Writing Contests 2025: Cash Prizes, Free Entries, and More!

February 2025

February 2025 features a range of poetry contests, including opportunities for both established and emerging poets and even a contest specifically for high school students in Michigan. There are also significant awards for book-length poetry manuscripts and various genres.

Poetry contests 2025

Erskine J. Poetry Prize (Smartish Pace)

The Erskine J. Poetry Prize is an annual contest hosted by Smartish Pace. This competition welcomes submissions from all poets, with a chance for publication even if your work doesn’t win the top prize. All poems entered are automatically considered for inclusion in a forthcoming issue of the journal, making it a valuable opportunity for exposure.
Word count: 3 poems per entry
Prizes: $200 (first place). The top three poets and finalists (usually about 10) are published
Entry fee: $10 
Closing date: 1 February 2025

Michael Waters Poetry Prize (University of Southern Indiana)

The Michael Waters Poetry Prize is a prestigious award given annually for a full-length poetry collection. This contest, judged by a renowned poet (Monica Youn in 2025), offers a significant cash prize and publication by SIR Press. It’s a major opportunity for poets seeking to publish their first or subsequent book.
Word count: Book-length collection (not specified)
Prizes: $6,000 and publication by SIR Press
Entry fee: $35 (50% discount for currently enrolled graduate students)
Closing date: 3 February 2025

Donald Hall Prize for Poetry

The Donald Hall Prize for Poetry, part of the AWP Award Series, seeks outstanding book-length poetry manuscripts. This prize, judged by a distinguished poet (Honorée Fanonne Jeffers in 2025), offers a substantial cash award and publication with the University of Pittsburgh Press. It’s a significant opportunity for poets to gain recognition and reach a wider audience.
Word count: 48 pages minimum
Prizes: $5,500 and publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press
Entry fee: $30 for non-members, $20 for AWP members
Closing date: 28 February 2025

Short story writing contests 2025

The Short(er) Fiction Prize (American Short Fiction)

American Short Fiction magazine presents The Short(er) Fiction Prize, a contest focused on very short stories. Judged by Tony Tulathimutte in 2025, the prize seeks exceptional fiction under 1,500 words. The winner receives a cash prize and publication, and all entries are considered for publication.
Word count: 1,500 words or fewer. Up to two stories can be included per entry.
Prizes: $1,000 and publication in American Short Fiction.
Entry fee: $18
Closing date: 1 February 2025

Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award (Baen Books & National Space Society)

The Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award is a unique contest focused on science fiction stories about manned space exploration. Co-sponsored by Baen Books and the National Space Society, the contest honors the memory of Jim Baen and celebrates the role of science fiction in inspiring real-world scientific advancement. The winning story is featured on the Baen Books website.
Word count: No more than 8,000 words.
Prizes: Publication on Baen Books website, payment at professional rates (.08/word), engraved award, free entry to the 2025 International Space Development Conference, and a year’s membership in the National Space Society. 
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 1 February 2025

$1000 for 1000 Words Creative Writing Contest (BlueFire)

The $1000 for 1000 Words Creative Writing Contest, sponsored by The Leyla Beban Young Authors Foundation, challenges young writers in grades 6-12 to craft a story in exactly 1,000 words. This unique constraint encourages precision and creativity. There are two grand prizes awarded, one for grades 6-8 and another for grades 9-12.
Word count: Exactly 1,000 words (excluding title).
Prizes: $1,000, $100 prizes, $50 
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 1 February 2025

Essay contest 2025

Global Essay Competition (St. Gallen Symposium)

The St. Gallen Symposium Global Essay Competition is a free essay writing contest in 2025 that invites graduate and postgraduate students to share their perspectives on a pressing global issue. The competition offers a unique opportunity: the top 100 entrants are invited to attend the St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland, an important forum for cross-generational dialogue. 
Word count: Maximum 2,100 words (excluding abstract, bibliography, and footnotes).
Prizes: Top 100 entrants attend the St. Gallen Symposium (all expenses paid). Top three essays split a CHF 20,000 prize
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 1 February 2025
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate program

Book writing contests 2025

3 Mile Harbor Press Book Award

3 Mile Harbor Press is currently accepting submissions for their 8th Annual Book Award. The award is for book-length poetry collections. The winner will receive prize money and publication.
Word count: 48-88 pages
Prizes: $500, the publication of their book as a perfect-bound edition, and 25 author copies.
Entry Fee: $40
Closing Date: 4 February 2025

Haiku Society of America Merit Book Awards (HSA)

The Haiku Society of America’s Merit Book Awards recognize outstanding haiku books published in English. This annual award considers various categories, including individual collections, anthologies, translations, and critical studies. The winning books are added to the HSA Archives at the American Haiku Archives. Two copies of the books published in 2024 must be submitted.
Word count: At least 50 percent of the book must be haiku, senryu, haibun, or prose about these subjects
Prizes: $250, $200, $150
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 15 February 2025 

James Alan McPherson Prize for the Novel

The James Alan McPherson Prize for the Novel, offered through the AWP Award Series, recognizes outstanding book-length works of fiction. This prestigious prize includes a significant cash award and publication by the University of Nebraska Press. The 2025 judge is R.O. Kwon.
Word count: at least 60,000 and no more than 110,000 words
Prizes: $5,500 and publication by the University of Nebraska Press
Entry fee: $30 for non-members, $20 for AWP members
Closing date: 28 February 2025

Mixed writing contests 2025

The Mike Resnick Memorial Award (Arc Manor)

The Mike Resnick Memorial Award, presented by Galaxy’s Edge and Dragon Con, celebrates new science fiction authors. This award honors the legacy of Mike Resnick, who was known for mentoring emerging writers. The award specifically seeks science fiction short stories, excluding other speculative fiction genres.
Word count: Up to 7,499 words (short story).
Prizes: Trophy, $250, and publication on the Baen Books website, $100, $50
Entry fee: None
Closing date: 1 February 2025

Short Prose Competition for Emerging Writers (The Writers’ Union of Canada)

The Writers’ Union of Canada’s Short Prose Competition aims to support and promote new Canadian writers. This competition accepts both fiction and nonfiction submissions. The winner receives a cash prize, and the top entries are submitted to Canadian magazines for consideration.
Word count: Up to 2,500 words (fiction or nonfiction).
Prizes: $2,500 for the winner. The winner and eleven finalists’ entries are submitted to three Canadian magazines
Entry fee: $29
Closing date: 17 February 2025

March 2025

March 2025 is a busy month for writers, with a wide array of contests spanning poetry, short stories, essays, and even opportunities for novelists and mixed-genre works. There are options for writers at all levels, from emerging voices to established authors, and covering diverse themes and styles.

Poetry contests 2025

Only Poems

Only Poems runs a monthly themed contest designed to make the editorial process more transparent while creating exciting ways for poetry to shine in the world. Each month features a different theme or form, with March’s theme being “Dreams.” The winning poem receives a featured spot as Poem of the Month, complete with contributor’s and editor’s notes, plus custom artwork. Only Poems is committed to supporting poets financially and welcomes a wide range of poetic styles.
Theme for March: Dreams
Word count: One poem per poet
Prize: $33 for the winner
Entry fee: Free (tip jar and paid feedback options available)
Closing date: 7 March 2025

The Caterpillar Poetry Prize

The Caterpillar Poetry Prize is an annual competition specifically for poems written for children aged 7-11. Established in 2015, this prestigious contest has previously been judged by renowned poets, including John Hegley, Chrissie Gittins, Roger McGough, Michael Morpurgo, and Michael Rosen. Previous winners have gone on to secure book deals and other opportunities in children’s literature.
Word count: No specified line limit
Prizes: €1,000 plus a week at Circle of Misse in France, €500, €250
Entry fee: €15
Closing date: 31 March 2025

Fish Poetry Prize 2025

The Fish Poetry Prize, established in 2006, has become one of the most respected international poetry competitions. Open to poets of any nationality writing in English with no restriction on theme or style, the contest has been previously judged by literary luminaries such as Brian Turner, Leanne O’Sullivan, and Jo Shapcott. The winning poems will be published in the Fish Anthology 2025 and launched during the West Cork Literary Festival.
Word count: 60 lines (title not included)
Prizes: €1,000, Fish Writing Course + €300, €300
Entry fee: €16 first entry, €11 subsequent entries
Closing date: 31 March 2025

Short story writing contests 2025

Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize

The Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize is a unique writing competition sponsored by the stage and radio series “Selected Shorts,” which celebrates the art of the short story through performances at Symphony Space in New York City. The winning story receives special recognition as it’s performed by a professional actor, broadcast on public radio nationwide, and published by Electric Literature.
Word count: 750 words or less
Prizes: $1,000
Entry fee: $25
Closing date: 7 March 2025

The Bath Short Story Award

The Bath Short Story Award is a prestigious international competition that attracts entries from writers worldwide. Now in its thirteenth year, the award has helped launch the careers of many writers, including Patrick Holloway, whose winning story from 2023 has recently been expanded into a debut novel of the same title. The competition is judged by literary professionals, with the shortlist judges for 2025 being Lucy Luck and Liv Bignold from C & W Literary Agency.
Word count: 2,200 words or under
Prizes: £1,200, £300, £100
Entry fee: £9.00
Closing date: 31 March 2025

Essay contest 2025

Lasker Foundation Essay Contest 2025

The Lasker Essay Contest engages early-career scientists and clinicians from the US and around the globe in a discussion about big questions in biology and medicine. Established by the prestigious Lasker Foundation, this contest aims to build skills in communicating important medical and scientific issues to broad audiences. The winning essays are published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, providing valuable visibility for emerging researchers in the biomedical field.
Word count: 800 words
Prizes: Up to $5,000 (directed to the winner’s university for educational expenses)
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 31 March 2025

