The Best Writing Contests of 2023
Writing competitions curated by Reedsy
CONNECT
Editing
Design
Marketing
Publicity
Ghostwriting
Websites
BLOG
Success Stories
APPS
TOOLS
Book Promotion Sites Book Review Blogs Booktube Channel Guide Book Title Generator Character Name Generator Independent Publishers Literary Agents Literary Magazines Pen Name Generator Plot Generator Publishers Directory Short Story Ideas Writing Contests Writing Classes Writing Exercises Writing ScholarshipsABOUT
About Reedsy Terms PrivacyGenre
- All
- Children's
- Christian
- Crime
- Essay
- Fantasy
- Fiction
- Flash Fiction
- Horror
- Humor
- LGBTQ
- Memoir
- Mystery
- Non-fiction
- Novel
- Novella
- Poetry
- Romance
- Science Fiction
- Science Writing
- Script Writing
- Short Story
- Suspense
- Thriller
- Travel
- Young Adult
Manage a competition? Submit it here
Join our short story competition
Submit a short story based on 1 of 5 weekly prompts. Winners get $250.
Showing 625 contests
Horizons
SaveAs Writers
2021 marks the centenary of T S Eliot’s visit to Margate, where he wrote part of The Waste Land. To celebrate his work and the views from our coastline, SaveAs Writers launch their annual international creative writing competition, this year asking for poems and short stories on the theme of Horizons. The theme can be literal, figurative, a celebration of views, a reflection on Eliot and his work, or a broader take on the theme.
Top prize
£200
Additional prizes
£100 second place, £50 third place
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: August 31, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry, Short Story
View contestFirst Chapters Contest
CRAFT
We are looking for excerpts of book-length fiction, up to 5,000 words total. Please submit the first chapter (or chapters) of your unpublished novels/novellas, completed or in progress. Masie Cochran of Tin House is our guest judge.
Top prize
$2,800
Additional prizes
publication in CRAFT magazine + manuscript critique
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: June 30, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Novel, Novella
View contestGrindstone Short Story Prize
Grindstone Literary
The Grindstone Short Story Prize returns this year, seeking out the best short fiction writers from around the world. Writers are asked to submit a piece of short fiction between 1000 and 3000 words, of any genre, aimed at adult readers.
Top prize
£500
Additional prizes
£200 runner-up, £50 four shortlisters
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $17
Deadline: August 01, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Short Story
View contestImpress Prize
Impress Books
The Impress Prize for New Writers is part of the Untold Publishing Group, and the winner of the prize will be published by one of Untold Publishing’s imprints. Entries should comprise of a book proposal and a sample chapter. We accept both fiction and non-fiction across most genres (excluding poetry and children 's fiction, however we will consider Young Adult submissions).
Top prize
£500
Additional prizes
Possibility of a publishing contract with one of Untold Publishing's imprints
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $35
Deadline: September 13, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Young Adult
View contestAnnual Short Story Contest
Flash 500
We are looking for stories (of any genre) ranging between 1,000 and 3,000 words, with strong characters, a well-crafted plot and realistic dialogue (where used). Make us laugh, make us cry, but most of all, make us feel!
Top prize
£500
Additional prizes
£200 for 2nd place, £100 for 3rd place
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $8
Deadline: February 28, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestVocal Challenges
Creatd
Enter themed storytelling contests to put your creativity to the test and be in with a chance of winning cash prizes and more. To submit, you'll need to sign up for a monthly fee of $9.99, or $4.99/month for 3 months.
Top prize
$1,000 — $5,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: December 31, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Short Story
View contestYouth Writing Contest
The Vancouver Writers Fest
The Vancouver Writers Fest's annual youth writing contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 8-12 in British Columbia. Entries will be accepted for previously unpublished short stories (fiction or non-fiction) and personal essays: 1,500 word limit. The first-prize winner will receive a $200 cash prize and the second-prize winner, a $100 cash prize.
Top prize
$200
Additional prizes
$100
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: May 31, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Short Story, Essay, Fiction, Non-fiction
View contestTypehouse Literary Magazine Open Fiction Contest
Typehouse Literary Magazine
We are pleased to announce Typehouse Literary Magazine 's third biennial Open Fiction Contest! All pieces must be between 1000-6000 words, entries must be previously unpublished and all genres are accepted.
