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12 Free Writing Contests to Enter This Fall (2024)
Calling all writers...
Looking for a chance to showcase your talent and get a little recognition? Look no further than these open writing contests!
Whether you're a seasoned wordsmith or just starting out, creative writing contests are a fantastic way to challenge yourself, receive constructive feedback, and connect with a community of writers.
Here are just a few writing competitions you can submit to this fall.
The Working Class Writers Grant
Since 2013, the Working Class Writers Grant has been awarded to speculative fiction writers who are working class, blue-collar, financially disadvantaged, or homeless, who have been historically underrepresented in speculative fiction due to financial barriers. Such lack of access might include an inability to purchase a computer, books, and tuition, or to attend conventions or workshops.
Deadline: Sept. 30, 2024
Prize: $1,000
Cullman Center Fellowships at New York Public Library
The Cullman Center’s Selection Committee awards 15 Fellowships to outstanding scholars and writers — academics, independent scholars, journalists, creative writers (novelists, playwrights, poets), translators, and visual artists — who would benefit from access to the research collections at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in New York City.
Prize: Stipend of $85,000, the use of an office with a computer, and full access to the library’s resources (may be asked to take part in other programs at The New York Public Library)
Deadline: Sept. 27, 2024
The Savage Science Fiction / Fantasy Writing Contest
The Mollie Savage Memorial Writing Contest (formerly Three Cheers and a Tiger) is a 48-hour short story writing contest that runs twice a year. All entries must be composed within the contest time frame, and follow the topic and word range announced at the contest start.
Prize: Winning stories are published in the December issue of the literary journal Toasted Cheese ; Amazon gift cards also awarded based on number of submissions
Time frame: Sept. 21-22, 2024
John Updike Tucson Casitas Fellowship
Prize provided by The John Updike Society to a writer of any genre — since Updike wrote in all genres. Since Updike was an artist as well, multimedia projects will also be considered.
Prize: $1,000 and a 2-week residency at the Mission Hill Casitas within the Skyline Country Club in Tucson, Arizona (casitas that John Updike owned and where he wrote during a part of each year between 2004-2009)
Deadline: Nov. 1, 2024
Story of the Year Contest
Storyshares is searching for compelling, diverse stories that are "easy to read and hard to put down."
Deadline: Jan. 13, 2025
Prize: $2,000-$4,000, depending on the category; plus, publication in the Storyshares library, which is currently serving tens of thousands of students in all 50 states and over 180 countries
Short Fiction
Substack's Short Story
Substack is on a mission to "revive the art of the short story, support artists, and produce something wonderful."
Prize: $100 + 50% of subscription revenue to be sent by Paypal, Zelle, or check
Deadline: End of each month
EveryWriter's Halloween Competition
This flash-fiction contest challenges writers to create a bone-chilling Halloween story in just 50 words!
Prize: $100
Deadline: Sept. 29, 2024
Iowa Short Fiction and John Simmons Short Fiction Awards
Annual prizes awarded to two collections of short stories by writers who have yet to publish a book-length volume of prose fiction. The manuscript must be a collection of short stories in English of at least 150 word-processed, double-spaced pages.
Prize: Publication by the University of Iowa Press and royalties
The Writers College Short Story Competition
Open to any writer (from any country) who is unpublished, or has been published fewer than four times. Submit a short story on the theme "It Didn’t Have to Be This Way."
Prize : NZ $1,000 and publication; second prize NZ $500 and publication.
Deadline : Sept. 30, 2024
Palette Poetry Rising Poet Prize
Open to poets without a full-length collection published at the time of submission
Prize: $3,000 and publication in online literary journal Palette Poetry
Deadline: Sept. 22, 2024
Changes Book Prize
Established in 2022, the prize is awarded to a first or second collection of poems. This year’s winning manuscript will be selected by poet Terrance Hayes.
Prize: $10,000 and publication, including a publishing contract, national distribution, extensive advertising and publicity, 50 copies of their book, and a launch event in NYC
Deadline: Oct. 1, 2024
Treehouse Climate Action Poem Prize
This prize is given to honor exceptional poems that help readers recognize the gravity of the vulnerable state of our environment.
Prize: First place receives $1,000; second place, $750; and third place, $500; plus publication in the popular Poem-a-Day series, which is distributed to 500,000+ readers.
Note: Before submitting to any writing contest, please carefully review the contest's rules and eligibility. These change regularly, so make sure to confirm that a contest has not instituted submission fees since this article was written.
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Best Non Fiction Writing Contests in 2024
Showing 98 contests that match your search.
Reader Views Literary Awards
Reader Views
Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, and Young Adult
The Reader Views Literary Awards program aims to honor independent authors and their self-published works. The awards are recognized industry-wide as a significant platform for independent authors.
Additional prizes:
Gold: $750 Silver: $350 Bronze: $150 sponsored awards including include marketing packages, interviews, and ads.
💰 Entry fee: $89
📅 Deadline: December 15, 2024
Mark Lynton History Prize
Columbia Journalism School
Genres: Non-fiction
The Mark Lynton History Prize, in the amount of $10,000, is awarded to a book-length work of history on any topic that best combines intellectual distinction with felicity of expression. Books must have been published in the United States between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.
💰 Entry fee: $75
📅 Deadline: December 07, 2023 (Expired)
IndieReader Discovery Awards
IndieReader
Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, and Novel
Where talented authors meet publishing professionals with the power to make a difference in the success of their books. Every author who enters a title in the IR Discovery Awards will receive a verdict, written by an IndieReader reviewer and based on their assessment after reading the complete book.
First look consideration by a top, NYC-based literary agency
$500, publicist consultation service, Reedsy credit, custom author website
💰 Entry fee: $150
📅 Deadline: February 14, 2024 (Expired)
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Hispanic Culture Review Contest 2022-2023
Hispanic Culture Review
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story, and Flash Fiction
As the Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano once said, "the best that the world has is in the many worlds that the world contains." Therefore, this year we invite you to reflect on the following questions: How do you or your community celebrate these connections? How do you value those experiences with those people who leave a mark on your life? 1 work will be awarded in each category: 1) photography & visual arts, 2) poetry, and 3) narrative/essay/academic investigation.
$100 for photography, poetry, and essay winners
Publication
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: February 01, 2023 (Expired)
The Book of the Year Awards
The Independent Author Network
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult, Crime, and Short Story
The 11th Annual IAN Book of the Year Awards is an international contest open to all authors, featuring 75 categories across fiction and non-fiction. Winners receive cash prizes and recognition.
Prizes for runners-up include cash awards of $1,000 for first place in each category, $500 for second, and $250 for third. Winners receive various awards, including digital seals and membership upgrades.
💰 Entry fee: $49
📅 Deadline: August 16, 2026
Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards
Cleveland Foundation
Genres: Novel, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, and Poetry
The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards recognize outstanding works that contribute to our understanding of racism and cultural diversity. Established in 1935 by Edith Anisfield Wolf, it remains the only American book prize focused on these themes.
Winners receive $10,000 and are honored at a ceremony in Cleveland.
📅 Deadline: December 31, 2024
Stories of Inspiration
Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc
Genres: Essay and Non-fiction
The Stories of Inspiration contest invites nonfiction essays (500-1200 words) that highlight resilience in marginalized communities. Selected entries will be published quarterly in Kinsman Quarterly's magazine, with winners receiving a cash prize and publication.
