Creative Writing Contests

Short Story and other creative writing contests and competitions with big cash prizes like the ones below can provide a real step up for writers. Writing competitions can jumpstart a career. This happened to me when I submitted a sample of my unpublished novel to the Chapters/Robertson Davies writing contest for unpublished novelists. I'll never forget the thrill of excitement I felt when they contacted me with the news that I was one of six hundred writers invited to submit an entire novel manuscript.

I decided then that if my manuscript went further in the writing contest, I'd use that honour to find an agent, and I began my research. When I learned that the shortlist of five novels included mine, I contacted the agent I most wanted to represent me, and she signed me and had a publisher interested within two weeks. What an exciting time! If I won the contest, McClelland and Stewart would publish my novel and I would receive an advance on royalties. If I went no further than the shortlist, HarperCollins would publish the novel and I would receive a larger advance on royalties. The way I saw it, I couldn't lose!

I did not win the contest, but I won a career all the same.

So I encourage you to seek out creative writing contests and send only your best, most polished work, as winning means publication and often significant payment.

PLEASE NOTE: I publish this list of creative writing contests as a service to visitors. It takes considerable time just to keep it current. Please do NOT write to me to ask me questions about any of the contests, as I have no special information about any of the contests except the one I co-sponsor, the Hazel Hilles Memorial Short Fiction Prize. If you have questions about any others, please contact the organizer of the contest.

If you want to be aware of writing contests all year, well in advance, consider purchasing the book Writing to Win by Moira Allen, which is one of the most complete sources of which I am aware.

Attention! This Will Help You Get Published and Win Contests

Current FICTION Writing Contests

JUNE Creative Writing Contests

DEADLINE JUNE 1, 2013:
Marguerite McGlinn Prize for Fiction Prize: $2,000
DEADLINE JUNE 1, 2013:
Tony Hillerman Mystery Novel Competition Prize: $10,000 Advance and Publication with St. Martin's Press
DEADLINE JUNE 2, 2013:
The Stringybark Times Past Short Story Award Prize: AUS$350
DEADLINE JUNE 10, 2013:
Glimmer Train Short Story Award for New Writers Prize: $1500
DEADLINE JUNE 13, 2013:
VS Pritchett Memorial Fiction Prize Prize: £1000 UK and Ireland only
DEADLINE JUNE 15, 2013:
New Rivers Press American Fiction Prize Prize: $1000
DEADLINE JUNE 15, 2013:
Salamander 2012 Fiction Prixe Prize: $1,500
DEADLINE JUNE 17, 2013:
New Millenium Fiction & Short Short Fiction Prize Prize: $1000
DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
Obsidian Prize for Fiction Prize: $1000
DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
Glimmer Train Fiction Open Award Prize: $2500
DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
Howard Frank Mosher Short Fiction Prize Prize: $1000
DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
Katherine Paterson Prize for Young Adult & Children's Writing Short Fiction Prize Prize: $1000
DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
Flash 500 Flash Fiction Contest Prize: £300
DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
Writers' Forum Short Story Contest Prize: £300
DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
Autumn House Fiction Contest (book length) Prize: $2500
DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
Red Hen Press Short Story Award Prize: $1000
DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
Literal Latte Short Shorts Contest Prize: $500
DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
The LitPop Awards Prize: publication/payment in Matrix Magazine, plus Airfare, accommodation and a VIP pass to the POP Montreal Festival (Over $750 value)

JULY Creative Writing Contests

DEADLINE JULY 1, 2013:
Goldenberg Prize for Fiction Prize: $1000
DEADLINE JULY 1, 2013:
The Literarian Short Story Contest Prize: $1000
DEADLINE JULY 5, 2013:
On the Same Page Literary Festival Writer's Competition Prize: $200
DEADLINE JULY 15, 2013:
Room Magazine's Annual Fiction Contest Prize: $500
DEADLINE JULY 15, 2013:
Doris Gooderson Short Story Contest Prize: £150
DEADLINE JULY 26, 2013:
Wasafiri Fiction Contest Prize: £300
DEADLINE JULY 31, 2013:
Dream Quest One Short Story Contest Prize: $500
DEADLINE JULY 31, 2013:
Narrative Magazine Spring Story Contest Prize: $2500
DEADLINE JULY 31, 2013:
HISSAC Short Story Competition Prize: £400