Top prize
$175
Additional prizes
$100 for second place and $50 for third place
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $12
Deadline: June 30, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Crime, Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story
View contestNowhere Magazine Spring 2021 Travel Writing Contest
Nowhere Magazine
A prize of $1,000 and publication in Nowhere Magazine is given twice yearly for a travel-specific short story, long-form creative nonfiction piece, poem or essay that possesses a powerful sense of place, character or time. Unpublished and published pieces that have not previously been chosen as a contest winner are eligible. Submit your 800- to 5,000-word piece with a $20 entry fee by June 30, 2021.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication in Nowhere magazine
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: June 30, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story
View contestJane Martin Poetry Prize (UK)
Girton College
A UK-only competition for young poets (aged 18-30 years). The winners receive a cash prize of £700 and have an opportunity to give a reading at a celebratory event at Girton College.
Top prize
£700
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: March 05, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contestColorado Gold Writing Contest for Unpublished Writers
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers
Offers emerging writers a chance to get their work seen by acquiring agents and editors. For unpublished writers of novel-length commercial fiction.
Top prize
$150
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $35
Deadline: June 30, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Novel
View contestNowhere Emerging Travel Writers' Prize
Nowhere Magazine
We are looking for never-been-published travel writers from anywhere in the world to send us stories—fiction, nonfiction, essay or poetry—that possess a powerful sense of place, people and time.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
Publication in Nowhere Magazine
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: March 31, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story
View contestJuniper Prizes
University of Massachusetts Press
The Juniper Prizes for Poetry, Fiction, and Creative Nonfiction are awarded annually to original manuscripts: two books of poetry, one work of creative nonfiction, one short story collection, and one novel. The University of Massachusetts Press publishes the winning manuscripts and the authors receive a $1,000 award upon publication. Submissions are accepted between August 1 and September 30.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication by University of Massachusetts Press
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $30
Deadline: September 30, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Short Story
View contestThe Don Belton Fiction Reading Period
Indiana Review
Indiana Review and Indiana University Press are proud to present the Don Belton Fiction Reading Period. Between May 1 and June 30, we will read fiction manuscripts of up to 80,000 words. The winning manuscript will be published by IU Press and the author will receive $1,000 against future royalties and a standard publication contract with IU Press.
Top prize
Publication by IU Press
Additional prizes
$1,000 against future royalties, a standard publication contract with IU Press
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $25
Deadline: June 30, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Novel
View contestThe Lascaux Prize in Creative Nonfiction
The Lascaux Review
The Lascaux Prize in Creative Nonfiction opens 1 April. Creative nonfiction may include memoirs, chronicles, personal essays, humorous perspectives, literary journalism—anything the author has witnessed, experienced, learned, or discovered. Pieces may be previously published or unpublished, and simultaneous submissions are accepted. Winner receives $1,000 and a bronze medallion. Finalists receive $100. Winner and finalists are published in both the online and annual print editions of The Lascaux Review.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication in the Lascaux Review
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: September 30, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Essay, Memoir, Non-fiction
View contestThe Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction
The Lascaux Review
Stories may be previously published or unpublished, and simultaneous submissions are accepted. Winner receives $1,000 and a bronze medallion. Finalists receive $100. Winner and finalists are published in both the online and annual print editions of The Lascaux Review.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication in The Lascaux Review
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: December 31, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestDzanc Books Nonfiction Prize
Dzanc Books
The Dzanc Books Nonfiction Prize honors an innovative and inspiring long-form works of nonfiction.
Top prize
$1,500
Additional prizes
Publication by Dzanc Books
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $25
Deadline: September 30, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Non-fiction
View contestThe Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry
African Poetry Book Fund
The Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry is awarded annually to an African poet who has not yet published a collection of poetry. Along with $1,000, the winner recives book publication through the University of Nebraska Press and Amalion Press in Senegal. Poetry manuscripts should be at least 50 pages long. [Submissions open September 15, 2021]
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Book publication through the University of Nebraska Press and Amalion Press in Senegal
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: December 01, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contestAn Axe to Grind - Flash Fiction Contest
The Darling Axe
Tell us a story in fewer than 1000 words for a chance to win from a growing prize pool, plus publication on the Chopping Blog.
