The BPA Short Story Award
Blue Pencil Agency
Genres:
Fiction and Short Story
The BPA Short Story Award is for unrepresented writers worldwide. Judges include literary agent Corissa Hollenbeck and writer Sussie Anie. Genres are any genre except children’s fiction and non-fiction (YA permitted with adult crossover).
Top Prize:
£1000 + Agent Introduction
Additional prizes:
2nd: £300 | 3rd: £100
💰 Entry fee:
$25
📅 Deadline:
September 13, 2026
Genres:
Poetry
A free monthly poetry contest hosted by the Nudante team, where poets upload and share their work with the community. The winner receives a $100 first prize.
Top Prize:
$100
💰 Entry fee:
$0
📅 Deadline:
August 28, 2026
Kinsman Black Box Award
Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc. / Kinsman Quarterly
Genres:
Crime, Fantasy, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Script Writing, Thriller, Children’s, and Christian
Kinsman Black Box script submissions are open year-round for one-act and full-length plays, and the programme especially welcomes BIPOC and traditionally underrepresented playwrights. Selected scripts are published globally in the Kinsman Black Box online script database, which licenses work to schools, theatre groups and charitable organisations.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
Selected scripts are published globally in the Kinsman Black Box online script database and are eligible for licensing royalties. Cash prizes of up to $500.
💰 Entry fee:
$15
📅 Deadline:
December 31, 2026
McNeile Writing Competition
Clapham Writers Ltd
Genres:
Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Novel, Novella, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, and Young Adult
A short story competition inviting submissions of an opening section of a short story inspired by the theme “Absent Friends” (interpretable broadly: memory, loss, distance, reunion, nostalgia, etc.). Open to unpublished and self published writers of all levels; entrants must live in the UK.
Top Prize:
£200
Additional prizes:
Second prize: £50; Third prize: £50.
💰 Entry fee:
$5
📅 Deadline:
September 05, 2026
Anthology Poetry Competition
Anthology Magazine
Genres:
Poetry
The Anthology Poetry Competition seeks to recognize and encourage excellence in poetry writing. Open to original, unpublished poems in English, it welcomes entries from poets worldwide without restrictions on theme or style. Poems should not exceed 40 lines, with no limit on the number of entries per person.
Top Prize:
€1000
Additional prizes:
2nd: €250 | 3rd: €150 + publication of the winning poem in Anthology magazine
💰 Entry fee:
$18
📅 Deadline:
October 31, 2026
Democracy School Essay Competition
Teen World of Arts and the European Democracy Institute at Bard College Berlin
Genres:
Essay
Teen World of Arts and the European Democracy Institute at Bard College Berlin have teamed up to host an annual essay competition open to high school students (years 11 and 12) and undergraduates. Participants can choose from among four prompts that link the visual and performing arts to broader social, political, and historical topics.
Top Prize:
200 EUR
Additional prizes:
Publication on the TWoA website and Substack, and on the website of the European Democracy Institute, Bard College Berlin; written jury feedback and individual online feedback session; certificate
💰 Entry fee:
$0
📅 Deadline:
September 01, 2026
Reader Views Non-Fiction Awards
Reader Views
Genres:
Non-fiction
The Reader Views Non-Fiction Awards celebrate excellent independently published works across various categories, offering professional reviews and promotional visibility.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Gold: $1000 | Silver: $350 | Bronze: $150 | Various sponsored awards and features in newsletters include marketing packages, interviews, and ads in our First Chapter Plus magazine.
💰 Entry fee:
$89
📅 Deadline:
March 31, 2027
Winter 2026 Prose & Poetry Contest
Onyx Publications
Genres:
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Poetry, and Short Story
The Winter 2026 Prose & Poetry Contest runs two independently judged tracks: prose, covering short stories, memoirs and flash fiction, and poetry. Onyx Publications staff carry out the initial screening before finalists are selected.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
First prize: $500, second prize: $100, third prize: $50 – each awarded once for Prose and once for Poetry. Publication in the magazine. First place winners in prose and poetry are narrated and interviewed on the Story Discovery Podcast.
