The Best Short Story Writing Contests of 2022
Writing competitions curated by Reedsy
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Showing 210 contests
The Reedsy Prompts Contest
Reedsy
Respond to one of Reedsy's weekly writing prompt newsletters with a short story for the chance to win $250 and be featured on the Reedsy Blog!
Top prize
$250
Additional prizes
Publication on Reedsy Blog
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: December 31, 2022
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestAnnual Cultural Heritage Writing Contest
The Trailblazer Review
Founded in November 2022, The Trailblazer Review is an international high school literary magazine dedicated to celebrating and honoring indigenous culture through creative writing. Its Annual Cultural Heritage Contest accepts submissions of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction under 4000 words from middle and high school students (13-18 years old) on the subject of native culture and heritage.
Top prize
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: February 20, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, Short Story, Young Adult
View contestStringybark Open Short Story Award 2023
Stringybark Publishing
Our annual flagship competition, the Stringybark Stories Open Short Story Award 2023, is now bigger than ever! Thanks to Graeme Simpson and Anne Buist, a record prize pool of over $1300 is on offer. The theme is open, the only constraint is that there must be a reference to Australia somewhere in the story. It doesn't matter how small a link there is (it could be a jar of vegemite on the counter), there just needs to be one!
Top prize
$560
Additional prizes
2nd: $360 | 3rd: $210 | 4th: $110
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: February 12, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Mystery, Short Story, Crime, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestElegant Literature's Contest For New Writers
Elegant Literature
One of the largest awards open to unpublished writers, and the only one closed to professionals. We are the first magazine to pay pro rates and only accept submissions from new writers, paying new authors over $50,000 this year. One new writer receives the grand prize. We also choose the best stories, pay the authors above-professional rates, and publish them in our magazine. December's head judge is Creag Munroe.
Top prize
$3,000
Additional prizes
Paid publication, 25 x $20 USD | Free entry to Novelist Accelerator
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: January 01, 2023
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestThe Big Moose Prize
Black Lawrence Press
Each year Black Lawrence Press will award The Big Moose Prize for an unpublished novel. 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 will be awarded on publication. The Big Moose Prize is open to traditional novels as well as novels-in-stories, novels-in-poems, and other hybrid forms that contain within them the spirit of a novel.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication, 10 copies of your book
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $27
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Novel, Poetry, Short Story
View contestTom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest
Winning Writers
Welcome to the 30th annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest. Submit published or unpublished work. $8,000 in prizes.
Top prize
$3,000
Additional prizes
Two-year gift certificate from Duotrope; 10 Honorable Mentions will receive $300 each
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: April 30, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Short Story
View contestAnthology Short Story Award
Anthology Magazine
Established to recognise and encourage creative writing and provide a platform for publication, this short story competition is open to original and previously unpublished short stories in the English language by a writer of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. There is no restriction on theme or style. Stories submitted must not exceed the maximum of 1,500 words.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
2nd: $150 | 3rd: $150
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: August 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestBridport Short Story Prize
Bridport Arts Centre
Gail Honeyman was shortlisted in our competition and went on to write Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, winning the Costa debut novel award. All the winning and highly commended pieces are entered into the Sunday Times Audible competition, top prize £30,000. UK based writers are entered into the BBC short story competition. That's not all, literary agent A.M. Heath reads all the shortlist and considers representation. Long story short? You are 5,000 words away from success.
Top prize
£5000
Additional prizes
£1000 for 2nd, £500 for 3rd
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $17
Deadline: May 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestWriter's Digest Annual Writing Competition
Writer's Digest
Enter our 91st Annual Writing Competition for the chance to have your work be seen by editors and agents! Almost 500 winners will be chosen. The top winning entries of this writing contest will also be on display in the Annual Writer’s Digest Competition Collection. [$20 for a poetry entry, $30 for a manuscript entry]
Top prize
$5,000
Additional prizes
2nd: $500 | 3rd: $100
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $30
Deadline: May 05, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story
View contest$1000 for 1000 Words Contest
The Layla Beban Young Authors
The $1000 for 1000 Words fiction writing contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 6-12. Each entrant may submit a fiction piece consisting of exactly 1,000 words (not including title or author’s name). The fiction piece can be on any topic, as long as it is not vulgar or offensive, does not use inappropriate profanity, and is the original work of the entrant not previously published.
Top prize
$1,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: February 01, 2023
Genres
Children's, Short Story
View contestCWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition
Crime Writers Association
Our mission is to find the best unpublished short mystery — one that fits into legendary crime writer Margery’s definition of what makes a great story: “The Mystery remains box-shaped, at once a prison and a refuge. Its four walls are, roughly, a Crime, a Mystery, an Enquiry and a Conclusion with an Element of Satisfaction in it.”
