The Elegant Literature Prize is a $3,000 cash award presented monthly by Elegant Literature, a digital magazine, to a new, unpublished writer. The award is part of the organizer’s mission to help new talent launch their writing careers by providing financial support and publication opportunities.

This contest invites you to explore Gentle Gravity, whatever that means to you. Fantasy, contemporary, romance, crime. All genres are welcome. Minimum 500, maximum 2000 words.

Submissions close April 30th at 11:59 pm EST. Contest only open to new writers.

Who can enter? New or unpublished authors, from anywhere in the world (excluding Quebec, Canada).

Prizes:

• 1st place: $3,000 USD. Free enrolment in the New Novelist Accelerator.
• 2nd – 10th: 10c/word and publication.
• 11th – 35th: $20 USD and an honorable mention in the magazine.

The judges will choose the winner based on creativity, character, structure and flow, quality of writing.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

FFF Competition Thirty-Three is organised by Free Flash Fiction, an online flash fiction platform that publishes short fiction and runs a regular series of themed-free flash fiction contests throughout the year. The competition invites writers to submit original flash fiction stories of between 100 and 300 words, written in English and on any theme.

The contest is open internationally and accepts entries from both emerging and established writers. Each competition round is judged by a guest judge from the writing community, with entries evaluated anonymously. Winning and selected entries are published on the Free Flash Fiction website, where the organisers also maintain archives of past competitions, judges’ reports, and winning stories.

The FFF competitions run several times a year as part of the site’s ongoing effort to showcase short-form fiction and provide publication opportunities for flash fiction writers.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction is an international writing event that challenges writers to create an original piece of flash fiction based on two typical writing prompts plus one anti-prompt. Participants will compete for AU$4,000 in cash prizes, including AU$1,500 for the winner, a trophy, and a publishing contract. The competition is open to writers of all levels of experience worldwide.

When the competition kicks-off, the prompts will be announced by email. Entrants will receive details about how and where to submit their entry when the competition opens.

Participants have 60 hours to write up to 500 words in response to 2 prompts and 1 anti-prompt.

There is a total prize pool of AU$4,000 up for grabs in each round of the competition:

• 1st Place: AU$1,500 and the coveted Not Quite Write Trophy
• 2nd Place: AU$1,000
• 3rd Place: AU$500
• 4th Place: AU$350
• 5th Place: AU$250
• 6th Place: AU$200
• Wildcards (2): AU$100

Top 6 stories are read aloud on the podcast and published on the Not Quite Write website and receive a publishing contract for the Not Quite Write Prize anthology (Print and eBook).

The next round of the competition commences at midday Friday 24 April 2026 AEDT (Sydney, Australia time). Entrants have until midnight Sunday 26 April AEDT to submit a 500-word piece of original fiction in response to the given criteria.

Find out more about the Not Quite Write Flash Fiction Prize here.

The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation invites writers worldwide (aged 16 ) to enter their annual short story competition. This year’s theme is A Story Worth Telling — write an original fictional story in any setting, time period or genre. Open to both new and experienced fiction writers. Free to enter.

Three winning stories will be recorded as a worldwide audiobook by multi-award-winning Austen narrator Alison Larkin, and the overall winner announced in Chawton, Jane Austen’s literary home, with Jane’s family in June 2026.

A truly global competition — past years have welcomed entries from over 30 countries. Founded by Caroline Jane Knight, Jane Austen’s fifth great niece, the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation is a registered not for profit organisation run by volunteers. The Foundation connects a world-wide community of people who believe in the power of literacy.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Ware Poets Open Poetry Competition is organised by Ware Poets, a poetry and community organisation based in Hertfordshire, UK. Now in its 28th year, the competition has been running since 1998 and attracts submissions from across the UK and internationally.

The 2026 competition is judged by poet and educator Keith Jarrett, a multiple poetry slam champion and Poetry Society trustee. Poems for all categories may be on any subject.

This year marks the first time five prizes are being awarded, including two special categories: the Sonnet Prize (open to all), and the Local Prize, reserved for the best poem by a writer living in Hertfordshire or Essex.

The winning and commended poems will be featured in our Ware Poets Open Competition 2026 Anthology, with an introduction by Keith Jarrett. Each poet published in the 2026 Anthology will be sent a complimentary copy. The poem that wins first prize will be automatically entered for the Forward Prize and all prize-winning poems will be published on the Ware Poets website.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The 100-Word Writing Contest is an international micro-fiction competition organised by Tadpole Press and sponsored by Duotrope. The contest challenges writers to tell a complete story in 100 words or fewer, including the title. Entries may be written in any genre, and there is no set theme.

The competition is open to writers of all ages, genders, and nationalities. Multiple submissions are allowed, with a $15 entry fee per entry. Each piece must be an original short work of 100 words or less.

Pieces will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, and how the story captures a new angle, breaks through stereotypes, and expands beliefs about what’s possible or unexpectedly delights. In addition, the judges are looking for clever or unique writing that inspires and crafts a compelling and complete story.

The contest awards multiple prizes across a wide shortlist of winning entries.

Prizes:

• 1st place: $1,000 USD + a 2-year Duotrope Gift Certificate ($100 USD value)​
• 2nd place: Publishing and marketing package with Compassiviste Publishing ($6,000 USD value)
• 3rd place: Manuscript assessment package with Compassiviste Publishing ($1,500-$3,000 USD value)
• 4th place: Editing package with Tadpole Press ($1,500 USD value)
• 5th & 6th place: Writing coaching package with Tadpole Press ($500 USD value)
• 7th – 10th place: $200 USD
• 11th – 15th place: $150 USD
• 16th – 20th place: $100 USD
• 21st – 30th place: $50 USD

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Adrienne Rich Award for Poetry is an annual prize administered by the Beloit Poetry Journal, supported by the Adrienne Rich Literary Trust. It celebrates poetry that embodies the boldness, creativity, and social engagement championed by Adrienne Rich herself. Applicants submit their work for both the chance to win $1,500 and for consideration in publication by BPJ.

Submit 1-3 unpublished poems on any subject in any style up to a maximum of 10 pages per entry.

Finalists will be notified in the summer; the winner will be announced and published in the Fall issue of the BPJ. All entries are considered for publication in Beloit Poetry Journal, even if they do not win.

A limited number of fee waivers are available for those facing financial hardship – contact the organizer for more information.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prizes 2026 are organised by Marsh Hawk Press, an independent U.S. press dedicated to publishing poetry and supporting poets through annual manuscript contests. The prizes recognise excellence in unpublished book-length poetry manuscripts and include multiple awards judged by a notable poet, with publication and cash prizes.

Submissions must be in English and consist of original poetry manuscripts between 48 and 84 pages (single-spaced), typed in at least 12-point font with a table of contents. The collection as a whole must be unpublished; individual poems previously published in magazines, anthologies, or chapbooks under 25 pages are permitted. Manuscripts should be submitted electronically via Submittable, with no personal identification within the manuscript itself to ensure blind judging.

The competition is international, open to both emerging and established poets worldwide. Winners are selected by judge Denise Duhamel from a group of finalists, and announcements are made following the close of submissions.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The WOW! Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest is organised by WOW! Women on Writing, an established online writing platform that supports writers through competitions, publication opportunities, and educational resources. This quarterly contest invites personal essays based on real-life experiences, encouraging honest, engaging storytelling across a wide range of topics.

There is no fixed theme, but entries should reflect the core principles of creative nonfiction—truthful narratives told with literary flair. The mission of this contest is to reward bravery in real-life storytelling and create an understanding of our world through thoughtful, engaging narratives.

Submissions must be original, unpublished, and written in English, with a maximum length of 1,000 words. The competition is open internationally, and while WOW! focuses on supporting women writers, the contest itself is open to all. Winning and shortlisted entries are published on the WOW! website, offering visibility alongside cash prizes.

Limit: 300 entries.

Top prize: $500, publication, interview, and gift code good for one item from CreateWriteNow’s Store

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Adventure Writers Competition (AWC) is an annual international writing contest for action-adventure novels open to both unpublished and published authors whose work (if published) hasn’t exceeded the set distribution limit.

The competition is open to all writers over the age of 18 as of the close of that year’s submission deadline. Incomplete novels or works-in-progress are not eligible. All entries (synopsis if required and full-length novel) must be in English.

Every entry is read by a panel of judges dedicated to adventure fiction, and finalists often get exposure at the Clive Cussler Collector’s Society convention and on the AWC website.

• $1000 to the Winner of the competition, $500 to each of the 2 runners-up!
• All Finalists receive a trophy, the winner receives a “Grandmaster Winner” trophy.
• Finalists receive a video book trailer and interview by the AWC that will be posted on the AWC website and allowed to use that video file for marketing.
• Semi-finalists, finalists, and the winner receive and retain the right to use the AWC badge proclaiming their accomplishment (in PNG high resolution).

