Enter the Incredible Six Word Wonder Contest

Welcome to the 2026 Six Word Wonder Contest  

For sale: baby shoes, never worn.

She waved goodbye. The gallows creaked.

Destroy Roy, then deploy his decoy.

Win $100. Get published. Be remembered.

One will be crowned Six Word Wonder 2026.

Entry is free. All entries will be credited to you.

Over 30,000 entries submitted worldwide from past contests.

Enter up to five six-word stories, memoirs, poems, or jokes in this entry form.

By entering, you agree to the contest’s full terms and conditions.

Explore more six word stories

• Alliterative Six Word Stories
• Dark Six Word Stories
• Famous Six Word Stories
• For Sale Six Word Stories
• Funny Six Word Stories
• Horror Six Word Stories
• Quotation Six Word Stories
• Reddit Six Word Stories
• Romantic Six Word Stories
• Sad Six Word Stories
• Scary Six Word Stories
• Short Six Word Stories
• Six Word Memoirs
• Strange Six Word Stories
• Surprise Six Word Stories
• Twist Six Word Stories
• Wordplay Six Word Stories

Want to improve your chances of winning?

Here’s tips for writing a wonderful Six Word Wonder

1. Read as many Six Word Wonders as you can

The best way to improve is to read other Six Word Wonders.
Explore past entries and see what works.

Here’s 61 Six Word Wonders to help you get creative juices flowing.

You could even check out the Six Word Wonder book series – Six Word Wonder, Six Word Story, and Six Word Stories?

2. Pick a genre

A story, a joke, a poem, a memoir.
All are valid. Make yours land in six words

3. Edit ruthlessly

Six words leave no room for waste.
Try different words, different order, different punctuation.

4. Get a second opinion

A fresh pair of eyes can instantly improve a line.

5. Try different ideas

Don’t stop at one.
The best entries often come after a few attempts.

6. Check the basics

• Exactly six words
• Clear meaning
• Clean spelling and punctuation

7. Make it feel now

Stories that connect to today often stand out.

8. Use all your entries

You can submit five entries. Use them all.
Try variations. Take risks. Don’t waste them.

9. Count your words

Seriously. Six words only. Count them.

10. If in doubt, just enter

You can’t win if you don’t submit.
In previous contests, around 1 in 7 entrants were shortlisted.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Six Word Wonder Contest

What is a Six Word Wonder?

A Six Word Wonder is a story, memoir, poem, or joke, told in only six words.

What does the Six Word Wonder 2026 winner win?

The winner will be:

Named Six Word Wonder 2026

Published in a future Six Word Wonder series book.

Win a cash prize of $100

Shortlisted stories will also win the chance to be published in a future Six Word Wonder book series.

Does only the winner get published?

All shortlisted entries will be included in a future Six Word Wonder book.

Can I enter the contest 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 compose a Six Word Wonder

What are you looking for in a winning entry?

Great six word wonders.
Stories, poems, jokes, memoirs.
If it works in six words, it works.

Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and impact. They might be beautiful, surprising, clever, silly. What’s the most amazing thing you can do with six words?

How many entries?

You can enter up to five stories, poems, memoirs, or jokes.

Is it really free to enter?

Yes!

How is the prize money and hard work funded?

All the shortlisted entries will be published in a future Six Word Wonder book. If you like, you can buy the book. There’s no obligation. Some people enjoy it. The book sales pay for the prize money, hosting and some years the contest just about breaks even.

What is the aim of the Six Word Wonder Contest?

We run the contest to find great six word stories, poems, jokes, and memoirs. Of course, we really hope you fall in love with Six Word Wonders and want to read and write many more of them. 

Can I enter in a different language?

Entries must be in English.

If I win, when will my entry be published?

We can’t confirm dates yet, but shortlisted entries will be included in a future book.

Find out the most recent winners of the Six Word Wonder contest here.

Why do I have to agree to receive emails to enter?

So we can contact you if you’re shortlisted or win, and keep you updated on future contests. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Will my entry be credited to me?

Yes. Your entry will be credited using the name or pen name you provide.

Can I use strong language in my entry?

Keep it readable for a wide audience. Entries with very strong language may not be accepted.

Can I enter a story I have entered in a previous contest?

Yes. As long as it’s your original work and you own the rights.

Where can I read previous entries to the Six Word Wonder contest?

You can read over six hundred previous Six Word Wonder contest entries here.

You can read about the previous winners here.

Full Terms and Conditions of the Six Word Wonder Contest 2026

Please read these terms before entering. By submitting, you agree to these rules.

Eligibility

• Open 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 submission
• 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 entries will be disqualified

Copyright & Usage

• You retain copyright of your work
• By entering, you grant Six Word Wonder and Doug Weller the right to publish your entry in any format, including:
  • Website
  • Books
  • Social media
  • Promotional material
• No additional compensation will be provided beyond the stated prize
• AI-generated entries are not allowed
• Any use of AI may result in disqualification

Judging & Prize

• Entries will be judged by Doug Weller, or his delegates
• Judging is performed blind, and the judge’s decision is final
• The winner will receive:
  • $100 cash prize (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
  • with updates about future contests and publications
• You can unsubscribe at any time

Other

• Entries must be lawful in your country
• Friends and family of Doug Weller, or his delegates, may not enter
• The contest closes on 30 September 2026, midnight PST, unless extended
• Late entries may not be considered.

Want to explore more Six Word Wonders?

If you’re unsure and would like to learn more about Six Word Wonders, visit here.