The Best Writing Contests of 2019
Over 300 writing competitions curated by Reedsy
Browse 394 contests that match your search 🔦
Dzanc Books Short Story Collection Competition
The Dzanc Books Short Story Collection Prize celebrates imaginative and inventive writing in the short form. The winning submission will be awarded a $2,500 advance and publication in Fall 2020 by Dzanc Books.
Deadline September 30, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$2,500
Additional prizes
Publication by Dzanc Books
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
Dzanc Books Prize for Fiction
The Dzanc Books Prize for Fiction recognizes daring, original, and innovative writing in novel form.
Deadline September 30, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$5,000
Additional prizes
Publication by Dzanc Books
Genres
Fiction, Novel,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
Troubadour International Poetry Prize 2019
The Troubadour International Poetry Prize awards £2,000 to winners judged by Irish poet Pat Boran and US-born poet and author Kathryn Maris.
Deadline October 21, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$2,503
Additional prizes
Publication on the Coffee-House Poetry website
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $7
The Black River Chapbook Competition
Twice each year Black Lawrence Press will run the Black River Chapbook Competition for an unpublished chapbook of poems or short fiction between 16-36 pages in length. The contest is open to new, emerging, and established writers. The winner will receive book publication, a $500 cash award, and ten copies of the book. Prizes are awarded on publication. [Submissions open September 1, 2019]
Deadline October 31, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$500
Additional prizes
Book publication
Genres
Fiction, Poetry, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $15
Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms 2019 Essay Contest
Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms
The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms asks students at Canadian colleges universities to answer (in 2500 words or less) the following question: Should Universities Police Student Behaviour At Private Events? This contest is open to students enrolled at a Canadian post-secondary institution as of January 15, 2019.
Deadline October 25, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
Genres
Essay, Non-fiction,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: FREE
Narrative Prize
The Narrative Prize is awarded annually for the best short story, novel excerpt, poem, one-act play, graphic story, or work of literary nonfiction published by a new or emerging writer in Narrative. The submission system is open all year.
Deadline June 15, 2020
Learn moreTop prize
$4,000
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: FREE
Lazuli Literary Group Writing Contest
Both previously published and unpublished works are eligible, provided that publication on the Lazuli Literary Group website does not infringe on previously held rights. We are not concerned with genre distinctions. Send us the best you have; we want only for it to be thoughtful, intelligent, and beautiful.
Deadline December 20, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$100
Additional prizes
Publication in AZURE
Genres
Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Poetry, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $1
Washington Prize
Each year, The Word Works awards a living American or Canadian poet $1,500, a generous supply of author copies, and book publication for a volume of original poetry in English. To enter, submit a manuscript of 48 to 80 pages. [Submissions open January 15, 2020]
Deadline March 15, 2020
Learn moreTop prize
$1,500
Additional prizes
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
Morton and McCarthy Prizes
This contest is open to any short fiction writer of English. Submissions may include a collection of short stories, one or more novellas, or a short novel. Works that have previously appeared in magazines or in anthologies may be included. [Submissions open January 1, 2020]
Deadline February 15, 2020
Learn moreTop prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
Publication by Sarabande Books
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $28
Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
Now in its 19th year, this contest seeks today's best humor poems. No fee to enter. Submit published or unpublished work. $2,250 in prizes. [Submissions open August 15, 2019]
Deadline April 01, 2020
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Genres
Humor, Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: FREE
Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest
Welcome to the 27th annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest. Submit published or unpublished work. $5,000 in prizes. [Submissions open from October 15, 2019]
Deadline April 30, 2020
Learn moreTop prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $2
The Morton Marr Poetry Prize
The Morton Marr Poetry Prize is an endowment by Marilyn Klepak of Dallas in honor of her father, whose love of poetry has encouraged her to pass this love on to others. The contest is open to any writer who has not published a book of poetry. You may enter up to six poems, but they must be entered one at a time. Only unpublished, formal poems are eligible: sonnets, sestinas, villanelles, rhymed stanzas, blank verse, et al.
Deadline September 30, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication in Southwest Review
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $5
Horror Writing Contest
Share a horror story to enter this writing contest at FanStory.com. Cash prize to the winner.
Deadline January 30, 2020
Learn moreTop prize
$100
Additional prizes
Genres
Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $9
Murder Detective Writing Contest
Murder Detective Writing, 10,000 - 20,000 words. We choose the characters (two FBI Detectives). Writer chooses the setting, type of serial killer and type or murder(s) and victim(s).
Deadline December 31, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$200
Additional prizes
Publication
Genres
Fiction,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $10
Pressfuls 2019 Short Story Contest
Write a short story between 500 - 10,000 words in any of these genres: Gothic, Horror, Fantasy, Mystery, or Adventure.
Deadline September 30, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$50
Additional prizes
Genres
Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $0
Ruth Rendell Short Story Competition 2020
InterAct Stroke Support is a UK charity dedicated to supporting stroke recovery by using professional actors to deliver hospital readings and community projects. InterAct's competition asks writers to write a piece in any genre in no more than 1000 words. Stories must be suitable to be read in the sensitive environment of a hospital setting.
