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304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
by Karen MacKenzie
on
So you want to compete in writing contests for prizes and recognition?
Writing contests are a fun way to evolve your writing skills — and, yes, cash prizes are a nice bonus.
But remember, the emphasis is on fun.
If cash is your primary goal, you should focus your time and energy on landing freelance writing jobs.
However, if you’re looking for writing competitions and an enjoyable way to improve your writing skills, read on.
This roundup post includes both writing contests that are free to enter and writing contests with nominal entry fees.
Let’s begin!
“The Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence honors Louisiana’s revered storyteller, Ernest J. Gaines, and serves to inspire and recognize rising African-American fiction writers of excellence at a national level. The book award, initiated by donors of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, is now in its 13th year and has become nationally recognized in its role of enhancing visibility of emerging African-American fiction writers while also expanding the audience for this literature. The annual award of a $15,000 cash prize is to support the writer and help enable her/him to focus on her/his art of writing.”
African-American fiction writers who want to inspire kids to develop their own creativity. The award winner will work with students in small creative writing workshops held in Louisiana.
“It’s free, it’s fun, and the winner gets published in Prime Number Magazine and receives a free book from Press 53.”
Writers who enjoy the challenge of a 53-word short story competition based on a prompt.
“The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards recognizes outstanding works that contribute to our understanding of racism and our appreciation of cultural diversity. Awards are given for fiction, poetry and nonfiction.”
Book authors who wish to compete for a generous book award. Your book must be written in English and published and copyrighted in the same year that you enter the contest.
“The VCU Cabell First Novelist Award honors an outstanding debut novel published in the preceding calendar year. Symbolized by a three-dimensional compass, the award is a tribute to writers who have navigated their way through the maze of imagination and delivered a great read, taking the reader someplace new.”
Novelists who have published a book in the year previous to the contest date, and feel that they have achieved something “notable and enduring.”
Stony Brook Southampton is accepting submissions of short fiction (7,500 words or less).
“Southampton Arts is a vibrant community within SUNY Stony Brook that gathers together graduate programs in creative writing, children’s lit, podcasting and film. Today’s professional practice as an artist demands well-rounded, independent, imaginative entrepreneurs, ones with the resourcefulness to draw on a range of media, technologies and genres.”
Undergraduate short story fiction writers who want to compete for both cash and a chance to participate in a writers’ conference.
“The Wallace Stegner Prize will be awarded to the best monograph submitted to the Press in the broad field of environmental humanities. (…) Preference will be given to projects that discuss issues related to the American West. We welcome book-length manuscripts that emphasize narrative form and draw on the humanities, as well as the particular methods and perspectives of history, geography, natural history, environmental science, creative nonfiction, or related disciplines to consider environmental subjects, broadly defined. These criteria reflect the legacy of Wallace Stegner as a student of the American West, as a spokesman for the environment, and as a teacher of creative writing.”
Writers of monographs (essay or book-length) who have not previously submitted their work for publication.
“This award honors the best fiction set in a period when the United States was at war. It recognizes the service of American veterans and military personnel and encourages the writing and publishing of outstanding war-related fiction. Donated by William Young Boyd II.”
Writers who have published a novel of war-related fiction.
“Calling all short story writers: Are you a short story writer interested in gaining more exposure and a bigger audience for your creative work? Would an extra $1,000.00 USD in your pocket be a great thing right now?”
Short story writers (word count up to 5,000 words) of either fiction or nonfiction who are excited about entering a writing competition for cash and exposure.
“Since its early days, science fiction has played a unique role in human civilization. It removes the limits of what “is” and shows us a boundless vista of what “might be.” Its fearless heroes, spectacular technologies and wondrous futures have inspired many people to make science, technology and space flight a real part of their lives and in doing so, have often transformed these fictions into reality. The National Space Society and Baen Books applaud the role that science fiction plays in advancing real science and have teamed up to sponsor this short fiction contest in memory of Jim Baen.”
Grand prize winner:
Second and Third Place winners:
Science fiction short story writers who want to see their work in print and who would enjoy the prizes listed above.
