November, 2026

Event Details
The Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest is run by Tadpole Press, founded and judged by Amber Byers, a children’s book author. The contest has no set theme or genre restriction.
Event Details
The Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest is run by Tadpole Press, founded and judged by Amber Byers, a children’s book author. The contest has no set theme or genre restriction. Entrants may submit fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoir, or any combination, provided the piece is 100 words or fewer.
Submissions are judged on creativity, originality, and how the piece captures a new angle or delivers a twist, with a stated preference for stories that show growth rather than dwelling in suffering. Pieces should be nonviolent in nature. The contest is open to writers of all ages, genders, and nationalities. Previously published work is accepted.
The panel includes five judges beyond Amber Byers: Johanna Craven, Creative Director of Compassiviste Publishing; melody kamba, a speculative fiction and lyric essay writer; Zoë Whittall, a private writing tutor; and Mari Mendoza, a writer and creative writing coach.
The winner will receive $1,000 USD (1st place). Further placements 2nd–6th receive publishing, editing, manuscript assessment, or coaching packages from Tadpole Press or Compassiviste Publishing.7th–10th place each receive $50 USD.
Winners are announced at Tadpole Press’s “Celebration of Words” event. A needs-based scholarship is available for the entry fee up to one month before the deadline.
Is this event legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any opportunity, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work. Check the organizer’s website and carefully read the terms and conditions!
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