Publication in Kinsman Quarterly's online magazine
Geminga: $250 for Tiny Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, or Art
Sunspot Lit
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, Short Story, and Novella
Geminga is a neutron star so small it was difficult to detect. With Geminga: $500 for Tiny Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, or Art, Sunspot Lit honors the power of the small. No restrictions on theme or category. Word limit is 100 for fiction and nonfiction. Micropoetry is limited to 140 characters. Graphic novels should be 4 pages or less.
Publication in digital and print
💰 Entry fee: $12
📅 Deadline: January 31, 2024 (Expired)
Gulf Coast Writers Association Writing Contest
Gulf Coast Writers Association
Genres: Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry
The Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA) organizes an annual writing contest to celebrate and recognize talented writers across various genres. Participants can submit original works in Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry. The contest promotes writers' creativity and provides valuable feedback from experienced judges.
Second place: $75 Third place: $50 For each category
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2024 (Expired)
Writing MAGIC
Sadie Tells Stories
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, and Young Adult
The Writing MAGIC contest invites authors to write a short story under 500 words about anything magical. Open to all age groups, stories can be fiction or non-fiction. The contest aims to celebrate creativity and share magical experiences.
Second place: $150
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: April 01, 2024 (Expired)
Flying South
Genres: Non-fiction, Poetry, and Short Story
The Flying South contest invites submissions in three categories: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Poetry. Each entry should be original and previously unpublished. Winners are awarded cash prizes, and all finalists are published in the annual issue.
2nd Place: $200 3rd Place: $100 All finalists receive one copy of the current issue.
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024 (Expired)
Young Sports Journalist 2024
The competition seeks articles from aspiring journalists aged 14-21. Winning entries will be published in Pitch Magazine and critiqued by a panel of judges. Winners receive a £50 cash prize and work experience.
Publication in magazine and online, work experience at Pitch Magazine.
📅 Deadline: April 12, 2024 (Expired)
North Street Book Prize
Winning Writers
Genres: Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry, Children's, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, and Young Adult
Submit a self-published or hybrid-published book, up to 200,000 words in length. One grand prize winner will receive $10,000, a marketing analysis and one-hour phone consultation with Carolyn Howard-Johnson, a $300 credit at BookBaby, three months of Plus service (a $207 value) and a $500 account credit from Book Award Pro, and 3 free ads in the Winning Writers newsletter (a $525 value)
$1,000 for top winner in each category | $300 for honorable mentions
📅 Deadline: May 01, 2024 (Expired)
Claymore Award
Killer Nashville
Genres: Mystery, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story, Suspense, and Thriller
The Claymore Award is an annual writing contest aimed at helping new and rebranding authors get published. It seeks the best first 50 pages of unpublished manuscripts, plays, or screenplays, focusing on genres like mystery, thriller, and action. Winners are announced at the annual Killer Nashville Awards Dinner, which is open to the public and media. The award was created in 2009 and aims to facilitate recognition for writers.
Recognition and potential agent representation
💰 Entry fee: $50
📅 Deadline: April 01, 2025
A Very Short Story Contest
Gotham Writers Workshop
Genres: Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Non-fiction, and Short Story
Participants write a short story using ten words or fewer, inspired by the famous six-word story attributed to Hemingway. The submission must be original and unpublished, with entries judged based on originality and quality.
Winning entry receives a free Gotham class of their choosing (excluding premium classes).
SFWP Literary Awards
Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, Novel, and Novella
We are seeking fiction and creative nonfiction of every genre. The contest is open to authors who have not been published by a major press. We publish in English, but the contest is open to writers from anywhere in the world. The early-bird entry fee (December 15th-February 15th) will be $25.
Two runner ups will be selected, each receiving $700.
💰 Entry fee: $30
📅 Deadline: July 15, 2022 (Expired)
Creative Nonfiction Prize
Indiana Review
Genres: Essay, Fiction, and Non-fiction
The Creative Nonfiction Prize is held annually by Indiana Review, which also publishes various genres including poetry and fiction. It features a $20 entry fee, which includes a subscription to the journal. All entries are considered for publication.
Publication in Indiana Review
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2024 (Expired)
Lazuli Literary Group Writing Contest
Lazuli Literary Group
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Poetry, Short Story, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Novella, and Script Writing
We are not concerned with genre distinctions. Send us the best you have; we want only for it to be thoughtful, intelligent, and beautiful. We want art that grows in complexity upon each visitation; we enjoy ornate, cerebral, and voluptuous phrases executed with thematic intent.
Publication in "AZURE: A Journal of Literary Thought"
📅 Deadline: September 24, 2024 (Expired)
The Lascaux Prize in Creative Nonfiction
Lascuax Review
Creative nonfiction may include memoirs, chronicles, personal essays, humorous perspectives, literary journalism—anything the author has witnessed, experienced, or discovered. Pieces may be previously published or unpublished, and simultaneous submissions are accepted. Winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review.
📅 Deadline: September 30, 2024 (Expired)
Wild Atlantic Writing Awards (WAWA)
Ireland Writing Retreat
Genres: Flash Fiction and Non-fiction
The 9th edition of the WAWA invites entries in flash fiction and creative nonfiction based on the theme of 'danger'. Stories should not exceed 500 words and must not include the word 'danger' in the title or text. Winners will be announced in September 2024.
Winner can choose either 500 euro or a voucher worth 1,000 euro for any writing retreat in 2024 or 2025. Top ten stories in each category will be published on the Ireland Writing Retreat website
📅 Deadline: July 28, 2024 (Expired)
Crossings Travel Writing Competition
Intrepid Times
Genres: Non-fiction, Short Story, and Travel
The competition invites writers to explore the theme of 'crossings' through original, factual, first-person travel stories. Entries must be between 1200 and 2000 words and should depict a personal travel experience that embodies the theme.
The winner's story will be published on Intrepid Times. Up to five shortlisted entries will also be published under standard terms.
📅 Deadline: April 30, 2024 (Expired)
Great American Think-Off
New York Mills Regional Cultural Center
The Great American Think-Off is an annual philosophical essay contest that invites participants to submit essays on significant questions of life. The contest culminates in a live debate where finalists present their arguments, and the audience votes on the best perspective.
Four cash prizes of $500 each for finalists.
Rigel 2024: $500 for Prose, Poetry, Art, or Graphic Novel
Sunspot Literary Journal
Genres: Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, and Short Story
The Rigel 2024 writing contest invites submissions in various formats, including prose, poetry, art, and graphic novels, with a focus on creative expression across genres. The contest aims to support diverse voices and original works.
Runners-up and finalists are offered publication
📅 Deadline: October 01, 2024 (Expired)
South Warwickshire Literary Festival Writing Competition
South Warwickshire Literary Festival
Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, and Short Story
The SWLF Writing Competition invites entries in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, with a word limit of 800 for prose and 40 lines for poetry.
Up to two commended pieces may be invited to read at a literary festival.
💰 Entry fee: $4
📅 Deadline: March 29, 2024 (Expired)
Military Anthology: Partnerships, the Untold Story
Armed Services Arts Partnership
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry, and Short Story
Partners are an integral aspect of military life, at home and afar, during deployment and after homecoming. Partnerships drive military action and extend beyond being a battle buddy, wingman, or crew member. Some are planned while others arise entirely unexpectedly. Spouses, family, old or new friends, community, faith leaders, and medical specialists all support the military community. Despite their importance, the stories of these partnerships often go untold. This anthology aims to correct that: We will highlight the nuances, surprises, joy, sorrow, heroism, tears, healing power, and ache of partnerships. We invite you to submit the story about partnerships from your journey, so we can help tell it.