Is this competition legit?Unknown - Based on our research it is not clear if this event is legit and if it's hosted by a well established publisher. Please remember to do your own research and read the Terms & Conditions before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Rhina Espaillat Poetry Award honors the achievements of the great Dominican-American poet, translator, and public school teacher Rhina Polonia Espaillat. The prize will be awarded for an original poem of not more than fifty lines that reflects her lyricism, attention to form, empathy, and ability to find grace in everyday events of life without having to be explicitly religious.

In contrast to most other poetry competitions, Plough does not contract out judging of this award to a prominent poet. Instead, Plough’s poetry editor, Jane Clark Scharl, will select approximately twenty poems for further consideration, and then the editors will reach a consensus on the winner and the two finalists.

The winning poet will receive a two thousand dollar award and the winning poem will be published in Plough Quarterly. In addition, two finalists will receive two hundred and fifty dollars as well as publication in Plough.

The Rhina Espaillat Poetry Award is free to Plough Quarterly subscribers, and there is a $7.00 fee per poem for non-subscribers.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
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The Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest is organized by Winning Writers.

For this contest, a story is any short work of fiction, and an essay is any short work of nonfiction. Both published and unpublished work is accepted, written in any theme.

No restriction on age of author.

Prizes

• STORY: First Prize, $3,500
• ESSAY: First Prize, $3,500
• The top two winners will also receive two-year gift certificates from our co-sponsor, Duotrope (a $100 value)
• 10 Honorable Mentions will receive $500 each (any category)
• Top 12 entries published online

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
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The Alpine Fellowship Poetry Prize 2026 is organised by The Alpine Fellowship, a UK-based arts and literary foundation that supports interdisciplinary creative work. This annual prize invites poets to respond to the 2026 theme — Joy — with original, unpublished work that captures the theme’s depth and resonance.

Entrants must submit one poem of up to 500 words written in English. The competition is international and open to writers aged 18 or over. Submissions are judged anonymously, and multiple entries are permitted provided each is a separate submission and fee is paid.

Prizes:

• 1st Prize: £3,000
• 2nd Prize: £1,000
• 3rd Prize: £1,000

Winners and runners-up gain recognition from the Alpine Fellowship community and may be invited to the foundation’s annual symposium celebrating writing, arts, and humanities.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Waterston Desert Writing Prize is organised by High Desert Museum, a nonprofit cultural institution in Bend, Oregon, USA. Established in 2014 and inspired by author and poet Ellen Waterston’s deep connection to desert landscapes, the prize celebrates excellence in literary creative nonfiction that illustrates artistic sensitivity to place and “desert literacy,” with deserts as both subject and setting.

Submissions must be written in English and focus on nonfiction that reflects thoughtful engagement with deserts and their ecosystems. Entrants submit a project proposal, a biographical statement, and a writing sample of up to 10 pages; the sample may be published or unpublished prose relevant to the proposed book-length project. Works outside nonfiction (such as poetry or fiction) are not eligible.

The competition is international, open to emerging, mid-career, and established writers of any nationality who demonstrate a strong literary voice and connection to desert subject matter. Winners are selected by an advisory committee and guest judge, and are invited to read and participate in a reception at the High Desert Museum.

The top prize includes a $3,000 cash award and support for travel and lodging to attend an award ceremony and public reading at the museum in Bend, Oregon. Finalists may also receive recognition and opportunities for broader exposure.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Far Horizons Award for Poetry is organised by The Malahat Review, a literary magazine published by the University of Victoria in Canada. The prize is offered every two years and recognises outstanding individual poems by poets who have not yet published a book of poetry.

Submissions must be in English and consist of up to three individual poems per entry, each poem not exceeding 60 lines (excluding spaces between stanzas). All entries are judged anonymously, and there are no restrictions on subject matter or aesthetic approach. Entrants must not have published a book of poetry; publication in journals or magazines is permitted.

The award is international, open to writers worldwide who meet the eligibility criteria. Winning poems are published in The Malahat Review magazine and the author receives a cash prize.

One winner receives CAD $1,250 and publication in The Malahat Review.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The John McGivering Writing Prize is organised by The Kipling Society, a UK literary society dedicated to preserving and promoting the work and legacy of Rudyard Kipling. This annual competition invites writers to submit original short stories exploring the supernatural, with entries tied — directly or obliquely — to Kipling’s life or writings, echoing the uncanny elements found in his work.

Submissions must be original, unpublished short stories in English with a maximum length of 2,500 words (excluding the title). Stories should engage with supernatural themes and reflect a meaningful connection to Kipling’s oeuvre or biography. Anonymous judging rules require manuscripts to be submitted without author names, with identifying details supplied separately. A separate Younger Writers category (aged 12–17) is also offered on similar thematic terms.

The Kipling Society also offers a Competition for Younger Writers aged between 12 and 17 years, for stories of supernatural, which should likewise be connected with Kipling’s writings and/or his life, for which the Kipling Society offers a prize of £75, and £25 for the runner-up.

Prizes:

• 1st Prize: £350
• 2nd Prize: £100
• 3rd Prize: £50
• The Younger Writers’ competition awards £75 for first place and £25 for runner-up. Winning and shortlisted stories may be published in the Kipling Society Journal and featured on the society’s website.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Readers’ Favorite Annual Book Award Contest is a globally recognised, genre-diverse competition hosted by Readers’ Favorite, open to published and unpublished works in 150+ genres—from novels and short stories to comics and poetry. Winners are selected in each genre with Gold, Silver, Bronze, Honorable Mention, and Finalist awards.

Submitting offers authors a chance to earn a seal of distinction, a personalised certificate, and widespread exposure: prizes include over $125,000 in rewards, plus opportunities for film/TV development, traditional publishing, or agent representation.

Additional prizes include:

• Guaranteed book review posted on 7 popular industry and social media sites
• Mini-critique of 5 key areas of your book
• Results announced to 100,000 industry professionals through Publishers Weekly
• Results announced through a professional, high distribution press release
• Results announced to 500,000 libraries, book stores, and schools across America
• Results announced to 50,000 library professionals through Library Journal
• Lifetime listing on BookAwards.com – Exclusively for Readers’ Favorite authors

The contest entry fee to enter your book in one genre category by the April 1st Early Bird Registration deadline is $99, by the May 1st Regular Registration deadline is $109.00, and by the June 1st Final Registration deadline is $119.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Mo Siewcharran Prize 2026 is organised by Bookouture as part of Hachette UK’s The Future Bookshelf initiative, an award launched to discover and support previously unpublished writers from under-represented ethnic backgrounds. The prize honours the memory of NielsenIQ BookData’s former Director of Marketing and Communications, Mo Siewcharran, and nurtures new voices in commercial fiction.

The competition seeks adult commercial fiction in the sub-genres of psychological thriller or romance that is written in English, engaging, page-turning, and commercially appealing. Entrants must be unagented, unpublished, aged 18 or over, UK residents, and identify as Black, Asian, mixed heritage and/or multiple ethnic background. Submissions consist of a synopsis (up to 700 words) and the first 10,000 words of the novel-in-progress.

The prize is UK-specific (residency requirement) and judged by a panel of industry professionals chaired by editors and agents associated with Bookouture. Longlists and shortlists are announced publicly ahead of the winner announcement, which takes place at an awards ceremony.

Prizes:

• Winner: £2,500, a 1,000-word editorial feedback report, a one-hour online editorial session, an introductory literary agent meeting, an interactive session with the Bookouture team, a hamper of Bookouture books, and consideration at the Bookouture acquisitions meeting (possible publication under their royalty model).
• Runner-up: £1,500, editorial feedback, mentoring session, and a Bookouture book hamper.
• Second runner-up: £750, editorial feedback, and a Bookouture book hamper.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Bardsy 2026 Spring First Chapter Anthology Contest invites writers to submit the opening chapter of a novel for a chance to win cash prizes and publication. Hosted by Bardsy, a US-based platform dedicated to helping writers develop and sell their work, the contest is distinctive in that every entrant receives a detailed, human-written feedback report based on Bardsy’s Publishability Index™, along with one opportunity to revise their entry before final judging.

Entries must be original, written in English, free of AI-generated content, and between 1,500 and 2,500 words. The contest is open to writers aged 18 and over. Multiple entries are permitted, but each must be submitted separately.

The grand prize winner receives $1,000 and publication in the Spring anthology. All finalists also receive $50 and anthology publication. Revisions must be completed by 11 May 2026, with winners and finalists announced around 20 May 2026.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The International Jay Yes Short Story Contest is a global writing competition created for unpublished writers looking to share their creative work and gain publication opportunities. It’s open to authors worldwide who write in English and want to be considered for recognition and exposure across international platforms.

Entrants must submit original, previously unpublished short stories of 2,500–4,000 words. Submissions should be the author’s own work and follow the contest’s formatting guidelines; entries are judged anonymously, with winners selected by the contest organisers.

The competition is international, welcoming entries from writers of all nationalities, and does not require the entrant to be professionally published. Winning entries are eligible for publication opportunities with associated publishing partners and may be featured in anthologies or other literary showcases.

Top winners: Publication and recognition; multiple top placements may be offered with publishing opportunities.

Is this competition legit?Unknown - Based on our research it is not clear if this event is legit and if it's hosted by a well established publisher. Please remember to do your own research and read the Terms & Conditions before submitting your work.

