If you want to see stats of the growing audience you can reach by being listed here, please see my advertising page, which contains lots of statistics. I update this page once a year. Please contact me if there is any other information you would like to see on this page, or for any ideas on improvements. I have recently updated the page into sections as detailed in the quick links at the top of the page, and have put the competitions in alphabetical order, the only exception being discontinued competitions which appear at the bottom of the relevant list for reference only.
I hope this makes the lists easier to use. Also, as the page is getting larger and the lists are getting longer, it is becoming harder for me to maintain. I'll do my best to check all the links regularly, but if you spot any mistakes, outdated information or broken links, please let me know. I'm fortunate enough to have been published through some of the competitions in the lists below.
The essays must feature more than five sources and a full bibliography. Read the requirements and find the link for submission here. Engineer Girl Annual Essay Contest Description: Each year, Engineer Girl sponsors an essay contest with topics centered on the impact of engineering on the world. This contest is a nice bridge between ELA and STEM and great for teachers interested in incorporating an interdisciplinary project into their curriculum.
The new contest prompt is published in October. Word limit varies by grade level. Check out the full list of rules and requirements here. Description: Bennington College offers a competition in three categories: poetry a group of three poems , fiction a short story or one-act play , and nonfiction a personal or academic essay. I was speechless with honor. Of the thousands of poets who must have submitted to the contest — no doubt many of them adults much wiser and more skilled than me — my poem had been chosen to be featured in an exclusive, hardcover anthology!
And honored on a something-karat-gold plaque! Sadly, not much has changed when it comes to companies trying to take advantage of writers who want a chance at recognition and maybe a little bit of money. Here are 31 reputable, well-reviewed, free writing contests for poets, fiction writers, essayists and more. Fiction and nonfiction writing contests Ready to share your novel or personal essay with the world? Submissions must be short stories or novelettes up to 17, words in the genre of science fiction or fantasy, and new and amateur writers are welcome to apply.
Inkitt This boutique publishing firm offers a prize of a publishing contract to its contest winner. Submit a novel of 20, words or more in any fiction genre no fanfic, short stories or poetry. Deadline: See individual contest pages. You may submit an unpublished manuscript of short stories, two or more novellas or a combination of novellas and short stories.
Your total word count should be between and typed pages. Deadline: Annual submissions must be postmarked between May 1 through June Deadline: TBD 5. Francis College Literary Prize This biannual prize honors mid-career writers who have recently published their third, fourth or fifth work of fiction. Francis College campus in Brooklyn, NY to deliver a talk about their work or teach a mini fiction workshop to St.
Francis students. Deadline: Biennially; the deadline for prize submissions this year is May 15, The shortlist will be announced by August Submit any novel or short story published or scheduled to be published in the calendar year.
Discover the best essay, poetry, novel, and short story writing competitions for fiction and non-fiction writers. Disclaimer:The majority of the descriptions of each contest were taken directly from the most relevant contest website. If you want to receive updates when we update this list, sign up for updates! Submit your work to these competitions for a chance to win notoriety, rewards and of course, cash prizes. Related: Struggling to get your piece finished before the competition deadline?
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It began as a local contest in , and since then has expanded into a national competition that has received tens of thousands of submissions from students across the country. So thanks again for your support. Ages: Submission period: September to April This page is the most popular resource on my website, receiving between 10, and 16, visits a month. Writing contests with multiple categories Some contests accept submissions in multiple categories, so you could submit a novella as well as a poem or other work. Eligible entries will include original fiction or nonfiction board books for ages 0—4 50— words and picture books for ages 4—8 — words featuring contemporary African American characters and culture and focusing on one or more of the following topics: character development, self-esteem, diversity, getting along with others, engaging with family and community, or other topics related to positive childhood development..
Mazurn
Description: Bennington College offers a competition in three categories: poetry a group of three poems , fiction a short story or one-act play , and nonfiction a personal or academic essay. From to , the competition has run annually. The mission of this contest is to reward bravery in real-life storytelling and create an understanding of our world through thoughtful, engaging narratives.
Tenos
Fiction and nonfiction writing contests Ready to share your novel or personal essay with the world?
Taulmaran
Runners-up earn prizes in first through tenth places. Open internationally. Disclaimer:The majority of the descriptions of each contest were taken directly from the most relevant contest website. But lots of fun. I update this page once a year. Deadline: Biennially; the deadline for prize submissions this year is May 15,
Taurr
You can learn lots more about the rules for each individual competition by visiting the different websites. Essays for are due by Feb. If so, get in touch. See Devil's Crush as an example. Check out the contest details for a set of educator resources as well as the new contest prompt coming out in September. Deadline: Annual submission window is September 1 through December
Taumuro
Women On Writing Q3 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest Seeking creative nonfiction essays on any topic - words and in any style--from personal essay to lyric essay to hybrid and more! For example, books published between July 1, and June 30, will be eligible for the award; an entry form must be completed and submitted by no later than July 1, The deadline for awards was January 11; the deadline for awards has not yet been announced. You can find out how to enter here.
Dokazahn
Deadline: TBD 5. Sadly, not much has changed when it comes to companies trying to take advantage of writers who want a chance at recognition and maybe a little bit of money. I will also try and add to this list regularly as I hear about more competitions.
Mizil
The essays must feature more than five sources and a full bibliography. I was speechless with honor. The new contest prompt is published in October.
Taudal
Along with a wide range of recommended contests for writers of all stripes, Winning Writers also lists some contests and services to avoid — which is just as useful!