$500 Editors' Choice award
$250 for each genre category (prose, poetry, visual art)
📅 Deadline: March 01, 2024 (Expired)
Stories Through The Ages - Baby Boomer Plus
Stories Through The Ages
Genres: Short Story, Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Non-fiction
Stories Through The Ages - Baby Boomers Plus 2023 is open to people born 1966 or earlier. The deadline for entries is June 15, 2023. There is no prompt for the contest. Authors may write about any topic. The entry fee is $20 ($15 if submitting more than one story). The word count for this contest is 900 - 5000 words. Cash prizes of $500, $200 and $100 will be awarded. There will be a minimum of 15 finalists whose story will appear in the book.
2nd: $200 | 3rd: $100
📅 Deadline: June 15, 2024 (Expired)
The Pinch Literary Awards & Page Prize
The Pinch Literary Journal
Genres: Fiction, Poetry, Short Story, and Non-fiction
The 2023 Pinch Literary Awards accepts poetry and fiction. The 2023 Page Prize accepts non-fiction.
$2000 for poetry & fiction winners
$1000 for Page Prize winner
📅 Deadline: February 29, 2024 (Expired)
Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition
Writer's Digest
Enter our 91st Annual Writing Competition for the chance to have your work be seen by editors and agents! Almost 500 winners will be chosen. The top winning entries of this writing contest will also be on display in the Annual Writer’s Digest Competition Collection. [$20 for a poetry entry, $30 for a manuscript entry]
2nd: $500 | 3rd: $100
📅 Deadline: May 06, 2024 (Expired)
Literary and Photographic Contest 2023-2024
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, and Poetry
The contest invites submissions under the theme '¡Hacia adelante!' focusing on resilience and cultural celebration. Categories include photography, poetry, and narrative/essay/academic investigation. Winning works will be published and recognized.
Certificate of recognition and Publication in magazine
📅 Deadline: February 21, 2024 (Expired)
Fish Short Memoir Prize
Fish Publishing
Genres: Memoir, Non-fiction, and Short Story
Everyone has a memoir in them. Go for it! Write a piece of your life, send it to Fish. Qian Julie Wang, author of her memoir Beautiful Country, will select 10 short memoirs to be published in the Fish Anthology 2022, which will be launched during the West Cork Literary Festival.
2nd: Writing Course (online) + €300 | 3rd: €300
💰 Entry fee: $18
ReadWrite Strategies Funny Workplace Anthology Contest
ReadWrite Strategies
Genres: Humor and Non-fiction
This contest invites submissions of humorous stories centered around workplace experiences. It aims to compile an anthology that reflects the lighter side of work life.
2nd: 200 and print copy | 3rd, 4th, & 5th: $100 and print copy
📅 Deadline: December 18, 2023 (Expired)
Narratively 2023 Memoir Prize
Narratively
Genres: Essay, Humor, Memoir, and Non-fiction
Narratively is currently accepting submissions for their 2023 Memoir Prize. They are looking for revealing and emotional first-person nonfiction narratives from unique and overlooked points of view. The guest judge is New York Times bestselling memoirist Stephanie Land.
$1,000 and publication
📅 Deadline: November 30, 2023 (Expired)
Work-In-Progress (WIP) Contest
Unleash Press
Genres: Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Science Fiction, Science Writing, and Young Adult
The WIP Contest supports writers by allowing submissions of work that is in progress. It emphasizes on creative development and offers a platform for emerging voices.
Coaching, interview, and editorial support
💰 Entry fee: $35
📅 Deadline: December 01, 2024
First Pages Prize
Genres: Fiction and Non-fiction
The First Pages Prize is an annual writing contest dedicated to emerging writers. It encourages submissions of the first five pages (up to 1,250 words) of a longer work in fiction or creative nonfiction. The contest aims to discover and promote new voices in literature.
2nd Prize: $1500 3rd Prize: $1000 Mentorship and agent consultation. The Sandra Carpenter Prize for a female identifying American writer in creative nonfiction.
📅 Deadline: April 24, 2024 (Expired)
Vocal Challenges
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, and Short Story
Enter themed storytelling contests to put your creativity to the test and be in with a chance of winning cash prizes and more. To submit, you'll need to sign up for a monthly fee of $9.99, or $4.99/month for 3 months.
$1,000 — $5,000
📅 Deadline: March 07, 2024 (Expired)
Related Resources:
- Nonfiction: 24 Genres and Types of Fact-Based Books (blog post)
- Outlining a Nonfiction Book: 3 Steps to Success (blog post)
- How to Write a Nonfiction Book in 6 Steps (blog post)
- How to Publish a Nonfiction Book: Land a Book Deal in 5 Steps (blog post)
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Your Ultimate Guide to Writing Contests for 2024 / 2025
Because you just never know....
I first published a writing competition guide in 2022 and it was so popular, I've updated it for 2024 for this week's blog post. If you're a planner like me, I love outlining my year ahead, not just in term of writing goals but also for literary events, writing competitions, authors I'd like to meet and so on. (Yes, I know we're only in September but what can I say...I love having stuff to look forward to!)
Writing competitions are an incredible opportunity to get your work in front of industry professionals so in this week’s blog post I’ve curated a list of contests - most of which are an international competition - that you may want to consider as part of your author journey.
In fact you may (or may not) know that my own author career started as a result of winning a writing competition in 2016 which led to a 3-book deal. While it can be nerve-wracking to submit your work, the benefits far outweigh any discomfort, helping you understand where you need to improve, who the competition is, and what the publishing industry is looking for.
If you win, there’s often a cash prize along with the prestige that comes from winning first place. However, even if you're not a grand prize winner taking home prize money, coming in second place, third place, or having an honorable mention in a literary magazine is a fantastic confidence boost. Imagine how good it would feel to share your winning story on social media!
So if you’re serious about your writing and becoming a published author , check out my round up of upcoming writing competitions, many of which have submissions open now . As many of you are from all around the world these are not just United States based; the majority of these are open to international entries .
While this blog mainly focuses on adults entrants, for writing contests for college students, high school students, and young writers , I would suggest looking at the New York Times student contest calendar . There are lots of student writing contests to choose from, many of which are open to young people all around the world and they cover lots of submission types including personal essay contests, short story competitions, science fiction, letters, flash fiction, diary entries, songs, raps, and even visuals such as graphic novels and illustrations. Check out this link to see which might work best. The competitions covered below mainly focus on a work of fiction although in some cases you can compete with non-fiction or a poetry collection. Most writing contests require unpublished work and I'm sure I don't need to add that it must be your original work! When reviewing these competitions, please do check the terms and conditions carefully , focusing on requirements such as word count, minimum and maximum length, and what contact information should be added and where it should be included (usually, judges of an annual contest prefer to read submissions anonymously.) I've added entry fees in local currency and there are often options for fee reductions depending on your circumstances.
1. The Commonwealth Short Story Prize
Prize : There will be five winners, one from each region (Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, Caribbean, Pacific).
The overall winner will receive £5,000 and the remaining four regional winners £2,500.
Entry fee : Free
Submission Opening: September 1, 2024
About : The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is an annual award for unpublished short fiction administered and funded by the Commonwealth Foundation . The story should be adult fiction and entrants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country . Submissions are accepted in English, Bengali, Chinese, Creole, English, French, Greek, Malay, Maltese, Portuguese, Samoan, Swahili, Tamil, and Turkish.
2. Writer's Digest Annual Fiction Competition
Prize : $5,000 in cash. There are also cash prizes for second, third, and fourth places.
Entry fee : Early-Bird $30, Final $35
Final Deadline: June, 3, 2024
About : Writer’s Digest has been shining a spotlight on up-and-coming writers in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for over 90 years. Enter the 93rd Annual Writing Competition for your chance to win and have your work be seen by editors and agents. Almost 500 winners will be chosen.