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The SmokeLong Quarterly Award for Flash Fiction, also known as ‘The Smokey’, is organised by SmokeLong Quarterly, an online literary journal dedicated to flash fiction. Now an annual competition, it celebrates and financially rewards excellence in short-form narrative. The contest is open to writers worldwide aged 18 and over, and submissions must be original and previously unpublished.

Writers may submit flash narratives of up to 1,000 words (excluding title), with no minimum word count. Entries may be written in English or in another language provided an English translation accompanies the submission; judging is based on the English version, and any prize money is split equally between writer and translator. Both versions must be previously unpublished. Multiple entries are permitted, but each requires a separate entry fee and, if submitted together, must appear in the same document.

The grand prize winner is automatically nominated for Best Small Fictions, The Pushcart Prize Anthology, Best of the Net, and other prizes at the editors’ discretion. All finalists and placed writers are published in the June 2026 competition issue. Entries close at midnight ET on 10 May 2026.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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Dear Aliens is a creative writing contest run by the team at funnest.world. The premise is simple and wonderfully strange: the aliens are coming, and they’ve asked for a single written document from humanity — the one thing they’ll read before they arrive.

What that document should be is entirely up to the entrant. A family introduction, a history of humanity, a short story, a joke, a description of a sunset — anything goes, as long as the writer believes it would be a good piece of writing for aliens to encounter.

Submissions must be under 1,000 words, written in English, and physically mailed in. Writers who cannot afford postage are invited to contact the organizers directly.

The contest is free to enter, open internationally, and limited to one submission per person. Winners will be announced on 1 June 2026.

Prize: $2,000 USD for first place; $250 each for second and third place.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The When Things Fall Apart Travel Writing Competition is run by Intrepid Times, a London-based travel writing publication now in its 13th competition. The contest invites writers to submit true travel stories exploring the theme of disrupted plans and unexpected improvisation — the moments when travel goes wrong and what those experiences reveal about a place and the traveller themselves.

Entrants must submit an original, previously unpublished true travel story of 1,800–2,500 words written in response to the theme. Stories are judged by the Intrepid Times editorial team on the strength of their narrative, precision of language, and emotional impact.

The competition is open worldwide to writers aged 18 and over. Entry is free, though writers may optionally workshop their submission as part of the paid Craft of Travel Writing Certificate course running in April 2026.

The winner receives $500 USD – the publication’s most generous prize to date. Up to four runners-up may also be accepted for publication at the standard writer’s fee.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Montreal International Poetry Prize is run by the Department of English at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

The Montreal Prize awards one prize of $20,000 CAD to a poet for a single poem of forty or fewer lines. All entries must be previously unpublished and simultaneous submissions are permitted.

A jury of internationally reputed poets and critics selects a shortlist of approximately sixty poems, from which a judge chooses one winner. The shortlist is published in The Montreal Poetry Prize Anthology.

All finalists will be published online and included in The Montreal Poetry Prize Anthology 2026. Finalists will also receive one free copy of the Montreal Prize anthology.

The finalists and winners of the Montreal International Poetry Prize will be announced in September and October of the competition year.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The F(r)iction Spring 2026 Writing Contests are run by Brink Literacy Project, the nonprofit publisher behind F(r)iction, a triannual literary magazine championing experimental and speculative writing. The contests span four categories — short story, poetry, creative nonfiction, and flash fiction — each judged by a guest judge from the literary world.

In this writing contest, the goal is to find work that reflects a mission similar to that of F(r)iction: writing that actively pushes the boundaries of traditional publishing, features complex characters and a strong narrative arc, and evokes a meaningful emotional response. The focus is on stories that feel original and unfamiliar, whether through inventive use of genre, setting, language, or voice.

The competition is open to writers aged 13 and over from anywhere in the world, writing in English. Submissions must be original and previously unpublished. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, provided entrants withdraw via Submittable if accepted elsewhere.

Each contest also includes a panel of three guest judges who assist in deciding the winners for every category. For Spring 2026, the judges are Manuel Aragon for Short Story, Brett Pribble for Flash Fiction, Shannon Chen See for Creative Nonfiction, and Trish Broome for Poetry.

Winners in each category will receive a cash prize, as well as the opportunity to work with a Senior Editor to prepare their piece for publication, either online or in print.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Stanley Kunitz Memorial Prize honors the late Stanley Kunitz’s dedication to mentoring poets. Poets may submit one to three poems per entry (totaling no more than three pages). Poets must be under 40 years of age. All entries must be previously unpublished poems. Previous winners of the Kunitz Prize include Ocean Vuong, Alex Dimitrov, Nicole Sealey, and Jane Wong.

All entrants will receive a copy of the magazine.

Prize: $1,000. All entrants will receive a copy of the magazine.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Inkspot’s Flash Fiction Short Story Competition — £500 for 500 Flash Fiction 2026 is organised by Inkspot Publishing, a UK-based indie publisher that runs international writing contests and publishes fiction projects. This annual contest invites writers to submit highly-crafted flash fiction or short scripts that demonstrate narrative strength within a tight word limit.

Submissions must be original, previously unpublished works written in English. Entrants submit stories of up to 500 words (excluding the title); short scripts (plays or screenplays) that fit the word count are also welcome. All entries are judged anonymously by the listed judge for the cycle, with quality of writing, characterisation, dialogue, and effective storytelling considered.

The competition is international, accepting entries from writers anywhere including amateurs and professionals, provided the work is the author’s own. Stories must not be published elsewhere or have won/been shortlisted in other competitions prior to submission.

The top prize for this competition is £500. In addition to the main winner, shortlisted entries may be considered for publication on the organiser’s website and on FictionJunkies.com with the author’s permission.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

SLYCAN Trust and Resilience Frontiers — the foresight initiative under the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are proud to announce the launch of the Glimpses of Transformation Climate Fiction Contest. Using the storylines of the RF’s eight transformative pathways as a guide, submissions should offer a glimpse of a desirable future, explicitly inviting visions that venture beyond the limits of current forecasts, projections, and imagination.

Short fiction pieces of 2,000-3,500 words are accepted, from a wide variety of voices using a wide variety of forms, including non-linear, non-binary, dendritic, circular, or experimental narratives and story structures. Only one entry is permitted per participant, and all entries must be original, previously unpublished works in English.

Eligible entries will then be reviewed by a panel of experts. Selected pieces will be published and showcased at the Climate Event Hub on the sidelines of the UNFCCC June Climate Meetings in Bonn, June 3rd-10th, 2026.

Organizers:

• SLYCAN Trust is a non-profit think tank working on climate change, sustainable development, finance, entrepreneurship, technology, climate risk management, biodiversity conservation, and social justice including gender and youth empowerment.
• Resilience Frontiers is a unique UN-catalysed initiative which lets us shake off the limitations of today’s systems to think and act in ways that create a resilient, thriving future for humanity and nature by harnessing tools like frontier technologies, indigenous knowledge, and good environmental stewardship.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize is an annual international competition organised by Australian Book Review, one of Australia’s leading literary magazines. The prize is open to writers worldwide submitting original short fiction written in English. Stories may be on any subject and in any style but must be previously unpublished and not have won or been broadcast elsewhere.

Entries must consist of a single short story between 2,000 and 5,000 words. Judging is conducted anonymously. Multiple entries are permitted provided each is submitted separately with its own fee.

The competition has become one of the best-known short fiction prizes in the region. The three shortlisted stories are published in Australian Book Review and on the magazine’s website, giving finalists international exposure alongside the cash prizes.

Top prize: AU$6,000 (total prize pool AU$12,500; second prize AU$4,000, third prize AU$2,500) and publication.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

London Independent Story Prize (LISP) is a Community Interest Company that prioritises the interests of writers and filmmakers, founded by storytellers for storytellers. LISP aims to nurture courageous voices and create sustainable networking opportunities for writers and filmmakers.

The submission period for LISP 2026 is open, featuring a new schedule and new prizes.

Entrants must be 18 years or over. Entries must have been unpublished in print or online, or not been broadcast.

Submit flash fiction up to 300 words, short stories up to 3000 words, and poetry up to 4o lines.

The winning story receives £100, and winning stories are published in the LISP Anthology. The prize also includes being an interview and promotion on social media.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The first 10 pages of any script are the most important. Every story needs a creative and unique inciting incident. What’s yours?

The Inciting Incident Script Competition aims to help writers discover if their work is engaging enough to captivate the Hollywood gatekeeper to receive the elusive “Recommend.” Inciting Incident accepts up to 15 pages of your screenplay, short script or play. The Grand Prize Winner receives $300, a Winner’s Laurel, and written feedback from the festival directors with additional prizes for second and third place entries. Written feedback is also available for all submissions as an additional category entry.

Your opening pages will be read by select industry professionals. The team scores the scripts based on seven professional writing criteria. The readers assign scores of 1 to 10 for each of the following elements: Concept/Originality, Structure, Plot, Pacing, Characters, Dialogue & Inciting Incident.

