The Best Non Fiction Writing Contests of 2023

Writing competitions curated by Reedsy

Showing 137 contests


The Letter Review Prize for Reprints

Letter Review

We're seeking Stories, Poems, and works of Nonfiction which have been previously published, and are not currently available to read online. Far too often excellent writing experiences a brief moment in the sun, and disappears for good (either out of print, behind a paywall, or to sit on a dusty shelf). As part of The Letter Review's committment to open access, we are here to celebrate these works, and give them a second chance by republishing them online, hopefully assisting them to shine forever.

Top prize

$1000 (shared by 3 winners)

Additional prizes

Publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: December 31, 2023


Genres

Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story

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Letter Review Prize for Nonfiction

Letter Review

The Letter Review Prize for Nonfiction (0 - 5000 words) is open to writers from anywhere in the world. Accepting most forms of Nonfiction. Three winners are published and every entry is considered for publication. 20 entries are longlisted.

Top prize

$1000 (shared by 3 winners)

Additional prizes

Publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: December 31, 2023


Genres

Essay, Memoir, Non-fiction, Humor

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LGBTQIA+ Literary Success Grants

Georgia Writers Association

The LGBTQIA+ Literary Success Grant will be awarded annually in the categories of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenwriting. The purpose of the grants is to elevate, encourage, and inspire the voices of young queer writers in Georgia.

Top prize

$500

Additional prizes

Scholarship to the annual Red Clay Writers Conference

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: January 12, 2024


Genres

Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Script Writing

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The Pinch Literary Awards & Page Prize

The Pinch Literary Journal

The 2023 Pinch Literary Awards accepts poetry and fiction. The 2023 Page Prize accepts non-fiction.

Top prize

$2000 for poetry & fiction winners

Additional prizes

$1000 for Page Prize winner

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: March 31, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Fiction, Poetry, Short Story, Non-fiction

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NOWW 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 (Expired)


Genres

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

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Literary and Photographic Contest 2023-2024

Hispanic Culture Review

As we move forward we carry our culture wherever we go. It keeps us alive. This is why we propose the theme to be “¡Hacia delante!”. A phrase that means to move forward. This year we ask that you think about the following questions: What keeps you moving forward? What do you carry with you going into the future? How do you celebrate your successes, your dreams, and your culture?

Top prize

$100

Additional prizes

Publication in magazine

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: February 07, 2024


Genres

Essay, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry

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ReadWrite Strategies Funny Workplace Anthology Contest

ReadWrite Strategies

Please submit funny, creative nonfiction stories 300-1200 words in length, set in or relating to work. If it makes us laugh, it works. No entry fee and submit as many times as you want before December 18th deadline. Prizes are: $500 and a print copy of the book for first place, $200 and a print copy for second place, and $100 and a print copy for 3rd, 4th, and 5th places. All featured stories will receive a digital copy of the book on publication. The best submissions will be featured in an anthology of funny workplace stories.

Top prize

$500

Additional prizes

2nd: 200 and print copy | 3rd, 4th, & 5th: $100 and print copy

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: December 18, 2023


Genres

Humor, Non-fiction

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Askew's Word on the Lake Writing Contest

Shuswap Association of Writers

Whether you’re an established or emerging writer, the Askew’s Word on the Lake Writing Contest has a place for you. Part of the Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival in Salmon Arm, BC, the contest is open to submissions in short fiction (up to 2,000 words), nonfiction (up to 2,000 words), and poetry (up to three one-page poems).

Top prize

$200 CAD

Additional prizes

Publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $11

Deadline: January 31, 2024


Genres

Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Essay, Memoir, Short Story

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Clash 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, 2024


Genres

Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novella, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

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Wild Atlantic Writing Awards (WAWA)

Ireland Writing Retreat

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying “change is the only constant in life” - and he was right. And change comes in many shapes and forms, some planned but some unplanned and totally unexpected. Events happen, often beyond our control, leading us to change our views. Of ourselves, of life, of others, irrevocably. Sometimes for the better. Sadly, sometimes for the worse. So, ‘change’ is a key word in everyday life. Perhaps even more so in the fast-paced, modern, post-Covid world in which we all live. As such, ‘Ireland Writing Retreat’ is delighted to announce ‘change’ as the buzzword for our latest ‘Wild Atlantic Writing Awards.’ Our competition has two categories - flash fiction and creative non-creative.

Top prize

€500

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $11

Deadline: November 30, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Flash Fiction, Non-fiction

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African Diaspora Award

Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc.

Submissions are open for Kinsman Quarterly’s African Diaspora Award. Top winners receive prizes up to $500 USD and publication within the Black Diaspora anthology. No entry fee required. Those eligible should submit an original, unpublished work in English that features themes of the African diaspora by July 15, 2023.

Top prize

$500

Additional prizes

2nd: $250 | 3rd: $100 + Publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: July 15, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Romance, Script Writing, Short Story, Young Adult

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Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award

Killer Nashville

The Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award is committed to discovering new writers, as well as superlative books by established authors and, upon discovery, sharing those writers and their works with new readers. There are a large number of both fiction and non-fiction categories you can enter.

Top prize

$250

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $79

Deadline: June 15, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Science Fiction, Script Writing, Short Story, Thriller

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Mark Lynton History Prize

Columbia Journalism School

The Mark Lynton History Prize, in the amount of $10,000, is awarded to a book­-length work of history on any topic that best combines intellectual distinction with felicity of expression. Books must have been published in the United States between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.

