The Best Writing Contests of 2023
Writing competitions curated by Reedsy
Writing competitions curated by Reedsy
Berkeley Fiction Review
Submit pieces under 1000 words for a chance to be featured in the next issue of our journal as well as a cash prize of up to $150!
$150
2nd: $100 | 3rd:$50 | Honorable mentions: $25
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: March 05, 2023
Fiction, Short Story
View contestRobinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation
The annual Tor House Prize for Poetry is a living memorial to American poet Robinson Jeffers. The contest is open to well-crafted poetry in all styles, ranging from experimental work to traditional forms, including short narrative poems. Poems should be no longer than 3 pages.
$1,000
$200 for honorable mention
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: March 15, 2023
Poetry
View contestThe National Poetry Series
The National Poetry Series seeks book-length manuscripts of poetry written by American residents or American citizens living abroad.
$10,000
Publication of full-length manuscript
💰 Fee: $35
Deadline: March 15, 2023
Poetry
View contestBBC with Cambridge University
The BBC National Short Story Award is one of the most prestigious for a single short story, with the winning author receiving £15,000, and four further shortlisted authors £600 each. The stories are broadcast on Radio 4 and published in an anthology by Comma Press. Previous alumni of the award include Zadie Smith, Hilary Mantel, and Jon McGregor.
£15,000
£600 (x4) shortlisted stories
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: March 13, 2023
Fiction, Short Story
View contestThe Plough Arts Centre
The Plough Poetry Prize is an international open competition for a poem up to 40 lines on any subject.
£1,000
2nd: £500 | 3rd: £250
💰 Fee: $7
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Poetry
View contestBlack Lawrence Press
Each year Black Lawrence Press will award The Hudson Prize for an unpublished collection of poems or short stories. The prize is open to new, emerging, and established writers. The winner of this contest will receive book publication, a $1,000 cash award, and ten copies of the book. Prizes awarded on publication.
$1,000
Book publication
💰 Fee: $27
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Poetry, Short Story
View contestCaterpillar Magazine
The Caterpillar Poetry Prize is an annual prize for an unpublished poem written by an adult for children aged 7–11. This year’s judge is none other than Michael Morpurgo!
€1000 + 1 week at Circle of Misse in France
2nd: €500 | 3rd: €250
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Poetry
View contestNimrold International Journal of Prose and Poetry
All finalists in fiction and poetry will be published and paid at our standard publication rate. Semi-finalists in poetry will also be published and paid at our standard publication rate.
$2000 + Publication
2nd: $1000 + Publication
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: April 01, 2023
Fiction, Poetry, Short Story, Novel
View contestAlpine Fellowship
Awarded for the best piece of writing on the theme of the Alpine Fellowship 2023 - Flourishing. The winner of the Writing Prize will receive a cash prize, and the runners up will receive travel expense support that must be used to attend our 2023 symposium which will be held from 10th-13th August 2023 in Fjällnäs, Sweden
£3,000 cash grant
2nd: £1,000 travel expense | 3rd: £1,000 travel expense
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: March 01, 2023
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story
View contestParsec Inc.
2023 Contest Theme is: Preserve or Purge. We ask that authors try and incorporate both concepts into their speculative work. This can be conveyed in the setting, plot, characters, dialogue; the only limit is your imagination. The theme must be integral to the story in some way and not just mentioned in passing.
$200
2nd: $100 | 3rd: $50
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: May 01, 2023
Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, Short Story
View contestAdventure Writers
Any novels between 50,000 and 200,000 words that are in the realm of action/adventure/thriller/mystery - and chocked-full of adventure - are welcome. New and previously published books welcome, though you must have sold or given away less than 10,000 books of the title(s) you enter. We do not accept sci-fi, fantasy, horror or young children's books. See our website for info on rules and entering.
