Call for Short Stories Set in New Zagreb

Call for Short Stories Set in New Zagreb

Kliknite ovdje za informacije na hrvatskom – Click here for information in Croatian

We are preparing a new alternative guide to Novi Zagreb neighborhoods. The name of the book is The New Shore. It will contain several previously unpublished short stories inspired by New Zagreb, or taking place in New Zagreb.

Competition Guidelines

Submission deadline: September 1, 2026

Submitted works must not have been previously published
The maximum length is 15,000 characters including spaces
Manuscripts should be submitted as an attached .docx file
Formatting requirements: Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 line spacing
Along with the story, authors should include a short biography in the same document, written in the third person singular The biography should not exceed 100 words. Please highlight your literary achievements as well as your connection to New Zagreb, if applicable
Submissions should be sent by email to info@secret-zagreb.com.

We welcome submissions in all genres. Our aim is to portray Novi Zagreb as an intriguing and surprising place that can inspire events born of artistic imagination.

We accept submissions in fluent English, as well as Croatian, Bosnian, Montenegrin, and Serbian (written in the Latin script). We also accept submissions written in fluent English.

Cash prizes have been secured for the three best stories, which will be published in the book:

1st Prize: €200 gross
2nd Prize: €150 gross
3rd Prize: €100 gross

All authors whose stories are selected for publication in the book will receive a complimentary printed copy.

Useful Information

Authors will be notified of the competition results by September 30, 2026
Editorial revisions may be made to selected stories. By submitting your work to this competition, you agree to participate in the editorial process. Any editing will be carried out in collaboration with the author
The electronic edition is scheduled for publication in December 2026, while the printed edition is planned for the first half of 2027
Please do not use AI tools for inspiration or story creation. It is important to us that this book is created by people. The project already brings together a team of real-life creatives, and we would like the stories to reflect human imagination and experience
Please note that Novi Zagreb, or some part of it – a neighbourhood, building, landmark, detail, or location – should serve as the setting of the story. Beyond that, the choice is entirely yours. How you portray it, in what time period, with what imaginative additions and combinations, what you call it, and what happens there are all up to you. You have complete creative freedom
Although the primary purpose of this book is to serve as a tourist guide, we have chosen to include a literary section because we believe that art has the power to create atmosphere and evoke strong emotions, whether positive or negative, and to add a new layer of experience to a place. We look forward to the original perspectives your stories will bring.
Publisher: Secret Zagreb by Kazivačica d.o.o. Our previous publication: In the Footsteps of Secret Zagreb (2026).

Don’t Know Anything About Novi Zagreb? Join Our Tour

Every Saturday, we organise a brisk tour of Novi Zagreb. If you’re looking for inspiration, would like to learn more about the unique character of Novi Zagreb, or simply want to meet us, we’d love to have you join us!

Participating in the tour does not oblige you to submit a story, nor is attendance required for authors entering the competition.

Please, check the availability by clicking on this booking link. Your participation is free, but please let us know if you plan to attend by emailing booking@secret-zagreb.com, and include your intention to possibly participate in the competition.

Download the Novi Zagreb map for inspiration.