All shortlisted stories went to our editor, Julian Barr, for editing notes. These notes were sent back to all authors, who had two weeks to make any changes and re-submit. The final stories were then sent to our finalist judges, Mark Stay and Mark Desvaux.
8-11 SHORT LIST (In no order)
You are a Hero by Amelia Davis (Title changed for finals)
The Loyal Companion by Vinudi Bogahapitiya
Hugo by Nina Basu
Wilson by Phoebe Blunt
Neon Strings by Vaidehi Sankar
12-16 SHORT LIST (In no order)
The Wheelbarrow by Saadya Lebens
A Normandy Beach by Ellie Karlin
An Ode to the Vulture by Baker T. Beauregard
Sacrifice of Kuyili by Dharshwana Muralidharan
Equipping for a Brighter Future by Chloe Hyerin Suh