entries received after the deadline will not be accepted.
9. Submissions should be final drafts, in prose and written in English as the main language (the use of dialects and other languages as a narrative device or in speech is allowed).
10. All short stories must be the entrants own original work, be 2,000 words or less and the story should be previously unpublished (this includes self-published).
11. For the purposes of this competition, the definition of short story is a work of self-contained prose fiction. Entries of poetry, scripts, non-fiction and essays are not eligible for this competition.
12. Writers will retain all copyright in your submission. Serendipity will retain publishing rights for the winning entries.
13. By entering this competition, you are agreeing that, if you win, your name, photograph and entry may be a) used for the purpose of announcing the winner and/or distributed to individuals who request details of the winner and/or b) in any related publicity by Serendipity and its partners, without additional payment or permission.
14. All data collected will be processed in accordance with privacy policies, available to view at serendipity-uk.com. By submitting your short story, you agree that Serendipity may share your submission with their affiliates for the purpose of reviewing it.
15. Serendipity will not be responsible unless required by law, for any loss, changes, costs or expenses, which may arise in connection with this competition and Serendipity can cancel or alter the competition at any stage.
16. Any dispute relating to the competition shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
17. Applicants will expect to hear a decision by June 2026.

Image Credit: African American soldier reading book, 1919.  He relaxes on the running board of a truck in St. Nazaire, France. (BSLOC_2012_4_157). The Everett Collection.