Return of the Macabre

After the spine-tingling success of last year’s competition—which drew 72 haunting submissions—YDL’s Horror Short Competition returns for 2025!

Once again, we invite brave souls to use two sentences to convey their most chilling tales. This deceptively simple format has proven its power to unsettle and unnerve, leaving readers with images that linger long after the final word. In 2024, Logan Corey won with the tale FIRST DATE.

Starting October 1, submit your two-sentence horror stories online or at a YDL branch. Throughout the month, vote for your favorites on
YDL’s social media platforms—Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky. The finalists will go head-to-head on October 29.

Our winner will be announced on Halloween and will join FIRST DATE in YDL’s horror hall of fame.

Submission guidelines