Speculative Spectacular Fiction & Art Contest

The Society of Actuaries (SOA) Speculative Fiction Contest you know and love is back with new challenges and new prizes! This year we’ve introduced a Speculative Art Contest! The contest is proudly sponsored by the SOA Actuary of the Future Section and the Emerging Topics Community.

Contest overview:

The 15th Speculative Fiction Contest is the cornerstone of the Speculative Spectacular. Submit a narrative story that presents your vision for our actuarial future by March 15, 2023.

Entrants must submit a story in accordance with the following rules:

• The story must include some sort of actuarial topic.
• The story must not exceed 6,000 words.
• Entrants must use their real name on the story for submission and for publication (if selected) and may not use a nom de plume.
• Submissions must be in English.
• Stories may be submitted in Microsoft® Word or PDF format.
• Entrant must provide their name, phone number, email address, and the names and contact information for the co-authors, if applicable, on the entry form.
• Entries are limited to one story per person.
• By submitting a story, you are agreeing to provide the SOA with the right to publish your story, in accordance with Section 7(b).

* First Place Prize Package includes $400 + professional literary critique of your writing + actor read audio version of your story.

As in the past, all Speculative Fiction authors will receive words of advice from contest Judge Prof. Mielke!

The Speculative Art Contest is a chance to let your creativity run wild. This is for all written formats other than narrative fiction. Send us your poems, screenplays or comics. Alternatively, the contest is open to works of art. What does the future look like? What does it sound like? We want to see your visions expressed through photography, song, digital art, video or whatever media you feel inspired to produce. Turn in your submissions by March 15, 2023.

Entrants must submit in accordance with the following rules:

• Creative entries can take the form of (1) creative writing in all forms other than narrative fiction such as poetry, screenplays, comics, graphic stories, etc. and (2) art in any medium such as digital graphics, photography, painting, sketch, sculpture, videos music, etc.
• Videos and music are not to exceed three minutes.
• Written submissions must be in English and not exceed 3000 words.
• Entrants must use their real name on the submission form and any display.
• Written entries may be submitted in Microsoft® Word or PDF formats.
• Non-written entries must be submitted via a link (YouTube, SoundCloud, etc.) or as a document or photograph and must include a brief written description of 30-50 words.
• Entrant’s name, phone number, email address, and the names and contact information for any co-creators, if applicable, are required on the entry form.
• Entries are limited to one art submission per person.
• By submitting an entry, you are agreeing to provide the SOA with the right to publish, display, and reproduce your entry, in accordance with Section 7(b).

Submission period is now closed.

Terms and Conditions