• GRAND PRIZE – $300
• 2ND PLACE – $50
• 3rd PLACE – Written Feedback from judges

• Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

  FAQ
  If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The M.F.K. Fisher Emerging Writers Contest is organised by the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation, a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of influential food writer M.F.K. Fisher and encouraging new voices in writing.

This year’s invites emerging writers to submit original work inspired by a specific theme; the 2026 theme is “Fire.” From the glow of candlelight, the warmth of the kitchen stove, the rage of romantic passions, and the devastation and renewal of flames in the wild, fire is elemental to our existence. What fire means to us, in practical and metaphorical terms, inspires this year’s challenge.

The contest is open to writers of all ages and backgrounds worldwide, with categories for Adults, Youth, and Children. Submissions may explore the theme creatively across styles such as memoir, reflection, speculative writing, or other literary approaches connected to nature, food, culture, and the human relationship with the natural world. The competition has attracted entries from many countries and is now in its seventh year.

Writers are invited to submit an original unpublished essay or short story (poetry not accepted) in PDF format, 300–500 words for children and youth, 750 words maximum for adults 18 and older.

Winning entries are selected by a panel of judges associated with the foundation and its literary partners, and past contests have drawn diverse interpretations of the annual theme, ranging from personal essays to imaginative and poetic prose.

Prizes include:

• $250 awarded to the first place winner in each category
• An additional $250.00 awarded to the grand prize winner
• First, second and third place submissions (and their authors’ names) in each category will be published on the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation website.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Reedsy Literary Prize is organised by Reedsy, a UK-based marketplace connecting authors with publishing professionals. This new event is a short story award created to recognize fiction of exceptional quality up to 5,000 words.

Entries must be previously unpublished fiction written in English and between 2,000 and 5,000 words. Writers from anywhere in the world may enter, and simultaneous submissions are permitted, provided the story is not published elsewhere before winners are announced.

Prizes:

• 1st place: $1,500 + publication in Reedsy’s literary magazine Prompted + personalised feedback from the guest judge
•  2nd place: A year-long Reedsy Learning membership
•  3rd place: Reedsy Marketplace credit worth $100

Judge: Jon Michael Darga, literary agent at Aevitas Creative Management

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Whispering Wisdom Poetry Competition is organised by Whispering Wisdom, a UK-based reflective literary initiative that celebrates contemplative, heart-felt poetry that connects readers with compassion, depth, and insight. This competition encourages poets to slow down and explore universal themes through carefully crafted verse.

For 2026 the competition calls for original, previously unpublished poems in English. Poets of all backgrounds and experience levels may submit work and entries are judged anonymously by an experienced panel including founders and guest poets. All entries will be judged blindly, based on creativity, resonance, and technical craft.

Prizes:

• 1st Prize: £100
• 2nd Prize: £25
• 3rd Prize: £25

Winners and a selection of shortlisted poems will also be published on the Whispering Wisdom website and social media.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Asian Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest is sponsored by Free Spirit Publishing (an imprint of Teacher Created Materials) and Sambasivan & Parikh, a women-owned small press amplifying diasporic perspectives in children’s literature. In its inaugural year, the contest invites authors of Asian heritage to submit original, unpublished children’s book manuscripts that feature authentic characters of Asian heritage and connect to the writer’s personal experience.

Entries may be submitted in one of two age-group categories: picture books for ages 0–4 (50–125 words) or for ages 4–8 (300–1,000 words). Stories should focus on themes such as resilience, identity, self-esteem, family, and community. Fantasy elements, chapter books, and standalone poetry or essays are not eligible. Only one entry per person is accepted.

Three cash prizes are awarded from a total prize pool of $1,800. Every entry is considered for publication. The First Place winner receives $1,000 cash plus a publisher meeting and serious consideration for publication by Free Spirit, co-branded with Sambasivan & Parikh.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Yeovil Literary Prize 2026 is organised by Yeovil Community Arts Association, a UK-based arts group that runs an annual international writing competition across multiple genres and formats. The contest welcomes original literary work from writers worldwide, offering cash prizes and recognition in five distinct categories.

Submissions must be original, previously unpublished works in English by writers aged 16 or over. Each category has specific submission requirements: novel entries include a novel synopsis of up to 500 words plus the first 10,000 words of the manuscript; short stories must be up to 2,000 words; poetry submissions are capped at 40 lines; children’s and young adult novel entries consist of a 500-word synopsis plus the first 3,000 words; and the “Writing Without Restrictions” category invites creative work in any form or genre. Entries are judged anonymously, and winners are announced on the Yeovil Prize website.

Prizes vary by category, with substantial awards for top placements and additional recognition for runners-up.

Top prize: £1,350 (Novel category first prize) and other category prizes (e.g., £625 first prize for Short Story and Poetry)

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Never Too Late 60+ Award is an additional annual accolade presented as part of The Bridport Prize, an international creative writing competition administered by Bridport Arts Centre in the UK. It celebrates the achievements of writers aged 60 and over, recognising excellence across all the main Bridport Prize categories – poetry, short story, flash fiction, and novel.

Writers enter this award automatically when they submit to one of the Bridport Prize categories (poetry, short story, flash fiction, or novel) and tick the eligibility box confirming they are aged 60+. The submitted work must be original and previously unpublished and adheres to the rules and word/line limits of the main category entered. Entrants must submit via the Bridport Prize entry system by the main competition deadline.

The award is international and open to writers worldwide who are aged 60 or older at the time of submission and participating in any of the qualifying Bridport Prize categories. Winners are selected based on overall ranking within the respective category competitions; the highest-placed eligible entrant across all applicable categories receives the award.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Welsh Poetry Competition – International Poetry Book Awards 2026 is organised by Poetry Book Awards, a Welsh-based, international book awards programme celebrating outstanding book-length poetry collections by independent authors, self-published writers, and small press publishers. The awards are open to poets worldwide writing in English and aim to increase recognition for independent poetry publications.

Entrants submit a physical printed poetry book or pamphlet published in English that is still in print; unpublished manuscripts are not accepted. Books must be under 200 pages, authored by a single living poet (anthologies and translations are not eligible). Entrants may submit multiple eligible titles in a year, with each entry requiring a separate fee. Books entered are donated after judging to local libraries and bookshops in south Wales.

The competition is international, open to poets of any nationality provided the work meets the language and print requirements. Entries are judged by a panel of experienced poets and literary professionals appointed by the organisers, with multiple cash prizes awarded annually.

Prizes:

• 1st Prize: £800
• 2nd Prize: £400
• 3rd Prize: £200

Winners also get:

• Amazon & Goodreads reviews
• Earn recognition by having an award-winning book
• Certificate, logo to use on books and future work
• Your book cover & link on the organizer’s website
• All books are donated to local libraries/local bookshop/free bookshop after the awards, so you get more publicity

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Grant for Writing on Sculpture is organized by the Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation and supports writers whose work deepens public understanding of sculpture. The foundation funds projects that demonstrate rigorous research, critical insight, and strong literary quality, whether scholarly or accessible to a broad readership.

The grant is open to writers working on projects focused on sculpture, including essays, books, criticism, or other substantial pieces of writing. Both emerging and established writers may apply. Projects should be in progress and clearly related to sculpture as a primary subject.

Applicants will submit a proposal for a writing project that will be completed in 2027. The proposal will include a short project description (up to 50 words), a longer project description (up to 300 words), a CV, a bio (optional), and links to their website (if applicable).

Types of writing that are supported for the project include art criticism, art history, memoir, psychoanalytical study, philosophical meditation and literary study.

Applicants will submit up to three published writings from magazines, literary journals, or other publications (including online). Research or manuscripts currently in process or nearing completion, with a pending publication date, are also acceptable.

You are eligible to apply for the sculpture grant if you meet the following requirements:

• You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or you hold an O-1 Visa.
• At least one example of your writing has been published within the last five years (between January 1, 2021, and the present).
• You are not currently enrolled in a degree-granting program.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The WOW! Spring 2026 Flash Fiction Contest is organised by WOW! Women on Writing, a long-running online platform dedicated to supporting women writers through contests, workshops, and publishing opportunities. This quarterly competition invites original flash fiction on any theme, offering a flexible space for writers to experiment across genres including literary, speculative, romance, and more.

Entries must be previously unpublished and written in English, with a maximum length of 750 words. The contest is open internationally to writers of all backgrounds, though WOW! primarily focuses on uplifting women’s voices. Submissions are judged by a panel of editors and guest judges, and selected entries receive publication on the WOW! website, providing additional exposure.

Limit: 300 entries.

Top prize:

• $600
• a spot in Reedsy’s How to Write a Novel Course ($499 value)
• a 12-Month Reedsy Learning Membership ($249 value)
• publication
• interview
• $25 Amazon Gift Certificate

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Bath Novel Award 2026 is one of the most prestigious international prizes for unpublished and self-published novelists. It recognises excellence in adult and young adult fiction across all genres and provides structured feedback and development opportunities for longlisted and shortlisted authors.

