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Best Flash Fiction Writing Contests in 2025

Showing 74 contests that match your search.

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The Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction is an esteemed competition for unpublished collections of fiction.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

💰 Entry fee: $25

📅 Deadline: June 30, 2025 (Expired)

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)

📅 Deadline: March 01, 2024 (Expired)

Genres: Flash Fiction and Short Story

A competition celebrating the art of concise storytelling. Participants must write a story in 100 words or less. Eligible for young writers aged 13-19.

Top Prize:

$100

Additional prizes:

Runner-Up and Best Peer Review each receive $50. Recognition and publication opportunities for finalists.

💰 Entry fee: $0

📅 Deadline: August 25, 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.

💰 Entry fee: $4

📅 Deadline: November 15, 2024 (Expired)

Bridport Flash Fiction Prize

Bridport Arts Centre

Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction

The Bridport Flash Fiction Prize invites writers to submit stories of up to 250 words. It aims to celebrate the art of brevity in storytelling. The winning entries receive the opportunity for publication and recognition.

Top Prize:

£1000

Additional prizes:

£500 for 2nd, £250 for 3rd

💰 Entry fee: $12

📅 Deadline: May 31, 2025 (Expired)

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.

💰 Entry fee: $6

📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024 (Expired)

Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Short Story

The Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize aims to showcase new short fiction, offering visibility for winners. Collaborating with various institutions, the prize includes cash rewards, writing retreats, and publication opportunities.

Top Prize:

€2,000 + a week’s residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, consultation with Literary Agent Ed Wilson, manuscript assessment with The Literary Consultancy.

Additional prizes:

2nd and 3rd place: €1000. Publication in partner journals for all shortlisted writers.

💰 Entry fee: $20

📅 Deadline: April 13, 2025 (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.

📅 Deadline: February 28, 2025 (Expired)

New Deal Writing Competition

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)

Genres: Flash Fiction

The F(r)iction Flash Fiction Contest invites writers to submit flash fiction pieces of up to 1,000 words. The winner will be published in F(r)iction. The contest embraces experimental and boundary-pushing literature, encouraging creativity.

Top Prize:

$300

Additional prizes:

Consideration for publication in F(r)iction and the potential for up to five finalists to be published.

💰 Entry fee: $10

📅 Deadline: May 02, 2025 (Expired)

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)

Anthology Flash Fiction Award

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

Oxford Flash Fiction Prize 2025

Oxford Flash Fiction

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

The Oxford Flash Fiction Prize celebrates flash fiction, encouraging new voices and showcasing creativity in under 1000 words. This biannual competition invites writers to submit their stories for the chance to win cash prizes and publication.

Top Prize:

£1000

Additional prizes:

2nd Prize: £200 | 3rd Prize: £100 | New Voice Prize: £200 | Publication in the anthology for shortlisted entrants.

💰 Entry fee: $7

📅 Deadline: August 31, 2025

Genres: Flash Fiction, Fiction, and Short Story

The WOW! Women on Writing Flash Fiction Contest aims to inspire creativity and recognition for writers. Open to all genres of flash fiction, it has been running since 2006 and has awarded over $100,000 in cash prizes to participants. The contest allows entries globally, and submissions must be in English.

Top Prize:

$400

Additional prizes:

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

💰 Entry fee: $10

📅 Deadline: August 31, 2025

39 Steps

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 (Expired)

Genres: Flash Fiction, Short Story, and Fiction

The Gemini Magazine Short Story Contest invites entries of any subject and length. Unpublished stories are accepted, and multiple entries are allowed. All entries are treated anonymously during the judging process.

Top Prize:

$1,000

Additional prizes:

2nd: $100 | 3x honorable mentions: $25. Publication for each winner.

💰 Entry fee: $10

📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025 (Expired)

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:

£100

Additional prizes:

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

💰 Entry fee: $8

📅 Deadline: April 30, 2024 (Expired)

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

The Not Quite Write Prize for FLESH Fiction invites submissions of erotic stories up to 1,500 words based on the theme 'Making the unsexy irresistible'. The competition is open to adults worldwide, free to enter, and aims to explore creative interpretations of erotic fiction. Judging is blind, and winners will be announced publicly.

Top Prize:

$500 AUS

Additional prizes:

Total prize pool of AU$1,000 plus a range of "spicy" prizes and a chance at print publication.

💰 Entry fee: $0

📅 Deadline: August 24, 2025

Goldilocks Zone

Sunspot Literary Journal

Genres: Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Script Writing, and Short Story

The Goldilocks Zone contest invites submissions for fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, artwork, and graphic novels, seeking works that combine craft with audience appeal. The prize includes cash and publication for winners and runners-up.

