The Best Writing Contests of 2023

Writing competitions curated by Reedsy

Showing 643 contests


The Reedsy Prompts Contest

Reedsy

Every Friday, Reedsy sends out five writing prompts. Enter your response within a week for a chance at $250. Winners may also be included in a future issue of Reedsy’s literary magazine, Prompted.

Top prize

$250

Additional prizes

$25 credit toward Reedsy editorial services

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $5

Deadline: December 31, 2023


Genres

Fiction, Short Story

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WOW! Women On Writing Quarterly Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

WOW! Women On Writing

Seeking creative nonfiction essays on any topic (1000 words or less) and in any style--from personal essay and memoir to lyric essay and hybrid, and more! The mission of this contest is to reward bravery in real-life storytelling and create an understanding of our world through thoughtful, engaging narratives. Electronic submissions via e-mail only; reprints/previously published okay; simultaneous submissions okay; multiple submissions are okay as long as they are submitted in their own individual e-mail. Open internationally.

Top prize

$500

Additional prizes

2nd: $300 | 3rd: $200 | 7 runner-ups: $25 Amazon Gift Cards

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $12

Deadline: January 31, 2024


Genres

Non-fiction, Essay

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WOW! Women on Writing Winter 2024 Flash Fiction Contest

WOW! Women on Writing

Seeking short fiction of any genre between 250 - 750 words. The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, great writing, and provide well-rewarded recognition to contestants.

Top prize

$400

Additional prizes

2nd: $300 | 3rd: $200 | 7 runner-ups: $25 Amazon Gift Cards

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $10

Deadline: February 28, 2024


Genres

Flash Fiction

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Poems on the Move

Guernsey International Poetry Competition

Open to poets worldwide, the competition is divided into three classes, Open (which carries a first prize of £1000), Channel Islands (£250) and Young Poet (£250). Entries must be no longer than 14 lines and must fit on a single A4 page. There will be prizes for first, second and third in each class and these poems and another 12 will be part of the Poems on the Move display, at Guernsey Airport and other island sites as well as on Guernsey buses.

Top prize

£1000

Additional prizes

2nd: £500 | 3rd: £250

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $5

Deadline: January 15, 2024


Genres

Poetry

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Honest Holiday Haiku

Gotham Writers Workshop

The holidays are a time of glad tidings and good cheer and, if we're honest, some not-so-glad tidings as well. In the spirit of Scrooge, Santa, and everything in between, we invite you to write your most honest holiday haiku. A reminder: a haiku consists of 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line, and 5 in the third line.

Top prize

Free class from Gotham Writers Workshop

Additional prizes

Publication on website

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: February 29, 2024


Genres

Poetry

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First Chapter + Synopsis Competition

Fiction Factory

Why not enter the Fiction Factory First Chapter Competition? Send us your first chapter + a 1 page synopsis (if your first chapter is more than 5000 words, send it with the 5000 word point clearly marked). First Prize: £500 + an appraisal and a reading by a top London Literary Agent. All short-listed entrants will receive a free appraisal. Appraisals: For an extra fee, £20, we will write a comprehensive appraisal of your chapter. Results will be published in July, 2024

Top prize

£500

Additional prizes

A reading by a top London Literary Agent plus publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $22

Deadline: February 29, 2024


Genres

Fiction, Novel

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Heroica Poetry Prize

Heroica

Heroica is delighted to announce the launch of our new Poetry Prize. Heroica is a global storytelling platform dedicated to sharing stories about all aspects of gender oppression. Stories that are real, inspiring, challenging and relatable. Your story matters.

Top prize

£125

Additional prizes

2nd: £50 | 3rd: £25 | Publication in anthology

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $2

Deadline: February 29, 2024


Genres

Poetry

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Elegant Literature's Award For New Writers

Elegant Literature

One of the largest awards open to unpublished writers, and the only one closed to professionals. We are the first magazine to pay pro rates and only accept submissions from new writers, putting over $100k into the hands of emerging talent around the globe. One new writer receives the grand prize. We also choose the best stories, pay the authors professional rates, and publish them in our magazine. December's guest judge is award-winning author Lindz McLeod.

