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DIRECTORY
Showing 393 contests that match your search.
Passionate Ink
Genres: Fiction, Novel, Novella, Romance, and Short Story
The Passionate Plume Contest is aimed at supporting erotic fiction authors, offering various categories for both published and unpublished writers. It encourages creativity and provides a platform for authors to showcase their work.
Top Prize:
Engraved award
Additional prizes:
Publication in the Passionate Ink Charity Anthology
💰 Entry fee: $40
📅 Deadline: February 14, 2025 (Expired)
The Heartland Review
Genres: Poetry and Fiction
A biannual literary journal founded in 2000 that publishes original fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. The submissions process is free, and the contest focuses on diverse voices and styles.
Additional prizes:
Publication in The Heartland Review. 1 contributor copy for published works
📅 Deadline: December 01, 2024 (Expired)
Bath Flash Fiction Award
Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction
An international rolling flash fiction competition that runs three rounds annually, offering substantial cash prizes and opportunities for publication in anthologies.
Top Prize:
£1000
Additional prizes:
£300 for 2nd, £100 for 3rd
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: February 02, 2025 (Expired)
Alice Lutyens, literary agent at Curtis Brown
Genres: Fiction, Novel, and Young Adult
The Caledonia Novel Award aims to support unpublished and self-published novelists across all genres for adults and young adults. The 2025 competition encourages diverse submissions, offering significant prizes to help cultivate new talent.
Top Prize:
$1,500
Additional prizes:
Exclusive framed award designed by Edinburgh artist Lucy Roscoe. Highly Commended prize: £500 Special prize: a free place on a writing course at Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre
💰 Entry fee: $28
📅 Deadline: October 15, 2024 (Expired)
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, and Flash Fiction
The contest invites submissions of inspiring and uplifting stories, aiming to highlight the benefits of writing amidst global issues. Each story can be up to 5,000 characters (about 1,000 words). Winners are determined by writing quality and community votes.
Top Prize:
$300
Additional prizes:
Five runners-up will receive $100 each
📅 Deadline: January 31, 2025 (Expired)
National Poetry Series
Genres: Poetry
The NPS Open Competition invites submissions of book-length poetry manuscripts from U.S. residents and American citizens abroad. Winners receive cash prizes and publication.
Top Prize:
$10,000
Additional prizes:
Publication of a full-length manuscript by a participating publisher.
💰 Entry fee: $35
📅 Deadline: March 21, 2025 (Expired)
Gutsy Great Novelist
Genres: Fiction, Novel, Young Adult, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, and Thriller
The Chapter One Prize is an international writing contest for unpublished novelists. It aims to find the best opening chapter of a novel-in-progress written in English. Submissions open on February 3, 2025, and close on March 3, 2025.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
2nd: $500 | 3rd: $250. Honorable mentions may also be awarded.
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: March 03, 2025 (Expired)
Oprelle Publications
Genres: Poetry
The Matter Poetry Contest invites poets to showcase their work. Winners are selected based on the emotional impact and creativity of their submissions. The contest aims to highlight the significance of poetry in personal and societal contexts.
Top Prize:
$100
Additional prizes:
2nd: $100 | 3rd: $50 | Publication in anthology
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: June 02, 2024 (Expired)
Intrepid Times
Genres: Non-fiction and Travel
Intrepid Times invites writers to explore the theme of pilgrimage through non-fiction stories of 1200 to 1800 words. The winning entry receives $300 and publication, with four runners-up also published at standard rates. Free entry is available, with an optional assessed feedback option for $95.
Top Prize:
$300
Additional prizes:
Publication in Intrepid Times and accompanying photographs. Up to four runners-up will be published at standard rates.
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: March 01, 2025 (Expired)
Black Lawrence Press
Genres: Fiction, Novel, Poetry, and Short Story
The Big Moose Prize awards an unpublished novel, open to all writers. The winner receives publication, a cash award of $1,000, and ten copies of the book.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication of the novel and ten copies
💰 Entry fee: $28
📅 Deadline: January 31, 2025 (Expired)
Autumn House Press
Genres: Poetry
The Autumn House Poetry Contest accepts manuscripts of 50-80 pages. The winner receives publication of their manuscript, a $2,500 prize, and a $1,500 travel/publicity grant.
Top Prize:
$2,500
Additional prizes:
Publication of full-length manuscript + a $1,500 travel/publicity grant
💰 Entry fee: $35
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2024 (Expired)
Chicken House Books
Genres: Fiction, Novel, Novella, Science Fiction, Science Writing, and Young Adult
An annual contest for unpublished and unagented writers of children's fiction, focusing on originality and diverse voices. The competition seeks full-length novels suitable for readers aged 7-18.
