Trio Award for First or Second Book
Trio House Press
Genres:
Poetry
The Trio Award is for emerging poets with less than two books published. It includes a reading fee of $25 and is part of the submissions period from November 1 to March 31 each year. The contest features a judge, Sierra DeMulder for the 2025 award.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication and twenty books
💰 Entry fee:
$25
📅 Deadline:
March 31, 2025
(Expired)
Poetry Wales Award 2024-25
Poetry Wales
Genres:
Poetry
The Poetry Wales Award is a single-poem competition allowing poets worldwide to submit new, unpublished works. The competition opens on 17th December 2024 and closes on 17th February 2025. The judge for this year is Jeremy Dixon, a prize-winning poet.
Top Prize:
£500
Additional prizes:
First prize gets choice of a course or a writing retreat, one-year subscription to Poetry Wales, publication of winning poem. £100 for second place, £50 for third place, and invitations for ten highly commended poets to read at the award ceremony.
💰 Entry fee:
$5
📅 Deadline:
February 17, 2025
(Expired)
TCK Publishing Poetry Awards Contest
TCK Publishing
Genres:
Poetry
The TCK Publishing Poetry Awards Contest is an international poetry contest established in 2021. The contest invites writers from all backgrounds to submit poems. The winner receives a $1,000 honorarium and publication on the TCK Publishing website.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication on TCK Website
💰 Entry fee:
$5
📅 Deadline:
June 30, 2025
(Expired)
Scriptation Showcase
Showcase Script Competition
Genres:
Script Writing and Short Story
The Scriptation Showcase is a screenwriting contest that offers exposure to Hollywood industry professionals. Winners’ scripts are circulated to directors, showrunners, and producers. The contest includes analysis and feedback on submissions through ScreenplayIQ.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
$500 cash for best script in each category
💰 Entry fee:
$59
📅 Deadline:
July 20, 2025
(Expired)
John Steinbeck Award for Fiction
Reed Magazine
Genres:
Fiction
The John Steinbeck Award recognizes exceptional works of fiction. Submissions are open from June 1 to October 1, with entries limited to 5,000 words. The winning story receives a $1,000 prize.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Entry includes a free copy of the latest edition of Reed.
💰 Entry fee:
$20
📅 Deadline:
October 01, 2025
(Expired)
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:
$20
📅 Deadline:
October 31, 2025
(Expired)
Aurora Polaris Creative Nonfiction Award
Trio House Press
Genres:
Essay, Memoir, and Non-fiction
The Aurora Polaris Creative Nonfiction Award is an annual contest launched by Trio House Press, focused on creative nonfiction manuscripts. The award aims to recognize innovative and distinct works in this genre.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication
💰 Entry fee:
$25
📅 Deadline:
May 15, 2025
(Expired)
Romance Through The Ages Contest — Un-Published
Hearts Through History Romance Writers
Genres:
Fiction and Romance
This contest is aimed at unpublished authors focusing on historical romance narratives. It promotes creativity by allowing submissions that adhere to specific genre standards, such as historical accuracy and romantic plots.
Top Prize:
$50
Additional prizes:
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category receive a social media badge. All winners will be announced in RWA’s digital Romance Writers Report.
💰 Entry fee:
$25
📅 Deadline:
June 30, 2025
(Expired)
Salamander 2025 Fiction Prize
Salamander
Genres:
Fiction
The Salamander Fiction Prize offers writers the opportunity to submit their works for consideration. The contest includes a first prize of $1,000 and publication, and a second prize of $500 and publication. Entries will be judged anonymously, and all submissions are also considered for publication in the magazine.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
2nd: $500 | Publication
💰 Entry fee:
$20
📅 Deadline:
June 01, 2025
(Expired)
Imagine 2200: Climate Fiction for Future Ancestors
Grist Magazine
Genres:
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, and Young Adult
The Imagine 2200 contest invites writers to envision equitable climate progress stories, showcasing creative solutions and community resilience. It emphasizes hope and the potential for positive change through fiction.
Top Prize:
$3,000
Additional prizes:
Second place: $2000
Third place: $1000
Ten $300 awards for finalists.
Opportunity for the winner to participate in Oregon State University’s Environmental Writing Fellowship and Residency, including a four-week writing residency.
📅 Deadline:
June 24, 2024
(Expired)
Inkspot Publishing Short Story Competition
Inkspot Publishing
Genres:
Short Story
This inaugural competition invites writers to submit original short stories. The competition aims to celebrate creativity following the Chipping Norton Literary Festival’s closure. Entries are open to all writers.
Additional prizes:
2nd: £250 | 3rd: £100 | Top 12 stories will feature on FictionJunkies.com.
💰 Entry fee:
$10
📅 Deadline:
November 30, 2025
Kate Tufts Discovery Award
Claremont Graduate University
Genres:
Poetry
The Kate Tufts Discovery Award is presented annually for a first book of poetry published between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. It aims to recognize promising poets and offers financial support and increased visibility.