AUGUST Creative Writing Contests

DEADLINE AUGUST 31, 2013:
Elderberry Prize for Short Fiction Prize: $500

SEPTEMBER Creative Writing Contests

DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 1, 2013:
Far From the Madding Crowd Short Story Competition Prize: £250

OCTOBER Creative Writing Contests

DEADLINE OCTOBER 25, 2013:
Raspberry & Vine Short Story Competition Prize: $300
DEADLINE OCTOBER 31, 2013:
Flash 500 Novel Opening Chapter and Synopsis Competition Prize: £500

NOVEMBER Creative Writing Contests

DEADLINE MAY 17, 2013:
Black Mountain Press Asheville Award Prize: $500
DEADLINE MAY 18, 2013:
New Letters Dorothy Churchill Cappon Essay Award Prize: $1500
DEADLINE NOVEMBER 30, 2013:
Writers' Village International Short Fiction Competition Prize: £1000
DEADLINE NOVEMBER 30, 2013:
Elderberry Prize for Short Fiction Prize: $500

DECEMBER Creative Writing Contests

More coming soon

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Creative NON-FICTION Writing Contests

DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
Autumn House Nonfiction Contest (book length) Prize: $2500

DEADLINE JUNE 30, 2013:
Elderberry Prize for Short Biography Prize: $500

DEADLINE JULY 1, 2013:
Burns Archive Prize for Nonfiction Prize: $1000

DEADLINE JULY 31, 2013:
Elderberry Essay Prize Prize: $500

DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 15, 2013:
Literal Latte Essay Award Prize: $1000

DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 30, 2013:
Elderberry Prize for Short Biography Prize: $500

DEADLINE OCTOBER 31, 2013:
Elderberry Essay Prize Prize: $500

DEADLINE DECEMBER 31, 2013:
Elderberry Prize for Short Biography Prize: $500

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Click HERE to see MORE CONTESTS

Post Creative Writing Contests Here

Are you administrating a fiction or creative non-fiction contest? If so, you may post the details here.

I will review them, and if accepted, they will go 'live' a day or two after you submit.

GUIDELINES FOR POSTING

Post fiction and creative non-fiction writing contests only; all others will be deleted

Please begin with your contest deadline in uppercase letters, followed by the contest name and the prize amount as shown in other listings

Post the URL that links to the contest information in the text box

List the 1st prize amount; submissions with no prize amount will be deleted

1st Prize must be $200 or more

Prizes must be guaranteed

You may post as many contests as you like, but please post each contest separately, and only once during the contest period.

Thank you!

