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The Best Writing Contests of 2023

Writing competitions curated by Reedsy

Genre

Manage a competition? Submit it here

Showing 639 contests

Maggie Award for Prepublished Writers

Georgia Romance Writers

The purpose of the Prepublished Maggie Award for Excellence is to encourage, recognize, and reward the mastery of romance writing by Prepublished authors of romantic fiction. The Maggie Award is a symbol of achievement given by the Georgia Romance Writers (GRW) to bring special attention to these writers. Opens February 14th.

Top prize

Silver Medallion

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $40

Deadline: April 30, 2022 (Expired)

Genres

Romance

Passionate Plume

Passionate Ink

Contest is open to all erotic fiction works published the previous year. Erotic romance stories have HEA and the romantic relationship grows through sexual interaction. Erotic fiction entries do not require an HEA/HFN.

Top prize

Engraved award

Additional prizes

Newsletter/Social Media promotion

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $40

Deadline: March 21, 2022 (Expired)

Genres

Fiction, Novel, Novella, Romance, Short Story

Annual Flash Fiction Competition

Flash 500

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.

Top prize

£300

Additional prizes

£200, £100

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $7

Deadline: December 31, 2023

Genres

Fiction, Short Story

Story Unlikely's Short Story Contest

Story Unlikely

Story Unlikely's Annual Short Story contest is simply looking for great stories, judged both by the technical and literary quality as well as the author's ability to tell a story. We are not genre specific, and judging is blind, not based on the author's credentials, background, or pedigree. This is merit only. May the best story win.

Top prize

$750

Additional prizes

2nd: $500 | 3rd: $250 | Publication and illustration for top 3 stories

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: January 31, 2024

Genres

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

Mark Lynton History Prize

Columbia Journalism School

The Mark Lynton History Prize, in the amount of $10,000, is awarded to a book-length work of history on any topic that best combines intellectual distinction with felicity of expression. Books must have been published in the United States between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.

Top prize

$10,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $75

Deadline: December 07, 2023

Genres

Non-fiction

J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Awards

Columbia Journalism School

Two J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Awards, in the amount of $25,000, are given annually to aid in the completion of significant works of nonfiction on topics of American political or social concern. Recognizing that a nonfiction book based on extensive research often overtaxes the resources available to its author, the project envisions the Awards as a way of closing the gap between the time and money an author has and the time and money that finishing a book requires.

Top prize

$25,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: December 07, 2023

Genres

Non-fiction

J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize

Columbia Journalism School

The J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize, in the amount of $10,000, is given annually to a book-length work of narrative nonfiction on a topic of American political or social concern that exemplifies the literary grace, commitment to serious research and original reporting that characterized the distinguished work of the award’s namesake.

Top prize

$10,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $75

Deadline: December 07, 2023

Genres

Non-fiction

Best Stories on Human Impact of Climate Change

Secant Publishing

We are seeking the year's best original short stories (fiction) devoted to the theme of global climate change and its human impact. We are interested in literary interpretations of how individuals and families, cities and nations are bearing the brunt of a world dominated by new extremes of weather, seasons, and eco-disasters. All genres welcome.

Top prize

$1,000

Additional prizes

2nd: $500 | 3rd: $250 | Publication in anthology

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $10

Deadline: March 01, 2024

Genres

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Young Adult

International Essay Contest

Institute for Youth in Policy

You've been elected leader of your country. What would you say during your inaugural address to inspire the citizens of your country, including those of every race, religion, political party, and creed?

Top prize

$250

Additional prizes

Publication in YIP Magazine

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: December 11, 2023

Genres

Essay

The Saroyan Prize

Stanford University Libraries

Submissions are now being accepted for the 11th William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Two prizes of $5,000 each are given for works of fiction and nonfiction. The awards, co-sponsored by Stanford Libraries and the William Saroyan Foundation, are intended to encourage new or emerging writers and honor the Saroyan legacy of originality, vitality, and stylistic innovation. Submit five copies of your work published between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023 with a $50 entry fee by January 31, 2024. Writers who have published four or more books are ineligible.

Top prize

$5,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $50

Deadline: January 31, 2024

Genres

Fiction, Non-fiction

The Moth Poetry Prize

The Moth

The Moth Poetry Prize is one of the biggest prizes in the world for a single unpublished poem. The prize is open to anyone, as long as the poem is previously unpublished, and each year it attracts thousands of entries from new and established poets from over 50 countries worldwide.

Top prize

€6,000

Additional prizes

3x runners up: €1,000 | 8x further prizes of €250 | Publication online in Irish Times

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $16

Deadline: December 31, 2023

Genres

Poetry

The National Poetry Competition

The Poetry Society

Run by The Poetry Society since 1978, The National Poetry Competition is one of the world’s most prestigious prizes for an unpublished poem of up to 40 lines, open to all poets worldwide aged 18 or over.

