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DIRECTORY

Best Essay Writing Contests in 2025

Showing 46 contests that match your search.

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Genres: Essay, Humor, Memoir, and Non-fiction

The Narratively 2024 Memoir Prize is an opportunity to share intimate, true personal stories that resonate with readers. Submissions are open for memoirs that offer a compelling glimpse into unique experiences, presented through vivid, active scenes.

Top Prize:

$3,000

Additional prizes:

$1,000 + publication in Narratively.com

💰 Entry fee: $20

📅 Deadline: December 19, 2024 (Expired)

Genres: Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, LGBTQ, Non-fiction, and Poetry

So to Speak is a feminist literary journal seeking diverse voices, focusing on intersectional feminism. They publish twice a year, accepting submissions of fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and visual art, with a particular emphasis on marginalized perspectives.

Top Prize:

$100

Additional prizes:

All accepted contributions will receive a $100 prize.

💰 Entry fee: $4

📅 Deadline: November 15, 2024 (Expired)

The Fountain Essay Contest

Fountain Magazine

Genres: Essay and Non-fiction

“Home” holds a special place in our lives. Our earliest memories form inside its walls; we utter our first words and take our first steps there. Does everyone feel the same about home? Is it where you were born or where you earn your bread? Is home a physical place? In a world that moves faster than ever and is confined to small screens, how do perceptions about "home" change? Where is home for people who are forced to leave their homes? Where is your home?

Top Prize:

$1,000

💰 Entry fee: $25

📅 Deadline: June 30, 2024 (Expired)

Environmental Writing Competition 2025

Write the World in partnership with Patagonia

Genres: Essay and Non-fiction

The competition invites young writers aged 13-19 to craft a piece of creative nonfiction on their environment, blending fact with storytelling. The prompt emphasizes reflection on personal and global environmental challenges.

Top Prize:

$100

Additional prizes:

Winner receives $100; Runner-Up and Best Peer Review each receive $50.

📅 Deadline: May 26, 2025 (Expired)

Genres: Essay, Non-fiction, and Travel

This competition invites original, unpublished travel articles in English, not exceeding 1,000 words. Open to writers of any nationality. An engaging article capturing the destination and local culture is sought. Entries are accepted from both new and established writers.

Top Prize:

€300

Additional prizes:

Publication in Anthology magazine

💰 Entry fee: $15

📅 Deadline: November 30, 2025

Human Rights Essay Contest for High School Students

Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation

Genres: Essay

The contest invites high school students to respond to a prompt regarding human rights. Prizes include $3000 for 1st place, $1500 for 2nd, and $750 for 3rd. Essays should not exceed 2500 words and must include a cover page with specific details.

Top Prize:

$3,000

💰 Entry fee: $0

📅 Deadline: December 10, 2024 (Expired)

Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Essay, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry

The Folly Short Story Prize 2025 invites submissions for stories that challenge conventional norms. It aims to recognize innovative writing that resonates with contemporary themes.

Top Prize:

$1000 NZD

Additional prizes:

Two tickets to the Folly After Party.

💰 Entry fee: $10

📅 Deadline: June 01, 2025 (Expired)

Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, Short Story, Essay, Memoir, and Novel

Established in 2018, the Women's Prose Prize honors previously unpublished, original prose work including novels, short story collections, memoirs, and essay collections. It is open to all women writers, with a fair evaluation process ensuring anonymity during judging.

Top Prize:

$1,000

Additional prizes:

Publication by Red Hen Press

💰 Entry fee: $25

📅 Deadline: February 28, 2025 (Expired)

Genres: Essay, Memoir, Non-fiction, and Science Writing

The Letter Review Prize for Nonfiction encourages writers to showcase original nonfiction works, including memoirs, essays, and journalism. It aims to support writers at all stages of their careers and promotes accessibility in publishing.

Top Prize:

$1,000

Additional prizes:

Publication by The Letter Review. Up to 20 writers are shortlisted.

💰 Entry fee: $20

📅 Deadline: July 01, 2025

Literary and Photographic Contest

Hispanic Culture Review

Genres: Essay, Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story, and Flash Fiction

The contest theme is 'Hecho a mano', focusing on the creativity of handmade works. Categories include photography, poetry, and narrative/essay/academic investigation. Selected works will be published, and winners will receive monetary prizes and certificates of recognition.

Top Prize:

Monetary prize + certificate of recognition for winners in each category

💰 Entry fee: $0

📅 Deadline: January 21, 2025 (Expired)

National High School Essay Contest

American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)

Genres: Essay

The contest invites high school students to write an essay reflecting on the role of the U.S. Foreign Service during the Vietnam War and its impacts on contemporary U.S. diplomacy.

Top Prize:

$2,500

Additional prizes:

All-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.

📅 Deadline: March 01, 2025 (Expired)

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