Top Prize:

$100

Additional prizes:

Publication for the winner; publication offered to runners-up and finalists.

💰 Entry fee: $5

📅 Deadline: May 01, 2025 (Expired)

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

The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction invites writers to break traditional writing rules while crafting compelling stories. Participants have 60 hours to produce a story of up to 500 words in response to prompts. The contest is held quarterly, with cash prizes totaling AU$4,000 each round.

Top Prize:

$1,500 AUD

Additional prizes:

Winner receives AU$1,500 and the Not Quite Write Trophy. | 2nd place: AU$500 | 3rd place: AU$200 | Additional cash prizes for other positions.

💰 Entry fee: $35

📅 Deadline: July 27, 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

💰 Entry fee: $14

📅 Deadline: February 28, 2025 (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:

£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)

Wonder Fiction Battle

Writing Battle, Inc.

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

The Wonder 2025 Flash fiction Battle is part of the Writing Battle series, where participants write stories based on prompts. Participants receive feedback from professionals.

Top Prize:

$3,400

Additional prizes:

$3400 prize for 4x Genre Winners; $500 prize for 4x Genre Runner-ups. Winners receive online publication, feedback from industry professionals

💰 Entry fee: $39

📅 Deadline: April 13, 2025 (Expired)

Genres: Flash Fiction

An annual competition celebrating excellence in flash fiction. Entries must be unpublished, and winners receive cash prizes and nominations for various prestigious awards.

Top Prize:

$2,500

Additional prizes:

2nd: $1000 | 3rd: $500 | Grand Prize winner receives automatic nominations for Best Small Fictions and Pushcart Prize.

💰 Entry fee: $16

📅 Deadline: May 10, 2025 (Expired)

The Do-Over Writing Contest

The Next Big Writer

Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Short Story

In 500 words or less, write a story based on a character that has the opportunity to do-over one event in their life. The story can be any genre as long as it is based on this concept. Entrants must also leave at least three quality reviews on the work of other site members.

Top Prize:

$200

Additional prizes:

$50 for two runner-ups.

💰 Entry fee: $9

📅 Deadline: July 18, 2025

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

💰 Entry fee: $10

📅 Deadline: February 01, 2024 (Expired)

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)

Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction

The Lascaux Prize in Flash Fiction invites submissions of stories that may be previously published or unpublished. True stories are accepted if written in a narrative style. The contest emphasizes the importance of storytelling.

Top Prize:

$1,000

Additional prizes:

Winner also receives a bronze medallion and publication in The Lascaux Review

💰 Entry fee: $15

📅 Deadline: June 30, 2025 (Expired)

Season Themes

HAVOK Publishing

Genres: Fantasy, Flash Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Short Story, and Thriller

Season Themes is a flash fiction contest that invites authors to create stories inspired by monthly themes and prompts. Each theme features a specific character prompt that authors must incorporate into their stories, allowing for creative interpretations across various genres.

Top Prize:

$100

Additional prizes:

Publication in an anthology. Potential for larger gift card wins.

📅 Deadline: January 17, 2025 (Expired)

Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction

The Cranked Anvil Flash Fiction Competition invites writers to submit stories with a maximum length of 500 words. The competition runs quarterly, with deadlines in February, May, August, and November. Up to three entries can be submitted per participant per quarter.

Top Prize:

£100

Additional prizes:

2nd: £50 + publication online

💰 Entry fee: $6

📅 Deadline: November 30, 2024 (Expired)

Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, and Travel

The Fiction Factory Short Story Competition invites entries of up to 3,000 words in any genre except Children's and Young Adult fiction. Winners will be published on the website and in an anthology.

Top Prize:

£500

Additional prizes:

Winning stories will be published and included in an anthology.

💰 Entry fee: $7

📅 Deadline: May 31, 2025 (Expired)

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 like—submission is free and unlimited!

Top Prize:

$15,000

Additional prizes:

Publication in digital and print

💰 Entry fee: $0

📅 Deadline: January 13, 2025 (Expired)

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)

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 (Expired)

Genres: Flash Fiction

The New Writers Poetry Competition offers a £1,200 top prize (with £1,800 total) and publication for the top six poems in its next New Writers Anthology. It is open globally to any English-language poet aged 18+. 10% of proceeds will be donated to charity. The head judge is prize-winning poet, Katrina Moinet.

Top Prize:

£1,200

Additional prizes:

2nd: £300 | 3rd: £150 | 4th to 6th: £50 each

💰 Entry fee: $14

📅 Deadline: July 17, 2025

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