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About Reedsy Terms PrivacyThe Best Writing Contests of 2021
Writing competitions curated by Reedsy
Browse 105 contests that match your search 🔦
TWFest Very Short Fiction Contest
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
A submission is one original short story, written in English, up to 1,000 words. This contest is open only to emerging writers who have not yet published a book of short fiction with an ISBN.
Deadline October 16, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$500
Additional prizes
VIP all-access pass to the next festival, where you will give a public reading.
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $10
TWFest Poetry Contest
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
Submit a collection of 2-4 original, unpublished poems of any style or theme, written in English, with a combined length of up to 400 lines. This contest is open only to emerging writers who have not yet published a book of poetry with an ISBN. Those who have published books in other genres besides poetry remain eligible.
Deadline October 16, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
VIP all-access pass to the next festival, where you will give a public reading
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $15
TWFest Fiction Contest
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
A submission is one original short story, written in English, up to 7,000 words. 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 02, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,500
Additional prizes
Airfare, accommodation, and all-access pass to the next Festival, where you will give a public reading.
Genres
Fiction,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
Quill Prose Award 2020
Queer literature is often found in the side stacks, in the back of the bookstore, under “Gay and Lesbian.” These authors are put into a genre that barely fits them, excluded from mainstream funding, and more. Red Hen Press seeks to work against the politics of labeling while honoring and empowering authors who identify as queer through this contest.
Deadline October 30, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication by Red Hen Press
Genres
Fiction, Novel,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $10
Benjamin Saltman Poetry Award
Established in 1998, in honor of the poet Benjamin Saltman (1927–1999), this award is for a previously unpublished original collection of poetry. The awarded collection is selected through an annual competition that is open to all poets.
Deadline October 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$3,000
Additional prizes
Book publication by Red Hen Press, a four-week PLAYA residency
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
Annual Short Story Contest
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!
Deadline February 28, 2022
Learn moreTop prize
£500
Additional prizes
£200 for 2nd place, £100 for 3rd place
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $8
The Writer's Games
The Writer's Games is a two-month competition where writers receive an Event (prompt) each Friday and have 72 hours to write a short story that fits the prompt. A group of judges read and give feedback to each entry. The top 5 winners of each Event are published in our Games anthology. There are also prizes for the top 3. One of the prizes is an interview that's posted on the Writer's Workout blog. Registration for the Games starts in June and the Games begin in July.
Deadline August 16, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
Publication in the Games anthology
Additional prizes
An interview on the Writer's Workout blog
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $0
7 Day Story Writing Challenge
Register now for our next 7 day story writing challenge. A secret theme, a randomly assigned genre and just 7 days to write a story of no more than 2,000 words. Our 7 day story writing challenges take place throughout the year. The challenges are free and you can even get feedback on your story. Take part in one challenge or take part in all of them!
Deadline June 21, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
£500
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $0
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. We will give as many first place prizes as the top submissions warrant.
Deadline July 22, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$200
Additional prizes
Publication in AZURE
Genres
Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Poetry, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $15
8th Ó Bhéal Five Words International Poetry Competition
At around noon each Tuesday (GMT), from 13 April 2021 to 225January 2022, 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, and a prize of 750 euro is awarded to one winner.
Deadline January 25, 2022
Learn moreTop prize
€750
Additional prizes
€500, €250
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $5
Surrey International Writers ' Conference Writing Contest
Surrey International Writers ' Conference
The contest will be judged by Diana Gabaldon and Jack Whyte. Story length: 2,500 — 4000 words.
Deadline September 17, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $15
She Writes Press and SparkPress Towards Equality in Publishing (STEP)
The publishing industry has been widely criticized for its lack of diversity. At She Writes Press and SparkPress, we are well aware of the need for more and broader representation of writers of color on our lists. In an effort to address this issue head-on we launched the She Writes Press and SparkPress Toward Equality in Publishing (STEP) contest.
Deadline July 05, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
Publishing package including a 500-book print run
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $0
UNO Press Publishing Lab
We are looking to publish the best novel/short story collection written this year. The selected author will receive a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) advance on royalties and a contract to publish with UNO Press.
Deadline September 01, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$10,000
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Novel, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $28
Daisy Pettles' Writing Residency
Women writers who are age 40 or older are invited to submit up to 20 pages of a work in progress to win a chance for a month-long residency in a house where you can focus on your writing. First prize comes with a $1000 cash prize. Fee reductions and hardship wavers can be granted.
Deadline December 12, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Month-long writer's getaway
Genres
Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $45
Devon and Cornwall International Novel Prize
Judged by international writers and literary agents, the DEVON & CORNWALL INTERNATIONAL NOVEL PRIZE is open to unpublished and independently published novelists worldwide. The prize is for adult novels of any genre.
Deadline December 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
£1000
Additional prizes
An online publishing contract
Genres
Fiction, Novel,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $18
Vocal Challenges
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.
Deadline December 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000 — $5,000
Additional prizes
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $15
Annual Flash Fiction Competition
This quarterly open-themed competition has closing dates of 31st March, 30th June, 30th September and 31st December. The results will be announced about six weeks after each closing date and the three winning entries each quarter will be published on the website.
