fulfilling our purpose. . .

WRITING CONTESTS
listed by CATEGORIES

  • Contests are grouped by genre according to the list above and then in date order. If no deadline is given, they are at the bottom of the list.

  • Many contests are annual or occur more than once during a year, so check the link for an accurate deadline and other information.

  • Be sure to check “Mixed Genre” for your interests. Many contests have categories that include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc.

  • Be aware that some "contests" are often ways to acquire mss. by the sponsoring publisher. InScribe does not screen every contest as to its integrity.

  • DISCLAIMER: InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship cannot fully investigate all the contests and markets included in our web pages. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement of their purpose, content, guidelines, contracts, and/or rates. Writers are urged to exercise the same caution as they would when dealing with any new company or organization. However, if you discover a link on our site that leads to a site supporting blatant anti-Christian principles, please email the webmaster giving the URL for that page and appropriate details.

  • Alphabetical List of Grants, Other Contests and Literary Awards

Books, Fiction (back to top)

Deadline Most are annual contests • Check links for accurate information
Contest Name and Links		 Prize Money Entry Fee
Feb/Mar
(If closed, check link for next contest)
 

 
  • Parthenon Prize for Fiction
    • Purpose is to find book-length manuscripts of literary excellence.
    • Open to any U.S. resident writing in English for adult readers.
    • Both published and unpublished writers welcome.
    • Submit full-length, original, unpublished literary novels and short story collections.
    • Translations and works of nonfiction not considered.
    • Full-length manuscripts: novels of 60,000 to 200,000 words or short story collections of 150 to 300 manuscript pages, double-spaced.
    • Stories previously published in periodicals are eligible for inclusion in a submission; however, stories or chapters previously published in a book-length collection of the author’s own work may not be included.
    • Full guidelines
$8000 and publication for an unpublished novel or short story collection under a standard traditional book contract with Cold Tree Press. $25
March 1, 2008
(If closed, check link for next contest)		    
March 1, 2008
(If closed, check link for next contest)
  • Genesis Contest for Christian Fiction
    • (formerly the Noble Theme) is American Christian Fiction Writers' contest for unpublished Christian writers.
    • Multiple categories/genres.
    • Unbiased feedback, finalists read by Christian publishing house editors and literary agents.
    • Open to ACFW members unpublished in adult or young adult fiction in the last seven years (no published fiction print or electronic works of 20,000 words or more).
    • Authors of nonfiction or library bound fiction dissertations are eligible.
    • Authors contracted for publication before deadline are not eligible.
    • See FAQ page for a more detailed explanation.
    • Also see FAQ page for self-published authors and previous entries.
    • Up to 100 entries per category will be accepted.
    • Full information
1st place entries in each category receive winner’s plaque and 1stchoice for editor/agent appointments at the 2008 ACFW National Conference. $35 per entry for current ACFW members. Multiple entries will require multiple entry fees. If an entry has co-authors, both must be current ACFW members. Joining members: add membership fee and membership application to entry and entry fee.

March
 (If closed, check link for next contest)

 		 “Barclay Brooch and a certificate.” 2nd, 3rd get cash award and certificate. $25.00 for LCRW members; $30.00 for all others
March
 (If closed, check link for next contest)
 
$10,000 book contract  
April
(If closed, check link for next contest)
 
  • Brighid's Fire Books Annual Fiction Contest
    • Send only two chapters, or if chapters are exceptionally long, send one (if book isn't divided into chapters or sections, then send up to 25 pages).
    • If you send more than two chapters, you are automatically disqualified and forfeit your entry fee. More information
$1000 and a publishing contract with Brighid's Fire Books $25
April 15, 2008
  • Reading Writers Contest
    • Must be original and unpublished. Send only your best.
    • Once submissions arrive, no revisions will be accepted.
    • Open to writers worldwide.
    • Unlimited. You may submit multiple first chapters.
    • Each submission requires an entry fee.
    • Full information and application forms.
  $100

