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Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we’ve published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests database, the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

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Writing Contests, Grants & Awards

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• View the Submission Calendar

The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

Harvard University

Radcliffe institute fellowships.

Fellowships of $78,000 each, office space at the Radcliffe Institute, and access to the libraries at Harvard University are given annually to poets, fiction writers, and...

Finishing Line Press

New women’s voices chapbook competition.

A prize of $1,500 and publication by Finishing Line Press is given annually for a poetry chapbook by a writer who identifies as a woman and has not yet published a full-length...

Lightscatter Press

Poetry prize.

A prize of $1,000, multimodal publication by Lightscatter Press, and 25 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection or hybrid work written by an emerging writer....

University of Wisconsin Press

Brittingham and felix pollak prizes.

Two prizes of $1,500 each and publication by University of Wisconsin Press are given annually for poetry collections. Ron Wallace will judge. Using only the online submission...

Cave Canem Foundation

Derricotte/eady chapbook prize.

A prize of $1,000; publication by O, Miami Books; and 10 author copies is given annually for a poetry chapbook by a Black poet. The winner will also receive a residency in the...

John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation

Writing fellowships.

Fellowships of approximately $50,000 each are given annually to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers on the basis of “exceptional creative ability.” Citizens...

Travelers’ Tales

Solas awards.

A prize of $1,000 and publication on the Travelers’ Tales website is given annually for a travel essay. Writers from Arizona and Vermont are eligible for publication but not...

Coffee-House Poetry

Troubadour international poetry prize.

A prize of £2,000 (approximately $2,602) is given annually for a single poem. A second-place prize of £1,000 (approximately $1,301) is also given. Both winners receive...

New York Public Library

Cullman center fellowships.

Fifteen fellowships are given annually to artists, academics, and creative writers, including poets, fiction writers, creative nonfiction writers, and translators, whose work...

Lascaux Review

Prize in creative nonfiction.

A prize of $1,000 and publication on the Lascaux Review website is given annually for an essay. Previously published and unpublished essays are eligible. Using only the...

Dzanc Books

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Dzanc Books will be given for a poetry collection. Jonathan Fink and Keith Taylor will judge. Using only the online submission system,...

University of Iowa Press

Iowa short fiction award.

Two prizes of publication by University of Iowa Press are given annually for debut collections of short fiction. Submit a manuscript of at least 150 pages by September 30....

Connecticut Poetry Society

Vivian shipley poetry award.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Connecticut River Review and on the Connecticut Poetry Society website is given annually for a single poem. Aaron Caycedo-Kimura...

University of Mississippi

Willie morris award for southern nonfiction.

A prize of $12,000 is given annually for a book of nonfiction published during the current year that asks readers “to engage with or reflect on the complexities of the U.S....

University of Massachusetts Press

Juniper prizes.

Five prizes of $1,000 each and publication by University of Massachusetts Press are given annually for a debut poetry collection, a poetry collection by an author who has...

Nature Writing Prize

A prize of €1,000 (approximately $1,094) and online publication in Irish Times is given annually for a poem, a story, or an essay that features “an exploration of the...

Prize for Fiction

A prize of $5,000 and publication by Dzanc Books is given annually for a novel. Farah Ali, Chika Unigwe,...

Ghost Story

Supernatural fiction award.

A prize of $1,500 and publication on the Ghost Story website is given biannually for a short story with a supernatural or magical realist theme. The editors will judge....

Hackney Literary Awards

Novel contest.

A prize of $5,000 is given annually for an unpublished novel. Submit a manuscript of any length with a $30 entry fee by September 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines...

Nonfiction Contest for Emerging Writers

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Boulevard is given annually for an essay by a writer who has not published a full-length book in any genre with a nationally...

Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction

A prize of $12,000 is given annually for a novel published during the current year that asks readers “to engage with or reflect on the complexities of the U.S. South.” The...

Short Story Collection Prize

A prize of $2,500 and publication by Dzanc Books is given annually for a story collection. The editors will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript...

Texas Review Press: The University Press of SHSU

X. j. kennedy poetry prize.

A prize of $10,000, publication by Texas Review Press: The University Press of SHSU, and 10 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. The winner also receives a...

PEN/Faulkner Foundation

Award for fiction.

A prize of $15,000 is given annually for a book of fiction published during the current year. Four finalists each receive $5,000. The winner and finalists will also be invited...

Poetry Contest

A prize of $2,000 is given annually for a single poem. A second-place prize of $1,000 is also given. Mark Graham, Monique Jonath, Mridvi Khetan, and Ann Tinkham will judge....

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Enter to win 10 books for your classroom 📚

The Best Student Writing Contests for 2023-2024

Help your students take their writing to the next level.

When students write for teachers, it can feel like an assignment. When they write for a real purpose, they are empowered! Student writing contests are a challenging and inspiring way to try writing for an authentic audience— a real panel of judges —and the possibility of prize money or other incentives. We’ve gathered a list of the best student writing contests, and there’s something for everyone. Prepare highly motivated kids in need of an authentic writing mentor, and watch the words flow.

1.  The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

With a wide range of categories—from critical essays to science fiction and fantasy—The Scholastic Awards are a mainstay of student contests. Each category has its own rules and word counts, so be sure to check out the options  before you decide which one is best for your students.

How To Enter

Students in grades 7-12, ages 13 and up, may begin submitting work in September by uploading to an online account at Scholastic and connecting to their local region. There are entry fees, but those can be waived for students in need.

2.  YoungArts National Arts Competition

This ends soon, but if you have students who are ready to submit, it’s worth it. YoungArts offers a national competition in the categories of creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word. Student winners may receive awards of up to $10,000 as well as the chance to participate in artistic development with leaders in their fields.

YoungArts accepts submissions in each category through October 13. Students submit their work online and pay a $35 fee (there is a fee waiver option).

3. National Youth Foundation Programs

Each year, awards are given for Student Book Scholars, Amazing Women, and the “I Matter” Poetry & Art competition. This is a great chance for kids to express themselves with joy and strength.

The rules, prizes, and deadlines vary, so check out the website for more info.

4.  American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest

If you’re looking to help students take a deep dive into international relations, history, and writing, look no further than this essay contest. Winners receive a voyage with the Semester at Sea program and a trip to Washington, DC.

Students fill out a registration form online, and a teacher or sponsor is required. The deadline to enter is the first week of April.

5.  John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

This annual contest invites students to write about a political official’s act of political courage that occurred after Kennedy’s birth in 1917. The winner receives $10,000, and 16 runners-up also receive a variety of cash prizes. ADVERTISEMENT

Students may submit a 700- to 1,000-word essay through January 12. The essay must feature more than five sources and a full bibliography.

6. Bennington Young Writers Awards

Bennington College offers competitions in three categories: poetry (a group of three poems), fiction (a short story or one-act play), and nonfiction (a personal or academic essay). First-place winners receive $500. Grab a poster for your classroom here .

The contest runs from September 1 to November 1. The website links to a student registration form.

7. The Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest

Looking for student writing contests for budding playwrights? This exclusive competition, which is open only to high school juniors, is judged by the theater faculty of Princeton University. Students submit short plays in an effort to win recognition and cash prizes of up to $500. ( Note: Only open to 11th graders. )

Students submit one 10-page play script online or by mail. The deadline is the end of March. Contest details will be published in early 2024.

8. Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in 11th grade. Prizes range from $100 to $500.

Students in 11th grade can submit their poetry. Contest details will be published this fall.

9. The New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest

This contest is also a wonderful writing challenge, and the New York Times includes lots of resources and models for students to be able to do their best work. They’ve even made a classroom poster !

Submissions need to be made electronically by November 1.

10.  Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

The deadline for this contest is the end of October. Sponsored by Hollins University, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest awards prizes for the best poems submitted by young women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school. Prizes include cash and scholarships. Winners are chosen by students and faculty members in the creative writing program at Hollins.

Students may submit either one or two poems using the online form.

11.  The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers is open to high school sophomores and juniors, and the winner receives a full scholarship to a  Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop .

Submissions for the prize are accepted electronically from November 1 through November 30.

12. Jane Austen Society Essay Contest

High school students can win up to $1,000 and publication by entering an essay on a topic specified by the Jane Austen Society related to a Jane Austen novel.

Details for the 2024 contest will be announced in November. Essay length is from six to eight pages, not including works cited.

13. Rattle Young Poets Anthology

Open to students from 15 to 18 years old who are interested in publication and exposure over monetary awards.

Teachers may choose five students for whom to submit up to four poems each on their behalf. The deadline is November 15.

14. The Black River Chapbook Competition

This is a chance for new and emerging writers to gain publication in their own professionally published chapbook, as well as $500 and free copies of the book.

There is an $18 entry fee, and submissions are made online.

15. YouthPlays New Voices

For students under 18, the YouthPlays one-act competition is designed for young writers to create new works for the stage. Winners receive cash awards and publication.

Scroll all the way down their web page for information on the contest, which accepts non-musical plays between 10 and 40 minutes long, submitted electronically. Entries open each year in January.

16. The Ocean Awareness Contest

The 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest, Tell Your Climate Story , encourages students to write their own unique climate story. They are asking for creative expressions of students’ personal experiences, insights, or perceptions about climate change. Students are eligible for a wide range of monetary prizes up to $1,000.

Students from 11 to 18 years old may submit work in the categories of art, creative writing, poetry and spoken word, film, interactive media and multimedia, or music and dance, accompanied by a reflection. The deadline is June 13.

17. EngineerGirl Annual Essay Contest

Each year, EngineerGirl sponsors an essay contest with topics centered on the impact of engineering on the world, and students can win up to $500 in prize money. This contest is a nice bridge between ELA and STEM and great for teachers interested in incorporating an interdisciplinary project into their curriculum. The new contest asks for pieces describing the life cycle of an everyday object. Check out these tips for integrating the content into your classroom .

Students submit their work electronically by February 1. Check out the full list of rules and requirements here .

18. NCTE Student Writing Awards

The National Council of Teachers of English offers several student writing awards, including Achievement Awards in Writing (for 10th- and 11th-grade students), Promising Young Writers (for 8th-grade students), and an award to recognize Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines.

Deadlines range from October 28 to February 15. Check out NCTE.org for more details.

19. See Us, Support Us Art Contest

Children of incarcerated parents can submit artwork, poetry, photos, videos, and more. Submissions are free and the website has a great collection of past winners.

Students can submit their entries via social media or email by October 25.

20. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry & Prose

The Adroit Journal, an education-minded nonprofit publication, awards annual prizes for poetry and prose to exceptional high school and college students. Adroit charges an entry fee but also provides a form for financial assistance.

Sign up at the website for updates for the next round of submissions.

21. National PTA Reflections Awards

The National PTA offers a variety of awards, including one for literature, in their annual Reflections Contest. Students of all ages can submit entries on the specified topic to their local PTA Reflections program. From there, winners move to the local area, state, and national levels. National-level awards include an $800 prize and a trip to the National PTA Convention.

This program requires submitting to PTAs who participate in the program. Check your school’s PTA for their deadlines.

22. World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international contest open to students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, as well as those in home-study programs. The $500 prize is based on an essay that addresses one of this year’s two prompts.

Students can submit entries via email or regular mail before May 1.

23. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

The National Society of High School Scholars awards three $2,000 scholarships for both poetry and fiction. They accept poetry, short stories, and graphic novel writing.

Apply online by October 31.

Whether you let your students blog, start a podcast or video channel, or enter student writing contests, giving them an authentic audience for their work is always a powerful classroom choice.

If you like this list of student writing contests and want more articles like it, subscribe to our newsletters to find out when they’re posted!

Plus, check out our favorite anchor charts for teaching writing..

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Best 2024 Competitions for Students in Grades K-12

Competitions in STEM, ELA and the arts, and more! Continue Reading

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Your Ultimate Guide to Writing Contests Through 2024

Regardless where you are on your writing journey, you can benefit from entering contests.

The right contest can tell you:

• Where you stand
• How you measure up against the competition
• What you still need to learn

And you could win cash.

That’s why my team researched a wide range of high-quality contests. We’ve included free competitions and also many with modest entry fees.

• Short Story Writing Contests
• Full Manuscript Writing Contests
• Poetry Writing Contests

Great American Fiction Contest

Prize: 1st: $1,000, publication in The Saturday Evening Post

Runners-up (5): $200

Entry Fee: $10

Deadline: TBD 2024 (Annual Contest)

Sponsor: The Saturday Evening Post

From Website: “Unpublished short stories of 1,500 to 5,000 words in any genre touching on the publication’s mission, “Celebrating America—past, present, and future.” No extreme profanity or graphic sex. Work published on a personal website or blog is still eligible.”

SiWC Writing Contest

Prize: 1st: $1,000 plus publication

Honorable Mention: $150

Entry Fee: $15

Deadline: September 15, 2024

Sponsor: Surrey International Writers’ Conference

From Website: “Short stories in any genre must be 2,500-4,000 words. All submissions must contain original material and may not have been previously published, accepted for publication, or have been a winner in another contest prior to the deadline.”

WOW / Women On Writing Quarterly Flash Fiction Competition

Prize: 1st: $400, $25 Amazon gift certificate

2nd: $300, $25 Amazon gift certificate

3rd: $200, $25 Amazon gift certificate

Runners-up (7): $25 Amazon gift certificate

Honorable mentions (10): $20 Amazon gift certificate

Entry Fee: $10 (or $20 with feedback)

Deadline: Quarterly (next deadline February 2, 2024)

Sponsor: WOW / Women On Writing

From Website: “Runs four times a year and is open to all styles and genres. Closes each quarter after 300 entries have been received, or at the deadline. WOW also runs a quarterly nonfiction essay competition with cash prizes.”

Bristol Short Story Prize

Prize: 1st: £1,000 (~$1,242)

2nd: £500 (~$621)

3rd: £250 (~$310)

Shortlisted (17): £100 (~$124)

Entry Fee: £9 (~$11)

Deadline: TBD 2024

Sponsor: Bristol Short Story Prize

From Website: “Open to all published and unpublished writers 16 and up. No geographical restriction, but all entries must be in English. Maximum length 4,000 words (not including title). No minimum length. Stories can be on any subject.”

Aesthetica Creative Writing Award

Prize: £2,500 (~$3,105)

Winners also receive further non-monetary prizes including publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual.

Entry Fee: £18 (~$22) (Poetry Category entry fee is ~$15) 

Deadline: August 31, 2024

Sponsor: Aesthetica Magazine

From Website: “Fiction entries should be no more than 2,000 words. Works published or entered elsewhere are accepted. Any theme accepted. You may enter as many times as you wish, however, each work requires a separate fee and submission form.”

The Lascaux Prize

Prize: $1,000

Finalists receive $100

Deadline: June 20, 2024

Sponsor: The Lascaux Review

“Flash Fiction and Creative Nonfiction categories. 

Flash fiction entries should not exceed 1,000 words. All genres and styles welcome. 

From Website: “Creative nonfiction entry length must not exceed 10,000 words. All topics welcome but should be written in a nonacademic style. May include memoirs, chronicles, personal essays, humorous perspectives, literary journalism—anything the author has witnessed, experienced, learned, or discovered.”

The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize

Prize: First place: £3,000 cash grant (~$3,726)

Second place: £1,000 travel expense (~$1,242)

Third place: £1,000 travel expense (~$1,242)

Entry Fee: Free

Deadline: March 1, 2024

Sponsor: The Alpine Fellowship

From Website: “Entries must fit the annual theme. Maximum of 2,500 words. All genres of writing are permitted, including fiction, non-fiction, and non-academic essays. Open to all nationalities but must be written in English. Stories must not have been published, self-published or accepted for publication in print or online. No entries that have won or been placed in another competition at any time.”

ServiceScape Short Story Award

Deadline: November 29, 2024

Sponsor: ServiceScape

From Website: “All entries must be original, unpublished works of short fiction or nonfiction, up to 5,000 words in length. Any genre or theme accepted.”

Bacopa Literary Review Contest

Prize: $200 Award 

$100 Honorable Mention in each of six categories

Sponsor: The Writers Alliance of Gainesville

From Website: “Awards in 6 categories (contestants may submit to only ONE category). Fiction (up to 2,500 words), Creative Nonfiction (up to 2,500 words), Humor (up to 2,000 words), Formal Poetry (1-3 poems), Free Verse Poetry (1-2 poems), Visual Poetry (1 poem).”

Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award

Prize: $.08 per word and publication

Deadline: February 1, 2024

Sponsor: National Space Society and Baen Books

From Website: “Write a short story of no more than 8,000 words, that shows the near future (no more than about 50-60 years out) of manned space exploration. What they want to see: Moon bases, Mars colonies, orbital habitats, space elevators, asteroid mining, artificial intelligence, nano-technology, realistic spacecraft, heroics, sacrifice, and adventure.”

Parsec Short Story Contest

Prize: First place: $200 and publication in the Confluence program book. 

Second place: $100 

Third place: $50 

Best Youth Story: $50

Deadline: March 31st, 2024

Sponsor: Parsec, Inc.

From Website: “Each annual contest is based on a theme provided. This can be conveyed in the setting, plot, characters, and dialogue; the only limit is your imagination. The theme must be integral to the story in some way and not just mentioned in passing. No minimum word count, no more than 3500 words. The 2024 Contest theme is ‘AI mythology.’” 

The Raymond Carver Short Story Contest

Prize: First place: $2000 

Second place: $500 

Third place: $250 

Two Editor’s Choice: $125

Entry Fee: $18

Deadline: May 15, 2024

Sponsor: Carve Magazine

From Website: “One short story per entry. No limit to entries. Must be previously unpublished (including online) with a 10,000 maximum word count. We accept entries from anywhere in the world, but the story must be English-language. No genre fiction (romance, horror, sci-fi); literary fiction only.”

Blurred Genres Flash Contest

Prize: First Place: $750 

Second Place: $350 

Third Place: $150 

Publication of Top Five

Sponsor: Invisible City (University of San Francisco)

From Website: “Based on a theme (for example last year’s theme was “Levity”) that can be interpreted through prose, poetry, or some combination of the two. All genres and themes are welcome. Contest submissions must be 750 words or less and can be flash fiction/nonfiction, prose poetry, or some unique combination of the three. Submissions must be the original work of the submitter and unpublished (and not slated for future publication).”

Imagine 2200: Write the future

Prize: First Place: $3,000

Second Place: $2,000 

Third Place: $1,000

An additional nine finalists will each receive $300 

All winners and finalists will have their stories published in an immersive collection on Grist’s website

Sponsor: Grist

From Website: “Imagine 2200 is an invitation to writers from all over the globe to imagine a future in which solutions to the climate crisis flourish and help bring about radical improvements to our world. 3,000 to 5,000 word stories envisioning a world where we prioritize our well-being, work to mend our communities, and lead lives that celebrate our humanity.”

The Elegant Literature Award For New Writers

Prize: First place: $3,000 and 10c/word and publication. Free enrollment in the New Novelist Accelerator.

Second – Tenth: 10c/word and publication.

Eleventh – Thirty-fifth: $20 and an honorable mention in the magazine

Entry Fee: Requires Elegant+ Membership ($9.99 a month)

Deadline: Ongoing (monthly)

Sponsor: Elegant Literature Magazine

From Website: “Write a story involving annual theme. New or unpublished authors may enter. Word count is 500-2000. All genres are welcome as long as it involves the theme.”

F(r)iction Contests

Prize: $300.00 and consideration for publication in F(r)iction

Entry Fee: $10 for a single entry, $12 for three entries

Deadline: April 30, 2024

Sponsor: F(r)iction

From Website: “Competitions in several categories, short stories (1,001 – 7,500 words), flash fiction (up to 1,000 words), and Poetry (up to three pages per poem). Entries are accepted regardless of genre, style, or origin. Experimental, nontraditional, and boundary-pushing literature is strongly encouraged. Their guidelines include the phrase ‘Strange is good.’”

Manchester Fiction Prize

Prize: £10,000 (~$12,420)

Entry Fee: £18 (~$22) 

100 reduced-price (£10 or ~$13) entries are available to entrants who might not otherwise be able to take part in the competition.

Sponsor: Manchester Metropolitan University

From Website: “The Manchester Fiction Prize asks for a short story of up to 2,500 words in length. Stories submitted should be new work, not previously published elsewhere. The Prize is open internationally to those aged 16 or over.”  

Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition

Prize: Grand Prize $5000, an interview with them in Writer’s Digest (Nov/Dec 2023 issue) and on WritersDigest.com, a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference, including a special trophy presentation at the keynote, a coveted Pitch Slam slot at the Writer’s Digest Conference where the winner will receive one on one attention from editors or agents, and publication of their winning piece on WritersDigest.com

First Place: $1,000 and publication of their winning piece on WritersDigest.com

Second Place: $500 

Third Place: $250 

Fourth Place: $100 

Fifth Place: $50 

Sixth through Tenth Place: $25 gift certificate for writersdigestshop.com.

Entry Fee: $20-30 (varies depending on category)

Deadline: May 6, 2024 

Sponsor: Writer’s Digest

From Website: “Only original works that have not been published (at the time of submission) in print, digital, or online publications will be considered. Self-published work in blogs, on social media, etc. will be considered. For the script category, only unproduced scripts will be considered. Entries in the Nonfiction Essay or Article category may be previously published. All entries must be in English. Memoirs/Personal Essay, Nonfiction Essay or Article, and Children’s/Young Adult Fiction: 2,000 words maximum. Mainstream/Literary Short Story, Genre Short, Story, and Humor: 4,000 words maximum. Inspirational Writing: 2,500 words maximum. Rhyming Poem and Non-rhyming Poem: 40 lines maximum.”

Emerging Writer’s Contest

Prize: Publication, $2,000, review from Aevitas Creative Management, and a 1-year subscription for one winner in each of the three genres

Entry Fee: Free for subscribers to Ploughshares, $24 for nonsubscribers

Sponsor: Ploughshares (Emerson College)

From Website: “The contest is open to writers of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry who have yet to publish or self-publish a book. Fiction and Nonfiction: Under 6,000 words. Poetry: 3-5 pages.”

Wells Festival of Literature Short Story Competition

Prize: First Place £750 (~$932)

Second Place £300 (~$373)

Third Place: £200 (~$248)

Entry Fee: £6 (~$8)

Sponsor: Wells Festival of Literature

From Website: “Stories may be on any subject and should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words. All entries must be the exclusive and original work of the entrant. At the time of entry, the work submitted must not have been entered into any other Competition and must not have been published in any format or location.”

Anthology Short Story Competition

Prize: First Place: €1,000 (~$1098), the chance to see their work published in a future issue of Anthology, and a one-year subscription to Anthology 

Second Place: €250 (~$275)

Third Place: €150 (~$165)

Entry Fee: Early Bird: €12 (~$13)

Standard fee: €18 (~$20)

Deadline: July 31, 2024

Sponsor: Anthology Publishing

From Website: “Established to recognize and encourage creative writing and provide a platform for publication, the Anthology 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.” 

The Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize

Prize: £1,000 (~$1,246) and publication in Wasafiri’s print magazine

Entry Fee: £10 (~$12) for a single entry, £16 (~$20) for a double entry

Sponsor: Wasafiri Magazine 

From Website: “Exceptionally international in scope, the prize supports writers who have not yet published a book-length work, with no limits on age, gender, nationality, or background. No entry may exceed 3,000 words. A single poetry entry can include up to three poems, which together total no more than 3,000 words.”

2024 Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize

Prize: $1000 and a free 10-week course with Gotham Writers

Entry Fee: $25

Sponsor: Gotham Writers and Selected Shorts

From Website: “This long-running series at Symphony Space in New York City celebrates the art of the short story by having stars of stage and screen read aloud the works of established and emerging writers. Selected Shorts is recorded for Public Radio and heard nationally on both the radio and its weekly podcast.”

Robert and Adele Schiff Awards

Prize: $1,000 All entries will be considered for publication in The Cincinnati Review

Entry Fee: $20

Sponsor: The Cincinnati Review (University of Cincinnati)

From Website: “Writers may submit up to 8 pages of poetry, 40 pages of a single double-spaced piece of fiction, or 20 pages of a single double-spaced piece of literary nonfiction, per entry. Previously published manuscripts, including works that have appeared online (in any form), will not be considered. There are no restrictions as to form, style, or content; all entries will be considered for publication. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable under the condition that you notify us if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere.” 

Salamander 2024 Fiction Prize

Prize: First Place: $1,000 and Publication

 Second Place: $500 and Publication

Deadline: TBD 2024 

Sponsor: Salamander Magazine

From Website: “All entries will be considered for publication and will be judged anonymously. Each story must not exceed 30 double-spaced pages in 12-point font. Previously published works and works accepted for publication elsewhere cannot be considered. Salamander’s definition of publishing includes electronic publication.”

BOA Short Fiction Prize

Prize: $1,000 and publication by BOA Editions, Ltd.

Deadline: May 31, 2024

Sponsor: BOA Editions, Ltd.

From Website: “Entrants must be U.S. citizens, legal residents of the U.S., or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or Legal Permanent Status (LPS). Entrants must be at least 18 years of age. Minimum of 90 pages; maximum of 200 pages. Manuscript text should be at least 12 pt. font, double-spaced. As with all BOA fiction titles, our prize-winning short story collections are more concerned with the artfulness of writing than the twists and turns of plot. It is our belief that short story writing is a valuable and underserved literary form that we are proud to support, nurture, and celebrate.”

Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest

Prize: First Place: $3,000 

Entry Fee: $22

Deadline: May 1, 2024

Sponsor: Winning Writers (Co-sponsored by Duotrope)

From Website: “For this contest, a story is any short work of fiction, and an essay is any short work of nonfiction. All themes accepted. Entries may be published or unpublished. Length limit: 6,000 words maximum. No restriction on the age of the author.”

Gabriele Rico Challenge for Nonfiction

Prize: $1,333

Deadline: November 1, 2024

Sponsor: Reed Magazine

From Website: “C reative nonfiction, such as personal essays or narratives, not scholarly papers or book reviews. All works should be stand-alone essays, not chapters of a longer work. Previously published work is not eligible. Up to 5,000 words.”

53-Word Story Contest

Prize: Publication in Prime Number Magazine and a free book from Press 53.

Deadline: Ongoing. 15th of each month

Sponsor: Prime Number Magazine

From Website: “New prompt each month. Judges are looking for stories with a surprising approach to the prompt, something unusual and creative. Stories must be 53 words—no more, no less. Stories with fewer than or more than 53 words will be disqualified. Send only stories; poetry with line breaks will not be considered.”

Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction

Prizes: Three Winners are announced who are published and share in the $1000 USD total prize pool. Twenty writers are Longlisted. All entries considered for publication, and for submission to the Pushcart Prize and other anthologies.

Deadline: Awarded every two months

Sponsor: Letter Review

From Website: “Word Length: 0 – 5000 words. Open to anyone in the world. There are no genre or theme restrictions.”

Letter Review Prize for Nonfiction

Entry Fee: $20.

From Website: “0 – 5000 words. Open to anyone in the world. We welcome all forms of nonfiction including: Memoir, journalism, essay (including personal essay), fictocriticism, creative nonfiction, travel, nature, opinion, and many other permutations.”

University of New Orleans Press Lab Prize

Prize: $10,000 advance on royalties and a contract to publish with the University of New Orleans Press

Entry Fee: $28

Sponsor: University of New Orleans

From Website: “Entries must be unpublished novels or short story collections. The work does not have to be regionally focused. There is no word limit. There is no restriction on subjects covered. The contest is open to all authors from around the world, regardless of publishing history.  Works of fiction (novels and short story collections) only. Submissions must be your entire manuscript.”

The Bath Novel Awards 

Prize: Two £3,000 (~$3738) prizes are awarded annually for the best manuscript as judged by literary agents

All shortlistees win feedback on their full manuscript.

Entry Fee: £29 (~$36)

Deadline: May 31st 2024

Sponsor: The Bath Novel Award (co-sponsored by Cornerstones Literary Consultancy and Professional Writing Academy)

From Website: “Submit the opening 5,000 words plus one-page synopsis of novel manuscripts for adults or young adults. Completed works must be over 50,000 words. Novels can be for adult or young adult readers and any genre. Must be your original work and submitted in English. Novels can be unpublished, self-published, or independently published.”

The Times/Chicken House Competition

Prize:  First Place: worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House with a royalty advance of £10,000 (~$12,459), plus an offer of representation by this year’s agent judge, Davinia Andrew-Lynch of Curtis Brown. 

Second Place: Lime Pictures New Storyteller Award. A publishing contract with a royalty advance of £7,500 (~$9,344) plus an offer of representation by Davinia Andrew-Lynch.

Entry Fee: £20 (~$25)

Deadline: June 1, 2024

Sponsor: The Times and Chicken House 

From Website: “To enter, you must have written a completed full-length novel suitable for children/young adults aged somewhere between 7 and 18 years. A minimum of 30,000 words and a maximum of 80,000 words suggested.”

The Dzanc Books Prize for Fiction

Prize: $5,000 advance and publication by Dzanc Books

Deadline: September 30, 2024

Sponsor: Dzanc Books

From Website: “The Dzanc Books Prize for Fiction recognizes daring, original, and innovative novels (generally over 40,000 words, but there is no hard minimum). The contest is open to new, upcoming, and established writers alike. Agented submissions are also eligible, and we ask that you include all agency contact information with the application. All submitted works must be previously unpublished novel-length manuscripts and should include a brief synopsis, author bio, and contact information.”

Claymore Award

Prize: Discounted admission to Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, with introductions to agents/editors (And probably publishing contract)

Entry Fee: $45 (Full critique included for $125)

Deadline: April 1, 2024

Sponsor: Killer Nashville

From Website: “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. These can include Action Adventure, Comedy, Cozy, Historical, Investigator, Juvenile/YA, Literary, Mainstream/Commercial, Mystery, Nonfiction, Sci-fi/Fantasy, Short Story Collections, Southern Gothic, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, and Western manuscripts, and any of their derivatives. (Self-published manuscripts are considered already published and are not eligible.)”

St. Martin’s Minotaur / Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Competition

Prize: Publication and a $10,000 advance

Sponsor: Minotaur Books and Mystery Writers of America

From Website: “Open to any writer, regardless of nationality, aged 18 or older, who has never been the author of any published novel and is not under contract with a publisher for publication of a novel. All Manuscripts submitted must be original works of book length (no less than 220 typewritten pages or approximately 60,000 words), written in the English language, written solely by the entrant, and must not violate any right of any third party or be libelous. Murder or another serious crime is at the heart of the story.”

The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing

Prize: $10,000 advance and publication

Sponsor: Restless Books

From Website: “Created in 2015 to honor outstanding debut literary works by first-generation immigrants, awarded for fiction and nonfiction in alternating years. Fiction manuscripts must be complete. Nonfiction submissions must consist of either a complete manuscript or a sample of at least 25,000 words and a detailed proposal that includes a synopsis and an annotated table of contents. All submissions must be in English (translations welcome). Fiction candidates must not have previously published a book of fiction in English. Nonfiction candidates must not have previously published a book of nonfiction in English.”

New American Fiction Prize

Prize: $1,500 and a book contract, as well as 25 author’s copies and promotional support

Deadline: January 15, 2024

Sponsor: New American Press

From Website: “Manuscripts should be at least 100 pages, but there is no maximum length. All forms and styles of full-length fiction manuscripts are welcome, including story collections, novels, novellas, collections of novellas, flash fiction collections, novels in verse, and other hybrid forms.”

Your Next Best Read

Prize: First Place (Fiction & Nonfiction): $100 Cash Price, 6-month Advertising Package, Press Release, Editorial Review, Newsletter Announcement, Promotional Creatives

Second Place Awards (Fiction & Nonfiction): 6-month Advertising Package, Editorial Review, Newsletter Announcement

Third Place (Fiction & Nonfiction): 3-month Advertising Package, Editorial Review, Newsletter Announcement

Deadline: May 5, 2024

Sponsor: Excalibre Publishing

From Website: “ The contest is open to writers of all backgrounds, ages, and nationalities. Both published and unpublished works are welcome. We encourage submissions in various/ALL genres –  fiction, non-fiction, poetry (submit in nonfiction), and short stories. No specific wordcount requiered. Submissions must be in English.”

Letter Review Prize for Manuscripts

Prizes: Three Winners are announced who have a brief extract published, receive a letter of recommendation from our Judges for publishers, and share in the $1000 USD total prize pool. Twenty writers are Longlisted.

Entry Fee: $25.

Deadline: Awarded Every two months

From Website: “Please submit the first 5000 words of your manuscript, whether it be prose or poetry. Open to anyone in the world. The entry must not have been traditionally published. We are seeking all varieties of novels, short story collections, nonfiction, and poetry collections. We will accept manuscripts which are unpublished, self published, and some which are indie published. Review full entry guidelines for further details.”

2nd place in fiction & non-fiction $750 cash prize and trophy

3rd place in fiction & non-fiction $500 cash prize and trophy

Winner of each of the 80+ categories $100 cash prize and gold medal

Stan and Tom Wick Poetry Prize

Prize: $2,500 plus publication

Entry Fee: $30

Sponsor: Kent State University Press

From Website: “Offered annually to a poet who has not previously published a full-length collection of poems. The winner and the competition’s judge will give a reading together on the Kent State campus. The competition is open to poets writing in English who have not yet published a full-length collection of poems (a volume of 50 or more pages published in an edition of 500 or more copies).”

Blue Lynx Prize for Poetry

Prize: $2,000 plus publication

Sponsor: Lynx House Press

From Website: “Awarded for an unpublished, full-length volume of poems by a U.S. author, which includes foreign nationals living and writing in the U.S. and U.S. citizens living abroad. Manuscripts may include poems that have appeared in journals, magazines, or chapbooks. Poems that have previously appeared in full-length, single-author collections, are not eligible.”

Ó Bhéal Five Words International Poetry Competition

Prize: First Place: €750 ($890) 

Second Place: €500 ($590) 

Third Place: €250 ($295)

Entry Fee: €5 ($6)

Deadline: Every Tuesday at 12pm (Irish time) from April 11, 2023 – January 30, 2024

Sponsor: Ó Bhéal

From Website: “Five words will be posted on this competition page. Entrants will have one week to compose and submit one or more poems which include all five words given for that week. Entry is open to all countries. Poems cannot exceed 50 lines in length (including line breaks), and must include all five words listed for the week.”

Letter Review Prize for Poetry

Prizes: Three Winners are announced who are published and share in the $800 USD total prize pool. Twenty writers are Longlisted. All entries considered for publication, and for submission to the Pushcart Prize and other anthologies.

Entry Fee: $15.

From Website: “70 lines max per poem Open to anyone in the world. There are no style or subject restrictions.”

• Advice for Researching Writing Competitions

This list includes only a few of the many writing contests you can find online.

Here are some tips for looking into options on your own:

1. Narrow your search with details that are relevant to you, for example, “writing contests in Texas,” “writing contests for women authors,” or “writing contests for veterans.” 

2. Be genre-specific.

3. Include the year in your search to ensure the most up-to-date results. 

4. Carefully read the guidelines and eligibility requirements. 

5. Pay attention to the contest sponsor. Only submit to reputable hosts.  

Worried your writing isn’t quite ready to compete? Take my free writing assessment and see personalized guidance on how to improve your skills. https://jerryjenkins.com/quiz/

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• Writing Tips

7 Essay Writing Contests to Look Out For in 2023

7-minute read

• 28th December 2022

Essay contests are not only a great way to exercise your essay-writing skills but also an awesome way to win cash prizes, scholarships, and internship or program opportunities. They also look wonderful on college applications as awards and achievements.

In this article, you’ll learn about 7 essay writing contests to enter in 2023. Watch the video below, or keep reading to learn more.

1. Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest 

Deadline: Now–April 30, 3023

Who may enter:

This is an international contest for people of all ages (except for residents of Syria, Iran, North Korea, Crimea, Russia, and Belarus due to US government restrictions).

Contest description:

●  The contest is organized by Winning Writers, located in MA, USA.

●  They accept stories and essays on any theme, up to 6,000 words each. This contest defines a story as any short work of fiction and an essay as any short work of nonfiction.

●  Your stories and essays must be submitted in English.

●  You may submit published or unpublished work.

Entry fee: USD 22 per entry

●  Story: First Prize is USD 3,000.

●  Essay: First Prize is USD 3,000.

●  10 Honorable Mentions will receive USD 300 each (any category).

●  The top 12 entries will be published online.

Official website

Please visit the competition’s official website for more information on judges and submissions.

2. 2023 Calibre Essay Prize 

Deadline: Now–January 15, 2023, 11:59 pm

Who may enter: All ages and any nationality or residency are accepted.

●  This contest is hosted by the Australian Book Review.

●  Your essay must be between 2,000 and 5,000 words.

●  You may submit nonfiction essays of all kinds, e.g., personal, political, literary, or speculative.

●  You may enter multiple essays but will need to pay separate fees for each one.

●  Your essay must be unpublished.

Entry fee: AU 30 for non-members

Prize: AU 7,500

Official website:

For more information on this contest, please visit its official website.

3. John Locke Institute Essay Competition 

Deadline: June 30, 2023

●  Students from any country.

●  Students aged 15 to 18 years by the competition deadline.

●  Students aged 14 years or younger by the competition deadline are eligible for the Junior prize.

●  The contest is organized by the John Locke Institute.

●  Your essay cannot exceed 2,000 words.

●  There are seven subjects or categories for essay submissions: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology, and Law.

Entry fee: Free to enter

●  The best overall essay winner receives an honorary John Locke Fellowship, which comes with a USD 10,000 scholarship to attend one or more summer schools or gap year courses.

●  There is also a prize for the best essay in each category. The prize for each winner of a subject category and the Junior category is a scholarship worth USD 2,000 toward the cost of a summer program.

●  All winning essays will be published on the Institute’s website.

For more information about this competition and the John Locke Institute, please visit the official website . Also, be sure to check out our article on all you need to know about this contest.

4. The American Foreign Service Association 2023 Essay Competition 

Deadline: April 3, 2023

●  Students in grades 9–12 in any of the 50 states, DC, the US territories, or if they are US citizens or lawful permanent residents attending high school overseas.

●  Students attending a public, private, or parochial school.

●  Home-schooled students.

●  Your essay should be 1,000–1,500 words.

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●  You will select a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals – including promoting peace – in this country or region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years.

●  Your essay should follow MLA guidelines.

●  Your essay should use a variety of sources.

●  The first-place winner receives USD 2,500, a paid trip to the nation’s capital from anywhere in the U.S. for the winner and their parents, and an all-expense-paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea.

●  The runner-up receives USD 1,250 and full tuition to attend a summer session of the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.

Please visit the American Foreign Service website for more information.

5. The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) 2023 Essay Contest 

Deadline: Mid-February 2023–June 1, 2023

Who may enter: High school (including homeschooled), college, and graduate students worldwide.

●  The 2023 essay contest topic is marriages and proposals.

●  High school students may focus on Pride and Prejudice only or bring in other Austen works.

●  Undergraduate and graduate students should discuss at least two Austen novels of their choice.

●  Your essay must be in MLA format and 6 to 8 pages (not including your Works Cited page).

●  Your essay must be written in English.

●  First place wins a USD 1,000 scholarship.

●  Second place wins a USD 500 scholarship.

●  Third place wins a USD 250 scholarship.

●  Winners will also receive one year of membership in JASNA, publication of their essays on this website, and a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels.

For more information and submission guidelines, please visit JASNA’s official website .

6. 2023 Writing Contest: Better Great Achievements by EngineerGirl

Deadline: February 1, 2023

●  Students in Grades 3–12. If international or homeschooled, please select your grade level based on if you were attending a public school in the U.S.

●  This contest is organized by EngineerGirl.

●  Students should write a piece that shows how female or non-white engineers have contributed to or can enhance engineering’s great achievements.

●  You should choose one of the 20 Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century as a topic and explore the technologies developed in the last century and the new ones being developed today. Make sure to follow the specific guidelines for your grade level.

●  Essays should be 650–750 words based on your grade level.

●  Please visit the contest’s website to see specific requirements based on your grade.

Winners in each grade category will receive the prizes listed below:

●  First-place winners will be awarded USD 500.

●  Second-place entries will be awarded USD 250 .

●  Third-place entries will be awarded USD 100 .

For more information and submission guidelines, please visit the official website .

7. World Historian Student Essay Competition

Deadline: May 1, 2023

Who may enter: Students enrolled in Grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools and home-study programs worldwide.

●  Your essay must address the following issue: In what way has the study of world history affected my understanding of the world in which I live?

●  Your essay should be 1,000 words.

Prizes: USD 500

For more information and submission requirements, please visit the contest’s official website.

Essay contests are a great way to expand your writing skills, discuss a topic that is important to you, and earn prize money and opportunities that will be great for you in the long term. Check out our articles on writing thesis statements, essay organization, and argumentative writing strategies to ensure you take first place every time.

If you need help with your essays and would like to make sure that every comma is in place, we will proofread your first 500 words for free !

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50+ Writing Contests in 2024 with Awesome Cash Prizes

by Karen MacKenzie

on Sep 2, 2024

So you want to compete in writing contests for prizes and recognition?

Writing contests are a fun way to evolve your writing skills — and, yes, cash prizes are a nice bonus.

But remember, the emphasis is on fun .

If cash is your primary goal, you should focus your time and energy on landing freelance writing jobs .

However, if you’re looking for writing competitions and an enjoyable way to improve your writing skills , read on.

This roundup post includes both writing contests that are free to enter and writing contests with nominal entry fees.

Let’s begin!

Free Writing Contests with No Entry Fee (i.e. Free to Enter!)

Ernest j. gaines award for literary excellence.

“The Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence honors Louisiana’s revered storyteller, Ernest J. Gaines, and serves to inspire and recognize rising African-American fiction writers of excellence at a national level. The book award, initiated by donors of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, is now in its 13th year and has become nationally recognized in its role of enhancing visibility of emerging African-American fiction writers while also expanding the audience for this literature. The annual award of a $15,000 cash prize is to support the writer and help enable her/him to focus on her/his art of writing.”

Prerequisites for Entrants

• African American writers who have published a work of fiction

Submission Deadline

• $15,000 plus paid travel to Louisiana to receive the prize

Who Should Enter This Contest

African-American fiction writers who want to inspire kids to develop their own creativity. The award winner will work with students in small creative writing workshops held in Louisiana.

53-Word Story Contest

“It’s free, it’s fun, and the winner gets published in Prime Number Magazine and receives a free book from Press 53.”

Prerequisites for Contest Entry

• Open to all writers
• 15th day of each month
• Publication in Prime Number Magazine, along with your photo and a 53-word bio (plus a free book from Press 53)

Writers who enjoy the challenge of a 53-word short story competition based on a prompt.

Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards

“The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards recognizes outstanding works that contribute to our understanding of racism and our appreciation of cultural diversity. Awards are given for fiction, poetry and nonfiction.”

• Published authors ( self-published books excluded)
• Not yet open (previous year’s deadline was December 31)

Book authors who wish to compete for a generous book award. Your book must be written in English and published and copyrighted in the same year that you enter the contest.

Cabell First Novelist Award

“The VCU Cabell First Novelist Award honors an outstanding debut novel published in the preceding calendar year. Symbolized by a three-dimensional compass, the award is a tribute to writers who have navigated their way through the maze of imagination and delivered a great read, taking the reader someplace new.”

• First-time novelists only. You can have previously published poems or short stories, but this must be your first published novel. Novels distributed via self-publishing aren’t eligible.
• TBD (previous year’s deadline was December 30)

Novelists who have published a book in the year previous to the contest date, and feel that they have achieved something “notable and enduring.”

Short Fiction Prize

Stony Brook Southampton is accepting submissions of short fiction (7,500 words or less).

“Southampton Arts is a vibrant community within SUNY Stony Brook that gathers together graduate programs in creative writing, children’s lit, podcasting and film. Today’s professional practice as an artist demands well-rounded, independent, imaginative entrepreneurs, ones with the resourcefulness to draw on a range of media, technologies and genres.”

• Only full-time undergraduates in United States and Canadian universities and colleges are eligible.
• June 1 (Submissions open on March 1)
• $1,000 and a scholarship to the Southampton Writers’ Conference.

Undergraduate short story fiction writers who want to compete for both cash and a chance to participate in a writers’ conference.

The Wallace Stegner Prize in Environmental Humanities

“The Wallace Stegner Prize will be awarded to the best monograph submitted to the Press in the broad field of environmental humanities. (…) Preference will be given to projects that discuss issues related to the American West. We welcome book-length manuscripts that emphasize narrative form and draw on the humanities, as well as the particular methods and perspectives of history, geography, natural history, environmental science, creative nonfiction, or related disciplines to consider environmental subjects, broadly defined. These criteria reflect the legacy of Wallace Stegner as a student of the American West, as a spokesman for the environment, and as a teacher of creative writing.”

• Open to all writers except those associated with the University of Utah (current students, faculty, staff, or employees).
• TBD (previous deadline was December 31)
• $5,000 and a publication contract with the University of Utah Press.

Writers of monographs (essay or book-length) who have not previously submitted their work for publication.

W.Y. Boyd Literary Award for Excellence in Military Fiction

“This award honors the best fiction set in a period when the United States was at war. It recognizes the service of American veterans and military personnel and encourages the writing and publishing of outstanding war-related fiction. Donated by William Young Boyd II.”

• Novelists who have been published in the year prior to the contest. Young adult and adult novels only.
• TBD (previous year’s deadline was December 1)
• $5,000 and a 24k gold-framed citation of achievement.

Writers who have published a novel of war-related fiction.

ServiceScape Short Story Award

“Calling all short story writers: Are you a short story writer interested in gaining more exposure and a bigger audience for your creative work? Would an extra $1,000.00 USD in your pocket be a great thing right now?”

• Open to all writers. Only original and unpublished work can be submitted.
• November 30
• $1,000 plus publication on the ServiceScape blog.

Short story writers (word count up to 5,000 words) of either fiction or nonfiction who are excited about entering a writing competition for cash and exposure.

Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award

“Since its early days, science fiction has played a unique role in human civilization. It removes the limits of what “is” and shows us a boundless vista of what “might be.” Its fearless heroes, spectacular technologies and wondrous futures have inspired many people to make science, technology and space flight a real part of their lives and in doing so, have often transformed these fictions into reality. 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.”

• Open to all writers who are not employees of Baen Books (or previous grand prize winners)

Grand prize winner:

• Paid .08 word, plus your story will be published as the featured story on the Baen Books main website
• An engraved award
• Free entry into International Space Development Conference
• A year of membership in the National Space Society
• A prize package with various Baen Books and National Space Society merchandise

Second and Third Place winners:

Science fiction short story writers who want to see their work in print and who would enjoy the prizes listed above.

James Laughlin Award

“Offered since 1954, the James Laughlin Award is given to recognize and support a second book of poetry forthcoming in the next calendar year. The award was endowed in 1995 by a gift to the Academy from the Drue Heinz Trust. It is named for the poet and publisher James Laughlin (1914-1997), who founded New Directions in 1936.”

• Poets who have already published their first book
• Submissions are accepted from January 1st to May 15th each year
• $5,000 plus an all-expenses-paid week at The Betsy Hotel in Florida. Also, the winner’s book is distributed to the members of the Academy of American Poets (approximately 1,000 members).

Poets who are working on their second book and want to earn a sweet prize of cash and recognition.

L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest

“L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new writers of science fiction and fantasy to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience.”

• Only amateur writers who have not been professionally published may participate. (See #5 in contest rules for more details.)
• Quarterly writing contests
• June 30, for 3rd Quarter contest

Cash Prizes

• Three prizes each quarter for $1,000, $750, and $500
• Quarterly first-place winners compete for the $5,000 annual contest prize

Science fiction and fantasy writers who want to write prose up to 17,000 words in length. Note that works intended for children are not eligible.

Poetry Foundation Emily Dickinson First Book Award

“The Emily Dickinson First Book Award is designed to recognize an American poet of at least 40 years of age who has yet to publish a first collection of poetry. The Poetry Foundation seeks one book-length poetry manuscript to be published as the winner of the Emily Dickinson First Book Award.”

• Poets over 40 years old who have not yet published a poem book
• TBD (contest is intermittent, with previous prizes awarded in 2017 and 2012)
• $10,000 plus publication and promotion by Greywolf Press

Late-blooming poets who have enough poems in them to fill a book of poetry .

Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize

“Graywolf Press publishes about 30-35 books annually, mostly poetry, memoirs, essays, novels, translations, and short stories. Our editors are looking for high quality literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that combine a distinct voice with a distinct vision.”

• Writers “ not yet established in the genre ” of their nonfiction project
• Graywolf accepts submissions for the Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize every other year; the next open submission period will be in 2024.
• A $12,000 advance and publication by Graywolf

Authors willing to take on a project outside their established genre. If you don’t have one yet, here’s your chance to get started.

New Voices Award

“New Voices Award is given annually by children’s book publisher Lee & Low Books for a children’s picture book manuscript by a writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer.”

• Writers of color or Native/Indigenous writers who have not previously published a children’s picture book. Must be a United States resident.
• $2,000 and a publication contract, including royalties
• $1,000 for the Honor Award Winner

Authors who’d like to write stories to address the needs of children of color and Native nations. The children’s picture book manuscript can be fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.

Young Lions Fiction Award

“Established in 2001, The New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award is a $10,000 prize awarded each spring to a writer age 35 or younger for a novel or a collection of short stories. Each year, five young fiction writers are selected as finalists by a reading committee of Young Lions members, writers, editors, and librarians.”

• Fiction writers up to 35 years old
• TBD (previous year’s deadline was September 11)

Young writers who want to be recognized for their novel or collection of short stories.

PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction

Overview “The PEN/Faulkner Foundation celebrates literature and fosters connections between readers and writers to enrich and inspire both individuals and communities.” “The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction is a national prize that honors the best published works of fiction by American citizens in a calendar year.”

• American authors published in the U.S. during the calendar year of the award
• October 31st for books published in that calendar year
• $15,000 for the winner
• 4 finalists receive $5,000 each.

Published authors who believe they can compete with the top writers in the United States. Novels and short story collections are considered.

PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers

“The PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers recognizes twelve emerging writers each year for their debut short story published in a literary magazine or cultural website and aims to support the launch of their careers as fiction writers. Each of the twelve winning writers receives a cash prize of $2,000 and the independent book publisher Catapult will publish the twelve winning stories in an annual anthology entitled The PEN America Best Debut Short Stories, which will acknowledge the literary magazines and websites where the stories were originally published.”

• New fiction writers. Note that submissions are only accepted from the editors of eligible publications.
• Submissions for the cycle close November 8.
• $2,000 plus publication for the 12 winning writers

Debut short story writers who aren’t afraid to ask their editor to enter them in this writing competition.

The Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans

“This creative writing contest for U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel is hosted by The Iowa Review and made possible by a gift from the family of Jeff Sharlet (1942–69), a Vietnam veteran and antiwar writer and activist. The contest is open to veterans and active duty personnel writing in any genre and about any subject matter.”

• U.S. military veterans and active-duty personnel only
• Check the website for the latest deadlines
• First Place: $1,000 plus publication in The Iowa Review
• Second Place: $750
• Third Place (3 selected): $500

Any writers who have served in the military and wish to compete in this creative writing contest.

Hektoen Grand Prix Essay Competition

Content announcement: “We invite you to participate in the 2021 Hektoen Grand Prix Essay Competition in honor of Hektoen Institute Board Member Mrs. Hella Mannheimer (1924-2020).”

• Essays should be under 1,500 words
• September 15
• $5,000 for the winner
• $2,500 for the runner-up

Creative non fiction writers looking to enter an essay contest by writing on art, history, literature, education, etc. as they relate to medicine.

The Fountain Essay Contest

“We at The Fountain believe that every voice should be heard, and that every challenge should be respected and can offer insight into our own lives. We all face new challenges in our lives. They can be massive undertakings, such as moving across a country and beginning a new high school. Or sometimes the more routine tasks, such as getting out of the bed in the morning while undergoing depression, can themselves be massive challenges. We want to hear about your challenges and how you mentally, physically, and/or spiritually prepare for them.”

• Open to all (even high school writers)
• TBD (previous year’s deadline was March 1)
• First Place: $1,000
• Second Place: $500
• Third Place: $300
• Two Honorable Mentions: $150 each

If you are up to the challenge of writing a personal essay between 1,500 and 2,500 words on the topic of “facing challenges,” this essay contest is for you.

Tufts Poetry Awards

“Any poet will tell you that the only thing rarer than meaningful recognition is a meaningful payday. For two outstanding poets each year, the Kingsley and Kate Tufts awards represent both. The Tufts poetry awards – based at Claremont Graduate University and given for poetry volumes published in the preceding year – are not only two of the most prestigious prizes a contemporary poet can receive, they also come with hefty purses: $100,000 for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award and $10,000 for the Kate Tufts Discovery Award.”

• Published poets who are citizens or legal resident aliens of the United States.
• Only mid-career poets are eligible for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award.
• Poets with their first published full-length book are eligible for the Kate Tufts Poetry Award.
• $100,000 for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award
• $10,000 for the Kate Tufts Poetry Award

Published poets who want recognition and a shot at a very generous award that will pay the bills and allow them to write more poetry.

The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing

“The ethos of the modern world is defined by immigrants. Their stories have always been an essential component of our cultural consciousness (…) In novels, short stories, memoirs, and works of journalism, immigrants have shown us what resilience and dedication we’re capable of, and have expanded our sense of what it means to be global citizens. In these times of intense xenophobia, it is more important than ever that these boundary-crossing stories reach the broadest possible audience.”

• The author must be a first-generation immigrant who has not previously published a book

Submission Deadlines

• March 31for the Prize in Nonfiction
• Fiction and nonfiction prizes alternate years
• $10,000 and publication by Restless Books

Authors who wish to “address some combination of identity, the meeting of cultures and communities, immigration and migration, and today’s globalized society,” in their first book.

St. Francis College Literary Prize

“The biennial $50,000 Literary Prize is sponsored by St. Francis College to offer its support and encouragement to the literary community and mid-career authors who have recently published their 3rd to 5th work of fiction.”

• Established fiction authors who have published at least 3 books already.
• Contest won’t be held in 2021 (content also wasn’t held in 2020; the 2019 winner was announced September 2019)

Published fiction authors who want to enter a writing competition for a very generous prize.

Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest

“Now in its 19th year, this contest seeks today’s best humor poems.”

• Authors from all eligible countries (Syria, Iran, North Korea, and Crimea excluded due to U.S. government restrictions)
• First prize: $1,000
• Second prize: $250
• 10 Honorable Mentions: $100 each

Poets with a sense of humor and a competitive drive to win poetry prizes.

Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award

“Established in 1984, the Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award introduces emerging writers to the New York City literary community. The prestigious award, which aims to provide promising writers a network for professional advancement, has helped to launch the careers of Sue Monk Kidd (The Invention of Wings, The Secret Life of Bees), Lidia Yuknavitch (The Book of Joan), Bryn Chancellor (Sycamore: A Novel), David Mura (Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei), and others.”

• Poets and fiction writers who are residents of Oklahoma and have published no more than one full-length book in their genre
• $500 cash prize
• Expenses paid for travel to New York City to meet with editors, literary agents, publishers, and other writers.
• A one-month residency at the Jentel Artist Residency Program in Wyoming.

Poets or fiction writers who live in Oklahoma.

The Gabo Prize

“Lunch Ticket is honored to host The Gabo Prize for Literature in Translation & Multilingual Texts. The Gabo Prize is funded by writers, translators, and Antioch University Los Angeles MFA Alumni Allie Marini and Jennifer McCharen, who launched the prize to support the work of peer translators.”

• Original bilingual work only (previously published work not accepted)
• The contest is held in February and August
• $200 plus publication in Lunch Ticket

Authors and translators of multilingual texts containing either poetry or prose.

Transitions Abroad Expatriate and Work Abroad Writing Contest

“Professionals and freelancers are encouraged to write non-fiction inspirational and practical articles that describe their experience living, moving, and working abroad. Often your experience is extended and transformed by activities in the host country, so living, working, studying, and traveling abroad are often inextricable — and we are interested in exploring all such organic interconnections.”

• TBD (previous year’s deadline was September 15)
• First Place: $500
• Second Place: $150
• Third place: $100
• All finalists: $50

Nonfiction writers who have lived and worked abroad who are interested in creating a helpful article about their experiences.

Drue Heinz Literature Prize

“The Drue Heinz Literature Prize recognizes and supports writers of short fiction and makes their work available to readers around the world. The award is open to authors who have published a book-length collection of fiction or at least three short stories or novellas in commercial magazines or literary journals.”

• Published writers only
• Manuscripts must be received during May and June.
• $15,000 plus publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press, and promotion of your book

Previously published short fiction authors looking to enter their latest creation in this writing contest.

Brooklyn Nonfiction Prize

“The Brooklyn Non-Fiction Prize, a cash award of $500, will be awarded to the best Brooklyn-focused non-fiction essay which is set in Brooklyn and is about Brooklyn and/or Brooklyn people/characters. We are seeking compelling Brooklyn stories from writers with a broad range of backgrounds and ages who can render Brooklyn’s rich soul and intangible qualities through the writer’s actual experiences in Brooklyn.”

• December 10

Nonfiction writers who have had experiences in Brooklyn, New York to share with the world, and potentially win a prize in the process.

VI International Flash Fiction Competition

“Once again, the César Egido Serrano Foundation returns to record figures in the call for its famous International Micro-Story Contest, which has been running for five editions.”

• Open to all fiction writers
• $20,000 first prize
• $2,000 each for the 3 runners-up

Fiction writers who wish to enter an international competition for hefty prize money.

John Gardner Fiction Book Award

“Sponsored by the Binghamton Center for Writers-State University of New York with support from the Office of the Dean of Binghamton University’s Harpur College of the Arts & Sciences”

• Published fiction writers

Writers who have published either a novel or a book of fiction in 2019 (for the 2020 contest).

St. Martin’s Minotaur / Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Competition

“Sponsored by Minotaur Books and Mystery Writers of America (MWA)”

• First-time novelists only
• $10,000 advance against future royalties and publication by Minotaur Books

Mystery writers who have finished their first crime novel and want to compete for a publishing contract.

Stowe Prize

“The Stowe Prize recognizes a distinguished book of general adult fiction or non-fiction that illuminates a critical social justice issue in contemporary society in the United States. (…) The book should apply informed inquiry, be accessible and engaging to a general audience, and promote empathy and understanding. Because Stowe’s writings challenged slavery and promoted women’s education, social issues impacted by racism and gender discrimination will be prioritized. In making this award, the Stowe Center recognizes the value of diversity to strengthen our communities and encourages submissions by authors from populations that have historically faced discrimination or marginalization.”

• Published U.S. authors

Fiction or nonfiction authors who have published a book within three years of the contest year. Note: That book must meet the criteria in the “Overview” to be considered for this book award.

Steinbeck Fellowships in Creative Writing

“The Steinbeck Fellows Program of San José State University was endowed through the generosity of Martha Heasley Cox. It offers writers of any age and background a $15,000 fellowship to finish a significant writing project. Named in honor of author John Steinbeck, the program is guided by his lifetime of work in literature, the media, and environmental activism. Fellowships are currently offered in Creative Writing (excluding poetry) and Steinbeck Studies. Fellows may be appointed in many fields, including literary scholarship, fiction, drama, education, science and the media.”

• Residency in the San Francisco Bay Area is required for the academic year (September through May)
• A $15,000 stipend

This program helps writers who have promising work, but who haven’t published extensively.

The Roswell Award

“Light Bringer Project and Sci-Fest L.A. present two science fiction writing competitions designed to identify and nurture the up-and-coming science fiction writing talent of Los Angeles and worldwide. Science fiction is a uniquely inspiring medium that has enabled many of our great thinkers and scientists to imagine the heights and limits of human achievement, leading to important moral and ethical debate, long range planning for humanity, and scientific innovation. Writers are encouraged to explore scientific, social, technological, environmental, and philosophical themes in their writing and always, at the core, to master the art of great storytelling.”

• Open to all writers over 18 years old
• First, Second, and Third place Roswell Award winners receive $500, $250, and $100 (USD) cash prizes

Science fiction writers in search of writing competitions. There is also a contest for the best feminist-themed science fiction story for an additional $100 prize.

Black Orchid Novella Award

“An important part of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe’s opus are novellas. To celebrate this format, the Wolfe Pack and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine have partnered to sponsor the Black Orchid Novella Award.”

Entrant Fee

• May 31 each year
• $1,000 and publication in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine

Mystery fiction writers who wish to write a novella in the tradition of the Nero Wolfe series.

Parsec Short Story Contest

“The theme for the contest is: Forging. This can be conveyed in the setting, plot, characters, dialogue…the only limit is your imagination. The theme must be integral to the story in some way and not just mentioned in passing. (…) All stories must be of the Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror genres.”

• Amateur writers only
• First Place: $200
• Second Place: $100
• Third place: $50

Non-professional writers who want to enter a short story contest for the opportunity to win book money.

Tony Hillerman Prize

“Welcome to the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest Competition!”

• Writers who have not yet published a mystery novel
• $10,000 advance against future royalties and publishing by Minotaur Books

Unpublished mystery novel writers who are looking to compete for a potential publishing contract.

Owl Canyon Press Short Story Hackathon

“Writers are invited to create and submit a short story consisting of 50 paragraphs. The contest provides the 1st and 20th paragraphs, and the short story writer crafts the rest.”

• First Place: $3,000
• Second Place: $2,000
• Third Place: $1,000
• All finalists (24) will have their short stories included in an anthology

Short story writers of all genres, as long as you can make your story work with the provided paragraphs!

Marfield Prize (a.k.a. National Award for Arts Writing)

“Books must be nonfiction titles written in English for a general audience by a single, living author and originally published in the United States during the current calendar year. Books may be about any artistic discipline (visual, literary, performing, or media arts, as well as cross-disciplinary works). We seek art history and criticism, biographies and memoirs, and essays.”

• Published authors (self-published books excluded)

Authors who enjoy writing nonfiction regarding artistic disciplines and have a book scheduled to be published in the year of the contest.

Writing Contests with Entry Fees (i.e. Costs Money to Enter)

Don’t mind having a little skin in the game?

Here are writing contests that require an entry fee to enter:

Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition

“Writer’s Digest has been shining a spotlight on up and coming writers in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for more than 80 years. Enter our 89th Annual Writing Competition for your chance to win and 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 89th Annual Writer’s Digest Competition Collection.”

• Poetry competition entry: $20 for first entry, $15 each additional entry
• Manuscript competition entry: $30 for first entry, $25 each additional entry
• Grand Prize winner receives $5,000 (plus additional prizes)
• First Place winner in each category: $1,000
• Second Place winner in each category: $500
• Third Place winner in each category: $250
• Fourth Place winner in each category: $100
• Fifth Place winner in each category: $50
• Sixth through Tenth Place winners in each category: $25

Multiple genres are available, so any writer who has a competitive spirit and doesn’t mind paying an entry fee.

Desert Writers Award

“The Fund supports writing that combines an engaging individual voice, literary sensibility, imagination and intellectual rigor to bring new perspectives and deeper meaning to the body of desert literature. All applications will be reviewed through a peer-panel process.”

• All writers in the field of literary nonfiction can apply

Literary nonfiction writers fascinated by the desert. You’ll be submitting a proposal for a writing project based on your travel to and experience in a desert region.

The Breakwater Fiction Contest

“We are seeking submissions for pieces that breathe freshness to the form. We are interested in previously unpublished prose ranging from 1,000 – 5,000 words, each with a $10 entry fee.”

• Open to everyone not associated with the MFA program at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, or Susanna Kaysen
• Open October 1 through December 1
• $1,000 plus the Winner and Finalists are published in Breakwater’s Winter issue

Fiction and short story writers who are interested in competing for a cash prize plus publication.

The Peseroff Prize Poetry Contest

“The Peseroff Prize honors Joyce Peseroff’s work as a poet, teacher, editor, innovator, and mentor. She helped found the MFA Program in Creative Writing at the University of Massachusetts Boston, served as its first director, and retired from teaching in 2014.”

• $10 for up to three poems
• Open February 1 to May 1
• $1,000 plus both the Winner and Finalists are published in the Breakwater Spring issue

Poets with previously unpublished poems with both a competitive drive and $10 for a poetry contest.

Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prize

“Beginning December 1, 2019, Marsh Hawk Press is accepting submissions of poetry manuscripts to the annual Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prizes.“

• $25 per submission
• Open to all poets
• $1,000 and publication by Marsh Hawk Press

Poets with a manuscript of poems ready for publication.

2021 Microfiction Contest

“Since 1975, River Styx has published an international, award-winning magazine of poetry, fiction, essays, interviews, and art. Work first published in its pages has been included in many editions of The Best American Poetry, Best New Poets, New Stories from the South, and Pushcart Prize anthologies.”

• $20 for up to 3 stories (includes a one-year subscription to River Styx )
• $15 fee if you only want the issue the winners are published in
• Open to all writers, but only unpublished stories qualify

Writers who enjoy writing micro-fiction stories of up to 500 words and who would be interested in subscribing to a literary magazine.

Horror Writing Contest

“Write a horror or thriller story for this writing contest. Put your readers on edge or terrorize them.”

• Only consider this contest if membership in FanStory.com interests you. Membership is $9.95 a month or $69 a year. (Note: this gives you access to multiple contests a year with varying prizes.)
• FanStory.com membership required
• $100 Visa gift card

Writers who are interested in joining a paid community to network with other readers and receive feedback on their stories.

Morton and McCarthy Prizes

“This contest is open to any short fiction writer of English. (…) Submissions may include a collection of short stories, one or more novellas, or a short novel.”

• Open to short fiction writers excluding employees and board members of Sarabande Books, Inc.
• February 15
• $2,000 plus publication of the winning manuscript and a standard royalty contract with Sarabande Books, Inc.

Short fiction writers who are looking for the opportunity to participate in a writing competition that could get their work published.

Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest

“For this contest, a story is any short work of fiction, and an essay is any short work of nonfiction. (…) Please submit as many entries as you like. All themes accepted. Entries may be published or unpublished. Length limit: 6,000 words maximum.”

• $20 per entry
• Open to all writers (except in countries excluded due to U.S. government restrictions)
• $3,000 for Story (fiction) category
• $3,000 for Essay (nonfiction) category
• $200 for each Honorable Mention

Fiction or nonfiction writers who are willing to spend $20 for a shot at winning the $3,000 prize.

Moment Magazine-Karma Foundation Short Fiction Contest

“The Moment Magazine-Karma Foundation Short Fiction Contest encourages writers to submit stories related to Judaism or Jewish culture or history.”

• $25 per entry
• Open to all writers (submissions must not have been published elsewhere)
• 3 prizes in total, including $1,000 for first place (other prize amounts are not given)

Short story writers interested in writing a story of up to 5,000 words with a Jewish theme.

K. Maragaret Grossman Fiction Awards

“In a world where it is harder than ever for new writers to get a foot in the door of the traditional publishing world, Literal Latté remains committed to finding and nurturing great talents, both on its website and in its new anthology, in book format.”

• $10 per story ($15 for two stories)
• 1st Prize: $1,000
• 2nd Prize: $300
• 3rd Prize: $200

All subjects and styles are welcome, so any writers with an unpublished story of up to 10,000 words.

James Jones First Novel Fellowship

“The award is intended to honor the spirit of unblinking honesty, determination, and insight into cultural and social issues exemplified by the late James Jones, author of From Here to Eternity and other prose narratives of distinction. Jones himself was the recipient of aid from many supporters as a young writer and his family, friends, and admirers have established this award of $10,000 to continue the tradition in his name.”

• $30 (plus $3 processing fee) per entry
• U.S. citizens who have never published a novel
• Runners-up receive $1,000

Writers with either unpublished or work-in-progress novels. To enter, you need to submit an outline and the first 50 pages of your novel.

WOW! Women On Writing Quarterly Flash Fiction Contest

“The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, great writing, and provide well-rewarded recognition to contestants.”

• $10 (if you’d also like a critique of your entry, the total is $20)
• Entries must be written in English
• FALL: September – November 30th 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)
• WINTER: December – February 28th, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)
• SPRING: March – May 31st, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)
• SUMMER: June – August 31st, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)
• $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
• Entry published on WOW! Women On Writing
• Interview on the WOW! Women On Writing Blog
• Name, state, and title entry published on WOW! Women On Writing

All styles and genres of flash fiction are welcomed. Entries need to be a minimum of 250 words (750 maximum).

WOW! Women On Writing Quarterly Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

“The mission of this contest is to inspire creative nonfiction and provide well-rewarded recognition to contestants. (…) Your story must be true, but the way you tell it is your chance to get creative.”