Top prize

$3,000

Additional prizes

Paid publication, 25 x $20 USD | Free entry to Novelist Accelerator | Now Novel Package

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $10

Deadline: January 01, 2024


Genres

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult, Flash Fiction, Science Writing

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Coming Home

Oprelle Publications

What does home look like to you? Is it an old farmhouse, a certain person, a childhood bedroom, a river you run to? Think about when you feel most rooted. Where in that world that you feel most at peace, most yourself? A home doesn’t have to be a building with four walls. It can be a state of being. Write a poem that takes us there with you. This Holiday 2023 “COMING HOME” Contest is 15.00 to Enter. All submissions must be received by December 15th, 2023.

Top prize

$200

Additional prizes

2nd: $100 | 3rd: $50 | Publication in anthology

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $15

Deadline: December 15, 2023


Genres

Poetry

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Universe of Threats Natural Disaster Writing Contest

CAPTRS

CAPTRS is building a catalog of threats, called the “Universe of Threats,” which will be used to prepare decision makers for future threats. We invite you to submit a 2,500 word or less story describing a threat scenario related to natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, hurricanes or another natural disaster of your choosing.

Top prize

$5,000

Additional prizes

2nd: $2,500 | 3rd: $1,000 | Publication on CAPTRS website

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: January 31, 2024


Genres

Fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story

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Kentucky Visions Short Story Contest

Bluegrass Writers Coalition

The Kentucky Visions Short Story Contest, an annual contest designed to highlight Kentucky’s rich literary talent and to celebrate the best in short fiction written by Kentuckians or about our beloved Bluegrass State.

Top prize

$500

Additional prizes

2nd: $250 | 3rd: $100 | Publication in anthology

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: January 31, 2024


Genres

Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story

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Fiction Factory Flash Fiction

Fiction Factory

This is an international competition - we welcome entries from around the world. Maximum Word count: 1000. Stories may be on any theme. Entries must be previously unpublished. The deadline is 31st January, 2024 and results will be be announced by April 2024. Discounts for multiple entries - see website for details. Minimum age: 16 years. Children's and YA cannot be accepted sadly Each entry will receive acknowledgement and all contestants will be informed of results.

Top prize

£500

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $7

Deadline: January 31, 2024


Genres

Fiction, Flash Fiction, Crime, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller

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FFF Competition 19

Free Flash Fiction

The Bi-monthly Free Flash Fiction Competition promotes the work of flash fiction authors. The winner of the current competition will be invited to be the judge for the next competition. Submit a flash fiction piece between 100 and 300 words, on any theme.

Top prize

£150

Additional prizes

2x Highly Recommended £30.00 | 2x Shortlisted £20

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $4

Deadline: December 23, 2023


Genres

Flash Fiction

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Witcraft Monthly Humour Competition

Witcraft

Send us your skillfully written stories that are brief, humorous and engaging, with the emphasis on wit, word play, absurdity and inspired nonsense. Whether your story is designed to raise a smile or a belly laugh, we want stories that are a refuge from the relentless barrage of negativity, angst, war and climate catastrophe that dominates the web.

Top prize

AUD $50

Additional prizes

2nd: AUD $20 | 3rd: AUD $10

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: December 15, 2023


Genres

Flash Fiction, Humor

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International Essay Competition 2023/24

Avernus Education

Welcome to our prestigious International Essay Competition. At Avernus Education, we are thrilled to provide a platform for young minds to showcase their prowess in Medicine, Engineering, Law, Economics, Psychology, History and Politics. These varied subject categories underscore the importance of interdisciplinary study, a crucial foundation for future leaders in our increasingly interconnected world. Winners receive an exclusive Avernus Education Scholarship worth over £5000 - granting them free entrance to our exclusive summer camp at Oxford University! Outstanding Runners Up receive 5 hours worth of Credits for Avernus Education courses, conferences and tutoring services.