3 . Unleash Work-In-Progress
Prize : $500 to supplement costs to aid in the completion of a book-length work of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry
Entry fee : $35
Deadline : July 15, 2024
About : The Unleash WIP Award offers writers holistic support to aid a book-length work of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or hybrid. Writers will receive editorial feedback, a coaching call, $500 US, and an excerpt/interview feature in Unleash Lit. This contest is designed to support writers who are just starting or have been toiling away but need a little boost to keep going. The Unleash Board of Directors will select the winner.
4 . First Novel Prize
Prize : 1st place: £1000, Shortlist Prize: £500
Entry fee : £25
Deadline : Submissions open May 31, 2024
About : The First Novel Prize aims to discover a powerful new voice in fiction writing, across the English language world. Prizes are available for unpublished or independently published novelists. The submission should be over 50,000 words and of an adult genre.
5. The Caledonia Novel Award
Prize : £1,500 top prize; £500 for Highly Commended novel; free place on a writing course at Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre for the writer of the best novel from the UK and Ireland.
Entry Fee : £28
Deadline : October 15, 2024
About : In its 11th year of competition, this Edinburgh-based, international award for unpublished and self-published novelists in all genres for adults and YA. This year's judge is Alice Lutyens, literary agent at Curtis Brown. Entrants should send their first 20 pages plus 200-word synopsis.
6 . The Disquiet Prize
Prize : a full scholarship, accommodation, and travel stipend to attend the tenth annual DISQUIET International Literary Program in Lisbon (June 23-July 5, 2024). Genre winners will receive a tuition waiver for DISQUIET 2024 in addition to publication. Winners who are unable to attend the progam in Lisbon may elect to receive a $1000 cash prize in lieu of the tuition waiver.
Submission opening : September, 2024
Entry fee : $15
About : The DISQUIET Prize is open for submissions in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.
As more annual awards are announced, I will add the details to this post so do check back occasionally and in the meantime, I would urge you to work on your unpublished manuscript - you just never know, your idea could be a winning entry and lead you to becoming one of the many published authors who have cemented their writing career this way.
Best of luck!
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Essay Writing Contests: The Ultimate List of 2024
Did you know that the very first recorded essay contest can be traced back to the early 16th century, initiated by none other than the renowned philosopher and essayist Michel de Montaigne? In 1580, Montaigne published his collection of essays titled 'Essais,' which not only marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the essay as a literary form but also contained an implicit challenge to his readers. He encouraged them to engage with his ideas and respond by writing their own essays, essentially laying the groundwork for what we now recognize as essay contests.
Fast forward to the vibrant year of 2024, and this tradition of writing competitions has evolved into a global phenomenon, offering emerging writers from all walks of life a captivating platform to share their thoughts, emotions, and narratives with the world.
In this article, our essay writer will review essay writing contests, presenting you with an exclusive selection of the most promising opportunities for the year ahead. Each of these competitions not only provides a stage to demonstrate your writing prowess but also offers a unique avenue for personal growth, self-expression, and intellectual exploration, all while competing for impressive writing awards and well-deserved recognition.
Top Essay Writing Contests in 2024
If you enjoy expressing your thoughts and ideas through writing, you're in for a treat. Essay writing competitions in 2024 offer you a chance to do just that and win some great prizes in the process. We've put together a list of contests specially designed for students like you. These contests cover various interesting essay topics , giving you a unique opportunity to showcase your writing skills and potentially earn cash prizes or scholarships. So, let's jump right into these fantastic opportunities.
2024 International Literary Prize by Hammond House Publishing
The 2024 Writing Competition beckons writers with over £3000 in cash prizes, publication opportunities in anthologies, and a chance to participate in a televised Award Ceremony. Sponsored by the University Centre Grimsby, this annual contest, now in its eighth year, draws entries from approximately 30 countries worldwide. Entrants can vie for prizes across four categories, gaining exposure at the televised award ceremony and receiving expert feedback at the annual literary festival.
And if you're determined to learn how to overcome writer's block for this contest, we have a wealth of expert tips and strategies to guide you through the process!
Deadline: 30th September 2024
- 1st Prize: £1000
- 2nd Prize: £100
- 3rd Prize: £50
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International Voices in Creative Nonfiction Competition by Vine Leaves Press
Vine Leaves Press welcomes writers worldwide, prioritizing voices from marginalized communities such as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities, among others. Submissions, which must be in English and previously unpublished, are accepted from February 1, 2024, until July 1, 2024. Manuscripts can be either narrative (50,000 – 80,000 words) or experimental (at least 100 pages), adhering to specific formatting guidelines, including anonymity to ensure impartial judging. Each submission requires a $25 entry fee via Submittable, and multiple entries are allowed. Entries will be judged based on originality, creativity, writing quality, and adherence to genre, with finalists announced in October 2024, shortlisted in January 2025, and winners in March 2025.
Deadline: July 01, 2024
- The winner will receive a cash prize of $1000.
- Publication of the winning manuscript will occur in 2026 by Vine Leaves Press.
- Runners-up will also be considered for publication.
Solas Awards by Best Travel Writing
The Solas Awards, continuing a tradition since 1993, celebrate travel stories that inspire. They're looking for engaging tales that capture the essence of exploration, whether funny, enlightening, or adventurous. Winners may get published and join a community of fellow storytellers. Entries in essay, non-fiction, and travel genres are welcome with a $25 submission fee.
Deadline: September 21, 2024
- $1,000 Gold
- $750 Silver
- $500 Bronze
Vocal Challenges by Creatd
Vocal, in partnership with Voices in Minor (ViM), announces a creator-led challenge in celebration of International Women's Day, open to all Vocal creators. Participants are invited to write a 600-800 word piece about a woman who has inspired them for International Women's Day in the Year of the Dragon 2024. Submissions must adhere to specific length criteria and can be of any genre or format. Vocal will review entries and create a shortlist, from which ViM will select two co-grand prize winners and ten runners-up.
Deadline: Mar 12, 2024
- 2 Co-Grand Prizes: $200
- 10 Runners-up: $20
Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition 2024
The Re:think Essay Competition welcomes students aged 14 to 18 worldwide to participate in crafting essays under 2000 words, following MLA 8 citation style, with submissions undergoing plagiarism and AI checks. Essay prompts cover diverse themes, such as the role of women in STEM , provided by distinguished professors from prestigious institutions like Harvard, Brown, UC Berkeley, Cambridge, Oxford, and MIT. To maintain anonymity during review, submissions should be in PDF format without personal details.
Deadline : 10th May, 2024
- Gold: $150 cash, $500 CCIR scholarship, digital certificate, interview, Cambridge invite.
- Silver: $100 cash, $300 CCIR scholarship, digital certificate, interview, Cambridge invite.
- Bronze: $50 cash, $200 CCIR scholarship, digital certificate, interview, Cambridge invite.
The Hudson Prize by Black Lawrence Press
Each year, Black Lawrence Press presents The Hudson Prize, inviting submissions for an unpublished collection of poems or prose. This competition is open to writers at all stages of their careers, offering the winner book publication, a $1,000 cash prize, and ten copies of the published book. Entries are read blind by a panel of editors, requiring manuscripts to adhere to specific formatting guidelines, including pagination and font choice. Poetry manuscripts should be 45-95 pages, while prose manuscripts should range from 120-280 pages.
