The list below is an archive of events where the deadline has aleady passed. For a list of all current (upcoming) events, please refer to our main calendar page.

November

fri31oct12:01 am11:59 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventCai Emmons Short Fiction ContestCategory:Short FictionUSAEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:3,000 Top Prize:$700

fri31oct1:00 pm11:59 pmPast DeadlineOnline Event2025 Seven Hills Literary Contest and Penumbra Poetry and Haiku ContestCategory:Fiction, Novel, Poetry, ProseUSAEntry Fee:$25 (fiction); $20 (poetry); $10 (haiku) Max Length:7,500 (fiction); 100 lines (poetry) Top Prize:$300 and publication

sat01nov12:30 pm12:30 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventCatherine Doctorow Innovative Fiction PrizeCategory:Full ManuscriptInternationalEntry Fee:$25 Max Length:No limit Top Prize:$3,000 and publication by FC2, an imprint of the University of Alabama Press

sat01nov4:12 pm4:12 pmPast DeadlineOnline Event2026 Commonwealth Short Story PrizeCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:5,000 Top Prize:£2,500 and publication

sat01nov11:19 pm11:19 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventAscent Novel PrizeCategory:NovelInternationalEntry Fee:£29 (free for under-represented writers) Max Length:3,000 Top Prize:£1,000 and personalised feedback

wed05nov3:09 pm3:09 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe New Writers Historical Flash Fiction CompetitionCategory:Flash FictionInternationalEntry Fee:£8 Max Length:300 Top Prize:£500 and publication

fri07nov12:20 pm12:20 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventF(r)iction Fall 2025 Writing ContestsCategory:Flash Fiction, Poetry, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$15 Max Length:7,500 (short story); 3 pages (poetry); 1,000 (flash fiction) Top Prize:$1,000 and publication

sat08nov2:12 pm2:12 pmPast DeadlineThe Galley Beggar Press Short Story PrizeCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:£11 Max Length:6,000 Top Prize:£2,500

fri14nov6:26 pm6:26 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventThe Happiful Poetry PrizeCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:25 lines Top Prize:£100 and publication

sat15nov3:19 pm3:19 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventPerugia Press PrizeCategory:Full Manuscript, PoetryUSAEntry Fee:$15 Max Length:85 pages Top Prize:$2,000 and publication

sat15nov8:55 pm8:55 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe SmokeLong Grand Micro Contest 2025Category:Flash FictionInternationalEntry Fee:$14 Max Length:250 Top Prize:$1,000 and publication

mon17nov9:57 am9:57 amPast DeadlineOnline Event2026 First Chapters Competition - Historical Novel SocietyCategory:NovelInternationalEntry Fee:£25 Max Length:3,000 Top Prize:£1,000 and the competition trophy

sun30nov5:01 am11:59 pmPast DeadlineAnthology Travel Writing Competition 2025Category:Non-fictionInternationalEntry Fee:€15 Max Length:1000 Top Prize:€300

sat29nov10:00 pm11:59 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventSpeculative Fiction Short Stories - Intrepid Voices FundEmpowering emerging writersCategory:Fiction, Short StoryUSAMax Length:2,000 Top Prize:$1,250

sun30nov2:19 pm2:19 pmPast DeadlineGregory O’Donoghue International Poetry CompetitionCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:€7 per poem or €30 for a batch of five Max Length:40 lines Top Prize:€2,000 and publication

sun30nov10:00 am11:59 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventBoarding School Romance Writing Contest 2025Category:Fiction, NovelInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:No max word count Top Prize:$500 USD cash prize; Publishing offer with Galatea Stories; Book reviewed for possible CandyJar movie adaptation

sun30nov4:27 pm4:27 pmPast DeadlineInkspot Publishing Short Story CompetitionCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:£10 Max Length:5,000 Top Prize:£1,000 and publication

sun30nov5:09 pm5:09 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe International Dark Poets Prize (Edition IV)Category:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:£6 Max Length:250 Top Prize:£1000 and publication

sun30nov7:19 pm7:19 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventCambrian Mountains Poetry CompetitionCategory:PoetryEntry Fee:£3.50 Max Length:40 lines Top Prize:£150