Top Prize:
A worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House & royalty advance of £10,000
Additional prizes:
An offer of representation from a top literary agent
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: June 02, 2025
National Poetry Series
Genres: Poetry
The Paz Prize for Poetry awards a $2,000 prize every other year for the publication of an unpublished book of poetry originally written in Spanish by an American resident. The winning manuscript will be translated into English and published in a bilingual edition.
Top Prize:
$2,000
📅 Deadline: June 15, 2024 (Expired)
Cleveland Foundation
Genres: Novel, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, and Poetry
The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards recognize outstanding works that contribute to our understanding of racism and cultural diversity. Established in 1935 by Edith Anisfield Wolf, it remains the only American book prize focused on these themes.
Top Prize:
$10,000
Additional prizes:
Winners receive $10,000 and are honored at a ceremony in Cleveland.
📅 Deadline: December 31, 2024 (Expired)
Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The TWFest Very Short Fiction Contest invites emerging writers to submit original short stories up to 1,000 words. The contest promotes new work and is open to writers who have not published a book of fiction.
Top Prize:
$500
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: October 01, 2024 (Expired)
Sunspot Literary Journal
Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry
The Rigel 2025 writing contest is a writing contest organized by Sunspot Lit, seeking exceptional submissions in various formats including short stories, poetry, and artwork. The contest aims to highlight quality works across genres.
Top Prize:
$100
Additional prizes:
Publication offered to winner and select finalists.
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: February 28, 2025 (Expired)
The Bath Novel Awards
Genres: Fiction, Novel, and Young Adult
The Bath Novel Award is a £5,000 international prize for adult and YA manuscripts across various genres, aimed at unagented writers who are unpublished, self-published, or independently published.
Top Prize:
£5,000
Additional prizes:
Shortlisted writers receive feedback on their full manuscripts
💰 Entry fee: $38
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2025
World History Association
Genres: Children's and Essay
An international competition open to K–12 students, focusing on personal connections to world history. Essays must address specific topics and demonstrate critical thinking and effective communication.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
One-year membership in the World History Association
📅 Deadline: May 01, 2025
Nimrold International Journal of Prose and Poetry
Genres: Fiction, Poetry, Short Story, and Novel
The Nimrod Literary Awards are hosted by the Nimrod International Journal to honor outstanding writing in fiction and poetry. Each year, the awards feature a first prize of $2,000 and a second prize of $1,000, along with publication opportunities for winners.
Top Prize:
$2,000
Additional prizes:
2nd: $1000 + publication
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: April 30, 2025
Winning Writers
Genres: Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry, Children's, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, and Young Adult
The North Street Book Prize focuses on self-published or hybrid-published books, offering significant cash prizes and marketing services to enhance visibility. The contest has been running for 11 years and encourages entries across various genres.
Top Prize:
$10,000
Additional prizes:
$1,000 for top winner in each category | $300 for honorable mentions
💰 Entry fee: $85
📅 Deadline: July 01, 2025
Hastings Book Festival
Genres: Short Story
An annual competition for short stories, inviting entries from writers worldwide. The contest emphasizes creative writing with no thematic restrictions.
Top Prize:
£250
Additional prizes:
2nd: £100 | 3rd: £50
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: July 07, 2024 (Expired)
The Ghost Story
Genres: Horror and Fiction
The Ghost Story Supernatural Fiction Award is a biannual contest seeking full-length supernatural or magic realist short stories. The winning stories are published on June 1 and Halloween. The award is open to any story with a supernatural theme, not limited to traditional ghost stories.
Top Prize:
$1,500
Additional prizes:
Publication of the winning story. $300 for each of two Honorable Mentions.
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: April 30, 2025
American Writers Museum
Genres: Children's, Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry
The John Estey Student Writing Competition is open to elementary, middle, and high school students. To be considered for this award, please fill out the intent to participate form and submit a 1,000 word or less piece discussing the prompt quote, "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”—Ursula K. Le Guin, The Left Hand of Darkness. Submissions are accepted via a submission link that is provided to teachers ONLY. Please make sure that you provide a valid teacher contact.
Top Prize:
$2,000
Additional prizes:
Three winners from each category will be awarded the following prizes: $500 for elementary school; $1000 for middle school; $2000 for high school.
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: May 23, 2025
Santa Fe Writers Project
Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, Novel, and Novella
The SFWP Literary Awards recognize excellence in writing, offering a grand prize and runner-up awards, with a focus on publishing emerging authors.
