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DIRECTORY
Showing 66 contests that match your search.
Onyx Publications
Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Poetry, and Short Story
The Winter 2026 Prose & Poetry Contest runs two independently judged tracks: prose, covering short stories, memoirs and flash fiction, and poetry. Onyx Publications staff carry out the initial screening before finalists are selected.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
First prize: $500, second prize: $100, third prize: $50 - each awarded once for Prose and once for Poetry. Publication in the magazine. First place winners in prose and poetry are narrated and interviewed on the Story Discovery Podcast.
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: November 01, 2026 (Expired)
Free Flash Fiction
Genres: Flash Fiction
Submit a flash fiction piece of between 100 and 300 words on any theme. The judge for this contest is Emma Phillips.
Top Prize:
£200
Additional prizes:
£100 for two Highly Commended £80 for 3 shortlisted entries, all receive publication.
💰 Entry fee: $4
📅 Deadline: October 23, 2026 (Expired)
Not Quite Write
Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, and Young Adult
The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction invites writers to break traditional writing rules while crafting compelling stories. Participants have 60 hours to produce a story of up to 500 words in response to prompts. The contest is held quarterly, with cash prizes totaling AU$4,000 each round.
Top Prize:
$1,500 AUD
Additional prizes:
Winner receives AU$1,500 and the Not Quite Write Trophy. | 2nd place: AU$500 | 3rd place: AU$200 | Additional cash prizes for other positions.
💰 Entry fee: $35
📅 Deadline: April 26, 2026 (Expired)
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SmokeLong Quarterly
Genres: Flash Fiction and Non-fiction
The SmokeLong Grand Micro Contest (The Mikey) is an annual competition celebrating and compensating the best micro fiction and nonfiction online. Fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid narratives that lean poetic are welcome, in English or any other language accompanied by an English translation, and both previously published and unpublished micros are considered. The grand prize winner is automatically nominated for Best Small Fictions, and all winners and finalists are published in the December 2026 issue of SmokeLong.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Second place $500, third place $300, finalists $150. All winners and finalists are published in the December 2026 issue of SmokeLong Quarterly.
💰 Entry fee: $18
📅 Deadline: November 15, 2026
Flash 500
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, and Flash Fiction
The Flash Fiction Competition invites writers to submit stories of up to 500 words. It's a quarterly competition with prizes awarded for the top three entries each quarter. Winning entries are published on the website.
Top Prize:
£300
Additional prizes:
2nd: £200 | 3rd: £100
💰 Entry fee: $7
📅 Deadline: December 31, 2026
Walk Listen Create
Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction
The contest invites participants to write a micro-flash story of 39 words, inspired by John Buchan’s 'The Thirty-Nine Steps.' Submissions must fit the theme and will be featured in an anthology. Winners will also be showcased in a public online event.
Top Prize:
€100
Additional prizes:
Winner recieves artwork by Alban Low and a copy of the illustrated chapbook. The authors of the 39 selected stories will also receive an invitation to a private Writers’ Circle event.
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: April 22, 2025 (Expired)
Ireland Writing Retreat
Genres: Flash Fiction and Non-fiction
The WAWA challenges writers to explore the theme of 'Endings' through short stories of up to 500 words. Entries must not include the word 'endings' in the title or story itself. Winners will be announced in March 2025.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
Winner can choose either 500 euro or a voucher worth 1,000 euro for any writing retreat in 2025. Top ten stories in each category will be published on the Ireland Writing Retreat website, including a bio and photo of the author.
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: November 30, 2026
Tadpole Press
Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction
A monthly writing contest inviting submissions of 10 words or less, without a specific theme. Winners are announced weekly after a community write-in event.
Top Prize:
$50
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: June 29, 2026 (Expired)
The Booby Prize
Genres: Flash Fiction and Fiction
The Booby Prize is a quarterly flash fiction contest supporting the conservation of the Blue-Footed Boobys.