Book writing contests 2025

James Jones First Novel Fellowship 2025

The James Jones First Novel Fellowship was established in 1992 to honor the spirit of unblinking honesty, determination, and insight into modern culture exemplified by the writings of James Jones, author of the National Book Award. This 2025 novel writing contest has become a significant opportunity for emerging novelists to gain recognition for their work. 
Word count: Two-page synopsis and first 50 pages of novel-in-progress
Prizes: $12,000, $3,000, $2,000
Entry fee: $30 plus
Closing date: 15 March 2025

The International Rubery Book Award 2025

The Rubery Book Award is a prestigious international competition specifically designed for independently published authors and small presses who struggle to compete with traditionally published books. Established to recognize quality and outstanding books from the indie publishing world, the Rubery Prize aims to bring recognition to winning works and heighten authors’ profiles.
Word count: No limits. Self-published books or books published by independent presses.
Prizes: £2,000, £200
Entry fee: Varies by country
Closing date: 31 March 2025

Mixed writing contests 2025

Alex Albright Creative Nonfiction Prize 2025

The Alex Albright Creative Nonfiction Prize is an annual writing competition sponsored by the North Carolina Literary Review (NCLR) and named for its founding editor. This contest specifically seeks creative nonfiction submissions from writers with North Carolina connections, providing a platform for diverse nonfiction voices across the state.
Word count: Up to 7,500 words
Prizes: At least $250 (up to $1,000 depending on the number of pieces selected)
Entry fee: NCLR subscription required instead of fee
Closing date: 1 March 2025

Flash 405 Contest: “Anchor” Edition

Flash 405 is Exposition Review’s multi-genre flash competition that runs bimonthly during their “off” season. For February- March 2025, the theme is “Anchor.” This unique contest accepts submissions across multiple genres, all adhering to the flash format. The competition features a variable cash prize structure where the award amount increases with the number of entries, creating an incentive for wider participation.
Word count: Up to 405 words (fiction/non-fiction), up to 5 lines (poetry), up to 4 pages (stage)
Prizes: Online publication + 40% of all entry fees
Entry fee: $5 per submission
Closing date: 5 March 2025

Jabberwock Review’s Nancy D. Hargrove Editors’ Prize

The Nancy D. Hargrove Editors’ Prize is a prestigious annual contest sponsored by the Jabberwock Review literary journal from Mississippi State University. This competition offers both fiction and poetry categories, providing opportunities for writers in multiple genres. All entrants receive a one-year subscription to the journal, and the winners are featured prominently in a future issue, gaining valuable exposure in the literary community.
Word count: One short story of any length (fiction), 1-3 poems (poetry)
Prizes: $500 and publication for each winner (one in fiction, one in poetry)
Entry fee: $15 (includes journal subscription)
Closing date: 15 March 2025

April 2025

April 2025 is a thrilling month for poets and writers, with multiple prestigious contests offering opportunities to showcase creativity and win significant prizes. From humorous poetry to themes of health and medicine.

Poetry contests 2025

Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest

This free poem-writing contest recognizes humorous poems. This writing contest, judged by Jendi Reiter with Lauren Singer’s assistance, welcomes poets of all ages. You can submit either unpublished or previously published poems, as long as they’re written in English.
Word count: Up to 250 lines
Prizes: $2,000, $500, $250, 10 Honorable Mentions ($100 each)
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 1 April 2025

Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest

This international contest invites writers of all levels to participate. You can submit a poem on any topic, style, or format for this contest. The goal is to celebrate and highlight the creativity and skill of all participating poets and writers.
Word count: 30 lines or fewer
Prizes: $250, $500
Entry fee: $5 per poem
Closing date: 6 April 2025

Omnidawn Single Poem Broadside Contest

This contest awards $1,000 and 20 broadsides of the winning poem. Poets can submit one to five poems, with entry fees based on the number of submissions. The contest will be judged by Jennifer Hasegawa.
Word count: No specified limit
Prizes: $1,000 and 20 broadsides
Entry fee: $14 (one poem), $17 (two poems), $30 (up to five poems)
Closing date: 16 April 2025

Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prizes

Manuscripts submitted to the Marsh Hawk Press poetry prize contests undergo an anonymous screening process to ensure fairness and impartiality. Each entry is carefully reviewed by at least two editors from the press before being considered for the final selection. The final judge for the contest is John Keene.
Word count: Manuscript 48–84 pages
Prizes: $1,000
Entry fee: $25 per manuscript
Closing date: 30 April 2025

2025 Peseroff Prize in Poetry

The Peseroff Prize was established to honor poet Joyce Peseroff, recognizing her significant contributions to poetry. The competition welcomes submissions of unpublished poems in any style or form, with no restrictions on theme or subject matter. All entries will be considered for publication, offering poets an opportunity to share their work with a wider audience.
Word count: Up to 3 poems
Prizes: $1,000 and publication in Issue 34
Entry fee: $10
Closing date: 30 April 2025

Short story writing contests 2025

Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize

This short story competition aims to highlight top short fiction and maximize exposure for winners. Partnering with 14 literary organizations, it offers cash prizes, writing retreats, and opportunities for shortlisted writers to be published in various journals, connect with agents, and showcase their work internationally. Even longlisted writers get a year’s access to The Literary Consultancy’s “Being a Writer” platform.
Word count: Up to 2,000 words
Prizes: €1,500 total, publication, and festival invitations
Entry fee: €20 for the first submission; €10 for additional entries
Closing date: 15 April 2025

Stephen Leacock Student Humorous Short Story Competition

This contest is open to Ontario teens aged 14-19, enrolled in any educational setting. Participants must submit an original funny story in English. The top three winners will be recognized at the Meet the Authors Night on June 20, 2025, during the Leacock Gala Weekend, where they’ll read their entries.
Word count: Up to 1,500 words
Prizes: $1,500, $750
Entry fee: $5 per entry
Closing date: 15 April 2025

Future Scholar Foundation Short Story Competition

This free monthly contest is open to elementary and middle school students. Writers submit stories of 350 words or fewer, based on a creative prompt. Early submissions (before the 15th) receive free personalized feedback, and winners receive Amazon gift cards.
Word count: Up to 350 words
Prizes: $60, $40, $20
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 28 April 2025

Essay contest 2025

Young Family Historians Essay Contest – American Ancestors

This contest is open to students in grades 4–12 across the U.S. and its territories. Students are asked to write an original story about an ancestor who faced and overcame a challenge. The work must be their own and not previously published or submitted elsewhere.
Word count: Grades 4–6: ~500 words
Grades 7–8: ~750 words
Grades 9–12: ~1,000 words
Prizes: $500, $250
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 1 April 2025

ABMF 2025 Past is Prologue Essay Contest

The American Battle Monuments Foundation (ABMF) invites students in three age groups (11–12, 13–15, and 16–18) to write original essays about historical events tied to American military cemeteries or monuments overseas. Participants explore significant moments in history and their relevance today. The students can write an essay on one of the two topics: “The WWII Battle of Midway, June 4–7, 1942” or “A Day in the Life on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor.”
Word Count: Ages 11–12: 800–1,000 words
Ages 13–15: 1,200–1,500 words
Ages 16–18: 1,500–1,800 words
Prizes: $10,000, $5,000, $2,500, $1,500
Entry fee: Not mentioned
Closing date: 27 April 2025

WOW! Women on Writing Quarterly Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

This 2025 writing contest aims to encourage creative nonfiction writing by offering rewarding recognition to participants worldwide, regardless of age. Entries must be true stories written in English but can be told in any creative style, including personal, lyric, hybrid, or other essay forms.
Word count: 200–1,000 words
Prizes: $500, $300, $200, $25 Amazon Gift Card, and publication
Entry fee: $12 ($25 with critique option)
Closing date: 30 April 2025

Book writing contests 2025

WriteMentor 2025 Novel and Picture Book Awards

The Awards are open to global entries in three categories: Picture Books, Children’s books, and Adult fiction. Winners in each category will be chosen by three agents from DHA, a top literary agency, and will receive a cash prize, a 45-minute virtual meeting with the judging agent, and a free one-year membership to WriteMentor’s Hub platform.
Word count: First 3,000 words and a one-page synopsis.
Prizes: £500
Entry fee: £15
Closing date: 1 April 2025

Chief Minister’s Northern Territory History Book Award

This award honors the most important book about Northern Territory history published in the past year. Eligible books must focus on NT history and be written in English or a First Nations language of the region. A panel of experts, including historians and academics, judges the entries, and the winner is revealed at a ceremony held at the NT Library.
Word count: No limit
Prizes: $1,000
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 7 April 2025

Toronto Book Awards

Submissions should have some clear connection to Toronto, like the story’s setting, themes, or subjects, but participants don’t need to live in Toronto to participate. Both fiction and non-fiction books for adults or children are welcome, as long as they capture the essence of the city. Ebooks and digital formats are also accepted.
Word count: No limit
Prizes: $10,000, $1,000
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 30 April 2025

Whistler Independent Book Awards

These awards celebrate outstanding Canadian self-published books in fiction, non-fiction, and children’s categories, with three finalists per category and winners announced at the Whistler Writers Festival. Sponsored by The Writers’ Union of Canada, the awards are open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have covered all production costs. Only physical books are eligible—eBooks do not qualify.
Word count: No limit
Prizes: Additional publicity and membership benefits, Certificates, stickers, and inclusion in the Whistler Writers Festival.
Entry fee: $135 plus GST
Closing date: 30 April 2025

Adventure Writers Competition

The Adventure Writers Competition invites writers to submit original, unpublished adventure stories in English. Entries must be family-friendly, focus on adventure (exploration, survival, quests, etc.), and avoid excessive violence or mature themes. Judges evaluate based on creativity, storytelling, and adherence to the adventure genre.
Word count: No limit
Prizes: $1,000 and other promotional opportunities.
Entry Fee: $35
Closing date: 30 April 2025