“Offered since 1954, the James Laughlin Award is given to recognize and support a second book of poetry forthcoming in the next calendar year. The award was endowed in 1995 by a gift to the Academy from the Drue Heinz Trust. It is named for the poet and publisher James Laughlin (1914-1997), who founded New Directions in 1936.”
Poets who are working on their second book and want to earn a sweet prize of cash and recognition.
“L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new writers of science fiction and fantasy to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience.”
Science fiction and fantasy writers who want to write prose up to 17,000 words in length. Note that works intended for children are not eligible.
“The Emily Dickinson First Book Award is designed to recognize an American poet of at least 40 years of age who has yet to publish a first collection of poetry.
The Poetry Foundation seeks one book-length poetry manuscript to be published as the winner of the Emily Dickinson First Book Award.”
Late-blooming poets who have enough poems in them to fill a book of poetry.
“Graywolf Press publishes about 30-35 books annually, mostly poetry, memoirs, essays, novels, translations, and short stories.
Our editors are looking for high quality literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that combine a distinct voice with a distinct vision.”
Authors willing to take on a project outside their established genre. If you don’t have one yet, here’s your chance to get started.
“New Voices Award is given annually by children’s book publisher Lee & Low Books for a children’s picture book manuscript by a writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer.”
Authors who’d like to write stories to address the needs of children of color and Native nations. The children’s picture book manuscript can be fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
“Established in 2001, The New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award is a $10,000 prize awarded each spring to a writer age 35 or younger for a novel or a collection of short stories. Each year, five young fiction writers are selected as finalists by a reading committee of Young Lions members, writers, editors, and librarians.”
Young writers who want to be recognized for their novel or collection of short stories.
Overview
“The PEN/Faulkner Foundation celebrates literature and fosters connections between readers and writers to enrich and inspire both individuals and communities.”
“The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction is a national prize that honors the best published works of fiction by American citizens in a calendar year.”
Published authors who believe they can compete with the top writers in the United States. Novels and short story collections are considered.
“The PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers recognizes twelve emerging writers each year for their debut short story published in a literary magazine or cultural website and aims to support the launch of their careers as fiction writers.
Each of the twelve winning writers receives a cash prize of $2,000 and the independent book publisher Catapult will publish the twelve winning stories in an annual anthology entitled The PEN America Best Debut Short Stories, which will acknowledge the literary magazines and websites where the stories were originally published.”
Debut short story writers who aren’t afraid to ask their editor to enter them in this writing competition.
“This creative writing contest for U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel is hosted by The Iowa Review and made possible by a gift from the family of Jeff Sharlet (1942–69), a Vietnam veteran and antiwar writer and activist. The contest is open to veterans and active duty personnel writing in any genre and about any subject matter.”
Any writers who have served in the military and wish to compete in this creative writing contest.
Content announcement: “We invite you to participate in the 2021 Hektoen Grand Prix Essay Competition in honor of Hektoen Institute Board Member Mrs. Hella Mannheimer (1924-2020).”
Creative non fiction writers looking to enter an essay contest by writing on art, history, literature, education, etc. as they relate to medicine.
“We at The Fountain believe that every voice should be heard, and that every challenge should be respected and can offer insight into our own lives.
We all face new challenges in our lives. They can be massive undertakings, such as moving across a country and beginning a new high school. Or sometimes the more routine tasks, such as getting out of the bed in the morning while undergoing depression, can themselves be massive challenges.
We want to hear about your challenges and how you mentally, physically, and/or spiritually prepare for them.”
If you are up to the challenge of writing a personal essay between 1,500 and 2,500 words on the topic of “facing challenges,” this essay contest is for you.
“Any poet will tell you that the only thing rarer than meaningful recognition is a meaningful payday. For two outstanding poets each year, the Kingsley and Kate Tufts awards represent both.
The Tufts poetry awards – based at Claremont Graduate University and given for poetry volumes published in the preceding year – are not only two of the most prestigious prizes a contemporary poet can receive, they also come with hefty purses: $100,000 for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award and $10,000 for the Kate Tufts Discovery Award.”
