Writing Contests
Tethered by Letters provides the most up-to-date information on writing contests. Do you have a contest to add? Just fill in this form and we'll get your contest added!
Memoirs |
Narrative: Story of the WeekThis contest publishes fiction or nonfiction stories of 10,000 words in length, from unpublished and published writers every week. Medium: online | Fee: $23 | Categories: Short Stories, Memoirs, Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose prize $150 length maximum 10,000 words deadline ongoing |
Fiction Prose |
Show Us Your Short-Shorts Editors’ PrizeOpen to all writers, this contest seeks short fiction of no more than 1,000 words per piece. Each entry may contain up to three flash fiction pieces. One entry per person. All entries considered for publication. First place receives $125, second place receives $75, and third place receives $25. Winner announced January 14, 2019. Medium: online | Fee: $6 | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose prize $125 length maximum 1,000 words deadline 5 days December 15 |
LitMag's Virginia Woolf Award for FictionOpen to all writers, this contest seeks short stories between 3,000 and 8,000 words. Previously unpublished short stories only. Writers may submit multiple stories. Winning short stories and finalists will be announced on the website as well as by email to all contestants in March 2019. Medium: print | Fee: $20 | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose prize $3,500 length 3,000 – 8,000 words deadline 5 days December 15 |
Boulevard: Short FictionOpen to all writers who have not yet published a book of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction with a nationally distributed press, this contest seeks short fiction of up to 8,000 words. Manuscripts will not be returned. All entries will be considered for publication. Winning story will be first announced on the website, traditionally during June, though occasionally earlier. Medium: print | Fee: $16 | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose prize $1,500 length maximum 8,000 words deadline 21 days December 31 |
Bottlecap PressOpen to all writers, this contest seeks poetry and fiction manuscripts. Manuscripts should be no less than 26 pages, but 30+ is preferred. Chapbooks are the primary focus, but larger projects get taken on occasionally (up to novella sized). Full manuscripts only. Manuscripts may include some previously published material. Medium: print | Fee: FREE | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose, Poetry, Books prize Publication length minimum 26 pages deadline ongoing |
Nimrod: The Tulsa VoiceThis contest seeks flash fiction and poetry from writers living in Tulsa or the surrounding area, or who have strong emotional ties to Tulsa. Flash fiction should be no more than 500 words, and poetry should be no more than 40 lines. Writers may submit up to three flash fiction pieces and/or three poems at a time. Poetry can be in any style, and fiction may be in any genre or style. Medium: print | Fee: FREE | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose, Poetry prize $30 length maximum 500 words deadline ongoing |
Narrative: Story of the WeekThis contest publishes fiction or nonfiction stories of 10,000 words in length, from unpublished and published writers every week. Medium: online | Fee: $23 | Categories: Short Stories, Memoirs, Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose prize $150 length maximum 10,000 words deadline ongoing |
The Good Literary AgencyIn 2015, co-founder Nikesh Shukla had the idea for The Good Immigrant, a book of essays by writers of colour about race and immigration in the UK, which sparked a conversation in the UK publishing industry and across culture, the media and the arts about representation. Not long after publication, Nikesh was talking to Julia (his agent and TGLA co-founder) about what more could be done to increase representation across publishing. Years later, TGLA came into fruition: a literary agency that seeks to invest time and effort alongside its writers. Submissions are limited to British citizens and UK reisdents at this stage. Medium: print | Fee: FREE | Categories: Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose, Books prize Publication length 3 chapters deadline ongoing |
The Writing District CompetitionOpen to all writers, this contest runs every month. The contest seeks short stories of no more than 3,000 words. Entries must be in English. One entry per person, per month. Open theme. Deadline is the last day of the month. Medium: online | Fee: FREE | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose prize $50 length maximum 3,000 words deadline ongoing |
Nonfiction Prose |