Deadline December 02, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $15
5-7-5 Poem Contest
Share a 5-7-5 poem to enter this poetry contest. A 5-7-5 is a simple poem to write. The first line of your poem will have 5 syllables. Second line has 7. Third line has 5 again. Cash prize!
Deadline January 04, 2020
Learn moreTop prize
$100
Additional prizes
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $9
2019 SFPA Poetry Contest
Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association (SFPA)
The annual SFPA Speculative (Sci-fi/Fantasy/Horror) Poetry Contest is open to all poets, including non-members of the SFPA. Awards will be given across 3 categories.
Deadline October 01, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$100
Additional prizes
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $2
Acrostic Poetry Contest
Share an Acrostic poem to enter this poetry contest. See an example in the contest announcement. Cash prize.
Deadline November 08, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$100
Additional prizes
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $9
Nonet Poetry Contest
Share a Nonet. This is a poem with nine lines and a specific syllable count. It's a fun poem to write. Cash prize to the winner. See the details and a sample poem in the contest announcement.
Deadline November 14, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$100
Additional prizes
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $9
2-4-2 Poetry Contest
Share a 2-4-2 poem to enter this poetry contest. A 2-4-2 is a three line poem that has a 2-4-2 syllable count.
Deadline November 30, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$100
Additional prizes
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $9
TWF Very Short Fiction Contest 2019-2020
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
A submission is one original short story, written in English, up to 1,000 words.
Deadline October 15, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$500
Additional prizes
Publication in New Orleans Review Web Features
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $10
TWF Poetry Contest 2019-2020
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
The contest is open to writers who have not yet published a book of poetry with an ISBN number.
Deadline October 15, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Public reading at the next Festival
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $15
TWF One-Act Play Contest 2019-2020
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
Finalists will receive a panel pass ($100 value) to the Festival.
Deadline October 01, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$1,500
Additional prizes
Publication in Bayou Magazine
Genres
Script Writing,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
TWF Fiction Contest 2019-2020
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
This contest is open only to writers who have not yet published a book of fiction. Published books include self-published books with ISBN numbers. Those who have published books in other genres besides fiction remain eligible.
Deadline October 01, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$1,500
Additional prizes
Publication in Louisiana Literature
Genres
Fiction,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
Saints & Sinners Fiction Contest 2019-2020
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
The winner will be selected from this year’s submissions of original, unpublished short stories between 3,000 and 7,000 words with LGBT content on the broad theme of “Saints and Sinners.” This contest would not be possible without a generous grant from The John Burton Harter Foundation.
Deadline October 01, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$500
Additional prizes
Publication in anthology from Bold Strokes Books
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $20
7th Ó Bhéal Five Words International Poetry Competition
At around noon each Tuesday (GMT), from April 2019 to the end of January 2020, five words are posted on the Ó Bhéal Five Words competition page. Entrants have one week to compose and submit poems that include all five words given for the week. The competition runs for 41 weeks, until the last week of January and a prize of 500 euro is awarded to one winner.
Deadline January 28, 2020
Learn moreTop prize
$500
Additional prizes
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $5
Momaya Poetry Competition
Accepting poems on the theme of "Masks" up to 1500 words.
Deadline October 30, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$70
Additional prizes
Published in the Momaya Short Story Review
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $7
Short Story Writing Contest
All fiction genres are eligible. You can enter multiple stories, but you must submit a separate entry for each story.
Deadline September 30, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$500
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $19
#GWstorieseverywhere
Each month we invite you to post a story on Twitter using #GWstorieseverywhere for a chance to win a free class. Your story must be no longer than 25 words, with a max of 280 characters, including spaces and the hashtag #GWstorieseverywhere.
Deadline December 31, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
Gotham Writers Workshop
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $0
Walt Whitman Award
The Walt Whitman Award is granted to an unpublished poetry collection. The prizes include $5,000, publication by Graywolf Press, and a six-week residency at the Civitella Ranieri Center in Umbria, Italy. Submissions are accepted from September 1 through November 1 each year. The judge for the 2019 Walt Whitman Award is Li-Young Lee.
Deadline November 01, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$5,000
Additional prizes
Publication by Graywolf Press
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $35
Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest
Welcome to the 17th annual Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest. Submit published or unpublished work. $5,000 in prizes. Please submit during April 15-September 30, 2019.
Deadline September 30, 2019
Learn moreTop prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $12
Story in a Bottle Contest
Imagine a bottle rides the waves of the ocean until it finally washes ashore, where someone discovers the bottle, pulls out a cork, and... there is a message inside. Tell us what the message says in 27 words or fewer.
Deadline September 02, 2019 (Expired)
Learn moreTop prize
Free Gotham Writers Class
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Poetry, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $0
2019 Summer Flash Contest
Summer seems like the right time to write short. Show us your very best work in any genre, fiction or nonfiction. The catch? We’ll only accept works that are 1,000 words or less.
Deadline August 15, 2019 (Expired)
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication in The Writer Magazine
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
Thomas Paine Award
Hidden River Arts offers an award of $1,000 and publication by Defarge Press, an imprint of Hidden River Publishing, for an original book-length manuscript of political or social activist writing. This may be a full-length work, or a collection of essays/articles. This competition is open to international submissions for all writers in English.
Deadline August 30, 2019 (Expired)
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication by Defarge Press
Genres
Essay,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $22
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