Publication in The VERB

Signed copy of Lee Child's thriller, Persuader		 $10
May
 		 More than $15,000 will be awarded in prizes.  
May 31, 2008
  • The Elixir Press 2008 Fiction Award
    • Open to all writers writing in English.
    • Both short story collections and novels are eligible.
    • Simultaneous submissions are welcome, so long as Elixir is notified immediately if a manuscript is accepted elsewhere.
    • Manuscripts should be 120 pages to 500 pages in length.
    • Information
 $4000, publication by Elixir Press, and 25 copies of the book $35
May 31, 2008 $500 Reading fee of $25 for all submissions ONLY through PayPal. If critique wanted, add $50.00 fee (total of $75.00)
June
 
  • ChickLit Fiction Contest
    • Open to all chick lit writers who have not signed a publishing contract for novel-length fiction with an RWA-approved publisher within five years of the contest deadline
    • Minimum of 75,000 words (35,000 words for Young Adult).
See Rules $20-$30 depending on membership
June &
 November

 
  • Cinnamon Press
    • international publisher based in Wales
    • Full details on website
    • 60,000 to 80,000 words
 Novel Writing Award £500, publication

 

 £20 per novel

 

 
June &
 November
  • Cinnamon Press
    • international publisher based in Wales
    • Full details on website
    • 20,000 to 45,000 words
 Novella Award: £200
 		 £16

 
after April
but no later
than June		 $1,500 cash, publication, and $7,500 advance against royalties see web page
August 31    
after Oct.
but no later
 than Dec.		 $1,500 cash, publication, and $7,500 advance against royalties see web page
June &
 November

 
  • Cinnamon Press
    • international publisher based in Wales
    • Full details on website
    • 60,000 to 80,000 words
 Novel Writing Award £500, publication

 

 £20 per novel

 

 
June &
 November
  • Cinnamon Press
    • international publisher based in Wales
    • Full details on website
    • 20,000 to 45,000 words
 Novella Award: £200
 		 £16

 
Published before November, submitted before end of year
  • Commonwealth Writers Prize
    • In four Commonwealth regions two prizes of £1,000 are given: one for the Best Book and one for the Best First Book.
    • Regional winners go to the final phase where a panel decides overall Commonwealth winners.
    • There will be one award of £10,000 for the Overall Best Book and one award of £5,000 for the Overall Best First Book.  
    • More information about how to enter.
 See description
at left		 None given
December
 
  • Reading Writers First Chapter Contest
    • Up to 4000 words, no prologues.
    • Must be original and unpublished. Send only your best.
    • Once submissions arrive, no revisions will be accepted.
    • Open to writers worldwide.
    • Unlimited. You may submit multiple first chapters.
    • Each submission requires an entry fee.
    • Full information and application forms.
  $100
published, free autographed book		 $10

December to May

 		 $500 $25
3x a year
  • Grub Street Book Prize
    • Awarded three times annually to a writer outside New England publishing his or her second, third, fourth (or beyond…) book.
    • First books are not eligible.
    • Writers whose primary residence is Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire or Rhode Island are also not eligible.
    • Winners will lead a 'craft class' on a topic of their choice for a small group of aspiring Grub Street writers in Boston with accommodations, travel and meal expenses provided.
    • Full information
$500 honorarium and Friday night reading/book party at Grub Street’s event space in downtown Boston $10
check site
  • THE LONG STORY CONTEST
    • Formerly The Long Fiction Contest, International
    • 8,000-14,000 words (30-50 pages double spaced)
    • Single story (may have multi-parts or be a self-contained novel segment)
    • NO Restrictions on style, method, or subject matter.
    • More information
 $500 and more $15 
       

Books, Nonfiction (back to top)

Deadline Most are annual contests • Check links for accurate information
Contest Name and Links		 Prize Money Entry Fee
April 30
 
  • Best New Author Award
    • to encourage Canadian authors to write nonfiction books expressing Christian faith in a clear, original and inspiring way.
    • The winning manuscript will be published by Castle Quay Books.
    • The author will receive:
      • $1,000 advance
      • Publishing contract from Castle Quay Books.
    • Details
 $1000 advance and publishing contract $60 or $125
May 1
 		 $1000 and 30 copies along with standard ANP contract $20
July 31
 		 Free publishing contract none

