Related Resources:
- What is Flash Fiction? A Complete Guide (blog post)
- How to Write Flash Fiction (blog post)
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DIRECTORY
Showing 71 contests that match your search.
Soft Designs, Inc.
Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Short Story
The contest encourages participants to submit one fictional story (max 350 words) for a chance to win a prize. The contest requires a minimum of 10 shortlisted submissions to award a prize, which is a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
Top Prize:
$25 USD Amazon Gift Card
Additional prizes:
Publication
📅 Deadline: August 01, 2024 (Expired)
Gotham Writers Workshop
Genres: Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, and Young Adult
The Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize is a competition sponsored by _Selected Shorts_, where winning stories are performed live and published. The contest aims to celebrate the art of the short story.
Top Prize:
$1000
Additional prizes:
Free 10 week course with Gotham Writers
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: March 01, 2024 (Expired)
Alpine Fellowship
Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Short Story
The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize aims to discover and support new writing talent on an annual basis. The prize includes financial support for the best pieces of writing submitted on an announced theme. The contest is open to all writers aged 18 and above, regardless of nationality.
Top Prize:
£3,000 cash grant
Additional prizes:
2nd: £1,000 travel expense | 3rd: £1,000 travel expense
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: March 01, 2025 (Expired)
University of North Texas Press
Genres: Short Story, Flash Fiction, and Novella
The Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction is an esteemed competition for unpublished collections of fiction. The contest is open for submissions of flash fiction, short stories, or novellas, with a total manuscript length of 100 to 200 book pages.
Top Prize:
$1,000
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2025
Sunspot Literary Journal
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Script Writing, and Short Story
The contest invites short stories, novel excerpts, graphic novels, and poems that showcase excellence in craft with reader appeal. It accepts literary or genre works without restrictions on theme.
Top Prize:
$100
Additional prizes:
Publication for the winner; publication offered to runners-up and finalists.
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: April 30, 2025
New Writers UK
Genres: Flash Fiction
The New Writers Flash Fiction Competition 2025 invites submissions from writers worldwide. The competition features a total prize fund of £1,600, with the top prize being £1,100. The deadline for entries is 31st January 2025, with £1 from each entry donated to the charity First Story. Full details and rules can be found on the contest's website.
Top Prize:
£1,100
Additional prizes:
2nd: £300 | 3rd: £200
💰 Entry fee: $13
📅 Deadline: January 31, 2025 (Expired)
South Warwickshire Literary Festival
Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, and Flash Fiction
The competition features an open theme and includes four categories: Fiction, Flash Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, and Poetry. Each category has a defined maximum word count. Winners will be acknowledged at the festival and have the opportunity to read their entries.
Top Prize:
£75
Additional prizes:
£75 for first prize in each category, plus the opportunity to read the winning entry at the festival. £25 for commended entries in each category.
💰 Entry fee: $4
📅 Deadline: March 28, 2025
Tadpole Press
Genres: Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult, Children's, Poetry, Romance, Short Story, Suspense, and Travel
The 100 Word Writing Contest is an international contest hosted by Tadpole Press that encourages creativity across all genres. It welcomes entries from writers of all ages and backgrounds, aiming to diversify literature and promote unique narratives.
Top Prize:
$2,000
Additional prizes:
Publishing and marketing package
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: April 30, 2025
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.
Top Prize:
$200
Additional prizes:
Second place: $75 Third place: $50 For each category
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2025
Fiction Factory
Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, and Travel
The Fiction Factory Short Story Competition invites writers to submit stories of up to 3,000 words. The competition is open to all genres excluding Children's and Young Adult Fiction. Winning stories will be published on the website and potentially in an anthology.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
Winning stories will be published and included in an anthology.
💰 Entry fee: $7
📅 Deadline: July 31, 2024 (Expired)
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.
Top Prize:
$500 Editors' Choice award
Additional prizes:
$250 for each genre category (prose, poetry, visual art)
📅 Deadline: March 01, 2024 (Expired)
Gotham Writers
Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction
The #GWstorieseverywhere contest invites participants to submit very short stories based on monthly themes. The stories can be fictional or true and must be original and unpublished. The winning entries are featured on Gotham's website.