$1,000
Two AWC Finalist Awards: $500
💰 Fee: $50
Deadline: April 30, 2023
Fiction, Novel, Thriller, Mystery
View contestFiction Factory
This is a UK based competition but we welcome international entries. Poems should be 40 lines maximum. Entry Fee: $5 US ($12 for 3 poems) Top prize: 5 shortlisted poets will receive a supportive critique on their poems. One winner from that shortlist will receive a £100 ($125 US) cash prize, as well as feedback on 5 poems they have written, plus an hour-long mentorship Zoom call with the judge to talk about their poetry.
$123
Feedback on poems and a Zoom mentorship call
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: March 01, 2023
Poetry
View contestFiction Factory
The maximum length of the chapter must not exceed 5000 words (not including synopsis). If the chapters are short, we can except more, provided they remain within the word limit. The winning entry will be read by literary agent Joanna Swainson of the Hardman & Swainson Agency. Winning chapters (with the authors permission) will be published on our website. Results published: June 2023
$610
A reading by a top London Literary Agent plus publication
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Fiction, Novel
View contestWOW! Women On Writing
WOW! is proud to introduce our newest essay contest! The contest is open globally. Your story must be true, but the way you tell it is your chance to get creative. We are open to all styles of essay—from personal essay to lyric essay to hybrid essay, and beyond!
$500
2nd: $300 | 3rd: $200 | 7 runner-ups: $25 Amazon Gift Cards
💰 Fee: $12
Deadline: January 31, 2023 (Expired)
Non-fiction
View contestWOW! Women On Writing
Seeking short fiction of any genre between 250 - 750 words. The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, great writing, and provide well-rewarded recognition to contestants.
$400
2nd: $300 | 3rd: $200 | 7 runner-ups: $25 Amazon Gift Cards
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Flash Fiction, Fiction, Short Story
View contestAustralian Book Review
The Jolley Prize is open to all short story writers writing in English. We seek original short stories of between 2,000 and 5,000 words.
$AU6,000
$AU4,000, $AU2,500
💰 Fee: $25
Deadline: April 24, 2023
Fiction, Short Story
View contestAcademy of American Poets
Established in 1975, this $25,000 award recognizes the most outstanding book of poetry published in the United States in the previous calendar year. The prize includes distribution of the winning book to hundreds of Academy of American Poets members.
$25,000
Publication and distribution of book
💰 Fee: $75
Deadline: May 15, 2023
Poetry
View contestAcademy of American Poets
Offered since 1954, the James Laughlin Award is given to recognize and support a second book of poetry forthcoming in the next calendar year. Along with $5,000, the winner receives an all-expenses-paid weeklong residency in Miami Beach, Florida, and distribution of the winning book to approximately one thousand Academy of American Poets members. Submissions are accepted January 1 through May 15 each year.
$5,000
Distribution of book to Academy of American Poets members
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: May 15, 2023
Poetry
View contestThe Lascaux Review
Stories may be previously published or unpublished, and simultaneous submissions are accepted. True stories and prose poetry are welcome as long as they’re written in a narrative style. Winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication online in The Lascaux Review. The winner and all finalists will be published in the annual print journal.
$1,000
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: June 30, 2023
Fiction, Flash Fiction
View contestThe Lascaux Review
Poems may be previously published or unpublished, and simultaneous submissions are accepted. Winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication online in The Lascaux Review. The winner and all finalists will be published in the annual print journal.
$1,000
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Poetry
View contestLetter Review
The Letter Review Prize for Flash Fiction (up to 1000 words) is open to writers from anywhere in the world and has no theme or genre restrictions. Winners are published and every entry is considered for publication. 20 entries are Longlisted.
$300
2nd: $200 | 3rd: $100
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Flash Fiction
View contestLetter Review
The Letter Review Prize for Poetry (up to 70 lines) is open to writers from anywhere in the world and has no style or subject restrictions. Winners are published and every entry is considered for publication. 20 entries are Longlisted.
$400
2nd $250 | 3rd: $150
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Poetry
View contestLetter Review
The Letter Review Prize for Short Stories (1000-3000 words) is open to writers from anywhere in the world and has no theme or genre restrictions. Winners are published and every entry is considered for publication. 20 entries are Longlisted.
