The Best Fiction Writing Contests of 2023
Writing competitions curated by Reedsy
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Showing 319 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
View contestStory Unlikely's Short Story Contest
Story Unlikely
Story Unlikely's Annual Short Story contest is simply looking for great stories, judged both by the technical and literary quality as well as the author's ability to tell a story. We are not genre specific, and judging is blind, not based on the author's credentials, background, or pedigree. This is merit only. May the best story win.
Top prize
$750
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: January 31, 2024
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestFrightening First Line Contest 2023
Gotham Writers Workshop
Autumn is the season of rustling leaves, a chill in the air, and, of course, Halloween. In that spirit, we invite you to create the first line of a frightening story. But we want that first line to be so intriguing or chilling or scary that it makes our skin tingle and our nerves twitch.
Top prize
Free Gotham Writers class
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: November 30, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Short Story, Thriller
View contestNovel Fair 2024
Irish Writers Centre
Now in its 12th year, the Novel Fair is an annual competition initiated by the Irish Writers Centre. Described by The Irish Times as ‘A Dragons’ Den for writers’, each year the Fair introduces twelve up-and-coming writers to top publishers and literary agents, giving novelists the opportunity to bypass the slush pile, pitch their ideas and place their synopsis and sample chapters directly into the hands of industry professionals. Novel Fair has been attended by representatives from: Curtis Brown, Penguin Random House, Conville & Walsh, époque, Fletcher & Co, Poolbeg Press, Harper Collins, John Murray, Hachette, Lilliput Press, New Island Books, The Book Bureau, The Bent Agency, Greene & Heaton, Storyline Literary Agency and many others.
Top prize
Present your novel to leading publishers and agents at the Irish Writers Centre
Additional prizes
Runners up: Critique from the judging panel
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $60
Deadline: September 30, 2023
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novel, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestWinter Flash Fiction Battle
Writing Battle
Three days to write a 1000 word short story. The peer-powered quarterly writing contest where every story receives oodles of feedback. Write one. Read ten. Win thousands.
Top prize
$10,000
Additional prizes
Feedback by industry professionals.
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $25
Deadline: February 01, 2024
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller
View contestAutumn Short Story Battle
Writing Battle
Five days to write a 2000 word short story. The peer-powered quarterly writing contest where every story receives oodles of feedback. Write one. Read ten. Win thousands.
Top prize
$10,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $25
Deadline: October 31, 2023
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller
View contest7 Day Story Writing Challenge
Globe Soup
Register now for our next 7-day story writing challenge. A secret theme, a randomly assigned genre, and just 7 days to write a story of no more than 2,000 words. Our 7-day story writing challenges take place throughout the year. The challenges are free and you can even get feedback on your story. Take part in one challenge or take part in all of them!
Top prize
£500
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: October 16, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestWriting LOVE
Sadie Tells Stories
Writing LOVE is a 500 word short story contest. It can be fiction or non-fiction. It can be a love of anything. A love for life, for nature, for a life partner, for peace, for justice, for a passion... The story also doesn't need to be about love, it just has to have an element of love.
Top prize
$500
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: November 15, 2023
Genres
Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Young Adult
View contestInspiring Fiction's Fantasy Contest
Inspiring Fiction
Inspiring Fiction’s fantasy short story contest is on the theme ‘Belonging’. The winner and shortlisted entries will be published in the second issue of Mirk Fantasy Magazine.
Top prize
£100
Additional prizes
Publication in Mirk Fantasy Magazine
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $6
Deadline: October 31, 2023
Genres
Fantasy, Fiction, Short Story
View contestShort Story Competition 2023
Write the World
What truth do you want to convey through your stories? This month, write a short story of up to 1000 words and invite readers into a contained universe. With only a small word limit to work with, you must choose carefully. Remember, as Neil Gaiman once said: “Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds and other minds and other dreams.”
Top prize
$100
Additional prizes
Runner up: $50 | Best peer review: $50
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: November 27, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestScience Fiction & Fantasy Writing 2023
Write the World
Fantasy and sci-fi stir our imaginations, inviting us to think outside the limits of the life we know. This month, you have the extraordinary and exciting task of reimagining the world. In a fantasy or sci-fi short story, take your readers on a journey into a world of your imagination.
Top prize
$100
Additional prizes
Runner up: $50 | Best peer review: $50
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: October 23, 2023
Genres
Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story
View contestElegant 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 above-professional rates, and publish them in our magazine. September's guest judge is multi-award winning author Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki.
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: October 01, 2023
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult, Flash Fiction, Science Writing
View contestI Am In Print Novel Award 2023
I Am In Print Ltd
I Am In Print are excited to be working with Canelo, one of the largest independent digitally focused publishers in Europe and one of the largest UK fiction publishers by volume, to find the best, as yet unpublished, manuscripts. Novels entered must be complete, written in English and be between 70,000 and 100,000 words. The award is open to writers globally and novels written for an adult audience in the following genres are welcome: Action thriller, Cosy mystery, Crime, Historical adventure, Horror, Psychological thriller, Romance, Saga. First prize is £1000 plus a 60 minute online consultation with a Canelo Editor!
