Haunting Hooks 2026: “The Invitation” Edition
Go ahead…open it. From cryptic notes to ominous summons, take this invitation somewhere unexpected in Dictionary.com’s Haunting Hooks writing contest.
The Contest
We’re challenging you to write an original opening to a story about an invitation using 50 words or less.
Give us an opening we can’t refuse as your first lines must pull the reader in right away.
The Prizes
Judge’s Choice: The winning entry will be chosen by the founder of Horror Concierge, Kimberly Ramsawak, and announced on Halloween!
The winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card and Dictionary.com swag.
Fans’ Choice: October 15-October 27, vote on our website for your favorite entry. We’ll share a selection of haunting hooks and the author with the most votes will win a $50 Amazon gift card and Dictionary.com swag.
Honorable mentions will receive Dictionary.com swag.
Can you craft the most haunting hook?
Enter by Oct. 12…if you dare.
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Featuring guest judge Kimberly Ramsawak
Horror Concierge is a curated horror publication for fans who want more than another watchlist. Through movies, books, deep dives, and recommendations, founder Kimberly Ramsawak helps readers discover horror worth their time and think differently about the genre they love.
Love horror? Join thousands of fellow horror fans and subscribe to Horror Concierge free.
Judging criteria
Be original.
Who sent the invitation? What do they want? Leave us with just enough questions to make turning it down impossible.
Establish an atmosphere.
Your opening should set the scene and establish the atmosphere. Whether it’s spooky, funny, or outright horrifying, it needs to be vivid and memorable.
Make it captivating.
Hook the reader right away. You’ve only got 50 words to introduce your story and draw the reader into its world, so make every word count!
Submit your entry
Write an original opening about an invitation in 50 words or less. We’re looking for the *opening* of a story—the very beginning, as in its opening line or lines (not a whole story). The entry deadline is Oct. 12.
Only one entry per person. To be eligible, you must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and be 18 years of age or older. Read the official contest rules, terms, and conditions and click on the submission link below.
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