$600
2nd: $250 | 3rd: $150
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Fiction, Short Story
View contestThe European Society of Literature
The 2023 Bloom Writing Contest is a writing competition that seeks to find hidden talent in the literary scene. The contest will place heavy emphasis on works of deep meaning, aesthetic beauty and literary quality—just as Harold Bloom did. The 2023 Bloom Writing Contest accepts submissions of all types, whether it be an essay, a poem, a short story.
$500
Publication
💰 Fee: $3
Deadline: May 01, 2023
Essay, Fiction, Memoir, Novel, Poetry
View contestAyn Rand Institute
The Atlas Shrugged novel essay contest is open to all students globally. Atlas Shrugged is a heroic mystery novel written by Ayn Rand. Choose a prompt and write a 800-1,600 word essay.
$10,000
2nd: $2,000 (x3) | 3rd: $1,000 (x5) | 25 finalists: $100 | 50 semifinalists: $50
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: November 06, 2023
Essay, Fiction, Mystery, Novel, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestThe Heartland Review Press
Submit no more than 30 pages of your best poetry work. Any theme or style. THRP is not concerned with the poet who has the most publications; rather, we wish to award the best writing that contributes the most to the craft of poetry.
$500
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: May 01, 2023
Poetry
View contestFarmer-ish Journal
To celebrate Winter Solstice in 2023, Farmer-ish journal is excited to announce a special poetry contest with a cash prize and publication for the top 50 poems. We are accepting contest submissions for a poetry collection focusing on poems for the Winter Solstice. We are looking for poems about farming, nature, environmentalism, cozy, rest, light, tradition, and more.
$250
Publication
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Poetry
View contestNew York Mills Regional Cultural Center
The Great American Think-Off, now in its 30th year, is an exhibition of civil disagreement between powerful ideas that connect to your life at the gut level. People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to submit an essay of no more than 750 words for a chance to win one of four $500 cash prizes and participate in the live debate to ultimately answer the question, determined by audience vote.
$500
Participation in live debate
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: April 01, 2023
Essay
View contestPapers Owl
To all TV shows nerds: we're incredibly excited to announce a competition for the best essay based on the TV series you are keen on. This is a new challenge for folks who may be under budget and interested in winning subscriptions on streaming services (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney).
Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, or Disney+ subscription for 6 months
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: January 31, 2023 (Expired)
Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestShuswap Association of Writers
Whether you’re an established or emerging writer, the Askew’s Word on the Lake Writing Contest has a place for you! Part of the Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival in Salmon Arm, BC, Canada, the contest is open to submissions in short fiction (up to 1,500 words), nonfiction (up to 1,500 words), and poetry (up to three one-page poems).
$200 CAD
Publication
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: January 31, 2023 (Expired)
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry
View contestFusilli Writing
Free flash fiction competition for stories up to 200 words with a twist. Competition always open, with a winner announced and published online after 100 entries received (story count on website). Feedback and the PDF ‘An introduction the writing good flash fiction’ offered for (£5 or equivalent).
Publication on website
Social media promotion
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: December 31, 2023
Flash Fiction
View contestWinning Writers
Welcome to the 31st annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest. Submit published or unpublished work. $9,000 in prizes.
$3,000
Two-year gift certificate from Duotrope; 10 Honorable Mentions will receive $300 each
💰 Fee: $22
Deadline: April 30, 2023
Fiction, Non-fiction, Short Story
View contestWinning Writers
Now in its 22nd year, this contest seeks today's best humor poems. No fee to enter. Submit published or unpublished work. $3,500 in prizes.
$2,000
Two-year gift certificate for Duotrope | 2nd: $500
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: April 01, 2023
Humor, Poetry
View contestGrassroots Literary Magazine
Three awards will be given out to authors in categories of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, with a special fourth award being given to a standout self-published work. Each winning author will be awarded $1,500, given the author attends the festival to host a workshop decided by the festival staff. A two-night hotel stay will be provided.
$1,500 x4
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: February 19, 2023
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestGlobe Soup
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!
£500
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: February 20, 2023
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story
View contest