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More Contests

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DEADLINE APRIL 30TH, 2013, Mystery & Mayhem Cozy Awards, Prize: $250
http://chantireviews.com/contests/cozy-mystery-novels-writing-contests-mystery-and-mayhem-mm-awards/ Manuscripts (completed) and Published Novels, including …
DEADLINE APRIL 30, 2012, 2012 Spring Romance Short Story Contest, $500 USD
http://www.coffeeandcreampublishing.com/contest/11-2012-spring-romance-short-story-contest
DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2012 There is Hope Magazine Writing Contest Top Prize $500 and photo shoot
There is Hope Magazine is a new biannual magazine which is premiering in June, 2012. This magazine will feature articles of how everyday people are overcoming …
JANUARY 31, 2012. The Creative Nonfiction Down Under Essay Contest. $6,500.
JANUARY 31, 2012 The Creative Nonfiction Down Under Essay Contest PRIZE: $6500 AUS The literary magazine Creative Nonfiction, in association with …
DECEMBER 31, 2011: THE METCALF-ROOKE AWARD, $1500.00
www.biblioasis.com The METCALF-ROOKE AWARD, given annually to one previously unpublished work of fiction, has been championing new and up-and-coming …
NOVEMBER 1, 2011 The Malahat Review's 2012 Open Season Awards $1000 in each of three categories
http://www.malahatreview.ca/contests/open_season/info.html Entry fee: $35 CAD for Canadians, $40 USD for Americans, $45 USD for entries from elsewhere. …
DEADLINE DECEMBER 31, 2011: DREAM QUEST ONE WRITING CONTEST
URL: http://www.dreamquestone.com The Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is international and open to anyone who loves writing a story that is …
10th October 2011
Dramatic First Paragraph Fiction Competition 1st Prize: £100 2nd Prize: £50 Entry fee: £2.00 Closing date: 10th October 2011 You have just …
SEPTEMBER 20 - HOOT monthly flash fiction mini contest - 30% of submission $$
HOOT is a literary magazine on a postcard! We publish flash fiction, non-fiction and poetry of <150 words. The writing is coolly/beautifully designed on …
OCTOBER 14 2011, Stringybark Australian History Short Story Award, A$300
http://www.stringybarkstories.net Australian history is endlessly fascinating, despite what some of us learnt at school. Stringybark Stories invites …
SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
Our contest is simple but competitive, and takes place quarterly. Winners and runners-up will be published once a year in our literary anthology, Colonnade. …
AUGUST 31 2011, LEAP LOCAL TRAVEL STORY COMPETITION, $500 FIRST PRIZE AND TWO $150 SECOND PLACE PRIZES
Leap Local Travel Story Competition Leap Local?s annual travel story competition awards a $500 first prize and two $150 runners-up prizes for a 500-650 …
DECEMBER 31, 2011 LeafGuard Name the Squirrel Contest $1,500
Our LeafGuard Squirrel needs a name and we could use your child's help to come up with one. Your child could win up to a $1,500 head start toward their …
30 NOVEMBER 2011 - INKTEARS SHORT STORY COMPETITION - PRIZE £1,000
INKTEARS SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2011 Now open for entries – winner’s prize increased this year to £1,000 Type: Short story (UK + International) …
DECEMBER 1ST 2011, WRITING FOR A PURPOSE! FICTION & NONFICTION BOOK PUBLISHED AND $250 CASH PRIZE
http://www.wix.com/writingforapurpose/purpose What? Writing for a Purpose is a contest that was established to assist young writers who have a message, …
SEPTEMBER 21st, 2011 -- ANDERBO NO-FEE NOVEL CONTEST -- $500
http://www.anderbo.com/anderbo1/andernovelcontest-02.html anderbo.com Anderbo Novel Contest ANDERBO SEEKS NOVELIST (by September 21st, 2011) …
SEPTEMBER 3 34th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL 3-DAY NOVEL CONTEST Prize $500+ publication
Register by September 2, 2011 Contest dates: September 3-5, 2011 Entry fee: $50-$55 Info: http://www.3daynovel.com The 3-Day Novel Contest is a notorious …
29 JULY 2011 ARTHRITIS CARE CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION £500 OPEN UNIVERSITY VOUCHER
Arthritis Care is launching its fifth annual creative writing competition. This year’s theme is If I were an Olympian. We’d like you to tell us what being …
DEADLINE OCTOBER 31, 2011 Atlantis Short Story Competition Prize: $300 + in-depth feedback
Info: http://www.atlantis-shortstorycontest.com/ Unpublished writers from every edge of this beautiful planet are encouraged to submit their short story …