Castle Craig International Essay Competition 2018"Castle Craig Hospital would like to invite all interested medicine, psychology, nursing, psychotherapy and social work students to enter its International Addiction Research Essay Competition 2018. This annual competition has been instituted to mark Castle Craig Hospital’s 30th anniversary. We hope it will serve to foster connections between academic institutions and treatment services, and that this will eventually support best practice in the field of addiction treatment. As we become increasingly integrated as an international community, the exchange of global ideas and dialogue in this field is paramount to address the increasing demand for addiction treatment throughout the world. Castle Craig Hospital would be honoured to have you join us in this mission this year and in the future" Medium: print and online | Fee: FREE | Categories: Nonfiction Prose prize £1,000 length 3,000 words deadline 20 days December 30 |
Narrative: Story of the WeekThis contest publishes fiction or nonfiction stories of 10,000 words in length, from unpublished and published writers every week. Medium: online | Fee: $23 | Categories: Short Stories, Memoirs, Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose prize $150 length maximum 10,000 words deadline ongoing |
The Good Literary AgencyIn 2015, co-founder Nikesh Shukla had the idea for The Good Immigrant, a book of essays by writers of colour about race and immigration in the UK, which sparked a conversation in the UK publishing industry and across culture, the media and the arts about representation. Not long after publication, Nikesh was talking to Julia (his agent and TGLA co-founder) about what more could be done to increase representation across publishing. Years later, TGLA came into fruition: a literary agency that seeks to invest time and effort alongside its writers. Submissions are limited to British citizens and UK reisdents at this stage. Medium: print | Fee: FREE | Categories: Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose, Books prize Publication length 3 chapters deadline ongoing |
Poetry |
Into the Void Poetry CompetitionThis contest seeks poetry of a maximum of 60 lines per poem. Poems of all forms and styles are accepted. No limit to the number of poems you may submit. Medium: online | Fee: $5 | Categories: Poetry prize $200 length maximum 60 lines deadline 21 days December 31 |
Bottlecap PressOpen to all writers, this contest seeks poetry and fiction manuscripts. Manuscripts should be no less than 26 pages, but 30+ is preferred. Chapbooks are the primary focus, but larger projects get taken on occasionally (up to novella sized). Full manuscripts only. Manuscripts may include some previously published material. Medium: print | Fee: FREE | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose, Poetry, Books prize Publication length minimum 26 pages deadline ongoing |
2018 Anna Davidson Rosenberg Poetry AwardThis contest seeks poetry. It is open to all writers exploring the Jewish experience (irrespective of author's ethnicity or religious affiliation). All entrants retain copyright rights in poems they submit, but by participating, all winners grant Poetica Publishing the right, license, and ability to use and publish all winning poems on the website, on other websites, in other media, and in print editions/anthology. A first, second, third place will be awarded, as well as up to ten honorable mentions, and finalists. The winning poems will be published on the website. Winners will be selected in May 2019. Medium: online | Fee: $3 | Categories: Poetry prize $250 deadline 36 days January 15 |
Nimrod: The Tulsa VoiceThis contest seeks flash fiction and poetry from writers living in Tulsa or the surrounding area, or who have strong emotional ties to Tulsa. Flash fiction should be no more than 500 words, and poetry should be no more than 40 lines. Writers may submit up to three flash fiction pieces and/or three poems at a time. Poetry can be in any style, and fiction may be in any genre or style. Medium: print | Fee: FREE | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose, Poetry prize $30 length maximum 500 words deadline ongoing |
Screenwriting |
Nantucket Film FestivalThe Nantucket Film Festival was founded by brother and sister team Jill and Jonathan Burkhart in 1996. The Burkharts lived on the island year round, and with their love of movies and the community, they knew it was the perfect place to begin a film festival. In 1997, Mystelle Brabbée joined the team and today serves as the Executive Director. NFF continues to thrive, always remaining true to its mission. Fee: $30 – 80 | Categories: Screenwriting prize N/A length N/A deadline 25 days January 04 |