Top prize

£5000

Additional prizes

2nd: £2000 | 3rd: £1000 | Commended: £200 | Top three poems published in The Poetry Review

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $9

Deadline: October 31, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Poetry

Ghost Novellas for the "Presence" Collection

Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc

Ghost novellas wanted from (but not limited to) underrepresented authors by April 31, 2024. Entries must be between 15,000-25,000 words, incorporating BIPOC cultures, traditions, and histories. Selected submissions receive $1000 USD and publication within Kinsman Quarterly’s journal and the “Presence” collection. $25 submission fee required.

Top prize

$1,000

Additional prizes

Publication in the Kinsman Quarterly and the "Presence" collection

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $25

Deadline: March 31, 2024

Genres

Fiction, Flash Fiction, Novella, Thriller

Iridescence Award

Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc

Kinsman Quarterly seeks fiction and poetry submissions from BIPOC authors for the Iridescence Award by December 31. Themes should include the supernatural, extraterrestrial, paranormal--urban fantasy, magical realism, science fiction, Afro-futurism, etc. Winners receive cash prizes up to $500 USD and publication in our literary magazine and E-book. No fees required.

Top prize

$500

Additional prizes

Publication in Kinsman Quarterly and the Iridescence anthology

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: December 31, 2023

Genres

Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Poetry, Science Fiction

Genre Smash Short Story Challenge

Globe Soup

For this short story challenge, all participants will be randomly assigned a genre pairing. As soon as you receive your ‘smashed’ genres you'll have until the closing time to write and submit a short story of any length up to 5,000 words, that perfectly and seamlessly combines both genres into one amazing short story.

Top prize

£1,000

Additional prizes

Publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $11

Deadline: October 23, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

Teams Challenge

The Writer's Workout

Teams is a cowriting challenge designed to encourage writers to work together. You and your team (4-6) will develop a single entry to be judged and critiqued. Create a team on your own or use our Discord to find a perfect match. This challenge is public domain mash-ups. We'll supply a list of available works on Oct 20.

Top prize

Winners published | Feedback on each team's entry

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: October 27, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Fiction, Short Story

Fiction Potluck

The Writer's Workout

Each quarter, we'll host a guest judge who picks a challenge. WW staff will read the entries blind and choose ten finalists to feature, then the guest judge picks three winners to be published on our blog at the end of the quarter for Fiction Potluck Friday!

Top prize

10 finalists spotlighted on website | 3 winners published on blog

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: FREE

Deadline: October 31, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Fiction, Short Story

Artificial Intelligence Competition

New Beginnings

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 requirements

💰 Fee: $5

Deadline: December 15, 2023

Genres

Essay, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story

Happiful Poetry Prize 2024

Happiful

We’re looking for poems that explore the topic of mental health and wellbeing in relatable, original, and empowering ways. The competition is free to enter, and welcomes new and seasoned writers alike. No prior experience is necessary, the only thing we require is a passion for writing!

Top prize

£100

Additional prizes

Publication in Happiful Magazine

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $0

Deadline: November 20, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Poetry

Poetry Open

Gemini Magazine

Our 14th annual Poetry Open! Any form of poetry, any topic or length. The top six poems will be published online in our Spring 2024 issue. Any poet writing in English is eligible. Entries must be previously unpublished. Submit up to three poems for $9 entry fee.

Top prize

$1,000

Additional prizes

2nd: $100 | 4x honorable mentions: $25

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $9

Deadline: January 02, 2024

Genres

Poetry

Narratively 2023 Memoir Prize

Narratively

Narratively is currently accepting submissions for their 2023 Memoir Prize. They are looking for revealing and emotional first-person nonfiction narratives from unique and overlooked points of view. The guest judge is New York Times bestselling memoirist Stephanie Land.

Top prize

$3,000

Additional prizes

$1,000 and publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $20

Deadline: November 30, 2023

Genres

Essay, Humor, Memoir, Non-fiction

Weird Christmas Flash Fiction Contest

Weird Christmas

Genre or humor based stories around "weird" Christmas/solstice/winter-holiday themes. Winners read aloud on Weird Christmas podcast and published on site. (Honorable mentions read/published, as well.)

Top prize

$75

Additional prizes

3 runners up: $50 and publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $0

Deadline: November 06, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Poetry, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller

100 Word Writing Contest

Tadpole Press

Can you write a story using 100 words or less? Pieces will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, and how the story captures a new angle, breaks through stereotypes, and expands our beliefs about what's possible or unexpectedly delights us. In addition, we are looking for writing that is clever or unique, inspires us, and crafts a compelling and complete story. The first-place prize has doubled to $2,000 USD.

Top prize

$2,000

Additional prizes

2nd: writing coach package

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $15

Deadline: November 30, 2023

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, Travel

WOW! Women on Writing Fall 2023 Flash Fiction Contest

WOW! 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.

Top prize

$400

Additional prizes

2nd: $300 | 3rd: $200 | 7 runner-ups: $25 Amazon Gift Cards

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $10

Deadline: November 30, 2023

Genres

Flash Fiction

WOW! Women On Writing Quarterly Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

WOW! Women On Writing

Seeking creative nonfiction essays on any topic (1000 words or less) and in any style--from personal essay and memoir to lyric essay and hybrid, and more! The mission of this contest is to reward bravery in real-life storytelling and create an understanding of our world through thoughtful, engaging narratives. Electronic submissions via e-mail only; reprints/previously published okay; simultaneous submissions okay; multiple submissions are okay as long as they are submitted in their own individual e-mail. Open internationally.