Children (back to top)

Deadline Most are annual contests • Check links for accurate information
Contest Name and Links		 Prize Money Entry Fee
April 24, 2008
  • Writing for Children Competition
    • Sponsored by The Writers' Union of Canada.
    • Entries of the winner and finalists submitted to three publishers of children's books.
    • Open to Canadian citizens or landed immigrants, all writers who have not been published in book format, in any genre and who do not have a contract with a book publisher.
    • Any writing for children up to 1500 words, English language, not previously published in any format.
    • Complete Rules
 $1500 Prize
finalists
submitted to
publishers		  
March 1
 		    
May More than $15,000 will be awarded in prizes.  
 June
  • Delacorte Dell Yearling Contest
    • Sponsored by Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers Formerly the Marguerite de Angeli Contest.
    • Prize is a book contract (on the Publisher’s standard form) for a hardcover and a paperback edition, including an advance and royalties.
    • Awarded annually to encourage the writing of contemporary or historical fiction set in North America, for readers age 9–12.
    • NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO WIN.
    • Contest open to U.S. and Canadian writers who have not previously published a novel for middle-grade readers. Foreign-language manuscripts and translations are not eligible.
    • Complete Rules
 $1,500 in cash and a $7,500 advance against royalties  
August 1 to
 October 31
  • Children’s Writer Early Reader Mystery
    • Winners announced in Children’s Writer.
    • Original early reader mystery story, to 750 words.
    • Early readers are defined here as ages 4 to 7, children beginning to read entire stories on their own.
    • Submissions will be judged on story line, characterization, and freshness, also structure, grammar, and ultimate publishability.
    • Must be age-appropriate.
    • More Information and entry form
 Prizes: $500 for 1st place plus publication in Children’s Writer, $250 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd, 4th, and 5th places.  
August 1 to
 October 31

 
  • Children’s Writer Middle-grade Adventure
    • Story about an adventure, 1200 words, for ages 8 to 12.
    • Story may take place in another genre, such as historical fiction, or fantasy, or may be contemporary.
    • Stories will also be judged on age-targeting, originality, style, and the overall quality of writing.
    • Publishability is the ultimate criterion.
    • More Information and entry form
 Prizes: $500 for 1st place plus publication in Children’s Writer, $250 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd, 4th, and 5th places.  

Essays, creative nonfiction, memoirs, articles (back to top)

Deadline Most are annual contests • Check links for accurate information
Contest Name and Links		 Prize Money Entry Fee
January 31
(If closed, check link for next contest)
 		 $10,000 1st Prize

Other prizes

 

  
 February
(If closed, check link for next contest)		 Cash prizes and publication No entry fee
April 15, 2008
  • EVENT Creative Nonfiction Contest
    • Check your library for back issues of Event with previous winning entries and judges' comments.
    • Must be unpublished material, or material not accepted elsewhere for publication. Maximum length 5000 words.
    • Entry fee includes GST and a one-year subscription; make cheque or international money order payable to Event. Those already subscribing will receive a one-year extension.
    • American and overseas entrants please pay in US dollars.
    • Multiple entries allowed.
    • Full information
 Three winners will each receive $500 plus payment for publication in Event. $29.95
About May 1  $1000 and 30 copies along with standard ANP contract $20
July 4, 2008
  • 2008 SCOTT RUSSELL SANDERS PRIZE – Elsewhere Journal
    • Sanders will act as the final judge for the contest and write a brief introduction to the winning essay, which we will also be publishing as a limited-edition chapbook.
    • Submit a creative essay of no more than 8,000 words that deals with place in an integral way.
    • Only one submission per writer. Writers who send more than one essay will be disqualified from the contest.
    • Previously published essays are not accepted.
    • Simultaneous submissions are acceptable provided that Elsewhere is notified immediately if the essay has been accepted by another journal. If a writer withdraws an essay from the contest, he or she may submit another essay if it is before July 1, 2008.”
    • More information
 First Place: $1000,
Second Place: $250
Other prizes including publication		 None
August 1, 2008

