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 |
Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay ContestThis contest seeks short works of fiction and nonfiction. All themes accepted, and writers may submit as many entries as they like. Entries may be published or unpublished. Length limit is 6,000 words. Winning story and essay will receive $3,000 each, and ten honorable mentions will receive $100 each. Top 12 entries will be published online. Medium: online | Fee: $20 | Categories: Short Stories, Memoirs, Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose prize $3,000 length maximum 6,000 words deadline 22 days April 30 |
EVENT Magazine's Annual Nonfiction ContestThis contest seeks creative nonfiction entries of 5,000 words or less. Entries must not have been previously published or accepted for publication elsewhere. No simultaneous submissions. Multiple entries allowed. Winning entries and judge's essay will be published in the Spring/Summer issue of EVENT. Medium: print | Fee: $35 | Categories: Memoirs, Nonfiction Prose prize $1,500 length maximum 5,000 words deadline 190 days October 15 |
Narrative: Story of the WeekThis contest publishes fiction or nonfiction stories of 10,000 words in length, from unpublished and published writers every week.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 |
Everything Climate Change Fiction ContestThis contest seeks short fiction of no more than 5,000 words. Submissions must be original works that have not been previously published. Works should be mostly in English and writers must be over 18. US and international entries are welcome. All genres welcome. Medium: print | Fee: FREE | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose prize $1,000 length 5,000 words deadline 7 days April 15 |
Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay ContestThis contest seeks short works of fiction and nonfiction. All themes accepted, and writers may submit as many entries as they like. Entries may be published or unpublished. Length limit is 6,000 words. Winning story and essay will receive $3,000 each, and ten honorable mentions will receive $100 each. Top 12 entries will be published online. Medium: online | Fee: $20 | Categories: Short Stories, Memoirs, Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose prize $3,000 length maximum 6,000 words deadline 22 days April 30 |
Force Majeure Flash ContestWe're looking for the best small things, any form, any content, any fine and wonderful creation. This contest seeks flash fiction of any genre. Fiction and nonfiction allowed. Submissions by members of under-represented groups encouraged. Multiple entries fine. Winning flash must not be published before August 2020. All entries considered for publication. Medium: print | Fee: $12 | Categories: Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose prize $300 length maximum 1,000 words deadline 22 days April 30 |
Grist Journal: ProForma Writing ContestEvery spring, Grist welcomes submissions of unpublished creative work for our ProForma contest in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and/or hybrids that explore the relationship between content and form. This contest is open to all forms of literary expression. “Pro forma” often means an established way of doing things. For the contest, Grist is looking for work that makes the most of its form, whether that’s an essay that breaks from traditional expectations, a set of poems from a sonnet sequence, a short story that blends or bends its genre, a hybrid text or a genre-less piece. Medium: online | Fee: $18 | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose, Graphic Stories, Journal/General, Poetry prize $1,200 length maximum 5,000 words deadline 22 days April 30 |
The Ghost Story Supernatural Fiction AwardThis contest seeks short stories involving a paranormal or supernatural theme. Stories should be between 1,500 and 10,000 words. All submissions will be considered for publication. Multiple entries are permitted. Winners will be published online. Medium: online | Fee: $20 | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose prize $1,000 length 1,500 – 10,000 words deadline 22 days April 30 |
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 |
Stories Through The Ages Sightseer Saga 2019This contest is open to any adult. The topic for the Sightseer Saga contest is a story based on your travel—beyond that it is open. Tell us about an experience you had, sights you saw and/or people you met. Make it a completely true account, or embellish the truth a bit. Medium: online | Fee: $20–25 | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose prize $500 length 900–4,000 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 |
Drapers Guild Short Story ContestThe Drapers Guild Short Story Contest is an ongoing contest that rolls over after submissions have been received by fifteen authors. The current round is the Sixth Drapers Guild Short Story Contest. Medium: print and online | Fee: $10 | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose prize $100 length no maximum 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 |
Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay ContestThis contest seeks short works of fiction and nonfiction. All themes accepted, and writers may submit as many entries as they like. Entries may be published or unpublished. Length limit is 6,000 words. Winning story and essay will receive $3,000 each, and ten honorable mentions will receive $100 each. Top 12 entries will be published online. Medium: online | Fee: $20 | Categories: Short Stories, Memoirs, Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose prize $3,000 length maximum 6,000 words deadline 22 days April 30 |
Force Majeure Flash ContestWe're looking for the best small things, any form, any content, any fine and wonderful creation. This contest seeks flash fiction of any genre. Fiction and nonfiction allowed. Submissions by members of under-represented groups encouraged. Multiple entries fine. Winning flash must not be published before August 2020. All entries considered for publication. Medium: print | Fee: $12 | Categories: Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose prize $300 length maximum 1,000 words deadline 22 days April 30 |
