Intrepid Voices Fund 2026
Welcome, and thank you for considering the Intrepid Voices Fund! This year's theme is spooky speculative fiction — sci-fi, fantasy, and horror are all welcome. We're excited to read your story. Applications are open August 1 – September 6, 2026 (or until 90 eligible applications are received, whichever comes first).
Contact & Eligibility
Please provide your full name and email so we can contact you regarding your application. Make sure your email is active and checked regularly, as this will be our primary method for communicating updates and award notifications. The Intrepid Voices Fund is open to writers who are 18 years or older and currently residing in the United States. By completing this section, you confirm that you meet these requirements. Only eligible applicants will be considered for the award.
Full Name
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First Name
Last Name
Email Address
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example@example.com
Are you at least 18 years old as of the application deadline and a current resident of the United States?
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Yes
No
Submission
Please provide your short story here. Your short story should be your original work and align with this year's themes, in DOC or DOCX format, and within the specified word/page limit. All work must be entirely human-generated. Use of assistive technology for accessibility (such as dictation or screen readers) is permitted.
Short Story Title
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Upload Your Short Story
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Upload a File
Drag and drop files here
Choose a file
Title Format: shortstorytitle_yourname
Cancel
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Paid Feedback
Feedback isn't included as part of standard judging — you'll simply be notified via email whether your story advances at each stage. If you'd like individual feedback on your story, you can opt in below for $20 and receive approximately 250 words of written feedback from a judge, delivered between October 14 and November 21. This option has no effect on your story's judging, eligibility, or chances of advancing or winning. Proceeds go directly toward funding next year's Intrepid Voices Fund.
Would you like to opt into paid feedback?
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Yes, I'd like to add feedback for $20. If selected, we'll follow up with an invoice through Squarespace to complete payment. Feedback is only guaranteed once that invoice has been paid.
No, thanks!
Workshop
As part of the Intrepid Voices Fund, we're hosting a virtual workshop on November 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM PST. Three short stories will be workshopped live, with a judge leading discussion on each — highlighting what's working and offering constructive notes the writer can use. Whether or not your story is one of the three discussed, all applicants who opt in are welcome to attend and take part in the conversation.
Would you like to attend the November 21, 2026 workshop?
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Yes, I plan to attend the workshop on November 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM PST.
No, I will not be attending.
Would you like your 2026 Intrepid Voices Fund Short Story to be considered for live workshopping during the session?
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Yes, please consider my submission for live workshopping. If my story is selected, I consent to having my submission shared in full with other workshop participants for the purposes of this workshop.
No, I prefer to attend as a participant only.
This workshop will be recorded. Short clips (audio and/or video) may be used for Intrepid Voices Fund and Martel Enterprises marketing materials (e.g., website, social media, promotional content).
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I understand and consent to being recorded and potentially appearing in workshop-related marketing materials.
This will be a supportive, craft-focused workshop. We ask everyone to show up with kindness, curiosity, and respect for each writer’s work and lived experience.
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I agree to participate respectfully and follow the workshop’s community guidelines.
Consent & Acknowledgments
Please review the documents below and confirm your acknowledgement of each.
Please read the following documents
Official Rules
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Privacy Statement
Official Rules Acknowledgement
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I have read and agree to the Official Rules.
Privacy Statement Acknowledgement
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I have read and understand the Privacy Statement and consent to the collection and use of my personal information as described.
Submissions must be the applicant's own original writing. Use of AI tools (including but not limited to ChatGPT, Grammarly, or similar) is strictly prohibited in any part of the writing process, except as an accessibility accommodation (e.g., screen readers, dictation software). The Sponsor may disqualify any submission reasonably believed to violate this policy.
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I confirm this submission is entirely my own original work and complies with the AI Use Policy above.
Email Subscription
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Yes! I'd like to receive updates, news, and future opportunities from Martel Enterprises: Intrepid Imagination. This is optional and not required to apply. I may unsubscribe at any time.
No, thanks!
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