Published poets who want recognition and a shot at a very generous award that will pay the bills and allow them to write more poetry.
“The ethos of the modern world is defined by immigrants. Their stories have always been an essential component of our cultural consciousness (…) In novels, short stories, memoirs, and works of journalism, immigrants have shown us what resilience and dedication we’re capable of, and have expanded our sense of what it means to be global citizens. In these times of intense xenophobia, it is more important than ever that these boundary-crossing stories reach the broadest possible audience.”
Authors who wish to “address some combination of identity, the meeting of cultures and communities, immigration and migration, and today’s globalized society,” in their first book.
“The biennial $50,000 Literary Prize is sponsored by St. Francis College to offer its support and encouragement to the literary community and mid-career authors who have recently published their 3rd to 5th work of fiction.”
Published fiction authors who want to enter a writing competition for a very generous prize.
“Now in its 19th year, this contest seeks today’s best humor poems.”
Poets with a sense of humor and a competitive drive to win poetry prizes.
“Established in 1984, the Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award introduces emerging writers to the New York City literary community. The prestigious award, which aims to provide promising writers a network for professional advancement, has helped to launch the careers of Sue Monk Kidd (The Invention of Wings, The Secret Life of Bees), Lidia Yuknavitch (The Book of Joan), Bryn Chancellor (Sycamore: A Novel), David Mura (Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei), and others.”
Poets or fiction writers who live in Oklahoma.
“Lunch Ticket is honored to host The Gabo Prize for Literature in Translation & Multilingual Texts. The Gabo Prize is funded by writers, translators, and Antioch University Los Angeles MFA Alumni Allie Marini and Jennifer McCharen, who launched the prize to support the work of peer translators.”
Authors and translators of multilingual texts containing either poetry or prose.
“Professionals and freelancers are encouraged to write non-fiction inspirational and practical articles that describe their experience living, moving, and working abroad. Often your experience is extended and transformed by activities in the host country, so living, working, studying, and traveling abroad are often inextricable — and we are interested in exploring all such organic interconnections.”
Nonfiction writers who have lived and worked abroad who are interested in creating a helpful article about their experiences.
“The Drue Heinz Literature Prize recognizes and supports writers of short fiction and makes their work available to readers around the world. The award is open to authors who have published a book-length collection of fiction or at least three short stories or novellas in commercial magazines or literary journals.”
Previously published short fiction authors looking to enter their latest creation in this writing contest.
“The Brooklyn Non-Fiction Prize, a cash award of $500, will be awarded to the best Brooklyn-focused non-fiction essay which is set in Brooklyn and is about Brooklyn and/or Brooklyn people/characters.
We are seeking compelling Brooklyn stories from writers with a broad range of backgrounds and ages who can render Brooklyn’s rich soul and intangible qualities through the writer’s actual experiences in Brooklyn.”
Nonfiction writers who have had experiences in Brooklyn, New York to share with the world, and potentially win a prize in the process.
“Once again, the César Egido Serrano Foundation returns to record figures in the call for its famous International Micro-Story Contest, which has been running for five editions.”
Fiction writers who wish to enter an international competition for hefty prize money.
“Sponsored by the Binghamton Center for Writers-State University of New York with support from the Office of the Dean of Binghamton University’s Harpur College of the Arts & Sciences”
Writers who have published either a novel or a book of fiction in 2019 (for the 2020 contest).
“Sponsored by Minotaur Books and Mystery Writers of America (MWA)”
Mystery writers who have finished their first crime novel and want to compete for a publishing contract.
“The Stowe Prize recognizes a distinguished book of general adult fiction or non-fiction that illuminates a critical social justice issue in contemporary society in the United States. (…) The book should apply informed inquiry, be accessible and engaging to a general audience, and promote empathy and understanding. Because Stowe’s writings challenged slavery and promoted women’s education, social issues impacted by racism and gender discrimination will be prioritized. In making this award, the Stowe Center recognizes the value of diversity to strengthen our communities and encourages submissions by authors from populations that have historically faced discrimination or marginalization.”