 
  • Malahat Review Creative Nonfiction Prize
    • Quarterly Canadian literary magazine invites entries from Canadian, American, and overseas authors for inaugural Creative Nonfiction Prize.
    • Entry must be between 2000 and 3000 words.
    • No restrictions as to subject matter or approach apply.
    • Entrants receive a one-year subscription to The Malahat Review for themselves or a friend.
    • Entries must not be previously published, accepted, or submitted for publication.
    • No submissions accepted by email.
    • Winning entry published in The Malahat Review's Winter 2008 issue, and in Malahat lite, the magazine's quarterly e-newsletter.
    • No entries will be returned, even if accompanied by an SASE.
    • Full information
 One award of $500 is given, plus payment at the rate of $35 per printed page upon publication. Entry fees: $35 CAD for Canadian entries; $35 US for American entries; $40 US for entries from Mexico and outside North America
September 15 $5,000 for 1st place, in addition to more than $5,000 in extra prizes for various runners-up  
October $150 and publication, runner up in online edition $7
December
  • Annual ACCENTI Writing Contest
    • Topic must reflect the Italian Canadian experience
    • 1000 to 3000 words
    • Top three winners are published in Accenti Magazine and Accenti Online
 1st: $1000.00
2nd: $250.00
3rd: $100.00 		$20
December
  • Goody Two Shoes
    • Inspirational Good Deeds Contest, send the most superb Goody Two Shoe story
    • Can be your good deeds or someone else, a kindhearted child, good natured adult, or a benevolent senior.
    • Anyone can enter.
    • Email entries only please with your name, address and phone number.
    • More information.
 $500 and more None
Continual Digital prize pack including a digital camera, a printer and a laptop computer, published in Homemaker None
Several times
a year		 $50.00, membership in NABBW, books, story in Our Voices section at Boomer Women Speak NONE
If closed,
see link for
 other
contests
  • Hunger Mountain Creative Nonfiction Prize
    • Submit one work of creative nonfiction, not to exceed 10,000 words.
    • Must be original, written in English, and previously unpublished.
    • No simultaneous submissions, artwork, or translations.
    • Once submitted, entries cannot be altered.
    • All entries will be considered for publication.
 One $1,000.00 prize winner receives publication in the Spring 2008 Issue; two honorable mentions receive $100.00 each. $15 entry fee, includes copy of Spring 2008 issue
If closed,
see link for
 other
contests  		 (In each category) 1st place - $1,000, 2nd place - $500, Honorable mention - $250  

Journalism (back to top)

Deadline Most are annual contests • Check links for accurate information
Contest Name and Links		 Prize Money Entry Fee
January 31
(If closed, check link for next contest)
 		 $10,000 1st Prize

Other prizes

 

  
Feb 1
Jun 1
Oct 1
 
  • Investigative Journalism Grant
    • Sponsored by the Fund for Investigative Journalism.
    • Offered 3 times a year for original investigative newspaper and magazine stories, radio and TV documentaries, books, and media criticism.
    • More information
    
March
(If closed, check link for next contest)

 

    
October 1 $1,000, published in Western Standard magazine (Canadian) $50, includes 1-year subscription
Opens Dec. ends mid-January see web page $85.00 for
most entries

Mixed categories (back to top)

Deadline Most are annual contests • Check links for accurate information
Contest Name and Links		 Prize Money Entry Fee
January
(If closed, check link for next contest)
  • Arthur Ellis Awards
    • Awards are presented in six categories for works in the crime genre published for the first time in the previous year by authors living in Canada, regardless of their nationality, or by Canadian writers living outside of Canada.
    • Best crime novel (by a previously published novelist)
    • Best first crime novel (by an author who has never had a novel of any kind published commercially)
    • Best crime short story
    • Best crime nonfiction
    • Best juvenile crime book
    • Best crime publication in French
    • Submission rules for the 2008 Arthur Ellis Awards
    • Submission rules for the 2008 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Unpublished Crime Novel
  None
January 1 to April 30
(If closed, check link for next contest)		 1st place $2000, other prizes