December

mon01dec12:05 am12:05 amPast DeadlineOnline EventPhiladelphia Stories Fiction ContestCategory:Short StoryUSAEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:8,000 Top Prize:$1,000, publication, and a complimentary copy of Philadelphia Stories

mon01dec3:13 pm3:13 pmPast DeadlineOnline Event20th Annual Writer’s Digest Poetry AwardsCategory:Chapbook, PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:32 lines (poem); 25 pages (chapbook) Top Prize:$1,000, publication, author interview, and more

fri05dec12:00 am12:00 amPast DeadlineOnline EventBardsy 2025 Fall First Chapter Anthology ContestCategory:Fiction, Micro Fiction, Multiple categories, Short Fiction, Short Story, Unpublished BooksInternationalEntry Fee:$25 Max Length:2,500 Top Prize:$1,000 and publication

fri05dec11:01 pm11:01 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventNeilma Sidney Short Story PrizeCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:3000 Top Prize:$5000 and publication

sun07dec3:13 pm3:13 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventNew2theScene Poetry CompetitionCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:£5 Max Length:400 Top Prize:Publication, Interview on the New2theScene podcast, and more

sun07dec4:00 pm4:00 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventPalette Poetry 2025 Love & Eros PrizeCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:Three poems under ten pages Top Prize:$3,000 and publication

sun14dec9:37 am9:37 amFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventMinotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel CompetitionCategory:Full ManuscriptInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:No limit Top Prize:$10,000 and publishing contract

mon15dec9:10 am9:10 amFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventLeave Your Mark: Writing Contest for TeensCategory:Short FictionInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:250 Top Prize:$400 Gotham credit, a $50 gift certificate, and publication on the Gotham Writers website

mon15dec3:48 pm3:48 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventThe Final Girl Review - Horror Fiction, Poetry, and Non-fictionCategory:Essay, Fiction, Non-fiction, PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:Depends on category (check organizer's website) Top Prize:Publication

mon15dec11:48 pm11:48 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventUnleash Press WIP AwardCategory:Fiction, Non-fiction, PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$35 Max Length:25 pages double-spaced Top Prize:$500 to supplement costs to support the completion of a book-length work of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry

tue16dec3:04 pm3:04 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventGlobe Soup 2025 Open Short Story CompetitionCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:£8 Max Length:8,000 Top Prize:£2,000 and publication

wed17dec5:00 pm5:00 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Indie Gold AwardsAwards for Indie Mysteries, Thrillers & SuspenseCategory:Novel, Novella, Short FictionInternationalEntry Fee:$15 Max Length:6000 Top Prize:$500

thu18dec5:04 pm5:04 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventNoemi Press Book AwardCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$30 Max Length:Full manuscript Top Prize:$2,000 and publication by Noemi Press

fri19dec10:22 pm10:22 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventThe Griffin Poetry PrizeCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:No limit Top Prize:$130,000

sun21dec5:00 pm5:00 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventRuth Rendell Short Story CompetitionInterAct Stroke SupportCategory:Short StoryUnited KingdomEntry Fee:£15 Max Length:1000 Top Prize:£1,000

tue23dec3:07 pm3:07 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventAfritondo Short Story PrizeCelebrating outstanding fiction from Black and African writersCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:5000 Top Prize:$1,000 and publication

wed31dec12:00 am12:00 amPast DeadlineKiller Shorts Horror Short Screenplay CompetitionThe premier writing contest for emerging genre writers. Category:Scriptwriting, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$25 Max Length:6000 Top Prize:Publication, career mentorship, industry circulation, Scrivener writing software, and a skull-shaped typewriter trophy

wed31dec2:24 pm2:24 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventFarnham’s First Five Pages Writing CompetitionCategory:Novel, SynopsisInternationalEntry Fee:£10 Max Length:5 pages + 250 word synopsis Top Prize:£1000 and a critique

wed31dec2:47 pm2:47 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventFusilli Flash Fiction CompetitionCategory:Flash FictionInternationalEntry Fee:£2.50 Max Length:200 Top Prize:£30 and publication on website

wed31dec3:22 pm3:22 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventLilith Fiction ContestCategory:Multiple categoriesInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:Depends on category (check organizer's website) Top Prize:$300 and publication

wed31dec3:52 pm3:52 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventWolves Lit Fest Poetry Competition 2026Category:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:£4 Max Length:40 lines Top Prize:£400

