Writing Contests in 2025

As 2025 approaches, writers have numerous opportunities to showcase their talents through various prestigious writing contests. Participating in these competitions can provide recognition, publication opportunities, and valuable feedback. Below is a comprehensive guide to 25 notable writing contests for 2025, including details on eligibility, submission guidelines, prizes, and tips for prospective entrants.

1. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Who It's For: Students in grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up) across the United States.

How to Submit: Submissions open in September 2024. Students can create an online account on the Scholastic website and connect to their local region for submission.

Submission Criteria: Various categories are available, including critical essays, science fiction, and fantasy. Each category has specific rules and word counts.

Prizes: Recognition at regional and national levels, scholarships, and publication opportunities.

Tips: Review category guidelines carefully to ensure compliance with specific requirements. Early submission is encouraged to avoid last-minute issues.

2. Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition

Who It's For: Writers of all genres and experience levels.

How to Submit: Entries are accepted through the Writer’s Digest online submission portal.

Submission Criteria: Multiple categories, including poetry, short story, and non-fiction. Each category has specific word limits and formatting guidelines.

Prizes: Cash prizes, publication in Writer’s Digest, and a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference.

Tips: Adhere strictly to formatting guidelines and proofread submissions to ensure they are error-free.

3. Next Generation Short Story Awards

Who It's For: Authors worldwide writing short stories in English.

How to Submit: Entries are accepted digitally through the official website.

Submission Criteria: Short stories in various genres; specific word count limits apply.

Prizes: Cash prizes, gold medals, inclusion in a published anthology, and exposure at the awards gala.

Tips: Take advantage of early-bird specials for discounted entry fees. Ensure your story is polished and aligns with the contest's themes.

4. Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize

Who It's For: Writers interested in having their work performed and published.

How to Submit: Submissions are accepted through the Gotham Writers Workshop website.

Submission Criteria: Short stories of 750 words or less.

Prizes: $1,000, publication on Electric Literature, and a free 10-week course with Gotham Writers.

Tips: Focus on concise storytelling due to the strict word limit. Engage readers quickly with a compelling opening.

5. The Caledonia Novel Award

Who It's For: Unpublished and self-published novelists worldwide.

How to Submit: Entries are submitted electronically via the competition's website.

Submission Criteria: Novels in all genres for adults and young adults. Specific word count limits apply.

Prizes: Cash prize and a free place on a residential or online writing course or retreat at Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre.

Tips: Ensure your manuscript is thoroughly edited and formatted according to submission guidelines.

6. The Sunday Times Clue Writing Contest

Who It's For: Individuals interested in creating cryptic crossword clues.

How to Submit: Submissions are accepted via email as per the contest's instructions.

Submission Criteria: Participants can submit up to three clues per word. Explanations for clues are encouraged but not mandatory.

Prizes: Winners receive recognition and publication in The Sunday Times.

Tips: Familiarize yourself with cryptic crossword conventions and review past winning entries for insight.

7. The Orwell Youth Prize

Who It's For: Young writers aged 12–18.

How to Submit: Submissions are accepted through the Orwell Foundation's website.

Submission Criteria: Entries on the theme "Freedom is...". Various forms are accepted, including essays, stories, and poems.

Prizes: Personalized feedback, publication opportunities, and participation in workshops.

Tips: Reflect deeply on the theme and express your unique perspective. Originality and personal insight are valued.

8. Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest

Who It's For: Writers of fiction and essays, including previously published works.

How to Submit: Entries are submitted online through the contest's website.

Submission Criteria: Fiction and essays up to 6,000 words.

Prizes: $3,500 for first place, $500 for honorable mentions, and publication online.

Tips: Submit your best work, regardless of previous publication status. Ensure your piece is well-crafted and engaging.

9. Narrative Magazine Spring Story Contest

Who It's For: Fiction writers.

How to Submit: Entries are accepted through Narrative Magazine's online submission system.

Submission Criteria: Stories no longer than 15,000 words.

Prizes: $2,500 for first place, $1,000 for second, $500 for third, and $100 each for up to ten finalists.

Tips: Familiarize yourself with the magazine's style and previous publications to align your submission accordingly.

10. The Masters Review Summer Short Story Award for New Writers

Who It's For: Emerging writers with no major publications.

How to Submit: Submissions are accepted through The Masters Review's online portal.

Submission Criteria: Unpublished fiction or creative nonfiction up to 6,000 words.

Prizes: $3,000 for first place, publication, and agency review; $300 and $200 for second and third place, respectively.

Tips: Focus on crafting a compelling narrative with a strong voice. The contest favors fresh perspectives and unique storytelling.

11. Bath Novel Award

Who It's For: Unpublished and self-published novelists worldwide.

How to Submit: Submissions are made through the Bath Novel Award website.

Submission Criteria: The first 5,000 words of a novel and a one-page synopsis.

Prizes: £3,000 for the winner, and manuscript feedback for shortlisted entries.

Tips: Make sure your opening chapter hooks the reader and aligns with your synopsis. The competition is known for supporting emerging writers.

12. Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest

Who It's For: Writers of humorous poetry; open to all experience levels.

How to Submit: Submissions are made through the Winning Writers website.

Submission Criteria: One poem, with no length limit, written in English.

Prizes: $2,000 for first place and smaller prizes for finalists.

Tips: Avoid clichés and aim for humor that is unique and clever. Judges favor fresh, witty perspectives.

13. Commonwealth Short Story Prize

Who It's For: Citizens of Commonwealth countries writing short fiction.

