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Chalk Circle 1500
Chalk Circle
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The Chalk Circle 1500 competition invites authors to submit short fiction of up to 1500 words on any subject or genre, excluding children's fiction. It aims to celebrate concise storytelling and creativity.
Top Prize:
£200
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: August 31, 2026
Henshaw Press Short Story Competition
Henshaw Press
Genres: Short Story and Fiction
The Henshaw Press Short Story Competition accepts entries of up to 2,000 words on any theme. It is open to writers aged 16 and over.
Top Prize:
£200
Additional prizes:
2nd Prize: £100 | 3rd Prize: £50. | Opportunity to be included in the next Henshaw Anthology.
💰 Entry fee: $8
📅 Deadline: September 30, 2026
The Atom Learning Young Author Award
Atom Learning
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The Atom Learning Young Author Award encourages children aged 7-11 to express their creativity through writing. The contest invites submissions of up to 500 words based on a specific theme, fostering young authors' storytelling skills.
Top Prize:
A trip to Disneyland Paris, a Chromebook, a custom-illustrated cover art of the winner's story, and a subscription to Atom Home.
Additional prizes:
£50 book voucher or one month subscription to Atom Home for 10 runners-up.
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: June 25, 2025 (Expired)
To Hull And Back
www.christopherfielden.com
Genres: Fiction, Humor, and Short Story
A biennial humorous short story competition (10th competition for 2027) with no fixed theme. Stories must be in English, fictional, and humorous in some way (black comedy and dark humour allowed).
Top Prize:
£1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication in the To Hull And Back anthology (print + Kindle) plus an author interview; the winner's face appears on the anthology front cover, and their printed copy is ridden to Hull and back by motorcycle and filmed.
💰 Entry fee: $11
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2027
F(r)iction Short Story Contest
Brink Literacy Project
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The F(r)iction Short Story Contest invites submissions of short stories, poetry, flash fiction, and creative nonfiction. It encourages experimental and boundary-pushing literature.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Up to five finalists will also be considered for publication.
📅 Deadline: May 15, 2026 (Expired)
Write By The Sea Fiction Short Story Contest
Write By The Sea Literary Festival
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The Write by the Sea Writing Competition features four categories: Fiction Short Story, Flash Fiction, Poetry, and Memoir/Personal Essay. It includes cash prizes and publication opportunities.
Top Prize:
€500
Additional prizes:
2nd: €300 | 3rd: €200 | Winner also gets a free weekend pass to the Write By The Sea Festival 2026 & publication in the Waxed Lemon Literary Journal.
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: June 07, 2026 (Expired)
Science-me a story
Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdon (SRUK/CERU)
Genres: Fiction and Science Writing
The Science-me a story contest invites submissions of science-themed stories for children. It aims to promote scientific literacy and inspire young minds through creative writing. The contest has been held annually since 2018, receiving hundreds of entries from around the world, evaluated for scientific accuracy and narrative quality.
Top Prize:
£100
Additional prizes:
2nd: £50 | 3rd: £20 | All finalist stories will be published.
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2025 (Expired)
The New Adult Book Prize
The Bookseller
Genres: Fiction and Young Adult
The New Adult Book Prize is designed to celebrate new adult fiction that explores themes relevant to individuals aged 19-29. This inaugural prize aims to recognize the growing genre and will be awarded at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.
Top Prize:
£2000
📅 Deadline: June 05, 2025 (Expired)
Fiction Potluck
The Writer's Workout
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, and Science Fiction
Fiction Potluck is a quarterly writing competition open to fiction writers globally, featuring a guest judge who sets a unique challenge each period. The current challenge theme is 'Sci-Fi Western', with submissions of up to 6,000 words due by August 20. The competition is free to enter, and winners receive prizes including a two-year Duotrope service subscription (valued at $100).
Top Prize:
$100
Additional prizes:
Two years of Duotrope service for the first place winner.
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: August 15, 2025 (Expired)
Ink of Ages Fiction Prize
World History Encyclopedia
Genres: Fiction
An international contest for historical and mythological short fiction, open to writers worldwide.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
2nd: $50 voucher | 3rd: $25 voucher | Winner recieves also publication, history books from Oxford University Press, merchandise, and lifetime membership to WHE. Various other prizes available for 2nd and 3rd place.
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: August 29, 2025 (Expired)
The Adventure Writers Competition
Clive Cussler Collector’s Society
Genres: Fiction, Novel, Thriller, and Young Adult
The Adventure Writers Competition (AWC) is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates adventure writing. It invites unpublished or published writers in the action/adventure genre to participate by submitting original fiction manuscripts.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Two AWC Finalist Awards: $500 | The winner receives a 'Grandmaster Winner' trophy. Runners-up receive trophies and finalists receive a video book trailer and interview.
💰 Entry fee: $75
📅 Deadline: April 30, 2026 (Expired)
HOLT Medallion Contest
Virginia Romance Writers
Genres: Fiction and Romance
The HOLT Medallion Contest honors outstanding romantic fiction, evaluating entries through a panel of romance readers. It has been held annually since 1995, recognizing both published and unpublished authors. The winners receive a pewter medallion and a certificate.