wed31dec10:00 am11:59 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventInkitt Love at First Kick: Soccer Romance Writing Contest 2025Category:Fiction, Short FictionInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:No limit Top Prize:$300 and publication

wed31dec6:33 pm6:33 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Moth Poetry Prize 2025Category:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:€16 Max Length:No limit Top Prize:€6,000 and publication

wed31dec10:26 pm10:26 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe April Showers Publishing Writing CompetitionCategory:Short StoryUnited KingdomEntry Fee:£5 Max Length:7,000 Top Prize:£0.005/ word and feedback from editors

wed31dec6:00 pm11:59 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventDo Wha(TS) Write Short Fiction CompetitionA writing contest to fundraise for Tourette SyndromeCategory:Short Fiction, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$5 Max Length:1000 Top Prize:$200 and publication

wed31dec11:38 pm11:38 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Danahy Fiction PrizeCategory:Short FictionInternationalEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:5,000 Top Prize:$1,000 and publication in Tampa Review

January

thu01jan8:55 am8:55 amPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Exeter Novel PrizeCategory:NovelInternationalEntry Fee:£20 Max Length:10,000 Top Prize:£1000

fri02jan11:32 pm11:32 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventThe Welkin Writing PrizeCategory:Micro FictionInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:100 Top Prize:£75

sat03jan6:47 pm6:47 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Betty Award for Young WritersA writing contest for children ages 8-12Category:Essay, Poetry, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:1000 Top Prize:$300

sun04jan3:42 pm3:42 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventShepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival’s Poetry CompetitionCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:£4 Max Length:30 lines Top Prize:£300

mon05jan2:00 pm2:00 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventMarlowe & Christie Novel PrizeCategory:NovelInternationalEntry Fee:£19 Max Length:3000 Top Prize:£1200 plus reading by 4 professionals including 2 agents

wed07jan1:23 pm1:23 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Lucy Cavendish Fiction PrizeCategory:FictionUK & IrelandEntry Fee:£12 Max Length:10 pages Top Prize:£1,500 and one-on-one consultation with a literary agent

mon12jan3:12 am3:12 amFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventRISCS Short Story Competition 2026Imagining the Futures of Cyber SecurityCategory:Short StoryUnited KingdomEntry Fee:Free Max Length:4,000 Top Prize:£1,000 and publication

mon12jan10:00 am8:00 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventThe Path Not Taken Writing CompetitionCategory:Fiction, PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:1,000 Top Prize:Octo Books T-shirt, publication, certificate

wed14jan10:08 pm10:08 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Colorado Prize for PoetryCategory:Full Manuscript, PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$3 Max Length:100 pages Top Prize:$2,500 honorarium and publication

thu15jan12:59 am12:59 amPast DeadlineOnline Event2025 Rattle Chapbook PrizeCategory:Chapbook, PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$30 Max Length:30 pages Top Prize:$5,000, publication, and 500 author copies

mon26jan11:27 pm11:27 pmPast DeadlineOnline Event2026 Bridge Prize Short Story AwardCelebrating short story fiction writing at the post-secondary level in CanadaCategory:Short StoryCanadaEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:7,500 Top Prize:$5,000 + $200 gift card courtesy of Munro’s Books

fri30jan2:55 pm2:55 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventWilliam Saroyan International Prize for WritingCategory:Fiction, Non-fictionInternationalEntry Fee:$50 Max Length:No limit Top Prize:$5,000

sat31jan12:00 am12:00 amPast DeadlineOnline EventWOW! Creative Nonfiction Essay ContestCategory:Creative NonfictionInternationalEntry Fee:$12 Max Length:1000 Top Prize: $500, publication, interview, and gift code good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store

sat31jan1:00 am11:59 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventStory Unlikely Annual Short Story ContestCategory:Multiple categoriesInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:10,000 Top Prize:$3,000

sat31jan2:50 am2:50 amPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Bristol Short Story PrizeCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:£14 Max Length:4,000 Top Prize:£1,500 and publication

sat31jan12:00 am11:59 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Screw Turn Flash Fiction CompetitionCategory:Flash Fiction, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$15 Max Length:1,000 Top Prize:$1,000 and publication

sat31jan1:00 am12:59 pmPast DeadlineGeminga Contest 2026Category:Multiple categoriesInternationalEntry Fee:$5 Max Length:100 (fiction and nonfiction); 140 characters micropoetry); 4 pages (graphic novel) Top Prize:$100 and publication

