THE AUTHOR’S LENS MAGAZINE

VIBE CHECK SHORT STORY CONTEST

Theme:

Love Hits Differently Until the Truth Comes Out

Everybody loves the highlight reel… until the truth starts talking.

The Author’s Lens Magazine is thrilled to announce our special short story submission window for the September/October 2026 issue. We are seeking electrifying, emotionally layered, high-stakes narratives that explore love, deception, betrayal, obsession, secrets, and the moments that change everything.

Whether your story unfolds through toxic romance, hidden truths, emotional chaos, or a relationship that looked perfect from the outside, we want stories that pull readers in and refuse to let them go.

Writers are asked to choose ONE of the prompts below:

Prompt Options

“Situationships & Red Flags”

Write a story where someone ignored the warning signs and paid the price.

“Love Looked Good Until…”

Write about a relationship that appeared perfect publicly but was unraveling privately.

“He Was Never Yours”

Write a story involving betrayal, overlapping relationships, emotional deception, or hidden truths.

Submission Guidelines

Word Count: 500–1500 words
Eligibility: Open to all writers regardless of publication history
Submission Limit: One story per writer
Deadline: October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST

We are looking for unforgettable storytelling, compelling characters, emotional tension, and endings that leave readers talking long after they finish the final sentence.

Selected stories may be featured in The Author’s Lens Magazine September/October 2026 issue and promoted across our digital platforms.

Formatting Requirements

All submissions must adhere to the following requirements:

Submissions must be submitted as a single Word document (.doc or .docx)
Stories must be double-spaced
PDF submissions will not be accepted
Use a standard, legible font such as Times New Roman or Arial, 12pt
Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides
Include your full name, email address, phone number, and the story’s exact word count on the first page

Email Subject Line:

TAL Submission – Love Hits Differently Until the Truth Comes Out

Reader Voting and Prize

Finalists will be announced on The Author’s Lens Magazine website, and readers will have the opportunity to vote for the best short story through an online poll.

Open Voting Polls:

November 6 – December 15, 2026

The winning author will have their story published in the January/February 2027 issue of The Author’s Lens Magazine and will receive the official Author’s Lens Magazine Gift Bag.

The Author’s Lens Gift Bag Includes:

Amazon Gift Card
Books
Bookmarks
Mug
Customized Ink Pen

This is your opportunity to make readers feel something.

Shock us. Pull us into the drama. Make us question everybody.

Most importantly… tell the truth, even when it’s messy.

Submit Your Story

There is an entry fee of $15

Email submissions to: theauthorslensmagazine@gmail.com

The truth always comes out. The question is: what happens when it does?

We look forward to reading your submissions!