Entries in the Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award writing contest are being accepted through February 1, 2026. The submission window opened October 1. See rules and specifications at the site.

The annual competition honors speculative fiction that explores the positive aspects of space exploration and human progress.

The Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award is presented annually in conjunction with the National Space Society. The contest seeks original short stories that showcase innovative ideas, technological advances, and the spirit of exploration that will one day enable humanity to thrive beyond Earth. Past winners have seen their work published by Baen Books and have gone on to establish themselves in the science fiction community.

Submissions for the upcoming contest year opened October 1, and entries will be accepted until 12:01 a.m. Pacific on February 1, 2026. There is no entry fee.

• The GRAND PRIZE winner will be published as the featured story on the Baen Books main website and paid at the normal paying rates for professional story submittals, currently .08/word. The author will also receive an engraved award, free entry into the 2026 International Space Development Conference, and a year’s membership in the National Space Society.
• SECOND and THIRD place winners will receive free entry into the 2026 International Space Development Conference, a year’s membership in the National Space Society.

The winners will be announced and notified no later than March 22, 2026. The winners will be honored at the 2026 International Space Development Conference in Orlando, FL, USA, June 4-7, 2026.

[from a press release]