Top prize
£500
Additional prizes
Two passes to Crimefest & a selection of books
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestThe Screw Turn Flash Fiction Competition
The Ghost Story
We’re interested in flash fiction pieces of between 250 and 1,000 words. We’re seeking the finest work we can find that incorporates an uncanny element. Ghost stories are welcome, of course—but your submission may involve any paranormal or supernatural theme, as well as magic realism. What we’re looking for is superb writing, fresh perspectives, and maybe a few surprises.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
print and online publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Short Story, Thriller
View contestswamp pink Prizes
crazyhorse
From January 1st to January 31st, submit short stories and essays of up to 25 pages or a set of 1-3 poems. Winners in each genre will receive $2,000 and publication.
Top prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story
View contestCreative Writing Award for Short Fiction
Aesthetica
The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award is a celebration of innovative new writing from across the globe. Each year, the competition invites submissions of short fiction that redefine the parameters of form, concept and technique.
Top prize
$3,068
Additional prizes
Publication + Consultation
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $22
Deadline: September 08, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestThe 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.
Top prize
$500 scholarship
Additional prizes
one-year membership
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Short Story
View contestAIIRA Writing Contest
AI Institute for Resilient Agriculture
We invite contestants to submit writing that imagines the world in the year 2050 and explores the relationship between humans, technology, and their food: what will food look, taste, and feel like; where will it come from; who will produce and transport it; and how will we access and consume it? The world you bring to light should be believable and probe the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the future of agriculture. Your submission can be fiction or creative non-fiction, but keep in mind that the strongest submissions will use research to support the reality described. Contestants must be undergraduate students to submit to this contest.
Top prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
2nd: $1,500 | 3rd: $1,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: December 31, 2022
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Science Writing, Short Story
View contestNOWW 25th International Writing Contest
Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop (NOWW)
A Canadian contest with an international flair. As part of our 25th anniversary celebration, we have increased the prize total to $1800 over six major categories: poetry, short fiction, creative non-fiction, crime fiction, literary critical writing, and The Bill MacDonald prize for prose (A Northwestern Ontario setting must be central to the work).
Top prize
$150 CAD
Additional prizes
Publication in NOWW magazine
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestVoice.Club - Flash Fiction Writing Contest
Voice.Club
Express yourself in a supportive, family-friendly community, as you develop your writing skills. Voice.club is a family-friendly platform where creators can express themselves in a supportive environment. Our recurring writing contests have attracted talented writers from all over the world, and invite you to write a story of 350 words or less, based on our current prompt.
Top prize
$50 Amazon Gift Card + Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: December 31, 2022
Genres
Flash Fiction, Short Story
View contestStories Through The Ages - Baby Boomer Plus
Stories Through The Ages
Stories Through The Ages - Baby Boomers Plus 2023 is open to people born 1966 or earlier. The deadline for entries is June 15, 2023. There is no prompt for the contest. Authors may write about any topic. The entry fee is $20 ($15 if submitting more than one story). The word count for this contest is 900 - 5000 words. Cash prizes of $500, $200 and $100 will be awarded. There will be a minimum of 15 finalists whose story will appear in the book.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
2nd: $200 | 3rd: $100
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: June 15, 2023
Genres
Short Story, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction
View contestThe Goldilocks Zone
Sunspot Lit
Inspired by the search for Goldilocks Zone planets, Sunspot Lit is looking for one short story, CNF, artwork, poem, graphic novel, or script that combines excellence with appeal. Literary and genre works accepted; feedback available.
Top prize
$200
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $9
Deadline: December 19, 2022
Genres
Crime, Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Script Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestMinds Shine Bright Writing Competition
Minds Shine Bright
As we adjust to new realities, inflationary pressures, geo-political tensions, environmental challenges and more it’s time to imagine and explore. The Minds Shine Bright writing competition Confidence 2023 is open and calling for entries of short stories, short scripts, flash fiction and poetry which explore the theme of confidence in some way.
Top prize
$1,080
Additional prizes
$540 for each category winner | $118 for commended entries
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $4
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, Short Story
View contestPulp Fictional Writing Competitions
Pulp Fictional.com
Our Flash contest is now open and will run until 1st January 2023. The Short Story contest begins on the same date and will run until 31st May 2023.
Top prize
$452
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: May 31, 2023
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Short Story, Thriller
View contestEthos Literacy Annual Short Short Story Contest
Ethos Literacy
The challenge: write a story using 100 words on one of four topics. Open to all ages with a special prize for authors 14 years or younger. The contest supports nonprofit literacy programs.