 

  
January 31, 2008
(If closed, check link for next contest)
  • 2008 William Saroyan International Prize for Writing
    • Awarded for fiction and nonfiction books.
    • Poetry and other literary forms will not be considered.
    • Only works published in book form between 1 January and 31 December of current year, available for individual purchase by the general public, and primarily in English are eligible for the Saroyan Prize in 2008.
    • Entry form and five copies of book required.
    • Full rules
Two prizes of $12,500 each will be offered in 2008: one for fiction, the other for non-fiction. $50
February 1st
May 1st
August 1st
November 1st		 $20.00 (USD) for fiction and $10.00 (USD) for nonfiction.  
Extended to Feb 29/08
(If closed, check link for next contest)

 
  • Third Coast Writing Awards
    • Open to all writers.
    • Send each entry separately, and mark the category clearly.
    • Any previously unpublished work is eligible.
    • More information.
 $1000
 		 $15 Each fee entitles entrant to 1-year subscription to Third Coast, or extension, or sgift subscription
March
(If closed, check link for next contest)

 
  • CNW & FFWA Florida State Writers Competition
    • Entry is open to everyone; neither FFWA membership nor Florida residency is required.
    • Divisions & Categories include: Nonfiction (Previously Published Article/Essay/Nonfiction Book Chapter; Unpublished or Self-Published Article/Essay/Nonfiction Book Chapter), Fiction (Short Story; Novel Chapter), Children's Literature (Short Story/Nonfiction Article/Book Chapter/Poem), Poetry (Traditional/Free Verse)
    • Winners' certificates/awards will be mailed no later than May 31.
    • Full rules and information
    • Guidelines and entry form can be printed out at Writers-Editors or FFWA Members.
    • Note: a special Tip Sheet on 10 Tips for Winning Writing Contests is also available, as well as winners of prior years' contests.
 1st Place in each Category - $100 plus certificate
2nd Place in each Category - $75 plus certificate
3rd Place in each Category - $50 plus certificate
Honorable Mention certificates will be awarded in each category as warranted		 $10 (members) or $20 (non-members) must accompany each entry of 3,000 words to 5,000 words.

 
March
(If closed, check link for next contest)

 

 Modest prizes and possible publication. No fee to enter
March 31, 2008
(If closed, check link for next contest)		 Fourteen cash prizes, top prize $2,000 $12
April

 
  • God Uses Ink Novice Contest
    • encourages and recognizes unpublished writers.
    • Entrants from three age groups (14 to 19, 20 to 29, and 30+ years old) are eligible to win free registration to the Write! Canada conference, a value of nearly $400.
    • Entrants address the conference theme, "Writing Canada: Telling Stories with Soul," through articles, short stories, scripts, or poetry.
    • All entrants will receive the judges' comments.
    • Revised entry guidelines
   
April $1000 prize and publication in each genre  
Opens April
closes
October 1
  • Mississippi Review Contest
    • open to all writers in English except current or former students or employees of University of Southern Mississippi.
    • Fiction, 1000-5000 words
    • Poetry, 3 poems totaling 10 pages or less
    • No limit on number of entries
    • No manuscripts returned, previously published work is ineligible
    • E-mail questions or call 601-266-4321
 $1,000 in fiction and in poetry, published in Mississippi Review. $15 per entry

 
April 1st prize: $100 No entry fee
May
 
  • Writer's Digest Writing Competition
    • More than $30,000 in cash and prizes!
    • 1,001 winners will be chosen.
    • Plus, reserve your copy of the 76th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition Collection! This exclusive book published by Outskirts Press will contain the Grand Prize-winning manuscript, the First Place manuscript in each category, and the names of all 1,001 winners of the 76th Annual Competition.
    • Visit website for prizes, guidelines and to enter online.
Grand Prize: $3,000 cash and an all-expense paid trip to New York City where you'll share your winning work with four editors or agents!  
May
(If closed, check link for next contest)

