The Best Fiction Writing Contests of 2022
Writing competitions curated by Reedsy
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Showing 274 contests
The Reedsy Prompts Contest
Reedsy
Respond to one of Reedsy's weekly writing prompt newsletters with a short story for the chance to win $250 and be featured on the Reedsy Blog!
Top prize
$250
Additional prizes
Publication on Reedsy Blog
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: December 31, 2022
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestAnnual Cultural Heritage Writing Contest
The Trailblazer Review
Founded in November 2022, The Trailblazer Review is an international high school literary magazine dedicated to celebrating and honoring indigenous culture through creative writing. Its Annual Cultural Heritage Contest accepts submissions of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction under 4000 words from middle and high school students (13-18 years old) on the subject of native culture and heritage.
Top prize
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: February 20, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, Short Story, Young Adult
View contestThe Clay Reynolds Novella Prize
Texas Review
Established in 2001, The Clay Reynolds Novella Prize highlights one book a year that excels in the novella format. Since 2019 the Prize comes with $500, a standard royalty contract, and 20 copies of the published book.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
A Standard Royalty contract, 20 copies of the novella published
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Novella
View contestStringybark Open Short Story Award 2023
Stringybark Publishing
Our annual flagship competition, the Stringybark Stories Open Short Story Award 2023, is now bigger than ever! Thanks to Graeme Simpson and Anne Buist, a record prize pool of over $1300 is on offer. The theme is open, the only constraint is that there must be a reference to Australia somewhere in the story. It doesn't matter how small a link there is (it could be a jar of vegemite on the counter), there just needs to be one!
Top prize
$560
Additional prizes
2nd: $360 | 3rd: $210 | 4th: $110
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: February 12, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Mystery, Short Story, Crime, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestElegant Literature's Contest 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One of the largest awards open to unpublished writers, and the only one closed to professionals.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, paying new authors over $50,000 this year. One new writer receives the grand prize. We also choose the best stories, pay the authors above-professional rates, and publish them in our magazine. December's head judge is Creag Munroe.
Top prize
$3,000
Additional prizes
Paid publication, 25 x $20 USD | Free entry to Novelist Accelerator
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: January 01, 2023
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestThe Big Moose Prize
Black Lawrence Press
Each year Black Lawrence Press will award The Big Moose Prize for an unpublished novel. The prize is open to new, emerging, and established writers. The winner of this contest will receive book publication, a $1,000 cash award, and ten copies of the book. Prizes will be awarded on publication. The Big Moose Prize is open to traditional novels as well as novels-in-stories, novels-in-poems, and other hybrid forms that contain within them the spirit of a novel.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication, 10 copies of your book
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $27
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Novel, Poetry, Short Story
View contestTrio 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
Genres
Fiction, Novel
View contestTom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest
Winning Writers
Welcome to the 30th annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest. Submit published or unpublished work. $8,000 in prizes.
Top prize
$3,000
Additional prizes
Two-year gift certificate from Duotrope; 10 Honorable Mentions will receive $300 each
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: April 30, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Short Story
View contestAnthology Short Story Award
Anthology Magazine
Established to recognise and encourage creative writing and provide a platform for publication, this 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.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
2nd: $150 | 3rd: $150
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: August 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestBridport Short Story Prize
Bridport Arts Centre
Gail Honeyman was shortlisted in our competition and went on to write Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, winning the Costa debut novel award. All the winning and highly commended pieces are entered into the Sunday Times Audible competition, top prize £30,000. UK based writers are entered into the BBC short story competition. That's not all, literary agent A.M. Heath reads all the shortlist and considers representation. Long story short? You are 5,000 words away from success.
Top prize
£5000
Additional prizes
£1000 for 2nd, £500 for 3rd
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $17
Deadline: May 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestBridport Flash Fiction Prize
Bridport Arts Centre
It may be the sprint of creative writing but that doesn’t mean you can rush the creative process. Take us somewhere fast then let your story marinade in the reader's mind. Make every one of your 250 words count. There is no minimum number of words, just like there is no limit to your imagination. They say lightning doesn't strike twice but we want to feel the electricity in your story right from the beginning through to the very end.