💰 Entry fee:
$10
📅 Deadline:
November 01, 2026
The Homer Awards
Imagine Press / Homer Awards
Genres:
Crime, Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Novel, Romance, and Thriller
The Homer Awards celebrate excellence in Thriller and Greece-set fiction. Nine awards across five categories, including the Penelope Award — a manuscript prize for unagented authors offering a full publishing deal with Imagine Press.
Top Prize:
A full publishing deal with Imagine Press (professional editing, cover design, formatting, and global distribution). Winner retains all rights.
💰 Entry fee:
$30
📅 Deadline:
December 31, 2026
The Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction
The Lascaux Review
Genres:
Fiction and Short Story
The Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction accepts both previously published and unpublished stories, allowing simultaneous submissions. The winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication in The Lascaux Review
💰 Entry fee:
$15
📅 Deadline:
December 31, 2026
The Moth Nature Writing Prize 2026
The Moth
Genres:
Poetry and Fiction
The Moth Nature Writing Prize 2026 is an international annual prize for unpublished pieces of nature writing. It is awarded to work that best combines exceptional literary merit with an exploration of the writer’s relationship with the natural world.
Top Prize:
€1,000
Additional prizes:
2nd prize €500 | 3rd prize €250 | Winner also receives a week at The Moth Retreat (rural Ireland)
💰 Entry fee:
$15
📅 Deadline:
September 30, 2026
Fiction Factory First Chapter + Synopsis Competition
Fiction Factory
Genres:
Fiction and Novel
This competition invites submissions of the first chapter of a novel along with a synopsis. The focus is on originality and engaging storytelling. The winner will receive feedback from a literary agent and a substantial cash prize.
Top Prize:
£500 + an appraisal
Additional prizes:
Free appraisal for the winning entry + all shortlisted entrants
💰 Entry fee:
$23
📅 Deadline:
November 30, 2026
2026 Nature Writing Prize
The Nature Conservancy Australia
Genres:
Essay
Invites Australian writers to tell nature stories that deepen appreciation for the natural world and inspire care for its future. Theme is “Writing of place”. Entries are digital essays of 3,000–5,000 words set in an Australian landscape, environment or seascape.
Top Prize:
AU$8,000 and the winning essay published in the January/February 2027 issue of Australian Book Review.
Additional prizes:
Highly Commended: Rosina Joy Buckman Award – AU$1,000.
💰 Entry fee:
$27
📅 Deadline:
September 23, 2026
The Louise Glück Prize for Best Poem or Prose
Poetries in English Magazine
Genres:
Fiction, Poetry, and Short Story
The inaugural Louise Glück Prize for Best Poem or Prose, run by Poetries in English Magazine. Open to poetry and prose; the winner receives a $1,000 honorarium and publication in the magazine.
Top Prize:
$1,000
💰 Entry fee:
$35
📅 Deadline:
December 25, 2026
Henshaw Press Short Story Competition
Henshaw Press
Genres:
Short Story and Fiction
The Henshaw Press Short Story Competition accepts entries of up to 2,000 words on any theme. It is open to writers aged 16 and over.
Top Prize:
£200
Additional prizes:
2nd Prize: £100 | 3rd Prize: £50. | Opportunity to be included in the next Henshaw Anthology.
💰 Entry fee:
$8
📅 Deadline:
September 30, 2026
2026 Latino Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest
Free Spirit Publishing and Con Todo Press
Genres:
Children’s and Fiction
The Latino Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest aims to elevate authentic, culturally relevant children’s stories written by and about Latino people. Original children’s picture books and board books are welcome.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
The winner receives a meeting with a Free Spirit acquisitions editor and the Con Todo Press founder. 2nd place: $500 | 3rd place: $300.
💰 Entry fee:
$0
📅 Deadline:
October 14, 2026
Cai Emmons Short Fiction Contest
Wordcrafters in Eugene
Genres:
Fiction and Short Story
The Cai Emmons Short Fiction Contest honors the legacy of Cai Emmons by recognizing new voices in fiction. It encourages themes central to Cai’s work, such as interconnectedness, women’s issues, grief, and environmental concerns.
Top Prize:
$700
Additional prizes:
Category-specific awards of $200 for Magical Realism, Environmental/Climate, Female Protagonist, Family Dynamics, Experimental Fiction, and Aftermath of Loss.
