The Best Thriller Writing Contests of 2022
Writing competitions curated by Reedsy
Writing competitions curated by Reedsy
Caledonia Novel Award
Now in our ninth year of competition, we are an Edinburgh-based, international award for unpublished and self-published novelists in all genres for adults and YA. This year's judge is Charlotte Seymour, literary agent at Johnson & Alcock. On top of the £1,500 top prize, the best entry from the UK and Ireland will receive a place on a writing course at Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre.
£1, 500
Free place on a writing course at Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre.
💰 Fee: $30
Deadline: November 01, 2022
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novel, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult, Romance, Suspense
View contestStockholm Writers Festival
SWF is proud to launch the First 5 Pages Prize to mark our 5th anniversary. Dazzle us with your brilliance. Delight us with your wit. Deceive us with your dastardly plot-twists. There will be one Grand Prize winner chosen from all entries. The winner will receive: $1000 cash, a ticket to SWF22, a pitch meeting with an agent conducted over Zoom, two night’s accommodation at a boutique hotel, and a full developmental edit donated by Reedsy, the industry’s leading platform for writing services.
$1,000
A full developmental edit donated by Reedsy & pitch meeting with an agent
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: January 31, 2022 (Expired)
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Novel, Novella, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestWine Country Writers' Festival
Fire up those pens and get those unpublished stories and poems submitted to WCWF 2nd Annual Writing Contest. Three winners in each category, publication in Anthology, and your own copy. Entries: $15 or two for $25. See the contest rules and enter now. Blind Judging.
$150
Publication in an anthology
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: July 29, 2022
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestTales
Can’t decide between the headstrong alpha or the hunky omega? Us either. We’re seeking stories featuring steamy werewolf romance, perfect for reading under a full moon. Whether you’re Team Jacob Black or Team Alcide Herveaux…we’re all Team Awoooo. Works up to 3,000 words will be considered.
$600
2nd place: $300; 3rd place: $100
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: May 31, 2022
Fantasy, Fiction, Short Story, Thriller
View contestElegantLiterature.com
We help new talent go pro, award life-changing prize money, and promote fiction writers worldwide. Each month we hold a contest based on a short fiction prompt. You write a wonderful story and enter the contest. We choose the winner who receives the grand prize. We also choose the best stories, pay the authors above-professional rates, and publish them in our magazine. Anyone can submit work to the magazine for free, but you must be an Elegant+ Member to enter the contests and win prizes. Membership is $10/month.
$3000 USD + $0.10/word for publication
Publication in online monthly magazine
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: May 31, 2022
Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestDarling Axe Editing
Summarize your novel in 500 words for a chance at a $1000 CAD prize pool! Our judge, Michelle Barker, will be asking herself one question: "Does this synopsis convince me that I'm in the hands of an adept novelist with a unique and engaging story to tell?"
$560
$200 for second place, $100 for third
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: May 31, 2022
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestFiction Factory
We welcome previously unpublished stories (max 1,000 words) on any theme. Our judge is looking for freshness, originality and strongly drawn characters.
£200
£50, £25
💰 Fee: $7
Deadline: November 30, 2021 (Expired)
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Crime, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller
View contestSunspot Lit
Authors and artists eligible. Sunspot Lit’s Geminga contest honors the power of the small. No restrictions on theme or category. $250 cash, publication for the winner, and publication offered to runners-up and finalists. Enter as many times as you like, but only one piece per submission.
$250
Publication in digital and print
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: March 31, 2022 (Expired)
Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Script Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestCreative Writing Ink
We're looking for short stories of up to 3000 words. Stories can be any theme, genre, or subject - the world is your oyster! Top prize is £1000, plus a free creative writing course of your choice and publication on our site. Two runners-up will receive £200 each."
$1,333
Free creative writing course, publication online
💰 Fee: $12
Deadline: September 30, 2022
Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Suspense, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestTadpole Press
100 words per entry. Submit as many entries as you’d like. All ages. All genders. All nationalities. All writers welcome. This year's theme is the power of words. The words we write, the words we say, the words we keep to ourselves. They make a difference in the lives of those around us. How can you use your words to instill a sense of calm, of hope, of community? To remind one another of the beauty of diversity. To encourage us to support, love, and inspire one another.
$1,000
2nd: writing coach package 3rd: developmental or diversity editing package.
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: April 30, 2022 (Expired)
Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestGrist
The Imagine 2200 contest calls for short stories that envision the next 178 years of equitable climate progress. We seek cultural authenticity, rich characters with intersecting identities, and stories that challenge the status quo (which accepts extraction, oppression, and violence).