Mixed writing contests 2025

New Ohio Review Contests

The New Ohio Review hosts an annual writing contest with poetry, short stories, and essays in fiction and non-fiction categories. Submissions must be unpublished and original. Winners in each genre receive $1,500 and publication, while all entries are considered for standard publication.
Word count: Up to 7,500 words or up to three poems.
Prizes: $1,500 and publication
Entry Fee: $22
Closing date: 15 April 2025

Perkoff Prize – The Missouri Review

This tri-genre contest explores themes of health, wellness, and medicine in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. You can submit multiple pieces at once, but they must be original and related to health or medicine. The submissions must be unpublished pieces. All entries have a chance to be published in print or online.
Word count: Up to 8,500 words or up to 10 pages of poetry
Prizes: $1,000 and publication in The Missouri Review for the best entry in each genre
Entry Fee: $15 USD per entry
Closing date: 15 April 2025

Alberta Champions Student Contest

The 16th annual contest encourages Alberta students in grades 4-9 to learn about and celebrate the province’s pioneers, innovators, and Indigenous leaders. They can create a multimedia project, such as a story, essay, poem, video, or artwork, that highlights their chosen “champion.” Open to all Alberta schools, the contest lets students showcase their creativity while honoring influential Albertans.
Word count: No limit
Prizes: $500 gift card, $350 gift card, $200 gift card, and certificates of recognition
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 17 April 2025

Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest

The Tadpole Writing Contest 2025 challenges writers to create a complete story or poem in exactly 100 words. There’s no theme restriction—just creativity! Submissions can be fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. All entries must be original, unpublished, and in English. Word count is strict—entries over or under 100 words are disqualified.
Word count: 100 words or fewer (including the title)
Prizes: $2,000, Publishing & Marketing Package, Manuscript Assessment Package, Editing Package, Writing Coaching Package, $100
Entry Fee: $15 USD per entry
Closing date: 30 April 2025

May 2025

Poetry contests 2025

Poetry International Prize 2025

Poetry International offers a $1,000 prize and publication for an unpublished poem each year. Submissions should be clear and in a standard font—no fancy formatting or images. The editors will review all entries, and a guest judge will pick the winners and finalists from a shortlist.
Word count: No limit
Prizes: $1,000 and publication in Poetry International
Entry Fee: $15 for up to 3 poems; $3 for each additional poem
Closing date: 1 May 2025

Stan and Tom Wick Poetry Prize

This competition is for poets writing in English who haven’t published a full book of poems. Submissions must be anonymous, with no identifying details in the manuscript. The judge, Pádraig Ó Tuama, will select a winner, and both will give a joint reading at Kent State University.
Word count: Submit a manuscript of 50–70 pages
Prizes: $2,500 and publication of the manuscript by Kent State University Press
Entry Fee: $25
Closing date: 1 May 2025

Atlanta Review Poetry Contest 2025

The Atlanta Review welcomes diverse poetry submissions. The contest requires entries to be submitted via Submittable. All poems are read anonymously, so avoid including your name or address. Additionally, AI-generated poems are not accepted.
Word count: Up to 5 unpublished poems (10 pages max)
Prizes: $1,000 and publication in Atlanta Review
Entry Fee: $16 for up to 5 poems
Closing date: 1 May 2025

Goldsmith Festival Poetry Competition

The rules of this poetry contest state that poems must be original, written in English, and not previously published. All entries will be judged anonymously. The winner will get a chance to recite their poem at the “Poetry at Pallas” event.
Word count: Maximum 70 lines
Prizes: €600, €250, €150
Entry Fee: €10 per entry (up to 3 poems)
Closing date: 4 May 2025

James Laughlin Award

The James Laughlin Award honors a poet’s second book set to be published in the coming year. The winner gets $5,000, a free weeklong stay at The Betsy Hotel in Miami Beach. The winner’s book is sent to around 1,000 members of the Academy of American Poets.
Word count: 48 to 100 pages
Prizes: $5,000
Entry Fee: Free
Closing date: 15 May 2025

Wingword Poetry Competition

This Indian writing competition awards and publishes emerging poets with little to no recognition, open only to Indian citizens and people of Indian origin aged 15 and above. Poems can be submitted in English or Hindi (Main Category).
Word count: No limit
Prizes: ₹50,000 and publication of a poetry book, ₹30,000, ₹20,000, ₹10,000
Entry Fee: ₹1,000 for one poem; ₹2,000 for three poems; ₹3,000 for five poems
Closing date: 31 May 2025

Short story writing contests 2025

Ross Writing Contest – ABA Journal

For the contest, entries must be original and not published before December 1, 2024. Publicly posted content will also be considered as an entry. It will be judged based on creativity, story, legal knowledge, and character depth. The winner will be chosen by the ABA Journal Board of Editors.
Word Count: Up to 5,000 words
Prizes: $5,000
Entry Fee: Free
Closing date: 1 May 2025

F(r)iction Short Story Contest 

This contest is looking for bold, original writing that challenges norms and takes creative risks. They want compelling, emotional stories with fresh perspectives that stand out. Submissions must be human-written—no AI-generated work is allowed. The judge for the 2025 edition is Gaël Le Cornec.
Word Count: No limit
Prizes: $1,000 and consideration for publication in F(r)iction
Entry Fee: $15 per story
Closing date: 2 May 2025

Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize

This award is a prestigious Australian literary award run by the Australian Book Review. It offers a significant cash prize for the best unpublished short story, celebrating excellence in fiction. The competition is open to both Australian and international writers, with entries judged anonymously. The winner and shortlisted stories are often published in the Australian Book Review.
Word Count: 2,000–5,000 words
Prizes: $6,000, $4,000, $2,500
Entry Fee: $30
Closing date: 5 May 2025

CRAFT Short Fiction Prize

The CRAFT Literary Short Fiction Prize is open to original, unpublished short stories. Submissions are judged blindly, and all entries receive feedback. The contest welcomes diverse voices and experimental styles.
Word Count: 1,000–5,000 words
Prizes: $2,000, $500, $300, and publication
Entry Fee: $20
Closing date: 19 May 2025

Essay contest 2025

The Hon. Constance Baker Motley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Essay Competition

The Hon. Constance Baker Motley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Young Member Essay Writing Competition, hosted by the Federal Bar Association, invites young legal professionals to write an essay on promoting DEI in the legal field. The contest encourages fresh perspectives on fostering inclusivity. Winners receive recognition and a cash prize, with submissions judged on originality, clarity, and impact. It’s a great opportunity for emerging lawyers to contribute to meaningful change.
Word Count: 500 words
Prizes: $1,000 and publication in The Federal Lawyer, $500, $250, $100
Entry Fee: Free
Closing date: 9 May 2025

Cambridge Re: think Essay Competition 2025

The Cambridge Research Essay Competition invites high school students to write an essay on one of three prompts related to technology, society, or ethics. Participants must submit original work, with prizes awarded for the best entries. The competition aims to encourage critical thinking and clear writing on important modern issues.
Word Count: 2,000 words (excluding footnotes, bibliography, and references)
Prizes: $150 cash, $100 cash, $50 cash, and scholarships
Entry Fee: Free
Closing date: 10 May 2025 

Charles Darwin University Essay Award 2025

The Charles Darwin University Essay Award 2025 is hosted by the Northern Territory Library. They invite submissions of original, unpublished essays on topics related to the Northern Territory’s history, culture, or environment. Open to all Australians, with entries judged on originality, research, and writing quality.
Word Count: 3,000 words
Prizes: $1,000 and NT Writers’ Center membership
Entry Fee: Free
Closing date: 12 May 2025 

Book writing contests 2025

Crook’s Corner Book Prize 2025

The Crook’s Corner Book Prize is a literary award for debut novels, meaning only an author’s first novel can qualify. To be eligible, the story must mainly take place in the American South, no matter where the writer lives. Self-published books are allowed as long as they have an ISBN.
Word Count: No limit
Prizes: $5,000
Entry Fee: $35
Closing date: 15 May 2025 

Bath Novel Award 2025

The Bath Novel Award is an international writing competition for unpublished and self-published novelists. It accepts entries across all genres—adult, young adult, and children’s fiction. Selected entries may get feedback from judges. The contest aims to discover talented writers and help them gain exposure in the publishing industry.
Word Count: Submit the first 5,000 words and a one-page synopsis
Prizes: £5,000
Entry Fee: £29.99 per submission
Closing date: 31 May 2025 

Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing

This is an annual award for first-time, first-generation immigrant authors. It alternates each year between fiction and non-fiction. Eligible writers must be first-gen immigrants, and submissions must be unpublished, book-length works in English. The contest aims to highlight diverse immigrant voices and experiences.
Word Count: Complete manuscript (Minimum 45,000 words)
Prizes: Publication by Restless Books in paperback, eBook, and audio formats
Entry Fee: $20
Closing date: 31 May 2025

Bridport Prize – Novel Award

The Bridport Prize is a prestigious writing competition for unpublished novels. Open to writers worldwide, it offers a £1,000 top prize, mentorship from The Literary Consultancy, and potential recognition by literary agents. Judges look for compelling storytelling, strong voice, and originality. It’s a great opportunity for emerging authors to gain exposure in the competitive book publishing industry.
Word Count: 20,000 and 70,000 words
Prizes: £1,500 and mentoring from a literary agent, £750
Entry Fee: £30 per submission
Closing date: 31 May 2025

Mixed writing contests 2025

Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest

This contest accepts both short fiction (stories) and nonfiction (essays) on any theme, with no limits on the number of entries per person. Submissions can be previously published or unpublished, and writers of all ages are welcome. The final judge is Mina Manchester, with assistance from Sarah Halper.
Word count: 6,000 words maximum
Prizes: $3,500, $500
Entry Fee: $25 per submission
Closing date: 1 May 2025

Minds Shine Bright Places Writing Competition

The Mind’s Shine Bright writing competition invites writers of all ages to showcase their creativity through poetry, short stories, and essays. With multiple age categories and themes, it offers cash prizes, certificates, and publication opportunities for winners. Submissions are judged on originality, expression, and impact, encouraging participants to share their unique voices.
Word count: Up to 5,000 words (short stories), up to 1,000 words (flash fiction)
Prizes: 1,500 AUD, 500 AUD, 250 AUD, 100–200 AUD
Entry Fee: 15 AUD
Closing date: 31 May 2025

Yeovil Literary Prize

The Yeovil Literary Prize is an annual writing competition open to unpublished and self-published authors, offering cash prizes in categories like novels, short stories, and poetry. It aims to support emerging writers, with past winners achieving publishing deals. Entries are judged anonymously.
Word count: Max. 10,000 words (novel), 2,000 words (short story), max. 40 lines (poetry)
Prizes: £1,350, £625, £450, £275, £250, £150
Entry Fee: £18.50 (novel), £10.50 (short story), £8.00 (poetry)
Closing date: 31 May 2025

June 2025

June 2025 offers a variety of poetry contests, welcoming submissions ranging from single poems and sonnets to full book-length manuscripts.