Grist Journal: ProForma Writing ContestEvery spring, Grist welcomes submissions of unpublished creative work for our ProForma contest in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and/or hybrids that explore the relationship between content and form. This contest is open to all forms of literary expression. “Pro forma” often means an established way of doing things. For the contest, Grist is looking for work that makes the most of its form, whether that’s an essay that breaks from traditional expectations, a set of poems from a sonnet sequence, a short story that blends or bends its genre, a hybrid text or a genre-less piece. Medium: online | Fee: $18 | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose, Graphic Stories, Journal/General, Poetry prize $1,200 length maximum 5,000 words deadline 22 days April 30 |
WOW! Women On Writing Creative Nonfiction Essay ContestWe are seeking creative nonfiction essays on any topic and in any style—from personal essay to lyric essay to hybrid and more! The mission of this contest is to reward bravery in real-life storytelling and create an understanding of our world through thoughtful, engaging narratives. Electronic submissions via e-mail only; simultaneous submissions okay; reprints okay; multiple submissions are okay as long as they are submitted in their own individual e-mail. Open internationally. Medium: online | Fee: $12 – 25 | Categories: Nonfiction Prose prize $500 length 200 – 1,000 words deadline 22 days April 30 |
EVENT Magazine's Annual Nonfiction ContestThis contest seeks creative nonfiction entries of 5,000 words or less. Entries must not have been previously published or accepted for publication elsewhere. No simultaneous submissions. Multiple entries allowed. Winning entries and judge's essay will be published in the Spring/Summer issue of EVENT. Medium: print | Fee: $35 | Categories: Memoirs, Nonfiction Prose prize $1,500 length maximum 5,000 words deadline 190 days October 15 |
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 |
Spoon River Poetry Review $1,000 Editors' PrizeThis contest seeks poetry. Each entry may contain up to three poems, maximum 10 pages in length. Entry fee contains a one-year subscription. Judges will be announced after winners are selected. A winner, two runners-up, and up to three to five honorable mentions will be selected. All winning poems will be published in the winter issue. Medium: print | Fee: $20 | Categories: Poetry prize $1,000 length maximum 10 pages deadline 7 days April 15 |
Agha Shahid Ali Prize in PoetryThis contest seeks poetry manuscripts between 48 and 100 pages. Manuscripts must be in English, and as a whole must be previously unpublished, but single poems may have been previously published. Simultaneous submissions allowed. Medium: print | Fee: $25 | Categories: Poetry, Book Awards prize $1,000 length 48 – 100 pages deadline 7 days April 15 |
$1000 Etel Adnan Poetry PrizeThis contest seeks poetry manuscripts. The prize will be awarded to a first or second book of poetry, in English, by a writer of Arab heritage. Winner will be notified by September 15, 2020. No more than one manuscript per author. Medium: print | Fee: $25 | Categories: Poetry, Books prize $1,000 length 48 – 90 pages deadline 7 days April 15 |
Palette Poetry PrizeThis contest seeks one excellent poem that speaks to what poetry is today. Winner will be selected by the guest judge Ilya Kaminsky. Editors of Palette will choose the ten finalists. Grand prize along with second and third place will be chosen by the guest judge. International submissions allowed, and there is no page requirement. Entries must not be more than three poems. Medium: print | Fee: $20 | Categories: Poetry prize $3,000 deadline 7 days April 15 |
Grist Journal: ProForma Writing ContestEvery spring, Grist welcomes submissions of unpublished creative work for our ProForma contest in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and/or hybrids that explore the relationship between content and form. This contest is open to all forms of literary expression. “Pro forma” often means an established way of doing things. For the contest, Grist is looking for work that makes the most of its form, whether that’s an essay that breaks from traditional expectations, a set of poems from a sonnet sequence, a short story that blends or bends its genre, a hybrid text or a genre-less piece. Medium: online | Fee: $18 | Categories: Short Stories, Fiction Prose, Nonfiction Prose, Graphic Stories, Journal/General, Poetry prize $1,200 length maximum 5,000 words deadline 22 days April 30 |
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 |
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 |
$1000 Etel Adnan Poetry PrizeThis contest seeks poetry manuscripts. The prize will be awarded to a first or second book of poetry, in English, by a writer of Arab heritage. Winner will be notified by September 15, 2020. No more than one manuscript per author. Medium: print | Fee: $25 | Categories: Poetry, Books prize $1,000 length 48 – 90 pages deadline 7 days April 15 |
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 |
Agha Shahid Ali Prize in PoetryThis contest seeks poetry manuscripts between 48 and 100 pages. Manuscripts must be in English, and as a whole must be previously unpublished, but single poems may have been previously published. Simultaneous submissions allowed. Medium: print | Fee: $25 | Categories: Poetry, Book Awards prize $1,000 length 48 – 100 pages deadline 7 days April 15 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
McSweeny's Internship/VolunteershipMcSweeny's has opened calls for interns and volunteers! If selected, you will be helping out with their next few books and quarterlies, including reading for the next Quarterly, an entirely non-fiction issue examining surveillance, trust, and privacy. Interns must be at least in the third or fourth year of their undergraduate degree, and based in the San Francisco Bay Area. We welcome higher-level applicants for our volunteer positions. The role requires a commitment of 15–20 hours per week, for around four months. Priority given to those who have experience with fact checking. Fee: FREE | Categories: Internships/Volunteering prize N/A length N/A deadline ongoing |
Strange Horizons VolunteershipStrange Horizons is currently accepting applications for additional first readers. First readers will read some of the incoming fiction submissions and decide whether to pass them along to the fiction editors. They are therefore looking for people who like what Strange Horizons publishes. They highly encourage black first readers to apply, as are applicants who are members of other underrepresented or marginalized groups, and non-US/UK regions. 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 |