$3,000
2nd: $2000, 3rd: $1000; finalists will receive $300.
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: May 05, 2022 (Expired)
Fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller
View contestWriterwerx University
Submit the first 1,000 words of your published book.
$2,000
2nd Place: $1,000 cash/prizes, 3rd Place $100 cash/prizes
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: February 28, 2022 (Expired)
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestCrime Writer's Association
The Debut Dagger is a competition for the opening of a crime novel by a writer who isn’t represented by an agent by the time the competition closes, and who has never had a traditional contract for any novel of any length, or who has never self-published any novel of any length in the last 5 years. Writers submit their opening 3,000 words and a 1,500 word synopsis. Entries from shortlisted writers are sent to UK literary agents and publishers. Every year, authors find representation this way.
$675
💰 Fee: $49
Deadline: February 28, 2022 (Expired)
Fiction, Mystery, Novel, Novella, Suspense, Thriller
View contestLeague of Utah Writers
The Olive Woolley Burt Awards are open to the general public for previously unpublished work. Discounts for entry given to members of the League of Utah Writers.
$150
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: May 13, 2022 (Expired)
Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Science Writing, Script Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestRWA Kiss of Death Chapter
The Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense is named for Daphne du Maurier, the author of Rebecca, a suspense novel with romantic and gothic overtones and a precursor to today’s romantic suspense. The writing contest is for unpublished authors of mystery, suspense, and thrillers with or without romantic subplots.
Award
💰 Fee: $30
Deadline: March 15, 2022 (Expired)
Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Thriller
View contestRWA Kiss of Death Chapter
The Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense is named for Daphne du Maurier, the author of Rebecca, a suspense novel with romantic and gothic overtones and a precursor to today’s romantic suspense. The writing contest is for published authors of mystery, suspense, and thrillers with or without romantic subplots.
Award
💰 Fee: $30
Deadline: March 15, 2022 (Expired)
Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Thriller
View contestChanticleer Book Reviews and Media
The Dante Rossetti Awards Categories are: Contemporary Young Adult; SFF & Paranormal; Dystopian/Edgy/Urban; Mystery/Thriller/Suspense; Historical Young Adult; YA Adventure/Romance. The Chanticleer Prize Package includes: A Prize Ribbon to use in promotion at book signings and book festivals Digital Badges for display on your website or incorporation into book covers Book stickers to identify your print books to bookstore shoppers as they browse.
$1,000
💰 Fee: $99
Deadline: June 30, 2022
Fiction, Mystery, Novel, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestTheNextBigWriter, LLC
Have a book or a novel idea you've been noodling? Enter your first chapter into the Booksie First Chapter Contest and see how it does. You don't need to have finished the book. You don't even need more than the first chapter. We're looking for a start that will grab our attention, that is original, that is well written, and that makes us want to beg you to see what comes next. And for those we find, we'll provide some awards to inspire you to finish writing the book or, if finished, to help get it published.
$500
Gold contest badge.
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: May 14, 2022 (Expired)
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Novel, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestNottingham Writers' Studio
We’ll be taking stories of up to 5,000 words, on the theme of the environment and the ongoing climate crisis. Entrants can write in any genre. There is no fee to take part and we’re offering cash prizes to every successful applicant plus publication in our next anthology. 1st - £250 2nd - £125 3rd - £75 Runner up - £15
£250
Publication in anthology - Earth 2.0
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: February 28, 2022 (Expired)
Crime, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestStringybark Publishing
We are looking for great short stories that address any theme that grabs you. But to just make life not too easy, the story has two stipulations. Firstly, it is to be written for those over the age of 16 and secondly, it must have a link, no matter how tenuous, to Australia. 1500 word limit.
$1,000
Publication
💰 Fee: $14
Deadline: February 13, 2022 (Expired)
Fiction, Mystery, Short Story, Crime, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestWriter's Digest
Whether you’re a professional writer, a part-time freelancer or a self-starting student, here’s your chance to enter the premier self-published competition exclusively for self-published books. This self-published competition spotlights today’s self-published works and honors self-published authors.
$8,000
A feature in Writer's Digest
💰 Fee: $125
Deadline: May 02, 2022 (Expired)
Fantasy, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult, Novel
View contestHenshaw Press
We are a small group of writers, editors, lecturers and of course readers who wish to actively support creative writing. We run quarterly competitions throughout the year with closing dates at the end of March, June, September and December. Our aim is to encourage as wide a range of writing as possible and competitions are open for any subject and any style.
