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Best Non Fiction Writing Contests in 2025

Showing 10 contests that match your search.

Genres: Memoir and Non-fiction

The Narratively Memoir Prize invites personal essays for a chance to win $3,000, publication on Narratively, and inclusion in a limited print edition. Judged by bestselling author Susannah Cahalan, the contest seeks unique, emotional narratives. Submissions are accepted from October 24 to December 7, 2025.

Top Prize:

$3,000

Additional prizes:

Publication on Narratively and in a limited print edition

💰 Entry fee: $20

📅 Deadline: December 07, 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 20, 2025

Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, and Short Story

Welcome to the 34th annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest. Submit published or unpublished work. $12,000 in prizes.

Top Prize:

$3,500

Additional prizes:

Two-year gift certificate from Duotrope; 10 Honorable Mentions will receive $500 each

💰 Entry fee: $25

📅 Deadline: May 01, 2026

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Genres: Essay, Non-fiction, and Travel

This competition invites original, unpublished travel articles in English, not exceeding 1,000 words. Open to writers of any nationality. An engaging article capturing the destination and local culture is sought. Entries are accepted from both new and established writers.

Top Prize:

€300

Additional prizes:

Publication in Anthology magazine

💰 Entry fee: $15

📅 Deadline: November 30, 2025

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

The Reader Views Literary Awards recognize innovative self-published books, offering visibility and credibility to independent authors. The contest provides thorough book reviews, evaluation forms, and promotional opportunities.

Top Prize:

$1,250

Additional prizes:

Gold: $750 | Silver: $350 | Bronze: $150 | Various sponsored awards and features in newsletters include marketing packages, interviews, and ads.

💰 Entry fee: $89

📅 Deadline: December 15, 2025

Genres: Non-fiction and Travel

Write a true travel story about a moment of human connection. Focus on a specific incident, a meeting with a person from another culture, perhaps, or a time when you broke free of the tourist trail and gained genuine appreciation for the heart of a strange land.

Top Prize:

$300

Additional prizes:

Publication in Intrepid Times. Up to four runners-up will be published at standard rates.

💰 Entry fee: $0

📅 Deadline: December 10, 2025

Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards

Cleveland Foundation

Genres: Novel, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, and Poetry

The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards recognize outstanding works that contribute to our understanding of racism and cultural diversity. Established in 1935 by Edith Anisfield Wolf, it remains the only American book prize focused on these themes.

Top Prize:

$10,000

Additional prizes:

Winners receive $10,000 and are honored at a ceremony in Cleveland.

📅 Deadline: December 31, 2025

The Porter Fleming Literary Competition

The Morris Museum of Art

Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, and Script Writing

The Porter Fleming Literary Competition honors the memory of Porter Fleming. It awards $7,000 in cash across four categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and One-Act Play. Winners are invited to a literary program and awards ceremony in Spring 2026.

Top Prize:

$1,000

Additional prizes:

2nd place: $500 3rd place: $250 Prizes available in each of the four genre categories

💰 Entry fee: $15

📅 Deadline: March 01, 2026

Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Suspense, and Thriller

The Story Unlikely Short Story Contest seeks quality stories across all genres. It invites submissions from anyone, without restrictions on age or location. The contest awards prizes totaling $5,000, with publication opportunities for winners.

Top Prize:

$3,000

Additional prizes:

2nd: $1,000 | 3rd: $750 | Reprint category: $250 | Honorable mentions receive certificates, and some finalists may be published in the magazine.

💰 Entry fee: $0

📅 Deadline: January 14, 2026

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 contest invites submissions of creative works of 100 words or less. It encourages diverse voices and unique stories focused on the theme of truth-telling across any genre.

Top Prize:

$1,000

Additional prizes:

2nd: Publishing and marketing package valued at $6,000 | 3rd: Manuscript assessment package ($1,500-$3,000) | 4th place: Editing package ($1,500) | 5th & 6th: Writing coaching ($500) | 7th-10th: $200 | 11th-15th: $150 | 16th-20th: $100 | 21st-30th: $50

💰 Entry fee: $15

📅 Deadline: November 30, 2025

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