Poetry contests 2025

Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest

This contest celebrates traditional and non-traditional sonnets. It is open to poets of all ages and backgrounds. Sonnets may be written in Shakespearean, Petrarchan, Spenserian, or Non-Traditional rhyme schemes.
Word count: 14 lines (iambic pentameter)
Prizes: Over $3,000 in total cash prizes across multiple categories, including Top Four Sonnets, Regional Winners, and Youth Winners
Entry fee: $5 per entry (up to 3 sonnets), Free for Youth and Undergraduate Students
Closing date: 1 June 2025

Poet Hunt Contest – The MacGuffin

This annual poetry contest is open to poets worldwide. Each entry can include up to five poems, judged anonymously. Each entrant will receive one free issue of The MacGuffin.
Word count: Up to 400 lines per poem
Prizes: $500 and publication. Up to two Honorable Mentions: Publication
Entry fee: $15 per entry (up to 5 poems)
Closing date: 15 June 2025

Akron Poetry Prize

This competition, hosted by the University of Akron Press, is open to all poets writing in English. Manuscripts are judged anonymously, and simultaneous submissions are permitted.
Word count: 48-90 pages
Prizes: $1,500 and publication in the Akron Series in Poetry
Entry fee: $25 per manuscript
Closing date: 15 June 2025

42 Miles Press Poetry Award

This annual contest is open to poets worldwide for full-length poetry manuscripts. Both emerging and established poets are encouraged to apply. Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
Word count: 48-120 pages
Prizes: $1,000, publication, and 50 author copies
Entry fee: $25 per manuscript
Closing date: 15 June 2025

Poetry London Prize

This internationally renowned competition is for a single outstanding poem. Entries are open to poets from around the world. Poems must be unpublished and written in English. The prizes will be awarded at the Autumn launch reading in London.
Word count: Maximum 80 lines
Prizes: £5,000, £2,000, £1,000
Entry fee: £10 per poem, £5 per poem (Poetry London subscribers)
Closing date: 30 June 2025

Short story writing contests 2025

Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction

This prestigious annual prize, run by the University of North Texas Press, awards a publication and a cash prize to a collection of short fiction. Entries must be a collection of flash fiction or short stories. Stories may have been published in magazines or anthologies, but not in a book-length collection by the author.
Word count: 27,500–50,000 words (100–200 book pages)
Prizes: $1,000 and publication by UNT Press
Entry fee: $25 (fee-free submissions accepted on June 1, 2025, only)
Closing date: 30 June 2025

Cranked Anvil Press Annual Short Story Prize

An annual competition open to short stories of any theme or genre. Writers may submit up to four short stories. Winning stories are published on the Cranked Anvil website and may be chosen for future print anthologies.
Word count: 1,000–2,500 words (not including title)
Prizes: £300 (first), £150 (second), £100 (third); publication online
Entry fee: £6 for one story, £11 for two, £15 for three, £19 for four
Closing date: 30 June 2025

To Hull And Back Humorous Short Story Competition

This unique biennial contest is open worldwide for humorous short fiction. Stories must contain an element of humour and can be previously published. All winners and shortlisted stories are published in a print and Kindle anthology.
Word count: Up to 2,500 words (including the title)
Prizes: £1,000 (first), £200 (second), £100 (third), 3 x £70 (highly commended), 14 x £35 (shortlisted); publication in anthology
Entry fee: £12 for one, £20 for two, £24 for three
Closing date: 30 June 2025

The Moth Short Story Prize

An international competition open to anyone over 16 for original, unpublished short stories. The winning story is published in the Irish Times, and the runners-up online. Judging is anonymous by a single distinguished judge.
Word count: Up to 3,000 words
Prizes: €3,000 (first); a week at Circle of Misse with open travel stipend (second); €1,000 (third); publication in the Irish Times
Entry fee: €15 per story
Closing date: 30 June 2025

Essay contest 2025

Birdcoat Quarterly Editors’ Choice Prize in Essays

This contest is open to any writer in English, awarding publication and cash prizes for essays or flash essays. Submit one full-length essay or up to three flash essays per entry. All work must be previously unpublished.
Word count: Not specified
Prizes: $250 (first), $100 (second), $50 (third); publication in Birdcoat Quarterly
Entry fee: $10 per entry
Closing date: 1 June 2025

JASNA Student Essay Contest

The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) invites students worldwide to compete for scholarships by writing essays on a theme related to Jane Austen’s works. The 2025 theme celebrates the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth. Students must analyze a recurring word, motif, symbol, or activity used in Austen’s novels, comparing its role in two scenes. The contest is open to high school, college/university, and graduate students.
Word count: 6-8 pages
Prizes: $1,000 (first), $500 (second), $250 (third) scholarships in each division
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 2 June 2025

Write the World Essay Competition

Write the World hosts themed monthly writing competitions for young writers (typically ages 13–19). The June 2025 competition offers a new prompt and the chance for young writers to receive peer and expert feedback before submitting a final draft for judging.
Word count: 400-1000 words
Prizes: $100 (first), publication, and recognition
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 23 June 2025

John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize

This renowned international essay competition is open to students aged 18 and under (with a junior division for those 14 and under). Essays must answer one of the set questions in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology, or Law. There is also a junior category with its own set of questions. All essays are judged by senior academics from top universities.
Word count: Up to 2,000 words (excluding endnotes and bibliography)
Prizes: $2,000–$5,000 scholarships for category winners; $10,000 scholarship for overall winner; junior and runners-up prizes
Entry fee: Free (late entries allowed for a fee)
Closing date: 30 June 2025

Book writing contests 2025

The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition

This prestigious UK-based contest seeks original, unpublished fiction for children aged 7 and up, including YA. Open to unagented writers worldwide, the competition awards a major publishing contract and a cash advance. There is also a special prize for a manuscript with strong TV adaptation potential.
Word count: 30,000 – 80,000 words
Prizes: £10,000, £7,500 advance, publishing contract
Entry fee: £20
Closing date: 2 June 2025

National Book Awards (National Book Foundation)

Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious literary awards in the United States, the National Book Awards honor the best books published by US publishers in five categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature. Authors must be U.S. citizens or primary residents.
Word count: Not mentioned
Prizes: $10,000 for each category winner, $1,000 for each finalist
Entry fee: $135 per title (publisher submission only)
Closing date: 6 June 2025

The Tusculum Review Fiction Chapbook Prize

Hosted by The Tusculum Review, this annual contest alternates genres and in 2025 is open for a single short story (fiction chapbook). The winning manuscript is published as a standalone illustrated chapbook and in the journal, with a launch event in Tennessee.
Word count: 2,000 – 7,000 words 
Prizes: $1,500, publication in The Tusculum Review (Volume 21, 2025), and a limited-edition chapbook with original art
Entry fee: $20 per manuscript
Closing date: 15 June 2025

Storytrade Book Awards

These awards celebrate excellence in small press and independent publishing across 70+ categories, including both fiction and nonfiction. Open to indie authors and publishers in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), with print and ebook formats accepted.
Word count: Not mentioned
Prizes: $1,000 each (Fiction and Nonfiction), medals, stickers, digital seals, and promotion
Entry fee: $75 per category, $60 for each additional category
Closing date: 30 June 2025

Mixed writing contests 2025

Arizona Authors Association Literary Contest 2025

Open worldwide, this contest welcomes both published and unpublished works in multiple genres: poetry, short fiction, nonfiction, novels, plays, and youth categories. Published and “Oldie but Goldie” categories are also included.
Word count: Unpublished poetry (up to 50 lines), short fiction (up to 5,000 words), short nonfiction (up to 5,000 words), novels/novellas/plays (first 25 pages + synopsis)
Prizes: Grand Prize $500; $200, $125, $75, $50 in major categories; $25 for subcategory winners; all winners published in the Arizona Literary Magazine
Entry fee: $50 (non-members), $40 (members)
Closing date: 1 June 2025 

Writer’s Digest 94th Annual Writing Competition

This long-running, international competition is open to writers of all experience levels and offers categories for poetry, short stories (genre and literary), memoir/personal essay, children’s/YA, humor, and more. Almost 500 winners are chosen, with a generous top prize and publication opportunities.
Word count: 2,000 words (memoir, nonfiction, children’s/YA); 2,500 (inspirational); 4,000 (short stories, humor); 40 lines (poetry)
Prizes: Grand Prize $5,000 + trip to WD Conference; $1,000 (1st in each category); $500 (2nd); $250 (3rd); additional cash and gift certificates for other places
Entry fee: $30–$35 (prose); $20–$25 (poetry)
Closing date: 2 June 2025

Write By The Sea Literary Festival Competition 2025

Based in Kilmore Quay, Ireland, this boutique festival runs a highly regarded annual competition open to short stories, flash fiction, poetry, and memoir/personal essays. Winners are published and invited to read at the festival.
Word count: Short Story (max 2,500 words), Flash Fiction (max 700 words), Poetry (max 40 lines), Memoir/Personal Essay (max 1,000 words)
Prizes: €500, €300, €200 in each category, publication, and a free festival weekend pass
Entry fee: €10 per entry or €25 for three entries
Closing date: 6 June 2025

July 2025

July brings in a variety of mixed writing contests. Writers, poets, and authors of all kinds can participate in the competitions they like!