Submissions must be original novels written in English. Initial entries consist of the opening extract of up to 5,000 words plus a one-page synopsis; the extract and synopsis are judged blind. Full manuscripts should be at least 50,000 words for novels and 25,000 words for novels-in-verse if longlisted and invited to submit a full manuscript. Entrants may submit as many novels as they wish, provided each is entered separately and meets the guidelines.

The competition is international, open to writers of any nationality or residency. It specifically targets emerging authors, defined as unagented writers who have not accepted a book deal with an advance, but does accept unpublished, self-published, or independently published works without advance. Longlisted and shortlisted entrants receive detailed feedback on extracts and full manuscripts, and one longlisted writer wins a place on an 18-week professional editing course.

Prizes:

• Winner: £5,000 and the Minerva trophy.
• Shortlisted writers receive feedback on full manuscripts.
• Longlisted writers receive feedback on their extract and synopsis.
• One longlisted entrant wins a place on the “Edit Your Novel the Professional Way” course.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Frogmore Poetry Prize (sponsored by the Frogmore Foundation) was founded in 1987 and has been awarded annually since then.

Poems must be in English, unpublished and not currently submitted elsewhere or accepted for future publication. They must not previously have been awarded a prize in any other competition.

Poems should be typed and no longer than forty lines.

The winner of the Frogmore Poetry Prize (founded 1987) will receive two hundred and fifty guineas (£262.50) and a two-year subscription to The Frogmore Papers. The first and second runners-up will receive seventy-five and fifty guineas respectively and a year’s subscription to The Frogmore Papers. Shortlisted poets will receive copies of selected Frogmore Press publications.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2026 is organised by Chicken House Books in partnership with The Times. It’s one of the most prestigious international competitions for unpublished and unagented children’s and YA novelists, offering major publishing opportunities and cash advances.

This competition invites completed full-length novel manuscripts written in English for readers aged 7–18, with suggested lengths in the range of approximately 30,000–80,000 words (though shorter/longer may be considered). Entrants must submit a covering letter, a one-page synopsis, and the full manuscript. You must be 18 or older, not have a literary agent, and not have commercially published a full-length children’s novel before.

Two prizes are offered:

• The Times/Chicken House Prize: a worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House Books and a £10,000 royalty advance, plus a conversation about representation with an agent judge.
• The Broken Binding Prize: for YA fantasy, sci-fi, or speculative fiction, also including a publishing contract with a £10,000 advance and an agent conversation.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Arizona Authors Association Literary Contest is organised by Arizona Authors Association, a nonprofit literary organisation based in Arizona that promotes writers and publishes an annual literary magazine featuring winners. The contest accepts a broad range of work – from published books to short fiction, poetry, and unpublished manuscripts – providing cash prizes and publication in the association’s 2027 Arizona Authors Literary Magazine.

Submissions must be original works in English. Categories include Published (fiction, nonfiction, oldie but goldie, youth), Published Youth (children’s and teen/YA), and Unpublished (poetry up to 50 lines, short fiction or nonfiction up to 5,000 words, and novels/novellas/plays with a synopsis plus first 25 pages).

The competition is international, open to writers worldwide. Winners are selected by judges appointed by the association and are published in the organisation’s magazine; prizes include cash awards and event luncheon tickets where winners may be recognised.

Cash prizes are awarded at multiple levels across categories, including a Grand Prize of $500, several First Prizes of $200, Second Prizes of $125, Third Prizes of $75, and Fourth Prizes of $50, with all winning entries featured in the 2027 Arizona Authors Literary Magazine.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Canterbury Festival Poet of the Year Competition is an annual poetry contest that invites poets from around the world to submit original, previously unpublished poems written primarily in English. Poems may be on any subject and in any poetic form, but must not exceed 60 lines (excluding title and line breaks). Entries are judged anonymously by a panel of poets and literary professionals.

The contest is open to adults aged 18 or over. National and international entries are welcome. Multiple submissions are allowed, with a £5 entry fee per poem. Any number of poems may be submitted but no alterations may be made to a poem once it has been submitted.

Entries must be the poet’s original, unpublished work (including any website, public blog, online forum or broadcasting medium) and should not have been placed in the top three (or won a prize) in any competition or accepted for publication before 1 October 2026.

Prizes:

• The Winner will be named Canterbury Festival Poet of the Year and receive £300 (sponsored by Prof Geralyn Pinto)
• £150 will be awarded for second place
• £75 for the third place (sponsored by Posillipo Restaurant, Canterbury)

Longlisted poems will be compiled in an annual printed Anthology, and shortlisted poems will be read at that online Awards Evening on 1 October, when the winners will be announced.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The MeetCute Storyteller Competition is organized by Kate Nash Literary Agency, an author talent management agency. The prize is open to writers aged 18 or over who are unrepresented by a literary agency.

The organizer is searching for the next big voice in romance fiction. Enter your opening chapter to a romance novel. From sizzle to slow burn, the judges are open to all types of romantic fiction from romantic comedy to historical romance to newer sub genres such as romantasy and mafia romance.

Entries must be wholly original work written by the entrant. Entries may have been previously published or self-published.

The first prize winner will receive £500 and an offer of literary agency representation from Kate Nash Literary Agency Ltd. The winners will be announced on Saturday 4th July at the MeetCute Festival. Three runners-up will each receive a one hour one-to-one (1:1) mentoring and editorial meeting with a literary agent.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Write By The Sea Writing Competition is an annual contest organised by the Write By The Sea Literary Festival, held in Kilmore Quay on the Wexford coast in Ireland. The competition is open internationally and welcomes entries across four categories: Fiction Short Story (up to 2,500 words), Flash Fiction (up to 700 words), Poetry (up to 40 lines), and Memoir/Personal Essay (up to 1,000 words).

Entries must be original, previously unpublished work in English, submitted as a double-spaced Word document with no identifying information included in the file. Writers may enter as many times as they wish, with a discounted bundle available for three entries.

An independent judging panel selects the winners in each category. First-place winners in each category receive €500 and a free weekend pass to the Write By The Sea Festival, where they are invited to read their work at a public event. All four winning pieces will be published in The Waxed Lemon Literary Journal. Runners-up receive €300 and third-place entrants receive €200.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Octo Books Writing Competition is run by Octo Books, a UK-based independent publishing company. This year’s theme is Hidden Worlds, and entrants are invited to imagine and write about an original world of their own creation — underwater kingdoms, secret space colonies, underground tunnels, or anything else their imagination conjures. All entries must be suitable for readers aged 12 and under.

The competition is open internationally and has two age categories: Rising Authors (ages 7–17) and Adult Storytellers (ages 18+). Entries must be submitted via a Google Form in PDF format. Stories are judged on creativity, originality, use of theme, clarity, voice, and age-appropriate skill.

There are no cash prizes — winners in both categories receive a digital certificate and recognition at the Winners Reveal event on 13 June. First-place winners in each category are also published on the Octo Books website. Physical prizes (including a competition pencil case, pen, and T-shirt) are only shipped to UK residents due to shipping costs.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Miami Book Fair will award one $2,000 prize every for the publication of a previously unpublished book of poetry originally written in Spanish by an American resident. The prize will recognize book-length manuscripts of poetry written in Spanish.

Manuscript length is not limited. However, a length of 48-64 pages is suggested. All manuscripts must be previously unpublished in their complete form, although some or all of the individual poems may have appeared in periodicals.

The next Paz Prize competition will open in May, 2026. The winner will be selected by an esteemed Spanish-speaking poet. The chosen book will be translated into English by an experienced translator, and will be published in a bilingual edition.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Bridport Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the literary world. It is run by the Bridport Arts Centre in Bridport, England.

The competition has five categories: Poetry, Short Story, Flash Fiction, Novel, and Memoir. The event is open to unpublished writers of any nationality, provided they’re writing in English and aged 16 or over at the time of submission.

Prizes

• Poetry: £5,000
• Short story: £5,000
• Flash fiction: £1,000
• Novel Award: £1,500
• Memoir: £1,500

Winners (and sometimes shortlisted authors) are also awarded publication in the Bridport Prize anthology – an important credit that can help get attention from agents or publishers.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize is administered by Academy of American Poets, a major U.S. poetry organisation that awards a suite of literary prizes each year. This prize recognises the most outstanding book of poetry published in the United States during the previous calendar year and honours the legacy of poet and activist Lenore Marshall.

Eligible submissions must be book-length poetry collections published in English in the United States during the preceding year. Self-published collections, translations, and new editions of previously published books are generally not eligible. Submissions are typically made by the book’s publisher, not the author directly, and are evaluated by a panel of judges appointed by the Academy. There is no thematic restriction on the content of the poetry.

The prize is restricted to U.S. publications and poets who meet U.S. eligibility requirements, generally including U.S. citizenship or long-term residency criteria as defined by the Academy. The winner is announced publicly and the prize celebrates excellence in American poetry publishing.

The top award for the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize is $25,000 USD, accompanied by a ten-day residency at Glen Hollow in Naples, New York, and distribution of the winning book to a significant portion of the Academy’s membership.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Moth Short Story Prize is an international prize, open to anyone from anywhere in the world as long as their story is original and previously unpublished. The winners are chosen by a single judge each year, who reads the stories anonymously. The competition is organized by The Moth, an international arts and literature magazine, based in Ireland.