 

 $25,000  
May
(If closed, check link for next contest)

 
  • Tickled by Thunder Contest
    • Prize and method of entry differs for subscribers and non- subscribers.
    • POETRY / $75 (Can$) Prize -- all styles, all lengths.
    • Subscribers may email entries, otherwise mail them.
    • First and second place published.
    • ARTICLES / $5 (Can$) -- up to 2000 words.
    • Open to Subscribers ONLY, first place published.
    • Guidelines
    
May 1, 2008
  • KNOCK Ecoliterature Contest
    • contest will exhibit ecoliterature and green art that takes on an ecological crisis — past or present — with skill and imagination.
    • Manuscripts will not be returned, but recycled.
    • Categories: Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Plays, Art, Cartoons
    • Limit prose to 10 pages, poetry to 4 poems, or 8 pages total, plays to 10 pages and Art & cartoons can be B&W or color; limit to 5 pieces.
    • PRIZE: The overall winner will receive $100, 2 free copies of KNOCK, a one-year subscription, and be published in the fall, 2008 issue (#10). The winner in each category will be published in the fall issue, receive 2 free copies, and be given a one-year subscription.
    • Information
 See left None mentioned
May 1, 2008
  • The Merlyn's Pen Writing Contest
    • Down to the Sea with Paper & Pen
    • Writers must be 13 to 17 years old as of June 22, 2008.
    • Topic based on “down to the seas” and asks: What in nature calls, or has called out, to you?
    • Submit at home page and "Submit Your Writing Here"
    • All genres are welcome, including short plays and monologues. This contest invites your poetry or prose, your nonfiction, or even a fictional treatment.
    • No minimum word count in this contest; the maximum count is 2500 words. A startling haiku of three lines can say more than a 50-page story
    • Full information 
    • FIRST PRIZE: A full scholarship to the Merlyn’s Pen one-week literary sailing adventure in June 2008, “Down to the Sea with Paper & Pen.” The normal tuition to this program is $1695. Also read about the Alternative First Prize of $500, above under “Copyright, Legal and Fine Print.”
      SECOND PRIZE: One hundred dollars and a four-volume set of Merlyn’s Pen: Fiction, Essays, and Poems by American Teen Writers.
      THIRD PRIZE: A beautiful leather-bound writing journal, courtesy of Barnes & Noble, and a copy of the popular Merlyn’s Pen hardcover anthology, License to Write: New Writing from Today's Authors Under 20.
 See left None
June and November, an annual contest  Fiction - $200
Poetry - $200
published		 Non-member - $20 (incl. 1 year subscription)
members - $10
additional entries - $ 5
June 30

 
  • Bridport Prize
    • International competition for poetry & short stories.
    • Short stories up to 5000 words, first prize of £5000, other prizes.
    • Poetry up to 42 lines, first prize of £5000, other prizes.
    • All entries in English, must never have been published.
    • Rules differ slightly for postal or online entries.
 Each category has 1st prize of £5000, other prizes. £6
July

 

 Prizes: $500 (US) Entry fee: $5 (US)
July 6, 2008
  • Creative Competitor Subscriptions Contest
    • Prize gives you unlimited free entry to any of the competitions published on this website.
    • Winner receives confirmation email with number which must then be provided each time you enter a competition.
    • To enter simply explain why you should win this prize in 50 words or less.
    • Write your entry including your name and address in the body of the email and in the subject field add the competition details i.e. Subscriptions”
    • Full information
       
 1st - year’s subscription
worth £45.00

2nd - 6 month subscription worth
£25.00		 £2.00
July or September

 
  • Saskatchewan Book Awards
    • Enter books by Saskatchewan authors for:
      • Book of the Year
      • First Book honoring Brenda Macdonald Riches
      • Fiction
      • Non-fiction
      • Regina Book Award
      • Saskatoon Book Award
      • Poetry honoring Anne Szumigalski
      • Children's Literature
      • Scholarly Writing
    • Enter books published in Saskatchewan for:
      • Award for Publishing
      • First Peoples Publishing Award
      • Publishing in Education Award
    • The Readers' Choice Award (no submission fee)
    • Details 
   