Top prize
£1000
Additional prizes
£500 for 2nd, £250 for 3rd
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $12
Deadline: May 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction
View contestBridport Novel Award
Bridport Arts Centre
Your novel doesn't have to be finished. We initially need only 5,000 to 8,000 words plus a 300 word synopsis. If you're long listed we'll ask for a total of 15,000 words, including your original word count. Shortlisted? Then we need a total 30,000 words, again including your original entry and long listed word count. It all adds up to an incredible opportunity.
Top prize
£1500
Additional prizes
£750 for the runner up and three prizes of £150
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $29
Deadline: May 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Novel
View contestWriter'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]
Top prize
$5,000
Additional prizes
2nd: $500 | 3rd: $100
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $30
Deadline: May 05, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story
View contestCWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition
Crime Writers Association
Our mission is to find the best unpublished short mystery — one that fits into legendary crime writer Margery’s definition of what makes a great story: “The Mystery remains box-shaped, at once a prison and a refuge. Its four walls are, roughly, a Crime, a Mystery, an Enquiry and a Conclusion with an Element of Satisfaction in it.”
Top prize
£500
Additional prizes
Two passes to Crimefest & a selection of books
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestOscar's Book Prize
Evening Standard
Oscar’s Book Prize is an annual prize for the best under-fives book of the year. It is awarded in memory of Oscar Ashton and in partnership with Amazon, the Evening Standard and the National Literacy Trust.
Top prize
£5,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: January 16, 2023
Genres
Fiction
View contestThe Screw Turn Flash Fiction Competition
The Ghost Story
We’re interested in flash fiction pieces of between 250 and 1,000 words. We’re seeking the finest work we can find that incorporates an uncanny element. Ghost stories are welcome, of course—but your submission may involve any paranormal or supernatural theme, as well as magic realism. What we’re looking for is superb writing, fresh perspectives, and maybe a few surprises.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
print and online publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Short Story, Thriller
View contestswamp pink Prizes
crazyhorse
From January 1st to January 31st, submit short stories and essays of up to 25 pages or a set of 1-3 poems. Winners in each genre will receive $2,000 and publication.
Top prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story
View contestCreative Writing Award for Short Fiction
Aesthetica
The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award is a celebration of innovative new writing from across the globe. Each year, the competition invites submissions of short fiction that redefine the parameters of form, concept and technique.
Top prize
$3,068
Additional prizes
Publication + Consultation
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $22
Deadline: September 08, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestThe Restless Books Prize For New Immigrant Writing
Restless Books
The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing was created in 2016 to honor outstanding debut literary works by first-generation immigrants, awarded for fiction and nonfiction in alternating years. The winner receives $10,000 and publication by Restless Books.
Top prize
$10,000
Additional prizes
Publication by Restless Books
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction
View contestThe Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition
Chicken House Books
We're looking for original ideas, a fresh voice, a diverse range of entries and stories that children will love! To enter, you must have written a full-length novel suitable for children/young adults aged between 7 and 18 years. We suggest a minimum of 30,000 words and ask that manuscripts do not exceed 80,000 words. The IET 150 Award will be awarded to a manuscript that celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
Top prize
A worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House & royalty advance of £10,000
Additional prizes
An offer of representation from a top literary agent
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $25
Deadline: June 01, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Novel, Novella, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Young Adult
View contestThe Kurt Brown Prizes
Association of Writers & Writing Programs
AWP will offer three scholarships of $500 each to be awarded to three first-place winners in the genres of creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. These scholarships must be used to attend a writers’ conference, center, retreat, festival, or residency at one of the AWP member programs in the Directory of Conferences & Centers. All winners and six finalists will also receive a one-year individual membership.
Top prize
$500 scholarship
Additional prizes
one-year membership
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Short Story
View contestMonthly Short Story Contest
Olde Wolf
Here at Olde Wolf, we love seeing writers show off their skills. Whether you’re a seasoned author or up-and-coming talent, we encourage you to enter our monthly writing contest!
Top prize
$100
Additional prizes
Featured on Olde Wolf's website
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: December 31, 2022
Genres
Fiction
View contestAIIRA Writing Contest
AI Institute for Resilient Agriculture
We invite contestants to submit writing that imagines the world in the year 2050 and explores the relationship between humans, technology, and their food: what will food look, taste, and feel like; where will it come from; who will produce and transport it; and how will we access and consume it? The world you bring to light should be believable and probe the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the future of agriculture. Your submission can be fiction or creative non-fiction, but keep in mind that the strongest submissions will use research to support the reality described. Contestants must be undergraduate students to submit to this contest.
