This winter, Spoken, Author Nation and Reader Nation invite writers everywhere to take part in a first-of-its-kind audiobook competition — one built around voice, connection, and the moments that make your story uniquely yours.
We’re not just looking for great short stories.
We’re looking for the story behind the story — why it mattered enough for you to make it.
What Makes This Contest Different?
This is a competition shaped around narration craft and personal storytelling.
Using Spoken Studio, narrate and submit a short audio work (Under 10,000 words) using single, multi-voice or duet digital narration. Record a brief author commentary in Studio explaining the spark—the personal truth behind it.
The Top 10 entries will be shared on Spoken’s YouTube channel, celebrated with motion graphic story trailers and Reader Nation voting!
Competition Details
Awards & Prizes
Top 10 Finalists
Elevated promotion & visibility:
- Professionally produced teaser
- YouTube ecosystem placement
- 100,000 Spoken credits
- Newsletter feature placement
- Winner Webinar panelist invite
Grand Prize Winner
The Full-Scale Launch Package:
- 100k words of narration
- YouTube audiobook production
- Cinematic book trailer
- Author Nation 2026 Ticket
- Reader Nation 2026 VIP Ticket
- Post-contest interview
- 1 Year Spoken Subscription
- Special Judge Recognition
Honorable Mentions
15 additional selections:
- Dedicated YouTube Story
- Reader Nation email feature
- Community recognition