Top prize

100% Scholarship Award to our Oxford University Summer Programme (worth £5995)

Additional prizes

Partial scholarship

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: February 19, 2024


Genres

Essay

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The Summit Series Fiction Book Contest

Summit Series of CMICH Press

Are you or have you ever been a resident of Michigan? Do you have a fiction book manuscript searching for a home? If so, please submit your work to the first annual Summit Series book contest of CMICH Press! This year’s focus is Michigan writers, and the winner will be published by the press in 2024. The deadline is January 1, 2024. Please see our website for more details. We look forward to reading your work.

Top prize

Book publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $25

Deadline: January 01, 2024


Genres

Fiction

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The Letter Review Prize for Reprints

Letter Review

We're seeking Stories, Poems, and works of Nonfiction which have been previously published, and are not currently available to read online. Far too often excellent writing experiences a brief moment in the sun, and disappears for good (either out of print, behind a paywall, or to sit on a dusty shelf). As part of The Letter Review's committment to open access, we are here to celebrate these works, and give them a second chance by republishing them online, hopefully assisting them to shine forever.

Top prize

$1000 (shared by 3 winners)

Additional prizes

Publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: December 31, 2023


Genres

Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story

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Letter Review Prize for Manuscripts

Letter Review

The Letter Review Prize for Manuscripts (Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction) is open to writers from anywhere in the world. Three Winners are awarded and have extracts published. 20 entries are Longlisted. Winners receive letter of recommendation for publishers.

Top prize

$1000 (shared by 3 winners)

Additional prizes

Publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: December 31, 2023


Genres

Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Novel, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

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Letter Review Prize for Nonfiction

Letter Review

The Letter Review Prize for Nonfiction (0 - 5000 words) is open to writers from anywhere in the world. Accepting most forms of Nonfiction. Three winners are published and every entry is considered for publication. 20 entries are longlisted.

Top prize

$1000 (shared by 3 winners)

Additional prizes

Publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: December 31, 2023


Genres

Essay, Memoir, Non-fiction, Humor

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Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction

Letter Review

The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction (0 - 5000 words) is open to writers from anywhere in the world and has no theme or genre restrictions. Three Winners are published and every entry is considered for publication. 20 entries are longlisted.

Top prize

$1000 (shared by 3 winners)

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: December 31, 2023


Genres

Flash Fiction, Short Story, Fiction

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The Letter Review Prize for Poetry

Letter Review

The Letter Review Prize for Poetry (up to 70 lines) is open to writers from anywhere in the world and has no theme or style restrictions. Three winners are published and every entry is considered for publication. 20 entries are longlisted.

Top prize

$1000 (shared by 3 winners)

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $15

Deadline: December 31, 2023


Genres

Poetry

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Letter Review Prize for Short Stories

Letter Review

The Letter Review Prize for Short Stories (1000-3000 words) is open to writers from anywhere in the world and has no theme or genre restrictions. Winners are published and every entry is considered for publication. 20 entries are Longlisted.

Top prize

$1000 prize pool

Additional prizes

2nd: $250 | 3rd: $150

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: December 31, 2023


Genres

Fiction, Short Story

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Oxford Flash Fiction Prize 2024

Oxford Flash Fiction

Write yourself into history and become one of the greats with the Oxford Flash Fiction Prize. For centuries, the greats have come to Oxford to ink masterpieces. Now, in one of the oldest towns, where the history of the English language can be traced back to its ancient streets, we are celebrating one of the newest forms in literature – flash fiction.

Top prize

£1000

Additional prizes

2nd Prize: £200 | 3rd Prize: £100 | New Voice Prize: £200

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $9

Deadline: January 31, 2024


Genres

Flash Fiction, Fiction, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

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Quantum Shorts

Centre for Quantum Technologies

Complexity and uncertainty are part and parcel of the quantum world. Plot a tale inspired by quantum physics to enter the Quantum Shorts flash fiction competition. Entries must include the phrase “nobody said this was going to be easy” and be no longer than 1000 words. Enter by the deadline for a chance to win prizes!

Top prize

$1,500

Additional prizes

Certificate and engraved trophy

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: January 08, 2024


Genres

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller

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LGBTQIA+ Literary Success Grants

Georgia Writers Association

The LGBTQIA+ Literary Success Grant will be awarded annually in the categories of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenwriting. The purpose of the grants is to elevate, encourage, and inspire the voices of young queer writers in Georgia.