How to Submit: Submissions are made online via the Commonwealth Foundation website.

Submission Criteria: Short stories between 2,000 and 5,000 words.

Prizes: £5,000 for the overall winner, and £2,500 for regional winners.

Tips: Highlight unique cultural elements in your storytelling, and remember that stories can be in regional dialects as long as they are accessible to an international audience.

14. International Young Writers Award

Who It's For: Writers aged 16-25 worldwide.

How to Submit: Submit online through the International Young Writers Award website.

Submission Criteria: Fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction on the theme of "Change."

Prizes: Publication, mentorship, and cash prizes for winners and finalists.

Tips: Address the theme creatively, drawing on personal or social change to add depth to your entry.

15. Iowa Short Fiction Award

Who It's For: Authors who have not yet published a book of fiction.

How to Submit: Submissions are made through the University of Iowa Press website.

Submission Criteria: Manuscripts of short stories between 150 and 250 pages.

Prizes: Publication by the University of Iowa Press.

Tips: Compile a collection of polished short stories that share a thematic or stylistic connection.

16. Boston Review Poetry Contest

Who It's For: Poets of all experience levels.

How to Submit: Submit via the Boston Review website.

Submission Criteria: A single poem or group of poems, up to five pages in total.

Prizes: $1,500 and publication in the Boston Review.

Tips: Experiment with unique structures and voices. Boston Review values innovative and thought-provoking poetry.

17. The Mogford Prize for Food & Drink Writing

Who It's For: Writers who can craft compelling stories with food or drink as a central element.

How to Submit: Submissions are made via the Mogford Prize website.

Submission Criteria: Short stories up to 2,500 words with a food or drink theme.

Prizes: £10,000 for the winning entry and publication in a major newspaper.

Tips: Focus on sensory details and the emotional resonance of food or drink in your story.

18. PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction

Who It's For: Authors of published books in English.

How to Submit: Publishers must submit copies to the PEN/Faulkner Foundation.

Submission Criteria: Published works of fiction from the current year.

Prizes: $15,000 for the winner and $5,000 each for four finalists.

Tips: Although submission is through publishers, authors can advocate for their work’s submission if it aligns with PEN/Faulkner’s mission.

19. Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

Who It's For: Writers of creative nonfiction; open to all experience levels.

How to Submit: Submit essays via the Creative Nonfiction website.

Submission Criteria: Essays up to 4,000 words, based on the announced theme.

Prizes: $1,000 for the best essay, and publication in Creative Nonfiction.

Tips: Approach the theme creatively and with personal insight to stand out among entries.

20. The Bridport Prize (Poetry, Short Story, Flash Fiction)

Who It's For: Writers in various genres, including poetry and flash fiction.

How to Submit: Submit through the Bridport Prize website.

Submission Criteria: Specific word and line limits depending on the genre.

Prizes: Up to £5,000, publication, and additional awards for each genre.

Tips: Avoid overused themes and explore fresh topics with a unique voice.

21. Nimrod Literary Awards

Who It's For: Poets and short story writers worldwide.

How to Submit: Submit entries online through the Nimrod International Journal website.

Submission Criteria: Short stories up to 7,500 words or poetry up to three pages.

Prizes: Cash awards up to $2,000, and publication in Nimrod.

Tips: Submit well-crafted work that showcases complex characters and emotional depth.

22. The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize

Who It's For: Writers of all levels with a focus on philosophical or reflective prose.

How to Submit: Submit online through the Alpine Fellowship website.

Submission Criteria: Essays and prose pieces on a specific yearly theme.

Prizes: Cash awards up to £10,000, and a fully funded fellowship retreat.

Tips: Approach philosophical themes with originality and clarity.

23. The Bath Flash Fiction Award

Who It's For: Flash fiction writers worldwide.

How to Submit: Submissions are made through the Bath Flash Fiction Award website.

Submission Criteria: Stories under 300 words.

Prizes: £1,000 for the winner, and publication in an anthology.

Tips: Make every word count; focus on strong imagery and emotional impact.

24. Staunch Short Story Prize

Who It's For: Writers interested in creating suspense without violence against women.

How to Submit: Submit via the Staunch Prize website.

Submission Criteria: Short stories up to 5,000 words.

Prizes: Cash prize and publication on the website.

Tips: Focus on creating suspense with creative plots and character-driven tension.

25. AWP Award Series

Who It's For: Emerging and established authors with full-length book manuscripts.

How to Submit: Submit via the Association of Writers & Writing Programs website.

Submission Criteria: Full manuscripts in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction.

Prizes: Cash prizes, publication, and promotion by AWP.

Tips: Submit polished, cohesive manuscripts that showcase your unique voice.

Final Tips for Entering Writing Contests

1. Follow Submission Guidelines Carefully: Each contest has specific guidelines; ensure your entry adheres to them to avoid disqualification.

2. Proofread and Edit: A well-polished piece reflects professionalism and increases your chances of winning.

3. Choose Contests that Align with Your Strengths: Some contests favor certain themes or genres; select ones that match your style.

4. Submit Early: Avoid last-minute submissions to handle any unforeseen technical issues.

5. Stay True to Your Voice: Judges value originality and authenticity, so let your unique perspective shine.

Participating in these contests offers writers the chance to gain recognition, publication, and valuable feedback. With diverse themes, genres, and prize structures, these 25 contests for 2025 provide an array of opportunities for writers to showcase their talent and advance their careers.