Top Prize:
$1,500
Additional prizes:
$500 for two runners-up
💰 Entry fee: $30
📅 Deadline: July 15, 2024 (Expired)
Institute for Excellence in Writing
Genres: Children's
The contest invites students aged 8-18 to participate, regardless of experience with IEW's writing methods. Each participant submits an essay based on specified prompts for different age levels.
Top Prize:
$200
Additional prizes:
1st place: $200 for the student winner and a $200 gift certificate for their parent or teacher Additional monetary prizes and gift certificates for 2nd and 3rd places. Participants receive a free IEW bookmark.
📅 Deadline: April 30, 2024 (Expired)
Writers of the Future
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Fantasy, and Science Fiction
The Writers of the Future Contest, initiated by L. Ron Hubbard in 1983, supports new writers in science fiction and fantasy, judged by leading authors. Winners receive cash prizes and recognition. The contest encourages original works and offers a platform for upcoming writers.
Top Prize:
$5,000
📅 Deadline: December 31, 2024 (Expired)
Trio House Press
Genres: Poetry
The Louise Bogan Award for Artistic Merit and Excellence includes $1,000, publication, and twenty books. The Louise Bogan Award for Artistic Merit and Excellence is open to ALL poets, regardless of publication history.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication and twenty copies of the book
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025
University of Arkansas Press
Genres: Poetry
Every year, the University of Arkansas Press accepts submissions for the Miller Williams Poetry Series and from the books selected awards the $5,000 Miller Williams Poetry Prize in the following summer. For almost a quarter century the press has made this series the cornerstone of its work as a publisher of some of the country’s best new poetry. The series and prize are named for and operated to honor the cofounder and longtime director of the press, Miller Williams.
Top Prize:
$5,000
Additional prizes:
Publication through the University of Arkansas Press
💰 Entry fee: $28
📅 Deadline: September 30, 2024 (Expired)
New Beginnings
Genres: Essay, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, and Short Story
There is no topic relating to technology that brings more discussion than artificial intelligence. Some people think it does wonders. Others see it as trouble. Let us know your opinion about AI in this competition. Include experiences you have had with AI. 300-word limit. Winners will be selected January 1, 2024. Open to anyone, anywhere.
Top Prize:
$100 CA
Additional prizes:
Publication
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: December 15, 2023 (Expired)
Lambda Literary
Genres: LGBTQ
The award recognizes LGBTQ-identified writers demonstrating strong potential for promising careers. It includes a cash prize of $1,500 and is awarded annually to two writers.
Top Prize:
$1000 (x2)
📅 Deadline: February 16, 2024 (Expired)
Wine Country Writers' Festival Society
Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry
The contest is open to writers over 18 worldwide and includes categories for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Each submission must adhere to specific formatting guidelines and word limits. Winners are selected through blind judging, and results are announced during the festival.
Top Prize:
$200 CAD per category
Additional prizes:
Second place: $100 Third place: $50 Winner also gets anthology publication, entry to next year's festival
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: June 02, 2024 (Expired)
The Writer's Workout
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, and Science Fiction
Fiction Potluck is a quarterly writing competition open to fiction writers globally, featuring a guest judge who sets a unique challenge each period. The current challenge theme is 'Sci-Fi Western', with submissions of up to 6,000 words due by August 20. The competition is free to enter, and winners receive prizes including a two-year Duotrope service subscription (valued at $100).
Top Prize:
$100
Additional prizes:
Two years of Duotrope service for the first place winner.
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: August 20, 2024 (Expired)
Tadpole Press
Genres: Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult, Children's, Poetry, Romance, Short Story, Suspense, and Travel
The 100 Word Writing Contest is an international contest hosted by Tadpole Press that encourages creativity across all genres. It welcomes entries from writers of all ages and backgrounds, aiming to diversify literature and promote unique narratives.
Top Prize:
$2,000
Additional prizes:
Publishing and marketing package
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: April 30, 2025
Gotham Writers Workshop
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
Write a great short story in ten words or fewer. The contest is inspired by the story of Hemingway’s six-word story. Entries must be original and unpublished. Judging is based on originality and quality. The winner will be notified by mid-June.
Top Prize:
$0
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: May 30, 2025
Killer Nashville
Genres: Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Science Fiction, Script Writing, Short Story, and Thriller
The Silver Falchion Award honors the best books published in 2024 across various genres, including mystery, thriller, suspense, and romance. The competition aims to recognize quality storytelling and is open to all published authors.
Top Prize:
$250
💰 Entry fee: $85
📅 Deadline: April 01, 2025
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