Top Prize:
$10,000
📅 Deadline:
July 01, 2025
(Expired)
Autumn House Poetry Contest
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)
Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer Nonfiction
Lambda Literary
Genres:
LGBTQ and Non-fiction
The Jeanne Córdova Prize honors lesbian/queer-identified women and trans/gender non-conforming nonfiction authors. It seeks to recognize writers who capture the depth and complexity of lesbian/queer life, culture, and history.
Top Prize:
$2,500
📅 Deadline:
May 16, 2025
(Expired)
The Book of the Year Awards
The Independent Author Network
Genres:
Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult, Crime, and Short Story
The 11th Annual IAN Book of the Year Awards is an international contest open to all authors with 75 fiction and non-fiction categories. Winners share cash prizes totaling $6,000, including a Grand Prize of $2,500.
Top Prize:
$2,500
Additional prizes:
Minimum cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250 for first, second, and third places in each category respectively
💰 Entry fee:
$49
📅 Deadline:
August 16, 2025
(Expired)
Ethos Literacy Annual Short Short Story Contest
Ethos Literacy
Genres:
Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Short Story
The contest invites participants to write a story of exactly 100 words on topics like envy, eyeglasses, nightmares, or turtles. It is open to all ages, including international writers. Winning stories will be published in an e-zine.
Top Prize:
$200
Additional prizes:
6 cash prizes of $100 each + publication in digital magazine, inclusion in webcast
💰 Entry fee:
$10
📅 Deadline:
February 01, 2024
(Expired)
Reeds in the Wind Literary Prize
The Jane Austen Club of Sardinia
Genres:
Fiction and Short Story
The Reeds in the Wind Literary Prize aims to promote the literary legacy of Grazia Deledda. It is open to international participants and accepts submissions in Italian, Sardinian, and English. Stories must explore themes from Deledda’s works and have a word count of 5,000 to 7,000 characters. The awards will be presented during a ceremony scheduled for Saturday, 13 September 2025, in the town of Galtellì.
Top Prize:
€500
Additional prizes:
All finalists will have their stories published, and any travel expenses for finalists will be reimbursed.
💰 Entry fee:
$0
📅 Deadline:
July 20, 2025
(Expired)
Native Voices Award 2025
Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc
Genres:
Essay and Non-fiction
The Native Voices Award 2025 invites Indigenous storytellers from various communities to submit original, unpublished works in genres such as short stories, flash fiction, essays, scripts, or poetry. The contest focuses on themes rich in cultural depth.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
2nd: $200, 3rd: $100, 4th: $50. Subsequent 6 finalists receive a $25 amazon gift card. 1st place also gets publication in Kinsman Quarterly and the anthology Native Voices, Vol. 2.
💰 Entry fee:
$0
📅 Deadline:
April 30, 2025
(Expired)
Story Unlikely Short Story Contest
Story Unlikely
Genres:
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Suspense, and Thriller
The Story Unlikely Short Story Contest seeks quality stories across all genres. It invites submissions from anyone, without restrictions on age or location. The contest awards prizes totaling $5,000, with publication opportunities for winners.
Top Prize:
$3,000
Additional prizes:
2nd: $1,000 | 3rd: $750 | Reprint category: $250 | Honorable mentions receive certificates, and some finalists may be published in the magazine.
💰 Entry fee:
$0
📅 Deadline:
January 14, 2026
Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition
Writer’s Digest
Genres:
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, and Short Story
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:
Grand prize winner receives $5000. In each category: 1st, $1000; 2nd, $500; 3rd, $250; 4th, $100; 5th, $50; 6th through 10th, $25 gift certificate. 1st place winners receive a one year subscription to Writer’s Digest magazine + tutorials.
💰 Entry fee:
$30
📅 Deadline:
May 05, 2025
(Expired)
Young Sports Journalist 2025
Pitch Magazine
Genres:
Essay and Non-fiction
The Young Sports Journalist competition invites entries from students aged 14-21. Participants must submit a piece between 700-800 words responding to a prompt. Winners receive recognition in Pitch Magazine and a chance for work experience.
Top Prize:
£50
Additional prizes:
Publication in magazine and online, work experience at Pitch Magazine.
💰 Entry fee:
$0
📅 Deadline:
April 09, 2025
(Expired)
Hayden’s Ferry Review Fiction & Poetry Contest
Hayden’s Ferry Review
Genres:
Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Poetry
The Hayden’s Ferry Review Fiction & Poetry Contest accepts submissions of poetry and fiction. Winners receive cash prizes and publication. The judges for 2025 are Gwen Kirby for fiction and Hieu Minh Nguyen for poetry.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Winner also receives publication in Hayden’s Ferry Review. Runner-up receives $250 and publication.
💰 Entry fee:
$15
📅 Deadline:
February 28, 2025
(Expired)
Brink Fall 2025 Writing Contest
Brink Literary Journal
Genres:
Fiction, Short Story, Flash Fiction, and Poetry
The Brink Fall 2025 Writing Contest invites submissions in multiple genres. Winning entries will be selected and published, emphasizing creative, boundary-pushing literature. The contest encourages diverse voices and innovative storytelling.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
First place prizes include cash awards of $1,000 for short stories, $300 for poetry, and $300 for flash fiction. Finalists will be considered for publication and may receive free edits.