Top prize
$700
Additional prizes
Publication on the Chopping Blog
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: March 31, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story, Flash Fiction
View contestLighthouse Poetry Series
Cleveland State University Poetry Center
The Cleveland State University Poetry Center welcomes submissions for the Lighthouse Poetry Series. The Lighthouse Poetry Series publishes contemporary poetry from poets with any history of publication. The winner will receive $1,000, publication, and a standard royalty contract. This year’s contest will be judged by Randall Mann.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Royalty contract
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $28
Deadline: March 31, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contestRattle Poetry Prize
Rattle
The annual Rattle Poetry Prize offers $15,000 for a single poem to be published in the winter issue of the magazine. Ten finalists will also receive $500 each and publication, and be eligible for the $5,000 Readers’ Choice Award, to be selected by subscriber and entrant vote.
Top prize
$15,000
Additional prizes
Published in the Winter 2020 issue of Rattle
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $25
Deadline: July 15, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contestZizzle Literary Flash Fiction Contest
Zizzle Literary
Every week during our submission period, we’ll post one-sentence dialogue writing prompts on our social media platforms. Choose a dialogue prompt that inspires you and write a story that includes the prompt.
Top prize
Additional prizes
1000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: March 15, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction
View contestWomen's National Book Association Writing Contest
Women's National Book Association
Do you want to show the world your writing? Then enter the 2020 WNBA Writing Contest! You can enter your work in four categories: fiction, creative nonfiction, flash prose, and poetry.
Top prize
$250
Additional prizes
Publishication in an anthology
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: December 01, 2020 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story
View contestShort Story Competition 2021
Exeter Writers
Exeter Writers runs an annual short story competition. The competition began in 2009 and is very popular, receiving entries from all over the world. The maximum word count is 3,000.
Top prize
$900
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $9
Deadline: February 28, 2021 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contest2021 Microfiction Contest
River Styx
500 words maximum per story, up to three stories per entry fee. (Additional stories are accepted with additional fees.)
Top prize
$1,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: December 31, 2020 (Expired)
Genres
Flash Fiction
View contestChalk Circle Short Story Competition
Chalk Circle
Whether you are creating a dystopian nightmare, revelling in absurdist humour, or writing stories to celebrate what you love, or have discovered, and fear to lose, we invite you to submit your story to our inaugural short story competition. The word limit is 2,000.
Top prize
$240
Additional prizes
Publication on website or anthology
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $7
Deadline: August 31, 2020 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestThe Milt Kessler Poetry Award
Binghamton University
$1,000 Award for a book of poems written in English, 48 pages or more in length, selected by our judges as the strongest collection of poems published in 2019.
Top prize
$1,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: February 01, 2020 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contestDartmouth Poet-In-Residence Award
Frost Place
The aim of this program is to select a poet who is at an artistic and personal crossroads, comparable to that faced by Robert Frost when he moved to Franconia in 1915, when he was not yet known to a broad public.
Top prize
$2,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $28
Deadline: January 05, 2019 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contestAtlantis Short Story Contest
Atlantis Short Story Contest
In its seventh year, the Atlantis Short Story Contest accepts entries from unpublished authors around the world who write their short stories in English and do not exceed the length of 2,500 words. They are looking for short stories that create exciting new worlds with dynamic characters.
Top prize
$300
Additional prizes
In-depth feedback
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $9
Deadline: February 25, 2018 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestNelson Algren Short Story Award
Chicago Tribune
The 2018 Nelson Algren Literary Awards is sponsored by Chicago Tribune. Stories must be written in English, double-spaced, and no longer than 8,000 words. A total of 10 prizes will be made available during Contest: One Grand Prize: $3,500, Four Finalist Prizes: $1,000, Five Runner-up Prizes: $500.
Top prize
$3,500
Additional prizes
Publication in Printers Row
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: February 07, 2018 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contest