• $12 (if you’d also like a critique of your entry, the total is $25)
• Q1: August 1 – October 31st, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)
• Q2: November 1 – January 31st, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)
• Q3: February 1 – April 29th, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)
• Q4: May 1 – July 31st, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)

All styles of essay — from personal essay to lyric essay to hybrid essay to critical essay (and beyond) are welcomed. Maximum length of 1,000 words.

Common Questions and Answers (and Resources)

Why should i enter writing contests (besides the cash prizes).

Because entering writing contests gives you a way to practice writing  — the best way to improve your skills. You may even get feedback from some of the contests, and of course, the ultimate positive feedback if you win!

If you’ve wanted to experiment with different genres or different writing styles, this is your chance to play.

The deadlines in writing contests can make the difference between actually writing that next piece and doing it “someday.”

Plus, depending on the contest, entering is an automatic win since you’ll be creating another sample for your writing portfolio . And if you win the writing contest, even better!

What Happens After I Enter a Writing Contest?

Now you get to practice patience and the skill of waiting.

Not all contests will contact you to let you know who won. Some only contact the finalists or the winner(s).

In the contest instructions, you may find dates for when the finalists or winners will be announced. Add these dates to your calendar so you’ll know that if you aren’t contacted by then, you didn’t win this writing contest.

If you do win, and you’ve submitted the same piece of content to multiple contests, you should withdraw your submission(s) from the other contests.

And then celebrate!

What Are Some Good Resources That’ll Help Me Win Writing Contests?

The number one tip to help you win? Pay attention to the details! Ignoring or missing any of the contest rules or requirements could mean instant disqualification.

Merely following the rules can give you an edge over the competition.

Here’s a collection of blog posts to help you improve your writing skills.

• 18 Writing Tips That’ll Actually Make You a Better Writer
• Proofreading: 7 Editing Tips That’ll Make You a Better Writer
• 583 Sensory Words to Take Your Writing from Bland to Brilliant
• 57 Metaphor Examples That’ll Pack Your Prose With Persuasion
• 20 Stephen King Quotes to Turn You Into a Scary Good Writer
• How to Start a Blog: Easy, Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
• 27 Creative Writing Exercises That’ll Punch Up Your Writing
• A 5-Minute Guide to Fast-Paced Storytelling
• How to Put Your Thoughts Into Words: 3 Proven Strategies
• Writing Tips: 5 Ways to Quiet Your Inner Editor
• How to Practice Writing Fiction: 5 Core Skills to Improve Your Writing
• How Social Media Can Help Teach Good Writing
• Stuck? Try These 72 Creative Writing Prompts (+ 6 Bonus Tips)

Game on: Time to Enter Writing Contests For Fun and Money

Imagine how you’ll feel as a contest winner.

The confirmation of your writing skills. The recognition, the charge of seeing your work published.

You could use your winnings towards writing books , courses, or coaching to develop your talent and skills further.

A fun part of life is trying new things, and here is your opportunity.

So before you close out of this post, pick one contest. Then bookmark it and start working on your contest entry.

Karen MacKenzie

The ultimate toolkit for becoming one of the highest-paid writers online. Premium training. Yours for free.

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25 Best Writing Competitions for High School Students – 2024

April 12, 2024

Over the past several years, the number of college applicants has been steadily rising. [i] As college admissions become more competitive, there are many steps a student can take to achieve high school success and become an outstanding candidate for college admissions: earning high SAT scores, securing strong letters of recommendation , and participating in various competitions will all boost your admissions prospects. [ii] In particular, writing competitions for high school students are a popular way to win scholarships and prize money, receive feedback on writing, build a portfolio of public work, and add to college application credentials!

Below, we’ve selected twenty-five writing competitions for high school students and sorted them by three general topics: 1) language, literature and arts, 2) STEM, environment and sustainability, and 3) politics, history and philosophy. It’s never too soon to begin thinking about your future college prospects, and even if you are a freshman, many of these writing competitions for high schoolers will be open to you! [iii]

Writing Competitions for High School Students in Language, Literature, and Arts

1) adroit prizes for poetry and prose.

This prestigious creative writing award offers high school students the opportunity to showcase their work in Adroit Journal . Judges are acclaimed writers in their respective genres.

• Eligibility: All high school students (including international students) are eligible to apply. Poetry contestants may submit up to five poems. Prose contestants may submit up to three pieces of fiction or nonfiction writing (for a combined total of 3,500 words – excerpts accepted).
• Prize: Winners will receive $200 and their writing will be published in Adroit Journal . All submitted entries will be considered for publication!
• Deadline: May 1st (specific deadline may vary by year).

2)  Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

This unique essay competition allows writers the chance to explore and respond to Ayn Rand’s fascinating and polemic 1957 novel Atlas Shrugged . Specific essay topics are posted every three months; prizes are granted seasonally with a grand prize winner announced every year.

• Prize: Annual grand prize is $25,000.
• Deadline: Deadlines occur every season, for each seasonal prompt.
• Eligibility: Essays must be written in English and be 800-1,600 words in length.

Writing Competitions for High School Students (Continued)

3)  the bennington young writers awards.

Through Bennington College, this high school writing competition offers three prizes in three different genre categories: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Winners and finalists who decide to attend Bennington College will ultimately receive a substantial scholarship prize.

• Eligibility: U.S. and international students in grades 9 through 12 may apply.
• Prize: First place winners receive $1,000; second place wins $500; third place winners receive $250. YWA winners who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington receive a $15,000 scholarship per year (for a total of $60,000). YWA finalists who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington will receive a $10,000 scholarship per year (for a total of $40,000).
• Deadline: The competition runs annually from September 1st to November 1st.

4)  Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Student Essay Contest

Do you love Jane Austen? If so, this is the high school writing competition for you! With the JASNA Student Essay Contest, high school students have the opportunity to write a six to eight-page essay about Jane Austen’s works, focused on a specific, designated topic for the competition year.

• Eligibility: Any high school student (homeschooled students also eligible) enrolled during the contest year may submit an essay.
• Prize: First place winner receives a $1,000 scholarship and two nights’ lodging for the upcoming annual JASNA meeting. Second place wins a $500 scholarship and third place wins a $250 scholarship. All winners will additionally receive a year membership in JASNA, the online publication of their article, and a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels.
• Deadline: Submission accepted from February-June 1st (specific dates may vary by year).

5)  The Kennedy Center VSA Playwright Discovery Program

Young aspiring writers with disabilities are encouraged to apply to this unique program. Students are asked to submit a ten-minute play script that explores any topic, including the student’s own disability experience.

• Eligibility: U.S. and international high school students with disabilities ages 14-19 may apply.
• Prize: Multiple winners will receive exclusive access to professional development and networking opportunities at The Kennedy Center.
• Deadline: January (specific deadline date may vary by year).

6)  Leonard M. Milburg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

Through Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts, this prestigious writing competition for high school students recognizes outstanding poetry writing and is judged by creative writing faculty at Princeton University.

• Eligibility: U.S. or international students in the eleventh grade may apply. Applicants may submit up to three poems.
• Prize: First place wins $1,500; second place wins $750; third place wins $500.
• Deadline: November (specific deadline date may vary by year).

7)  Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Nancy Thorp was a student at Hollins University who showed great promise as a poet. After her death, her family established this scholarship to support budding young poets.

• Eligibility: Female high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Prize: First place wins $350 and publication in Cargoes literary magazine, along with a $5,000 renewable scholarship (up to $20,000 over four years) if the student enrolls in Hollins University, and free tuition and housing for Hollins University’s summer creative writing program (grades 9-12). Second place wins publication in Cargoes, along with a $1,000 renewable scholarship ($4,000 over four years) if the student enrolls at Hollins and $500 to apply toward Hollins’ summer creative writing program.
• Deadline: October (specific deadline date may vary by year).

8)  National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing

Students may be nominated by their English teachers to win this prestigious writing award. Winners “exhibit the power to inform and move an audience through language” and prompts and genres may vary by competition year.

• Prize: A certificate will be awarded to students who are judged to have exceptional writing skills. Student names will be displayed on the NCTE website.
• Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores and juniors are eligible for nomination.
• Deadline: February (specific dates may vary by year). Contest prompts released in August.

9)  National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

At Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, numerous opportunities for scholarships and awards await those who submit writing in various genres: literary criticism, drama, poetry, and fiction. In all, there are 28 generic categories of art and writing to choose from!

• Eligibility: Teens in grades 7-12 (ages 13 and up) may apply.
• Prize: Various types of recognition and scholarships (up to $12,500) are offered for these award winners.
• Deadline: Scholastic Awards opens for entries in September; deadlines range from December to January.

10)  National Society of High School Scholars Creative Writing Scholarship

In this creative writing competition for high schoolers, students have the opportunity to submit a piece poetry or fiction (or both – one in each category!) for the opportunity to be published on the NSHSS website and win a monetary prize.

• Eligibility: Rising high school students graduating in 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 may apply.
• Prize: There will be three $2,000 awards for the fiction category and three $2,000 awards for the poetry category.
• Deadline: Submissions Accepted from May to October (specific dates may vary by year).

11)  National Writing Award: The Humanities and a Freer Tomorrow

This writing competition allows high school students the chance to be nominated by a teacher for a piece of writing in response to Ruth J. Simmons’ “Facing History to Find a Better Future.” Specific prompt topics may vary by year.

• Eligibility: Nominating teachers can submit work from 11th and 12th graders in one category (fiction, poetry, prose, or essay).
• Prize: One top prize of $1,000. Four additional prizes of $500 each. Winners will have the opportunity to have their work published by NCTE.
• Deadline: Applications are open September to October (specific dates may vary by year).

12)  New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award

Although this prestigious award isn’t exclusively for high schoolers (anyone younger than 35 may submit a work of fiction), if you’ve written a collection of short stories or even a novel, you should certainly consider applying!

• Eligibility: Any writer below the age of 35 may submit a novel or collection of short stories to participate in this competition.
• Prize: $10,000 award.
• Deadline: September (specific date may vary by year).

13)  Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest

This writing competition for high school students awards three annual top prizes for the best ten-minute play. Play submissions are judged each year by an acclaimed guest playwright.

• Eligibility: U.S. or international students in the eleventh grade may apply. Students may submit one play entry; entries must be ten pages or less. Plays must be written in English.
• Prize: First place prize is $500; second place is $250; third place is $100.
• Deadline: Varies by year. However, students are recommended to submit before the deadline date – the submission portal will close when a maximum of 250 applicants have applied.

14)  YouthPLAYS New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

In this exciting writing competition, students have the chance to submit an original play script for a play of around 10-40 minutes in length. An excellent competition choice for any student considering a future in the theatre!

• Eligibility: Prospective authors ages 19 and under may submit a script for consideration in the competition. See specific writing guidelines here .
• Prize: First prize wins $250 and publication with YouthPLAYS; second prize wins $100.
• Deadline: Submissions run from January 1st to May 1st.

STEM, Environment, and Sustainability High School Writing Competitions

15)  engineergirl essay contest.

This wonderful essay contest invites students to explore topics related to engineering and science. Each year a new, specific prompt will be chosen for young writers who wish to compete.

• Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. Previous winners and close family members of employees of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine are not eligible.
• Prize: First place winners receive $1,000; second place receives $750; third place receives $500.
• Deadline: Competition opens in September and submissions are due February 1st of the following year. Winners are announced in the summer.

16)  Ocean Awareness Contest

The Ocean Awareness Contest is an opportunity for students to create written and artistic projects that explore sustainability, environmentalism, and positive change. High school freshmen (up to age 14) may apply to the Junior Division. Students ages 15-18 may enter the Senior Division.

• Eligibility: Students ages 11-18 may apply (international students included).
• Prize: Monetary prizes ranging from $100-$1000 will be awarded each year. Additionally, $500 will be awarded to ten students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Latino via the We All Rise Prize program.
• Deadline: June 10, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

17)  Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder / Sense of Wild Contest

If you are interested in issues of sustainability, environment, biology and the natural world, this is one of the high school writing competitions that is just for you! Essay prompts explore the natural world and our place within it and may include poetry, essays, and photography.

• Eligibility: Students must pair with an adult from a different generation (e.g. parent, grandparent or teacher – contestants need not be related). Entries must be submitted as a team.
• Prize: Winners will receive a certificate from RCLA; their first names, ages, and entry titles will be posted on the RCLA website.
• Deadline: November 16th, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

18)  River of Words Competition

This writing competition for high school students is another top choice for those thinking of pursuing majors or careers in biology, environment, and sustainability; this specific contest hopes to promote positive education in sustainability by “promoting environmental literacy through the arts and cultural exchange.”

• Eligibility: Any U.S. or international student from kindergarten through 12th grade may apply.
• Prize: Winners will be published in the River of Words
• Deadline: January (specific deadline may vary by year).

Writing Competitions for High School Students in Politics, History and Philosophy

19)  american foreign service association essay contest.

With this writing competition for high school students, entrants may submit essays ranging from 1,000-1,500 words about diplomacy, history, and international politics (specific prompts vary by year).

• Eligibility: Students in grades nine through twelve may apply. Students whose parents are in the Foreign Service Association are not eligible.
• Prize: The first-place winner will receive $2,500, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and the winner’s parents, and an all-expense paid voyage via Semester at Sea. The second-place winner receives $1,250 and full tuition for a summer session at the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.
• Deadline: Early spring (specific deadline may vary by year).

20)  Bill of Rights Institute We the Students Essay Contest

In this writing competition for high school students, civic-minded U.S. high schoolers may explore the principles and virtues of the Bill of Rights Institute. Interested applicants should review the specific submission guidelines .

• Eligibility: Any high school student aged 13 to 19 may apply.
• Prize: Prizes range from $1,500 to $10,000.
• Deadline: Submissions for 2024 due May 19th (specific deadline may vary by year).

21)  JFK Presidential Library and Museum Profile in Courage Essay Contest

For students interested in history and political science, this competition offers the chance to write about U.S. elected officials who have demonstrated political courage.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school students from grades 9-12 may apply.
• Prize: First prize is $10,000; second prize receives $3,000; five finalists receive $1,000 each; ten semifinalists receive $100 each; eight students receive honorable mention.
• Deadline: Submissions accepted from September to January (specific deadline may vary by year).
• Sample Essays: 2000-2023 Contest Winner Essays

22)  John Locke Institute Essay Competition

This essay competition is for students who would like to write about and cultivate “independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis and persuasive style” from one of seven intellectual categories: philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology or law.

• Eligibility: Students from any country may submit an essay.
• Prize: $2,000 for each subject category winner toward a John Locke Institute program; winning essays will be published on the Institute’s website.
• Deadline: Registration must be completed by May 31st, 2024; essay submission due June 30th, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

23)  Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association Essay Contest

This exciting writing competition for high schoolers allows students to explore topics related to journalism, democracy and media literacy. Specific prompts will be provided for contestants each year.

• Eligibility: All U.S. students from grades 9-12 may submit original writing to participate in this contest.
• Prize: First-place winners will receive $1,000; second place is awarded $500; third place receives $300.
• Deadline: February (specific deadline may vary by year).

24)  Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Youth Scholarship Essay

This audio essay allows high school students the opportunity to “express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriot-themed recorded essay.” One winner will be granted a $35,000 scholarship to be paid toward their university, college, or vocational school of choice. Smaller prizes range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner in each VFW state wins $1,000.

• Prize: College scholarships range from $1,000-$35,000
• Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 9-12 may submit a 3-5-minute audio essay.
• Deadline: October 31st
• Sample Written Essay: 2023-2024 Prize-winning essay by Sophia Lin

25)  World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition recognizes young scholars who explore world historical events and how they relate to the student scholar personally. Ultimately the student writer must describe “the experience of being changed by a better understanding of world history.”

• Eligibility: Internationally, students ages K-12 may submit an entry. See specific prompt and submission guidelines for writing instructions.
• Prize: $500

Writing Competitions for High School Students – Sources

[i] Institute for Education Sciences: National Center for Education Statistics. “Number of applications for admission from first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students were received by postsecondary institutions in the fall.” https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/TrendGenerator/app/answer/10/101

[ii] Jaschik, Scott. “Record Applications, Record Rejections.” Inside Higher Ed . 3 April 2022. https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2022/04/04/most-competitive-colleges-get-more-competitive

[iii] Wood, Sarah. “College Applications are on the Rise: What to Know.” U.S. News & World Report. 21 June 2022. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/college-applications-are-on-the-rise-what-to-know

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For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

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Looking for a Writing Contest to Enter?

By Hannah Yang

Writing contests can be a useful way to send your work out into the world. With a strong submission and a bit of luck, you can win publication, recognition, and even cash prizes.

This article will give you the inside scoop on the most high-quality writing contests to enter.

Are Writing Contests Worth Entering?

What are some writing contests that are free to enter, how can i increase my chances of winning, where can i find more writing contests.

Entering writing contests can be useful for several reasons:

• They give you a deadline and often even a prompt to write about , which many writers find motivating
• The results can help you get a sense of where you are on your writing journey and how you can improve your craft
• Winning a contest can be a fantastic boost to your journey as a writer

On the other hand, it’s important to keep in mind that it takes a lot of luck to win a contest, since there are usually only a few winners chosen from among hundreds of strong contestants.

If your goal is to get your writing published, you’ll likely fare better by submitting to magazines and anthologies than by entering contests.

If your goal is to make money, you should prioritize freelance writing jobs instead.

With that being said, there are many incredible writing contests out there that can absolutely be worth your while, as long as you enter with realistic expectations.

Many writing contests cost fees to enter, since they give out cash prizes and hire guest judges that they need to pay for their time.

Charging an entry fee doesn’t necessarily mean the contest is a scam. It does mean, however, that you need to be judicious about which contests to submit your work to.

Free writing contests are more accessible to all writers, and there’s nothing to lose from giving them a shot.

We’ve compiled a list of legitimate, high-quality writing contests that charge no entry fees.

Prose Weekly Challenge

Prose, a social network for readers and writers, offers weekly challenges meant to spark your creativity. This is a fun, low-stakes challenge, with a small cash prize to sweeten the deal.

Prize: Each week’s winner receives $100. Guidelines: Submit a short piece of writing (up to 500 words) related to the weekly prompt. Deadline: Weekly.

Prime Number Magazine 53-Word Story Contest

Press 53’s Prime Number Magazine hosts a monthly micro-fiction contest based on a theme.

All stories must be exactly 53 words long. There’s no cash prize, but this can be a fun and low-stakes contest to participate in if you’ve got some spare time and are looking for a writing prompt.

Prize: Publication, a free book from Press 53. Guidelines: Submit a 53-word story based on a monthly prompt. Open to writers around the world who write in English. Deadline: Monthly on the 15th of each month.

Dinesh Allirajah Prize for Short Fiction

The Dinesh Allirajah Prize for Short Fiction is an annual short story contest co-hosted by Comma Press and the University of Central Lancashire.

If you live in the UK and are interested in crime stories, this is a great contest to consider, with a £500 for the winner and publication for the runners-up.

Prize: £500 ($692) for first place, and publication for 10 shortlisted authors. Guidelines: Submit a short story (between 2,000 and 6,000 words). The theme for the 2022 Prize is "Crime Stories." Only residents of the UK age 18 or older are eligible. Deadline: October 29, 2021.

Commonwealth Short Fiction Prize

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is an annual short fiction contest administered by the Commonwealth Foundation.

If you’re a short story writer and a citizen of a Commonwealth country, this contest is a fantastic option, with a generous £5,000 cash prize for the winner.

Prize: £5,000 ($6,922) for the overall winner and £2,500 ($3,461) for regional winners. Guidelines: Entrants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country and age 18 or over. Submit a short story (between 2,000 and 5,000 words). As well as English, stories are accepted in the Bengali, Chinese, French, Greek, Kiswahili, Malay, Portuguese, Samoan, Tamil, and Turkish languages. Translated entries from any language into English are also eligible. Deadline: November 1, 2021.

ServiceScape Short Story Award

ServiceScape is a platform that matches freelance writers, editors, and graphic designers with clients. They offer a yearly Short Story Award with a $1,000 prize.

Prize: $1,000 for first place and publication on the ServiceScape blog. Guidelines: Accepts original, unpublished work (5,000 words or fewer) in any genre, fiction or non-fiction. Writers must be age 18 or older. Deadline: November 29, 2021.

The Roswell Award

The Roswell Award is an annual science fiction contest with a $500 prize, co-presented by Sci-Fest L.A. and the Light Bringer Project.

This is a great option if you like using your writing to unite the worlds of science and art.

Prize: $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place. Guidelines: Submit a science fiction story. Open to writers around the world age 16 or older. Writers are encouraged to explore scientific, social, technological, environmental, and philosophical themes in their writing and always, at the core, to master the art of great storytelling. Deadline: December 21, 2021.

L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest

The Writers of the Future Contest is the most enduring and influential contest in the history of science fiction and fantasy.

The contest is held once every three months, with a generous $1,000 prize.

Prize: $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place. Guidelines: Submissions must be short stories or novelettes (up to 17,000 words) in the genre of science fiction or fantasy. Open to new and amateur writers around the world. Deadline: Quarterly on December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30.

Find Out More

Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award

The Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award is an annual contest, co-hosted by the National Space Society and Baen Books, for stories about manned space exploration.

If you’re interested in the role that science fiction plays in advancing real science, this is a great option that pays professional rates.

Prize: Professional paying rates (8 cents per word). The winner’s story will be published as the featured story on the Baen Books main website. The winner will also receive free entry into 2020 International Space Development Conference and a prize package with various Baen Books and National Space Society merchandise. Guidelines: Submit a short story (up to 8,000 words) that shows the near future (no more than about 50-60 years out) of manned space exploration. The judges want to see moon bases, Mars colonies, orbital habitats, space elevators, asteroid mining, artificial intelligence, nano-technology, realistic spacecraft, heroics, sacrifice, and/or adventure. Open to writers around the world who write in English. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was February 1, 2021).

The Fountain Essay Contest

Fountain Magazine holds an annual contest for essays related to the personal challenges you’ve faced in your life.

Challenges can span from moving across the country and starting at a new high school or getting out of bed in the morning while undergoing depression. There are generous cash prizes for the winners.

Prize: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, $300 for third place, and $150 each for two honorable mentions. Guidelines: Submit a personal essay (between 1,500 and 2,500 words) on the annual theme. All writers worldwide are eligible. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was March 1, 2021).

The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize

Every year, The Alpine Fellowship awards writing, visual arts, and theater prizes related to an annual theme.

This is an extremely competitive fellowship, with global recognition for the winner and a whopping £10,000 first place prize.

Prize: £10,000 ($13,840) for first place, £3,000 ($4,150) for second place, and £2,000 ($2,770) for third place. Guidelines: Submit a piece of writing related to the annual theme (2021’s was "Untamed: On Wilderness and Civilization"). Entries must be unpublished and a maximum of 2,500 words. Poetry, prose, or non-academic essays welcome. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was April 1, 2021).

Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest

The Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest is a contest for humor poems. This is a really fun contest if you like wordplay and witticisms, and you might even win $2,000.

Prize: $2,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $100 each to 10 honorable mentions. Guidelines: Writers of all ages can submit an original, humorous poem with 250 lines or less. The poem you submit should be in English. Inspired gibberish is also accepted. Deadline: April 1, 2022.