Additional prizes:
Winner receives a free Gotham class of their choosing, excluding premium classes
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: February 28, 2025 (Expired)
Anthology Magazine
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, and Flash Fiction
The Anthology Flash Fiction Competition invites original, unpublished flash fiction pieces on any theme or genre, written in English. Entries must not exceed 250 words, and multiple submissions are allowed with separate fees. The competition aims to inspire creativity and provide a publication platform.
Top Prize:
€300
💰 Entry fee: $12
📅 Deadline: September 30, 2025
Letter Review
Genres: Flash Fiction, Short Story, and Fiction
The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction is a competition for short fiction (up to 5000 words) with no genre or theme restrictions. It is open to writers worldwide, with 2-4 winners published and sharing in the prize money. Entries are also considered for publication and submission to the Pushcart Prize.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication by The Letter Review. Up to 20 writers shortlisted. Publication and consideration for the Pushcart Prize and anthologies.
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025
Writing Battle
Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, and Thriller
The Winter Flash Fiction Battle is an engaging contest where writers compete by creating stories based on given prompts. Participants write a story of up to 1000 words within three days. The contest emphasizes community feedback and professional judging.
Top Prize:
Genre Winner (x4): $$3,400
Additional prizes:
Genre Runner-up (x4): $800 | Genre Semi-Finalist (x8): $400
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: February 01, 2025 (Expired)
Southam Book Festival
Genres: Flash Fiction
The Flash Fiction Competition challenges participants to submit a story of no more than 100 words. This year's theme requires the inclusion of specific terms related to 'tip'.
Top Prize:
$60
Additional prizes:
2nd prize: £30 3rd prize: £20
💰 Entry fee: $3
📅 Deadline: September 08, 2024 (Expired)
Globe Soup
Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, and Young Adult
The competition invites submissions from writers of all genres and styles, allowing stories up to 8,000 words. The winner will be announced on February 10, 2025, and all stories are judged anonymously. Participants can receive feedback on their stories through optional exchanges before submission.
Top Prize:
£2,000
Additional prizes:
Publication on website
💰 Entry fee: $8
📅 Deadline: December 16, 2024 (Expired)
Walk Listen Create
Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction
The contest invites participants to write a micro-flash story of 39 words, inspired by John Buchan’s 'The Thirty-Nine Steps.' Submissions must fit the theme and will be featured in an anthology. Winners will also be showcased in a public online event.
Top Prize:
€100
Additional prizes:
Winner recieves artwork by Alban Low and a copy of the illustrated chapbook. The authors of the 39 selected stories will also receive an invitation to a private Writers’ Circle event.
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: April 22, 2025
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)
The Berlin Literary Review
Genres: Flash Fiction
This contest is for flash fiction pieces of 1,500 words or less. Winning entries will be published in the magazine.
Top Prize:
€660
Additional prizes:
Second place: €100 Third place: €60 Winner has publication in the online magazine for winners and shortlisted participants.
💰 Entry fee: $6
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024 (Expired)
Fusilli Writing
Genres: Flash Fiction
An international flash fiction competition for stories up to 200 words with a twist. The competition is open to anyone 18+ and accepts any theme, with a focus on quality writing.
Top Prize:
£30
Additional prizes:
Publication on the winners' page
💰 Entry fee: $3
📅 Deadline: December 31, 2025
Genres: Flash Fiction, Fiction, and Poetry
A creative writing contest inviting participants worldwide to submit entries in response to prompts. The competition consists of three rounds, each with its own theme and deadline.
Top Prize:
£100
Additional prizes:
2nd: £50 | 3rd: £25 Publication on EGG+FROG for all winners and runners-up.
💰 Entry fee: $6
📅 Deadline: April 30, 2024 (Expired)
Sally Dickson
Genres: Flash Fiction
The Farnham Flash Fiction International Competition invites writers to submit stories of 500 words or less. The competition has been running since 2018 and includes a special prize for stories featuring Farnham. It offers cash prizes and publication in an anthology.
Top Prize:
£100
Additional prizes:
£25 for the runner-up; £25 for the best fiction featuring Farnham.
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: February 09, 2025 (Expired)
Write the World
Genres: Flash Fiction and Short Story
The Flash Fiction Competition 2024 invites young writers aged 13-19 to submit original works of flash fiction. Participants can explore diverse themes and styles while gaining feedback from peers and experts.
