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About Reedsy Terms PrivacyThe Best Writing Contests of 2021
Writing competitions curated by Reedsy
Browse 115 contests that match your search 🔦
5-7-5 Poetry 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 August 16, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$100
Additional prizes
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $9
Future Flash Fiction Contest
Write a flash fiction story that takes place in the future. Maximum length 500 words. The winner takes away a $100 cash prize. All writers will receive feedback for their submission.
Deadline August 20, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$100
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Science Fiction,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $10
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 All pieces must be between 1000-6000 words, entries must be previously unpublished and all genres are accepted.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
Flying South
Each entry must be original work and previously unpublished. Simultaneous submissions will be accepted, but authors must notify Flying South immediately and withdraw from the contest if their work is accepted elsewhere. Prizes include publication in Flying South 2021, Best in Category, and President's Favorite.
Deadline May 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication in Flying South 2020
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
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 Unpublished and published pieces that have not previously been chosen as a contest winner are eligible.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
WOW! Women On Writing Quarterly Flash Fiction Contest
Seeking short fiction of any genre between 250 - 750 words. The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, communication, and well-rewarded recognition to contestants.
Deadline May 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$400
Additional prizes
Interview on WOW! Blog, $25 Amazon gift card
Genres
Flash Fiction, Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $10
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
Short Story Competition
We’re looking for the best SHORT STORY of no more than 5,000 words. This Short Story Competition has the theme: ‘Stories with a Sense of Place’.
Deadline June 15, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
£1500
Additional prizes
Genres
Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $17
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
The Bath Novel Award
The Bath Novel Award is a £3,000 international prize for emerging writers of adult fiction. Submit the first 5,000 words plus a one page synopsis of your novel for adults or young adults. Shortlisted entries will receive manuscript feedback and literary agent introductions.
Deadline May 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
£3,000
Additional prizes
literary agent introductions
Genres
Fiction, Novel, Young Adult,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $38
Horror Writing Contest
Write a horror or thriller story for this writing contest. Put your readers on edge or terrorize them. The winner takes away a $100 cash prize. All writers will receive feedback for their submission.
Deadline June 27, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$100
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Short Story, Thriller,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $10
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
Blue Lynx Prize for Poetry
The annual Blue Lynx Prize for Poetry awards $2000 plus publication for a full-length poetry collection. The Prize is awarded for an unpublished, full-length volume of poems by a U.S. author, which includes foreign nationals living and writing in the U.S. and U.S. citizens living abroad.
Deadline May 16, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
Publication
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $28
First Novel Award
The Award is open to unrepresented and unpublished authors for a novel in any adult fiction genre. The winner and runners-up will receive an agent introduction and possibly a manuscript review.
Deadline May 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
£1,000
Additional prizes
Agent introduction, manuscript review
Genres
Fiction, Novel,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $27
The Black Orchid Novella Award
An important part of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe's opus are novellas. To celebrate this format, the Wolfe Pack and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine have partnered to sponsor the Black Orchid Novella Award. Each entry must be an original unpublished work of fiction that conforms to the tradition of the Nero Wolfe series.
Deadline May 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication in AHMM
Genres
Fiction, Mystery, Novella,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $0
The Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition
We're looking for original ideas, a fresh voice, a diverse range of entries and stories that children will love! To enter, you must have written a full-length novel suitable for children/young adults aged between 7 and 18 years. We suggest a minimum of 30,000 words and ask that manuscripts do not exceed 80,000 words. The IET 150 Award will be awarded to a manuscript that celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
Deadline May 14, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
A worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House & royalty advance of £10,000
Additional prizes
An offer of representation from a top literary agent
Genres
Fiction, Novel, Novella, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Young Adult,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
The Kurt Brown Prizes
Association of Writers & Writing Programs
AWP will offer three scholarships of $500 each to be awarded to three first-place winners in the genres of creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. These scholarships must be used to attend a writers’ conference, center, retreat, festival, or residency at one of the AWP member programs in the Directory of Conferences & Centers. All winners and six finalists will also receive a one-year individual membership.
Deadline May 15, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$500 scholarship
Additional prizes
one-year membership
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $10
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
Creative Writing Award for Short Fiction
Since its establishment 15 years ago, this international literary prize has provided a platform for poets and authors across the globe to showcase their work through publication, prize money and exposure. The Creative Award is open to poetry and short fiction submissions on any theme, celebrating innovation in content, form and technique. Fiction entries should be no more than 2,000 words.
Deadline August 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$3,400
Additional prizes
Publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual, Consultation with Redhammer Management, Selection of books from Vintage, One year print subscription to Granta
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $25
Creative Writing Award for Poetry
Since its establishment 15 years ago, this international literary prize has provided a platform for poets and authors across the globe to showcase their work through publication, prize money and exposure. The Creative Award is open to poetry and short fiction submissions on any theme, celebrating innovation in content, form and technique. Poetry entries should be no more than 40 lines.
Deadline August 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$3,400
Additional prizes
Publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual, Full membership to The Poetry Society, Selection of books from Vintage, One year print subscription to Granta
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $16
Anthology Poetry Award
Entries are now invited for the Anthology Poetry Award. Established to recognise and encourage excellence in the craft of poetry writing and to provide a platform for publication, it is open to original and previously unpublished poems in the English language. Poems submitted must be on the theme of ‘Freedom’ and should not exceed 40 lines.
Deadline August 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$500
Additional prizes
Publication in Anthology Magazine, one-year subscription
Genres
Poetry,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $10
Writing Magazine Grand Prize
Win up to £1,000 in the Writing Magazine Grand Prize, our open competition for your short stories in any form, on any topic. The only stipulation is that your story should be a maximum 2,000 words. Stories will be judged by the Writing Magazine editorial team and the winner published in Writing Magazine later in the year.
Deadline June 30, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,360
Additional prizes
£250, £100, WM Courses mini-critique, 12-month WM subscription
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $20
Annual Novel Opening Competition
We are looking for an opening chapter up to 3,000 words, plus a one page synopsis outlining the balance of your story of any genre, so long as it's unpublished.
Deadline October 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$610
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Novel,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $13
John Steinbeck Award for Fiction
Awarding one of the richest purses among literary magazines—$1,000 for the winning story—the John Steinbeck Award for Fiction recognizes exceptional works of fiction. Aesthetically, we are open to most styles and approaches. All works should be stand-alone short stories, not chapters of a longer work. Please limit prose submissions to 5,000 words.
Deadline November 01, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Genres
Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $20
Flash Fiction Writing Contest
Voice.club has a strong commitment to writers and writing. Our monthly Flash Fiction writing contests are a wonderful opportunity for writers to practice their craft, share their stories and win prizes! Each entry must be 350 words or less, be family-friendly, and include some reference to the month's theme.
Deadline December 31, 2021
Learn moreTop prize
$50 Amazon gift-card
Additional prizes
$25 Amazon gift-card
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story,
Entry fee
💰 Entry Fee: $0
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