Best Serialized Story (BSS)

The Best Serialized Story (BSS) category awards narrative audio stories that unfold over multiple episodes, chapters, or installments that build on a larger narrative or concept — exactly how is open to the interpretation of the creator or creators.

There is one award in this category, honored with a unique physical award, and public recognition around the world. Third Coast also names Third Coast Finalists in this category, announced alongside the Winner.

Your last chance to enter the Impact category will be March 20, 2025 (Late Deadline). For a complete list of deadlines, see our Call for Entries homepage.

Full Category Description

The Best Serialized Story category was created in 2017 after the serialized format erupted in the narrative audio industry (as it continues to do!) There is not one type or style of Best Serialized Story entry. For some entries, each episode in the series may explicitly build on what came before to create a single cohesive narrative arc; another serialized story may contain more disparate or conceptually linked parts that reflect a broader narrative or concept, like an anthology or a collection. Also eligible are limited series or single seasons of ongoing shows that are thematically linked in some way, or a limited series from an ongoing show whose format may not usually be serialized.

2024-25 Eligibility Information

Length: Multiple episodes that, in combination, equal 75 minutes-15 hours
Publication: Must have been published between April 2, 2022 - March 20, 2025
Format: Multiple audio files (one per episode). All advertisements or sponsorship segments MUST be removed from the audio files — this includes previews for upcoming episodes of this or other shows.
Language: There are no language requirements for this category. If you are entering work in a non-English language, you must provide a translated transcript.

2024-25 Entry Rates

As always, our entry rates were most affordable the sooner you enter. Take advantage of the “We Need Third Coast” Flash Sale, offering the lowest rates of the season before December 17!

You can read the 2024-25 Third Coast Competition, check out our complete breakdown of sliding scale rates across all categories. As always, our rates are shaped by our Collective Pricing philosophy, which distributes cost according to entrants’ access to resources.

2024-25 Entry Checklist

Audio files (.mp3 preferred, .wav also accepted) WITH ALL ADS REMOVED
Total length of the series (Minutes:Seconds)
Link to a published version of the series
Full credits (host, producer, sound designer, editor, etc.)
Description/summary of the series (150 words or fewer preferred)
Transcript (optional for English-language series, required for non-English)

Best Serialized Story FAQ

How do I enter this category?

If your entry meets the eligibility requirements above, you may select “Best Serialized Story” on the entry form.

How do I know if my series is eligible for the Best Serialized Story category?

Ask yourself if the episodes in the series stand alone, and if they could be entered & judged separately even though they are on the same topic. If so, then the answer is no, and you should enter the strongest episodes or stories of your series into the Best Documentary category.

On the other hand, if your series is a single narrative, told over multiple parts, where each episode must be heard sequentially, then you should enter your series into the Best Serialized Story category. If you're still not sure, please write to us for clarification at competition@thirdcoastfestival.org.

Not all of my episodes have been published yet. Can I still enter?

As long as you meet the general eligibility requirements (the episodes will finish being released by March 20), then you may enter before all episodes have been published and follow up with us later to submit each entry.

Can I enter my submission for Best Serialized Story (BSS) to be judged for other award categories as well?

Yes. If you are entering the Best Serialized Story category, your entry is automatically considered for Directors’ Choice. It may also be eligible for Best New Artist, Impact and Best Documentary in a Non-English Language. To be considered for another award category such as Best Documentary, Best Documentary: Short, or Best News Feature, you may enter a single episode of your series if it meets the eligibility guidelines of that category. We recommend entering a single episode within a series if it would make sense to a first-time listener as a standalone piece. If you decide to enter an individual episode or episodes in addition to a complete series, we will judge it separately; you will need to enter this episode as a separate entry, fill out information for that episode separately, and pay the associated entry fee. The episode will then be judged as a standalone piece under whichever award category you have selected.

Why is this category priced differently than the other categories?

Our entry rates are based on an entry’s length of time, and how much labor is required to review each entry. Because of this, we’ve made entry rates for work between 75 minutes - 7 hours higher, and work between 7 hours - 15 hours even higher. If the cost is prohibitive to you, please contact us: competition@thirdcoastfestival.org