Deadline : March 31, 2024
- Top prize $1,000
Irene Adler Prize by Lucas Ackroyd
Introducing The Irene Adler Prize essay writing contest, offering a $1,000 US scholarship to the winner, with up to two $250 awards for honorable mentions. Open to women pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degrees in journalism, creative writing, or literature worldwide, regardless of age. Unlike previous years, this year's competition welcomes applicants from any country. The application period runs from January 30, 2024, to May 30, 2024, with no late submissions accepted. Each application requires a 500-word essay on one of five provided prompts and a completed entry form, both submitted via email.
Deadline : May 30, 2024
- 2x honorable mentions: $250
100 Word Writing Contest by Tadpole Press
With a doubled first-place prize of $2,000 USD, participants are invited from all corners of the globe, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. Pen names are accepted, and winning entries will be published under those names. Previously published pieces are also welcome, with no restrictions. Any genre is accepted, with the theme centered around creativity. Each entry must be 100 words or less, including the title.
Deadline : April 30, 2024
- 1st place: $2,000 USD.
- 2nd place: Writing coaching package valued at $450 USD.
- 3rd place: Developmental and diversity editing package valued at $250 USD.
African Diaspora Awards 2024 by Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc
The African Diaspora Award 2024 seeks original works from Afro-descendants, including short stories, flash fiction, essays, poetry, or visual art. Winners can earn up to $1000 USD and publication in Kinsman Quarterly and "Black Butterfly: Voices of the African Diaspora." Submissions reflecting cultural themes are due by June 30, 2024. Authors retain copyrights, and entrants must be 18 or older. No plagiarism is allowed, and Kinsman Quarterly employees cannot enter. Various genres are accepted with specific word count limits.
Deadline : June 30, 2024
- Grand Prize: $1000 cash and publication in Kinsman Quarterly & anthology.
- 1st Runner Up: $300 cash and publication
- 2nd Runner Up: $200 cash and publication
- 3rd Runner Up: $50 cash and publication
- Top 6 Finalists: $25 Amazon gift card and publication
- 6 Honorary Mentions: Publication in Kinsman Quarterly & anthology.
Work-In-Progress (WIP) Contest by Unleash Press
The Unleash WIP Award 2024 offers $500, feedback, coaching, and a feature in Unleash Lit to help writers with their book projects in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. All writers can apply. So, if you're looking for resources like free Harvard online courses to hone your writing skills, consider entering this competition. Submissions of the first 25 pages and answers to questions are due by July 15, 2024. Multiple entries are okay, but follow the rules, especially keeping your submission anonymous. Unleash also welcomes previously self-published works.
Deadline : July 15, 2024
- Top prize: $500
- Additional prizes: Coaching, interview, and editorial support
Aurora Polaris Creative Nonfiction Award by Trio House Press
Open to all writers, the poetry manuscripts should be 48-70 pages, and the prose manuscripts should be up to 80,000 words. Submissions must be from U.S. residents and must be original works. AI-generated submissions and translations are not eligible. Manuscripts should be sent as a single Word doc. or docx. file with no identifying information, and a cover letter with bio and contact details should be uploaded separately.
Deadline: May 15, 2024
- $1,000, publication, and 20 books
Poetry & Spoken Word Competition 2024 by Write the World
Young writers aged 13 to 19.5 are invited to enter this upcoming competition, with submissions of 50 to 500 words. Inspired by Audrey Lorde's words and the power of poetry, participants are encouraged to craft original poems or spoken word pieces advocating for change and self-expression. Winners, including top prizes for written and recorded performances, will be announced on June 14. Malika Booker, a renowned British poet, serves as the guest judge. To enter, writers should sign up on Write the World, respond to the prompt, and submit their final entries before the deadline.
Deadline : May 27, 2024
- Best entry: $100
- Best Peer Review: $50
Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award
The Killer Nashville essay writing contests seek to uncover new talent and recognize outstanding works by established authors, aiming to introduce their works to a broader audience. With numerous fiction and non-fiction categories available, writers have the opportunity to showcase their talent across a wide range of genres. The top prize includes a $250 award, and entry requires a fee of $79. Genres eligible for entry encompass crime, essay, fantasy, fiction, humor, memoir, mystery, non-fiction, novel, poetry, science fiction, script writing, short story, and thriller.
Deadline : June 15, 2024
- Top prize: $250
Journalism Competition 2024 by Write the World
In this upcoming competition, young writers aged 13 to 19.5 are invited to participate, with entries ranging from 400 to 1000 words. Participants are tasked with exploring and reporting on significant events within their own country, fostering a deeper understanding of local issues. Optional draft submissions for expert review are available until July 8, with feedback returned to writers by July 12. Winners will be announced on August 9. To enter, writers must sign up for a free account on Write the World, respond to the prompt, and submit their final entries before the deadline.
Deadline : July 22, 2024
National Essay Contest by U.S. Institute of Peace
This year, AFSA is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the United States Foreign Service. They've been involved in important events throughout history, like making decisions about war and peace, supporting human rights, and responding to disasters. Now, AFSA wants students to think about the future of diplomacy. They're asking students to imagine how diplomats can adapt to the changing world and its challenges. It's a chance for students to explore how diplomacy can continue to make a difference in the world.
Deadline : April 01, 2024
- Top prize: $2,500
- Additional prizes: Runner-up: $1,250
In 2023, the world of writing competitions offers a diverse tapestry of opportunities for writers across the globe. From exploring the depths of nature to delving into the mysteries of microfiction, these competitions beckon with enticing prizes and platforms for your creative voice. So, pick your favorite, sharpen your pen, and embark on a journey of literary excellence!
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Your Ultimate Guide to Writing Contests Through 2024
Regardless where you are on your writing journey, you can benefit from entering contests.
The right contest can tell you:
- Where you stand
- How you measure up against the competition
- What you still need to learn
And you could win cash.
That’s why my team researched a wide range of high-quality contests. We’ve included free competitions and also many with modest entry fees.
- Short Story Writing Contests
- Full Manuscript Writing Contests
- Poetry Writing Contests
Great American Fiction Contest
Prize: 1st: $1,000, publication in The Saturday Evening Post
Runners-up (5): $200
Entry Fee: $10
Deadline: TBD 2024 (Annual Contest)
Sponsor: The Saturday Evening Post
From Website: “Unpublished short stories of 1,500 to 5,000 words in any genre touching on the publication’s mission, “Celebrating America—past, present, and future.” No extreme profanity or graphic sex. Work published on a personal website or blog is still eligible.”
SiWC Writing Contest
Prize: 1st: $1,000 plus publication
Honorable Mention: $150
Entry Fee: $15
Deadline: September 15, 2024
Sponsor: Surrey International Writers’ Conference
From Website: “Short stories in any genre must be 2,500-4,000 words. All submissions must contain original material and may not have been previously published, accepted for publication, or have been a winner in another contest prior to the deadline.”
WOW / Women On Writing Quarterly Flash Fiction Competition
Prize: 1st: $400, $25 Amazon gift certificate
2nd: $300, $25 Amazon gift certificate
3rd: $200, $25 Amazon gift certificate
Runners-up (7): $25 Amazon gift certificate
Honorable mentions (10): $20 Amazon gift certificate
Entry Fee: $10 (or $20 with feedback)
Deadline: Quarterly (next deadline February 2, 2024)
Sponsor: WOW / Women On Writing
From Website: “Runs four times a year and is open to all styles and genres. Closes each quarter after 300 entries have been received, or at the deadline. WOW also runs a quarterly nonfiction essay competition with cash prizes.”