Top prize

$500

Additional prizes

2nd: $300 | 3rd: $200 | 7 runner-ups: $25 Amazon Gift Cards

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $12

Deadline: October 31, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Non-fiction, Essay

New Writers Flash Fiction Competition 2024

New Writers

The New Writers Flash Fiction Competition 2024 is open to writers from around the world, and offers a top prize of £1,000, a second prize of £300 and a third prize of £200. The deadline is midnight (UK time) on Wednesday 31st January 2024 and £1.00 from each entry will be donated to the First Story charity.

Top prize

£1,000

Additional prizes

2nd: £300 | 3rd: £200

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $12

Deadline: January 31, 2024

Genres

Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story

The Letter Review Prize for Books

The Letter Review

The Letter Review Prize for Books is open to writers from anywhere in the world. Seeking most unpublished (we accept some self/indie published) novels, novellas, story collections, nonfiction, poetry etc. 20 entries are longlisted.

Top prize

$1000 USD shared by 3 winners

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $25

Deadline: October 31, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

Fiction Factory Poetry Competition

Fiction Factory

This is a UK based competition but we welcome international entries. Poets are invited to enter poems (maximum 40 lines excluding title) on any theme. Discounts are offered on multiple entries. Besides the cash prize, our judge, poet and author and mentor, Helen Cox, will offer feedback on five of the winner's poems plus an hour-long mentorship zoom call about their poetry.

Top prize

£100

Additional prizes

Feedback on poems, a Zoom mentorship call, and publication

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $6

Deadline: October 31, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Poetry

Ironclad Creative Short Story Competition

Ironclad Creative CIC

The Ironclad Creative Short Story Competition is for both published and unpublished writers. We’re looking for original writing in English and you can be from anywhere in the world. We are looking for short stories that respond in any way to the word DUSK. We accept any genre and length of story up to 6k words. We’re looking for writers who have exciting voices and can move us - that can happen in any genre of prose. We’re not accepting plays or poetry for this competition.

Top prize

£150

Additional prizes

2nd: £50 | Two runners up: £25 | Publication in anthology

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $7

Deadline: November 16, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Frightening First Line Contest 2023

Gotham Writers Workshop

Autumn is the season of rustling leaves, a chill in the air, and, of course, Halloween. In that spirit, we invite you to create the first line of a frightening story. But we want that first line to be so intriguing or chilling or scary that it makes our skin tingle and our nerves twitch.

Top prize

Free Gotham Writers class

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $0

Deadline: November 30, 2023

Genres

Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Short Story, Thriller

Novel Fair 2024

Irish Writers Centre

Now in its 12th year, the Novel Fair is an annual competition initiated by the Irish Writers Centre. Described by The Irish Times as ‘A Dragons’ Den for writers’, each year the Fair introduces twelve up-and-coming writers to top publishers and literary agents, giving novelists the opportunity to bypass the slush pile, pitch their ideas and place their synopsis and sample chapters directly into the hands of industry professionals. Novel Fair has been attended by representatives from: Curtis Brown, Penguin Random House, Conville & Walsh, époque, Fletcher & Co, Poolbeg Press, Harper Collins, John Murray, Hachette, Lilliput Press, New Island Books, The Book Bureau, The Bent Agency, Greene & Heaton, Storyline Literary Agency and many others.

Top prize

Present your novel to leading publishers and agents at the Irish Writers Centre

Additional prizes

Runners up: Critique from the judging panel

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $60

Deadline: September 30, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novel, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

Winter Flash Fiction Battle

Writing Battle

Three days to write a 1000 word short story. The peer-powered quarterly writing contest where every story receives oodles of feedback. Write one. Read ten. Win thousands.

Top prize

$10,000

Additional prizes

Feedback by industry professionals.

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $25

Deadline: February 01, 2024

Genres

Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller

Autumn Short Story Battle

Writing Battle

Five days to write a 2000 word short story. The peer-powered quarterly writing contest where every story receives oodles of feedback. Write one. Read ten. Win thousands.

Top prize

$10,000

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $25

Deadline: October 31, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller

Writing LOVE

Sadie Tells Stories

Writing LOVE is a 500 word short story contest. It can be fiction or non-fiction. It can be a love of anything. A love for life, for nature, for a life partner, for peace, for justice, for a passion... The story also doesn't need to be about love, it just has to have an element of love.

Top prize

$500

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $10

Deadline: November 15, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Young Adult

Inspiring Fiction's Fantasy Contest

Inspiring Fiction

Inspiring Fiction’s fantasy short story contest is on the theme ‘Belonging’. The winner and shortlisted entries will be published in the second issue of Mirk Fantasy Magazine.

Top prize

£100

Additional prizes

Publication in Mirk Fantasy Magazine

Entry requirements

💰 Fee: $6

Deadline: October 31, 2023 (Expired)

Genres

Fantasy, Fiction, Short Story

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