Writing Contests 2026: Cash Prizes, Free Entries, and More!

• Jan 16, 2026
• 10 min read

• Tags: Book Writing, Fiction Writing, Novel Writing, Poetry, Short Story

Are you a writer eager to showcase your talent in 2026? Writing contests offer an incredible opportunity to challenge yourself, gain exposure, and potentially win exciting prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your writing journey, there’s a contest waiting for you this year.

From poetry and short stories to essays and full-length books, the writing competition landscape in 2026 is rich with opportunities. This guide will walk you through some of the most exciting contests opening in January 2026, including several that offer free entry.

Ready to put your words to the test? Let’s dive into the best writing contests 2026 has to offer!

Here is a month-by-month list of the best writing contests in 2026:

• January 2026

January 2026

January kicks off the new year with a fantastic selection of writing contests across multiple genres. Whether you’re a poet, fiction writer, essayist, or novelist, there’s something here for you.

Poetry Contests 2026

The Blossom Contest (BIPOC Writers Only)

This free-entry poetry contest from table//FEAST Literary Magazine is exclusively for BIPOC writers. It’s a wonderful opportunity for underrepresented voices to gain recognition and a substantial cash prize.
Word count: Up to five poems
Prizes: $250 USD
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 1, 2026

Golden Haiku Poetry Competition

This internationally recognized competition invites poets worldwide to submit original haiku on the theme “The Joy of Nature.” Winning haiku are displayed on colorful street signs throughout Washington, D.C.’s Golden Triangle neighborhood.
Word count: Contemporary haiku format (no strict 5-7-5 requirement)
Prizes: First Place – $500, Second Place – $200, Third Place – $100, Regional/DC – $200, plus youth prizes
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 11, 2026

Michael Marks Awards for Poetry Pamphlets

These prestigious awards recognize the fundamental importance of poetry pamphlets in literary culture. Categories include Poetry Pamphlet, Environmental Poetry Pamphlet, Publishers Award, and Illustration Award.
Word count: Pamphlet-length (16-25+ pages depending on category)
Prizes: Prizes starting at £5,000 and a residential trip to Greece
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 21, 2026

Short Story Writing Contests 2026

Story Unlikely Short Story Contest

One of the best free-entry short story contests available, Story Unlikely welcomes all genres: fantasy, sci-fi, memoir, fiction, nonfiction, and more. The magazine prides itself on publishing “good stories” regardless of genre conventions.
Word count: Up to 7,000 words (Writer Level Members get a bonus 3,000 words)
Prizes: $3,000 first place, $1,000 second place, $750 third place, $250 reprint category
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 14, 2026

50 Word Fiction Competition – Scottish Book Trust

This monthly micro-fiction competition challenges writers to tell a complete story in exactly 50 words. The January prompt features “gingerbread” as the theme. Categories include adult writers, Gaelic writers (all ages), and young writers (5-11 and 12-18).
Word count: Exactly 50 words (including title if used)
Prizes: Various prizes, including mugs, books, badges, notebooks, and pens; certificates for all winners
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 27, 2026

Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award

Co-sponsored by Baen Books and the National Space Society, this contest honors Jim Baen’s legacy by celebrating science fiction stories about manned space exploration. The contest seeks near-future (50-60 years out) stories about moon bases, Mars colonies, orbital habitats, and more.
Word count: Up to 8,000 words
Prizes: Grand Prize: Publication, professional payment ($0.08/word), engraved award, free ISDC conference entry, and NSS membership. Second and Third place receive conference entry and membership.
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 31, 2026

Essay Contests 2026

Japan Center Essay Competition (Stony Brook University)

Sponsored by Canon U.S.A., this competition encourages young Americans to think creatively about their lives in relation to Japan, including art, culture, tradition, values, philosophy, history, society, politics, business, and technology.
Word count: 500 – 750 words
Prizes: 1st Place: $3,000, 2nd Place: $1,500, 3rd Place: $1,000, and a Canon product
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 8, 2026

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

This prestigious contest challenges U.S. high school students (grades 9-12) to write about an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917.
Word count: 700-1,000 words (excluding citations and bibliography)
Prizes: $10,000, $3,000, $1,000, and $100 prizes
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 12, 2026