Bristol Short Story Prize
Prize: 1st: £1,000 (~$1,242)
2nd: £500 (~$621)
3rd: £250 (~$310)
Shortlisted (17): £100 (~$124)
Entry Fee: £9 (~$11)
Deadline: TBD 2024
Sponsor: Bristol Short Story Prize
From Website: “Open to all published and unpublished writers 16 and up. No geographical restriction, but all entries must be in English. Maximum length 4,000 words (not including title). No minimum length. Stories can be on any subject.”
Aesthetica Creative Writing Award
Prize: £2,500 (~$3,105)
Winners also receive further non-monetary prizes including publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual.
Entry Fee: £18 (~$22) (Poetry Category entry fee is ~$15)
Deadline: August 31, 2024
Sponsor: Aesthetica Magazine
From Website: “Fiction entries should be no more than 2,000 words. Works published or entered elsewhere are accepted. Any theme accepted. You may enter as many times as you wish, however, each work requires a separate fee and submission form.”
The Lascaux Prize
Prize: $1,000
Finalists receive $100
Deadline: June 20, 2024
Sponsor: The Lascaux Review
“Flash Fiction and Creative Nonfiction categories.
Flash fiction entries should not exceed 1,000 words. All genres and styles welcome.
From Website: “Creative nonfiction entry length must not exceed 10,000 words. All topics welcome but should be written in a nonacademic style. May include memoirs, chronicles, personal essays, humorous perspectives, literary journalism—anything the author has witnessed, experienced, learned, or discovered.”
The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize
Prize: First place: £3,000 cash grant (~$3,726)
Second place: £1,000 travel expense (~$1,242)
Third place: £1,000 travel expense (~$1,242)
Entry Fee: Free
Deadline: March 1, 2024
Sponsor: The Alpine Fellowship
From Website: “Entries must fit the annual theme. Maximum of 2,500 words. All genres of writing are permitted, including fiction, non-fiction, and non-academic essays. Open to all nationalities but must be written in English. Stories must not have been published, self-published or accepted for publication in print or online. No entries that have won or been placed in another competition at any time.”
ServiceScape Short Story Award
Deadline: November 29, 2024
Sponsor: ServiceScape
From Website: “All entries must be original, unpublished works of short fiction or nonfiction, up to 5,000 words in length. Any genre or theme accepted.”
Bacopa Literary Review Contest
Prize: $200 Award
$100 Honorable Mention in each of six categories
Sponsor: The Writers Alliance of Gainesville
From Website: “Awards in 6 categories (contestants may submit to only ONE category). Fiction (up to 2,500 words), Creative Nonfiction (up to 2,500 words), Humor (up to 2,000 words), Formal Poetry (1-3 poems), Free Verse Poetry (1-2 poems), Visual Poetry (1 poem).”
Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award
Prize: $.08 per word and publication
Deadline: February 1, 2024
Sponsor: National Space Society and Baen Books
From Website: “Write a short story of no more than 8,000 words, that shows the near future (no more than about 50-60 years out) of manned space exploration. What they want to see: Moon bases, Mars colonies, orbital habitats, space elevators, asteroid mining, artificial intelligence, nano-technology, realistic spacecraft, heroics, sacrifice, and adventure.”
Parsec Short Story Contest
Prize: First place: $200 and publication in the Confluence program book.
Second place: $100
Third place: $50
Best Youth Story: $50
Deadline: March 31st, 2024
Sponsor: Parsec, Inc.
From Website: “Each annual contest is based on a theme provided. This can be conveyed in the setting, plot, characters, and dialogue; the only limit is your imagination. The theme must be integral to the story in some way and not just mentioned in passing. No minimum word count, no more than 3500 words. The 2024 Contest theme is ‘AI mythology.’”
The Raymond Carver Short Story Contest
Prize: First place: $2000
Second place: $500
Third place: $250
Two Editor’s Choice: $125
Entry Fee: $18
Deadline: May 15, 2024
Sponsor: Carve Magazine
From Website: “One short story per entry. No limit to entries. Must be previously unpublished (including online) with a 10,000 maximum word count. We accept entries from anywhere in the world, but the story must be English-language. No genre fiction (romance, horror, sci-fi); literary fiction only.”
Blurred Genres Flash Contest
Prize: First Place: $750
Second Place: $350
Third Place: $150
Publication of Top Five
Sponsor: Invisible City (University of San Francisco)
From Website: “Based on a theme (for example last year’s theme was “Levity”) that can be interpreted through prose, poetry, or some combination of the two. All genres and themes are welcome. Contest submissions must be 750 words or less and can be flash fiction/nonfiction, prose poetry, or some unique combination of the three. Submissions must be the original work of the submitter and unpublished (and not slated for future publication).”
Imagine 2200: Write the future
Prize: First Place: $3,000
Second Place: $2,000
Third Place: $1,000
An additional nine finalists will each receive $300
All winners and finalists will have their stories published in an immersive collection on Grist’s website
Sponsor: Grist
From Website: “Imagine 2200 is an invitation to writers from all over the globe to imagine a future in which solutions to the climate crisis flourish and help bring about radical improvements to our world. 3,000 to 5,000 word stories envisioning a world where we prioritize our well-being, work to mend our communities, and lead lives that celebrate our humanity.”
The Elegant Literature Award For New Writers
Prize: First place: $3,000 and 10c/word and publication. Free enrollment in the New Novelist Accelerator.
Second – Tenth: 10c/word and publication.
Eleventh – Thirty-fifth: $20 and an honorable mention in the magazine
Entry Fee: Requires Elegant+ Membership ($9.99 a month)
Deadline: Ongoing (monthly)
Sponsor: Elegant Literature Magazine
From Website: “Write a story involving annual theme. New or unpublished authors may enter. Word count is 500-2000. All genres are welcome as long as it involves the theme.”
F(r)iction Contests
Prize: $300.00 and consideration for publication in F(r)iction
Entry Fee: $10 for a single entry, $12 for three entries
Deadline: April 30, 2024
Sponsor: F(r)iction
From Website: “Competitions in several categories, short stories (1,001 – 7,500 words), flash fiction (up to 1,000 words), and Poetry (up to three pages per poem). Entries are accepted regardless of genre, style, or origin. Experimental, nontraditional, and boundary-pushing literature is strongly encouraged. Their guidelines include the phrase ‘Strange is good.’”
Manchester Fiction Prize
Prize: £10,000 (~$12,420)
Entry Fee: £18 (~$22)
100 reduced-price (£10 or ~$13) entries are available to entrants who might not otherwise be able to take part in the competition.
Sponsor: Manchester Metropolitan University
From Website: “The Manchester Fiction Prize asks for a short story of up to 2,500 words in length. Stories submitted should be new work, not previously published elsewhere. The Prize is open internationally to those aged 16 or over.”
Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition
Prize: Grand Prize $5000, an interview with them in Writer’s Digest (Nov/Dec 2023 issue) and on WritersDigest.com, a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference, including a special trophy presentation at the keynote, a coveted Pitch Slam slot at the Writer’s Digest Conference where the winner will receive one on one attention from editors or agents, and publication of their winning piece on WritersDigest.com
First Place: $1,000 and publication of their winning piece on WritersDigest.com
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250
Fourth Place: $100
Fifth Place: $50
Sixth through Tenth Place: $25 gift certificate for writersdigestshop.com.