sat31jan9:39 am9:39 amPast DeadlineOnline EventKent and Sussex Poetry Society Open Poetry CompetitionCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:£5 Max Length:40 lines Top Prize:£1,000 and publication

sat31jan10:04 am10:04 amFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventThe Cheshire Prize for LiteratureCategory:Flash Fiction, Poetry, Scriptwriting, Short FictionInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:Depends on category (check organizer's website) Top Prize:Check with organizer

sat31jan12:46 pm12:46 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventNew Writers Flash Fiction Competition 2026Category:Flash FictionInternationalEntry Fee:£10 Max Length:300 Top Prize:£1,100 and publication

sat31jan2:49 pm2:49 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Nimrod Literary AwardsCategory:Fiction, PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$25 Max Length:5,000 (fiction); 3-5 pages (poetry) Top Prize:$2,000 and publication

sat31jan3:20 pm3:20 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventFiction Factory First Chapter of a Novel + Synopsis CompetitionCategory:Novel, SynopsisInternationalEntry Fee:£18 Max Length:5,000 Top Prize:£500 + manuscript appraisal

sat31jan3:31 pm3:31 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Chautauqua Janus PrizeCategory:Fiction, Non-fictionInternationalEntry Fee:$25 Max Length:15,000 Top Prize:$5,000 and a week-long writing residency

sat31jan3:37 pm3:37 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventIronclad Short Story Competition - Spring 2026Category:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:£9.75 Max Length:6,000 Top Prize:£100 and publication

sat31jan3:49 pm3:49 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventCésar Egido Serrano Foundation VIII International Flash Fiction CompetitionCategory:Flash FictionInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:100 Top Prize:€20,000 and publication

sat31jan9:00 am11:59 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventInkitt Myth Weaver Writing Contest 2026Lore, Love, Laughs, and Everything in BetweenCategory:Fiction, Novel, Short FictionInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:No max word count Top Prize:$300 and publication

February

sun01feb2:55 am2:55 amPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Claret Press Short Story ContestCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:£5 Max Length:5,000 Top Prize:£50 and publication

sun01feb3:05 pm3:05 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventMasters Review Winter Short Story Award for New WritersCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:6,000 Top Prize:$3,000, online publication, and agency review

mon02feb12:28 am12:28 amPast DeadlineOnline EventCalibre Essay Prize 2026Category:EssayInternationalEntry Fee:$30 Max Length:5,000 Top Prize:$5,000 and publication

mon02feb2:59 pm2:59 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventPegasus Poetry Book PrizeCategory:PoetryUSAEntry Fee:Free Max Length:80 pages Top Prize:$10,000 and publication

mon02feb3:20 pm3:20 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Keats-Shelley Poetry and Essay PrizesCategory:Essay, PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:£10 Max Length:30 lines (poetry); 3,000 words (essay) Top Prize:£1000 and publication

tue10feb7:00 pm9:00 amPast DeadlineFirst Chapter Novel and Memoir ContestCategory:Memoir, NovelInternationalEntry Fee:$25 Max Length:2500 Top Prize:$100, full manuscript critique from a professional editor, ticket to the 2026 Off Topic Writers' Conference

thu12feb12:00 am11:59 pmPast Deadline2026 Next Generation Indie Book AwardsThe largest international awards program for indie authors and independent publishersCategory:Full ManuscriptInternationalEntry Fee:$80 Max Length:No limit Top Prize:$1500, trophy, social media coverage, and many other prizes

sun15feb10:00 pm12:00 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventFarnham Literary Festival Audiobook CompetitionRecognizing Celtic and Anglo-Saxon voices and storytelling traditionsCategory:AudiobookUnited KingdomEntry Fee:£25 Max Length:N/A Top Prize:£100

mon16feb12:00 am12:00 amFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventThe Libraro Prize 2026In partnership with Hachette UKCategory:Full Manuscript, NovelInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:Full manuscript (40,000 words and above) Top Prize:£50,000 publishing package and a book deal with Hachette UK

mon16feb4:41 pm4:41 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventRhys Davies Short Story CompetitionWriting competition for writers born or living in WalesCategory:Short StoryWalesEntry Fee:£8 Max Length:5000 Top Prize:£1,000 and publication in a short story anthology to be published by Parthian Books

sun22feb9:24 pm9:24 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventLimnisa Short Story Competition 2026Category:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:€10 Max Length:1500 Top Prize:A week-long writing retreat by the sea in Greece.