💰 Entry fee:
$3
📅 Deadline:
November 07, 2025
(Expired)
2025 Narratively Memoir Prize
Narratively
Genres:
Memoir and Non-fiction
The Narratively Memoir Prize invites personal essays for a chance to win $3,000, publication on Narratively, and inclusion in a limited print edition. Judged by bestselling author Susannah Cahalan, the contest seeks unique, emotional narratives. Submissions are accepted from October 24 to December 7, 2025.
Top Prize:
$3,000
Additional prizes:
Publication on Narratively and in a limited print edition
💰 Entry fee:
$20
📅 Deadline:
December 07, 2025
The Rhys Davies Short Story Competition
Swansea University
Genres:
Fiction and Short Story
The Rhys Davies Short Story Competition is a prestigious award for writers born or living in Wales. Established in 1991, it recognizes the best unpublished short stories in English, up to 5,000 words. The competition encourages new talent and is managed by Swansea University’s Cultural Institute in association with Parthian Books.
Top Prize:
£1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication in short story anthology |
💰 Entry fee:
$8
📅 Deadline:
February 14, 2025
(Expired)
Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition
Crime Writers Association
Genres:
Fiction and Short Story
The competition seeks the best unpublished short mystery story of up to 3,500 words, adhering to Margery Allingham’s definition of a great mystery. It is open to both published and unpublished authors worldwide.
Top Prize:
£500
Additional prizes:
Two passes to Crimefest & a selection of books
💰 Entry fee:
$22
📅 Deadline:
February 28, 2025
(Expired)
Kurt Vonnegut Speculative Fiction Prize
North American Review
Genres:
Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, and Suspense
An annual fiction competition recognizing the finest speculative fiction. All forms of previously unpublished fiction are accepted, including fairy tales, magical realism, and science fiction. Winners may be published in the North American Review’s summer issue.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication opportunities for runners-up and honorable mentions
💰 Entry fee:
$23
📅 Deadline:
November 02, 2024
(Expired)
Best Indie Book Award
Best Indie Book Award
Genres:
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, and Young Adult
The Best Indie Book Award (BIBA) is an international literary contest that recognizes outstanding achievements by independently published authors. Entries are limited to indie published books, including those from small presses and self-published authors, judged on various writing skills.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
A physical trophy or plaque
💰 Entry fee:
$65
📅 Deadline:
August 01, 2025
(Expired)
The SmokeLong Quarterly Award for Flash Fiction
SmokeLong Quarterly
Genres:
Flash Fiction
An annual competition celebrating excellence in flash fiction. Entries must be unpublished, and winners receive cash prizes and nominations for various prestigious awards.
Top Prize:
$2,500
Additional prizes:
2nd: $1000 | 3rd: $500 | Grand Prize winner receives automatic nominations for Best Small Fictions and Pushcart Prize.
💰 Entry fee:
$16
📅 Deadline:
May 10, 2025
(Expired)
SFPA Poetry Contest
Science Fiction Poetry Association
Genres:
Poetry
The SFPA Poetry Contest promotes speculative poetry, rewarding quality works while raising funds for the organization. The contest includes categories for poems of varying lengths—Dwarf (1-10 lines), Short (11-49 lines), and Long (50+ lines). 2024’s judge is Stephanie M. Wytovich.
Top Prize:
$150
Additional prizes:
Second: $75
Third: $25
Winners are published on the SFPA website.
💰 Entry fee:
$3
📅 Deadline:
August 31, 2025
(Expired)
North Street Book Prize
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
(Expired)
Fiction Factory Flash Fiction Competition
Fiction Factory
Genres:
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, and Travel
The competition invites writers to submit short stories of up to 1000 words, excluding children’s and young adult fiction. The entry fee varies based on the number of submissions. Winners will be announced in February 2026.
Top Prize:
£500
Additional prizes:
Publication on the website and free assessment for 2nd and 3rd placed entries.
💰 Entry fee:
$7
📅 Deadline:
November 30, 2025
“Matter” Poetry Contest
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:
October 31, 2025
(Expired)
Rule of Law — Your Opinion
Write the World
Genres:
Essay, Memoir, and Non-fiction
This contest invites submissions that explore themes of justice, equity, fairness, rules, and laws. Participants can write in various genres, including personal narrative, opinion writing, and creative writing (poetry, fiction, screenwriting).
Top Prize:
$100
Additional prizes:
Runner-Up and Best Peer Review will each receive $50.
📅 Deadline:
October 17, 2025
(Expired)
Best First Traditional Mystery Novel Competition
Minotaur Books & Malice Domestic
Genres:
Mystery and Novel
The competition is open to writers aged 18 or older who have not published a mystery novel. It aims to discover new talents in traditional mystery writing. All submissions must be original works of at least 60,000 words that follow the guidelines. The winner will be announced after April 2025.
Top Prize:
$10,000 advance + winning manuscript publication
📅 Deadline:
December 14, 2025
