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2025 Canadian Jewish Playwriting Competition
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
Genres: Script Writing
The Canadian Jewish Playwriting Competition is a bi-annual event that encourages playwrights to submit original works. It aims to promote Jewish culture and stories through theatre, with strong participation from across Canada and other countries.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Winner receives $1,000 CDN and an 8-hour CAEA workshop with a director and up to six actors. This workshop concludes with a public reading.
💰 Entry fee: $0
📅 Deadline: May 25, 2025 (Expired)
The Lascaux Prize in Poetry
The Lascaux Review
Genres: Poetry
The Lascaux Prize in Poetry invites submissions of previously published or unpublished poems. The winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review. There is no limit to the number of entries, and up to five poems can be submitted per entry.
Top Prize:
$1,000
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Expired)
ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize
Australian Book Review
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize is an annual competition for short stories. Further details on submission and eligibility are outlined on the main prize page.
Top Prize:
$6000 AUD
Additional prizes:
2nd: $4000 AUD 3rd: $2500 AUD
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: May 05, 2025 (Expired)
The TRP Southern Breakthrough Series
Texas Review Press
Genres: Poetry
This series highlights first full-length collections by emerging authors from southern U.S. states. Submissions are open annually from December 1 to March 1.
Top Prize:
Copies of the published book and a standard royalty contract
📅 Deadline: March 01, 2025 (Expired)
Irene Adler Prize
Lucas Ackroyd
Genres: Essay and Non-fiction
The Irene Adler Prize is a scholarship for women writers, offering $1,000 to support their education in journalism, creative writing, or literature. The prize aims to celebrate and elevate women's voices in writing.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
2x honorable mentions: $250 Winner also receives a scholarship for education
📅 Deadline: January 31, 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
The Plaza Poetry Prize
The Plaza Prizes Ltd.
Genres: Poetry
The Plaza Poetry Prize (60 lines) is an international competition with the aim of discovering, publishing, and promoting talented new writers. Judged by Pulitzer Prize-winner Natalie Diaz, it offers cash prizes and publication opportunities for shortlisted entries.
Top Prize:
$5,000
Additional prizes:
First Place: £4000 / $5000 + publication in the anthology + nomination for The Forward Prize (Top prize of £1000 / $1200). Second Prize: £300 / $360. Third Prize: £100 / $120.
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: February 28, 2025 (Expired)
Vocal Challenges
Creatd
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, and Short Story
Vocal Challenges invite writers to enter themed storytelling contests for a chance to win cash, prizes, experiences, and more.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
2nd place: $200, 15 runners-up: $15 each
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: January 11, 2025 (Expired)
Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction
Letter Review
Genres: Short Story and Fiction
The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction is an internationally recognized writing contest that supports emerging writers. It offers monetary awards and publication opportunities, celebrating a diverse range of voices.
Top Prize:
$1000 USD shared by 2 to 4 winners.
Additional prizes:
Publication by The Letter Review. Up to 20 writers shortlisted. Publication and consideration for the Pushcart Prize and anthologies.
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: July 31, 2026
The Failing Writers Podcast Flash Fiction Competition
The Failing Writers Podcast
Genres: Flash Fiction
The competition invites entries of flash fiction up to 300 words on the theme of 'a lie'. A special secret phrase must also be included, revealed in the podcast episode on September 29. The contest is sponsored by Scrivener.
Top Prize:
£500
Additional prizes:
Extra prizes may be awarded to runners-up.
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: October 24, 2025 (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)
Travel Writing Award
Ottawa Tourism
Genres: Travel
The Travel Writing Award invites writers to explore and share their experiences in Ottawa and its surroundings. It emphasizes capturing the essence of travel through a narrative lens.
Top Prize:
$1000 CAD
Additional prizes:
Winning entries will also be featured in Ottawa Tourism publications
📅 Deadline: February 17, 2026 (Expired)
Open Prize
National Poetry Series
Genres: Poetry
The NPS Open Competition invites submissions of book-length poetry manuscripts from U.S. residents and American citizens abroad. Winners receive cash prizes and publication.
Top Prize:
$10,000
Additional prizes:
Publication of a full-length manuscript by a participating publisher.