The prize is open to anyone over 16. You can enter as many stories as you like. There is a word limit of 3,000. Entries must be in English. Entries must be entirely the work of the entrant and must never have been published, self-published, published online or broadcast.

This year’s judge is Wendy Erskine, author of two prize – winning short story collections, Sweet Home and Dance Move.

Prizes

• 1st prize: 3,000 €
• 2nd prize: 1,000 €
• 3rd prize: a week at The Moth Retreat in rural Ireland

The winning story is printed as part of the summer fiction series in the Irish Times, while the 2nd and 3rd-prize-winning stories are published in the Irish Times online.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction 2026 is organised by Writers’ Trust of Canada, a major Canadian literary charity that administers several national literary awards. This prize recognises the year’s most outstanding book-length nonfiction work by a Canadian author, celebrating excellence in research, narrative craft, and contribution to public discourse.

Eligible entries must be nonfiction books written in English and published in Canada during the previous calendar year. Works may encompass biography, history, essays, science, memoir, or other nonfiction categories, provided they demonstrate literary merit and originality. Entries are submitted by publishers on behalf of the authors; self-published or.independently published books are eligible if they meet eligibility criteria defined by the award.

The competition is restricted to Canadian authors (Canadian citizens or permanent residents). A panel of distinguished jurors appointed by Writers’ Trust evaluates the submissions and announces a shortlist followed by the overall winner. Winners receive both financial reward and national recognition, enhancing the visibility of leading Canadian nonfiction.

The schedule for submissions is tied to book publication dates as follows:

• Due Date 1: Feb 11, 2026 for books published between Oct 1, 2025 and Feb 10, 2026
• Due Date 2: Apr 15, 2026 for books published between Feb 11, 2026 and Apr 14, 2026
• Due Date 3: Jun 24, 2026 for books published between Apr 15, 2026 and Sep 30, 2026

Prizes:

• Winner $75,000
• Finalists $5,000

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize is organised by Writers’ Trust of Canada, one of Canada’s premier literary organizations. This annual award recognises the best work of fiction by a Canadian author published in English, celebrating excellence in novels and short story collections.

Eligible submissions must be book-length fiction published in Canada during the previous calendar year, including novels and collections of short stories. Works may be literary or genre fiction, but must be original and in English. The prize is open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Entries are submitted by publishers on behalf of the authors, and previously self-published books are generally not accepted.

The competition is restricted to Canadian authors and is judged by a panel of established writers and literary professionals appointed by the Writers’ Trust. The winner is announced publicly, and shortlisted titles receive recognition and promotional support.

This prize is for literary excellence; only books publishers deem outstanding in this regard should be submitted. To be eligible, publishing houses must have a professional editorial process independent from the authors whose books are submitted for consideration.

Prizes:

• Winner: $70,000
• Finalists: $7,500

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Wells Festival of Literature’s International Creative Writing Competitions 2026 are organised by the Wells Festival of Literature, an annual literary festival in Wells, Somerset, England that celebrates writing across genres with cash prizes, publication visibility, and public readings. These competitions welcome writers and poets from around the world, offering multiple categories that include poetry, short fiction, and children’s writing.

There are  four competition categories: Open Poetry, Short Story, Book for Children, and Young Poets. Each category is judged independently by experienced writers or industry professionals, and winners are celebrated at a prize-giving ceremony and poetry reading held during the festival. Entries must be original, unpublished work in English and submitted anonymously online.

Prizes:

• Open Poetry: £1000, £500, £250
• Short Story: £750, £300, £200
• Book for Children: £750, £300, £200
• Young Poets: £200, £150, £100 + a year’s subscription to The Poetry Society

The fee for each separate entry is £8. Competitors may submit any number of entries.

Competitions open 1 April 2026 and close on 30 June 2026.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Poetry London Prize is an internationally renowned annual competition for a single outstanding poem, organised by Poetry London Magazine, based at Goldsmiths, University of London. The 2026 prize is judged by poet and author Seán Hewitt, with the winning poems published in the Autumn 2026 issue of Poetry London and on the magazine’s website.

The competition is open to poets anywhere in the world. Entrants may submit as many poems as they wish, each accompanied by the appropriate entry fee. Poems must be original, unpublished, and not previously entered in another competition. They must be written in English and must not exceed 80 lines (excluding titles and blank lines). There are no restrictions on theme, subject, or form. A limited number of free entries are available for writers from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

The prize fund totals £8,000: £5,000 for first place, £2,000 for second, and £1,000 for third. Winners will be notified by the end of September 2026, with prizes awarded at the Autumn launch reading in London.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Weatherglass Novella Prize is organised by Weatherglass Books, an independent UK-based literary press. The competition invites submissions of original novellas written in English, with manuscripts required to fall between 20,000 and 40,000 words.

There is no set theme, and the prize is open to writers worldwide. Entries are judged by a panel including established literary figures (for 2027, judge Ali Smith is named). The competition focuses on high-quality literary fiction and aims to champion the novella as a distinct and valuable form.

There is a maximum of 3 submissions per person.

The shortlist will be announced Autumn 2026. An advance of £500 will be paid to the winning author(s) and the winning entry(ies) will be published within 12 months of announcement

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The May Sarton New Hampshire Poetry Prize 2026 is organised by Bauhan Publishing, an independent publisher based in Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA, dedicated to poetry and regional literary works. Named in honour of poet and writer May Sarton, the annual prize recognises outstanding book-length poetry collections and awards publication plus cash.

This competition accepts original, previously unpublished poetry manuscripts written in English. Manuscripts should be 50–80 pages in length and may include poems previously published in journals or anthologies. Translations and co-authored collections are not eligible. Entrants may submit multiple manuscripts with separate fees.

The contest is international, open to poets worldwide who meet the submission criteria, with blind judging by a notable poet appointed each year. Winning manuscripts are published by Bauhan Publishing and distributed with other spring titles.

The first-place winner receives a $1,000 prize, book publication by Bauhan Publishing, 50 author copies, and distribution through the press’s channels. Finalists may also receive recognition as determined by the judge.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Ozma Book Awards / Fantasy Fiction Novel Writing Contest is organised by Chanticleer Book Reviews, a U.S.-based platform offering book awards, reviews, and editorial services. The competition recognises excellence in published and unpublished fantasy fiction novels, including sword and sorcery, high fantasy, and related subgenres.

Eligible entries include novels that are either published or unpublished manuscripts, written primarily in English. There is no thematic restriction beyond the broad fantasy fiction genre. Entries must be original and previously unpublished if submitted as manuscripts. Authors may submit multiple titles, each with a separate entry fee.

The competition is international, open to writers worldwide. Entries are evaluated by the Chanticleer awards team for originality, storytelling, world-building, and overall quality. Winners are announced online and may receive recognition, promotional features, or review opportunities through Chanticleer services.

Prizes:

• The Ozma Grand Prize Winner is named Chanticleer Reviews Best Fantasy Fiction Book of the Year, and goes on to compete for the Chanticleer Overall Grand Prize Best Book of the Year
• The Overall Grand Prize Winner is named Chanticleer Reviews Best Book of the Year, and awarded the $1000 prize.
• All Winners receive a Chanticleer Prize Package which includes a digital badge, a ribbon and a whole assortment of goodies.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Indie Gold Awards is an online writing competition open to independent and emerging authors worldwide. The event is sponsored by crime fiction author and Mystery Writers of America member James Dain.

The contest is open to short stories, novellas, and novels across multiple crime fiction sub-genres. Entries must be original work by the submitting author and must comply with specific formatting and submission guidelines.

The awards aim to recognize promising indie crime fiction writers and help them build visibility through recognition that can support their sales, promotion, and marketing efforts. Detailed information about judging criteria, submission categories, and eligibility requirements is provided in the contest rules.

Prizes:

• Grand Prize: $500
• Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards will also be presented to multiple outstanding entries.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Boardman Tasker Charitable Trust invites publishers to submit entries for the Boardman Tasker Award, one of the most prestigious prizes in mountain literature. The prize was established in 1983 in memory of British climbers Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker, both of whom wrote books about their mountaineering expeditions, after their deaths on the northeast ridge of Mount Everest in 1982.

The award recognises the best literary work — fiction, non-fiction, drama, or poetry — whose central theme concerns the mountain environment.

Eligible works must be written in English (or translated into English) and first published or distributed in the United Kingdom between 1 July 2025 and 1 July 2026. Authors of any nationality are eligible, and self-published books are accepted.

Entries must be submitted by publishers rather than authors directly (unless self-published), and must include four physical copies of the book, a completed entry form, a PDF copy, a cover image, and a short summary of up to 40 words.

The prize winner is announced at the Award Ceremony held at the Kendal Mountain Festival in late November. Shortlisted Authors will be requested to attend the Award Ceremony and participate in the Shortlisted Authors (SLA) event to talk about their books.

Prize: £3,000

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The North Street Book Prize 2026 is organised by Winning Writers, a U.S. nonprofit that runs international writing contests and supports authors through prizes with cash awards and publication exposure. This annual competition recognises excellence in book-length works across multiple categories including fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, and genre fiction.

