Writing Contests - Poetry, Short Story, Essay, Screenwriting & More
On this page, you’ll find the web’s best and most updated selection of writing contests.
If you’ve got a way with making your words come to life, try your hand at a poetry contest. If you’re a teen, there’s a special category of teen writing contests just for you. For everybody else, there’s a variety of other ways to test your writing skills, from essay contests to short story contests. Want to submit a contest? Simply click on our “Submit a Contest” button. Good luck everyone, and be sure to read our tips on how to win below!
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WOW! Women On Writing Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest
WOW! Women on Writing is seeking creative nonfiction on any topic (1000 words or less) and in any style. Open internationally.
Limit: 300 entries.
Prize: $500
Fees: 12 USD, critique option for an additional $13
WOW! Summer 2025 Flash Fiction Contest
WOW! Women on Writing is seeking flash fiction of any genre between 250 – 750 words. Open internationally.
$1,350 in cash prizes. Limit: 300 entries.
Prize: 1st Place: $400, publication, interview, and $25 Amazon Gift Certificate and an additional 19 prizes
Fees: 10 USD, critique option for an additional $10
Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize
The Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize is awarded for an outstanding first page of an unpublished novel. The prize is open internationally to anyone over 18 writing a novel in English in any genre for adult or YA readers.
Prize: First prize is $1,000; 2nd is $500; and 3rd is $250.
Fees: 20 USD
Pen&Quill's 3rd Annual Summer Competition
We’re calling all writers aged 12-21 to submit their best work for a chance to win monetary prizes and more! This year’s theme is “AFTERLIGHT / AFTERGLOW.” Submissions are now open until August 21, 2025.
Prize: 1st Place: $200 2nd Place: $100 3rd Place: $50 Middle School Standout: $20. Winners will also receive, Two books each, provided by Princeton University Press, 1-year print and archive subscription to Ploughshares, provided by Ploughshares at Emerson College
Fees: N/A
Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Writers Contest 2025
Writing contests for LGBTQ+ fiction writers & poets with prizes of $500 and publication in anthology. Deadline Oct 15 2025.
Prize: $500
Fees: 20 USD
Tennessee Williams Contests 2025
Writing contests open for emerging writers of fiction, one-act plays, and poetry. Grand prize up to $1,500. Deadline for contests Oct 15, 2025. Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival’s 40th annual event for readers, writers, and theater lovers will commence March 25 – 29, 2026. Visit ww
Prize: $1,500
Fees: 25 USD
I'm Obsessed
In 101 words or fewer, tell us the story of a niche hobby or special interest. Perhaps it’s a totally made-up obsession or a club you’re already a member of. A magical society? Chess club? We’ll leave that up to you. Entry is free. The creator of the most compelling story wins a free Gotham class
Prize: Free writing class and website publication
Fees: N/A
2025 Black Voices in Children's Literature Writing Contest
Sponsored by Free Spirit Publishing (an imprint of Teacher Created Materials) and Strive Publishing, the Black Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest is open to Black authors who are at least 18 years of age and residing anywhere in the United States.
Prize: $1000; $500; $250
Fees: N/A
Solar Flare 2025 contest
A flare of creativity could net you $100 and publication. Check out Sunspot Lit’s Solar Flare contest opening May 1, closing May 31. Authors and artists eligible in all genres/forms. Guidelines and entry form available on Submittable and Duotrope.
Prize: $100 cash plus publication for the winner. Publication will be offered to runners-up and finalists.
Fees: 5 USD
Salamander 2025 Fiction Contest
Salamander’s annual fiction contest will accept submissions of short stories up to 30 pages or 7500 words from May 1 – June 1. First prize will win $1000 and publication; second prize is $500 and publication. Helen Phillips will judge. Entry fee of $20 includes a one-year subscription. Find more in
Prize: $1000 and Publication; $500 and Publication
Fees: N/A
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