Entry Fee: $20-30 (varies depending on category)
Deadline: May 6, 2024
Sponsor: Writer’s Digest
From Website: “Only original works that have not been published (at the time of submission) in print, digital, or online publications will be considered. Self-published work in blogs, on social media, etc. will be considered. For the script category, only unproduced scripts will be considered. Entries in the Nonfiction Essay or Article category may be previously published. All entries must be in English. Memoirs/Personal Essay, Nonfiction Essay or Article, and Children’s/Young Adult Fiction: 2,000 words maximum. Mainstream/Literary Short Story, Genre Short, Story, and Humor: 4,000 words maximum. Inspirational Writing: 2,500 words maximum. Rhyming Poem and Non-rhyming Poem: 40 lines maximum.”
Emerging Writer’s Contest
Prize: Publication, $2,000, review from Aevitas Creative Management, and a 1-year subscription for one winner in each of the three genres
Entry Fee: Free for subscribers to Ploughshares, $24 for nonsubscribers
Sponsor: Ploughshares (Emerson College)
From Website: “The contest is open to writers of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry who have yet to publish or self-publish a book. Fiction and Nonfiction: Under 6,000 words. Poetry: 3-5 pages.”
Wells Festival of Literature Short Story Competition
Prize: First Place £750 (~$932)
Second Place £300 (~$373)
Third Place: £200 (~$248)
Entry Fee: £6 (~$8)
Sponsor: Wells Festival of Literature
From Website: “Stories may be on any subject and should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words. All entries must be the exclusive and original work of the entrant. At the time of entry, the work submitted must not have been entered into any other Competition and must not have been published in any format or location.”
Anthology Short Story Competition
Prize: First Place: €1,000 (~$1098), the chance to see their work published in a future issue of Anthology, and a one-year subscription to Anthology
Second Place: €250 (~$275)
Third Place: €150 (~$165)
Entry Fee: Early Bird: €12 (~$13)
Standard fee: €18 (~$20)
Deadline: July 31, 2024
Sponsor: Anthology Publishing
From Website: “Established to recognize and encourage creative writing and provide a platform for publication, the Anthology Short Story Competition is open to original and previously unpublished short stories in the English language by a writer of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. There is no restriction on theme or style. Stories submitted must not exceed the maximum of 1,500 words.”
The Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize
Prize: £1,000 (~$1,246) and publication in Wasafiri’s print magazine
Entry Fee: £10 (~$12) for a single entry, £16 (~$20) for a double entry
Sponsor: Wasafiri Magazine
From Website: “Exceptionally international in scope, the prize supports writers who have not yet published a book-length work, with no limits on age, gender, nationality, or background. No entry may exceed 3,000 words. A single poetry entry can include up to three poems, which together total no more than 3,000 words.”
2024 Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize
Prize: $1000 and a free 10-week course with Gotham Writers
Entry Fee: $25
Sponsor: Gotham Writers and Selected Shorts
From Website: “This long-running series at Symphony Space in New York City celebrates the art of the short story by having stars of stage and screen read aloud the works of established and emerging writers. Selected Shorts is recorded for Public Radio and heard nationally on both the radio and its weekly podcast.”
Robert and Adele Schiff Awards
Prize: $1,000 All entries will be considered for publication in The Cincinnati Review
Entry Fee: $20
Sponsor: The Cincinnati Review (University of Cincinnati)
From Website: “Writers may submit up to 8 pages of poetry, 40 pages of a single double-spaced piece of fiction, or 20 pages of a single double-spaced piece of literary nonfiction, per entry. Previously published manuscripts, including works that have appeared online (in any form), will not be considered. There are no restrictions as to form, style, or content; all entries will be considered for publication. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable under the condition that you notify us if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere.”
Salamander 2024 Fiction Prize
Prize: First Place: $1,000 and Publication
Second Place: $500 and Publication
Deadline: TBD 2024
Sponsor: Salamander Magazine
From Website: “All entries will be considered for publication and will be judged anonymously. Each story must not exceed 30 double-spaced pages in 12-point font. Previously published works and works accepted for publication elsewhere cannot be considered. Salamander’s definition of publishing includes electronic publication.”
BOA Short Fiction Prize
Prize: $1,000 and publication by BOA Editions, Ltd.
Deadline: May 31, 2024
Sponsor: BOA Editions, Ltd.
From Website: “Entrants must be U.S. citizens, legal residents of the U.S., or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or Legal Permanent Status (LPS). Entrants must be at least 18 years of age. Minimum of 90 pages; maximum of 200 pages. Manuscript text should be at least 12 pt. font, double-spaced. As with all BOA fiction titles, our prize-winning short story collections are more concerned with the artfulness of writing than the twists and turns of plot. It is our belief that short story writing is a valuable and underserved literary form that we are proud to support, nurture, and celebrate.”
Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest
Prize: First Place: $3,000
Entry Fee: $22
Deadline: May 1, 2024
Sponsor: Winning Writers (Co-sponsored by Duotrope)
From Website: “For this contest, a story is any short work of fiction, and an essay is any short work of nonfiction. All themes accepted. Entries may be published or unpublished. Length limit: 6,000 words maximum. No restriction on the age of the author.”
Gabriele Rico Challenge for Nonfiction
Prize: $1,333
Deadline: November 1, 2024
Sponsor: Reed Magazine
From Website: “C reative nonfiction, such as personal essays or narratives, not scholarly papers or book reviews. All works should be stand-alone essays, not chapters of a longer work. Previously published work is not eligible. Up to 5,000 words.”
53-Word Story Contest
Prize: Publication in Prime Number Magazine and a free book from Press 53.
Deadline: Ongoing. 15th of each month
Sponsor: Prime Number Magazine
From Website: “New prompt each month. Judges are looking for stories with a surprising approach to the prompt, something unusual and creative. Stories must be 53 words—no more, no less. Stories with fewer than or more than 53 words will be disqualified. Send only stories; poetry with line breaks will not be considered.”
Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction
Prizes: Three Winners are announced who are published and share in the $1000 USD total prize pool. Twenty writers are Longlisted. All entries considered for publication, and for submission to the Pushcart Prize and other anthologies.
Deadline: Awarded every two months
Sponsor: Letter Review
From Website: “Word Length: 0 – 5000 words. Open to anyone in the world. There are no genre or theme restrictions.”
Letter Review Prize for Nonfiction
Entry Fee: $20.
From Website: “0 – 5000 words. Open to anyone in the world. We welcome all forms of nonfiction including: Memoir, journalism, essay (including personal essay), fictocriticism, creative nonfiction, travel, nature, opinion, and many other permutations.”
University of New Orleans Press Lab Prize
Prize: $10,000 advance on royalties and a contract to publish with the University of New Orleans Press
Entry Fee: $28
Sponsor: University of New Orleans
From Website: “Entries must be unpublished novels or short story collections. The work does not have to be regionally focused. There is no word limit. There is no restriction on subjects covered. The contest is open to all authors from around the world, regardless of publishing history. Works of fiction (novels and short story collections) only. Submissions must be your entire manuscript.”
The Bath Novel Awards
Prize: Two £3,000 (~$3738) prizes are awarded annually for the best manuscript as judged by literary agents
All shortlistees win feedback on their full manuscript.
Entry Fee: £29 (~$36)
Deadline: May 31st 2024
Sponsor: The Bath Novel Award (co-sponsored by Cornerstones Literary Consultancy and Professional Writing Academy)
From Website: “Submit the opening 5,000 words plus one-page synopsis of novel manuscripts for adults or young adults. Completed works must be over 50,000 words. Novels can be for adult or young adult readers and any genre. Must be your original work and submitted in English. Novels can be unpublished, self-published, or independently published.”
The Times/Chicken House Competition
Prize: First Place: worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House with a royalty advance of £10,000 (~$12,459), plus an offer of representation by this year’s agent judge, Davinia Andrew-Lynch of Curtis Brown.