Top Prize:
Winners receive a certificate and a pewter HOLT Medallion
💰 Entry fee: $35
📅 Deadline: January 31, 2025 (Expired)
Novel Fair 2025
Irish Writers Centre
Genres: Fiction and Novel
Novel Fair is an annual competition for unpublished novelists, allowing winners to pitch their novels to publishers and agents. It includes a two-day event with workshops and meetings with industry professionals.
Top Prize:
Present your novel to leading publishers and agents at the Irish Writers Centre
Additional prizes:
Shortlisted applicants receive feedback on their submissions.
💰 Entry fee: $55
📅 Deadline: September 30, 2024 (Expired)
Lantern Lighters Contest 2026
The Lantern and the Pen
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, and Science Fiction
A writing contest aimed at teen writers, encouraging them to submit stories centered on the theme of belonging. Accepted genres include contemporary, historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction.
Top Prize:
$50 Amazon Gift Card, editorial feedback, publication on website and social media.
Additional prizes:
2nd: $25 Amazon gift card & publication | 3rd: publication
📅 Deadline: September 01, 2026
Gemini Magazine Short Story Contest 2026
Gemini Magazine
Genres: Flash Fiction, Short Story, and Fiction
The Gemini Magazine Short Story Contest is an annual contest open to all writers. Entries must be unpublished and can be of any subject, style, or length. The contest aims to discover and publish the best literary works.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
2nd: $100 | 3x honorable mentions: $25. Publication in the Summer 2026 issue of Gemini Magazine.
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Expired)
The Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction
The Lascaux Review
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction accepts both previously published and unpublished stories, allowing simultaneous submissions. The winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication in The Lascaux Review
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: December 31, 2026
The Letter Review Prize for Books
The Letter Review
Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, and Novel
The Letter Review Prize for Books is an annual contest seeking excerpts from unpublished manuscripts across various genres. It aims to support writers at all stages and offers significant publication opportunities.
Top Prize:
$1000 USD shared by 2 to 4 winners
Additional prizes:
Winners may publish extracts of their entries in The Letter Review's anthology. Up to 20 writers are shortlisted.
💰 Entry fee: $30
📅 Deadline: July 29, 2026 (Expired)
The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize 2025
The Alpine Fellowship
Genres: Essay, Fiction, and Non-fiction
The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize is awarded for the best piece of writing on the theme of 'Fear.' All genres are accepted, and entries must be in English. The competition aims to discover and support emerging writing talent globally.
Top Prize:
£3000
Additional prizes:
2nd: £1000 | 3rd: £1000
📅 Deadline: April 01, 2025 (Expired)
Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative
Principal Foundation
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The contest invites writers aged 18 and up to submit short stories about personal finance and money-related experiences. It aims to facilitate discussions on financial matters through storytelling.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Honorarium for the winner and $150 for each of up to 20 finalists. Finalists' works will be published in Short Story Dispensers and considered for international publication.
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: October 12, 2025 (Expired)
Dzanc Books Prize for Fiction
Dzanc Books
Genres: Fiction and Novel
The Dzanc Books Prize for Fiction recognizes daring, original, and innovative novels. It is open to all writers, including those with agents. Submissions must be unpublished and include a synopsis, author bio, and contact info.
Top Prize:
$5,000
Additional prizes:
Advance and publication by Dzanc Books
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: January 01, 2025 (Expired)
The Moth Nature Writing Prize 2026
The Moth
Genres: Poetry and Fiction
The Moth Nature Writing Prize 2026 is an international annual prize for unpublished pieces of nature writing. It is awarded to work that best combines exceptional literary merit with an exploration of the writer’s relationship with the natural world.
Top Prize:
€1,000
Additional prizes:
2nd prize €500 | 3rd prize €250 | Winner also receives a week at The Moth Retreat (rural Ireland)
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: September 30, 2026
North Street Book Prize
Winning Writers
Genres: Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry, Children's, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, and Young Adult
The North Street Book Prize focuses on self-published or hybrid-published books, offering significant cash prizes and marketing services to enhance visibility. The contest has been running for 11 years and encourages entries across various genres.
Top Prize:
$10,000
Additional prizes:
$1,000 for top winner in each category | $500 for honorable mentions
💰 Entry fee: $95
📅 Deadline: July 01, 2026 (Expired)
Summer Short Story Award for New Writers
Masters Review
Genres: Essay, Fiction, and Non-fiction
This bi-annual contest recognizes emerging writers with submissions of previously unpublished fiction or nonfiction up to 6,000 words. Judged by Colin Barrett, it awards $3,000 for first place, $300 for second, and $200 for third, along with agency reviews for finalists.
Top Prize:
$3,000
Additional prizes:
Second place: $300 Third place: $200 Agency review for all finalists
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: August 25, 2025 (Expired)
The Masters Review Novel Excerpt Contest
The Masters Review
Genres: Fiction and Novel
The contest invites submissions of self-contained novel excerpts up to 6,000 words, focusing on strong voice, characters, and narrative arcs. The grand prize includes $3,000, online publication, and a consultation with a literary agent.