AUGUST 15 2011, H.O.W Journal Summer Writing Contest, Up to $500 Prize
Fiction judged by MARY GAITSKILL Guidelines: -The contest is open to all writers and all themes -The word limit is 12,000. -We do consider unpublished …
JUNE 14, 2011 THE EYES OF BABYLON NATIONAL MULTI-GENRE WRITING CONTEST Prize: $1000
THE EYES OF BABYLON NATIONAL MULTI-GENRE WRITING CONTEST The producers of The Eyes of Babylon have launched a national writing contest to promote the …
DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award for Imaginative Fiction: $1,000
Contest for original works of fantasy, science fiction, mystery, or horror, 4,000 words or less. Deadline: September 1, 2011. GRAND PRIZE: $1,000, 4 runners-up …
MAY 31, 2011 FLANNERY O'CONNER AWARD FOR SHORT FICTION $1000
Accepting collections of original short fiction. Manuscripts should be 40,000-75,000 words & should be accompanied by a $25 submission fee, manuscript …
APRIL 29TH, 2011 50 Plus Writing Contest- $500
At Impowerage we believe it?s never too late to follow your dreams whatever they may be. We know that life is far from over at 50 and it?s never too late …
Click here to write your own.
OCTOBER 1ST 2011 SPILLING INK FICTION PRIZE
2011 Spilling Ink Short Story Prize Prizes: 1st £500, 2nd £250, 3rd £125, plus Shortlisted All winning and shortlisted entries will be published …
SEPTEMBER 1ST 2011 UNBOUND PRESS BEST NOVEL AWARD
2011 Unbound Press Best Novel Award Prizes: 1st £500 & Publication, 2nd £250 & Publication, plus Honourable Mentions – receive free, detailed critique …
AUGUST 1ST 2011 UNBOUND PRESS FLASH FICTION AWARD
2011 Unbound Press Flash Fiction Award Guest Judge: Laura Marney, author of numerous short stories and four novels. Prizes: 1st £250, 2nd £125, 3rd …
JULY 1ST 2011 SPILLING INK SHORT STORY PRIZE
2011 Spilling Ink Short Story Prize Prizes: 1st £250, 2nd £125, 3rd £50, plus Shortlisted All winning and shortlisted entries will be published and …
MAY 1ST 2011 UNBOUND PRESS SHORT FICTION AWARD
2011 Unbound Press Short Fiction Award Guest Judge: Elizabeth Reeder. Prizes: 1st £250, 2nd £125, 3rd £50, plus Shortlisted All winning and shortlisted …
DEADLINE DECEMBER 31, 2011
Canadian Tales of the Mysterious Short Story Competition: Prize $500 http://www.redtuquebooks.ca/RTevents/ShortStoryCompetition.pdf
30/04/2011,AD COPYWRITING CONTEST,£100
Are you a marketing professional, marketing student, or copy writer? Whether you're in the industry or a creative type who loves to play with words, we …
31/May/2011.Travel Writing contest.£100
http://www.thetravelwritingcontest.com Are you a travel writer producing creative or creative non-fiction work? If you're a travel writer - either …
JUNE 1, 2011, GRITLIT CHALLENGE OF THREE, $200 FIRST PRIZE
The gritLIT Challenge of Three 3000 words or 300 lines! Hamilton's literary festival, seeks three outstanding works of short fiction and three suites …
MARCH 15, 2011, The Pinch Literary Awards, $1500 and publication
A prize of $1,500 and publication in the Pinch is given annually for a short story; Rick Bass will judge. Submit a story of up to 5,000 words with a $20 …
1 FEBRUARY 2011, DUNDEE INTERNATIONAL BOOK PRIZE, £10,000
Expired, but watch for this prize next year! The prize, despite its name, is open to new writers from any part of the world. The writers can have had …
FEBRUARY 1: RUMINATE NONFICTION PRIZE, $500
Ruminate is thrilled to announce our first annual Ruminate Nonfiction Prize. The first place story will win a $500 prize and the runner-up will win …
JANUARY 15TH EXTENDED DEADLINE, 2011 Third Coast Fiction Contest, $1000
Judge: Brad Waston. EXTENDED Deadline: Jan. 15th. A prize of $1000 and publication will be given to the best short story. Complete Guidelines: …
NOVEMBER 30TH EXTENDED DEADLINE, 2011 Kore Press Short Fiction Award, $1,000
Judge: Antonya Nelson EXTENDED deadline: NOVEMBER 30th, 2010 A prize of $1,000 plus chapbook publication by Kore Press will be given for a short story …
MARCH 31, 2011 BRISTOL SHORT STORY PRIZE £1,000
http://www.bristolprize.co.uk/rules.html 1st Prize - £1,000
OCTOBER 31, 2010, 2011 Kore Press Short Fiction Award, $1000
Judge: Antonya Nelson Deadline: October 31, 2010 A prize of $1,000 plus chapbook publication by Kore Press will be given for a short story written in …
Click here to write your own.

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