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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North Street Book Prize
11th year sponsored by Winning Writers. Submit a self-published or hybrid-published book. 8 categories. Gifts for everyone who enters. Cash prizes and additional benefits from co-sponsors. Submit online and you may receive feedback on your book at no extra charge. Final judge: Jendi Reiter.
Prize: $10,000, 8 X $1,000, 8 X $500
Fees: 85 USD
Emerging Writer's Contest
Emerging Writer’s Contest recognizes work by an emerging writer in each of three genres: fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. We consider authors “emerging” if they haven’t published or self-published a book.
Submit one entry per year via our online submission manager. No entries via email or mail.
Prize: One winner in each genre per year will receive $2,000 and publication in the literary journal. The winners will also receive a conversation with our partnering literary agency, Aevitas Creative Management, regarding their work and writing careers.
Fees: 30 USD, Subscribers submit for free!
Rigel 2025 Contest
Authors and artists are eligible for Sunspot Lit’s Rigel contest. Accepts all genres/forms starting February 1. Closes February 28. Entry fee: $5. Prize: $100 cash and publication. See guidelines and entry form on Submittable.
Prize: $100 cash and publication
Fees: 5 USD
Geminga Contest 2025
Sunspot Lit’s Geminga contest honors the power of micro poetry, prose, and art. Opens January 1, closes January 31. Entry fee: $5. Prize: $100 cash and publication. See guidelines and entry form here: https://sunspotlit.submittable.com/submit/316621/geminga-2025-100-for-tiny-fiction-cnf-poetry-graph
Prize: $100 cash and publication
Fees: N/A
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