Top Prize:
£500
Additional prizes:
If you include a Blue-Footed Booby in your story, it will automatically be inducted into the Booby Hall of Fame and have a chance to win a booby soft toy.
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: October 19, 2025 (Expired)
Oxford Flash Fiction
Genres: Flash Fiction, Fiction, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, and Young Adult
The Oxford Flash Fiction Prize celebrates flash fiction, encouraging new voices and showcasing creativity in under 1000 words. This biannual competition invites writers to submit their stories for the chance to win cash prizes and publication.
Top Prize:
£1000
Additional prizes:
2nd Prize: £200 | 3rd Prize: £100 | New Voice Prize: £200 | Publication in the anthology for shortlisted entrants.
💰 Entry fee: $7
📅 Deadline: August 31, 2025 (Expired)
WOW! Women On Writing
Genres: Flash Fiction, Fiction, and Short Story
The WOW! Women on Writing Flash Fiction Contest aims to inspire creativity and recognition for writers. Open to all genres of flash fiction, it has been running since 2006 and has awarded over $100,000 in cash prizes to participants. The contest allows entries globally, and submissions must be in English.
Top Prize:
$400
Additional prizes:
2nd: $300 | 3rd: $200 | 7 runner-ups: $25 Amazon Gift Cards
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: February 28, 2026 (Expired)
Lazuli Literary Group
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Poetry, Short Story, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Novella, and Script Writing
The contest seeks linguistically, intellectually, and emotionally engaging work, aiming for complexity and beauty. It accepts various forms of writing including fiction, poetry, essays, and experimental pieces. The contest emphasizes artistic intent and thematic depth.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
Publication in "AZURE: A Journal of Literary Thought"
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: February 26, 2026 (Expired)
Genesee Valley Council on the Arts (GVCA)
Genres: Christian, Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Mystery, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, and Travel
The New Deal Writing Competition invites writers to create a short story inspired by a specific painting. The current painting is 'Playtime' by Fred Ross. This is the ninth annual contest, intended to celebrate creativity and connect art and writing.
Top Prize:
$200
Additional prizes:
Publication in newsletter
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: March 15, 2025 (Expired)
WOW! Women On Writing & Reedsy Learning
Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction
The WOW! Spring 2026 Flash Fiction Contest invites writers globally to submit original flash fiction. The contest has an open prompt and awards a total of $600 for first place, along with prizes for second and third places, as well as runners-up. Entries must be between 250 and 750 words. A critique option is also available.
Top Prize:
$600
Additional prizes:
2nd: $300 | 3rd: $200 | 7 runner-ups: $25 Amazon Gift Cards | Winner also receives a spot in Reedsy’s How to Write a Novel Course ($499 value) & a 12-month Reedsy Learning Membership ($249 value)
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2026 (Expired)
Kinsman Quarterly
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, and Short Story
Afro-descendant writers: enter the African Diaspora Award from Kinsman Quarterly. Submit original, unpublished short stories, nonfiction, or poetry that celebrates the voices of the African diaspora. Winners receive cash prizes plus publication in Kinsman Quarterly and the annual anthology, "Africa's Diaspora: Four Corners."
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
Publication in Kinsman Quarterly and the anthology "Africa's Diaspora: Four Corners"
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: December 31, 2026
Jerboa Lit
Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Short Story
The Jerboa Lit 250 is a weekend-long mini-flash fiction contest where participants write a story of 250 words based on a prompt given 48 hours prior. The contest encourages creativity within genres and includes specific character requirements. Winners are announced within a month after submission.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
2nd: $300 | 3rd: $200
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: April 26, 2026 (Expired)
SmokeLong Quarterly
Genres: Flash Fiction
An annual competition celebrating excellence in flash fiction. Previous winners have been published in notable anthologies.
Top Prize:
$2,500
Additional prizes:
2nd: $1000 | 3rd: $500 | Finalists: $150 | Finalists: $150 each. All finalists will be published in the June 2026 issue.