Eligible entries are original books in English that were published in 2025 (or are scheduled for publication by the entry deadline). Submissions may be from any genre that fits one of the prize categories; each title must be entered separately in the most appropriate category. Self-published books are eligible. Titles should have ISBNs and be available for purchase online or in print.

The competition is international, open to authors worldwide whose books meet the publication and eligibility criteria. Judging is done by panels of literary professionals and past winners; winners are announced on the Winning Writers site and across partner platforms.

Winning authors receive cash awards and publication exposure via Winning Writers’ promotional channels.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The HG Wells Short Story Competition is an international writing contest that celebrates the legacy of H.G. Wells by encouraging original short fiction linked to a yearly theme — for 2026, “The Cheat.” Winners and shortlisted stories are published in a professionally produced paperback anthology.

The competition is open to original, previously unpublished short stories written in English on the theme for this year. Submissions must be 1,500–5,000 words and uploaded online as PDF or text. Stories should be anonymised (no author name on the manuscript) to enable blind judging.

There are two categories:

• Under 21 category: Writers aged 21 or under on the closing date can enter for free and compete for a £1,000 prize.
• Senior category (22+): Writers aged 22 or over pay a £10 entry fee (£5 with valid student ID) and compete for a £500 prize.

The competition is international, open to writers anywhere. Judges select shortlists and winners, and shortlisted entries will be published in the annual anthology.

Top prize: £1,000 (Under 21 category) and £500 (Senior category), plus anthology publication.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Grateful American Book Prize is an annual award recognising exceptional historical fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults that highlights important moments and figures in American history. Founded by author and philanthropist David Bruce Smith, the prize aims to encourage young readers to engage more deeply with the nation’s past.

The competition is open to U.S.-published authors of books for readers aged approximately 11–15 (middle-grade and early teen). Eligible books must be published within the specified award year by a recognised publisher.

Books published between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026, are eligible. Self-published books do not qualify.

The Prize consists of a $13,000 award in commemoration of the 13 original Colonies, and a lifetime membership to The New York Historical. In addition, the winner receives a silver medallion designed by Smith’s mother, the renowned artist, Clarice Smith. The two “Honorable Mentions” get $500 each and the silver medallion.

Prize:

• $13,000 cash award
• A lifetime membership to the New-York Historical Society
• A medal and recognition

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

Established to recognise and encourage creative writing and provide a platform for publication, the Anthology Short Story Competition is open to original and previously unpublished short stories in the English language by a writer of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. There is no restriction on theme or style. Stories submitted must not exceed the maximum of 1,500 words. Writers can submit as many entries as they wish.

Prizes

• FIRST: €1,000 and the winning story will be published in a future issue of Anthology.
• SECOND: €250
• THIRD: €150

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Winchester Poetry Prize is an annual competition run by Winchester Poetry Festival, a registered charity based in Winchester, England. The prize is open to poets aged 16 and over from anywhere in the world, and welcomes poems on any subject and in any form or style. The 2026 competition is judged by Julia Copus, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and author of four collections including Girlhood (Faber, 2019).

Poems must be original, previously unpublished, typed, in English, no longer than 40 lines (excluding the title), and must not have been entered for or won any other competition at the time of submission. AI-assisted work is not eligible. Multiple entries are permitted at a reduced rate per poem. A “Pay It Forward” scheme offers free entries for poets on low incomes.

A longlist is announced in September, with winners revealed live at Winchester Poetry Day on 10 October 2026. All longlisted poems are published in a printed competition anthology. Cash prizes are awarded for first (£1,000), second (£500), and third place (£250). The Kathryn Bevis Prize is additionally awarded to the best poem submitted by a Hampshire-based poet.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Prairie Schooner Summer Creative Nonfiction Contest is organised by Prairie Schooner, a long-established literary journal based at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the United States. The contest invites writers to submit original creative nonfiction essays written in English. Submissions must be previously unpublished, and simultaneous submissions are typically allowed, provided the author notifies the journal if the work is accepted elsewhere. This year’s guest judge is Orenda Fink, author of The Witch’s Daughter.

There is no specific theme, allowing entrants to explore a wide range of subjects and styles within creative nonfiction. The competition is open internationally, and entries are judged by editorial staff and guest judges associated with the magazine. Winning and selected entries are considered for publication in Prairie Schooner, offering significant exposure in a respected literary journal.

Submissions to the 2026 Summer Creative Nonfiction Contest open May 15 2026.

Top prize: $1,000 and publication in Prairie Schooner.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Charleston Writing Contest is organised by Bound by Words Magazine and hosted via Chatoyant Magazine. It invites writers to submit original work – fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry – inspired by Charleston, South Carolina. The theme is open, but all submissions must be grounded in Charleston itself: its history, beauty, contradictions, resilience, secrets, and soul. Work may be rooted in the past or present, real or imagined, so long as the city is central to the piece.

The contest is open to emerging and established writers worldwide, and welcomes writing that feels vivid, intentional, and emotionally resonant – writing that could only be about Charleston. Submissions must be original and unpublished;

The winner receives a $500 cash prize and publication, with up to 10 honourable mentions also considered for publication.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award celebrates outstanding writers and was launched to support the next generation of literary talent. The Award is open to Poetry and Short Fiction submissions on any theme, however, the organizers are particularly interested in works that reflect upon our ever changing world. Poetry entries should be no more than 40 lines. Fiction entries should be no more than 2,000 words.

Prizes:

• £5,000 prize money (£2,500 for the Poetry Winner, £2,500 for the Short Fiction Winner)
• Publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Anthology
• One-year print subscription to Granta (Poetry & Fiction Winners)
• One-year digital subscription to Mslexia (Poetry & Fiction Winners)
• Six-Week Online Course from Curtis Brown Creative (Poetry Winner)
• A course from the Poetry School (Poetry Winner)
• Consultation with Redhammer Management (Fiction Winner)
• Six-week writing short stories course from Curtis Brown Creative (Fiction Winner)
• Full membership to Litopia (Poetry & Fiction Winners)
• One-year Deluxe Subscription to The London Magazine (Poetry & Fiction Winners)

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Anthology Personal Memoir Competition is open to original and previously unpublished memoirs in the English language by writers of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. In the spirit of authenticity, there are no constraints on themes or writing styles. Authors are invited to share a unique life experience. Whether your memoir recounts a transformative journey, a poignant moment, or a life-altering event, we welcome your story. Memoirs submitted must not exceed a maximum of 1,500 words.

The winner will receive a €500 and the chance to see their work published in a future issue of Anthology.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Climate Playwriting Prize is organised by Shakespeare’s Globe in London as part of its ongoing commitment to climate action and environmental storytelling. The prize seeks an original, full-length play that responds to the climate crisis and explores its human, social, political, or ecological dimensions. The competition is aimed at writers who are passionate about theatre and environmental issues, and whose work engages meaningfully with the realities of climate change.

Submissions must be original, unpublished full-length plays written in English. The selected script will be developed with the Globe, offering the winning playwright professional support and the opportunity to see their work realised within one of the UK’s most prominent theatrical institutions. The prize forms part of Shakespeare’s Globe’s wider climate and sustainability initiatives, encouraging artists to imagine bold, urgent, and theatrically compelling responses to the defining issue of our time.

Submitted plays:

• Should be full length plays, of 70 minutes or longer
• Should be written by UK and UK-based playwrights in the English language
• Should not have had a previous production

The winning playwright will receive:

• A cash prize of £15,000
• Dramaturgical support on the development of the play to rehearsal draft with specialists at the Globe, Climate Spring and Fern Culture
• Industry exposure to leading theatre professionals
• The winning play will be optioned for production at the Globe, with an aspiration to produce, or supported by the award producers to find a home for the play.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Writers’ College Short Story Competition is an annual contest run by The Writers’ College. It is open to emerging writers aged 16 and over from around the world. The competition is specifically designed to support writers who are unpublished or have appeared in print no more than four times; professional journalists, copywriters and anyone who has earned a living from writing are not eligible to enter.

For 2026, the theme is The End of the Line. Entrants must write an original, unpublished story of up to 2,000 words in which the exact phrase “the end of the line” appears somewhere in the text. All genres are welcome, though the organisers note that literary fiction typically performs strongest with the judging panel. Only one entry per writer is permitted, and submissions must be in English.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The First Page Challenge is an annual writing contest run by The Darling Axe, a Canadian editorial services company. The contest is open to writers of fiction, narrative nonfiction, short stories, and full-length manuscripts, and invites entrants to submit just the opening page of their work – the one that has to make a reader want to keep going.

Entries must be original, unpublished, and unrepresented work. Multiple submissions are accepted, each at the entry fee of $5 CAD. Judging is carried out by editor Michelle Barker, whose sole criterion is how compellingly the first page draws the reader in.