Prison City Film FestivalThe Prison City Film Festival is a 4-day Independent Film Festival based at the Old Town Theatre in Huntsville, TX. The event will officially begin Wednesday evening Feb 27, 2019 with a Red Carpet Opening, followed by an evening of live entertainment, and independent films and shorts carefully selected from festival submissions. Fee: Varied | Categories: Screenwriting prize N/A length Varied deadline 32 days January 11 |
New Jersey Young Playwrights ContestNow in its 36th year, the New Jersey Young Playwrights Festival is the third-longest-running young playwrights festival in the United States. It’s a celebration of young playwrights (ranging from grades 4 through 12) and focuses on presenting their work in the same way we present that of the professional playwrights we work with. All winning playwrights will have their plays performed by professional actors under the direction of a professional director. Fee: FREE | Categories: Screenwriting prize Performed length maximum 20 pages deadline 36 days January 15 |
Green Curtain TheatreGreen Curtain theatre was set up in 2011 to produce new work for the Irish community in London. It provides opportunities for writers, actors, and directors drawn from, but not exclusively, the London Irish diaspora. They are actively looking for plays that explore the theme of "breaking away" with reference to the lives and experience of the Irish in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This experience can be contemporary or historical, serious or comic. The contest is open to everyone who is Irish or part of the Irish Diaspora, no matter your age or level of education, who is resident in the UK. Fee: FREE | Categories: Screenwriting prize Performed length 60 – 90 minutes deadline 80 days February 28 |
Cast Iron Theatre"Cast Iron Theatre was co-founded by husband and wife team Andrew Allen and Michelle Donkin. Now in their fifth year, Cast Iron continues to run short play nights throughout the year. Their plays feature work from writers at all levels of experience and exposure, and they are also dedicated to developing local acting and directing talent. Cast Iron Theatre is interested in play submissions that are fresh, explore themes that challenge us or make us see the ordinary in a different way, and especially those written by or focusing on under-represented and/or marginalized groups." Fee: FREE | Categories: Screenwriting prize Performed length 10 minutes deadline ongoing |
Next Stop Theatre CompanyNextStop Theatre Company is very interested in presenting new works and welcomes submission of plays and musicals that are in keeping with our tradition of presenting shows that challenge our actors, directors, and designers, as well as our audiences. We relish the opportunity to push the limits of our talents and our intimate black-box space. Each season is designed to fully engage our audience and provide them with the opportunity to experience a wide variety of what live theater has to offer. Fee: FREE | Categories: Screenwriting prize Performed length 90 minutes deadline ongoing |
Books |
Bottlecap PressOpen to all writers, this contest seeks poetry and fiction manuscripts. Manuscripts should be no less than 26 pages, but 30+ is preferred. Chapbooks are the primary focus, but larger projects get taken on occasionally (up to novella sized). Full manuscripts only. Manuscripts may include some previously published material. Medium: print | Fee: FREE | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose, Poetry, Books prize Publication length minimum 26 pages deadline ongoing |
The Good Literary AgencyIn 2015, co-founder Nikesh Shukla had the idea for The Good Immigrant, a book of essays by writers of colour about race and immigration in the UK, which sparked a conversation in the UK publishing industry and across culture, the media and the arts about representation. Not long after publication, Nikesh was talking to Julia (his agent and TGLA co-founder) about what more could be done to increase representation across publishing. Years later, TGLA came into fruition: a literary agency that seeks to invest time and effort alongside its writers. Submissions are limited to British citizens and UK reisdents at this stage. Medium: print | Fee: FREE | Categories: Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose, Books prize Publication length 3 chapters deadline ongoing |
Book Awards |
There are currently no contests available in this category. |
Residencies/Fellowships |
Writers for Writers: Diversity FellowshipThe Diversity Theme Fellowship will be accepting applicants on a rolling admissions basis. The fellowship is open to all minority writers as well as writers whose scripts feature diversity-themed subject matter. Selected Fellows will be notified of acceptance within four – six weeks of their submission. Mentors will be linked to selected fellows based on mentor’s availability and genre choice. Medium: online | Fee: $75 | Categories: Residencies/Fellowships prize N/A length maximum 360 pages deadline ongoing |