$260
💰 Fee: $8
Deadline: March 31, 2022 (Expired)
Christian, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Mystery, Suspense, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Travel
View contestInkitt
Submit your mystery, thriller, suspense, or horror novel for the chance to become a published author and win huge cash prizes!
$20,000
2nd prize: $10,000 3rd prize: $5,000
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: February 28, 2022 (Expired)
Novel, Thriller
View contestHAVOK Publishing
HAVOK is a constant flash fiction contest, with rolling deadlines. Each season is split into monthly competitions with thematically connected prompts in a range of genres.
$100
Publication in an anthology. Potential for larger gift card wins.
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: January 31, 2022 (Expired)
Fantasy, Flash Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller
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
Consideration by Braveship Books for publishing/promotion, free book trailer, free editing sample
💰 Fee: $35
Deadline: April 30, 2022 (Expired)
Fiction, Novel, Thriller, Mystery
View contestGrindstone Literary
The Crucible First Novel Award is a brand new, free to enter competition for unrepresented authors. We are looking for the best new novels in crime, mystery, and thriller, and are asking entrants to submit the first 5,000 words of their manuscripts, along with a 150 word 'elevator pitch'. We will choose the best 20-30 entries, and compile them into the Crucible Chapbook, which will be sent to a list of agents and agencies.
Published in chapbook & sent to agencies
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: February 01, 2021 (Expired)
Crime, Mystery, Novel, Thriller
View contestKiller Nashville
Created in 2009, the Killer Nashville Claymore Award assists new and rebranding English-language fiction authors to get published, including possible agent representation, book advances, editor deals, and movie and television sales. The contest is limited to only the first 50 double-spaced pages of unpublished English-language manuscripts containing elements of thriller, mystery, crime, or suspense NOT currently under contract.
Possible contract with Mystery Writers of America
💰 Fee: $40
Deadline: April 01, 2022 (Expired)
Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Novel, Science Fiction, Thriller
View contestOxford Flash Fiction
Write yourself into history and become one of the greats with the Oxford Flash Fiction Prize. For centuries, the greats have come to Oxford to ink masterpieces. Now, in one of the oldest towns, where the history of the English language can be traced back to its ancient streets, we want to celebrate one of the newest forms in literature – flash fiction.
$1,300
💰 Fee: $8
Deadline: January 31, 2022 (Expired)
Christian, Crime, Fantasy, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Travel
View contestThe 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.
$1,000
print and online publication
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: January 31, 2022 (Expired)
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Short Story, Thriller
View contestKiller Nashville
The Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award is committed to discovering new writers, as well as superlative books by established authors and, upon discovery, sharing those writers and their works with new readers. There are a large number of both fiction and non-fiction categories you can enter.
$250
💰 Fee: $79
Deadline: June 15, 2022
Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Science Fiction, Script Writing, Short Story, Thriller
View contestOnyx Publications
Submitted works must be previously unpublished fiction, nonfiction, poetry or flash fiction. We are open to all styles, genres, and types of writing. We suggest you checkout our free archived editions to get a sense of what we publish. All stories published in the magazine also include a narration of the story and an author interview on our podcast. **Early Bird deadline 8th October, reduced fee of $7.50**
$350
Publication in Etched Onyx On-line magazine
💰 Fee: $11
Deadline: November 26, 2021 (Expired)
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller
View contestGlobe Soup
Globe Soup are looking for the best flash fiction of no more than 800 words. The competition features a secret location in which all participants must set their story. Participants can get extensive feedback on their entry by joining Globe Soup's writing group and free entry to their monthly micro fiction contests and other opportunities to win cash prizes!
£1000
💰 Fee: $16
Deadline: December 31, 2021 (Expired)
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestRubery Book Awards
The Rubery Prize is a prestigious international book award seeking the best books by indie writers, self published authors and books published by independent presses, judged by reputable judges. Through our reputation of finding quality and outstanding books we aim to bring recognition to the works that win and heighten an author's profile.
£2000
£200, a write-up
💰 Fee: $60
Deadline: March 31, 2022 (Expired)
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult, Romance
View contestLinen Hall Library
The Linen Hall Library in Belfast has announced the 2020 Michael McLaverty Short Story Award. Entrants must have been born in, or are citizens of, or resident in Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland. Maximum word count 3000. Adjudicators are multi-award-winning writer Donal Ryan and Patsy Horton, Managing Editor of Blackstaff Press.
$2,600
$300 each for the two runner-ups
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: January 31, 2021 (Expired)
Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contest