The Tag Comics Story Prize
Write it. We'll draw it.
A free short story contest. The winning story becomes a real TAG Comics comic, drawn by our artists, and the top three stories share $1,500 in cash prizes.
Someone is chosen. Someone is marked. Someone is handed something they can't pass back.
Tell us what happens next. Your story must respond to the challenge "You're It," but how you take it is up to you: a game of tag that never ends, a prophecy, a curse, a job nobody else wants.
Write in any genre you like. We're looking for stories with strong characters and moments that would leap off a comic page.
$1,500 in cash. One story on the page.
Your story becomes a comic
- Adapted into a 16–20 page TAG Comics comic, drawn by our artists
- 10% of the comic's net revenue, for the life of the comic
- 5 print copies and full writer credit
- Published in the TAG Comics anthology
- Featured on the TAG Comics website
- TAG Comics store credit
- An original illustration of a scene from your story
A discount code for the TAG Comics store, emailed within 3 days and valid until March 31, 2027.
A person can win only one prize. Full prize terms are in the Official Rules.
Three steps to the page
Write
Write an original story of 1,000 to 2,500 words that answers the challenge "You're It."
Submit
Paste it into the form below by January 10, 2027. It's free, and you'll get your 15% discount code by email.
Get drawn
Our editors and artists pick the finalists and winners. The Grand Prize story becomes a TAG Comics comic.
Before you start
Mark your calendar
- Entries open
- Entries close, 11:59 p.m. ET
- Finalists announced
- Readers' Choice voting
- Winners announced
You keep your story
You own your work, always. Entering doesn't transfer your copyright. We only publish or adapt winning stories, and only with a signed agreement that pays you and credits you.
Questions
Does it cost anything?
No. Entry is free, and buying from our store does not affect judging.
Can I enter from outside the U.S.?
Yes, if you're 18 or older and contests like this are legal where you live. Countries under U.S. sanctions are excluded.
Can I submit fan fiction?
No. Stories must use characters and worlds you created.
Can I use AI?
Spell-check and grammar tools are fine. The story itself must be written by you.
I posted my story on my blog. Is it eligible?
No. Stories must be unpublished, including online on blogs, Wattpad, AO3 or social media.
Who are the judges?
A panel of TAG Comics editors and artists.
What makes a winning story?
Originality and a fresh take on the challenge, strong craft, memorable characters, and moments that would look amazing on a comic page. The full scoring is in the Official Rules.
How are prizes paid?
Cash prizes are paid in U.S. dollars by PayPal or bank transfer, whichever you prefer, within 30 days of signing your agreement.
Will you contact me if I don't win?
We'll email all entrants when finalists are announced. We may also reach out about paid writing work.
Something else?
Email storyprize@tagcomics.com.
Submit your story
Paste your full story into the form. You can only enter once, and entries can't be edited after you submit, so give it one last read first.
- 1,000 to 2,500 words
- Responds to "You're It"
- Closes January 10, 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET
Your story is in. Thank you!
We'll email your 15% discount code within 3 days. Finalists will be announced January 31, 2027.
Entries open November 1
The entry form opens at 12:00 a.m. ET on November 1, 2026. Start writing now, and come back to submit.
Entries closed January 10, 2027
Thank you to everyone who entered. Finalists will be announced January 31, 2027, and the winners on February 15.