This list shows writing events with opportunities to win prizes and get published with deadlines in OCTOBER 2025. For a list of all current (upcoming) events, please refer to our main calendar page

Note: We do not host any of the events listed here. If you have any questions about a particular event, please reach out to the event organizer. Always do your own research before submitting your work, especially if participating in the event requires paying an entry fee.

October 2025

wed01oct(oct 1)2:08 amfri31(oct 31)2:08 am Virtual EventCharmed & Chained Short Story ContestThe Elegant Literature Award for New WritersCategoryShort StoryInternationalEntry Fee:Free (for Elegant Literature members) Max word count:2,000 Top Prize:$3,000, 10 cents per word, publication, and free enrollment in the New Novelist Accelerator program

fri24oct1:00 am12:00 pmThe Failing Writers Podcast Flash Fiction CompetitionCategoryFlash FictionInternationalEntry Fee:£4 Max word count:300 Top Prize:£500

fri24oct(oct 24)12:00 pmsun26(oct 26)11:59 pmNot Quite Write Prize for Flash FictionA flash fiction competition with a twistCategoryFlash FictionInternationalEntry Fee:$20 Max word count:500 Top Prize:$1,500, trophy, and a publishing contract

fri31oct12:01 am11:59 pmThe Bedford Short Story and Poetry CompetitionCategoryPoetry,Short StoryInternationalEntry Fee:£8.50 Max word count:3000 (short story); 40 lines (poetry) Top Prize:£2000

fri31oct12:05 am12:05 amThis event is FREE to enter! Yay!Virtual EventTogetherintheUK ‘Then & Now’ Writing CompetitionCategoryEssay,Poetry,Short Story,SongwritingInternationalEntry Fee:Free Max word count:1500 Top Prize:£250

fri31oct7:00 am11:58 pmThe Whispering Wisdom Poetry PrizeTheme: LOVECategoryPoetryInternationalEntry Fee:£5 Max word count:15 lines Top Prize:£100 and publication

fri31oct12:01 am11:59 pmVirtual EventCai Emmons Short Fiction ContestCategoryShort FictionUSAEntry Fee:$20 Max word count:3,000 Top Prize:$700

fri31oct9:45 am9:45 amVirtual EventBenjamin Saltman Poetry AwardCategoryPoetryInternationalEntry Fee:$25 Max word count:96 pages Top Prize:$3,000 and publication

fri31oct11:00 am11:59 pmVirtual EventIronclad Creative Short Story Comp: SwitchCategoryShort StoryInternationalEntry Fee:£9 Max word count:6,000 Top Prize:£100 and publication

fri31oct12:35 pm12:35 pmThis event is FREE to enter! Yay!Virtual EventThe Young Walter Scott PrizeCategoryFictionUnited KingdomEntry Fee:Free Max word count:2,000 Top Prize:£500 travel grant, tickets to a UK book festivals, publication in anthology

fri31oct3:00 pm11:59 pmVirtual EventNational Poetry CompetitionCategoryPoetryInternationalEntry Fee:£8 Max word count:40 lines Top Prize:£5,000

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

fri31oct5:22 pm5:22 pmThe Hope PrizeGet published by Simon & Schuster AustraliaCategoryShort Fiction,Short Non-fictionInternationalEntry Fee:$30 Max word count:5,000 Top Prize:$10,000 and publication Simon & Schuster Australia

fri31oct9:06 pm9:06 pmThis event is FREE to enter! Yay!Virtual EventSolstice Nature Prize for Young WritersCategoryPoetry,Short StoryUnited KingdomEntry Fee:Free Max word count:500 (short stories); 500 (blogs); 40 lines (poetry) Top Prize:£100, goody bags and anthology publication

View full caledar of events scheduled for this year