The top three finalists each receive cash prizes ($700, $200, and $100 CAD respectively), publication on The Darling Axe’s Chopping Blog, and a complimentary copy of one of the company’s craft books. An optional feedback add-on is also available for an additional $45 CAD, providing brief notes from the contest screeners, a score out of five, and relevant craft resources delivered after winners are announced.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Anthology Nature Writing Competition 2026 is organised by Anthology Magazine, a lifestyle and creative publication based in Ireland that runs periodic writing awards. This competition invites writers to craft original, nature-themed non-fiction essays or creative reflections that explore aspects of the natural world, from close-to-home observations to broader environmental ideas.

Submissions must be original, previously unpublished works written in English with a maximum length of 1,500 words. There is no specified minimum word count beyond being a complete piece, and writers may submit multiple entries, each with a separate entry form and fee. Themes are open within the broad remit of nature and the environment; there is no fixed prompt. Entries must not have been published before in any other format.

The competition is international and open to writers of any age, nationality, or country of residence. Anthology magazine will judge entries and select the winner based on creativity, insight, and engagement with the natural world. The winning piece is eligible for publication in a future issue of Anthology.

The first-place winner receives €300 and publication in Anthology magazine.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Anthology Flash Fiction Award 2026 is organised by Anthology Magazine, an Ireland-based creative and lifestyle publication that hosts international writing competitions. The award seeks original, previously unpublished flash fiction pieces, offering writers a platform to showcase concise storytelling with strong narrative impact.

Submissions must be written in English, original, and unpublished in any format. Each story should be up to 250 words and can explore any theme or subject. Writers may submit multiple entries, with a separate entry fee for each submission.

The competition is international, open to writers of all ages and nationalities. Entries are judged by the editorial team at Anthology Magazine, with winners selected for their originality, narrative skill, and engagement within the flash fiction form.

The first-place winner receives €300 and publication in Anthology Magazine. Runners-up may receive recognition or publication at the discretion of the organisers.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Miller Williams Poetry Prize is organised by University of Arkansas Press in honor of the late poet and press cofounder Miller Williams. The prize recognises outstanding unpublished full-length poetry manuscripts and offers emerging and established poets the opportunity for professional publication.

Eligible submissions are full-length poetry manuscripts between 60 and 90 pages, previously unpublished as a book. Individual poems may have appeared in journals, chapbooks, or anthologies. Work in translation is not accepted. Manuscripts are judged anonymously, and each author may submit only one manuscript per year. The competition is international, open to poets worldwide, provided the work is in English.

The prize is judged by series editor Patricia Smith, with the assistance of screeners. Three manuscripts are selected for publication in the Miller Williams Poetry Series; from these, one winner receives the $5,000 Miller Williams Poetry Prize. Winners benefit from full professional editing, design, and production by the press.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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The Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest is organised by Winning Writers, a U.S.-based nonprofit that runs international writing contests for poets and prose writers. This annual competition highlights outstanding poems in any style or genre as well as traditional or rhymed poetry, offering substantial cash prizes and publication opportunities.

Entrants may submit up to three original poems per entry, each poem written in English and no longer than 250 lines. Poems may be previously published or unpublished; all are judged anonymously, and submissions should omit identifying information. The contest is open to writers globally (with some country restrictions due to U.S. government regulations on certain regions).

The competition is international, open to writers of any age and nationality whose work meets the guidelines. Submissions are made via the online entry system during the contest period, and winning poems are published on the Winning Writers website.

Prizes:

The contest awards two top prizes, each $3,500 — one for a poem in any style or genre (the Tom Howard Prize) and one for a poem that rhymes or uses a traditional style (the Margaret Reid Prize). In addition, ten honorable mentions of $500 each are given, and the top 12 entries are published online. Two-year Duotrope gift certificates are also awarded to the top two winners.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Book Pipeline Adaptation Contest is an annual competition run by Pipeline Media Group, seeking published books, graphic novels, comics, and short stories with strong potential for film or television adaptation. Now in its 13th year, the contest is open to writers worldwide and accepts entries across all genres, including fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and horror.

Books and graphic novels must already be published (traditionally or self-published), or due for release before January 2027. Short stories are the exception and may be unpublished. Entries are judged on concept originality, quality of writing, and viability for adaptation in the current marketplace. Fiction and nonfiction entrants should submit approximately the first 5,000 words along with a logline and a 1–3 page synopsis; short story entrants submit the complete story with a brief overview.

The winner receives $5,000 in cash, extensive project development with Pipeline’s in-house team to prepare a script or pitch, and circulation to over 200 production companies, managers, agents, and industry executives. Authors retain all rights to their work regardless of their placement in the contest.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Ronald Sukenick Innovative Fiction Contest is an annual competition run by FC2 (Fiction Collective 2), an author-run, not-for-profit publisher dedicated to artistically adventurous and non-traditional fiction. The contest seeks manuscripts that push the limits of American publishing – work considered too challenging, innovative, or unconventional for mainstream commercial publishers.

Eligible entries may take the form of a novel, one or more novellas, or a collection of short stories, with no minimum or maximum length requirement. The manuscript must be unpublished as a whole, though individual pieces that have previously appeared in magazines or anthologies may be included in a collection. The contest is open to writers of, from, or in the United States writing in English who have not previously published with FC2.

FC2 particularly encourages submissions from writers who are Black, Indigenous, people of colour, disabled, LGBTQIA+-identifying, immigrant, or otherwise underrepresented in US literary publishing, and offers fee waivers to writers for whom the entry fee would pose a significant barrier.

Manuscripts are judged anonymously; finalists are selected by the FC2 Editorial Board, with the winner chosen by a final judge. The winner receives $3,000 and publication by FC2, an imprint of the University of Alabama Press.

Submissions for the 2027 contest will be open 15 August 2026.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Anthology Travel Writing Competition is run by Anthology, an Irish luxury lifestyle magazine, and is open to writers of any nationality worldwide. The competition invites original, non-fictional, previously unpublished travel articles written in English, seeking pieces that convey a strong sense of place and local culture with literary merit and originality.

Entrants must submit an article of no more than 1,000 words. Multiple entries are permitted, with each submission requiring a separate entry form and fee. There is no age limit, and AI-generated work is not eligible.

The winner receives €300 and has their article published in a future issue of Anthology magazine. Prize money is paid on publication of the winning piece. Copyright remains with the author, though Anthology reserves the right of first publication.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Bath Children’s Novel Award is an international prize for children’s fiction by emerging authors — defined as unagented writers who are unpublished, self-published, or independently published without an advance. The award covers a wide range of children’s writing, including YA novels, middle grade, early readers, chapter books, and picture book texts.

Entrants submit the opening of their manuscript (up to 5,000 words) along with a one-page synopsis, in English. Full manuscripts may be of any length. Submissions are judged blind, first by Junior Judges aged 7–17 who select a shortlist, then by a leading children’s literary agent who selects the winner. AI-generated or AI-edited work is not eligible.

The competition is open to writers of any age, nationality, or residency. Sponsored places are available for writers on a low income. The winner is announced in March 2027 and receives £5,000 and a Minerva Trophy. Longlisted writers receive written feedback on their initial submission, and one longlisted writer also wins a free place on an 18-week novel editing course from Cornerstones Literary Consultancy and the Professional Writing Academy, valued at £1,980.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

Every year, Reneé Bibby (an American flash / short story writer) runs a competition to see who can acquire the most literary rejections in a calendar year. Inspired by Kim Liao’s Lit Hub article “Why you Should Aim for 100 Rejections a Year” the competition reframes rejections as “wins”.

The competition is for literary magazine publication rejections of poetry, essays, creative non fiction, micro fiction, flash, and short stories. Currently this does not support rejections for novels, agent representation, residencies, or writing positions.

The event is open to writers of all levels, all genres, all ages, all over the world.

The competition runs January 1st–December 31st every year.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is currently accepting published books, unpublished manuscripts, galley copies, and advanced reader copies which have a copyright/release date of 2025, 2026, or 2027 from independent publishers and authors for the 2027 awards year.

The entry fee is $80 for the first category entered and $65 for every additional category entered for the same title. 80 categories across fiction and non-fiction are offered.

Winners in each of the 80 categories receive cash prizes, gold medals, possible representation by a leading literary agent, complimentary stickers, social media coverage and website exposure. Three Grand Prize Winners will be selected from all entries received and will be awarded cash prizes of $1,500, $750, and $500 based on their order of win. All Winners are invited to attend the Indie Book Awards gala reception.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

The Next Generation Short Story Awards is accepting unpublished short stories and poems of less than 5,000 words for the 2027 awards year. It is open to all authors worldwide, including first-time writers, who have an original, previously unpublished short story written in English.

The entry fee is $25 for the first category and $20 for every additional category entered for the same story. 30 categories across fiction, non-fiction and poetry are offered.

Winners in each of the 30 categories receive cash prizes, gold medals, story published in an Anthology of Winners along with a complimentary copy, digital promotional stickers, social media coverage, and website exposure. Three Grand Prize Winners will be selected from all entries received and will be awarded cash prizes of $500, $300, and $200 based on their order of win, exposure in a Press Release, and an invitation to attend the Next Generation Indie Book Awards gala reception.

Is this competition legit?YES! - Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it's your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.