Top Prize:
$3,000
Additional prizes:
2nd: $300 | 3rd: $200 | Online publication + an hour-long consultation with a literary agent.
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: November 01, 2024 (Expired)
Medieval Horror Novella Contest!
Briar Press NY
Genres: Fiction and Horror
Seeking novellas or novelettes in the Early Gothic tradition, set from after the Fall of Rome to 1500. Submissions should showcase excellent writing, engaging plots, and authentic historical settings.
Top Prize:
Publication by Briar Press NY and Royalties
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: June 15, 2026 (Expired)
Anthology Short Story Competition 2026
Anthology Magazine
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The Anthology Short Story Competition invites original and unpublished short stories in English, with no restrictions on theme or style. Stories must not exceed 1,500 words. Winners are chosen based on literary merit, originality, and readability, and the competition aims to encourage creative writing.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
2nd: €250 | 3rd: €150 | Winning story published in Anthology magazine.
💰 Entry fee: $22
📅 Deadline: July 31, 2026 (Expired)
Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition
Crime Writers Association
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, and Mystery
An international competition for unpublished short mystery stories up to 3,500 words, inspired by Margery Allingham's definition of a mystery. Open to all writers, published or unpublished.
Top Prize:
£500
Additional prizes:
1-year CWA membership
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: February 27, 2026 (Expired)
Brink Fall 2025 Writing Contest
Brink Literary Journal
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Flash Fiction, and Poetry
The Brink Fall 2025 Writing Contest invites submissions in multiple genres. Winning entries will be selected and published, emphasizing creative, boundary-pushing literature. The contest encourages diverse voices and innovative storytelling.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
First place prizes include cash awards of $1,000 for short stories, $300 for poetry, and $300 for flash fiction. Finalists will be considered for publication and may receive free edits.
💰 Entry fee: $3
📅 Deadline: November 07, 2025 (Expired)
Pocket FM: Crowned in Drama Contest
Pocket FM
Genres: Fiction and Romance
The Crowned In Drama contest focuses on creating original audio series in the romance genre, specifically Historical and Regency Romance. Participants must complete 100k words by the deadline and follow specific guidelines to be eligible for prizes.
Top Prize:
$5,000
Additional prizes:
1st: $5000, certificate, community & social media promotion | 2nd: $2500 | 3rd: $1250, all with similar promotional benefits.
📅 Deadline: November 07, 2025 (Expired)
Annual Short Story Contest
Flash 500
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
An open-themed contest accepting all genres, including those written by or for children. Stories must be between 1,000 and 3,000 words with strong characters and plots.
Top Prize:
£500
Additional prizes:
2nd: £200 | 3rd: £100
💰 Entry fee: $8
📅 Deadline: February 28, 2026 (Expired)
The Page Turner Writing Award
The Page Turner Awards
Genres: Fiction and Non-fiction
An inclusive writing contest aimed at unpublished writers, offering a platform to showcase their completed manuscripts. The contest provides mentorship and publishing opportunities through a panel of industry professionals. | Use code "26REEDSY40" for free entry!
Top Prize:
Lifetime licenses to book marketing packages, a manuscript critique, one-year memberships to professional associations, and writing mentorships.
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2026 (Expired)
Catherine Doctorow Innovative Fiction Prize
Fiction Collective 2
Genres: Fiction
The Catherine Doctorow Innovative Fiction Prize is designed for writers with at least three books published. It encourages innovative fiction that challenges dominant narratives. Submissions must be in English and can include various forms of long fiction. The contest aims to support diverse voices in literature.
Top Prize:
$15,000
Additional prizes:
Publication by FC2, an imprint of the University of Alabama Press, with an Introduction by the final judge.
📅 Deadline: November 01, 2025 (Expired)
The Page Turner Book Awards
The Page Turner Awards
Genres: Fiction and Non-fiction
The Page Turner Book Awards is an international writing contest that celebrates authors in Fiction & Non-Fiction. The contest is open to submissions from around the world and aims to provide valuable exposure and opportunities for writers. | Use code "26REEDSY40" for free entry!
Top Prize:
Lifetime licenses to book marketing packages, a manuscript critique, one-year memberships to professional associations, and writing mentorships.
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2026 (Expired)
Subnivean Awards
Soma Mei Sheng Frazier (Fiction) and Albert Abonado (Poetry)
Genres: Fiction and Poetry
The Subnivean Awards is an international literary competition that seeks outstanding fiction and poetry. The contest aims to highlight innovative works that break conventional molds.
Top Prize:
$150
Additional prizes:
Winner also receives a blurb by the appropriate final judge and publication in the May 2025 issue. Five finalists' works will be published and featured in a virtual event.
📅 Deadline: February 21, 2025 (Expired)
George Dila Memorial Flash Fiction Contest
Third Wednesday
Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction
The contest honors George Dila, a friend of the magazine and its original fiction editor. It invites submissions of previously unpublished flash fiction under 1,000 words.
Top Prize:
$100
Additional prizes:
Publication in Third Wednesday magazine
💰 Entry fee: $6
📅 Deadline: August 15, 2025 (Expired)