Fiction or nonfiction authors who have published a book within three years of the contest year. Note: That book must meet the criteria in the “Overview” to be considered for this book award.
“The Steinbeck Fellows Program of San José State University was endowed through the generosity of Martha Heasley Cox. It offers writers of any age and background a $15,000 fellowship to finish a significant writing project. Named in honor of author John Steinbeck, the program is guided by his lifetime of work in literature, the media, and environmental activism.
Fellowships are currently offered in Creative Writing (excluding poetry) and Steinbeck Studies. Fellows may be appointed in many fields, including literary scholarship, fiction, drama, education, science and the media.”
Free
This program helps writers who have promising work, but who haven’t published extensively.
“Light Bringer Project and Sci-Fest L.A. present two science fiction writing competitions designed to identify and nurture the up-and-coming science fiction writing talent of Los Angeles and worldwide. Science fiction is a uniquely inspiring medium that has enabled many of our great thinkers and scientists to imagine the heights and limits of human achievement, leading to important moral and ethical debate, long range planning for humanity, and scientific innovation. Writers are encouraged to explore scientific, social, technological, environmental, and philosophical themes in their writing and always, at the core, to master the art of great storytelling.”
Science fiction writers in search of writing competitions. There is also a contest for the best feminist-themed science fiction story for an additional $100 prize.
“An important part of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe’s opus are novellas. To celebrate this format, the Wolfe Pack and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine have partnered to sponsor the Black Orchid Novella Award.”
Mystery fiction writers who wish to write a novella in the tradition of the Nero Wolfe series.
“The theme for the contest is: Forging. This can be conveyed in the setting, plot, characters, dialogue…the only limit is your imagination. The theme must be integral to the story in some way and not just mentioned in passing. (…) All stories must be of the Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror genres.”
Non-professional writers who want to enter a short story contest for the opportunity to win book money.
“Welcome to the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest Competition!”
Unpublished mystery novel writers who are looking to compete for a potential publishing contract.
“Writers are invited to create and submit a short story consisting of 50 paragraphs. The contest provides the 1st and 20th paragraphs, and the short story writer crafts the rest.”
Short story writers of all genres, as long as you can make your story work with the provided paragraphs!
“Books must be nonfiction titles written in English for a general audience by a single, living author and originally published in the United States during the current calendar year. Books may be about any artistic discipline (visual, literary, performing, or media arts, as well as cross-disciplinary works).
We seek art history and criticism, biographies and memoirs, and essays.”
Authors who enjoy writing nonfiction regarding artistic disciplines and have a book scheduled to be published in the year of the contest.
Don’t mind having a little skin in the game?
Here are writing contests that require an entry fee to enter:
“Writer’s Digest has been shining a spotlight on up and coming writers in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for more than 80 years. Enter our 89th Annual Writing Competition for your chance to win and have your work be seen by editors and agents! Almost 500 winners will be chosen. The top winning entries of this writing contest will also be on display in the 89th Annual Writer’s Digest Competition Collection.”
Multiple genres are available, so any writer who has a competitive spirit and doesn’t mind paying an entry fee.
“The Fund supports writing that combines an engaging individual voice, literary sensibility, imagination and intellectual rigor to bring new perspectives and deeper meaning to the body of desert literature. All applications will be reviewed through a peer-panel process.”
Literary nonfiction writers fascinated by the desert. You’ll be submitting a proposal for a writing project based on your travel to and experience in a desert region.
“We are seeking submissions for pieces that breathe freshness to the form. We are interested in previously unpublished prose ranging from 1,000 – 5,000 words, each with a $10 entry fee.”
Fiction and short story writers who are interested in competing for a cash prize plus publication.
“The Peseroff Prize honors Joyce Peseroff’s work as a poet, teacher, editor, innovator, and mentor. She helped found the MFA Program in Creative Writing at the University of Massachusetts Boston, served as its first director, and retired from teaching in 2014.”
Poets with previously unpublished poems with both a competitive drive and $10 for a poetry contest.