💰 Entry fee:
$7
📅 Deadline:
October 30, 2026
Folk Horror Short Story Contest
Briar Press NY Publishers
Genres:
Fiction and Horror
Briar Press NY seeks short stories in the Folk Horror tradition, previously unpublished, set in any time period/place/culture. Stories should convey beautiful writing, engaging plots, memorable characters, and an authentic Folk-Gothic atmosphere.
Top Prize:
Publication in Briar Press NY’s upcoming Anthology ‘These Rotted Things’, including marketing assistance and 3 free copies.
📅 Deadline:
October 01, 2026
Writer Advice’s Flash Prose Contest
Writer Advice
Genres:
Flash Fiction and Fiction
This contest invites submissions of flash fiction and other prose forms, including creative non-fiction. Pieces should focus on critical moments in the protagonist’s life, with a maximum length of 750 words. All entries receive consideration for publication, and those selected as winners receive small cash prizes.
Top Prize:
Small cash prizes for 3 to 8 published works.
💰 Entry fee:
$5
📅 Deadline:
September 02, 2026
Ascent Novel Prize
Ascent Literary
Genres:
Fiction
The Ascent Novel Prize is a prestigious writing contest aimed at unpublished novelists. It encourages new talent by providing a platform to showcase their work.
Top Prize:
$39
Additional prizes:
Top 100 entries win a paragraph of personalised feedback from industry professionals
📅 Deadline:
November 01, 2026
Witnessed: An Anthology of Literary Horror
Edge & Busby Press
Genres:
Fiction, Horror, and Short Story
Edge & Busby Press seeks literary psychological horror for its inaugural anthology contest — stories where the dread comes from people. Sixteen stories will be selected. Guest judge: Carl Ellsworth (Red Eye, Disturbia).
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
Second prize $200; $100 honoraria for the remaining 14 selected stories. All 16 published in the anthology.
💰 Entry fee:
$0
📅 Deadline:
September 15, 2026
Annual Novel Opening Competition
Flash 500
Genres:
Fiction and Novel
The Annual Novel Opening Competition welcomes entries of up to 3,000 words for a novel opening, along with a synopsis (max 750 words). The contest is open to all novelists, provided the work is unpublished.
Top Prize:
£500
Additional prizes:
2nd Place: £200
💰 Entry fee:
$13
📅 Deadline:
October 31, 2026
Berggruen Prize Essay Competition
Berggruen Institute
Genres:
Essay
The Berggruen Prize Essay Competition aims to foster innovative ideas across cultures by posing significant philosophical questions relevant to contemporary life. It seeks submissions in English and Chinese that reflect novel thinking and compelling arguments.
Top Prize:
$50,000
Additional prizes:
Publication.
Each language category (English and Chinese) will have a prize.
💰 Entry fee:
$0
📅 Deadline:
August 17, 2026
Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest
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 Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest welcomes entries of 100 words or less on any theme. It emphasizes creativity, uniqueness, and growth in writing, encouraging diverse voices.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
1st: $1000 + a 2-year Duotrope Gift Certificate | 2nd: Publishing and marketing package | 3rd: Manuscript assessment package | 4th place: Editing package with Tadpole Press | 5th & 6th: Writing coaching package | 7th to 30th: Additional cash prizes.
💰 Entry fee:
$15
📅 Deadline:
November 30, 2026
Six Word Wonder Contest
Hebe Publications
Genres:
Memoir, Poetry, and Short Story
Celebrate the art of six-word storytelling by submitting your best six-word story, poem, memoir, or joke. The contest aims to discover impactful micro-stories.
Top Prize:
$96
Additional prizes:
Shortlisted entries will also be published
📅 Deadline:
September 30, 2026
FFF Competition Thirty-Five
Free Flash Fiction
Genres:
Flash Fiction
Submit a flash fiction piece of between 100 and 300 words on any theme. The judge for this contest is Emma Phillips.
Top Prize:
£200
Additional prizes:
£100 for two Highly Commended £80 for 3 shortlisted entries, all receive publication.