Top prize

$500

Additional prizes

Scholarship to the annual Red Clay Writers Conference

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: January 12, 2024


Genres

Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Script Writing

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Trio Award for First or Second Book

Trio House Press

The Trio Award for First or Second Book includes $1,000, publication, and twenty books. The Trio Award for First or Second Book is only open to poets with less than two books published.

Top prize

$1,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $25

Deadline: April 30, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Poetry

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The Pinch Literary Awards & Page Prize

The Pinch Literary Journal

The 2023 Pinch Literary Awards accepts poetry and fiction. The 2023 Page Prize accepts non-fiction.

Top prize

$2000 for poetry & fiction winners

Additional prizes

$1000 for Page Prize winner

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: March 31, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Fiction, Poetry, Short Story, Non-fiction

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NOWW 25th International Writing Contest

Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop (NOWW)

A Canadian contest with an international flair. As part of our 25th anniversary celebration, we have increased the prize total to $1800 over six major categories: poetry, short fiction, creative non-fiction, crime fiction, literary critical writing, and The Bill MacDonald prize for prose (A Northwestern Ontario setting must be central to the work).

Top prize

$150 CAD

Additional prizes

Publication in NOWW magazine

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $10

Deadline: February 28, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

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Stories Out of School

The Academy for Teachers

A flash fiction contest sponsored by The Academy for Teachers and Electric Literature. The story’s protagonist, or its narrator, must be a K-12 teacher.

Top prize

$1,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $0

Deadline: September 01, 2021 (Expired)


Genres

Fiction, Short Story

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The Rhys Davies Short Story Competition 2024

Swansea University’s Cultural Institute

The Rhys Davies Short Story Competition recognises the very best unpublished short stories in English in any style and on any subject up to a maximum of 5,000 words by writers in / from Wales. Entrants must have been born in Wales, lived in Wales for 2 years or more, or currently be living in Wales.

Top prize

£1,000

Additional prizes

Publication in short story anthology | 11x Runners Up: £100 and publication in short story anthology

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $10

Deadline: February 15, 2024


Genres

Fiction, Short Story

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The Elmbridge Literary Competition 2023-24

The R C Sherriff Trust

"Reputation is an idle and most false imposition, oft got without merit and lost without deserving." - William Shakespeare For some, it is a lifetime’s pursuit, often slipping through their grasp while others see it fall into their hands by mere chance. However achieved, through talent or luck, Fame can be an ill-fated prize. The 19th Elmbridge Literary Competition, run in partnership by The R C Sherriff Trust and Elmbridge Borough Council, is looking for short stories and poems on the theme of the double-edged sword that is ‘FAME’.

Top prize

£250

Additional prizes

Published chapbook

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $6

Deadline: February 23, 2024


Genres

Fiction, Poetry, Short Story

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Literary and Photographic Contest 2023-2024

Hispanic Culture Review

As we move forward we carry our culture wherever we go. It keeps us alive. This is why we propose the theme to be “¡Hacia delante!”. A phrase that means to move forward. This year we ask that you think about the following questions: What keeps you moving forward? What do you carry with you going into the future? How do you celebrate your successes, your dreams, and your culture?

Top prize

$100

Additional prizes

Publication in magazine

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: February 07, 2024


Genres

Essay, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry

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True Love on Tapas

Tapas Entertainment

Get ready to ignite your passion for storytelling! Tapas is thrilled to announce our first novel contest for romance writers: The True Love Webnovel Contest. Up for grabs: $150,000 in minimum guarantees for 15 winners!

Top prize

$10,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: December 31, 2023


Genres

Fiction, Romance, Young Adult

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ReadWrite Strategies Funny Workplace Anthology Contest

ReadWrite Strategies

Please submit funny, creative nonfiction stories 300-1200 words in length, set in or relating to work. If it makes us laugh, it works. No entry fee and submit as many times as you want before December 18th deadline. Prizes are: $500 and a print copy of the book for first place, $200 and a print copy for second place, and $100 and a print copy for 3rd, 4th, and 5th places. All featured stories will receive a digital copy of the book on publication. The best submissions will be featured in an anthology of funny workplace stories.

