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DIRECTORY

Best Fantasy Writing Contests in 2025

Showing 44 contests that match your search.

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Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story, and Fantasy

The Not Quite Write Prize for FLESH Fiction invites submissions of erotic stories up to 1,500 words based on the theme 'Making the unsexy irresistible'. The competition is open to adults worldwide, free to enter, and aims to explore creative interpretations of erotic fiction. Judging is blind, and winners will be announced publicly.

Top Prize:

$500 AUS

Additional prizes:

Total prize pool of AU$1,000 plus a range of "spicy" prizes and a chance at print publication.

💰 Entry fee: $0

📅 Deadline: August 24, 2025 (Expired)

GNU DLE Short Story Writing Contest

Gyeongsang National University, Department of Language Education

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, and Travel

The contest aims to publish a magazine of short stories across various genres. Stories must fit specific word counts and themes, and will be evaluated by staff judges.

Top Prize:

$250

Additional prizes:

Prize for the winner in each genre.

📅 Deadline: October 01, 2025 (Expired)

Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, and Travel

The competition invites writers to submit short stories of up to 1000 words, excluding children's and young adult fiction. The entry fee varies based on the number of submissions. Winners will be announced in February 2026.

Top Prize:

£500

Additional prizes:

Publication on the website and free assessment for 2nd and 3rd placed entries.

💰 Entry fee: $7

📅 Deadline: November 30, 2025 (Expired)

100 Word Writing Contest

Tadpole Press

Genres: Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult, Children's, Poetry, Romance, Short Story, Suspense, and Travel

The contest invites submissions of creative works of 100 words or less. It encourages diverse voices and unique stories focused on the theme of truth-telling across any genre.

Top Prize:

$1,000

Additional prizes:

2nd: Publishing and marketing package valued at $6,000 | 3rd: Manuscript assessment package ($1,500-$3,000) | 4th place: Editing package ($1,500) | 5th & 6th: Writing coaching ($500) | 7th-10th: $200 | 11th-15th: $150 | 16th-20th: $100 | 21st-30th: $50

💰 Entry fee: $15

📅 Deadline: November 30, 2025 (Expired)

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller, and Young Adult

The Colorado Gold Rush Literary Awards Contest is aimed at unpublished writers of novel-length fiction, offering feedback and exposure to literary agents and editors. It encourages diverse voices and celebrates various genres.

Top Prize:

$150

Additional prizes:

Winner receives official certificate, trophy, and reading during the conference luncheon. Three finalists receive $50, certificate, and pitch session with agents.

💰 Entry fee: $25

📅 Deadline: May 01, 2025 (Expired)

Genres: Fiction, Romance, and Fantasy

The contest invites authors to create stories inspired by mythology, encouraging creativity in retelling or exploring myths through original narratives. It emphasizes global mythological themes.

Top Prize:

$300

Additional prizes:

2nd: $150 | 3rd: $50 | Winner receives 1 year of Galatea Unlimited and CandyJar, Inkitt VIP Badge, Contest Winner badge for your book cover, Instagram feature.

📅 Deadline: January 31, 2026

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, and Young Adult

The 2025 Book Pipeline Unpublished Contest aims to discover unpublished manuscripts across ten categories. Winners receive $25,000, industry circulation, and executive development opportunities. It is open to writers aged 18 and older, with specific submission guidelines based on categories.

Top Prize:

$25,000

Additional prizes:

$2,500 for each category winner

💰 Entry fee: $45

📅 Deadline: September 25, 2025 (Expired)

Heart Fiction Battle

Writing Battle

Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, and Young Adult

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Top Prize:

$1,500

Additional prizes:

Genre Runner-up (x4): $375 Feedback by industry professionals

💰 Entry fee: $20

📅 Deadline: August 02, 2024 (Expired)

Writers of the Future

Writers of the Future

Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Fantasy, and Science Fiction

The Writers of the Future Contest, initiated by L. Ron Hubbard in 1983, supports new writers in science fiction and fantasy, judged by leading authors. Winners receive cash prizes and recognition. The contest encourages original works and offers a platform for upcoming writers.

Top Prize:

$5,000

📅 Deadline: September 30, 2025 (Expired)

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