Parsec Short Story Contest

Parsec Ink holds an annual contest for science fiction, fantasy, and horror short stories from non-professional writers, with a small cash prize for the winners.

Prize: $200 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place. Guidelines: Submit a short story (up to 3,500 words) based on the annual theme. The 2022 theme has not yet been announced. (The 2021 theme was "Still Waters, Deep Thoughts"). Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was April 15, 2021).

Bacopa Literary Review Contest

Bacopa Literary Review is an international journal published by the Writers Alliance of Gainesville. They hold an annual contest that welcomes fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

Prize: $300 for first place and $100 for second place in each of four genres: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, and Prose Poetry. Guidelines: Submit a piece of writing in one of the four genres. You can find detailed guidelines for each genre on the website. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was May 31, 2021).

Stony Brook Southampton Short Fiction Prize

The Stony Brook Southampton Short Fiction Prize is a short story contest specifically for college students.

If you’re an undergraduate and want to try a writing contest, this is a fantastic option because you have a smaller set of competitors.

Prize: $1,000, a scholarship to the 2021 Southampton Writers’ Conference, and consideration for publication in TSR: The Southampton Review . Guidelines: Only full-time undergraduates in United States and Canadian universities and colleges are eligible. Submissions must be short fiction (7,500 words or less). Deadline: June 1, 2022.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Annual Anthology Contest

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group holds an annual contest for short stories based on a theme.

There’s no cash prize, but all winning stories are published in their anthology, and you can receive royalties from sales.

Prize: Winning stories will be edited and published, and authors will receive royalties from the anthology. Guidelines: Submit a short story (between 5,000 and 6,000 words) related to the annual theme. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was September 1, 2021).

Hektoen Grand Prix Essay Contest

Hektoen International, an online journal dedicated to medical humanities, holds an annual contest for essays related to medicine, with a generous $5,000 cash prize.

Prize: $5,000 for the winner and $2,500 for the runner-up. Guidelines: Submit a short essay (up to 1,500 words) on any topic so long as it has a relation to medicine. The essay can include art, history, literature, education, and more. Writers must be age 18 or older. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was September 15, 2021).

Owl Canyon Press Short Story Hackathon

Owl Canyon Press holds an annual “ hackathon ” for 20-paragraph stories, with a $1,000 prize.

The contest provides the first and last paragraph and the short story writer crafts the rest.

Prize: $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place. Publication in a short story anthology for 24 finalists. Guidelines: Writers are invited to create and submit a short story consisting of 20 paragraphs. The contest provides the 1st and 20th paragraphs, and the short story writer crafts the rest. There is no entry fee for submissions received during the first month of the contest. Deadline: TBD 2022 (last year’s deadline was September 30, 2020).

Transitions Abroad Expatriate and Work Abroad Writing Contest

The Transitions Abroad Writing Contest is an annual contest for essays related to your experience abroad. If you’ve ever lived and worked abroad, this is a great contest with a $500 cash prize.

Prize: $500 for first place, $150 for second place, $100 for third place, and $50 for all finalists. Guidelines: Submit a practical and inspiring essay or mini-guide (between 1,200 and 5,000 words) that provides in-depth descriptions of your experience moving, living, and working abroad (including any form of work such as teaching English, internships, volunteering, short-term jobs, etc.). The contest is open to writers from any location around the globe. Deadline: TBD 2022 (last year’s deadline was October 15, 2020).

Writing Battle Summer Flash Fiction

Writing Battle is a quarterly contest where writers are assigned prompts and have 2 days to write 1000 words. You are guaranteed feedback from you writing peers, plus you can win some money

Prize: $5,000 split between the four winners and publication.

Guidelines: Accepts original, unpublished work that matches the prompts and genre assigned. Writers must be aged 18 or older.

Deadline: August 7, 2022

Atlas Shrugged Novel Essay Contest

The Atlas Shrugged novel essay contest is open to all students globally. Atlas Shrugged is a heroic mystery novel written by Ayn Rand. Choose a prompt and write a 800-1,600 word essay in English. First prize: $10,000; 3 second prizes: $2,000; 5 third prizes: $1,000; 25 finalists: $100; 50 semi-finalists: $50.

Prize: First prize: $10,000, 3 second prizes: $2,000, 5 third prizes: $1,000, 25 finalists: $100, 50 semi-finalists: $50.

Guidelines: Choose a prompt and write an 800–1,600 word essay in English. All students globally can apply.

Deadline: Annually on November 6

Each of these contests has different requirements. What works for one probably will not work for another.

But what will increase your chance in every contest is good grammar and a solid structure. This is where ProWritingAid can help.

We may not be able to write your story for you, but we can help you submit your best work.

ProWritingAid’s 25 reports provide personalized, in-depth feedback on everything from grammar and spelling to pacing, word choice, passive voice, and more.

Sign up for a free account to see how ProWritingAid can help you.