Top prize

$500

Additional prizes

2nd: 200 and print copy | 3rd, 4th, & 5th: $100 and print copy

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: December 18, 2023


Genres

Humor, Non-fiction

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Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction

Not Quite Write Podcast

A flash fiction competition with a twist! Entrants will be given two writing prompts and one "anti-prompt" and will have 60 hours to write and submit a 500-word piece of flash fiction. Open to all ages and abilities.

Top prize

$1000 AUD

Additional prizes

Publication on podcast and website

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $16

Deadline: January 21, 2024


Genres

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

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Discover the finest writing contests of 2023 for fiction and non-fiction authors — including short story competitions, essay writing competitions, poetry contests, and many more. Updated weekly, these contests are vetted by Reedsy to weed out the scammers and time-wasters. If you’re looking to stick to free writing contests, simply use our filters as you browse.

Why you should submit to writing contests

Submitting to poetry competitions and free writing contests in 2023 is absolutely worth your while as an aspiring author: just as your qualifications matter when you apply for a new job, a writing portfolio that boasts published works and award-winning pieces is a great way to give your writing career a boost. And not to mention the bonus of cash prizes!

That being said, we understand that taking part in writing contests can be tough for emerging writers. First, there’s the same affliction all writers face: lack of time or inspiration. Entering writing contests is a time commitment, and many people decide to forego this endeavor in order to work on their larger projects instead — like a full-length book. Second, for many writers, the chance of rejection is enough to steer them clear of writing contests. 

But we’re here to tell you that two of the great benefits of entering writing contests happen to be the same as those two reasons to avoid them.

When it comes to the time commitment: yes, you will need to expend time and effort in order to submit a quality piece of writing to competitions. That being said, having a hard deadline to meet is a great motivator for developing a solid writing routine.

Think of entering contests as a training session to become a writer who will need to meet deadlines in order to have a successful career. If there’s a contest you have your eye on, and the deadline is in one month, sit down and realistically plan how many words you’ll need to write per day in order to meet that due date — and don’t forget to also factor in the time you’ll need to edit your story!

For tips on setting up a realistic writing plan, check out this free, ten-day course: How to Build a Rock-Solid Writing Routine.

In regards to the fear of rejection, the truth is that any writer aspiring to become a published author needs to develop relatively thick skin. If one of your goals is to have a book traditionally published, you will absolutely need to learn how to deal with rejection, as traditional book deals are notoriously hard to score. If you’re an indie author, you will need to adopt the hardy determination required to slowly build up a readership.

The good news is that there’s a fairly simple trick for learning to deal with rejection: use it as a chance to explore how you might be able to improve your writing.

In an ideal world, each rejection from a publisher or contest would come with a detailed letter, offering construction feedback and pointing out specific tips for improvement. And while this is sometimes the case, it’s the exception and not the rule.

Still, you can use the writing contests you don’t win as a chance to provide yourself with this feedback. Take a look at the winning and shortlisted stories and highlight their strong suits: do they have fully realized characters, a knack for showing instead of telling, a well-developed but subtly conveyed theme, a particularly satisfying denouement?

The idea isn’t to replicate what makes those stories tick in your own writing. But most examples of excellent writing share a number of basic craft principles. Try and see if there are ways for you to translate those stories’ strong points into your own unique writing.

Finally, there are the more obvious benefits of entering writing contests: prize and publication. Not to mention the potential to build up your readership, connect with editors, and gain exposure.

Resources to help you win writing competitions in 2023

Every writing contest has its own set of submission rules. Whether those rules are dense or sparing, ensure that you follow them to a T. Disregarding the guidelines will not sway the judges’ opinion in your favor — and might disqualify you from the contest altogether. 

Aside from ensuring you follow the rules, here are a few resources that will help you perfect your submissions.

Free online courses

On Writing:

On Editing:

Blog posts

Bonus resources

After you submit to a writing competition in 2023

It’s exciting to send a piece of writing off to a contest. However, once the initial excitement wears off, you may be left waiting for a while. Some writing contests will contact all entrants after the judging period — whether or not they’ve won. Other writing competitions will only contact the winners. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind after you submit:

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