Poetry contests 2025

The Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Awards

This annual international contest encourages poets to explore and illuminate positive visions of peace and the human spirit. There are three age categories: Adult, Youth (13–18), and Youth (12 & under).
Word count: Up to 30 lines per poem (up to three poems per entry)
Prizes: $1,000 (adult), $200 (youth 13–18), $200 (youth 12 & under), possible Honorable Mentions
Entry fee: $15 (adult, up to three poems); $5 (youth 13–18); free (youth 12 & under)
Closing date: 01 July 2025

Rattle Poetry Prize

Rattle’s annual contest is open to poets worldwide and offers one of the largest single poem prizes. All poems submitted are also considered for publication in Rattle.
Word count: None
Prizes: $15,000 (first prize), plus ten $500 finalists; all winners published in the winter issue
Entry fee: $25 (includes a one-year subscription to Rattle)
Closing date: 15 July 2025

Blessing the Boats Selections (BOA Editions, Ltd.)

This open reading period spotlights book-length poetry manuscripts by women of color, including cis, trans, and non-binary poets who are comfortable in a space centering women’s experiences. The winner receives book publication, an honorarium, and national distribution.
Word count: 65–120 pages of poetry
Prizes: $2,500 honorarium and publication by BOA Editions in Fall 2027
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 31 July 2025

Fiction Factory Poetry Competition

This international contest accepts poems on any topic, provided they are not discriminatory or promote hate speech. Previously unpublished poems only.
Word count: 40 lines or fewer
Prizes: Cash prizes
Entry fee: £5 for one poem, £9 for two, £12 for three
Closing date: 31 July 2025

Short story writing contests 2025

HG Wells Short Story Competition

This international contest is open to all writers and offers categories for both under-22 and over-21. Stories must be original, unpublished, and between 1,500 and 5,000 words. Entries are judged blind, and selected stories are published in the annual anthology.
Word count: 1,500–5,000 words
Prizes: Cash prizes (amount varies by category), publication in an anthology
Entry fee: Free for under 22s; £10 (over 21s); £5 (students 22+ with ID)
Closing date: 8 July 2025

Stony Brook Short Fiction Prize

Open to full-time undergraduate students enrolled at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, this contest welcomes stories up to 7,500 words. The prize encourages submissions from students with Asian backgrounds but is open to all.
Word count: Up to 7,500 words
Prizes: $1,000 and a scholarship to the 2025 Southampton Writers Conference; publication consideration in The Southampton Review
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 14 July 2025

Anthology Short Story Competition

Run by Anthology magazine, this competition is open worldwide with no restrictions on theme or style. Entries must be original, unpublished, and in English. Stories are judged anonymously, and there is no age limit.
Word count: Up to 1,500 words
Prizes: €1,000 (first), €250 (second), €150 (third), publication in Anthology magazine
Entry fee: €18 per entry
Closing date: 31 July 2025

Essay contest 2025

George Watt Essay Contest

This annual contest honors Lincoln vet George Watt and invites essays from students worldwide on topics related to the Spanish Civil War, anti-fascist struggles of the 1920s–30s, or the international volunteers who supported the Spanish Republic. Essays are judged on originality, research quality, and argumentation. There are three categories: Graduate, Undergraduate, and Pre-Collegiate.
Word count: 3,500–12,500 words (Graduate), 2,000–10,500 words (Undergraduate), max 25 pages (Pre-Collegiate)
Prizes: up to $1,000 (Graduate), up to $500 (Undergraduate), up to $250 (Pre-Collegiate)
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 5 July 2025

Berggruen Prize Essay Competition

The annual Berggruen Prize Essay Competition is designed to foster innovative thinking and cross-cultural perspectives on fundamental philosophical questions. The competition awards one prize for an essay in English and one in Chinese. Submissions should present original, compelling ideas in the tradition of major public intellectuals, written for a serious but non-academic audience.
Word count: None
Prizes: $50,000 (English-language winner), $50,000 (Chinese-language winner); publication and award ceremony
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 31 July 2025

WOW! Women on Writing Quarterly Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

This global contest invites creative nonfiction essays on any topic or style, from personal to lyric or hybrid forms. Entries must be true stories told creatively, with a focus on originality and writing quality. Prizes are awarded to the top 20 entries, and critiques are available for an additional fee.
Word count: 200–1,000 words
Prizes: $500 (first), $300 (second), $200 (third); $25 Amazon gift card (7 runners-up); publication and CreateWriteNow Store gifts for all winners
Entry fee: $12 per essay ($25 with critique option)
Closing date: 31 July 2025

Book writing contests 2025

North Street Book Prize (Winning Writers)

An international contest for self-published and hybrid-published books, the North Street Book Prize accepts works in eight categories, including mainstream/literary fiction, genre fiction, creative nonfiction & memoir, poetry, children’s picture book, middle grade, graphic novel & memoir, and art book. Print and ebooks are accepted, and all entrants receive brief judge commentary.
Word count: Up to 200,000 words
Prizes: $10,000 Grand Prize; $1,000 top category winners; $500 category honorable mentions
Entry fee: $85 per book
Closing date: 1 July 2025

Discover Book Prize

This opportunity, hosted on Submittable, is for authors with a finished, unpublished manuscript in any genre. The winning author receives publication and a cash prize.
Word count: 48-90 pages
Prizes: $1,500 and 20 author copies
Entry fee: $25
Closing date: 7 July 2025

Simon & Schuster UK New Chapter Award

The New Chapter Award is open to unpublished and unagented writers in the UK and Ireland from underrepresented backgrounds, offering the opportunity to have a full-length manuscript considered by publishing professionals. The winner receives a publishing contract and mentoring.
Word count: None
Prizes: Publishing contract with Simon & Schuster UK; mentoring and editorial feedback
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 31 July 2025

Mixed writing contests 2025

International Voices in Creative Nonfiction Competition

This annual competition is open worldwide to unpublished creative nonfiction manuscripts, with a special invitation to marginalized voices. Narrative manuscripts should be 50,000–80,000 words; experimental manuscripts should be at least 100 pages. Judging is blind, and the winner receives a cash prize and publication.
Word count: 50,000–80,000 words (narrative); at least 100 pages (experimental)
Prizes: $1,000 and publication by Vine Leaves Press (2027); runners-up considered for publication
Entry fee: $25
Closing date: 1 July 2025

The Letter Review Prize

Awarded quarterly, this international contest offers prizes in short fiction (up to 5,000 words), nonfiction (up to 5,000 words), poetry (up to 70 lines), and book-length works (novels, novellas, short story collections, poetry collections, nonfiction books). All genres and styles are welcome. Multiple winners are selected per category, all considered for publication and Pushcart Prize nomination.
Word count: up to 5,000 words (Short fiction/nonfiction), up to 70 lines (Poetry)
Prizes: $1,000 prize pool per category (2–4 winners share); publication; consideration for anthologies
Entry fee: $15 (Poetry), $20 (short story), $25 (books)
Closing date: 1 July 2025

Unleash Press Work-in-Progress Award

This annual contest supports writers working on a book-length project in any genre—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or hybrid. Submit up to 25 pages plus short essay responses about your creative vision and intended audience. The winner receives a cash prize, editorial feedback, coaching, and a feature in Unleash Lit.
Word count: Up to 25 pages (sample from your manuscript)
Prizes: $500, editorial feedback, coaching, and an excerpt/interview in Unleash Lit
Entry fee: $35
Closing date: 15 July 2025

August 2025

August has a mix of writing contests for students as well as adults. There are options for writers at all levels, from emerging voices to established authors.

