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Best Flash Fiction Writing Contests in 2025

Showing 70 contests that match your search.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, and Short Story

The Parsec Short Story Contest aims to encourage non-professional writers to explore speculative fiction in genres like science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The theme for 2025 is 'ROOTS', and submissions should relate to this theme. The contest has no entry fee and supports young writers through a special Youth Story Prize.

Top Prize:

$200

Additional prizes:

2nd: $100 | 3rd: $50

πŸ’° Entry fee: $0

πŸ“… Deadline: March 31, 2025

Fish Flash Fiction Prize

Fish Publishing

Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction

The Fish Flash Fiction Prize invites submissions of compelling stories in 300 words or less, judged by Tania Hershman. The contest has been held annually since 2004.

Top Prize:

€1,000

Additional prizes:

2nd: €300 + Online Writing Course | 3rd: €300

πŸ’° Entry fee: $14

πŸ“… Deadline: February 28, 2025

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

πŸ’° Entry fee: $5

πŸ“… Deadline: June 02, 2025

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Heart Fiction Battle

Writing Battle

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

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Top Prize:

$1,500

Additional prizes:

Genre Runner-up (x4): $375 Feedback by industry professionals

πŸ’° Entry fee: $20

πŸ“… Deadline: August 02, 2024 (Expired)

Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Short Story

The contest invites participants to write a story of exactly 100 words on topics like envy, eyeglasses, nightmares, or turtles. It is open to all ages, including international writers. Winning stories will be published in an e-zine.

Top Prize:

$200

Additional prizes:

6 cash prizes of $100 each + publication in digital magazine, inclusion in webcast

πŸ’° Entry fee: $10

πŸ“… Deadline: February 01, 2024 (Expired)

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

πŸ’° Entry fee: $0

πŸ“… Deadline: January 21, 2025 (Expired)

Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction

The contest honors George Dila, a friend of the magazine and its original fiction editor. It invites submissions of previously unpublished flash fiction under 1,000 words.

Top Prize:

$100

Additional prizes:

Publication in Third Wednesday magazine

πŸ’° Entry fee: $6

πŸ“… Deadline: August 15, 2024 (Expired)

Genres: Flash Fiction

The New Writers Flash Fiction Competition 2025 invites submissions from writers worldwide. The competition features a total prize fund of Β£1,600, with the top prize being Β£1,100. The deadline for entries is 31st January 2025, with Β£1 from each entry donated to the charity First Story. Full details and rules can be found on the contest's website.

Top Prize:

Β£1,100

Additional prizes:

2nd: Β£300 | 3rd: Β£200

πŸ’° Entry fee: $13

πŸ“… Deadline: January 31, 2025

Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story, Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, and Young Adult

The competition is open for submissions themed 'The Evolution of Love'. Each entry will be edited, judged based on various writing criteria, and selected works will be published in an anthology.

Top Prize:

$500

Additional prizes:

2nd: $250 | 3rd: $150

πŸ’° Entry fee: $25

πŸ“… Deadline: March 01, 2025

Spring Flash Fiction Contest

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.

πŸ’° Entry fee: $6

πŸ“… Deadline: May 31, 2024 (Expired)

Wild Atlantic Writing Awards (WAWA)

Ireland Writing Retreat

Genres: Flash Fiction and Non-fiction

The WAWA challenges writers to explore the theme of 'Endings' through short stories of up to 500 words. Entries must not include the word 'endings' in the title or story itself. Winners will be announced in March 2025.

Top Prize:

$500

Additional prizes:

Winner can choose either 500 euro or a voucher worth 1,000 euro for any writing retreat in 2025. Top ten stories in each category will be published on the Ireland Writing Retreat website, including a bio and photo of the author.

πŸ’° Entry fee: $10

πŸ“… Deadline: January 12, 2025 (Expired)

#GWstorieseverywhere

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

πŸ’° Entry fee: $0

πŸ“… Deadline: February 28, 2025

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.

πŸ“… Deadline: January 28, 2025

100 Word Writing Contest

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

πŸ’° Entry fee: $15

πŸ“… Deadline: April 30, 2025

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:

Β£100

Additional prizes:

Β£25 for the runner-up; Β£25 for the best fiction featuring Farnham.

πŸ’° Entry fee: $5

πŸ“… Deadline: February 09, 2025

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

The Letter Review Prize aims to celebrate new writing and support writers globally. It offers various categories including Short Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Unpublished Books, awarding the best entries with monetary prizes and publication opportunities.

Top Prize:

$1000 USD shared by 3 winners

Additional prizes:

Publication in Letter Review

πŸ’° Entry fee: $25

πŸ“… Deadline: December 31, 2024 (Expired)

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

πŸ“… Deadline: January 31, 2025

Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Short Story

The competition is open globally, with a deadline of April 30, 2024. The top prize is Β£1,000, with additional prizes for second (Β£300) and third (Β£200) places. Entry fees are Β£10 for one entry, Β£19 for two, and Β£27 for three, with Β£1 from each entry donated to the charity First Story. Winning entries will be published online and in an anthology.

Top Prize:

Β£1,000

Additional prizes:

2nd: Β£300 | 3rd: Β£200

πŸ’° Entry fee: $10

πŸ“… Deadline: April 30, 2024 (Expired)

Goldilocks Zone

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.

