Redemption takes on profound significance in a world marked by pervasive damage. What can we cling to when humanity is so at odds with each other? Where can we find peace in those moments when it feels like the world is on fire?

We find solace in art, in creativity, and in each other. Our anchor becomes hope.

At its core, Redemption embodies the essence of second chances. Redemption is about looking at events or people that seem like lost causes and seeing beyond the darkness and the hopeless.

Artists not only look for hope, they provide it. They provide it through their work, holding a mirror to humanity and asking us to reflect on what we have done, and what we can do.

And as they create, they too feel defeated, they too feel exhausted, and they too look for second chances. For their works and for themselves.

We do our best to create a place for writers who have faced rejection of their work to give their work another opportunity for potential glory. The Redemption competition adheres to a singular rule: submissions must have been rejected elsewhere. We celebrate the resilient souls who, undeterred, brush off rejection and present their writing to us, ready to be assessed anew, ready for a second chance.

We hold in high esteem every writer bold enough to entrust us with their work. We read their work blindly, focusing only on the words, caring only about the plot, the characters, and the craft. We judge and we debate. And we arrive here, to this point. We admire the winners and those who are shortlisted of course, but we are inspired by them all. All those brave souls who reached out and attempted to seize one more chance, at redemption.

We thank you for your bravery.

From the Editors