There are many resources for writers that compile lists of writing contests. You should check these regularly, as different writing contests have different submission periods. Some of my favorite resources include: Poets & Writers Winning Writers With many writers’ sites, you can filter for free contests specifically, and you can also filter by the type of work you want to submit. I usually check these sites once a season (fall, winter, spring, summer) to compile a list of the contests I want to submit to. Do you have a favorite writing contest? Let us know in the comments. FREE WEBINAR: How to Improve Your Chances of Winning the Debut Dagger , Nov 11, 2pm ET / 7pm UK Have you been thinking about entering your story for the CWA Debut Dagger this year? The deadline isn’t until the end of February but we want to help you prepare. We’ve invited Dea Parkin, Secretary of the Crime Writers’ Association, and Leigh Russell, Chair of the Debut Dagger judges, to come and share their insider information. Learn what the judges are looking for and how to give your story the best shot at winning. Be confident about grammar Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send. Hannah Yang Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates. Get started with ProWritingAid Drop us a line or let's stay in touch via: Choose Your Test Search Blogs By Category College Admissions AP and IB Exams GPA and Coursework The 17 Best Writing Contests for High School Students Other High School If you're a writer—fiction, non-fiction, or fanfiction—you can put those skills to work for you. There are tons of writing contests for high school students, which can award everything from medals to cash prizes to scholarships if you win . Not only will a little extra money, whether cash or scholarships, help you when it comes time to pay for college, but the prestige of a respected reward is also a great thing to include on your college application. Read on to learn more about what writing contests for high school students there are, how to apply, and what you could win ! Writing Contests With Multiple Categories Some high school contests accept entries in a variety of formats, including the standard fiction and non-fiction, but also things like screenwriting or visual art. Check out these contests with multiple categories: Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Award Amount: $1,000 to $12,500 scholarships Deadline: Varies between December and January, depending on your region Fee: $10 for single entry, $30 for portfolio The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards celebrate art by students in grades seven through twelve (age 13 or older) on a regional and national scale. These awards have a huge number of categories and styles, including cash prizes or scholarships for some distinguished award winners . Categories include science-fiction and fantasy writing, humor, critical essays, and dramatic scripts, among others. Deadlines vary by region (but are mostly in December and January), so use Scholastic's Affiliate Partner search to find out when projects are due for your area. Scholastic partners with other organizations to provide prizes to winners, so what you can win depends on what you enter and what competition level you reach. Gold medal portfolio winners can earn a $12,500 scholarship, and silver medal winners with distinction can earn a $2,000 scholarship , as well as many other options in different categories. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are open to private, public, or home-schooled students attending school in the US, Canada, or American schools in other countries. Students must be in grades seven through twelve to participate. Eligibility varies between regions, so consult Scholastic's Affiliate Partner search tool to figure out what applies to you . The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have a $10 entry fee for individual submissions and $30 for portfolio submissions, which may be waived for students in need . These fees may vary depending on location, so be sure to check your local guidelines . Ocean Awareness Contest Award Amount: Scholarships up to $1,500 Deadline: June 13, 2023 (submissions open in September) The Ocean Awareness Contest asks students to consider the future of a coastal or marine species that is under threat from climate change. Submissions are accepted in a variety of art forms, but all must consider the way that climate change impacts ocean life . Submissions for all categories, including art, creative writing, film, interactive and multimedia, music and dance, and poetry and spoken word are due in June, although the exact date varies slightly each year. Winners may receive prizes of up to a $1,500 scholarship , depending on which division they fall into and what prize they win. The contest is open to all international and US students between the ages of 11 and 18. River of Words Award: Publication in the River of Words anthology Deadline: January 31, 2023 The River of Words contest asks students to consider watersheds—an area that drains into the same body of water—and how they connect with their local community. Students can explore this concept in art or poetry, with winners being published in the annual River of Words anthology . Entries in all categories must be submitted by January 31, 2023.  The River of Words contest is primarily for recognition and publication, as the website doesn't list any prize money . The contest includes specific awards for certain forms, such as poetry, some of which may have additional prizes . The contest is open to International and US students from kindergarten to grade 12 (ages 5 through 19). Students who have graduated from high school but are not yet in college are also eligible. Adroit Prizes Award Amount: $200 cash award Deadline: Typically April of each year Sponsored by the Adroit Journal, the Adroit Prizes reward high school students and undergraduate students for producing exemplary fiction and poetry. Students may submit up to six poems or three works of prose (totaling 3,500 words) for consideration. Submissions typically open in spring . Winners receive $200 and (along with runners-up) have their works published in the Adroit Journal . Finalists and runners-up receive a copy of their judge's latest published work. The contest is open to secondary and undergraduate students, including international students and those who have graduated early . The Adroit Prizes has a non-refundable fee of $15, which can be waived. YoungArts Competition Award Amount: Up to $10,000 cash awards Deadline: October 15, 2022; application for 2024 opens June 2023 Open to students in a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music, the YoungArts competition asks students to submit a portfolio of work. Additional requirements may apply depending on what artistic discipline you're in . Winners can receive up to $10,000 in cash as well as professional development help, mentorship, and other educational rewards. Applicants must be 15- to 18-year-old US citizens or permanent residents (including green card holders) or in grades 10 through 12 at the time of submission . There is a $35 submission fee, which can be waived. Fiction Writing Contests for High School Students Many contests with multiple categories accept fiction submissions, so also check out the above contests if you're looking for places to submit original prose. EngineerGirl Writing Contest Award Amount: $100 - $500 cash prize Deadline: February 1, 2023 This year's EngineerGirl Writing Contest asks students (though the name of the organization is "EngineerGirl," students of any gender may participate) to submit a piece of writing that shows how female and/or non-white engineers have contributed to or can enhance engineering’s great achievements. Word counts vary depending on grade level. At every grade level, first-place winners will receive $500, second-place winners will receive $250, and third-place winners will receive $100 . Winning entries and honorable mentions will also be published on the EngineerGirl website. Students of any gender from third to 12th grade may submit to this contest. Home-schooled and international students are also eligible. Nonfiction Contests for High School Students Like fiction, non-fiction is often also accepted in contests with multiple categories. However, there are quite a few contests accepting only non-fiction essays as well. The American Foreign Services Association Essay Contest Award Amount: $1,250 to $2,500 Deadline: April 3, 2023 The American Foreign Services Association sponsors a high school essay contest tasking students with selecting a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe, in 1,500 words or less, how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years . One winner will receive $2,500 as well as a Washington D.C. trip and a scholarship to attend Semester at Sea . One runner-up receives $1,250 and a scholarship to attend the International Diplomacy Program of the National Student Leadership Conference. Entries must be from US students in grade nine through 12, including students in the District of Columbia, US territories, or US citizens attending school abroad, including home-schooled students. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest Award Amount: $100 - $10,000 Deadline: January 13, 2023 The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage contest tasks students with writing an essay between 700 and 1,000 words on an act of political courage by a US elected official serving during or after 1917 , inspired by John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage . Each essay should cover the act itself as well as any obstacles or risks the subject faced in achieving their act of courage. Essays must not cover figures previously covered in the contest, and should also not cover John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, or Edward M. Kennedy. One first-place winner will receive $10,000, one second-place winner will receive $3,000, five finalists will receive $1,000 each, and eight semi-finalists will win $100 each. The contest is open to students in grades nine through 12 who are residents of the United States attending public, private, parochial, or home schools . Students under the age of 20 in correspondence high school programs or GED programs, as well as students in US territories, Washington D.C., and students studying abroad, are also eligible. SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest Award Amount: $300 - $1,000 scholarships Deadline: February 19, 2023 (submissions open in November) The SPJ/JEA high school essay contest , organized by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association, asks students to  analyze the importance of independent media to our lives (as of now, the official essay topic for spring 2023 is TBD) . Essays should be from 300 to 500 words. A $1,000 scholarship is given to a first-place winner, $500 to second-place, and $300 to third-place. The contest is open to public, private, and home-schooled students of the United States in grades 9-12 . Playwriting Contests for High School Students For those who love the stage, playwriting contests are a great option. An original play can earn you great rewards thanks to any of these contests! VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition Award: Participation in professional development activities at the Kennedy Center Deadline: January 4, 2023 (Application opens in October) The VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition asks students with disabilities to submit a ten-minute script exploring their personal experiences, including the disability experience . Scripts may be realistic, fictional, or abstract, and may include plays, screenplays, or musical theater. All entries are due in January. Scripts may be collaborative or written by individuals, but must include at least one person with a disability as part of the group . One winner or group of winners will be selected as participants in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Winners will have access to professional assistance in developing their script as well as workshops and networking opportunities. This contest is open to US and international students in ages 14 to 18 . Groups of up to five members may collaborate on an essay, but at least one of those students must have a disability. Worldwide Plays Festival Competition Award: Professional production in New York Deadline: March (official 2023 deadline TBD) In the Worldwide Plays Festival Competition , students from around the world can submit an eight-minute script for a play set in a part of a neighborhood —specifically, at a convenience store, outside a character's front door, or at a place where people convene. Each play must have roles for three actors, should not have a narrator who isn't also a character, and should not contain set changes. Entries are due in February. Winners will have their play produced by professionals at an off-Broadway New York theater . Scholarships are also available for winners. Any student, including US and international, in first through 12th grade may submit work for consideration. Award Amount: $50 - $200 cash prize Deadline: 2023 deadline TBD (application opens January 2023) Students may submit a one-act, non-musical play of at least ten pages to YouthPLAYS for consideration . Plays should be appropriate for high school audiences and contain at least two characters, with one or more of those characters being youths in age-appropriate roles. Large casts with multiple female roles are encouraged. One winner will receive $250, have their play published by YouthPLAYS, and receive a copy of Great Dialog , a program for writing dialog. One runner up will receive $100 and a copy of Great Dialog. Students must be under the age of 19, and plays must be the work of a single author. The Lewis Center Ten-Minute Play Contest Deadline: Spring of each year Students in grade 11 may submit a ten-minute play for consideration for the Lewis Center Ten-Minute Play Contest . Plays should be 10 pages long, equivalent to 10 minutes. One first-prize winner will receive $500, one second-prize winner will receive $250, and one third-prize will receive $100. All entries must be from students in the 11th grade . Poetry Writing Contests for High School Students For those who prefer a little free verse or the constraints of a haiku, there are plenty of poetry-specific contests, too. Creative Communications Poetry Contest Award Amount: $25 Deadline: December Students in ninth grade or below may submit any poem of 21 lines or less (not counting spaces between stanzas) for consideration in the Creative Communications Poetry Contest . Students may win $25, a free book, and school supplies for their teacher . Public, private, or home-schooled US students (including those in detention centers) in kindergarten through ninth grade may enter. Leonard L. Milberg '53 High School Poetry Prize Award Amount: $500-$1500 Deadline: November  Students in 11th grade may submit up to three poems for consideration in the Leonard L. Milberg '53 High School Poetry Prize . Submissions are due in November . One first-prize winner will receive $1500, one second-prize winner will receive $750, and a third-prize winner will receive $500. Poems may be published on arts.princeton.edu. All entrants must be in the 11th grade. Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest Award Amount: $500 - $5,000 renewable scholarship, $350 cash prize Deadline: October 31, 2022 Women poets who are sophomores or juniors in high school may submit two poems for consideration for the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest . One first-place winner will receive a $350 cash prize, publication in and ten copies of Cargoes , Hollins' student magazine, as well as a renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 for Hollins and free tuition and housing for the Hollinsummer creative writing program. One second-place winner will receive publication in and two copies of Cargoes, a renewable scholarship to Hollins of up to $1,000, and a $500 scholarship to attend Hollinsummer. Applicants must be female students in their sophomore or junior year of high school . What's Next? If you're looking for more money opportunities for college , there are plenty of scholarships out there— including some pretty weird ones . For those who've been buffing up their test scores , there are tons of scholarships , some in the thousands of dollars. If you're tired of writing essays and applying for scholarships, consider some of these colleges that offer complete financial aid packages . Trending Now How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA How to Write an Amazing College Essay What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For? ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take? When should you take the SAT or ACT? Get Your Free Find Your Target SAT Score Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer Score 800 on SAT Math Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing How to Improve Your Low SAT Score Score 600 on SAT Math Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing Find Your Target ACT Score Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer Get a 36 on ACT English Get a 36 on ACT Math Get a 36 on ACT Reading Get a 36 on ACT Science How to Improve Your Low ACT Score Get a 24 on ACT English Get a 24 on ACT Math Get a 24 on ACT Reading Get a 24 on ACT Science Stay Informed Get the latest articles and test prep tips! Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education. Ask a Question Below Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply! Advertisement Supported by Our 2024-25 Student Contest Calendar Ten challenges that invite teenagers to engage, experiment, reflect and create — via writing, photography, audio, video and more.   By The Learning Network Our Election 2024 Student Conversation Forums Starting Sept. 10, we’re inviting teenagers to reflect on their civic and political values, beliefs and identity and share their perspectives on current issues. Coming of Age in 2024: Explore Your Political Identity and Values What can you show or tell us to help explain what it’s like to grow up in this political moment? Submit in words, images, audio or video, from Oct. 2 to Nov. 4.   By Katherine Schulten Tiny Memoir Contest for Students: Write a 100-Word Personal Narrative We invite teenagers to tell a true story about a meaningful life experience in just 100 words. Contest dates: Nov. 6 to Dec. 4, 2024. Forum 1 | How Does Your Identity Inform Your Political Beliefs and Values? We invite you to introduce yourself and to think about when you first became aware of having political opinions. What do you think shaped them? Have they changed over time? By Katherine Schulten On Stonehenge and Mispronouncing ‘Kamala’: The Winners of Our Week 10 Summer Reading Contest As our contest comes to a close, we honor both a video and an essay, and hear from students and judges about their experiences participating this year. By The Learning Network ‘A Battleground in an Intergenerational Conflict’: The Week 9 Winner of Our Summer Reading Contest In a short video, Vanessa Chen, 16, muses about the meaning of the current “sock war” between millennials and Gen Z. ‘My Descent Into the True Crime Rabbit Hole’: The Week 8 Winner of Our Summer Reading Contest Hayne Kim, 16, writes about how an essay in the Times Opinion section made her rethink her binge-watch habits. Summer Reading Contest, Week 10: What Got Your Attention in The Times This Week? To participate, submit your response here by Aug. 16 at 9 a.m. Eastern. This week’s winners will be announced by Aug. 28. Open Letters: Our Opinion-Writing Contest We invite students to write public-facing letters to people or groups about issues that matter to them. Contest dates: March 12 to April 16, 2025. How to … : An Informational Writing Contest for Teenagers We invite students to explain how to do any task in 400 words or fewer. Contest dates: Feb. 12 to March 12, 2025. Our Student Podcast Contest We invite students to create an original podcast of five minutes or less that informs or entertains. Contest dates: April 16 to May 14, 2025. Students, Tell Us About Your Experience With the Summer Reading Contest. This year we added the option of submitting a 90-second video response. What did you think? Teach Writing With The New York Times: Our 2024-25 Curriculum Our nine writing units are based on real-world features like reviews, photo essays, narratives, podcasts and more. How to Win Essay Contests: A Step-by-Step Guide 10 Steps to Writing Contest-Winning Essays Creative Contests Tips and Tricks Dream Vacations Win Electronics Home and Garden Win Vehicles Jewelry and Clothing Types of Contests Frugal Living Fine Arts & Crafts Card Games & Gambling Cars & Motorcycles Playing Music University of Maryland Did you know that you can win prizes with your writing skills? Essay contests are a fun way to turn your creativity and your command of the written word into great prizes. But how do you give your essay the edge that gets it picked from among all of the other entries? Here's a step-by-step guide to writing essays that impress judges. Follow these steps for your best chances of winning writing contests. Read the Essay Contest Rules The first thing that you should do to win essay contests is to read the rules thoroughly. Overlooking one small detail could be the difference between winning the contest and wasting your time. Pay special attention to: The contest's start and end dates. How often you're allowed to enter. The word or character count . The contest's theme. The criteria that the judges will use to pick the winners. Who the sponsoring company is, and what their branding is like. And any other details the sponsor requires. It might help you to print out the sweepstakes rules and highlight the most important elements, or to take notes and keep them close at hand as you write. If you summarize the relevant rules in a checklist, you can easily check the requirements off when you've finished your essay to ensure you haven't overlooked anything. Brainstorm Your Essay Ideas Many people want to jump right into writing their essay, but it's a better idea to take some time to brainstorm different ideas before you start. Oftentimes, your first impulse isn't your best. The Calgary Tutoring Centre lists several reasons why brainstorming improves your writing . According to their article, brainstorming lets you: "Eliminate weaker ideas or make weaker ideas stronger. Select only the best and most relevant topics of discussion for your essay while eliminating off-topic ideas. Or, generate a new topic that you might have left out that fits with others." For a great brainstorming session, find a distraction-free area and settle in with a pen and paper, or your favorite method to take notes. A warm beverage and a healthy snack might aid your process. Then, think about your topic and jot down quick words and phrases that are relevant to your theme. This is not the time to polish your ideas or try to write them coherently. Just capture enough of the idea that you know what you meant when you review your notes. Consider different ways that you can make the contest theme personal, come at it from a different angle, or stand out from the other contest entries. Can you make a serious theme funny? Can you make your ideas surprising and unexpected? Write down all your ideas, but don't judge them yet. The more ideas you can come up with, the better. Select the Essay Concept that Best Fits the Contest's Theme and Sponsor Once you've finished brainstorming, look over all of your ideas to pick the one you want to develop for your essay contest entry. While you're deciding, think about what might appeal to the essay contest's sponsor. Do you have a way of working the sponsor's products into your essay? Does your concept fit the sponsor's company image? An essay that might be perfect for a Budweiser contest might fall completely flat when Disney is the sponsor. This is also a good time to consider whether any of your rejected ideas would make good secondary themes for your essay. Use a Good Hook to Grab the Reader's Attention When it's time to start writing your essay, remember that the first sentence is the most important. You want to ensure that your first paragraph is memorable and grabs the reader's attention. When you start with a powerful, intriguing, moving, or hilarious first sentence, you hook your readers' interest and stick out in their memory when it is time to pick winners. Writer's Digest has some excellent tips on how to hook readers at the start of an essay in their article, 10 Ways to Hook Your Reader (and Reel Them in for Good) . For ideas on how to make your essay unforgettable, see Red Mittens, Strong Hooks, and Other Ways to Make Your Essay Spectacular . Write the First Draft of Your Essay Now, it's time to get all of your thoughts down on paper (or on your computer). Remember that this is a first draft, so don't worry about perfect grammar or if you are running over your word count.  Instead, focus on whether your essay is hitting the right emotional notes, how your story comes across, whether you are using the right voice, and if you are communicating everything you intend to. First drafts are important because they help you overcome your reluctance to write. You are not trying to be good yet, you are trying to simply tell your story. Polishing that story will come later. They also organize your writing. You can see where your ideas fit and where you need to restructure to give them more emotional impact. Finally, a first draft helps you keep your ideas flowing without letting details slow you down. You can even skip over parts that you find challenging, leaving notes for your next revision. For example, you could jot down "add statistics" or "get a funny quote from Mom" and come back to those time-consuming points later. Revise Your Essay for Flow and Organization Once you've written the first draft of your essay, look over it to ensure that it flows. Is your point well-made and clear? Do your thoughts flow smoothly from one point to another? Do the transitions make sense? Does it sound good when you read it aloud? This is also the time to cut out extraneous words and ensure you've come in under the word count limit. Generally, cutting words will improve your writing. In his book, On Writing , Stephen King writes that he once received a rejection that read: "Formula for success: 2nd Draft = 1st Draft – 10%." In other words, the first draft can always use some trimming to make the best parts shine. If you'd like some tips on how to improve your first draft, check out these tips on how to self-edit . Keep an Eye Out for "Red Mittens" In her fantastic book, The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio , Terry Ryan talked about how her mother Evelyn used "red mittens" to help her be more successful with contest entries. As she put it: "The purpose of the Red Mitten was almost self-explanatory -- it made an entry stand out from the rest. In a basket of mittens, a red one will be noticed." Rhyme, alliteration, inner rhyme, puns, and coined words were some of the red mittens that Evelyn Ryan used to make her entries pop. Your essay's red mitten might be a clever play on words, a dash of humor, or a heart-tuggingly poignant story that sticks in the judges' minds. If your first draft is feeling a little bland, consider whether you can add a red mitten to spice up your story. Put Your Contest Entry Aside Now that you have a fairly polished draft of your essay contest entry, put it aside and don't look at it for a little while. If you have time before the contest ends, put your essay away for at least a week and let your mind mull over the idea subconsciously for a little while. Many times, people think of exactly what their essay needs to make it perfect... right after they have hit the submit button. Letting your entry simmer in your mind for a while gives you the time to come up with these great ideas before it's too late. Revise Your Essay Contest Entry Again Now, it's time to put the final polish on your essay. Have you said everything you wanted to? Have you made your point? Does the essay sound good when you read it out loud? Can you tighten up the prose by making additional cuts in the word count? In this phase, it helps to enlist the help of friends or family members. Read your essay to them and check their reactions. Did they smile at the right parts? Were they confused by anything? Did they connect with the idea behind the story? This is also a good time to ensure you haven't made any grammar or spelling mistakes. A grammar checker like Grammarly is very helpful for catching those little mistakes your eyes gloss over. But since even computer programs make mistakes sometimes, so it's helpful to have another person — a good friend or family member — read it through before you submit it. Read the Essay Contest Rules One Last Time If you've been following these directions, you've already read through the contest rules carefully. 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It’s a community experience where you can interact with fellow poets and writers, and learn from each other’s work. So, it’s our job to provide you with an updated and detailed list of writing contests 2023! But which contests should you participate in? Out of the hundreds of poetry contests, short story competitions, and essay contests held each year, which ones will best reward your hard work? As experts who provide self-publishing services , we want nothing but success for you. What better way to ensure this than to bring you the best writing competitions 2023? Transform your book, short story, essay, or poem into a masterpiece! Learn more Here are the best international writing competitions 2023: Poetry competitions 2023 1. the bridport poetry prize  . The top three winning poems are automatically entered into the Forward Prize For Poetry competition, with the chance to win a further £1000. The first prize also features in the Bridport anthology. Word count: 42 lines Prizes:   £5,000, £1,000, £500, ten prizes of £100 Entry fee: £12 Closing date: 31 May 2023 2. International Poetry Contest The winning entry for this poetry competition will be published in the Fall 2023 issue of Atlanta Review . Fifty additional entries will be published in the contest issue and will receive an award and a free copy.  Word count: 5 poems Prize: $1,000 Entry fee: $15 Closing date: 01 May 2023 3. The 9th Singapore Poetry Contest   This poetry contest invites entries on any theme, provided they incorporate the word “snail”. Simultaneous submissions are not allowed, and the poems should be accompanied by a short letter and biographical note. Prompt: Snail Word count: 3 poems Prizes: $300, $200, $100 Entry: Free! Closing date: 15 May 2023 4. Kunitz Prize for Younger Poets   This poetry writing contest aims to honor the late Stanley Kunitz’s dedication to mentoring poets. The winning entry will be published in the September/October issue of The American Poetry Review and all entrants will receive a copy. Word count: 3 pages 5. Patricia Cleary Miller Award for Poetry   New Letters has organized this poetry writing competition. Send six poems in one entry with a cover sheet stating the genre and title of each poem. All the best! Word count: 30 pages Prize: $2,500 Entry fee: $24 Closing date: 22 May 2023 6. The Auroras & Blossoms Haiku Anthology   This haiku contest is free to enter, but you may opt to donate to them. Donors will be eligible for royalties on every haiku that is published. With a 1% royalty rate for each haiku, you may earn up to 10% in royalties. Word count: 3–10 haikus Prize: 1% royalties per haiku (for donors) Short story contests 2023 7. the bridport short story prize  . The organizers for this short story writing contest enter the shortlisted UK-based writers into the BBC Short Story Competition. Literary agent A.M. Heath reads the entire shortlist and considers representation. Word count: 5,000 Entry fee: £14 8. Writing Battle This exciting short story writing competition assigns you a genre when the contest starts, and you get two days to write your story. All entrants vote for the winners, which means everyone is a judge! Word count: 300–500 Prizes: Four prizes of $800 and four prizes of $200 Entry fee: $20 Closing date: 05 May 2023  9. The Raymond Carver Short Story Contest The mission for this short story competition is to “deliver exciting new fiction from writers all over the world”. It accepts entries in literary fiction alone, so genre fiction (horror, sci-fi, fantasy, romance) is not eligible. Word count: 500–2,000 Prizes: $1000 NZD, $500 NZD, $200 NZD Entry fee: $6 NZD 10. The Folly International Short Story Prize   The organizers of this short story contest in 2023 seek “content that takes risks, screams with honesty, and celebrates life’s extraordinary moments”. Winning and shortlisted stories will be published in Folly Journal. Word count: 10,000 Prizes: $2000, $500, $250, two prizes of $125 Entry fee: $18 Closing date: 17 May 2023 11. Robert Day Award for Fiction   This short story writing competition is part of the New Letters group of contests. Make sure you attach one cover sheet stating the genre and the title of the story. Word count: 8,000 12. The Writing District Prize 2023   This short story competition accepts entries on any theme, subject, or genre. The judges will select a longlist of 20 entries, from which 3 will be finalized. Make sure to go through the contest guidelines before you hit submit!  