July

1st prize each for poetry and fiction: $750 and publication $20 for one short story or two poems (includes subscription); additional entries: $5.
August

1st: $100, 2nd: $50, 3rd: $35 and HM: certificate, also published in FellowScript $10 + $5 for written critique if desired
August 31,
  • Juked Fiction and Poetry Prizes
    • Fiction: send one story per entry.
    • No length requirement.
    • Poetry: send up to five poems (no more than ten pages total) per entry.
    • Entries must be previously unpublished.
    • Simultaneous submissions okay but notify Juked immediately if work has been accepted elsewhere.
    • All entries will be considered for publication in Juked
    • More information
$500 and publication in our upcoming print issue $10
August

  • Surrey International Writing Contest
    • Categories include: Storytellers Award.  3500-5000 words.
    • Nonfiction Award. Maximum length 1500 words.
    • Poetry Award: One poem per submission; 36 lines max.
    • Writing For Young People Award, Maximum length 1,500 words
    • Rules & Guidelines (includes names/bios of judges)
 In each category, winner: $1000, with Honorable Mentions: $150 each $15
August

 
  • Surrey Public Library Young Adult Writing Contest
    • All entries will be judged on originality & style, grammar & spelling.
    • Entries that do not meet criteria will be disqualified without notice and entry fee will not be refunded.
    • Short Stories: Up to 1,500 words. No illustrations. Write mystery, fantasy, humor, science fiction, historical fiction, suspense. Ages: 12-14, and 15-18.
    • Poems: Up to 36 lines. Any form: sonnet, ode, haiku, etc. Do not illustrate. Ages: 12-14, and 15-18.
    • Comics: Black and white, 4 -7 pages. Quality photocopy okay. Ages: 12-14, and 15-18.
    • Complete contest information (includes links to other contests for young writers)
 Short Story Prizes: 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50.
Poetry Prizes: 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50.
Comic Prizes: 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50. 		 
 September

 
  • Canadian Aid Charity Annual Literary Awards
    • Enter Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, Poetry and Children’s Books
    • Full Guidelines: high-speed or dial-up 
    • Questions? or call (416) 607-6083, ext. 702.
 Winning author receives publishing contract with BookLand Press $45 per manuscript. Multiple entries are allowed
October

  • CBC Canada Writes — a writing game!
    • Send your best 200 words, be prepared to defend your writing on the radio in front of three judges and listeners coast to coast.
    • Submissions in 5 categories: blog, song, humor, ad and movie pitch.
    • 200 words maximum, no exceptions. There is no minimum.
    • Regional semi-finalists from across the country will advance to the next stage: auditions for the national game show.
    • Five will make it to the finals. CBC will fly those five to the taping of Canada Writes in Toronto.
    • Canada Writes, the radio show, will air in November.
    • Five finalists compete in front of three national judges for the top prize.
    • Play along online.
    • Vote for favorite online entry and choose a People's Choice winner.
    • More information
       

 

 Top prize:  laptop computer, USB pens,  winners posted online with bios.

5 finalists flown to Toronto for taping of Canada Writes in November.

4 finalists, and People’s Choice winner receive satellite radios, six-month subscription to Sirius.
 		  
October

  • Dogwood poetry and fiction awards
    • Fiction up to 7500 words.
    • Or three poems (max ten pages).
    • Include a brief bio, but no name should appear on the mss.
    • Simultaneous submissions allowed if Dogwood is notified of acceptance
      elsewhere.
    • All entries considered for publication.
    • Previously published work is not eligible.
 $1000 First Prize and Publication
 		 $10
October