πŸ’° Entry fee: $5

πŸ“… Deadline: April 30, 2025

Oxford Flash Fiction Prize 2024

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:

Β£1000

Additional prizes:

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

πŸ’° Entry fee: $9

πŸ“… Deadline: August 31, 2024 (Expired)

Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction

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

πŸ’° Entry fee: $25

πŸ“… Deadline: June 30, 2025

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.

πŸ’° Entry fee: $4

πŸ“… Deadline: November 15, 2024 (Expired)

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:

Β£100

Additional prizes:

2nd: Β£50 | 3rd: Β£25 Publication on EGG+FROG for all winners and runners-up.

πŸ’° Entry fee: $6

πŸ“… Deadline: April 30, 2024 (Expired)

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:

Β£75

Additional prizes:

Β£75 for first prize in each category, plus the opportunity to read the winning entry at the festival. Β£25 for commended entries in each category.

πŸ’° Entry fee: $4

πŸ“… Deadline: March 28, 2025

Places Writing Competition

Minds Shine Bright

Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, and Short Story

The Places Writing Competition invites stories and poems about places that inspire or challenge writers. It includes various categories like poetry, short stories, and flash fiction, and aims to highlight the significance of places in literature.

Top Prize:

The overall winner receives $1500 AUD and publication in the anthology.

Additional prizes:

Up to $200 for commended entries, $50 for young writers.

πŸ’° Entry fee: $15

πŸ“… Deadline: May 31, 2025

Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Crime, Fantasy, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novella, Romance, Science Fiction, and Thriller

The Ironclad Creative Short Story Competition is held quarterly, encouraging original short stories based on a provided prompt. The latest competition had a theme of '7.12am' and featured multiple prize-winning entries. The organization aims to support writers, especially those with low incomes and neurodivergent backgrounds.

Top Prize:

Β£100

Additional prizes:

2nd: Β£50 3rd & 4th: Β£25 10 short-listed entries ge4t publication

πŸ’° Entry fee: $8

πŸ“… Deadline: April 30, 2024 (Expired)

Genres: Flash Fiction

The contest invites writers globally to submit flash fiction between 250 and 750 words. It emphasizes creativity with an open prompt and aims to support women writers. Critiques are available for an additional fee.

Top Prize:

$400

Additional prizes:

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

πŸ’° Entry fee: $10

πŸ“… Deadline: February 28, 2025

Military Anthology: Partnerships, the Untold Story

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)

πŸ“… Deadline: March 01, 2024 (Expired)

Winds of Asia Award

Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc

Genres: Flash Fiction, Poetry, and Short Story

The Winds of Asia Award invites Asian authors and poets to submit original, unpublished works that highlight Asian cultures. Winners can receive cash prizes up to $500, along with publication in Kinsman Quarterly and the upcoming anthology, Winds of Asia. The contest encourages diverse voices and stories.

Top Prize:

$500

Additional prizes:

2nd: $200, 3rd: $100, 4th: $50. Subsequent 6 finalists receive a $25 amazon gift card. 1st place also gets publication in Kinsman Quarterly and the annual anthology.

πŸ“… Deadline: February 28, 2025

Writing MAGIC

Sadie Tells Stories

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, and Young Adult

The Writing MAGIC contest invites authors to write a short story under 500 words about anything magical. Open to all age groups, stories can be fiction or non-fiction. The contest aims to celebrate creativity and share magical experiences.

Top Prize:

$500

Additional prizes:

Second place: $150

πŸ’° Entry fee: $10

πŸ“… Deadline: April 01, 2024 (Expired)

Bath Flash Fiction Award

Bath Flash Fiction Award

Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction

An international rolling flash fiction competition that runs three rounds annually, offering substantial cash prizes and opportunities for publication in anthologies.

Top Prize:

Β£1000

Additional prizes:

Β£300 for 2nd, Β£100 for 3rd

πŸ’° Entry fee: $10

πŸ“… Deadline: February 02, 2025

Genres: Flash Fiction

The SmokeLong Quarterly Award for Flash Fiction is a biennial competition that rewards excellence in flash fiction. The grand prize winner receives $2,500, while second and third places receive $1,000 and $500 respectively. Finalists will be published in a special issue. The contest is open to anyone aged 18 and older.

Top Prize:

$2,500

Additional prizes:

2nd: $1000 | 3rd: $500 | Finalists: $100 | Publication

πŸ’° Entry fee: $14

πŸ“… Deadline: April 30, 2024 (Expired)

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.

πŸ’° Entry fee: $20

πŸ“… Deadline: May 03, 2024 (Expired)

The Paul Cave Prize for Literature

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:

Β£200

Additional prizes:

Feedback from the publisher + a complimentary copy of the anthology

πŸ’° Entry fee: $15

πŸ“… Deadline: September 30, 2025

Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Short Story, and Young Adult

The annual Story of the Year contest is back with a new challenge! We’re looking for captivating, diverse stories that are "easy to read and hard to put down" for readers beyond the third grade. There are five categories aimed at young adult readers, and we encourage you to submit as many entries as you likeβ€”submission is free and unlimited!

Top Prize:

$15,000

Additional prizes:

Publication in digital and print

πŸ’° Entry fee: $0

πŸ“… Deadline: January 13, 2025 (Expired)

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