Poetry contests 2025

The Coniston Prize (Radar Poetry)

The Coniston Prize is an annual award recognizing an exceptional group of poems by a woman writing in English. Submit 3–5 previously unpublished poems, intentionally cohesive in theme, style, or voice. Judged anonymously and open to all poets who identify as women.
Word count: 3–5 poems, maximum 10 pages total
Prizes: $1,000 (winner); $175 (up to 10 finalists); all published in the October Coniston Prize Issue
Entry fee: $20 per submission (free for BIPOC poets June 1–8, 2025)
Closing date: 1 August 2025

20 Syllable Poem Contest (FanStory)

This unique contest challenges poets to write a poem that has exactly 20 syllables. Any format is allowed, and all submissions receive feedback.
Word count: Exactly 20 syllables
Prizes: $100
Entry fee: See contest page for details
Closing date: 24 August 2025

Oxford Poetry Prize

The prestigious Oxford Poetry Prize is awarded annually for a single poem in English. Open internationally to poets aged 18 and over, this competition is judged blind and welcomes previously unpublished poems only.
Word count: Up to 50 lines (titles, blank lines, subtitles, dedications, and epigraphs are not counted)
Prizes: £1,000 (first), £200 (second), £100 (third); publication for winners in Oxford Poetry
Entry fee: £10 per poem
Closing date: 31 August 2025

Short story writing contests 2025

Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Writing Competition

This annual Australian contest is open worldwide and invites short stories on the theme “Lost and Found.” Judges seek stories with powerful arcs and emotional resonance. The top 40 entries are published in an anthology, and all published writers receive a free digital copy.
Word count: Maximum 1,000 words
Prizes: First: $200 AUD + ticket to CYA Conference (valued at $410 AUD); Second–Fourth: 1-year QWC membership (valued at $79 AUD); Top 40 published in anthology
Entry fee: $18.50 AUD
Closing date: 1 August 2025

Write the World Short Story Competition

This international contest is open to young writers (ages 13–19). Each cycle features a new prompt, and writers can receive feedback before submitting a final draft.
Word count: 100 words only
Prizes: $100 (first) and publication on Write the World
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 25 August 2025

Essay contest 2025

Ayn Rand Institute Annual Essay Contests

These internationally recognized contests offer major scholarship prizes for essays on Ayn Rand’s novels (Anthem, The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged). Each contest is open to specific student age groups, with prompts for each novel.
Word count: 600 – 1,200 words
Prizes: Up to $25,000
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 1 August 2025

Book writing contests 2025

Book Pipeline Adaptation Contest

This annual contest seeks published books, graphic novels, and short stories ready for adaptation to film or TV. The contest is open to traditionally or self-published works (short stories may be unpublished). Winners receive extensive project development and circulation to film/TV industry professionals.
Word count: Submit first 5,000 words, logline, and 1–3 page synopsis
Prizes: $5,000 (Grand Prize), development for adaptation, and industry circulation; Runner-up receives development and circulation
Entry fee: $55
Closing date: 15 August 2025

Dynamo Verlag Book Prize

Dynamo Verlag’s international contest seeks unpublished book-length manuscripts (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry) from emerging and established writers. The winner receives publication and author support from Dynamo Verlag, a respected independent press.
Word count: 7,000 – 100,000 words for prose
Prizes: Publication by Dynamo Verlag; author support and promotion, $1,000 advance against book royalties
Entry fee: $18
Closing date: 31 August 2025

Kindle Storyteller UK Award

This major UK-based literary prize recognizes outstanding writing published via Kindle Direct Publishing. Open to any genre, the contest requires publication of your book as both an ebook and a paperback, enrollment in KDP Select, and use of the keyword “StorytellerUK2025” during the entry period.
Word count: No minimum or maximum (full-length book required)
Prizes: £20,000 (winner), Kindle Oasis E-reader (finalists)
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 31 August 2025

Mixed writing contests 2025

Bournemouth Writing Festival Competition

Open internationally, this competition honors exceptional short stories and poetry. Supported by Bournemouth University’s MA in Creative Writing and Publishing, it offers significant cash prizes, publication in Dorset Magazine, and festival tickets.
Word count: Short stories up to 3,000 words; up to 3 poems (each max 30 lines) per entry
Prizes: £500 (first), £300 (second), £200 (third) in each category; overall prize fund £3,000; publication and free festival tickets
Entry fee: £10 (short story), £10 (up to three poems)
Closing date: 15 August 2025

Aesthetica Creative Writing Award

Aesthetica Magazine’s international award celebrates innovation in poetry and short fiction. Entries are accepted on any theme, and previously published work is welcome. Winning and shortlisted entries are published in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Anthology.
Word count: Poetry up to 40 lines; Short fiction up to 2,000 words
Prizes: £2,500 (poetry winner), £2,500 (fiction winner); anthology publication; subscriptions; writing courses; masterclasses; additional prizes
Entry fee: £12 (poetry), £18 (fiction)
Closing date: 31 August 2025

SaveAs Writers’ International Writing Competition

To mark the 250th anniversary of J. M. W. Turner’s birth, SaveAs Writers invites poems and stories on the theme “Facing the Storm.” Entries may interpret the theme literally or metaphorically, and are open internationally.
Word count: Poems up to 60 lines; Short stories up to 3,500 words
Prizes: £200 (first), £100 (second), £50 (third) in both poetry and fiction categories
Entry fee: £4 per poem (£10 for three); £5 per short story (£12 for three)
Closing date: 31 August 2025

September 2025

As the fall season approaches, so do many interesting writing competitions. There are 4 exciting essay contests this month as well. September will truly be a month of writers this year!

Poetry contests 2025

Enfield Poets Poetry Competition 2025

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, Enfield Poets invite entries judged by David Constantine. Open to all poets, this contest awards cash prizes and features a special prize reading event.

Word count: No length specified
Prizes: £500 (first), £250 (second), £125 (third)
Entry fee: £4 per poem or £10 for three poems
Closing date: 10 September 2025

Wetherby Festival Comedy Poem Competition 2025

The only open-entry funny poem competition in the UK, this annual contest is open to all ages and encourages lighthearted, humorous poetry. Prizes are awarded for various age groups and for performance.
Word count: No limit specified
Prizes: £25 book token for each category (Funniest Poem overall, ages 12–16, ages 11 and under, and performance)
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 14 September 2025

Togetherness Poetry Challenge 2025

This international, themed poetry challenge invites submissions on “Decolonizing Minds and Shared Identities.” The project emphasizes diversity, social cohesion, and the transformative power of poetry.
Word count: No limit specified
Prizes: £500 (first) and five £100 prizes
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 26 September 2025

The Moth Nature Writing Prize 2025

An annual competition celebrating exceptional unpublished poetry or prose about the natural world. The prize is open internationally to writers aged 16+ and judged by Mark Cocker.
Word count: Up to 4,000 words (poetry or prose)
Prizes: €1,000 (first + week at The Moth Retreat, Ireland), €500 (second), €250 (third)
Entry fee: €15 per entry
Closing date: 30 September 2025

Poetic Worth – The Old Town Hall, Bourne

Part of the Worth 200 celebrations, this poetry callout seeks poems inspired by the life and works of Charles Frederick Worth. Open to adults and under-16s, with themed prompts provided.
Word count: No limit specified
Prizes: Opportunity for publication and performance at the Worth 200 event (12 October 2025)
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 30 September 2025

Short story writing contests 2025

Calibre Audio Inclusive Voices Short Story Competition

A UK contest celebrating accessibility, open to all ages and abilities, with a focus on the themes of Audio, Braille, and Community. Entries can be written, audio, or video, and are especially encouraged from people with print disabilities.
Word count: Up to 550 words
Prizes: Amazon Echo Dot (first), £20 book voucher (second), Caliber Audio merchandise (third), in each age category
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 5 September 2025

The Masters Review Summer Short Story Award for New Writers

A bi-annual international contest for emerging writers who have not published a novel or memoir with a major press. Welcome previously unpublished short fiction or creative nonfiction. Winning stories receive publication, cash prizes, and agency review from top literary agencies.
Word count: Up to 6,000 words
Prizes: $3,000 (first), $300 (second), $200 (third); all finalists are published and receive agency review
Entry fee: $20 per entry
Closing date: 7 September 2025

The Writers’ College Annual Short Story Competition

Open to emerging writers aged 16+ worldwide with fewer than four publication credits. Stories must interpret the theme “All the things we didn’t learn,” and the exact phrase must appear somewhere in the story.
Word count: Up to 2,000 words
Prizes: NZ$1,000 (first), NZ$500 (second), NZ$250 (third), publication in anthology
Entry fee: £8/$15 per entry after
Closing date: 30 September 2025

Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition 2025

Open internationally to all writers and all genres. Entries are judged anonymously by Tyler Paterson.
Word count: Up to 3,000 words
Prizes: £1000 (first), £200 (two runner-ups each)
Entry fee: £12 per entry
Closing date: 30 September 2025

Essay contest 2025

Immerse Education Essay Competition

An international academic essay competition for students aged 13–18. Choose from over 20 subject-specific questions and submit a 500-word response for a chance to win full or partial scholarships to prestigious Immerse Education summer and online programmes (locations include Oxford, Cambridge, Sydney, New York, and more).
Word count: 500 words
Prizes: 10 full scholarships, 40 partial scholarships (75%), further partial awards (50% or less), and merit awards (£1,000, £500, or £250 towards programmes); all entrants receive a participation voucher
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 18 September 2025

Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing

The annual Solas Awards celebrate excellence in true travel stories. Submit essays in a variety of categories—adventure, memoir, transformation, culture, food, and more. Grand prizes awarded for Best Travel Story of the Year, with publication on TravelersTales.com and in Travelers’ Tales books.
Word count: No specified minimum or maximum
Prizes: $1,000 (Gold), $750 (Silver), $500 (Bronze) for Best Travel Story of the Year; category winners receive recognition
Entry fee: $35, $5 for each additional category
Closing date: 21 September 2025

Lascaux Prize in Creative Nonfiction

Hosted by The Lascaux Review, this contest welcomes creative nonfiction essays, including memoirs, chronicles, personal essays, and literary journalism. Both published and unpublished work is accepted, and all entries are considered for publication in the journal.
Word count: Up to 10,000 words
Prizes: $1,000; bronze medallion; publication in The Lascaux Review
Entry fee: $15
Closing date: 30 September 2025

The Fountain Essay Contest 2025: Real or Fake

The Fountain’s annual global essay contest invites personal and reflective essays on the theme “Real or Fake.” Open to writers worldwide, the contest seeks original essays exploring truth, reality, authenticity, or deception in personal or societal contexts.
Word count: 1,500 to 2,500
Prizes: $1,000 (first), $500 (second), $300 (third), $150 each (two honorable mentions)
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 30 September 2025

Book writing contests 2025

International Debut Novel Competition (Irish Writers Centre)

An annual global competition (formerly Novel Fair) celebrating new voices in fiction. Open to unpublished novelists worldwide, the contest offers 12 winners the chance to pitch their debut novels directly to leading publishers and agents through a two-day hybrid event.
Word count: 5,000-word extract + 500-word synopsis (full manuscript required if longlisted)
Prizes: Pitch opportunity to agents and publishers, professional pitch training, industry exposure
Entry fee: €65; 10 free entries for students/unwaged/seniors (proof required)
Closing date: 14 September 2025