Bethesda Urban Partnership Local Writers’ Showcase

This competition is open to adults and high school students in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Winners are published and honored at a special showcase event. The judges for this year are Andrew Bertaina, Ariel Felton, and Kerry Folan
Word count: 500 words or fewer
Prizes: First: $500 and published in Bethesda Magazine, Second: $250, Third: $150, Honorable Mentions: $100
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 13, 2026

Book Writing Contests 2026

Northern Writers’ Awards (New Writing North)

These awards support writers in the North of England with various opportunities, including development funding, mentoring, and industry introductions.
Word count: 3000 – 6000
Prizes: £2500 prize money, mentoring, and publication support
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 12, 2026

Lit Fox Award

This award celebrates excellence in independent publishing and emerging authors. The winner will also receive an interview with Lit Fox Books.
Word count: Not mentioned
Prizes: $1500 cash prize and publication with Lit Fox Books
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 15, 2026

Washington State Book Awards

The Washington Center for the Book accepts book submissions for its annual state book awards, celebrating exceptional works by Washington authors.
Word count: Published book-length works
Prizes: State recognition and awards
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 16, 2026

Pegasus Poetry Book Prize

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding poetry collections and supports poets in their careers.
Word count: Book-length poetry collection (48-80 pages)
Prizes: $10,000 and publication
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 26, 2026

Northern California Book Awards

These awards celebrate exceptional books from Northern California authors and publishers across multiple categories.
Word count: Published book-length works
Prizes: Awards and recognition
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 31, 2026

Mixed Writing Contests 2026

Vermont Writers’ Prize

This contest welcomes submissions across multiple genres from Vermont writers or those with strong Vermont connections. Writers can submit a short story, poem, play, or essay.
Word count: 1500 words or less (prose), up to 40 lines (poetry)
Prizes: $1,250 and publication in the Vermont Magazine
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 1, 2026

The Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award

This award recognizes books that contribute to the understanding of Chicago’s history, culture, and communities.
Word count: Published book-length works
Prizes: $25,000
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 31, 2026

Cheshire Prize for Literature

This competition celebrates creative writing with connections to Cheshire, England, welcoming submissions across various genres like poetry, short story, flash fiction, children’s literature, and scriptwriting.
Word count: 1,500 words (short story), max.100 lines (poetry), 360 words (flash fiction), 1,500 words (children’s literature), and approx. 20 pages (Scriptwriting)  
Prizes: Cash prizes and recognition
Entry fee: Free
Closing date: January 31, 2026

Tips for Entering Writing Contests in 2026

Before you submit, keep these best practices in mind:

1. Read the guidelines carefully: Every contest has specific requirements for word count, formatting, and submission methods. Following these precisely can mean the difference between consideration and disqualification.
2. Mind the deadlines: Set reminders for contest deadlines well in advance. Many contests receive a surge of submissions in the final days, so submitting early can help your work stand out.
3. Polish your work: Take time to revise and proofread before submitting. Consider having a trusted reader review your work or investing in professional editing services.
4. Understand the rights: Review what rights each contest requests. Most literary magazines seek first publication rights, but specifics vary.
5. Watch for AI policies: Many contests now explicitly prohibit AI-generated content. Be prepared to affirm that your work is original and human-written.
6. Keep records: Track your submissions, deadlines, and results to stay organized throughout the year.

Writing contests offer more than just the chance to win prizes; they provide motivation to write, opportunities for publication, and valuable feedback on your craft. Whether you’re drawn to the brevity of haiku, the imagination of science fiction, or the depth of literary essays, there’s a contest waiting for your unique voice.

Start polishing your best work and get ready to submit. Your winning story could be just around the corner!

If you’re preparing a manuscript for submission, consider professional editing and proofreading services to ensure your work shines. PaperTrue’s expert editors can help you present your best writing to contest judges and publishers alike.

Keep reading for more:

Found this article helpful?

0

0

Tanvi

With a foundation in Life Sciences, Tanvi enjoys curating technical writing tips tailored for ESL students. When she's not translating complex concepts into bite-sized nuggets, she can be found playing with dogs or painting landscapes.