thu26feb12:36 am12:36 amFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventTales of Blood and RosesCall for submissionsCategory:Short FictionInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:1,500 Top Prize:Publication + two print copies and one PDF of published anthology

thu26feb12:00 am11:59 pmPast DeadlineOnline Event2026 Next Generation Short Story AwardsAn international awards program for authors of short storiesCategory:Multiple categories, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$25 Max Length:5000 Top Prize:$500, trophy, publication

fri27feb9:15 am9:15 amPast DeadlineOnline EventEmerging Author DaggerCrime Writing CompetitionCategory:NovelInternationalEntry Fee:£42 Max Length:Opening (max. 3,000 words) and synopsis (max. 1,500 words) Top Prize:$500 + shortlisted entries shown to agents and publishers

fri27feb1:00 pm1:00 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventThe Story Star Standard Founding CompetitionIndie Book ShowcaseCategory:Fiction, Novel, Published BooksInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:10,000 + synopsis Top Prize:a free full, in-depth professional review, a permanent place on The Story Star Standard's Indie Book Catalogue, collaboration/promotional opportunities such as blog posts and interviews

fri27feb3:04 pm3:04 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventNever Such Innocence International CompetitionPoetry, art and songCategory:Poetry, SongwritingInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:Depends on category (check with organizer) Top Prize:Publication and other perks

fri27feb10:47 pm10:47 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventClassical Association Verse and Voice CompetitionCategory:Poetry, Spoken WordInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:1,000 Top Prize:£2,000

sat28feb12:00 am12:00 amPast DeadlineOnline EventWOW! Winter 2026 Flash Fiction ContestCategory:Flash FictionInternationalEntry Fee:$10 Max Length:750 Top Prize:$400, publication, interview, and $25 Amazon Gift Certificate

sat28feb3:04 am3:04 amFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventBlack Caucus of ALA (BCALA) Self-Publishing Literary AwardsAcknowledging outstanding achievements of the Black DiasporaCategory:Published BooksInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:Full manuscript Top Prize:$2,500

sat28feb9:07 am9:07 amPast DeadlineOnline EventEdinburgh Short Story AwardCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:£11 Max Length:2,000 Top Prize:£3,000 and publication

sat28feb11:00 am11:59 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventBridge House Annual Anthology - Call for SubmissionsCategory:FictionInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:5000 Top Prize:Publication in anthology and profit share of books sales

sat28feb1:47 pm1:47 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventVoices of Mixed HeritageCategory:Non-fiction, Poetry, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:2000 (short stories and creative non-fiction); 10 pages (poems or poetry collections) Top Prize:$500 and publication

sat28feb2:34 pm2:34 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventFish Flash Fiction Prize 2026Category:Flash FictionInternationalEntry Fee:€16 Max Length:300 Top Prize:€1,000 and publication

sat28feb10:00 am10:00 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventRigel Contest 2026Category:Graphic Novel, Poetry, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$5 Max Length:1,500 (short stories); 14 lines (poetry); 6 pages (graphic novels) Top Prize:$100 and publication

sat28feb6:29 pm6:29 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventAWP Award SeriesAnnual competition for new book-length worksCategory:Full Manuscript, Novel, Poetry, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$30 Max Length:Depends on category (check organizer's website) Top Prize:$5,500 and publication

sat28feb7:55 pm7:55 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventA Long Winter’s Night ContestCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:50 Top Prize:Publication and a free Gotham writing class

sat28feb9:16 pm9:16 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventCanterbury Tales Writing Competition 2025-26Category:Poetry, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:500 Top Prize:£300 for winning student + £1000 for winning student's library