Top prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
2nd: $1,500 | 3rd: $1,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: December 31, 2022
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Science Writing, Short Story
View contestNOWW 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
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestClash of the Query Letters
Darling Axe Editing
Our judge, Michelle Barker, will be asking herself one question: does this query letter convince me that I'm in the hands of an adept novelist with a unique and engaging story to tell?
Top prize
CAD $700
Additional prizes
CAD $200 for 2nd place, $100 for 3rd place
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $4
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel
View contestStories Through The Ages - Baby Boomer Plus
Stories Through The Ages
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.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
2nd: $200 | 3rd: $100
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: June 15, 2023
Genres
Short Story, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction
View contestPet Flash Fiction Contest
Booksie.com
Write a true story about a pet in 300 words or less! To make it extra enjoyable, please show us a picture of your pet if you can! It can be silly, sad, scary, or any adjective so long as it involves your furry or scaly friend.
Top prize
$250
Additional prizes
2 runner-up: $50
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Humor, Young Adult
View contestThe Goldilocks Zone
Sunspot Lit
Inspired by the search for Goldilocks Zone planets, Sunspot Lit is looking for one short story, CNF, artwork, poem, graphic novel, or script that combines excellence with appeal. Literary and genre works accepted; feedback available.
Top prize
$200
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $9
Deadline: December 19, 2022
Genres
Crime, Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Script Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestMinds Shine Bright Writing Competition
Minds Shine Bright
As we adjust to new realities, inflationary pressures, geo-political tensions, environmental challenges and more it’s time to imagine and explore. The Minds Shine Bright writing competition Confidence 2023 is open and calling for entries of short stories, short scripts, flash fiction and poetry which explore the theme of confidence in some way.
Top prize
$1,080
Additional prizes
$540 for each category winner | $118 for commended entries
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $4
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, Short Story
View contestPulp Fictional Writing Competitions
Pulp Fictional.com
Our Flash contest is now open and will run until 1st January 2023. The Short Story contest begins on the same date and will run until 31st May 2023.
Top prize
$452
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: May 31, 2023
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Short Story, Thriller
View contestDebut Dagger
Crime Writer's Association
The Debut Dagger is a competition for the opening of a crime novel by a writer who isn’t represented by an agent by the time the competition closes, and who has never had a traditional contract for any novel of any length, or who has never self-published any novel of any length in the last 5 years. Writers submit their opening 3,000 words and a 1,500 word synopsis. Entries from shortlisted writers are sent to UK literary agents and publishers. Every year, authors find representation this way.
Top prize
$577
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $41
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Mystery, Novel, Novella, Suspense, Thriller
View contestScience Fiction Writing Contest
FanStory.com Inc
Share a Science Fiction themed story to enter this writing contest with a cash prizes. Let your imagination fly and enjoy sharing your writing.
Top prize
$100
Additional prizes
Winning entries will be features on the FanStory.com welcome page.
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $9
Deadline: April 12, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Science Writing, Science Fiction
View contestEthos Literacy Annual Short Short Story Contest
Ethos Literacy
The challenge: write a story using 100 words on one of four topics. Open to all ages with a special prize for authors 14 years or younger. The contest supports nonprofit literacy programs.
Top prize
$200
Additional prizes
6 cash prizes of $100 each; publication in digital magazine, inclusion in webcast
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $12
Deadline: January 15, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story
View contestThe Roswell Award & Feminist Futures Award
The Omega Sci-Fi Awards
The Omega Sci-Fi Awards are proud to accept entries for The Roswell Award international short science fiction story competition from writers age 16 and older. The Feminist Futures Award will be awarded to a distinct winner for an outstanding feminist sci-fi story.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
UCLA Extension Writers’ Program
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: December 19, 2022
Genres
Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story
View contestThe Nervous Ghost Press Book Prize
Nervous Ghost Press
The 2021 Nervous Ghost Press Book Prizes are open to outstanding works of poetry and prose by anyone living in the United States of America. All work and all writers, from any point in their careers, are welcome to submit their work and get a chance of publication. Please submit a completed a manuscript (50,000-100,000 words for prose, 48-128 pages for poetry).
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication and a Californian reading tour
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Humor, Young Adult
View contest