Top prize
£1000
Additional prizes
60 minute online consultation with a Canelo Editor
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: October 09, 2023
Genres
Crime, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novel, Romance, Thriller
View contestWenlock Olympian Society Short Story Competition
Wenlock Olympian Society
This is an international competition. There should be a maximum of up to 2,500 words on any theme and in any genre except YA and Children's stories. The contest will be judged by acclaimed author Philip Caine and winners announced in March 2024.
Top prize
£150
Additional prizes
2nd: £50 | 3rd: £25
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: October 30, 2023
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller
View contestThe Book of the Year Awards
The Independent Author Network
The Independent Author Network presents the 2024 IAN Book of the Year Awards, an international contest open to all authors with 55 fiction and non-fiction categories. Winners are eligible to receive a share of cash prizes of $6,000 USD. Open to all English language print and eBooks available for sale, including small presses, mid-size independent publishers, university presses, and self-published authors.
Top prize
$2,500
Additional prizes
$6,000.00 USD in total cash prizes
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: August 15, 2023 (Expired)
Genres
Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestThe Goldilocks Zone
Sunspot Literary Journal
Sunspot Lit seeks a story, essay, excerpt from longer prose pieces, artwork, graphic novel, or poem that combines excellence in craft with reader or audience appeal. Feedback for fiction and nonfiction submissions available for additional fee.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $12
Deadline: September 30, 2023
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, Short Story
View contestIndignor Play House Annual Short Story Competition
Indignor House Publishing
Indignor House Publishing is proud to announce that our annual writing competition (INDIGNOR PLAYHOUSE Short Story Annual Competition) is officially open with expected publication in the fall of 2024. Up to 25 submissions will be accepted for inclusion in the annual anthology.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
2nd: $250 | 3rd: $150
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: March 31, 2024
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story, Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestThe Masters Review Novel Excerpt Contest
The Masters Review
Each fall, The Masters Review hosts a call for novel excerpts! Writing a novel can be an arduous and lonely process, but we’re here to champion the great work being produced. Whether your book is not quite finished or ready to pitch, we want to read your words. For this contest, we’re looking for self-contained excerpts that display a strong voice, compelling characters, and carefully constructed narrative arcs. You may submit an excerpt from any section of your completed or in-progress novel, but choose wisely: a synopsis should not be required for understanding the excerpt. As always, we have no limitations on genre, though we are primarily interested in literary fiction.
Top prize
$3,000
Additional prizes
2nd: $300, online publication | 3rd: $200, online publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: November 12, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Novel
View contestThe Hal Prize
Peninsula Pulse
The contest was created to encourage and appreciate artistic expression through various literary forms and photography. The contest has showcased works from individuals of all ages and backgrounds – novice writers and photographers to professionals.
Top prize
$250
Additional prizes
2nd: $100 | 3rd: $50
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: September 01, 2023 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry
View contestGeorge Garrett Fiction Prize
Texas Review Press
Established in 1998, The George Garrett Fiction Prize highlights one book a year for excellence in a short story collection or novel. Since 2019, the prize comes with a $1,000 advance, a standard royalty contract, and 20 copies of the published book.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Standard royalty contract with TRP and 20 author copies of the published book
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $28
Deadline: September 30, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Novel
View contestSouthern Cross Short Story Competition 2023
Ballarat Writers
Ballarat Writers Inc is inviting entries to the 2023 Southern Cross Short Story competition, from authors writing in English on the theme of TRACKS OF DESIRE to a maximum of 3,000 words. First prize AUD$1000 with runner-up prizes and certificates of commendation. This year’s judge is internationally renowned Graeme Simsion.
Top prize
$1000 AUD
Additional prizes
2nd: $400 AUD | 3rd: $100 AUD
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $13
Deadline: October 01, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestSummer Nanofiction Battle
Writing Battle
Two days to write a 250 word short story! The peer-powered quarterly writing contest where every story receives oodles of feedback. Write one. Read ten. Win thousands.
Top prize
$4,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: August 04, 2023 (Expired)
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Short Story, Thriller
View contestMoney Chronicles: A Story Initiative
Principal Foundation
This is a short story contest designed to bring our experiences with money – positive and negative – out of the shadows. We want to read your imaginative and meaningful short stories (fiction and creative nonfiction) touching on themes related to money and personal finance. Introduce us to protagonists whose relationship to money may be on the verge of unexpected or needed change.
Top prize
$250 USD (up to 30 winners)
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: August 31, 2023 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestInfrastructure Threat Contest
CAPTRS
CAPTRS is building the “Universe of Threats,” which will be used to prepare decision makers for future threats. This second Universe of Threats contest invites applicants to submit a ground truth and short story about a threat to one or multiple of the 16 defined critical infrastructure sectors. Submissions should specify the sector(s) experiencing the threat, the details and origin of the threat, and considerations for the unfolding response. Ground Truth maximum word count is 1,000 and essay word count is 2,500.