Writers for Writers: Female ThemeThe Female Theme Fellowship will be accepting applicants on a rolling admissions basis. The fellowship is open to all female writers as well as writers (male writers included) featuring female-themed subject matter. Medium: online | Fee: $75 | Categories: Residencies/Fellowships prize N/A length maximum 360 pages deadline ongoing |
A Public Space: InternshipA Public Space offers internships throughout the year. Interns work on a part-time, volunteer basis, and receive practical experience in critical reading, research, copyediting, and fact-checking; marketing and publicity, including social media and events; and an understanding of the general workings of an independent nonprofit literary organization as well as an introduction to the publishing community. A three-day/week commitment on a Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday schedule over a three-month period is required. Fee: N/A | Categories: Residencies/Fellowships prize 3-month internship length N/A deadline ongoing |
Writers for Writers: Indie Filmmaker FellowshipThe Indie Filmmaker Fellowship is open to all filmmakers attached to an unproduced, feature-length narrative film with an aim towards production. Directing teams and writer-director teams are welcome to apply on a single application. The fellows will be mentored by the WritersForWriters team as well as indie film producer Stephen Nemeth (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Sessions). Medium: online | Fee: $75 | Categories: Residencies/Fellowships prize N/A length maximum 120 pages deadline ongoing |
Representation MattersRepresentation Matters seeks to connect self-identified people of color who are interested in publishing and literature with publishing professionals who can help their mentees learn about, and get a foothold in, the industry. The program is open to applicants who self-identify as people of color. Ideal applicants are readers, writers, and book lovers with a genuine interest in pursuing a career in publishing. Application essays should be sent to RMMProgram@gmail.com. Medium: online | Fee: FREE | Categories: Residencies/Fellowships prize 6-month mentorship length N/A deadline ongoing |
Grants/Scholarships |
Electric Literature ScholarshipsElectric Literature’s mission is to amplify the power of storytelling and maintain literature’s place in pop culture by embracing new technologies, supporting writers, and building community. In that spirit, Electric Literature is proud to offer full scholarships for 6 to 12 week writing workshops and weekend masterclasses co-presented with the innovative publisher Catapult. All applicants must reside in New York City. There are no other requirements to apply. Medium: online | Fee: $0 | Categories: Grants/Scholarships prize N/A length maximum 2,000 words deadline ongoing |
Internships/Volunteering |
Tethered by Letters' Publishing InternshipThis twelve-week, remote internship offers an intense introduction to the publishing and editorial aspects of the literary industry. In addition to working alongside senior editors, interns will have the opportunity to function independently as junior editors in the last four weeks of the internship period. This internship also offers a focus on writing, and interns will work directly with the Publishing Director to craft reviews, conduct interviews or pursue other available options. Fee: FREE | Categories: Internships/Volunteering prize N/A length 12 weeks deadline ongoing |
Zoetrope Reader ProgramZoetrope: All-Story seeks volunteer readers to read and critique the 10,000 submissions we receive each year. Stories the readers endorse are forwarded to the editorial staff for consideration. Readers are invited to periodic editorial meetings and special film events, and are included in the masthead. Readers will be expected to commit to at least four hours per week; all reading must be completed in the Zoetrope office and during regular business hours. Fee: FREE | Categories: Internships/Volunteering prize N/A length N/A deadline ongoing |
Tin House: InternshipsSix-month internship opportunities are available at the Tin House offices in Brooklyn, New York, and in Portland, Oregon. Competition is fierce; only those applicants who demonstrate a passion for literature and a well-established familiarity with Tin House will be considered. Medium: online | Fee: FREE | Categories: Internships/Volunteering prize 6-month internship length N/A deadline ongoing |
AGNI InternshipApply to AGNI's literary internships. Editorial assistants will be responsible for proofreading, subscription fulfillment, database management, web posting, and many other tasks central to the magazine’s operation. In turn, interns will gain copyediting experience, print and web publishing experience, experience with Dreamweaver, FileMaker, and other software, and a renewed sense of the relevance and wonder of literature. Send resumes and cover letters to agni@bu.edu. Fee: $0 | Categories: Internships/Volunteering prize N/A length N/A deadline ongoing |