Top prize
$200
Additional prizes
6 cash prizes of $100 each; publication in digital magazine, inclusion in webcast
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $12
Deadline: January 15, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story
View contestThe Roswell Award & Feminist Futures Award
The Omega Sci-Fi Awards
The Omega Sci-Fi Awards are proud to accept entries for The Roswell Award international short science fiction story competition from writers age 16 and older. The Feminist Futures Award will be awarded to a distinct winner for an outstanding feminist sci-fi story.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
UCLA Extension Writers’ Program
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: December 19, 2022
Genres
Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story
View contestJim Baen Memorial Short Story Award
Baen Books
The National Space Society and Baen Books applaud the role that science fiction plays in advancing real science and have teamed up to sponsor this short fiction contest in memory of Jim Baen. We are seeking short stories of no more than 8,000 words, that show the near future (no more than about 50-60 years out) of manned space exploration.
Top prize
Publication on the Baen Books website for normal paying rates
Additional prizes
Free entry into the 2021 International Space Development Conference, a year's membership to the National Space Society, a prize package
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: February 01, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story
View contestCWA Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition
Crime Writers' Association
Every year since 2014, the CWA and the Margery Allingham Society have jointly held an international competition for a short story of up to 3,500 words. Our mission is to find the best unpublished short mystery, and not only that, but one which fits into Golden Age crime writer Margery Allingham’s definition of what makes a great story. Entries are invited from all writers, published or unpublished, writing in English.
Top prize
£500
Additional prizes
Two weekend passes to CrimeFest
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $16
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Genres
Mystery, Short Story
View contestThe Breakwater Fiction Contest
Break Water Review
We are seeking submissions for pieces that breathe freshness to the form. We are interested in previously unpublished prose ranging from 1,000 - 4,000 words.
Top prize
$1,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: December 01, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestF(r)iction Short Story Contest
F(r)iction
We seek work that actively pushes boundaries, that forces us to question traditions and tastes. If your work takes risks, we want to read it. You may submit up to three entries for $12. A single entry is $10. Each entry can be up to 1,000 words long.
Top prize
$300
Additional prizes
Considered for publication in F(r)iction
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: November 01, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestSNHU 2022 Fall Fiction Contest
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU is hosting its 8th annual Fall Fiction Contest, where you can showcase your talents and creativity by submitting an original short story. This contest is open to any writer, based in the continental U.S., and submissions will be accepted from Oct. 3-31. By entering, you'll have the opportunity to win up to $3,000 in SNHU scholarships, have your short story featured in The Penmen Review and more.
Top prize
$3,000
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: October 31, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestMum Life Stories Micro Fiction Writing Competition
Mum Life Stories
Win cash prizes and publication in an anthology. This is the 6th and final round of the second series of micro fiction competitions on the blog 'Mum Life Stories'. Just 500 words around the them 'Empty Nest', which can be interpreted any way you like, as long as it includes a mum somewhere in the story. There will be an anthology release early to mid 2023 including the shortlists (Top 10) from each round.
Top prize
$31
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $2
Deadline: November 06, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestThe European Writing Prize
The European Society of Literature
The European Writing Prize is a competition that seeks to find young, unrecognised talent in the literary scene, and showcase their work to the public.
Top prize
$50
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: January 01, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Short Story
View contestWOW! Women On Writing Quarterly 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
Interview on WOW! Blog, $25 Amazon gift card
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: November 30, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Flash Fiction, Fiction, Short Story
View contestEdit Your Source Code
Effective Altruism at Berkeley
With a $1800 prize pool, Effective Altruism at Berkeley is hosting a scifi creative writing contest. In this contest, writers can explore the ways that becoming a supercapable human affects their lives and changes the world. In the Edit Your Source Code Contest, you’re asked to: Imagine what change(s) you would make to your own source code. Then, explore the possible consequences of your edits. What is it like living in the world as an altered, potentially superpowerful person? We encourage you to explore a range of possible outcomes, including what would happen if your edits create outcomes that are misaligned with your goals.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
2nd: $350 | 5x runner-up: $100
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: October 23, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story
View contestWenlock Olympian Society Short Story Competition
Wenlock Olympian Society
A prestigious short story competition with a maximum of 2,500 words. Entries can be on any theme in any genre. We are looking for flair and creativity. The competition will be judged by highly acclaimed author Emma Cooper. Winners to be announced in March 2023.
Top prize
$165
Additional prizes
2nd: $55 | 3rd: $27
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $6
Deadline: November 23, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller
View contestLeiby Chapbook Contest
The Florida Review
A prize of $1,000 and publication by Florida Review is given annually for a chapbook of short fiction, short nonfiction, or graphic narrative. Submit a manuscript of up to 45 pages with a $25 entry fee by December 31. All entries are considered for publication. All entrants receive a 1-year subscription. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Top prize
$1,000
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $25
Deadline: December 31, 2022
Genres
Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novella, Short Story
View contest
