Write Hook is a weekly, fight-night–style writing contest. Writers square off head-to-head in knockout brackets, judged by their peers using a structured rubric. It’s a contest of skill. There are no chance elements.

Anyone aged 18+ who writes in English. The contest is open worldwide.

No. Winners are determined by peer judging against a rubric, not by chance.

€15 per entry.

You can enter more than one word-count division per week (100 / 250 / 500 / 1000). Only one entry per division per week.

Divisions are 100, 250, 500, and 1000 words. Stories come under the assigned word count. A story will be penalised -1 point per word over the limit on their scoring rubrics.

There is a submission form under the contest tab in the top menu bar. Remove any author-identifying information from the story.

AI writing tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Sudowrite) are not allowed for story generation. Grammar tools like Grammarly are fine.

No. Entries must be original works created specifically for the contest.

Peer judges from other concurrent groups. Judging is anonymous and uses an 8-category rubric (max 40 points).

Typically 5–8 stories from another contest group. You’ll receive up to two at a time and the judging will be spread over 3-4 weeks.

You’ll receive a −5 point penalty to your own entry for that round. Repeated missed judging may result in further sanctions.

Let the organisers know. We can reassign stories if needed to preserve fairness.

1) Most judges in favour → 2) Highest total score → 3) Category sequence (Prompt Adherence, Overall Impact, Plot & Structure, Originality & Creativity, Characterisation, Style & Voice, Pacing & Flow, Technical Accuracy) → 4) Organisers’ call.

Divisions are Bronze, Silver, and Gold. New entrants start in Bronze. After each contest: Top 5 move up, Bottom 5 move down. Divisions are word-count specific.

Each word count has a Champion who defends monthly. Champions are auto-entered for their defence; missing a defence vacates the title. Championship defences are free entry for the champion.

Championship €200 • Gold €170 • Silver €150 • Bronze €120. Plus End-of-Year awards and Deck of 52 bonuses.

Via Stripe Connect in Euro (€). Winners must complete Stripe onboarding within 90 days of notification.

No. Stripe Connect is the only payout method.

Weekly winners receive a virtual playing card. Build poker hands for rewards (free entries, cash, etc.). Hands reset annually.

Prompts release Friday evening; stories are due Monday 7:00 AM. Weeks 2–3 are judging rounds; Week 4 Friday, winners are revealed.

Missed submissions are disqualified; no refunds or credits are issued.

You retain full ownership. Winning stories may be showcased on our website, socials, or podcast with credit.

Refunds are available only before a contest begins. For bundles, refunds are only available before the first credit is used.

Yes, provided they’re not a potential judge that week (i.e., either not competing, or in your same group of 16).

All official communication goes to the email you provide at entry. Please keep it up to date and check regularly.