Word count: 3,000 Prizes: $1,000, two prizes of $100 13. WOW! Flash Fiction Contest   Open to women writers worldwide, this flash fiction competition awards Amazon gift certificates to 7 runners up and 10 honorable mentions. At a $20 entry fee, you may opt for a critique along the subject, content, and technicalities of your piece. Word count: 250–750 Prizes: $400, $300, $200, and others Entry fee: $10 14. Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction   The Flannery O’Connor Award series has published more than 70 short-story collections. Short stories may have appeared in magazines or online platforms, but may not have been published as a collection. Word count: 40,000–75,000 Entry fee: $30 15. Autumn House Fiction Contest   Through this fiction contest, Autumn House awards one writer with publication, a $1,000 honorarium, and a $1,500 publicity grant. All fiction sub-genres (short stories, short-shorts, novellas, or novels) or any combination of sub-genres are eligible! Word count: 37,500–75,000 Book writing contests 16. the bridport prize novel award  . This novel writing competition allows you to participate even if you haven’t finished writing it yet! Send up to 8,000 words from the first chapter(s) of your novel along with a 300-word synopsis. Word count: 5,000–8,000 Prizes: £1,500, £750, three prizes of £150 Entry fee: £24 17. 2023 Gaudy Boy Poetry Book Prize This poetry book contest awards an “unpublished manuscript of original Anglophone poetry by an author of Asian heritage residing anywhere in the world”. The winning manuscript will be published in Spring 2024 by Gaudy Boy. Word count: 70–120 pages Prize: $1,500 18. James Laughlin Award   This incredibly specific poetry competition honors “a second full-length print book of original poetry, in English, by a living poet, forthcoming in the next calendar year.” To be eligible, a book must be under contract with a U.S. publisher. Word count: 48–100 pages Prize: $5,000 19. Idaho Prize For Poetry   This poetry book competition awards one poet with publication and 20 complementary author copies. There are no restrictions on the genre, style, or subject—the organziers are simply looking for the best manuscript! Entry fee: $28 20. 2023 Fugere Book Prize   Regal House Publishing has organized this book writing contest to award finely-crafted novellas. Translations, previously published, and collaborative manuscripts are not eligible. Make sure you follow their submission guidelines! Word count: 17,000–40,000 Entry fee: $25 21. 2023 Adaptation Contest This interesting book writing contest seeks “published books (fiction and nonfiction), graphic novels/comics, and short stories for film & TV development”. Go through all the criteria for picture books and short stories before you hit submit! Word count: 5,000 words (plus a 1–3 page-long synopsis) Entry fee: $45 / $50 / $55 Closing date: 20 May 2023 / 15 August 2023 / 31 August 2023 22. 2023 Unpublished Contest   Book Pipeline has organized this writing contest in 2023 “exclusively for unpublished manuscripts across eight categories of fiction and nonfiction”. Aside from the cash prizes, the finalists receive circulation to publishers, agents, editors, and film and TV producers. Word count: 5,000 (plus a 1–3 page-long synopsis) Prizes: $20,000, $2,500 per category Entry fee: $45 / $55 / $60 Closing date: 25 May 2023 / 20 August 2023 / 05 September 2023 23. The Bath Novel Award 2023 Along with the cash prize, the winner of this esteemed novel contest receives the Minerva trophy. Send the first 5,000 words with a one-page synopsis. Self-published writers are welcome to participate! Word count: 50,000 Prize: £3,000 Entry fee: £29 Closing date: 31 May 2023  24. 2023 Anhinga Prize for Poetry   This 2023 poetry competition awards one poet with publication by Anhinga Press and 25 author copies. Make sure to add a cover page with your manuscript. Octavio Quintanilla will judge the contest. Prize: $2,000 25. Autumn House Poetry Contest The Autumn House staff and select outsiders are the preliminary readers for this poetry competition and the final judge is Toi Derricotte. The winner receives a $1,000 honorarium and a $1,500 publicity grant to promote their book. Word count: 50–80 pages 26. Max Ritvo Poetry Prize   Louise Glück is the judge for this exciting poetry book contest! The contest awards publication and a comprehensive marketing campaign to one unpublished poet. Translations are not eligible. Word count: More than 48 pages Prize: $10,000 Flash fiction competitions 2023 27. the bridport flash fiction prize  . The flash fiction competition is part of the Bridport Prize family of writing contests. The winning entry will be published in an anthology. Fiction written for children is not recommended. Word count: 250 Prizes: £1,000, £500, £250, five prizes of £100 Entry fee: £11 28. Pulp Fictional Flash Fiction Contest   The organizers of this flash fiction competition prefer stories that are “scary and unusual, strange and unnerving”. The cash prizes may increase depending on the number of writers that submit their entries! Word count: 1,000 Prizes: £250, £100, £50 Entry fee: £6 Mixed writing contests   29. the 2023 bloom writing contest  . The European Society of Literature invites poets and writers to send entries on the theme of beauty. The organizers of this writing competition believe that “good literature isn’t confined to a particular category”, so be sure to do your best! Theme: Beauty Categories: Short story, essay, and poetry Word count: 2,500 Prize: €500 Entry fee: €3 30. Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition   This esteemed writing contest will award almost 500 winners with cash prizes and publication. The competition will be held in nine categories, so be sure to check out their submission guidelines! Categories: Various Prizes: $5,000 grand prize and $1,000, $500, $250, $50 per category Entry fee: $20–$30 (depending on categories)  Closing date: 05 May 2023 31. The Emerging Writer’s Contest Ploughshares encourages emerging writers to send their entries, and self-published writers don’t qualify. The winners also receive a conversation with Aevitas Creative Management regarding their writing careers. Categories: Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry Word count: 6,000 for fiction and nonfiction, 3–5 pages for poetry Prize: $2,000 per category 32. Yeovil Literary Prize Yeovil Community Arts Association has organized this set of writing competitions to encourage poets and writers worldwide. The contest is a great opportunity to get your work read by major agents and publishers! a. Novel Writing Contest Prizes: £1250, £500, £125 Entry fee: £14.5 b. Short Story Competition Word count: 2,000 Prizes: £600, £250, £125 Entry fee: £8 c. Poetry Competition Word count: 40 lines Entry fee: £5 d. Children’s and Young Adult Novel Word count: 3,000 words, 500-word synopsis Entry fee: £12.5 e. Writing Without Restrictions Word count: — f. Western Gazette Best Local Writer Award Prize: £100 33. The Synopsis Skirmish The organizers of this unique writing contest in 2023 want you to write a synopsis of your novel “with style but without gimmick”. Can you walk the fine line between understanding the form and introducing a fresh take? Word count: 500 Prizes: $700 CAD, $200 CAD, $100 CAD Entry fee: $5 CAD 1. Annual Mudfish Poetry Contest   Mudfish has organized this poetry contest to award deserving poets with publication in the magazine. All entries will be considered for publication. Deborah Landau is the judge for this contest. Word count: 3 poems of any length Prize: $1,200 Closing date: 15 June 2023 2. The Poetry London Prize   The poetry competition provides some free entries for writers from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Unfortunately, self-published poets are not eligible for this contest. Word count: 80 lines Prizes: £5,000, £2,000, £1,000 Entry fee: £10 Closing date: 30 June 2023  3. Imagine 2200: Climate Fiction for Future Ancestors The organizers of this short story contest seek “stories set between today and the year 2200, in a future that shows the path to a clean, green, just world.” Make sure you go through their guidelines before you participate! Word count: 3,000–5,000 Prizes: $3,000, $2,000, $1,000, nine prizes of $300 Closing date: 13 June 2023 4. Anthology Short Story Competition Anthology has organized this short story contest in 2023 “to recognize and encourage creative writing and provide a platform for publication”. Make sure you go through some issues of the magazine for some context! Word count: 1,500 Prizes: €1,000, €250, €150 Entry fee: €18 Closing date: 31 August 2023  5. The Moth Short Story Prize   This prestigious short story competition is open to anyone over the age of 16 with no restrictions of theme or style. The winning entry will be published in the Irish Times while other finalists will be published online. Prizes: €3,000, travel stipend for a week at Circle of Misse, €1,000 Entry fee: €15 Closing date: 30 June 2023 6. The Writers College Short Story Competition   This short story contest is for unpublished writers or writers who have been published fewer than four times in any genre. Only per entry is allowed for each writer, so make sure you send your best work! Prizes: $1,000 NZ, $500 NZ, $250 NZ Essay writing contests 7. the international peace essay contest for ukraine war  . This essay contest has been organized to encourage writers to share their ideas on peacebuilding. Answer one of the three provided questions in your essay and send it across. All the best! Prize: $100 Closing date: 01 June 2023 8. International Essay Contest for Young People   This writing competition for teenagers and young writers invites entries in English, French, and Japanese. The contest is “an effort to harness the energy, creativity and initiative of the world’s youth”. Theme: Youth Creating a Peaceful Future Word count: 700 Prizes: $740, $370, gift certificates 9. Free Global Writing Competition   The winning entry for this essay contest will be published in The Writers College newsletter and blog. Entries are restricted to one entry per writer, so make sure you send nothing short of your best essay! Theme: The best writing tip I’ve ever received Word count: 600 Prize: $200 10. 2023 Housatonic Book Awards   This book writing contest awards three writers with a cash prize in exchange for appearing at Western Connecticut State University, including a $500 travel stipend and hotel residency. Categories: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry Word count: Various Prize: $1,000 per category 11. Green Stories Novel Prize   The aim of this novel writing contest is to “use fiction as a way to reach a wider audience, and support winning authors to translate their stories into published books”. Your novel should be at least 60,000 words, but you’re required to send only three chapters. Word count: 4,000–10,000 Prizes: $1200, $600 Closing date: 26 June 2023 12. North Street Book Prize   The top prize winner in this book contest also gets a one-hour phone conversation with the contest judge, Carolyn Howard-Johnson. Self-published writers are welcome to enter! Categories: Various (eight genres) Word count: 200,000 Prizes $10,000 (grand prize) and $1,000, $300 (per category) Entry fee: $75 13. Geri Digiorno Prize   Raleigh Review has organized this interesting writing competition to recognize the work of multi-disciplinary artists. Send a combination of poetry, visual art, and flash nonfiction and get a chance to be published in the magazine! Categories: Nonfiction, poetry, visual art Prize: $300 Entry fee: $5 14. 2023 International Competitions   The Wells Festival of Literature has arranged four writing competitions in 2023 that accept entries in different genres. All the contests feature an additional prize for local poets and writers. a. 2023 Open Poetry Competition Word count: 35 lines Prizes: £1,000, £500, £250, and £100 for a local poet b. 2023 Short Story Competition Word count: 1,000–2,000 Prizes: £750, £300, £200, and £100 for a local writer c. 2023 Book for Children Competition Word count: first two chapters or first twenty pages Prizes: £150, £75, £50 d. 2023 Young Poets Competition Entry fee: £3 1. Submit | Valiant Scribe   Prizes: £1,000, £500, £250 Closing date: 15 July 2023  2. Amy Award | Alison Wearing   Closing date: 09 July 2023  3. Ledbury Poetry Competition 2023 Closing date: 10 July 2023  4. Doris Gooderson Short Story Competition   Closing date: 12 July 2023 5. The Sentence Expansion Extravaganza Closing date: 15 July 2023 6. Bardsy – Current Short Story Anthology Contest Closing date: 07 July 2023  7. Page One Prize Closing date: 14 July 2023 8. 2023 Start Here | Hastings Book Fest   Category: Poetry and short fiction August 2023 1. the coniston prize  . Radar Poetry has organized this poetry competition to award a group of poems. The contest is open to people who self-identify as women and welcomes poems that are “cohesive in some way, whether connected by subject matter, theme, voice, style, or imagery.” Word count: 3–5 poems in a single document Prizes: $1,000, ten prizes of $175 Closing date: 01 August 2023 2. Fischer & Cantor Prizes The Telluride Institute has simultaneously organized these two poetry contests 2023. The Fischer Prize welcomes entries on all subject matter, while the Cantor Prize is open to poets living in or writing about Colorado. Prizes: $1,000, five prizes of $250 | $500, two prizes of $250 Entry fee: $10 | $6 Closing date: 30 August 2023 3. 2023 Unpublished Contest   4. 20th annual gival press short story award 2023. Gival Press has organized this short story contest 2023 in the hopes of eventually publishing an anthology of contest winners. There is a long list of submission guidelines, so make sure you follow them all! Word count: 5,000–15,000 Closing date: 08 August 2023 5. Summer Short Story Award for New Writers   The organizers of this short story writing competition are looking for the best literary fiction. They ask only one thing from today’s new writers: “Dazzle us, take chances, and be bold.” All finalists  receive agency reviews from six agencies! Word count: 6,000 Prizes: $3,000, $300, $200 Closing date: 27 August 2023 6. Flash Fiction Contest 2023    Gemini Magazine has organized this flash fiction contest to award six finalists with online publication in its October 2023 issue. Entries on any subject and style are eligible. All entries are read blind. Prizes: $1,000, $100, four prizes of $25 Entry fee: $7 Closing date: 31 August 2023 7. WOW! Women On Writing Contests: Flash Fiction and Essay Contest The organizers of this flash fiction competition seek “to provide well-rewarded recognition to contestants.” The top 10 stories are published in the WOW! Women On Writing e-zine. The contest is limited to only 300 entries! Prizes: $400, $300, $200 8. Oxford Flash Fiction Prize This flash fiction competition runs in partnership with the Bodleian Libraries’ Gifts and Books exhibition at the University of Oxford. The £50 prize recognizes a new voice and shortlisted entrants are offered publication in an end-of-year anthology. Theme: Gifts Prizes: £1000, £200, £100, £50 9. The University of New Orleans Press Publication Prize   The organizers of this competition seek to “bring innovative publicity and broad distribution to authors”. Short story collections and novellas are eligible for entry. Self-published writers are welcome to enter! Prize: $10,000 advance on royalties 10. Granum Foundation Fellowship Prize   [Free Contest!] This book writing competition awards a US-based writer with the opportunity to complete a substantive literary work or to launch one. An additional prize is awarded to a work of translation by a US-based writer. Categories: Novel, memoir, short story, essay, and poetry Word count: Variable Prizes: $5,000, $1,500 13. The Deborah Tall Lyric Essay Book Prize   Seneca Review Books has organized this contest to “encourage and support innovative work in the essay”. Essay writers are welcome to submit cross-genre and hybrid work, verse forms, text and image, connected pieces, and “beyond category” projects.  Word count: 48–120 pages Entry fee: $27 14. 2023 Omnidawn Open Poetry Book Contest   One of several Omnidawn poetry contests 2023, this competition awards one poet with publication, a cash prize, and 20 printed copies. If your manuscript contains images, make sure they’re completely original! Word count: 40–90 pages Prize: $3,000 and 20 printed copies Entry fee: $35 Closing date: 13 August 2023 15. Grayson Books Poetry Contest   One of two poetry competitions 2023 organized by Grayson Books, this contest offers publication to a single poet. You may include a brief bio in the submission form and add acknowledgments in the manuscript, but it’s not compulsory. Word count: 50–90 pages Prize: $1,000 and 10 printed copies Entry fee: $26 Closing date: 15 August 2023 16. Fool for Poetry International Chapbook Competition   Munster Literature Centre has organized this poetry writing competition to award both new and established poets with publication. Aside from the winners, the organizers will list 25 poets as “highly commended”. Word count: 16–24 pages Prizes: €1,000, €500, and 25 printed copies for both winners Entry fee: €25 17. The 2024 Kenneth Patchen Award for the Innovative Novel   Journal of Experimental Fiction has organized this novel writing competition with Carla M. Wilson as the judge. Make sure your manuscript doesn’t contain any identifying information and add a separate sheet with your contact information. 18. The St. Lawrence Book Award   Black Lawrence Press has organized this book writing contest with its editorial staff and previous winners as the judges. The competition is open to poets and writers who have not published a full-length manuscript in any genre.  Categories: Prose and poetry Word count: 120–280 pages for prose; 45–95 pages for poetry Prize: $1,000 and ten printed copies 19. The Kindle Storyteller Award [Free Contest] This book writing contest is open to poets and writers of all genres who have published their work through Kindle Direct Publishing. While there is a judging panel, readers also play a role in selecting the winner. Categories: Any genre Word count: At least 25 pages Prize: £20,000, a book launch merchandising package, and a Kindle Oasis E-reader 20. The Eugene Paul Nassar Poetry Prize [Free Contest!] This contest is open to books of poems published between 01 July 2021 and 30 June 2022 by a resident of Upstate New York. Unfortunately, self-published works are not eligible. Word count:   At least 48 pages 21. Off the Grid Press     This poetry competition 2023 is open to poets aged 60 and above. Along with the cash prize, the winner receives publication, promotion, and distribution for their book in print and audiobook formats. Word count: At least 50 pages Other interesting contests in 2023 22. aesthetica creative writing award  . This writing competition invites poets and writers to submit entries on any theme. The cash prizes come with additional prizes such as magazine subscriptions and course enrolments! Categories: Poetry and fiction Word count: 40 lines for poetry and 2,000 words for fiction Prizes: £2,500 per category and several other exciting prizes Entry fee: £12 for poetry and £15 for fiction 23. Stories That Need to Be Told Contest This interesting writing contest 2023 invites you to tell a story—whether you do it in a poem or an essay is up to you! Along with the grand prize, five prizes will be awarded for “stories that excel in the merits of Humor, Passion, Depth, and (any form of) Love”. Prizes: $1,000, six prizes of $200 Closing date: 09 August 2023 September 2023 1. four-line poem contest. Part of the Fanstory group of writing contests 2023, this poetry competition is sure to get you excited. Write a poem in four lines with a 1-5-5-9 syllable structure. Think you’re up to the challenge? Word count: 20 syllables Entry fee: $12.95 Closing date: 14 September 2023 2. Letterkenny Literary Festival Poetry Competition [Free Contest!] Open to poets from Ireland, this poetry contest celebrates the birth of Brendan Behan and his connections with Letterkenny. Five shortlisted entrants will be invited to read their entry at the literary festival, where the winners will be announced. Theme: Against the Odds Word count: 30 lines Prizes: €150, €1000 Closing date: 15 September 2023 3. TRIO International Poetry Competition Trip Uganda has organized this poetry competition with Jon Sait as its administrator, who won the 2004 National Poetry Competition. All entries will be considered for publication in the next edition of Red Poets . Prizes: £1,000, £300, £100, four prizes of £25 Closing date: 30 September 2023 4. VII International Short Tales Contest [Free Writing Contest!] The César Egido Serrano Foundation has organized this international short story contest 2023 to promote “harmony between different cultures, religions and ideologies”. Writers can submit entries in Spanish, English, Arabic or Hebrew. Word count: 100 Prizes: $20,000, three prizes of $2,000 each 5. Manchester Writing Competition Manchester Metropolitan University invites poets and writers worldwide to participate in their writing competition. The organizers offer 100 reduced-price (£10) to participants with low income. Categories: Short story and poetry Word count: 2,500 for short story, 120 lines for poetry Prize: £10,000 per category Closing date: 01 September 2023 October 2023 1. 2024 peter porter poetry prize  . Australian Book Review has organized this poetry contest 2023 to honor the poet Peter Porter. The five shortlisted poems will be published in the January–February 2024 issue of ABR . Entrants will receive digital access to ABR for four months! Word count: 70 lines Prizes: $6,000 AUD, four prizes of $1,000 AUD Entry fee: $30 AUD Closing date: 09 October 2023 2. Editor’s Choice Award This interesting contest invites poets and writers to send “hybrid work—your lyric essays, prose poems, short-shorts, collages, micro-memoirs”. The competition begins accepting entries on 01 May 2023, so keep your drafts ready! Word count: 8,000  Closing date: 16 October 2023 3. Diode Editiona Full-Length Book Contest   Diode Editions has organized this poetry writing competition to award an unpublished poet. The winning manuscript will be published within a year and select poems from it will appear in the 17th Anniversary Issue of diode poetry journal . Word count: 55–95 pages Prize: $1,500 and 10 author copies Closing date: 30 October 2023 4. Diode Editions Chapbook Contest   The organizers of this poetry contest allow collaborations and hybrid work. Diode Editions may select more than one chapbook as the winner, and each winner will receive a cash prize and publication. Word count: 25–55 pages Prize: $750 and 10 author copies 5. Anthology Poetry Competition   Well-known among writing contests 2023, this poetry competition was “established to recognise and encourage excellence in the craft of poetry writing”. There is no restriction on theme and style, but you can refer to past issues for a better idea of what they publish. Closing date: 31 October 2023 6. National Poetry Competition   One of the most prestigious poetry contests in 2023, The Poetry Society has been organizing this competition since 1978. Jane Draycott, Will Harris, Clare Pollard comprise the panel of judges for this year. Prize: £5,000 7. The Chilling Pen Award [Free Contest!] This short story competition seeks to unearth hidden gems in the horror genre. The judging criteria are as follows: Quality, Originality, Fear Factor, and Overall Impact. So go ahead and write something to chill the panel to its bones! Prizes: $500, $300, $100 Closing date: 01 October 2023 8. Anthology Flash Fiction Competition Anthology has organized this flash fiction contest to “inspire creativity, great writing and to provide a platform for publication.” The winning entry will be published in a future issue of the magazine. Prize: €300 Entry fee: €8 / €10 Closing date: 31 May 2023 / 31 October 2023 Mixed Contest 2023 9. the bedford competition  . The organizers of this writing contest help poets and writers get published and donate all proceeds to charities that support literary and literacy skills. All winning and shortlisted entries will be published by Ostrich Books.  Word count: 3,000 for short story; 40 lines for poetry Prizes: £1,500, £300, £200 Entry fee: £9 November 2023 There are few poetry contests this month, but the wealth of short story competitions more than makes up for it. We hope that the two essay contests we managed to find keep the nonfiction writers happy! Poetry contests 2023 1. edwin markham prize for poetry 2023     . Reed Magazine welcomes poets to submit entries in a wide variety of forms and styles. You may send up to five poems in a single document with a 50-word bio. Make sure to pay attention to the formatting guidelines when you submit! Closing date: 01 November 2023 2. James Hearst Poetry Prize   North American Review has organized this poetry competition to honor its past contributing editor and celebrated poet, James Hearst. While there’s no restriction on form, the organizers suggest that you submit shorter poems.  Entry fee: $23 3. Cafe Writers Poetry Competition 2023 This international poetry contest offers one free entry to any UK resident who can’t pay the entry fee. One Norfolk resident is awarded the Norfolk Prize and a cash prize of £100. Martin Figura is the sole judge this year. Prize: £1,000, £300, £200, £100, five prizes of £50 Entry fee: £4 Closing date: 30 November 2023 4. Poulin, Jr. Poetry Prize BOA Editions, a not-for-profit publishing house of poetry and poetry in translation, has organized this contest to honor its late founder. The contest is only open to poets who are yet to publish a full-length manuscript. 5. Gregory O’Donoghue International Poetry Competition Suji Kwock Kim is the judge for this international poetry competition 2023. The poem can be on any subject or style. The organizers offer free entries of two poems each for thirty poets currently residing in a developing country. Prize: €2,000, €500, €250, two prizes of €50 Entry fee: €7 6. John Steinbeck Award for Fiction 2023 Reed Magazine has organized this story writing contest to invite entries for its Issue 157. The organizers are open to all styles, including experimental and literary. Make sure to add a 50-word bio with your entry! 7. The Scribble Annual Short Story Competition 2023   Park Publications, the publisher of Scribble , has organized this short story contest. The winning entry will be published in the winter 2023 edition of the magazine. Annual subscribers of Scribble receive a free entry. Prizes: £100, £50, £25 8. Kurt Vonnegut Speculative Fiction Prize This short story contest is open to entries in all genres of speculative fiction, from fairy tale and horror to afro-futurism and science fiction. The results will be announced in January 2024. The winning entry will be published in North American Review ’s summer issue.  Prize: $1,333 9. Commonwealth Short Story Prize [Free Writing Contest!]  Commonwealth Foundation has organized this free short story contest to offer publication to writers residing in Commonwealth countries. The winning story, along with four regional winning stories, will be published in Granta . Word count: 2,000–5,000 Prizes: £5,000, four prizes of £2,500 10. Curious Curls Fiction Contest   Curious Curls Publishing has organized this short story competition in an effort to begin publishing shorter fiction. Besides the cash prizes, the winners will receive video promotion and a free book! Prizes: $250, $125, $100 Entry fee: $2.50 Closing date: 15 November 2023 11. Ironclad Creative Short Story Competition In its second year, this short story competition welcomes writers to submit entries in any genre. Alongside the winners, ten longlisted writers will be offered publication in the contest anthology. All the best! Theme: Dusk Closing date: 16 November 2023 12. WOW! Quarterly Flash Fiction Contest WOW! welcomes women writers to submit their best work to this open-prompt flash fiction contest 2023. You can opt for a critique of your work at an entry fee of $20. There are only 300 entries, so hurry up and start writing! 13. New Writers Flash Fiction Competition 2024 New Writers has organized this flash fiction contest to award three writers with publication on their website. Entries published online or on social media are not eligible. Stephanie Curly is the head judge. Word count: 300  Prizes: £1,000, £300, £200 Entry fee: £8 (early bird entry fee) / £10  Closing date: 30 November 2023 / 31 January 2024 Essay contests 14. gabriele rico challenge for nonfiction 2023. This nonfiction writing contest welcomes creative nonfiction such as essays and narratives, but not scholarly papers or book reviews. The piece you send must be a stand-alone work and not part of a larger manuscript. 15. Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest [Free Contest!] The Atlas Shrugged novel essay contest is open to all high school and college students globally. Atlas Shrugged is a heroic mystery novel written by Ayn Rand. Choose from three prompts and submit an award-winning essay! Word count: 800–1,600 Prizes: $10,000, 3 prizes of prizes $2,000, 5 prizes of $1,000, 25 prizes of $100, 50 prizes of $50 Closing date: 06 November 2023 Book writing contests 2023 16. the changes book prize  . This poetry book competition awards a first or second book of poetry with publication. The winner also receives national distribution, extensive publicity, and a launch event for their book. Eileen Myles is the judge for the contest. Word count: 48–80 pages 17. Evaristo Prize for African Poetry [Free Contest!] This poetry contest 2023 is open to African poets who haven’t yet published a full-length poetry book. Self-published poets are welcome to enter! In the case of a translated work, a percentage of the prize will be awarded to the translator. Word count: 10 poems, no more than 40 lines each 18. Ronald Sukenick Innovative Fiction Contest   Fiction Collective Two (FC2) has organized this writing contest 2023 for American writers who haven’t published with them before. You may submit a piece previously published in anthologies, but self-published manuscripts are not eligible!  Mixed writing contests 19. f(r)iction contests 2023  . The organizers of this contest invite poets and writers to submit work that “actively pushes boundaries, that forces us to question traditions and tastes.” Make sure you follow their formatting guidelines while submitting your entry! Categories: Poetry, short story, and flash fiction Word count: 3 pages for poetry; 1,001–7,500 words for short story; 1,000 words for flash fiction Prizes: $300 for poetry; $1,000 for short story; $300 for flash fiction Entry fee: $10 for poetry; $15 for short story; $10 for flash fiction 20. The SmokeLong Grand Micro Competition 2023 This microfiction writing competition welcomes entries in fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid genres. All shortlisted entries will be published in the winter 2023 issue of SmokeLong Quarterly. Word count: 400 Prizes: $1500, $500, $300, some prizes of $100 Entry fee: $13 Closing date: 10 November 2023 21. McNally Robinson Booksellers Writing Competitions 2023 Prairie Fire has organized these creative writing contests to offer outstanding poets and writers with publication in its summer issue. Note that a poetry entry consists of three poems and your total line count should be less than 150. Categories: Poetry, short story, and creative nonfiction Word count: 150 lines for poetry; 5,000 words for short story and nonfiction Prizes: $750, $350, $150 per category Entry fee: $34 Closing date: 30 November 2023  Other interesting writing competitions 2023 22. ink 2 screen one act challenge  . This unique writing competition challenges screenwriters to write a one-act screenplay during the month of November. You can discuss your progress with other participants and you’ll receive detailed feedback on your entry! Word count: 60 pages Entry fee: $45 23. Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest   This exciting contest welcomes poets and writers to try their hand at creating written beauty in just 100 words. The judges are looking for “creativity, uniqueness, and how the story captures a new angle, breaks through stereotypes.” Prizes: $2,000, a writing coaching program, an editing package 24. Anthology Travel Writing Competition   The organizers of this travel writing contest are looking for “an engaging article that will capture the reader’s attention, conveying a strong sense of the destination and the local culture”. Entry fee: €10/€15 December 2023 Poetry competitions 2023 dominate December, but we’ll keep looking for more short story contests and essay writing contests. Our beloved poets and writers have had a great year of writing, and it’s our job to help them further! We have also included many free writing contests in 2023 for budding and seasoned writers.  1. Joy Bale Boone Poetry Prize   Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has organized this poetry competition 2023. Winners and finalists will be published in the Spring 2024 issue of The Heartland Review , of which 20 finalists will receive a free copy. Prizes: $500, $140, $100 Closing date: 01 December 2023 2. Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry [Free Contest!] This poetry writing contest rewards one unpublished poet with a cash prize and publication. While self-published poets are not eligible, editors or anthology contributors are welcome to submit! Prizes: $1,000 3. Women’s Poetry Competition 2023   Mslexia has organized this poetry contest to offer the 4 winners and 16 additional finalists with publication. Previously unpublished poets are eligible for the Unpublished Poetry Prize and £250 cash prize! Prizes: £2,000, £500, two prizes of £250 Closing date: 04 December 2023 4. 21st Gival Press Poetry Award 2023   Gival Press has organized this poetry contest 2023 to reward one unpublished manuscript. Self-published books are not allowed. There are no restrictions on the theme or style, the organizers want “simply good poetry”. Word count: At least 45 pages Closing date: 15 December 2022 5. The Moth Poetry Prize 2023 Among the most reputed poetry competitions worldwide, The Moth Poetry Prize invites poets to submit their unpublished poems. Four shortlisted poems will appear in the Irish Times online and the overall winner will be announced in spring 2024. Prizes: €6,000, three prizes of €1,000, eight prizes of €250 Closing date: 31 December 2023  6. The 2023 Society of Classical Poets International Poetry Competition This 2023 poetry contest requires all entries to be in meter. Rhyme and other traditional techniques are encouraged as well, but not required. You may submit up to three poems in an entry if the total line count is below 108. Word count: 108 lines Prize: $2,000, three prizes of €1,000, eight prizes of €250 Closing date: 31 December 2023 7. The Tampa Review Prize for Poetry One of the best poetry contests out there, this competition accepts previously unpublished manuscripts. Individual poems may have appeared in periodicals, chapbooks, or anthologies. All entries include a one-year subscription to Tampa Review . Short story contest 2023 8. the w.s. porter prize for short story collections  . This short story competition in 2023 honors the master of the genre, O. Henry himself. Regal House Publishing will publish the winning short story collection. The organizers seek “a masterfully written short story collection”. Word count: 100–350 pages 9. Short Short Story Competition 2024 The grand prize winner of this contest gets a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference along with a cash prize. All finalists will be published in the September/October 2024 issue of Writer’s Digest . Prizes: $3,000, $1,500, $500, $100 Closing date: 15 December 2023 10. The Danahy Fiction Prize   While the organizers of this short story contest have provided an ideal word count, entries falling slightly outside the range are allowed. Make sure your entry is double-spaced and attach a cover page with your details. Word count: 500–5,000 11. 2024 MWA First Crime Novel Competition [Free Contest!] Minotaur Books and Mystery Writers of America (MWA) has organized this novel writing contest in 2024 to offer a deserving writer with publication. Self-published works are not eligible, but self-published writers are welcome to submit a new manuscript! Word count: 60,000–65,000 Prize: $10,000 (as an advance against royalties) 12. The Masters Review Chapbook Open The Masters Review has organized this prose chapbook contest to offer one emerging writer with publication. The organizers “encourage you to be bold, to experiment with style and form.” Think you’re up for the challenge? Word count: 25–45 pages Prize: $3,000 and 75 contributor copies Closing date: 17 December 2023 13. Valorious Awards This science fiction contest for published writers only features 100 entries. The organizers stress the quality of writing, so make sure your book has been meticulously edited and proofread! Word count: At least 65,000 Prize: $500, $250, $150 Writing contests 2024 The year 2024 brings us a fresh crop of writing contests for poets and writers. Stay tuned as we keep adding more competitions to our ever-expanding list! 1. Colorado Prize for Poetry   Colorado State University has organized this poetry competition to offer one poet with publication. The Center for Literary Publishing will publish 500 copies of the winning entry! Translations and self-published manuscripts are not eligible.  Closing date: 14 January 2024 2. Rattle Chapbook Prize   This poetry contest honors the form of chapbooks by offering publication to three poets. Each winning copy will reach Rattle ’s 8,000 subscribers. As the organizers say, “This will be a chapbook to launch a career.” Word count: 15–30 pages Prizes: Three prizes of $5,000 Closing date: 15 January 2024 3. New Writers Flash Fiction Competition 2024 Entry fee: £8 / £10 Closing date: 31 January 2024 4. Terry Tempest Williams Creative Nonfiction Prize   This essay contest welcomes all kinds of creative essays from lyric essays to literary journalism. Objective essays are also allowed but should have a personal touch. All semi-finalists will be considered for publication! Word count: 500–10,000 Closing date: 01 April 2024 Read our latest article, to know more about writing competitions 2024 . If you were hoping for some more short story, poetry, or essay contests, don’t worry! As more contests are announced, we’ll keep adding to this list. So make sure to bookmark this page for the latest writing competitions 2023! For more resources on writing and editing, feel free to explore our Resource Center. For now, here are a few articles you may be interested in: 2024’s Top 10 Self-Help Books for Better Living 5 Elements of a Short Story & 6 Stages of a Plot   How to Create Powerful Conflict in Your Story   Theme of a Story | Meaning, Common Themes & Examples How to Write Dialogue: 7 Rules, 5 Tips & 65 Examples    Found this article helpful? 9 comments on “ Writing Contests 2023: Cash Prizes, Free Entries, & More! ” Thanks for compiling this list, it’s very helpful for poets & writers like myself! Please add this writing contest to your list: Biopage Storytelling Writing Contest (Biannual) Thank you! Hi Paul! The contest has been added to the list. Thanks for reaching out! Hello! You might be interested in featuring the Anthology Short Story and Poetry Competitions 2023 in this list. Thanks! Hi Dearbhaile, I’ve added the writing contests to our list. Thanks for suggesting them! The Atlas Shrugged Novel Essay Contest is open to all students globally. Kindly add it to your list! Thank you for reaching out, Nelly! I’ve added the contest to our list. Anthology now has a Flash Fiction competition! Thank you for compiling the list! Leave a Comment: Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Your vs. You’re: When to Use Your and You’re Your organization needs a technical editor: here’s why. Subscribe to our Newsletter Get carefully curated resources about writing, editing, and publishing in the comfort of your inbox. How to Copyright Your Book? 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Students may submit Narrative Essays, Rhetorical or Source Analyses, Argumentative or Position Essays, Multimodal or Multigenre projects, reflective writing, and exploratory work. Submissions are welcome throughout the semester, but are limited to one per student. To submit, visit go.illinois.edu/rhetcontest . 2023–2024 Academic Year Rachel Perkins, "Analyzing Rhetorical Strategies used in Alternative Responder Program Advocacy"  Zach Simon Anonymous, “Position Essay on a Solution in Palestine” Jade Williams ​​​​ Randolph Miguel Ayala, “Reporting on Food Insecurity in Colleges: Audience and Approach” Julie Kraft  Natalie Barrera, “Decentering Whiteness from Social Work” Michael Odom Amy Choi, “The Psychological Effects of Attending Forest Schools on Children” Erin Stoodley  Drew Farmer, “Oregon's Drug Decriminalization” Hannah Thorpe  Austin Gabis, “Understanding the Danger Associated with Anabolic Androgenic Steroids’ Presence in Social Media” Barry Hudek  Sophie Gies, “Eco-Anxiety and its Effects on the Young Adult Population” Krista Roberts  Avah Hitchcock, “Societal Implications of Gene Editing Technology” Calgary Martin  Yuno Kimura, “Dance as a Form of Social Activism” Curtis Dickerson  Rachel Li, “The Damaging Effects of Ballet on Mental 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Christine Yuan, “K-Pop Fan Culture and the Perpetuation of Parasocial Relationships via Digital Platforms” Barry Hudek  Boyue Zhang, “Multimodal Genre Revision: Production of a Hypothetical Campaign Speech by Biden” Barry Hudek  Aashay Patel,  “To What Extent Should AI be Implemented in the Education System to Mitigate the Dangers it Poses to Learning?”  Cyanne Topaum   Allie Burke,  “Struggles With Sleep Deprivation in College”  Julie Kraft    Annie Mak,  “Artificial Intelligence’s Role in Healthcare”  Barry Hudek   Erdem Amarsaikhan,  “Bilingualism and its Effects on Cognitive Abilities”  Shawn Gilmore   Evan McPheron,  “The Causes of and Solutions to the Loneliness Epidemic”  Patrick Fadely   Fei-Hsi Ko,  “Single Use Plastics”  Mark Gunter   Felix Romero,  “Virtual Reality in the Medical Field (Infomercial)”  Deon Robinson   Flynn Ma,  “Mindfulness in Treating Procrastination and Bridging Social Divides”  Barry Hudek   Hannah Sundararajan,  “Deconstructing the Debate Surrounding 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Personal Finance Classes in U.S. High Schools”  Brian Landes Christopher Taylor , “Source Analysis Essay on Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Society”  Mary Rose Cottingham Ellie Rohe , “Bioconcrete’s Feasibility”  Matt Schering Emma Guarni , “Animal Captivity Awareness”  Jenn Lee Grace Yoon , “Research Proposal: The Potential Negatives Associated with Code Switching”  Krista Roberts Isabella Chon , “Environmental Racism: An Injustice that Must Be Acknowledged”  Calandra Warren Jamaira Williams , “A Letter Rewritten:  The Institutionalized Conviction of Blackness Within the Biosphere of Society”  Marie Rivera Lopez Jocelyn Gama , “Poetry on the Lives of Immigrants at the Border”  Marie Rivera Lopez Karah McCarl , “Why United States Figure Skating Must Change”  Tessa Crosby Kyle Zhou , “Moving is Not the Solution: Resolving Rural Housing Vulnerability from a Public Housing Perspective”  Dana Smith Luke Gauer , “The Impact of AI”  Zachariah McVicker Margaret Wei , “The Role of Socioeconomic Status and the Associated Risk Factors in Nicotine Addiction Development Among Adolescents”  Erin Hoffman Nicole Wee , “Racism and Vegans: What’s the Connection?”  Marie Rivera Lopez Sangjun Ko , “The Dual Nature of Hallyu and K-Pop”  Zach Simon Shelby Bushong , “Service Dog Therapy”  Jordan Sellers Zhen Yan,  “Use New Words to Treat Living Beings as Families: Let’s Use the Toulmin Analysis Method and Rhetorical Triangle”  Mary Hays Rawda Abdeltawab , “Pilot Shortage: A Massive Challenge for the Aviation Industry” Meg Morrow Amari Anderson , “Racial Prejudice in Healthcare” Yoonsuh Kim Aera Boateng , “Overlooked: Why Neurodivergent BIPOC Aren’t Getting Help” Cyanne Topaum Nia Brass , “Psychopathy within ASPD: A Perspective on Treatment” Zach Simon Roy Chang , “The Relationship Between Remote Learning and Mental Health” Yoonsuh Kim Elliot Finn , “Viability of a Novel Cancer Treatment Modality” Krista Roberts Macy Hull , “Annotated Bibliography and Synthesis on Revenge Porn” Curtis Dickerson Rebeca Jacobs , “The Impact of Security Cameras Regarding Campus Safety” Mary Lindsey Riley Millsap , “The Cost of Plastics” Kathryn O’Toole Daniel Odicho , “You Are Missing Out on the Flipped Learning Model” Mary Rose Cottingham Martin Pouliot , “Should Human Development in Floodplains be Prohibited?” Calandra Warren Anaya Prasad , “Genre Remix and Reflection: PTA Newsletter” Jordan Sellers Jenna Quafisheh , “Importance of Special Education” Andrea Sielicki Srijana Sapkota , “The Impact of Monetary Support on Poverty and Mental Health” Hannah Charity Zhuoyang Shen , “’Romantic Dream in Garden’ -The Wonderful Experience at the 2022 Traditional Chinese Culture Carnival” Mary Hays Josh Steinfink , “Implementing Music at Home” Jordan Sellers Olivia Thompson , “Social Media’s Effects on Female Body Image: A Poison to Our Youth” Marie Rivera López Li Tianxin , “Reasons that Social Media is a Great Communication Tool for NGOs” Victoria Millen Victoria Titus , “Letters Concerning the Atlanta Child Murders” Lily Dawn Dev Rishi Udata , “Drilling Deeper: The Harmful Effects of Hydraulic Fracturing” Shawn Gilmore Kotryna Vaitkevicius , “Infographic for Persons Using Opioids in the Chicago Area” Krista Roberts Miles Wood , “Psilocybin: A Revolutionary New Treatment for People Suffering from Depression” David Miller Boyang Zhao , “The Regulation of Cryptocurrency” Carrie Johnson Xicheng Zhu , “The revolution has not yet succeeded” John Claborn Yu Ziheng , “Present to a Peer” Ryan Flanagan 2021–2022 Academic Year Alyssa Marmolejo, “Censorship: A Matter of Public Influence or Corporate Benefit?” Instructor Daniel Myers Anne Schmidt, “The Effects of Media on Sustainable Fashion,” Instructor Patrick Fadely Arnav Motwani, “The Psychology of Procrastination,” Instructor Curtis Dickerson Brian Pau, “Is Solar Energy the Future for Developing Nations?” Instructor Mary Rose Cottingham Daniel Wang, “Object Ethnography for the Real World,” Instructor Neal Liu Elaine Wei, “Commercialization: The Death or Renaissance of Classical Music?” Instructor Mary Lindsey Elisabeth Zamora, “Pressure on BIG 10 and NCAA athletes and its Mental Effects,” Instructor Andrea Sielicki Emily Lee, “Synthesis and Annotated Bibliography on Cultural Impacts on Mental Health,” Instructor Mary Lindsey Haddon Lybarger, “Ad Campaign: Social Media and Its Effects on Adolescents' Mental Health,” Instructor Naomi Taub Jaya Ashrafi, “The Political and Psychological Impacts of Negative Advertising,” Instructor Naomi Taub Jazmin Villagomez-Guzman, “Source Analysis: The Relationship Between Social Media and Eating Disorders,” Instructor Erin Hoffman Jonathan Gao, “Revelations in Film: Asian American Representation,” Instructor Jade Williams Madelyn Pawyza, “Exploratory Essay,” Instructor Erin Hoffman Madison Helms, “The Scariest Mask of All: Autistic Camouflaging in Females,” Instructor Meg Morrow Riya Patel, “New Beginnings,” Instructor Kirsten Dillender Saneea Malik, “Analyzing Factors Affecting Implementation of the Sustainable Product Life-Cycle in the Cosmetics Industry,” Instructor Mary Rose Cottingham Sophia Gardner, “Shortcomings of University Mental Health Resources,” Instructor Victoria Millen Sophia Talbert, “Modern Problem: United States Teacher Shortage,” Instructor Erin Hoffman Tallulah Trezevant, “Drug Decriminalization: Put That in Your Pipe and Smoke It!” Instructor Zach Simon Zaina Anarwala, “Can we 3D Print the Future of Housing?” Instructor Meg Morrow Zhijun Zhao, “Sino-US Cooperation for Creative Ideas on Campus Lifestyle,” Instructor Mary Hays Zixuan Zhang, “Marino's Abuse of Empathy: Walked a Long Way, but Forgot Why to Start,” Instructor Ryan Flanagan Acosta, Michael, “The Benefits of Implementing Restorative Justice into our Prison System,” Instructor Sielicki, Andrea Agarwal, Yash, “Research on Waste Segregation and Composting in India,” Instructor Myers, Daniel Anand, Rishikesh, “Restructuring American Foreign Policy by Analyzing American Interventionism,” Instructor Dillender, Kirsten Aso, Mayu, “The Successful Use of Rhetoric in Sources Related to Medical Cadaver Research,” Instructor Williams, Jade Babu, Sanjana, “The Impact of the Caste System on Non-Hindu Populations,” Instructor Johnson, Carrie Bui, Sydney, “Research on Western Violence Against Asians during COVID-19,” Instructor Furlong, Madeline Funk, Rachelle, “Examining the Link Between the COVID Vaccine and POTS through Two Different Genres,” Instructor Odom, Mike Gadde, Akhil, “Weighing the Benefits against Ethical Constraints of Nanotechnology in Medicine,” Instructor Cottingham, Mary Rose Garcia Lopez, “Sandra, Drug Decriminalization,” Instructor Garcia Marquez, Issy Gu, Rachael, “Alternative Energy Sources for a Sustainable Future (Nuclear Energy),” Instructor Shuger, Alixandra Heersche, Jeremiah, “The U.S. Criminal Injustice System: The Mass Incarceration Era,” Instructor Short, Cassidy Hosey, Grace, “Synthesizing and Annotating Sources on the History and Ethics of Greek Life,” Instructor Dickerson, Curtis Junzhou, Fang, “Photographs Taken in My Writing Life,” Instructor Hays, Mary Moody, Amaris, “Snowfall, Masculinity, and Drugs,” Instructor Nyikos, Dani Murillo, Daniella, “The Mental Health of Undocumented Children,” Instructor Stewart, Catie Ovalle, Stephanie, “The Embark of My Journey With Writing,” Instructor Hurley, Michael Park, Michael, “Research on the Correlation Between Wealthy Students and Standardized Tests,” Instructor Weber, Rebecca Phatak, Mukta, “The Effects of Principals on Dual Language Education,” Instructor Morrow, Meg Renteria, Camila, “Developing a Better Bilingual Education,” Instructor Short, Cassidy Sauer, Isabella, “Comparative Source Analyses on Arguments Regarding Critical Race Theory,” Instructor Bacon, Dustin Soni, Keya, “Fast Fashion Position Essay,” Instructor Bishop, David Turner, Linnea, “Sustainable Coastal Management in Growing Coastal Areas,” Instructor Furlong, Madeline Yang, Owen, “Left-Behind Children Research Proposal Essay,” Instructor Sellers, Jordan Zhang, Alex, “Modern Technology and Their Impacts on Youth,” Instructor Dillender, Kirsten Zielke, Josiah, “Deutschland and the Future,” Instructor Hurley, Michael 2020–2021 Academic Year Willy Choe, “Music: More Than Just an Art Form,” Instructor Suzanne Valentine Marina Betancourt, “How does an authoritative style parenting approach breed more benefits in a college student when it comes to their physical health, behaviors, and mental well-being?” Instructor Meg Cole Jose Arellano, “The Effects of the BRI on ASEAN Nations,” Instructor Kristi McDuffie Madilyn Bernhard, “Are Warehouses Worth the Harm They Produce?,” Instructor Isaac Willis Anniston Brant, “Female Serial Murder Research Proposal,” Instructor Jordan Sellers TJ Byun, “Pandemic (Deluxe) by COVID-19,” Instructor Tracy Anne Travis Isaiah Calaranan, “The African Diaspora and Music in America,” Instructor Neal Liu Samar Chehab, “Research Proposal: COVID-19 Lockdown and Eating Disorder Development,” Instructor Jordan Sellers Storey Childs, “The Effect of the ERA on US Law,” Instructor Emily Renne Xiaoyang Chu, “Cultured Meat:  World-Changing Technology Is on The Way,” Instructor Mary Hays Daniela Del Bosque Siller, “The Successful Use of Rhetoric in Sources Related to Gender Discrimination in Healthcare,” Instructor Kristi McDuffie Kate Friedman, “What are the influences mass media has on body image of adolescent women of color?”  Instructor Jordan Sellers Jeremy Hughes, “Should Everyone Adopt Plant-Based Diets?” Instructor Weston Morrow Brenna Hurtado, “Disability Rights in the Workplace, ” Instructor Kristi McDuffie Kaden Kirby, “Stigma and The FDA Gay Blood Ban,” Instructor Cassidy Short Mayura Kulkarni, “Freshwater Scarcity in Developing Countries,” Instructor Curtis Dickerson Mason Mitchell, “A Solution to Mental Disorder Diagnoses: Molecular Genetics,” Instructor Cassidy Short Patricia Moreno,  “Synthesizing Sources on the Factors Contributing to Health Disparities amongst Women of Color,” Instructor Alixandra Shuger Giselle Munoz, “Use of Rhetoric in Conversation with Bilingual Education,” Instructor Erin Hoffman Arisu Oya, “Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Learning,” Instructor Rebecca Weber Noah Pogonitz, “Rhetorical Analysis: "What's the Point of College?" Instructor Jordan Sellers Emma Prybylski, “Synthesis of Retail Pet Sale Legislation and Puppy Mill Sources,” Instructor Weston Morrow Maeli Sanchez, “The Impact of Screentime on the Mental Health of Young People,” Instructor Hollis Druhet Jacob Wagner, “An Argument for a Rhetorical Change in Right to Repair,” Instructor Tessa Crosby Tianle Wu, “Self-contradiction, Fallacy and Out of Focus: Will Renkl Convince Her Audience?” Instructor Ryan Flanagan Caroline Anderson, “Position Essay on Prison Reform,” Instructor Erin Cheslow Oneida Byrd, “Multigenre Research on Diversity and Inclusivity in Panhellenic Sororities,” Instructor Dana Kinzy Isabella Chacon, “From Internal to External: The Bidirectional Influences on a Child’s Development,” Instructor Dan Zhang Xiaoyang Chu, “A Letter to a Friend: Videogames: Angels or Devils,” Instructor Mary Hays Joyce Credo, “Source Control during COVID-19,” Instructor Elizabeth Boyle Kacie Cusick, “Is Title IX Successful? A Source Analysis,” Instructor Kent Quaney Colby Garrard, “Genetic Editing: Is it in the Near Future?” Erin Cheslow Emma Glennon, “Annotated Bibliography on Effectiveness of Professional Athlete Protesting,” Instructor Erin Hoffman Eyzid Hadi, “Source Synthesis: Autonomous Vehicles and Safety,” Instructor Kent Quaney Greta Heinz, “Moral Distress Among Nurses & the Provided Quality of Care for Cancer Patients,” Instructor Jordan Sellers Hamza Mohammad Husain, “The Negative Effects of Covid-19 and its Prevention Measures,” Instructor Kristi McDuffie Xiaojun Jia, “Why do Chinese International Students Love Chinese Idol Reality Shows?” Instructor Mary Rose Cottingham Heeseong Jo, “Climate Change: renewable energy as the ultimate solution,” Instructor Debayudh Chatterjee Naomi Lindquist, “Stop Silencing Survivors: Ballerinas and Rape,” Instructor Elizabeth Boyle Lauren Moy, “What it Means to Be Asian,” Instructor Tessa Crosby Oliver Mucka, “Solutions To Decreasing The Effects of Tourism on National Parks,” Instructor Kathryn O’Toole Thomas Nguyen, “Rhetorical Analysis of “On STEM” by Johann Neem,” Instructor Jordan Sellers Britney A. Origel, “My Guardian Angel,” Instructor Michael Hurley Ania Pupa, “The Truth About Mask Wearing During a Pandemic,” Instructor Mary Rose Cottingham Julianne Ross, “We Need More Teachers on Aisle Three: A Shortage that is Seemingly Never-ending,” Instructor Dustin Bacon Aria Ruan, “Synthesizing Sources on Ethical Considerations about Neurotechnology Development,” Instructor Kristi McDuffie Mia Sabic, “Televising Hatred: How the Media Normalizes Racist Stereotypes,” Instructor Debayudh Chatterjee Brea Schorn, “Annotated Bibliography: Teaching Graphic Novels for Inclusivity,” Instructor Jordan Sellers Emily Springer, “Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: So Much More Than Just Results,” Instructor Dana Kinzy Shulamit Wu, “Promoting Democracy through Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology,” Instructor Drew Jennings Wenpeng Zhang, “My Shambling Pursuit for Writing,” Instructor Mary Hays 2019–2020 Academic Year Caedan Cervantes, “Bro Science Isn’t Science: How Misleading Claims in Fitness Set Harmful Precedents,” Instructor Debayudh Chatterjee Qianzhong Chen, “Education and Class Stratification,” Instructor John Maclean Lauren Di Stefano, “Whore Online, Madonna Offline: How the Dichotomy of Young Women’s Relationships with Sexualized Social Media Impacts Their Relational Health,” Instructor Suzanne Valentine Devon Jackson, “SORRY! (Settler’s Colonialism: Oppression Edition) Game Guide,” Instructor Kathryn O’Toole Haruya Kamitani, “Societal Influence on College Major Choice,” Instructor Emily Renne Hanifa Mohammed, “Tap Water Versus Bottled Water,” Instructor Mary Lindsey Daisy Ruiz, “The Influence of Social Media on the Political Participation of Youth,” Instructor Emily Renne Sarvani Upadrasta, “Digital Racism,” Instructor Aidan Watson-Morris Mariah Webb, “Mira Con Tus Ojos,” Instructor Jasmine Johnson Kathleen Wilkison, “What are the benefits of bilingualism and second language acquisition at an early age?,” Instructor Mary Lindsey Fan Yang, “Fisheries Would Hate the Climate Change,” Instructor Mary Hays Ushna Zamir, “The Macro Problem of Microplastics,” Instructor Kathryn O’Toole Ushna Zamir, “The Debate on Nuclear Fusion as a Viable Source for Renewable Energy,” Instructor Kathryn O’Toole Ting Zheng, “Equity Unachieved Of Women In the Music Industry Among Artists, Songwriters, Producers, and Creators,” Instructor Neal Liu 169 IMAGES PCC Essay Writing Contest Monthly International Essay Contest: Complete Guidelines Essay Contest Essay Contest Poster Templates to Edit Online Nationwide Essay Writing Contest Essay Contest Poster Templates to Edit Online COMMENTS Best Essay Writing Contests in 2024 Genres: Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, and Short Story. Up to $1000 in cash prizes for the African Diaspora Award 2024. African-themed prose and poetry wanted. Top finalists are published in Kinsman Quarterly's magazine and the anthology, "Black Butterfly: Voices of the African Diaspora.". The Ultimate List of Writing Contests in 2024 • Win Cash Prizes! Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Romance, and Short Story. The Booksie 2024 Short Story Contest invites writers to submit original short stories, with a maximum length of 5,000 words. The contest offers a grand prize of $500, along with badges for winners encoded on the blockchain. 40 Free Writing Contests: Competitions With Cash Prizes 15. Biopage Storytelling Writing Contest. There's no denying it: social media is a huge part of our modern-day lives. It's easy to get used to limiting our communications to 280-character and emoji-strewn snippets, which is why this marketing firm is hosting an essay writing contest to "remind people of the benefits of writing." Writing Contests, Grants & Awards The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we've published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Essay Writing Contests Each submission requires a $25 entry fee via Submittable, and multiple entries are allowed. Entries will be judged based on originality, creativity, writing quality, and adherence to genre, with finalists announced in October 2024, shortlisted in January 2025, and winners in March 2025. Deadline: July 01, 2024. The Big List of Student Writing Contests for 2023-2024 4. American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest. If you're looking to help students take a deep dive into international relations, history, and writing, look no further than this essay contest. Winners receive a voyage with the Semester at Sea program and a trip to Washington, DC. Your Ultimate Guide to Writing Contests Through 2024 Prize: 1st: $1,000, publication in The Saturday Evening Post. Runners-up (5): $200. Entry Fee: $10. Deadline: TBD 2024 (Annual Contest) Sponsor: The Saturday Evening Post. From Website: "Unpublished short stories of 1,500 to 5,000 words in any genre touching on the publication's mission, "Celebrating America—past, present, and future.". Weekly Writing Contests Weekly Writing Contests. Enter to win $250 in our weekly writing competition. LIVE until 23:59 - Sep 13, 2024 EST #267: Overcoming Obstacles with Writers Ink. 101 contest entries / 54 stories View contest. ENDED at 23:59 - Sep 06, 2024 EST #266: The Write Stuff. 288 contest entries / 110 stories ... Our 3rd Annual Personal Narrative Writing Contest Three annotated essays — "Pants on Fire," "Speechless" and "Cracks in the Pavement" — and video interviews with past student winners that illuminate the narrative writing process. 7 Essay Writing Contests to Look Out For in 2023 Deadline: Mid-February 2023-June 1, 2023. Who may enter: High school (including homeschooled), college, and graduate students worldwide. Contest description: The 2023 essay contest topic is marriages and proposals. High school students may focus on Pride and Prejudice only or bring in other Austen works. 50+ Writing Contests in 2024 with Awesome Cash Prizes Prerequisites for Contest Entry. Essays should be under 1,500 words; Submission Deadline. September 15; Cash Prizes. $5,000 for the winner; $2,500 for the runner-up; Who Should Enter This Contest. Creative non fiction writers looking to enter an essay contest by writing on art, history, literature, education, etc. as they relate to medicine. 25 Best Writing Competitions for High School Students 19) American Foreign Service Association Essay Contest. With this writing competition for high school students, entrants may submit essays ranging from 1,000-1,500 words about diplomacy, history, and international politics (specific prompts vary by year). Eligibility: Students in grades nine through twelve may apply. Writing Contests 2024: Cash Prizes & Free Entries! Essay contests 2024 11. The Letter Review Prize for Nonfiction [Free essay writing contest!] One of the few essay contests in May 2024, this competition is open to essayists worldwide. Entries are judged blind and all entrants receive judges' feedback on their essays. If you'd like to enter more than one essay, the fee is $5 per additional ... 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Open to students in a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music, the YoungArts competition asks students to submit a portfolio of work. Top 10 Personal Essay Competitions in 2024 Personal essay competitions are a great way to break into getting your work in print — and many great contests are coming up in 2024. The competitions help build a writing resume to help with future publication; grants and fellowships; even MFA applications.Also, most competitions bestow cash awards. The Winners of Our 3rd Annual Personal Narrative Essay Contest for Published Jan. 20, 2022 Updated Jan. 25, 2022. For a third year, we invited students from 11 to 19 to tell us short, powerful stories about a meaningful life experience for our Personal Narrative ... Contests Teach Writing With The New York Times: Our 2024-25 Curriculum Our nine writing units are based on real-world features like reviews, photo essays, narratives, podcasts and more. By The Learning Network Competitions LEARN MORE! Writer's Digest's oldest and most popular competition, the Annual Writing Competition, is not currently accepting entries. Winners of the 93rd Annual competition will be announced in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of Writer's Digest. By Tara Johnson Jun 26, 2024. How to Win Essay Contests: A Step-by-Step Guide Here's a step-by-step guide to writing essays that impress judges. Follow these steps for your best chances of winning writing contests. The criteria that the judges will use to pick the winners. Who the sponsoring company is, and what their branding is like. Select the Essay Concept that Best Fits the Contest's Theme and Sponsor. 2024 SEP Writing Contests Specifically, the NorthSouth Foundation Essay contest is intended to encourage writing skills, which demand quick thinking, good organization of ideas and cohesive writing style. In addition to all the general contest rules stated by North South Foundation, the following rules are applicable for Essay Writing Bee (Leadership In Writing ... Essay Contests Start Your Essay Today! The Ayn Rand Institute has hosted annual essay contests on Ayn Rand's fiction since 1985, awarding over $2.2 million in total prizes to students worldwide. Enter one of our contests today for a chance to win up to $10,000! Enter Contest. Writing Contests 2023: Cash Prizes, Free Entries, & More! Essay writing contests 7. The International Peace Essay Contest for Ukraine War . This essay contest has been organized to encourage writers to share their ideas on peacebuilding. Answer one of the three provided questions in your essay and send it across. All the best! Word count: 3,000. Prize: $100. Entry: Free! Closing date: 01 June 2023. 8. Essay contest winners get reward The winners of the Lekki Admiralty Lion's Club, District 404 A3 essay writing contest for public school pupils have been rewarded with exciting gifts and prizes. Seven public schools ... Lovely, Dark and Deep: Storytelling Contest Winners Offer Array of The 2024 Synapse Storytelling Contest submissions surpassed all expectations — from gorgeous landscape photography to heartrending personal essays, from campy gore to coming of age stories, this year's offerings are outstanding. Our judges had the grueling task of choosing only three winning entries in each of our four categories. Rhetoric Student Essay Contest Each semester, we hold an essay contest to honor our students' hard work. Winners receive a $75 award and the opportunity to be published in I Write, the Rhetoric textbook.Students may submit Narrative Essays, Rhetorical or Source Analyses, Argumentative or Position Essays, Multimodal or Multigenre projects, reflective writing, and exploratory work. Writing Contest The Student Writing Contest is open to for submissions from High School and Undergraduate Students in the categories of poetry, essay, and fiction. Entries can be in Spanish, English, and/or Spanglish. Guidelines. Entries in each category are limited to 2,000 words. A teacher or mentor can submit up to 3 pieces for consideration. Prison Writing Award Winners: 1992-1993 Every year, hundreds of imprisoned writers from around the country submit poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and dramatic works to PEN America's Prison Writing Contest, one of the few outlets of free expression for the country's incarcerated population.Manuscripts come to the Prison Writing Program in a variety of forms: Some are handwritten, some are typed, some are written in the margins of ... Book Review: Brathwaite flexes his writing chops and expands Black Contests. Crafters and Makers Fair; Best of the West; ... With an extensive writing portfolio already under his belt working for publications like "Out," Brathwaite's debut book is part memoir ... essay homework paper phd review speech study thesis