💰 Entry fee: $17
📅 Deadline: May 10, 2026 (Expired)
Onyx Publications
Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Science Fiction, Short Story, and Thriller
The contest awarded prizes for both prose and poetry categories, with multiple winners for each.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
Second place: $150 Third place: $75 Winner also gets publication and author interview on Story Discovery podcast.
💰 Entry fee: $12
📅 Deadline: May 05, 2024 (Expired)
So To Speak
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, LGBTQ, Non-fiction, and Poetry
So to Speak is a feminist literary journal seeking diverse voices, focusing on intersectional feminism. They publish twice a year, accepting submissions of fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and visual art, with a particular emphasis on marginalized perspectives.
Top Prize:
$100
Additional prizes:
All accepted contributions will receive a $100 prize.
💰 Entry fee: $4
📅 Deadline: November 20, 2025 (Expired)
Sunspot Literary Journal
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Script Writing, and Short Story
The Goldilocks Zone contest invites submissions for fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, artwork, and graphic novels, seeking works that combine craft with audience appeal. The prize includes cash and publication for winners and runners-up.
Top Prize:
$100
Additional prizes:
Publication for the winner; publication offered to runners-up and finalists.
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: May 01, 2025 (Expired)
The Berlin Literary Review
Genres: Flash Fiction
This contest is for flash fiction pieces of 1,500 words or less. Winning entries will be published in the magazine.
Top Prize:
€660
Additional prizes:
Second place: €100 Third place: €60 Winner has publication in the online magazine for winners and shortlisted participants.
💰 Entry fee: $6
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2024 (Expired)
Lascuax Review
Genres: Fiction and Flash Fiction
The Lascaux Prize in Flash Fiction invites submissions of stories that may be previously published or unpublished. True stories are accepted if written in a narrative style. The contest emphasizes the importance of storytelling.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Winner also receives a bronze medallion and publication in The Lascaux Review
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2026 (Expired)
Sarabande Books
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Novella, and Flash Fiction
The Mary McCarthy Prize is awarded annually for a full-length manuscript of literary fiction, including short stories, flash fiction, or novellas. The prize includes a cash award and publication.
Top Prize:
$2,000
Additional prizes:
Publication of the work and a standard royalty contract.
💰 Entry fee: $34
📅 Deadline: February 24, 2026 (Expired)
Writing Battle, Inc.
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Fantasy, and Flash Fiction
The Harvest Owl Battle is a 500 word short story challenge where writers receive 3 prompts to incorporate into their narratives. It fosters a supportive community, allowing participants to share and receive feedback from one another on their stories. Writers retain all rights to their stories, even if they win.
Top Prize:
$25,000 prize pool
Additional prizes:
$2,000 USD prize for 10x Genre Winners; $500 USD prize for 10x Genre Runners-Ups. Winners receive online publication, feedback from industry professionals
💰 Entry fee: $28
📅 Deadline: October 04, 2026 (Expired)
Gulf Coast Writers Association
Genres: Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry
The Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA) organizes an annual writing contest to celebrate and recognize talented writers across various genres. Participants can submit original works in Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry. The contest promotes writers' creativity and provides valuable feedback from experienced judges.
Top Prize:
$200
Additional prizes:
Second place: $75 Third place: $50 For each category
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2025 (Expired)
Parsec Inc.
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, and Short Story
The Parsec Short Story Contest aims to encourage non-professional writers to explore speculative fiction in genres like science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The theme for 2025 is 'ROOTS', and submissions should relate to this theme. The contest has no entry fee and supports young writers through a special Youth Story Prize.