Epiphany InternshipsAn Epiphany internship includes a combination of editorial and managerial work, so that interns get a sense for both of these aspects of publishing a literary magazine. An intern's chief editorial responsibility will be to read submissions to the magazine and they will receive feedback and mentorship from an Epiphany editor throughout the process. Interns may also be expected to take on various research projects and day-to-day tasks. Internships may be conducted from Los Angeles, NY, or remotely, and are unpaid opportunities. Fee: FREE | Categories: Internships/Volunteering prize N/A length N/A deadline ongoing |
Workshops/Conferences |
Rattle Workshop ProgramRattle's goal has always been to expand the reach of contemporary poetry into broader communities beyond the usual literary circles. To further that goal, a few hundred copies of each print issue of Rattle will be set aside to be given away as free class sets to teachers, workshop leaders, and reading groups who are spreading poetry to underserved and non-literary communities. The only firm rule is that the workshop must be offered free to participants. Supplies are limited. Medium: print | Fee: FREE | Categories: Workshops/Conferences prize Free copies of Rattle length N/A deadline ongoing |
Slice Literary Writers ConferenceSlice conference features panels and workshops covering topics around the craft and business of writing. Please visit the conference website for additional information, fee schedules, and discounts. Medium: online | Fee: $200 – 350 | Categories: Workshops/Conferences prize N/A length N/A deadline ongoing |
LitReactorLitReactor offers a unique approach to a writing education: You study what you want, when you want, at your own pace. You get detailed feedback on your work and take part in discussions in a judgement-free zone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, our workshops are about working together to achieve your writing goals. Medium: online | Fee: Varied | Categories: Workshops/Conferences prize N/A length N/A deadline ongoing |
Indie Author Fringe"Indie Author Fringe is a three-times-a-year, online conference for self-publishing authors, brought to you by the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi). ALLi brings together the most up-to-date self-publishing education and information available and broadcasts it to authors everywhere. " Medium: online | Fee: FREE | Categories: Workshops/Conferences prize N/A length N/A deadline ongoing |
Alabama Writers' ConclaveThe Alabama Writers' Conclave was organized in 1923 and has continued ever since. Registration for this conference will include access to the keynote speech, all panels, workshops, as well as mixers and other social events. Medium: online | Fee: $225 | Categories: Workshops/Conferences prize N/A length N/A deadline ongoing |
Lighthouse Writers WorkshopLighthouse Writers Workshop presents Lit Fest, an annual summer celebration of the literary art. The festival is scheduled to feature an array of workshops, seminars, consultations and other offerings. Medium: online | Fee: $130 | Categories: Workshops/Conferences prize Glitterati Pass length N/A deadline ongoing |
Catapult Writing WorkshopsCatapult offers online and in-person classes varying in size, topic, and focus, and taught by writers and publishing professionals at the center of literary culture. Medium: print and online | Fee: Varies | Categories: Workshops/Conferences prize N/A length N/A deadline ongoing |
A Public Space: WorkshopsA Public Space presents workshops throughout the year, provided seasonally. From novel to essay writing to editing, sign up for a masterclass of your choice. Fee: Varies | Categories: Workshops/Conferences prize N/A length N/A deadline ongoing |
Inkitt's Novel Writing BootcampInkitt’s commitment to empowering aspiring authors across the globe has fused with the novel-writing genius of Bryan Thomas Schmidt, editor of The Martian, to produce an inspirational new Novel Writing Bootcamp, accessible to all and free of charge. Whether you’re a writer just beginning your career, an experienced author who wants to brush up on certain aspects of the process, or simply someone eager to learn at their own pace, this course is for you! We are proud to make Schmidt’s invaluable advice available to all, and we hope that it inspires all readers, regardless of background or previous experience, to reach for their literary goals and realise their creative potential. Fee: FREE | Categories: Workshops/Conferences prize N/A length N/A deadline ongoing |