“Beginning December 1, 2019, Marsh Hawk Press is accepting submissions of poetry manuscripts to the annual Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prizes.“
Poets with a manuscript of poems ready for publication.
“Since 1975, River Styx has published an international, award-winning magazine of poetry, fiction, essays, interviews, and art. Work first published in its pages has been included in many editions of The Best American Poetry, Best New Poets, New Stories from the South, and Pushcart Prize anthologies.”
Writers who enjoy writing micro-fiction stories of up to 500 words and who would be interested in subscribing to a literary magazine.
“Write a horror or thriller story for this writing contest. Put your readers on edge or terrorize them.”
Writers who are interested in joining a paid community to network with other readers and receive feedback on their stories.
“This contest is open to any short fiction writer of English. (…) Submissions may include a collection of short stories, one or more novellas, or a short novel.”
Short fiction writers who are looking for the opportunity to participate in a writing competition that could get their work published.
“For this contest, a story is any short work of fiction, and an essay is any short work of nonfiction. (…) Please submit as many entries as you like. All themes accepted. Entries may be published or unpublished. Length limit: 6,000 words maximum.”
Fiction or nonfiction writers who are willing to spend $20 for a shot at winning the $3,000 prize.
“The Moment Magazine-Karma Foundation Short Fiction Contest encourages writers to submit stories related to Judaism or Jewish culture or history.”
Short story writers interested in writing a story of up to 5,000 words with a Jewish theme.
“In a world where it is harder than ever for new writers to get a foot in the door of the traditional publishing world, Literal Latté remains committed to finding and nurturing great talents, both on its website and in its new anthology, in book format.”
All subjects and styles are welcome, so any writers with an unpublished story of up to 10,000 words.
“The award is intended to honor the spirit of unblinking honesty, determination, and insight into cultural and social issues exemplified by the late James Jones, author of From Here to Eternity and other prose narratives of distinction. Jones himself was the recipient of aid from many supporters as a young writer and his family, friends, and admirers have established this award of $10,000 to continue the tradition in his name.”
Writers with either unpublished or work-in-progress novels. To enter, you need to submit an outline and the first 50 pages of your novel.
“The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, great writing, and provide well-rewarded recognition to contestants.”
All styles and genres of flash fiction are welcomed. Entries need to be a minimum of 250 words (750 maximum).
“The mission of this contest is to inspire creative nonfiction and provide well-rewarded recognition to contestants. (…) Your story must be true, but the way you tell it is your chance to get creative.”
All styles of essay — from personal essay to lyric essay to hybrid essay to critical essay (and beyond) are welcomed. Maximum length of 1,000 words.
Because entering writing contests gives you a way to practice writing — the best way to improve your skills. You may even get feedback from some of the contests, and of course, the ultimate positive feedback if you win!
If you’ve wanted to experiment with different genres or different writing styles, this is your chance to play.
The deadlines in writing contests can make the difference between actually writing that next piece and doing it “someday.”
Plus, depending on the contest, entering is an automatic win since you’ll be creating another sample for your writing portfolio. And if you win the writing contest, even better!
Now you get to practice patience and the skill of waiting.
Not all contests will contact you to let you know who won. Some only contact the finalists or the winner(s).
In the contest instructions, you may find dates for when the finalists or winners will be announced. Add these dates to your calendar so you’ll know that if you aren’t contacted by then, you didn’t win this writing contest.
If you do win, and you’ve submitted the same piece of content to multiple contests, you should withdraw your submission(s) from the other contests.
And then celebrate!
The number one tip to help you win? Pay attention to the details! Ignoring or missing any of the contest rules or requirements could mean instant disqualification.
Merely following the rules can give you an edge over the competition.
Here’s a collection of blog posts to help you improve your writing skills.
Imagine how you’ll feel as a contest winner.
The confirmation of your writing skills. The recognition, the charge of seeing your work published.
You could use your winnings towards writing books, courses, or coaching to develop your talent and skills further.
A fun part of life is trying new things, and here is your opportunity.
So before you close out of this post, pick one contest. Then bookmark it and start working on your contest entry.
Good luck!
Writing
Karen MacKenzie