Top Prize:
$200
Additional prizes:
2nd: $100 | 3rd: $50
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Expired)
Tadpole Press
Genres: Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult, Children's, Poetry, Romance, Short Story, Suspense, and Travel
The Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest welcomes entries of 100 words or less on any theme. It emphasizes creativity, uniqueness, and growth in writing, encouraging diverse voices.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
1st: $1000 + a 2-year Duotrope Gift Certificate | 2nd: Publishing and marketing package | 3rd: Manuscript assessment package | 4th place: Editing package with Tadpole Press | 5th & 6th: Writing coaching package | 7th to 30th: Additional cash prizes.
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: November 30, 2026
Writers Alliance of Gainesville
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, and Short Story
The Bacopa Literary Review is an annual international print journal seeking engaging and original submissions across multiple genres. The contest includes various categories with specific guidelines to encourage diverse forms of writing.
Top Prize:
$200
Additional prizes:
$100 Honorable Mention in each of six categories
💰 Entry fee: $3
📅 Deadline: June 01, 2025 (Expired)
Hayden's Ferry Review
Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Poetry
The contest welcomes submissions for fiction and poetry. Winners will be published and receive monetary prizes. Judges include established authors.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Winner also receives publication in Hayden's Ferry Review. $250 for runners-up in each genre and publication
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: February 28, 2026 (Expired)
Desperate Literature
Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Short Story
The Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize aims to celebrate new short fiction under 2000 words and provide visibility to winners through various publishing opportunities. This year, the prize includes cash rewards and writing retreats, alongside publication chances in several literary journals.
Top Prize:
€2,000 + a week’s residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, consultation with Literary Agent Charlotte Seymour, and a manuscript assessment with The Literary Consultancy.
Additional prizes:
2nd and 3rd place: €1000. Publication in partner journals for all shortlisted writers.
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: April 19, 2026 (Expired)
F(r)iction (Brink Literacy Project)
Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, Poetry, and Short Story
F(r)iction, an imprint of Brink Literacy Project, is open for its Fall 2026 contests in short story, flash fiction and poetry. The editors want work that pushes boundaries, takes risks, has strong narratives and feels fresh. Results are announced in April 2027. Theme: open — no set theme.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Poetry: $300 | Flash Fiction: $300 ($1,600 total). Up to five finalists considered for publication. Fees by category: Short Story $15, Flash Fiction $10 (3-pack $12), Poetry $10 (3-pack $12). No AI submissions.
💰 Entry fee: $11
📅 Deadline: November 13, 2026
Julie Midroni
Genres: Flash Fiction and Short Story
An annual international writing competition aimed at fundraising for Tourette Canada. Participants submit flash fiction or short stories (up to 1000 words) without a specific prompt. The contest is open to everyone, not just those with Tourette Syndrome.
Top Prize:
$200
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: December 31, 2025 (Expired)
Ethos Literacy
Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Short Story
The contest invites participants to write a story of exactly 100 words on topics like envy, eyeglasses, nightmares, or turtles. It is open to all ages, including international writers. Winning stories will be published in an e-zine.
Top Prize:
$200
Additional prizes:
Best of Category: writer's gift for four winners; Best Youth Story: writer's gift.
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: March 01, 2026 (Expired)
Minds Shine Bright
Genres: Fiction, Flash Fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, and Short Story
The Places Writing Competition invites stories and poems about places that inspire or challenge writers. It includes various categories like poetry, short stories, and flash fiction, and aims to highlight the significance of places in literature.
Top Prize:
The overall winner receives $1500 AUD and publication in the anthology.
Additional prizes:
Up to $200 for commended entries, $50 for young writers.
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2025 (Expired)
FLARE Magazine
Genres: Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, and Short Story
This contest invites submissions that explore the theme 'Disability as a Strength', showcasing narratives around managing mental health, disabilities, and chronic illnesses. It is a chance for writers to express how these experiences have fortified their identities.
Top Prize:
$125
Additional prizes:
1st: $125 & online publication | 2nd: $75 | 3rd: $50 | 3 runners-up will also receive online publication.
📅 Deadline: March 01, 2026 (Expired)
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