Mslexia Women’s Fiction Competition 2025 (Adult Novel)

Open to unpublished novels by women writers in any genre for adult or YA readers. Submit the first 5,000 words of your novel. Longlisted entrants are asked for the full manuscript.
Word count: At least 50,000 words (full novel); submit first 5,000 words initially
Prizes: £5,000 (winner); feedback, pitch training, introductions to agents/editors, and travel support for four finalists
Entry fee: £26
Closing date: 22 September 2025

Book Pipeline Unpublished Contest

For unpublished manuscripts in ten categories (including fiction, nonfiction, children’s, YA, memoir, and more). Winners and runners-up receive industry circulation, feedback from publishers and agents, and consideration for film/TV adaptation.
Word count: First 5,000 words + synopsis (fiction/memoir); see website for category specifics
Prizes: $2,500 for each of 10 category winners ($25,000 total); industry exposure and private events
Entry fee: $65
Closing date: 25 September 2025

Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition

Celebrates the best self-published, indie, and small press books in any genre (except picture books). Authors worldwide can enter books published in any year. Winners and notable books are featured in Shelf Unbound magazine.
Word count: No minimum or maximum (full-length book)
Prizes: Editorial coverage for winner, finalists, and long-list; Best Self-Published Book winner receives a year of full-page ads
Entry fee: $100 (early), $125 (regular), $150 (late)
Closing date: 30 September 2025

Mixed writing contests 2025

Last Syllable Book Awards

Annual post-publication award for full-length books and chapbooks (poetry and prose) published 2023–2025. Open to authors, publishers, and agents. Self-published and collaborative works welcome.
Word count: Full-length or chapbook
Prizes: $1,000 (each for poetry and prose), up to $1,000 travel expenses, feature in PLNU Visiting Writers Series
Entry fee: $25
Closing date: 1 September 2025

Terrain.org 16th Annual Contest

Open to poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Submit up to 5 poems (7 pages max), one story (up to 5,000 words) or two flash pieces (up to 1,000 words each), or one essay/article (up to 5,000 words) or two flash essays (up to 1,000 words each).
Word count: Poetry (1–5 poems, 7 pages max), Fiction (up to 5,000 words), Nonfiction (up to 5,000 words)
Prizes: $1,000 (winner in each genre), $200 (finalists), publication
Entry fee: $20 per entry
Closing date: 1 September 2025

Flash 405 (Exposition Review)

A recurring, multi-genre flash contest open every other month (February–September). Categories include fiction (up to 405 words), nonfiction (up to 405 words), poetry (up to 5 lines), stage & screen (up to 4 pages), and experimental forms.
Word count: Fiction/Nonfiction (405 words max), Poetry (5 lines), Stage & Screen (4 pages)
Prizes: 1st prize: 40% of entry fees + publication; 2nd prize: 20% of entry fees + publication; Honorable Mentions: publication
Entry fee: $5 per entry
Closing date: 5 September 2025

Santa Fe Writers Project Literary Awards

An international contest open to fiction and creative nonfiction of any genre. Judged by Deesha Philyaw, the competition welcomes unpublished, self-published, or small press books (without significant marketing support). Winners receive cash prizes and the option of a publishing contract.
Word count: No word limit
Prizes: $1,500 (grand prize), $500 (for two runners-up), publishing contract (optional)
Entry fee: $30 ($25 early bird through May 1)
Closing date: 15 September 2025

October 2025

Writing contests in October are fun and even more creative. As the year progresses, the contests progress too, and you’ll find a ton of interesting writing contests this month.

Poetry contests 2025

The Heartland Review Press Poetry Prize 2025

Annual US-based contest open internationally for a single, unpublished poem in English. All forms and styles welcome. Winning and selected poems published in The Heartland Review.
Word count: Up to 60 lines
Prizes: $200 (first), $50 (second), $25 (third); publication for winner and finalists
Entry fee: $10 for up to 3 poems
Closing date: 1 October 2025

iOTA SHOT Pamphlet Awards 2025 (Templar Poetry)

Open internationally for poetry pamphlets (manuscripts of 16–25 pages). Up to four pamphlets are published, with shortlisted poets featured in iOTA magazine.
Word count: 16–25 pages of poetry (pamphlet manuscript)
Prizes: Publication by Templar Poetry, promotion at live events, option for full collection consideration
Entry fee: £20 per pamphlet
Closing date: 20 October 2025

Waltham Forest Poetry Competition 2025

National and local UK competition on the theme of “WEATHER” (or “WHETHER”). Up to 6 poems per entrant, max 40 lines each. Open internationally, with special young poet and local prizes, plus a funniest poem prize.
Word count: Up to 40 lines per poem; up to 6 poems per entry
Prizes: £400 (adult first), £200 (second), £100 (third); local and young poet prizes; £100 funniest poem
Entry fee: Adults: £3 for first poem, £1 each subsequent poem; under 18s: free
Closing date: 20 October 2025

National Poetry Competition

One of the world’s most prestigious single poem contests, run by The Poetry Society (UK). Open internationally to anyone 18+, for unpublished poems of any length or theme.
Word count: No limit
Prizes: £5,000 (first), £3,000 (second), £2,000 (third), £500 (commended)
Entry fee: £8 for first poem, £6 each subsequent poem (discounts for Poetry Society members)
Closing date: 31 October 2025

Short story writing contests 2025

Zoetrope: All-Story Short Fiction Competition

A highly respected international contest judged by a guest author (2025: Jamel Brinkley). Submit an unpublished short story of up to 5,000 words. Winners and honorable mentions are considered for representation by major literary agencies.
Word count: Up to 5,000 words
Prizes: $1,000 (first), $500 (second), $250 (third); publication for winner; agency consideration for top 10
Entry fee: $30 per story
Closing date: 1 October 2025

Short Édition/Principal Foundation Money Chronicles Short Story Contest

U.S.-based contest for adults 18+ to submit short stories (fiction or creative nonfiction) on the theme of money and personal finance. The first 400 submissions will be read. Winning and finalist stories will be distributed via Short Édition’s story dispensers in public spaces around the U.S.
Word count: Up to 7,500 characters (including spaces)
Prizes: $1,000 (winner), $150 (up to 20 finalists); publication in dispensers and online
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 12 October 2025

Ironclad Creative Short Story Competition

Open to both published and unpublished writers worldwide, this short story contest seeks stories inspired in any way by the prompt “SWITCH.” All genres of prose welcome (except screenplays/poetry), up to 6,000 words. Prize-winning and shortlisted stories will be published in the Ironclad Creative anthology.
Word count: Up to 6,000 words
Prizes: £100 (first), £50 (second), £25 (third); all three plus shortlisted writers published
Entry fee: £9 per story (some free places for low income writers; email to enquire)
Closing date: 31 October 2025

Essay contest 2025

EVENT Non-Fiction Contest 2025

An international creative non-fiction competition open to writers exploring the full range of the form. Submit original, unpublished essays up to 5,000 words. Multiple entries welcome (with separate fees). All entries are considered for publication.
Word count: Up to 5,000 words
Prizes: $1,500 (first), $1,000 (second), $500 (third); all three winners published in EVENT
Entry fee: $34.95 CAD per entry (includes one-year subscription or renewal to EVENT)
Closing date: 15 October 2025

Book writing contests 2025

North American Book Awards

Annual contest open to books published in English between 2021 and 2025. Authors and publishers can submit in multiple categories. Winners receive medals, digital seals for covers, and year-round exposure.
Word count: Not specified; must be a high-quality, professionally produced book
Prizes: Gold, Silver, Bronze medals; digital seals; recognition and exposure
Entry fee: $125 for the first category, $95 for each additional category
Closing date: 1 October 2025

Eyelands Book Awards

An international competition based in Greece for published and unpublished books in English across a wide range of genres: fiction, poetry, short story collections, memoir, children’s/YA, LGBTQIA+, sci-fi, and self-published. Open to writers of any nationality.
Word count: Up to 250,000 words (books); poetry/short stories up to 250 pages
Prizes: Grand Prize (published books): Five-day stay in Athens; Grand Prize (unpublished): translation into Greek and publication; additional prizes include handmade ceramics, online publication, certification, and video promotion
Entry fee: €40 ($45); early bird €30 ($35) until September 1, 2025
Closing date: 20 October 2025

Mixed writing contests 2025

Royal Dragonfly Book Awards

An annual, international book contest for published books and eBooks (including indie, self-published, and traditionally published works) in a wide range of categories—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children’s, YA, LGBTQ+, STEM, and more.
Word count: Books (no restriction)
Prizes: £100 in vouchers. Gold, Silver, Bronze medals, digital seals, and recognition in over 70 categories
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 3 October 2025

The Hope Prize

A major international literary prize for short stories that explore hope, resilience, and positive change. Open to writers worldwide. Winning entries are featured in a Simon & Schuster anthology.
Word count: See website for details
Prizes: $10,000 (first prize), publication in a Simon & Schuster anthology
Entry fee: $30
Closing date: 31 October 2025

Solstice Writing Prize (Writing East Midlands)

A free annual competition for young writers aged 11–17 in the UK’s East Midlands region. All genres are welcome—poetry, short stories, scripts, essays, and more. Themed for 2025 (see website for latest details).
Word count: No limit
Prizes: Publication, prizes, and opportunities for young writers
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 31 October 2025

The Bedford Competition

An international competition for both short stories and poetry, open to writers aged 17 and over. Entries accepted from anywhere in the world. All winning and shortlisted works are published in the annual anthology.
Word count: Short stories (3,000 words max), poems (40 lines max)
Prizes: £2,000 (first), £300 (second), £200 (third) in both story and poetry categories; special prizes for young writers (17–25) and local entrants
Entry fee: £7.50 per entry, £15 for 3 poems or 2 stories
Closing date: 31 October 2025

November 2025

November comes with exciting contests with a lot of scope for writers wanting to participate in NaNoWriMo as well. Horror writing is also a new theme in this month’s contests, along with various essay and book competitions!