Top prize
$5,000
Additional prizes
2nd: $2,500 (up to 2 winners) | 3rd: $1,000 (up to 5 winners) | Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: September 30, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story
View contestThe Moth Nature Writing Prize
The Moth
The Prize will be awarded to unpublished pieces of prose or poetry which best combine exceptional literary merit with an exploration of the writer’s relationship with the natural world. Judged by Kathleen Jamie.
Top prize
€1,000 + 1 week at Circle of Misse in France
Additional prizes
2nd: €500 | 3rd: €250
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $17
Deadline: September 30, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry
View contestNative Voices Award
Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc
Indigenous storytellers (Native American, First Nation Australian, Indian, Polynesian, etc.) may submit original, unpublished work in English; short stories, essays, onstage scripts, poetry, or visual art.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
2nd: $250 | 3rd: $100 | 6 Finalists: $25 gift card
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: October 31, 2023
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, Short Story
View contestLetter 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: $25
Deadline: August 31, 2023 (Expired)
Genres
Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Novel, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestShe Writes Press and SparkPress Towards Equality in Publishing (STEP)
SparkPoint Studio
Since 2018, we’ve been proud to play a role in the much-needed elevation of writers of color by awarding 2-3 authors of color publishing packages per year as part of our She Writes Press and SparkPress Toward Equality in Publishing (STEP). The purpose of this contest is to support inclusivity across our lists, and to fortify our own mission to give voice to women writers.
Top prize
Publishing package valued at $9500
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: August 15, 2023 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Novel, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestBig Writers, Little Ears
Travelnitch
We are actively seeking students in Grades 7-12 who love to write! Turn your own passion for travel into an inspiring story for our younger listeners. Whether it’s a fact-based narrative or creative fiction, this is an opportunity to gain real-life experience as a travel writer and show the world what you can do.
Top prize
Publication and recorded for Bedtime Stories podcast
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: August 20, 2023 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Short Story, Young Adult
View contestInspiring Fiction's Crime and Speculative Fiction Contest
Inspiring Fiction
Inspiring Fiction’s first crime and speculative fiction short story contest is on the theme ‘Secrets’. The winner and shortlisted entries will be published in the fourth issue of Tangled Web Magazine.
Top prize
£100
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $6
Deadline: July 31, 2023 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story, Crime, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller
View contestAll In The Mind
SaveAs Writers
SaveAs Writers invite entries of poetry and prose for their annual competition. 2023 celebrates the centenary of the publication of Freud’s The Ego and the Id. We hope that the theme of ‘all in the mind’ inspires you to write about the role of the unconscious in our daily experience and our culture. How do hidden forces motivate human beings in our spiritual, emotional, and mental lives?
Top prize
£200 for both Poetry & Prose
Additional prizes
2nd: £100 | 3rd: £50 for both Poetry & Prose
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $4
Deadline: September 30, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Poetry
View contestInception 2023
Sunspot Lit
Beginnings have the power to spark passion or curiosity. They might immediately connect a specific place and time with an emotional tone. The best openings offer a feeling, atmosphere, action, or image that is gripping, and hints at more to come. For Sunspot Lit’s Inception contest, send your best opening. There are no restrictions on theme, category, or the length of the piece or collection from which the excerpt comes. Word limit is 250 for prose, 25 words for poetry.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
Publication in digital and print editions
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: July 31, 2023 (Expired)
Genres
Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Romance, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestFlash Fiction Competition
Pigeon Review
This year's Flash Fiction competition centers around the theme of "home". What it means to you, how you understand it, and the emotions "home" evokes within you.
Top prize
$125
Additional prizes
2nd: $100 | 3rd: $75
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: July 31, 2023 (Expired)
Genres
Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller
View contestAIIRA Writing Contest
AI Institute for Resilient Agriculture
AIIRA is seeking essays speculating on how AI will change careers within the next decade, as well as fiction stories depicting a day in the life of a job transformed by AI technology. Submissions should address how AI will help future professionals perform their jobs more efficiently as well as what job duties will become redundant due to AI.
Top prize
$550
Additional prizes
2nd: $400 (x2) | 3rd: $250
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: September 30, 2023
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Science Writing, Short Story
View contestThe Atom Learning Young Author Award
Atom Learning
The theme for 2023 is 'If I were in charge for a day…'. Entrants must submit a creative response to this theme no more than 500 words. All entrants must be aged between 7–11 on the day the competition closes (10th September 2023). Submissions must be written by the child and must not be supported by an adult. We’re looking for aspiring writers, not perfect wordsmiths!
Top prize
A trip to Disneyland Paris for a family of 4
Additional prizes
Chromebook worth £250 | More prizes for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: September 10, 2023 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Children's
View contest