Top prize

$10,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $75

Deadline: December 07, 2023


Genres

Non-fiction

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J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Awards

Columbia Journalism School

Two J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Awards, in the amount of $25,000, are given annually to aid in the completion of significant works of nonfiction on topics of American political or social concern. Recognizing that a nonfiction book based on extensive research often overtaxes the resources available to its author, the project envisions the Awards as a way of closing the gap between the time and money an author has and the time and money that finishing a book requires.

Top prize

$25,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: December 07, 2023


Genres

Non-fiction

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J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize

Columbia Journalism School

The J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize, in the amount of $10,000, is given annually to a book­-length work of narrative nonfiction on a topic of American political or social concern that exemplifies the literary grace, commitment to serious research and original reporting that characterized the distinguished work of the award’s namesake.

Top prize

$10,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $75

Deadline: December 07, 2023


Genres

Non-fiction

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The Saroyan Prize

Stanford University Libraries

Submissions are now being accepted for the 11th William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Two prizes of $5,000 each are given for works of fiction and nonfiction. The awards, co-sponsored by Stanford Libraries and the William Saroyan Foundation, are intended to encourage new or emerging writers and honor the Saroyan legacy of originality, vitality, and stylistic innovation. Submit five copies of your work published between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023 with a $50 entry fee by January 31, 2024. Writers who have published four or more books are ineligible.

Top prize

$5,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $50

Deadline: January 31, 2024


Genres

Fiction, Non-fiction

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Artificial Intelligence Competition

New Beginnings

There is no topic relating to technology that brings more discussion than artificial intelligence. Some people think it does wonders. Others see it as trouble. Let us know your opinion about AI in this competition. Include experiences you have had with AI. 300-word limit. Winners will be selected January 1, 2024. Open to anyone, anywhere.

Top prize

$100 CA

Additional prizes

Publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $5

Deadline: December 15, 2023


Genres

Essay, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story

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Narratively 2023 Memoir Prize

Narratively

Narratively is currently accepting submissions for their 2023 Memoir Prize. They are looking for revealing and emotional first-person nonfiction narratives from unique and overlooked points of view. The guest judge is New York Times bestselling memoirist Stephanie Land.

Top prize

$3,000

Additional prizes

$1,000 and publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: November 30, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Essay, Humor, Memoir, Non-fiction

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100 Word Writing Contest

Tadpole Press

Can you write a story using 100 words or less? Pieces will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, and how the story captures a new angle, breaks through stereotypes, and expands our beliefs about what's possible or unexpectedly delights us. In addition, we are looking for writing that is clever or unique, inspires us, and crafts a compelling and complete story. The first-place prize has doubled to $2,000 USD.

Top prize

$2,000

Additional prizes

2nd: writing coach package

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $15

Deadline: November 30, 2023 (Expired)


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, Travel

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WOW! Women On Writing Quarterly Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

WOW! Women On Writing

Seeking creative nonfiction essays on any topic (1000 words or less) and in any style--from personal essay and memoir to lyric essay and hybrid, and more! The mission of this contest is to reward bravery in real-life storytelling and create an understanding of our world through thoughtful, engaging narratives. Electronic submissions via e-mail only; reprints/previously published okay; simultaneous submissions okay; multiple submissions are okay as long as they are submitted in their own individual e-mail. Open internationally.

Top prize

$500

Additional prizes

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

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $12

Deadline: October 31, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Non-fiction, Essay

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The Letter Review Prize for Books

The Letter Review

The Letter Review Prize for Books is open to writers from anywhere in the world. Seeking most unpublished (we accept some self/indie published) novels, novellas, story collections, nonfiction, poetry etc. 20 entries are longlisted.

Top prize

$1000 USD shared by 3 winners

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $25

Deadline: October 31, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

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

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Writing 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 (Expired)


Genres

Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Young Adult

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The 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

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Dissolution

Bergen International Literary Festival

Write your story about the climate crisis in a poem or a personal essay.

Top prize

€2,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $0

Deadline: October 15, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Essay, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry, Science Writing, Young Adult

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The 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 (Expired)


Genres

Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, Short Story

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Indignor 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

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Pivotal Essay Contest

Pivotal

Pivotal is an essay contest for high school students around the world run in partnership with Oxford University's Global Priorities Institute on the world’s most pressing problems. Students will write a 2000-word essay on one of three prompts relating to future generations, AI policy, and ethics.

Top prize

$15,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $0

Deadline: October 10, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Essay, Non-fiction

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The 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

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The Soundtrack of Travel

Intrepid Times

Intrepid Times is inviting travelers and writers from all countries, at all levels of writing experience, to incorporate music into a travel story (1200-2000 words). The way you achieve this is up to you, but be creative and bold in the way you use music to help build your story. Your travel story should, as always, grow around the context of a place or experience; we want to see music being used in a way that enhances both.

Top prize

$200

Additional prizes

Publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: August 31, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Non-fiction, Travel

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The SmokeLong Grand Micro Competition 2023

SmokeLong Quarterly

SmokeLong’s Grand Micro Competition (The Mikey) is a biennial competition that celebrates and compensates the best micro fiction and nonfiction online.

Top prize

$1,500

Additional prizes

2nd: $500 | 3rd: $300 | Finalists: $100 | Publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $13

Deadline: November 10, 2023 (Expired)


Genres

Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction

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The 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 (Expired)


Genres

Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry

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Native 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 (Expired)


Genres

Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, Short Story

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She 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

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Big 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

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Inception 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

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