March

sun01mar3:54 pm3:54 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventPorter Fleming Literary CompetitionCategory:Fiction, Non-fiction, Play, PoetryUSAEntry Fee:$15 Max Length:Depends on category (check organizer's website) Top Prize:$7,000 cash awards across categories

sun01mar4:50 pm4:50 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventKelpies Prize for Writing 2026Category:Children's Literature, Fiction, Non-fictionScotlandEntry Fee:Free Max Length:3,000 Top Prize:£500, mentoring, editorial feedback, and publication support

mon02mar2:55 am2:55 amFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventRuth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry FellowshipsCategory:PoetryUSAEntry Fee:Free Max Length:10 pages Top Prize:$27,000

mon02mar3:41 pm3:41 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventEthos Literacy 7th Annual Short Short Story ContestCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$15 Max Length:100 Top Prize:$200 and e-publication in Ethos Literacy e-magazine

mon02mar4:20 pm4:20 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventBrick Lane Bookshop Short Story PrizeCategory:Short StoryUK & IrelandEntry Fee:£10 Max Length:3,000 Top Prize:£1,000, publication, and promotion via Brick Lane Bookshop

tue03mar5:03 pm5:03 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Chapter One Prize 2026Opening chapter of an unpublished novel‑in‑progressCategory:NovelInternationalEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:First chapter only Top Prize:$1,000

fri06mar6:38 pm6:38 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story PrizeCategory:Short StoryInternationalMax Length:750 Top Prize:$1000 and a free 10-week course with Gotham Writers

tue10mar1:24 am1:24 amPast DeadlineOnline EventEdinburgh Young Adult Novel Award 2026For Novels and Graphic NovelsCategory:NovelInternationalEntry Fee:£19 Max Length:5,000 words (novel); 6–8 graphic pages + synopsis (graphic novel) Top Prize:£1,500 and online mentoring/consultation opportunities

sun15mar2:50 am2:50 amFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventWaterman Fund Emerging Writers Essay ContestCategory:EssayInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:3000 Top Prize:$3,000 and publication

mon16mar2:25 pm2:25 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventBBC National Short Story AwardsIn Association with Cambridge UniversityCategory:Short StoryUnited KingdomEntry Fee:Free Max Length:8,000 Top Prize:£15,000, broadcast on BBC Radio 4, and anthology publication by Comma Press

fri27mar11:00 am6:00 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Julia & Martin Wilson Short Story Prize 2026Broadway Arts FestivalCategory:Multiple categoriesInternationalEntry Fee:£12 Max Length:2000 Top Prize:£800

tue31mar12:39 am12:39 amPast DeadlineOnline EventHenshaw Short Story CompetitionCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:£6 Max Length:2,000 Top Prize:£200 and publication

tue31mar12:00 am12:00 amPast DeadlineOnline EventHarvard Crimson Global Essay Competition 2026Category:EssayInternationalEntry Fee:$15 Max Length:500 Top Prize:Cash Prizes up to $8000, Internships with "The Crimson" Team, Exclusive free spot on The Harvard Crimson Summer Journalism Course

tue31mar3:04 am3:04 amPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Rubery Book AwardCategory:Published BooksInternationalEntry Fee:£46 Max Length:No limit Top Prize:£2,000

tue31mar12:00 am11:59 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventInception | Sunspot LitCategory:Creative Nonfiction, Essay, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Graphic Novel, Letter, Memoir, Micro Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Prose, Script, Short Fiction, Short Non-fiction, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$5 Max Length:250 (prose); 25 (poetry); first page (graphic novel and comic books) Top Prize:$100 and publication

tue31mar6:00 am6:00 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventWriteMentor Novel and Picture Book AwardCategory:Multiple categoriesInternationalEntry Fee:£12 Max Length:3,000 Top Prize:£500 and 45-minute one-to-one consultation with agent

tue31mar8:56 am8:56 amPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Lascaux Prize in PoetryCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$15 Max Length:No limit Top Prize:$1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review

tue31mar1:40 pm1:40 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventMemoir in Verse AwardContest for Full-length ChapbooksCategory:Chapbook, PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$22 Max Length:Full manuscript Top Prize:$1,500 and publication

tue31mar2:10 pm2:10 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventCats Protection Short Story CompetitionCategory:Short StoryUnited KingdomEntry Fee:£10 Max Length:1,000 Top Prize:Publication in The Cat magazine and a Cult Pens prize bundle worth up to £350

tue31mar5:03 pm5:03 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventNovel BeginningsKick-start your writing career with our $50,000 grand prizeCategory:NovelInternationalEntry Fee:$20 (free to writers with paid ProWritingAid subscriptions) Max Length:The first 5,000 words of a novel in progress Top Prize:$50,000, 45-minute editorial consultation, Six months of mentorship and a conditional offer of representation

tue31mar5:32 pm5:32 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Caterpillar Poetry Prize 2026For the best poem written by an adult for childrenCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:€16 Max Length:No limit Top Prize:€1,000 plus a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland

tue31mar11:59 pm6:00 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventTom Grass 'Spirit of Adventure' Literary PrizeCategory:Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Non-fiction, Short Fiction, Short Non-fiction, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:3,000 Top Prize:£1,000

