Looking to publish? Meet your dream editor, designer and marketer on Reedsy.

Find the perfect editor for your next book

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

DIRECTORY

Best Mystery Writing Contests in 2026

Showing 37 contests that match your search.

Page 2

The Paul Cave Prize for Literature

Tim Saunders Publications

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

Established in 2023, this contest is a platform for writers and poets to get their work published. Categories include various forms of poetry and fiction, excluding erotic work. Winners receive feedback and cash prizes, while all approved submissions will be included in the anthology.

Top Prize:

£200

Additional prizes:

Feedback from the publisher + a complimentary copy of the anthology

💰 Entry fee: $15

📅 Deadline: September 30, 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)

Reedsy | Default — Concrete Book | 2024-01

Bring your publishing dreams to life

The world's best editors, designers, and marketers are on Reedsy. Come meet them.