💰 Entry fee: $35
📅 Deadline: March 21, 2025 (Expired)
Swamp Pink Prizes
Swamp Pink
Genres: Essay, Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, and Short Story
The Swamp Pink Prizes celebrate excellence in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Each winner receives $2,000 and publication in an upcoming issue of Swamp Pink. The contest is open for submissions throughout January.
Top Prize:
$200
Additional prizes:
Publication in an upcoming issue of Swamp Pink
💰 Entry fee: $3
📅 Deadline: June 01, 2026 (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)
Stan and Tom Wick Poetry Prize
Kent State University
Genres: Poetry
The Stan and Tom Wick Poetry Prize is awarded annually for a poet's first full-length book of poetry. The prize includes $2,500 and publication by Kent State University Press. The winner will also participate in a reading at Kent State with the judge.
Top Prize:
$2,500
Additional prizes:
Publication by Kent State University Press
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: May 01, 2026 (Expired)
The Moth Short Story Prize
The Moth Magazine
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The Moth Short Story Prize is an international contest open to anyone over 16, requiring original, unpublished stories up to 3,000 words. The winners are chosen by a single judge who reads entries anonymously. The contest is held annually, and the winning story is published in the Irish Times.
Top Prize:
€3,000
Additional prizes:
2nd: €1000 & Publication in the Irish Times | 3rd prize: A week at The Moth Retreat & publication in the Irish Times.
💰 Entry fee: $17
📅 Deadline: June 15, 2026 (Expired)
TWFest Poetry Contest
Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival
Genres: Poetry
The TWFest Poetry Contest encourages emerging writers to submit their original poems. The contest aims to support new literary works and provides a platform for diverse voices in poetry.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
VIP All-Access Pass ($600 value) for the next Festival, public reading at the Festival, publication in French Quarter Journal, photo and bio on website for one year, interview in newsletter and social media. LitPass ($100 value) for top finalists.
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: October 15, 2025 (Expired)
Drue Heinz Literature Prize
University of Pittsburgh Press
Genres: Novella and Short Story
The Drue Heinz Literature Prize recognizes and supports writers of short fiction, requiring eligible authors to have published a book-length collection or at least three short stories/novellas in commercial magazines. Manuscripts are judged anonymously by national writers.
Top Prize:
$15,000
📅 Deadline: June 30, 2025 (Expired)
The Happiful Poetry Prize
Happiful
Genres: Poetry
The Happiful Poetry Prize is an annual competition that invites entries exploring themes of mental health and wellbeing. The contest is open to writers aged 18 and over from the UK and Northern Ireland. The competition aims to celebrate high-quality writing in poetry.
Top Prize:
£25
Additional prizes:
Four shortlisted poets will receive a £25 National Book Token. All winning poems will be published in issue 108 of Happiful.
📅 Deadline: November 14, 2025 (Expired)
F(r)iction Poetry Contest
Brink Literacy Project
Genres: Poetry
The F(r)iction Poetry Contest encourages innovative poetry with a narrative trajectory and imagery focus. Prizes include publication consideration in F(r)iction.
Top Prize:
$300
Additional prizes:
Up to five finalists will be considered for publication.
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: May 15, 2026 (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)
HNS 2026 First Chapters Competition
Historical Novel Society
Genres: Fiction
The HNS 2026 First Chapters Competition invites entries for the opening (maximum 3,000 words) and a 1-page synopsis of a full-length historical novel. It's open to both members and non-members, encouraging excellence in historical fiction.
Top Prize:
£1000
Additional prizes:
Grand winner also receives a trophy. 10 Category Winners receive £500 and a free HNS 2026 conference ticket.
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: November 17, 2025 (Expired)
Genres: Fiction, Poetry, and Short Story
The Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize celebrates emerging voices in life writing, poetry, and fiction. It supports writers who have not published book-length works and offers a platform for diverse backgrounds. Winners receive a £1,000 cash prize and publication in Wasafiri.
Top Prize:
£1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication in Wasafiri magazine, mentoring through Chapter and Verse or Free Reads, career discussions with The Good Literary Agency, and a one-year print subscription.
💰 Entry fee: $15
📅 Deadline: September 30, 2024 (Expired)
Oxford Poetry Prize
Partus Press Ltd
Genres: Poetry
The Oxford Poetry Prize is an annual competition for a single poem in English. The guest judge this year is Rebecca Tamás.
