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Writers of the Future
Writers of the Future
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror
The Writers of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new writers of science fiction and fantasy to have their work judged by professional writers. It has been established since 1983 and includes quarterly cash prizes and an annual grand prize.
Top Prize:
$5,000
Additional prizes:
2nd place: $750 | 3rd place: $500 | Trophy and the L. Ron Hubbard Golden Pen Award for the grand prize winner.
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2026 (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)
Claymore Award
Killer Nashville
Genres: Mystery, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Short Story, Suspense, and Thriller
The Claymore Award assists new and rebranding English-language fiction authors with potential publishing opportunities, including agent representation, book deals, and media adaptations. The contest emphasizes the importance of getting the first 50 pages of an unpublished work noticed by industry professionals.
Top Prize:
$0
Additional prizes:
Top three finalists receive discounted admission to next year's Killer Nashville conference. Winners may receive publishing contracts and significant exposure to agents and publishers.
💰 Entry fee: $54
📅 Deadline: April 01, 2025 (Expired)
Indie Author Project Annual Contest
Indie Author Project
Genres: Memoir, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, and Young Adult
gThe Indie Author Project Annual Contest aims to recognize indie authors and provide them visibility through library support. It encourages submissions from indie-published authors in various genres and offers significant prizes.
Top Prize:
$2,500
Additional prizes:
$500 each to two runner-ups in each genre. Opportunity to promote books at libraries, inclusion in a print spread in Library Journal.
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2025 (Expired)
Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group
Genres: Children's, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ, Mystery, Science Fiction, and Travel
The Next Generation Short Story Awards is a not-for-profit program recognizing outstanding short stories. It includes cash prizes, medals, and publication opportunities for winners.
Top Prize:
$500
Additional prizes:
Gold Medal for Grand Prize Winners, $75 for category winners, and additional prizes for finalists. Gold medals for winners and finalists, inclusion in Anthology of Winners.
💰 Entry fee: $25
📅 Deadline: March 05, 2026 (Expired)
Parsec Short Story Contest
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)
Seven Hills Literary Contest & Penumbra Poetry & Haiku Contest
Tallahassee Writers Association
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Poetry, and Science Fiction
The contest is open to English-language entries globally. It features categories for Florida Fiction, Fantasy/Science Fiction, Poetry, Prose Poetry, and Haiku, allowing multiple entries per category. First, second, and third place winners receive cash prizes and will be published in the 2026 Seven Hills Review.
Top Prize:
$100 to $300 depending on genre
Additional prizes:
Winners receive electronic certificates and will be published in the 2026 Seven Hills Review, along with a short author bio. First-place winners also get a complimentary copy of the publication.
💰 Entry fee: $10
📅 Deadline: October 30, 2025 (Expired)
Artificial Intelligence Competition
New Beginnings
Genres: Essay, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, and Short Story
There is no topic relating to technology that brings more discussion than artificial intelligence. Some people think it does wonders. Others see it as trouble. Let us know your opinion about AI in this competition. Include experiences you have had with AI. 300-word limit. Winners will be selected January 1, 2024. Open to anyone, anywhere.
Top Prize:
$100 CA
Additional prizes:
Publication
💰 Entry fee: $5
📅 Deadline: December 15, 2023 (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