Top Prize:
$100
Additional prizes:
Recognition and publication opportunities for finalists
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: August 26, 2024 (Expired)
Write By The Sea Festival Committee
Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, and Poetry
The competition features four categories: Fiction Short Story, Flash Fiction, Poetry, and Memoir/Personal Essay, with original works encouraged. Winners will be invited to read at the festival and have their work published.
Top Prize:
€500
Additional prizes:
2nd place: €300 3rd place: €200 Free weekend pass to the festival, publication in The Waxed Lemon Literary Journal.
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: June 21, 2024 (Expired)
Free Flash Fiction
Genres: Flash Fiction
Submit a flash fiction piece of 100 to 300 words on any theme. The competition is open to everyone, and entries will be anonymized during the judging process. The judge for this round is Chris Cottom.
Top Prize:
£150 and publication of winning story.
Additional prizes:
£60 for 2 Highly Commended, £50 for 3 shortlisted entries, all receive publication.
💰 Entry fee: $4
📅 Deadline: April 23, 2025
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, and Flash Fiction
The contest invites submissions of inspiring and uplifting stories, aiming to highlight the benefits of writing amidst global issues. Each story can be up to 5,000 characters (about 1,000 words). Winners are determined by writing quality and community votes.
Top Prize:
$300
Additional prizes:
Five runners-up will receive $100 each
📅 Deadline: January 31, 2025 (Expired)
So To Speak
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)
Writing Battle
Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, and Young Adult
The Spring Microfiction Battle is part of the Writing Battle series, where participants write stories based on prompts. Participants receive feedback from peers and industry judges.
Top Prize:
$1,500
Additional prizes:
Genre Runner-up (x4): $375 Feedback by industry professionals. Various merchandise and opportunities for additional exposure in the community.
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: May 03, 2024 (Expired)
Future Scholar Foundation
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Science Fiction, Science Writing, and Short Story
The competition invites elementary and middle school students to submit short stories (maximum 350 words) based on a monthly theme. Winners receive recognition and prizes, including Amazon gift cards and publication in the Hall of Fame.
Top Prize:
$25
Additional prizes:
1st place: $25 Amazon gift card 2nd place: $15 Amazon gift card 3rd place: $5 Amazon gift card All winners are published in the Hall of Fame.
📅 Deadline: January 28, 2025 (Expired)
Tim Saunders Publications
Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, and Young Adult
Established in 2023, this contest is a platform for writers and poets to get their work published. Categories include various forms of poetry and fiction, excluding erotic work. Winners receive feedback and cash prizes, while all approved submissions will be included in the anthology.
Top Prize:
£200
Additional prizes:
Feedback from the publisher + a complimentary copy of the anthology
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: September 30, 2025
Writer Advice
Genres: Flash Fiction and Poetry
The Flash Fiction Contest invites entries of prose or prose poetry that tell a compelling story in 500 words or less. The contest emphasizes clarity, originality, and emotional impact.
Top Prize:
Varies based on the number of winners
Additional prizes:
Feedback on submissions for an additional fee
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: June 02, 2025
Onyx Publications
Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Science Fiction, Short Story, and Thriller
The contest awarded prizes for both prose and poetry categories, with multiple winners for each.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
Second place: $150 Third place: $75 Winner also gets publication and author interview on Story Discovery podcast.
💰 Entry fee: $12
📅 Deadline: May 05, 2024 (Expired)
Genesee Valley Council on the Arts (GVCA)
Genres: Christian, Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Mystery, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, and Travel
The New Deal Writing Competition invites writers to create a short story inspired by a specific painting. The current painting is 'Playtime' by Fred Ross. This is the ninth annual contest, intended to celebrate creativity and connect art and writing.
Top Prize:
$200
Additional prizes:
Publication in newsletter
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: March 15, 2024 (Expired)
Oxford Flash Fiction
Genres: Flash Fiction, Fiction, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, and Young Adult
The contest celebrates the art of flash fiction. It invites writers to explore themes of transformation, inspired by Kafka's legacy, as part of the centenary commemoration of his work. The prize aims to provide opportunities for both emerging and established writers.
Top Prize:
£1000
Additional prizes:
2nd Prize: £200 | 3rd Prize: £100 | New Voice Prize: £200
💰 Entry fee: $9
📅 Deadline: August 31, 2024 (Expired)
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