April

wed01apr2:38 am2:38 amPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Orison Prizes in Poetry & FictionCategory:Fiction, PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$25 Max Length:30,000 (fiction); 100 pages (poetry) Top Prize:$1,500 and publication

wed01apr2:47 pm2:47 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline Event2026 Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry ContestCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:250 lines Top Prize:$2,000 and publication

wed01apr10:18 pm10:18 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Rialto Nature and Place Poetry CompetitionCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:£7 Max Length:40 lines Top Prize:£1000

thu02apr2:44 am2:44 amPast DeadlineOnline EventTerry Tempest Williams Creative Nonfiction PrizeCategory:Creative NonfictionInternationalEntry Fee:$23 Max Length:10,000 Top Prize:$1,000 and publication

wed08apr9:38 pm9:38 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventThe Pitch Mag Young Sports Journalist CompetitionOpen to writers aged 14–21Category:EssayInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:800 Top Prize:Recognition, publication

wed15apr5:32 pm5:32 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Florida Review Editor’s PrizesCategory:Poetry, ProseInternationalEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:30 pages (prose); 5 poems (poetry) Top Prize:$1,000 and publication in The Florida Review

thu16apr6:58 pm6:58 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventPURORRELATO Micro-story Contest 2026Category:Flash Fiction, Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:1500 Top Prize:€750

fri17apr5:26 pm5:26 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventWriting Fellowship for New ParentsCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:$20 Max Length:440 Top Prize:$2,000 cash, publication in Dreamers Creative Writing Magazine, and a year of mentorship

sun19apr2:03 pm2:03 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventDesperate Literature Short Fiction Prize 2026Category:Short FictionInternationalEntry Fee:€20 Max Length:2000 Top Prize:€2,000, Civitella Ranieri residency, agent consultation, and manuscript assessment

thu23apr3:00 pm10:00 pmPast DeadlineFFF Competition Thirty-ThreeCategory:Flash FictionInternationalEntry Fee:£4.95 Max Length:300 words Top Prize:£200

fri24apr(apr 24)12:00 pmsun26(apr 26)11:59 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventNot Quite Write Prize for Flash FictionWrite 500 words in 60 hours to WIN!Category:Flash FictionInternationalEntry Fee:$28 Max Length:500 Top Prize:$1,500 cash and the coveted Not Quite Write Trophy

tue28apr12:00 am11:59 pmFREE to enter! Yay!Past DeadlineOnline EventJane Austen Literacy Foundation Short Story Writing CompetitionCategory:Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max Length:2000 words Top Prize:Winning stories recorded as an audiobook and published worldwide

thu30apr2:26 am2:26 amPast DeadlineOnline EventWare Poets Open Poetry CompetitionCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:£5 Max Length:50 lines Top Prize:£1,000 and publication

thu30apr12:00 am11:59 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventTadpole Press 100-Word Writing ContestCategory:Flash Fiction, Micro Fiction, Multiple categories, Poetry, Prose, Short Fiction, Short Non-fiction, SongwritingInternationalEntry Fee:$15 USD Max Length:100 words or less (including any title) according to Microsoft Word. Top Prize:$1,000 USD

thu30apr4:02 pm4:02 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventThe Adrienne Rich Award for PoetryCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$15 Max Length:10 pages Top Prize:$1,500 + publication in BPJ

thu30apr5:22 pm5:22 pmPast DeadlineMarsh Hawk Press Poetry PrizesCategory:PoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$30 Max Length:84 pages Top Prize:$2,000, book publication, and promotion

thu30apr6:00 pm6:00 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventWOW! Creative Nonfiction Essay ContestCategory:Creative NonfictionInternationalEntry Fee:$12 Max Length:1000 Top Prize:$500, publication, interview, and gift code good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store

thu30apr2:00 pm11:59 pmPast DeadlineOnline EventAdventure Writers CompetitonCategory:Fiction, Full Manuscript, Novel, Published Books, Unpublished BooksInternationalEntry Fee:$75 Max Length:No limit Top Prize:$1000

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