PaperTrue Writing Contest 2025Submit your 30,000-word manuscript by December 1, 2025, and stand a chance to win free professional editing for your entire book — courtesy of PaperTrue. It’s completely free to enter, and one talented writer will win a full editing service from our expert editors.
Word count: 30,000 words (minimum)
Entry fee: None
Prize: Free professional manuscript editing
Closing date: December 1, 2025

Click here to submit your entry now: Submission Form

Poetry contests 2025

Evaristo Prize for African Poetry (African Poetry Book Fund)

An annual prize awarding $1,500 to a manuscript of exactly ten poems by an African poet (broadly defined to include birth, nationality/residency, or parentage). Poems in English (including translations) are eligible; chapbook publication does not disqualify, but a full-length book does. Anonymous submissions via Submittable only.
Word count: 10 poems (each up to 40 lines; exactly ten poems required)
Prizes: $1,500 (with a percentage to translator if applicable)
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 01 November 2025

Perugia Press Prize

For women poets (inclusive of gender‑expansive identities) with no more than one previously published full-length book. The winner receives publication, $2,000, author copies, collaborative editorial/design support, launch events, and robust promotion. Anonymous reading; multiple submission fee tiers (including a fee‑free option for BIWOC poets).
Word count: Typically 45–85 pages
Prizes: $2,000 and publication by Perugia Press (+ extensive editorial and publicity support)
Entry fee: $30 standard (includes free book), $15 reduced, fee‑free for BIWOC poets
Closing date: 15 November 2025

Nightboat Poetry Prize

Nightboat Books’ annual prize for full-length poetry manuscripts in English, open internationally. Selected manuscripts receive publication and author copies; submissions are read anonymously with an emphasis on innovative, risk‑taking poetry.
Word count: Full-length manuscript (commonly 48–90+ pages; see guidelines)
Prizes: Publication by Nightboat Books (plus author copies; see press for full benefits)
Entry fee: $28
Closing date: 15 November 2025

Benjamin Saltman Poetry Award (Red Hen Press)

Established in honor of Benjamin Saltman, this annual award selects an original, previously unpublished full-length poetry manuscript. The winning collection is published by Red Hen Press; this year’s final judge is Brenda Cárdenas. Submissions are anonymous.
Word count: 48–96 pages (8.5″x11″, 1″ margins, 12pt Times New Roman)
Prizes: $3,000 and publication by Red Hen Press
Entry fee: $25
Closing date: 1 November 2025

Short story writing contests 2025

Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest

A global micro-writing contest welcoming all ages, genres, and nationalities. For November 2025, the theme is truth-telling—honesty that feels risky and necessary. Entries must be 100 words or fewer (including title, per Microsoft Word). Nonviolent, uplifting pieces are favored; judges seek creativity, uniqueness, and transformation.
Word count: Up to 100 words (including title)
Prizes: $1,000 (1st); extensive publishing/marketing and editorial packages for 2nd–6th; $200 (7th–10th); $150 (11th–15th); $100 (16th–20th); $50 (21st–30th)
Entry fee: $15 per entry (unlimited entries)
Closing date: 30 November 2025

WOW! Women on Writing Quarterly Flash Fiction Contest (Fall 2025)

An international flash competition open to all styles and genres of fiction. Anonymous judging with limited entries per quarter. Optional critique available. Title not counted toward word count; MS Word word count used for verification.
Word count: 250–750 words
Prizes: $400 (1st), $300 (2nd), $200 (3rd), plus publication and interview; 7 runners-up ($25 Amazon GC + publication + interview); 10 honorable mentions ($20 Amazon GC + listing)
Entry fee: $10 entry; $20 with critique
Closing date: 30 November 2025

Inkspot Publishing Inaugural Short Story Competition

Open internationally to original short stories in English, judged by literary agent Kate Nash and sponsored by World Privilege Plus. Two word-count tiers with corresponding fees. Blind judging; low-income writers may request a fee waiver. Top stories may be published on Inkspot’s site and FictionJunkies.com.
Word count: Up to 2,500 words (£10) or up to 5,000 words (£15)
Prizes: £1,000 (1st), £250 (2nd), £100 (3rd); Top 12 considered for online publication
Entry fee: £10 (≤2,500 words) or £15 (≤5,000 words)
Closing date: 30 November 2025

Essay contest 2025

Lumiere Scholars Essay Award

A free, worldwide academic essay competition for high school students, with categories in Humanities, Social Sciences, and STEM. Choose one of the set prompts and craft a research-based argumentative essay (MLA 8 style, double‑blind reviewed by an international academic panel).
Word count: Up to 2,000 words (excluding footnotes and bibliography)
Prizes: $1,000 cash + full Lumiere scholarship (per category 1st); $500 cash + $2,000 Lumiere scholarship (per category 2nd); additional Rising Scholars scholarships
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: 02 November 2025

Book writing contests 2025

HNS First Chapters Competition

Historical Novel Society’s competition for the opening of an unpublished historical novel: submit up to 3,000 words plus an 800-word synopsis. Open to members and non‑members, published and unpublished authors; multiple historical sub‑genre categories. All entries receive brief judge feedback.
Word count: 3,000 words (opening) + 800-word synopsis
Prizes: £1,000 overall winner; £500 per category winner + free HNS 2026 conference ticket; badges and announcements for longlist/shortlist/winners
Entry fee: £25 (HNS members), £35 (non‑members)
Closing date: 17 November 2025

Literary Global Book Awards (LGBA)

Inclusive international awards open to unpublished manuscripts and published books from any press size. Single entry qualifies for category prize and overall Book of the Year (Fiction and Non‑Fiction). Submit electronically with the entry form and PDF (including cover).
Word count: Not specified
Prizes: Category awards; two Book of the Year titles (Fiction and Non‑Fiction)
Entry fee: $29 per category
Closing date: 30 November 2025

Bram Stoker Awards (Horror Writers Association)

Horror’s premier literary awards honor works published in the award year across multiple categories (e.g., Novel, First Novel, Poetry Collection, Anthology, etc.). Promotion must follow strict guidelines; jury submissions are accepted digitally with firm deadlines.
Word count: Not specified (varies by category; see category guidelines)
Prizes: Bram Stoker Award recognition (no entry fee; juried/member recommendation process)
Entry fee: Free 
Closing date: 30 November 2025

Feathered Quill Book Awards

Annual program for books in English with 2024–2025 copyright dates (plus a Best of Backlist category for 2023 or earlier). Multiple genre categories, professional judging on content and production; accepts print or single‑file PDF, including front and back covers.
Word count: Not specified (book‑length; by category)
Prizes: Gold/Silver/Bronze per category; certificates, award seals (25), site features, social media promotion, press release; finalists receive seals/certificates
Entry fee: $85 (Aug 1–31), $95 (Sept 1–Oct 31), $105 (Nov 1–30); +$40 per additional category
Closing date: 30 November 2025

Mixed writing contests 2025

Open Season Awards (The Malahat Review)

Annual international contest with three genres: poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction. Winners receive publication in Spring 2026 (issue #234) and CAD$2,000 each. Anonymous judging; Submittable only; early-bird entry discounts.
Word count: Poetry up to 3 poems (max 100 lines each); Short fiction up to 2,500 words; Creative nonfiction up to 2,500 words
Prizes: CAD$2,000 per genre winner + publication; book prize drawings for entrants
Entry fee: Canada: CAD$35; International: CAD$45; additional entries CAD$10
Closing date: 01 November 2025

FC2 Prizes (Fiction Collective 2)

Two innovative fiction manuscript prizes with publication by FC2 (Univ. of Alabama Press). The Sukenick (for writers without prior FC2 books) and the Doctorow (for writers with 3+ published books). Anonymous submissions via Submittable; fee waivers available.
Word count: Book‑length innovative fiction (collections, novellas, or novel; no set length)
Prizes: Sukenick: $3,000 + publication (final judge: Alvin Lu for 2026)
Entry fee: $25 per manuscript (fee waivers available)
Closing date: 01 November 2025

F(r)iction Fall 2025 Writing Contests

Boundary‑pushing contest with categories in Short Story, Poetry, and Flash Fiction, judged by guest authors. Results announced April 2026. No AI‑generated work accepted.
Word count: Short Story (1,001 – 7,500 words), Poetry (up t0 three pages per poem), Flash Fiction (up to 1,000 words per piece)
Prizes: $1,000 (Short Story), $300 (Poetry), $300 (Flash Fiction); publication consideration
Entry fee: $15 per entry
Closing date: 07 November 2025

The Writers Cypher Contest

Global contest for adults (18+) in two categories: Poetry and Short Story. Three‑round format including a public “Battle Write” semifinal; finalists judged by a panel. One $20 fee covers all rounds. No AI entries; simultaneous submissions allowed.
Word count: Poetry up to 750 words; Short story up to 2,500 words
Prizes: $1,000 each to two grand prize winners (Poetry and Short Story); $250 to two runners‑up; additional recognition through site features
Entry fee: $20 per submission (one poem or one short story per fee)
Closing date: 30 November 2025

Writing contests in 2025 offer incredible opportunities to showcase your talent, win prizes, and even kickstart your publishing journey. Pick one (or a few!) contests from our list and start polishing your best work.

If contests aren’t your only goal and you’re looking to take full control of your writing career, consider self-publishing! PaperTrue’s editing and proofreading services make it easy with professional editing and formatting, helping you turn your manuscript into a successful contest submission!