Second Place: Lime Pictures New Storyteller Award. A publishing contract with a royalty advance of £7,500 (~$9,344) plus an offer of representation by Davinia Andrew-Lynch.
Entry Fee: £20 (~$25)
Deadline: June 1, 2024
Sponsor: The Times and Chicken House
From Website: “To enter, you must have written a completed full-length novel suitable for children/young adults aged somewhere between 7 and 18 years. A minimum of 30,000 words and a maximum of 80,000 words suggested.”
The Dzanc Books Prize for Fiction
Prize: $5,000 advance and publication by Dzanc Books
Deadline: September 30, 2024
Sponsor: Dzanc Books
From Website: “The Dzanc Books Prize for Fiction recognizes daring, original, and innovative novels (generally over 40,000 words, but there is no hard minimum). The contest is open to new, upcoming, and established writers alike. Agented submissions are also eligible, and we ask that you include all agency contact information with the application. All submitted works must be previously unpublished novel-length manuscripts and should include a brief synopsis, author bio, and contact information.”
Claymore Award
Prize: Discounted admission to Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, with introductions to agents/editors (And probably publishing contract)
Entry Fee: $45 (Full critique included for $125)
Deadline: April 1, 2024
Sponsor: Killer Nashville
From Website: “The contest is limited to only the first 50 double-spaced pages of unpublished English-language manuscripts containing elements of thriller, mystery, crime, or suspense NOT currently under contract. These can include Action Adventure, Comedy, Cozy, Historical, Investigator, Juvenile/YA, Literary, Mainstream/Commercial, Mystery, Nonfiction, Sci-fi/Fantasy, Short Story Collections, Southern Gothic, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, and Western manuscripts, and any of their derivatives. (Self-published manuscripts are considered already published and are not eligible.)”
St. Martin’s Minotaur / Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Competition
Prize: Publication and a $10,000 advance
Sponsor: Minotaur Books and Mystery Writers of America
From Website: “Open to any writer, regardless of nationality, aged 18 or older, who has never been the author of any published novel and is not under contract with a publisher for publication of a novel. All Manuscripts submitted must be original works of book length (no less than 220 typewritten pages or approximately 60,000 words), written in the English language, written solely by the entrant, and must not violate any right of any third party or be libelous. Murder or another serious crime is at the heart of the story.”
The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing
Prize: $10,000 advance and publication
Sponsor: Restless Books
From Website: “Created in 2015 to honor outstanding debut literary works by first-generation immigrants, awarded for fiction and nonfiction in alternating years. Fiction manuscripts must be complete. Nonfiction submissions must consist of either a complete manuscript or a sample of at least 25,000 words and a detailed proposal that includes a synopsis and an annotated table of contents. All submissions must be in English (translations welcome). Fiction candidates must not have previously published a book of fiction in English. Nonfiction candidates must not have previously published a book of nonfiction in English.”
New American Fiction Prize
Prize: $1,500 and a book contract, as well as 25 author’s copies and promotional support
Deadline: January 15, 2024
Sponsor: New American Press
From Website: “Manuscripts should be at least 100 pages, but there is no maximum length. All forms and styles of full-length fiction manuscripts are welcome, including story collections, novels, novellas, collections of novellas, flash fiction collections, novels in verse, and other hybrid forms.”
Your Next Best Read
Prize: First Place (Fiction & Nonfiction): $100 Cash Price, 6-month Advertising Package, Press Release, Editorial Review, Newsletter Announcement, Promotional Creatives
Second Place Awards (Fiction & Nonfiction): 6-month Advertising Package, Editorial Review, Newsletter Announcement
Third Place (Fiction & Nonfiction): 3-month Advertising Package, Editorial Review, Newsletter Announcement
Deadline: May 5, 2024
Sponsor: Excalibre Publishing
From Website: “ The contest is open to writers of all backgrounds, ages, and nationalities. Both published and unpublished works are welcome. We encourage submissions in various/ALL genres – fiction, non-fiction, poetry (submit in nonfiction), and short stories. No specific wordcount requiered. Submissions must be in English.”
Letter Review Prize for Manuscripts
Prizes: Three Winners are announced who have a brief extract published, receive a letter of recommendation from our Judges for publishers, and share in the $1000 USD total prize pool. Twenty writers are Longlisted.
Entry Fee: $25.
Deadline: Awarded Every two months
From Website: “Please submit the first 5000 words of your manuscript, whether it be prose or poetry. Open to anyone in the world. The entry must not have been traditionally published. We are seeking all varieties of novels, short story collections, nonfiction, and poetry collections. We will accept manuscripts which are unpublished, self published, and some which are indie published. Review full entry guidelines for further details.”
2nd place in fiction & non-fiction $750 cash prize and trophy
3rd place in fiction & non-fiction $500 cash prize and trophy
Winner of each of the 80+ categories $100 cash prize and gold medal
Stan and Tom Wick Poetry Prize
Prize: $2,500 plus publication
Entry Fee: $30
Sponsor: Kent State University Press
From Website: “Offered annually to a poet who has not previously published a full-length collection of poems. The winner and the competition’s judge will give a reading together on the Kent State campus. The competition is open to poets writing in English who have not yet published a full-length collection of poems (a volume of 50 or more pages published in an edition of 500 or more copies).”
Blue Lynx Prize for Poetry
Prize: $2,000 plus publication
Sponsor: Lynx House Press
From Website: “Awarded for an unpublished, full-length volume of poems by a U.S. author, which includes foreign nationals living and writing in the U.S. and U.S. citizens living abroad. Manuscripts may include poems that have appeared in journals, magazines, or chapbooks. Poems that have previously appeared in full-length, single-author collections, are not eligible.”
Ó Bhéal Five Words International Poetry Competition
Prize: First Place: €750 ($890)
Second Place: €500 ($590)
Third Place: €250 ($295)
Entry Fee: €5 ($6)
Deadline: Every Tuesday at 12pm (Irish time) from April 11, 2023 – January 30, 2024
Sponsor: Ó Bhéal
From Website: “Five words will be posted on this competition page. Entrants will have one week to compose and submit one or more poems which include all five words given for that week. Entry is open to all countries. Poems cannot exceed 50 lines in length (including line breaks), and must include all five words listed for the week.”
Letter Review Prize for Poetry
Prizes: Three Winners are announced who are published and share in the $800 USD total prize pool. Twenty writers are Longlisted. All entries considered for publication, and for submission to the Pushcart Prize and other anthologies.
Entry Fee: $15.
From Website: “70 lines max per poem Open to anyone in the world. There are no style or subject restrictions.”
- Advice for Researching Writing Competitions
This list includes only a few of the many writing contests you can find online.
Here are some tips for looking into options on your own:
1. Narrow your search with details that are relevant to you, for example, “writing contests in Texas,” “writing contests for women authors,” or “writing contests for veterans.”
2. Be genre-specific.
3. Include the year in your search to ensure the most up-to-date results.
4. Carefully read the guidelines and eligibility requirements.
5. Pay attention to the contest sponsor. Only submit to reputable hosts.
Worried your writing isn’t quite ready to compete? Take my free writing assessment and see personalized guidance on how to improve your skills. https://jerryjenkins.com/quiz/
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The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year.
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What you still need to learn. And you could win cash. That’s why my team researched a wide range of high-quality contests. We’ve included free competitions and also many with modest entry fees. Contents. Short Story Writing Contests. Full Manuscript Writing Contests. Poetry Writing Contests. Need help writing your novel?