Deadline June 30, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
£300
Additional prizes
£200, £100
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $7
Diode Editions Chapbook Contest
Open to all poets over the age of 18 who write in English. Length: 25—50 pages (front matter is not included in page count). We will consider translations, and we welcome collaborations.
Deadline August 15, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$500
Additional prizes
Publication and 25 author copies
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $18
Diode Editions Full Length Book Contest
Open to all poets over the age of 18 who write in English. Length: 55—85 pages (front matter is not included in page count). We will consider translations, and we welcome collaborations.
Deadline August 15, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication and 25 author copies
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $20
Typehouse Literary Magazine Open Fiction Contest
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.
Deadline June 30, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$175
Additional prizes
$100 for second place and $50 for third place
Genres
Crime, Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $12
Nowhere Magazine Spring 2021 Travel Writing Contest
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.
Deadline June 30, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication in Nowhere magazine
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $20
Hammond House International Poetry Prize
The theme for the 2021 competition - STARDUST - is intended to be inspirational, not restrictive, so please feel free to interpret it in any way you choose. Be creative, be unpredictable, be different; the judges are looking for intriguing ideas and fresh voices. Top prize of £100.
Deadline September 30, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
£100
Additional prizes
Publication by Hammond House
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $12
Hammond House Screenplay Competition
The theme for the 2021 competition - STARDUST - is intended to be inspirational, not restrictive, so please feel free to interpret it in any way you choose. Be creative, be unpredictable, be different; the judges are looking for honesty and emotion. Top prize of £100.
Deadline September 30, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
£100
Additional prizes
Trailers made for top three places
Genres
Script Writing,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $12
Colorado 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.
Deadline June 30, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$150
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Novel,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $35
Jim Martin Memorial Story Contest
Send in your short story in mystery, suspense, or thriller style. Entries may be up to 2500 words (about 10 double-spaced pages). It’s loads of fun and a good exercise of your writing skills.
Deadline July 01, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$200
Additional prizes
Genres
Crime, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $15
Biopage Storytelling Writing Contest
Biopage is hosting a writing contest to remind people the benefits of writing. Each story (or once chapter of your stories) is limited to 5,000 characters or roughly 1,000 words. You can write about good life experience, or bad, embarrassing, frightening ones. You can win $300, and five runners-up can win $100 each.
Deadline July 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$300
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Short Story, Flash Fiction,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: FREE
Poetry Competition
We’re looking for the best POEM of up to 50 lines. The theme for Globe Soup Poetry Competitions is always: ‘Poetry with a Sense of Place’. We accept all forms and styles of poetry. We can’t wait to see where this competition takes you!
Deadline August 17, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
£1000
Additional prizes
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $11
Juniper 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.
Deadline September 30, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication by University of Massachusetts Press
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $30
To Hull and Back Humorous Short Story Contest
August 2020 saw the launch of the 2021 To Hull And Back Short Story Competition, a biennial short story contest with a humorous twist that celebrates the most imaginative and amazing short stories from writers all over the world. There's a total prize pot of £3,250.
Deadline July 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
£1,200
Additional prizes
Published in an anthology
Genres
Fiction, Humor, Non-fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $18
Seán O'Faoláin International Short Story Competition
The competition is open to original, unpublished and unbroadcast short stories in the English language of 3,000 words or fewer. The story can be on any subject, in any style, by a writer of any nationality, living anywhere in the world.
Deadline July 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
€2,000
Additional prizes
Residency at Anam Cara Retreat, Featured reading at the Cork International Short Story Festival, Publication in Southword
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $22
HG Wells Short Story Competition
BBC Aeronautics Correspondent Reg Turnill and his wife, Margaret
The theme for this year’s competition is MASK in its broadest interpretation. There are two categories. Authors 21 years of age and under (on 12th July 2021) with a prize of £1,000. (Entry is free). Authors aged 22 years and above on 12th July 2021 with a prize of £500 (entry £10 or £5 with student id).
Deadline July 12, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
£1,000
Additional prizes
£500
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $0
The Moth Short Story Prize
The Moth Short Story Prize is an international prize, open to anyone from anywhere in the world, as long as their story is original and previously unpublished. The Prize will be judged this year by Ali Smith, the author of many works of fiction, including five collections of short stories and, most recently, the seasonal quartet, Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. Her work has won many awards.
Deadline June 30, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
€3,000
Additional prizes
€1,000, writing retreat at Circle of Misse
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $18
The Don Belton Fiction Reading Period
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.
Deadline June 30, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
Publication by IU Press
Additional prizes
$1,000 against future royalties, a standard publication contract with IU Press
Genres
Fiction, Novel,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
Edwin Markham Prize for Poetry
The Edwin Markham Prize honors outstanding works of poetry. Our taste is eclectic and celebrates the wonderful diversity of forms, styles, and levels of diction available to the contemporary poet. Writers may submit up to five (5) poems per submission.
Deadline November 01, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $20
Gabriele Rico Challenge for Nonfiction
The Gabriele Rico Challenge for Nonfiction recognizes outstanding works of nonfiction. We are looking for creative nonfiction, such as personal essays or narratives, not scholarly papers or book reviews. All works should be stand-alone essays, not chapters of a longer work. Please limit prose submissions to 5,000 words.
Deadline November 01, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,333
Additional prizes
Genres
Non-fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $20
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