Top Prize:
£1000
Additional prizes:
Second: £200 Third: £100 Publication offered to all winning poets.
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: August 31, 2025 (Expired)
Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award
Killer Nashville
Genres: Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Science Fiction, Script Writing, Short Story, and Thriller
The Silver Falchion Award honors the best books in mystery, thriller, suspense, action, and romance genres published in the previous year. Entries for the 2026 competition are open now, with winners announced on August 22, 2026.
Additional prizes:
Physical award in each category and increased exposure for winners.
💰 Entry fee: $92
📅 Deadline: April 01, 2026 (Expired)
Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award
Claremont Graduate University
Genres: Poetry
The Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award is one of the most prestigious poetry awards, providing significant financial support to poets. It offers a $100,000 prize for a single poetry collection published within the eligibility year, aimed at supporting mid-career poets. The award encourages poets to continue developing their craft.
Top Prize:
$100,000
Additional prizes:
The Kate Tufts Discovery Award offers $10,000 for a first book of poetry.
📅 Deadline: July 01, 2025 (Expired)
Dragons & Wyverns Short Story Challenge
Forest & Fawn
Genres: Fantasy and Short Story
The challenge invites participants to write a short story themed around dragons and wyverns within a ten-day period. Writers of all skill levels can join, and there are prompts provided at the start. The challenge emphasizes creativity and community, including workshops and feedback on submissions.
Top Prize:
$1,800
Additional prizes:
2nd: $900 | 3rd: $400 | 4th-10th: $100
💰 Entry fee: $38
📅 Deadline: April 24, 2026 (Expired)
Folly Short Story Prize 2025
Folly Journal
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Essay, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry
The Folly Short Story Prize 2025 invites submissions for stories that challenge conventional norms. It aims to recognize innovative writing that resonates with contemporary themes.
Top Prize:
$1000 NZD
Additional prizes:
Two tickets to the Folly After Party.
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: June 01, 2025 (Expired)
Romantasy Short Story Challenge
Forest & Fawn
Genres: Romance, Fantasy, and Fiction
The Romantasy Short Story Challenge invites writers to craft a 2,000-word story based on the romantasy theme, incorporating specific prompts given at the challenge start. Participants have ten days to create and submit their stories.
Top Prize:
$1,800
💰 Entry fee: $38
📅 Deadline: March 02, 2026 (Expired)
Wild Atlantic Writing Awards (WAWA)
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: January 12, 2025 (Expired)
Cai Emmons Short Fiction Contest
Wordcrafters in Eugene
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The Cai Emmons Short Fiction Contest honors the legacy of Cai Emmons by recognizing new voices in fiction. It encourages themes central to Cai's work, such as interconnectedness, women's issues, grief, and environmental concerns.
Top Prize:
$700
Additional prizes:
Category-specific awards of $200 for Magical Realism, Environmental/Climate, Female Protagonist, Family Dynamics, Experimental Fiction, and Aftermath of Loss.
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: October 31, 2025 (Expired)
Dzanc Books Short Story Collection Competition
Dzanc Books
Genres: Fiction and Short Story
The Dzanc Books Short Story Collection Prize celebrates imaginative and inventive writing in book-length collections. The winning submission will receive a $2,500 advance and publication. The contest is open to all writers, and all submitted works must be previously unpublished collections.
Top Prize:
$2,500
Additional prizes:
Publication
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: September 30, 2025 (Expired)
The Clay Reynolds Novella Prize
Texas Review
Genres: Fiction and Novella
Established in 2001, this annual prize awards a novella that excels in the format, offering a $1,000 advance, publication, and 10 copies of the book. Recent judges include notable authors like Steven Dunn and Michael Martone. Submissions open January 1 and close March 31 each year.
Top Prize:
$1,000
Additional prizes:
Publication and 10 copies of the published book
💰 Entry fee: $20
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Expired)
The Poetry.com Contest
Poetry.com
Genres: Poetry
The Poetry.com Contest invites participants to submit original poems monthly for a chance to win cash prizes and gain recognition. The contest emphasizes community involvement, allowing participants to vote on entries.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
2nd Place: $300 | 3rd Place: $200 | Five runners-up receive a personalized mug and a chance to compete for Poem of the Year.
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: November 30, 2025 (Expired)