💰 Entry fee:
$4
📅 Deadline:
August 25, 2026
Gemini Magazine Flash Fiction Contest
Gemini Magazine
Genres:
Fiction and Flash Fiction
The Eighteenth Annual Flash Fiction Contest from Gemini Magazine welcomes unpublished flash fiction on any subject and in any style. All entries are read blind, so emerging writers and experienced writers get an equal chance.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Second place: $100 | Four honorable mentions: $25 each. All six finalists are published online in the Fall 2026 issue of Gemini Magazine.
💰 Entry fee:
$8
📅 Deadline:
August 31, 2026
Anthology Travel Writing Competition 2026
Anthology Magazine
Genres:
Essay and Travel
The competition invites original, unpublished travel articles in English, focusing on authentic travel experiences. Articles should be engaging and convey a strong sense of the destination and local culture, with a maximum length of 1,000 words.
Top Prize:
€300
💰 Entry fee:
$12
📅 Deadline:
November 30, 2026
Oxford Poetry Prize
Partus Press Ltd
Genres:
Poetry
The Oxford Poetry Prize is an annual competition for a single poem in English. The guest judge this year is Rebecca Tamás.
Top Prize:
£1000
Additional prizes:
Second: £200
Third: £100
Publication offered to all winning poets.
💰 Entry fee:
$13
📅 Deadline:
August 31, 2026
The Scribes Prize
Fairfield Scribes
Genres:
Fiction and Flash Fiction
The Scribes Prize is an annual writing contest open for submissions from July 1 to October 1. It invites stories between 90-110 words, with a focus on various genres of fiction and creative nonfiction. Winners will be published in ScribesMICRO and receive digital award seals.
Top Prize:
$250
Additional prizes:
Silver: $125
Bronze: $60
15 Honorable Mentions: $20 each
Publication in ScribesMICRO and digital award seals for winners
💰 Entry fee:
$5
📅 Deadline:
October 01, 2026
Plough Short Fiction Contest
Plough
Genres:
Fiction and Short Story
Plough’s inaugural annual short fiction contest is open to writers anywhere in the world. Submissions should be short fiction that honors the mysterious nature of reality and finds transcendence and redemption in unexpected places; the contest is not limited to magical realism or a traditional “tale” voice.
Top Prize:
$2,000
Additional prizes:
Up to three finalists receive $250 each and publication in Plough (print and/or online).
💰 Entry fee:
$10
📅 Deadline:
September 01, 2026
Wild Muse Nature Writing Prize
Gabriela Blandy
Genres:
Fiction, Non-fiction, Essay, and Poetry
The Wild Muse Nature Writing Prize invites personal stories, poems, and essays that explore our relationship with the natural world. The 2026 theme is ‘Nature’s Power to Heal, Guide, and Transform’.
Top Prize:
£750
Additional prizes:
2nd: £300 | 3rd: £150
💰 Entry fee:
$10
📅 Deadline:
September 14, 2026
2026 International Search for the Best Haiku
Haiku Crush
Genres:
Poetry
The Best Haiku is an international competition awarding publication in the annual Best Haiku anthology, sponsored and judged by Haiku Crush. Both traditional and modern haiku are accepted; submissions must be in English.
Top Prize:
$200
Additional prizes:
Grand Mention winners each receive $150. Up to 50 runner-ups will also be published.
💰 Entry fee:
$9
📅 Deadline:
October 18, 2026
Chalk Circle 360
Chalk Circle
Genres:
Fiction and Flash Fiction
The Chalk Circle 360 Writing Contest invites participants to submit a piece of circular flash fiction consisting of exactly 360 words. The theme draws inspiration from the ancient symbol of Ouroboros, encouraging stories that reflect self-reflection, recycling, and cycles of creation and destruction.
Top Prize:
£50
💰 Entry fee:
$7
📅 Deadline:
August 31, 2026
Genres:
Fiction and Short Story
The contest invites 8-16 year olds to write a story on ‘the perfect summer day’ within 600 words. Participants can gain inspiration from past winning entries.
Top Prize:
£50
Additional prizes:
Publication on the blog & interview with the Lead Editor.
Discounts on English Literature Masterclasses and certificates of commendation.
💰 Entry fee:
$3
📅 Deadline:
August 23, 2026