  • Earth Vision nature writing contest
    • Short fiction, creative non-fiction, or poetic prose.
    • Open to any writer in English producing an original short piece of fiction, creative non-fiction, or poetic prose (no lined or rhymed poetry) on a theme of nature, deep ecology, or spiritual ecology.
    • Submissions can be published or unpublished material, length to range between 500 and 2500 words per entry.
    • One title per entry, you can enter as many times as you like, new entry fee to accompany each entry.
    • Winners will retain all rights, and will be invited to post their entries on the Earth Vision website.
    • Full information
 First Prize $600
and eligibility to co-write a future EV work
Second prize: $100 and eligibility to co-write a future work with the EV author.
Three honorable mentions.		 $12 (US)
October Prize in each genre: $1000 + Publication $10
October The winner of the contest will receive an all-day pass to the next Shuswap Writers' Festival. Two runners up will receive prizes (to be announced). No Entry Fee required.
October

  • Toowrite Young Writers
    • True or fictional short story.
    • Send up to five original, unpublished stories, each no longer than 1,500 words.
    • Stories published in local publications such as school newsletters or village magazines can be submitted.
    • Entries accepted from anywhere in the world.
    • Every entry is featured on website.
    • Toowrite Young Writers
      membership account (free) is required.
    • Viewers vote for their favorite stories.
Up to 10-year-olds - win height in children's books
11-13-year-olds - win the length of your foot in CDs
14-16-year-olds - win your age in DVDs		 None
November
  • CBC Literary Awards
    • The only literary competition that celebrates original, unpublished works, in Canada’s two official languages.
    • There are three categories—short story, poetry, and creative nonfiction (includes memoir, biography, essay (including personal essay), travel writing, humor writing, and feature articles).
    • Winning entries are published in Air Canada’s enRoute magazine and broadcast on CBC radio.
 Prizes total $60,000 courtesy of the Canada Council for the Arts.  
November

  • Georgetown Review Contest
    • Theme is flexible: stories, poems, and essays about folks who undergo a big change or folks who resist change
    • Judged by magazine’s editors
    • All entries considered for publication
 1st: $1,000 and publication $10 for first entry,
$5 for each thereafter
November

  • The Dave Moore Award
    • Sponsored by Elysian Fields Quarterly.
    • Presented for literature based on baseball.
    • Book shall be one that uses baseball as a means to express our sense of who we are as a culture, as a society, and as individual human beings.
    • Can be original historical research or a unique, work of fiction.
    • Particular consideration given to emerging authors, especially those published by the small press.
    • Any book first published in current year may be nominated.
    • Authors or publishers should submit two copies of the book to be considered.
$100 and more None mentioned
November 30 $5250 in prizes. $27.00
November
  • Mary Roberts Rinehart Fund
    • Offered annually for authors “who, in order to finish projected work, need financial assistance otherwise unavailable”
    • Categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
 Three grants awarded at $2,000 each  
November
  • Soul-Making Literary Competition
    • Janice Farrell Poetry, 3 poems per entry
    • Kate Braverman Short Story, up to 5,000 words. One story per entry.
    • Larsen/ Pomada Creative Nonfiction, up to 3,000 words. One essay per entry.
    • Joanna Catherine Scott Novel Excerpt, send first 20 pages, include 1-page synopsis.
    • Kathryn Handley Prose Poem, 3 poems per entry.
    • Carolyn A. Clark Flash Fiction, under 500 words, 3 short-short stories per entry.
    • Louise Canepa Song/Lyric, 1 song/lyric per entry, sheet music a must, recordings welcome but not mandatory.
    • Linda Joy Myers Memoir, 1 memoir per entry, up to 3000 words.
    • Rita Williams Young Adult Prose, grades 9-12 or equivalent age, up to 3,000 words in story, essay, journal entry, creative nonfiction or memoir.
    • Sandra Caron Young Adult Poetry, grades 9-12 or equivalent age, 3 poems per entry, 1 poem per page, 1-page poems only.
    • Rosalie Fleming Memorial Humor, up to 2,500 words, 1 piece, any form, per entry.
    • Enter as many categories and as many times as you wish.
 Prizes awarded in each category: 1st: $100, 2nd: $50, 3rd: $25. Winners and honorable mentions will also receive certificates and will be invited to read at the Subsequent Awards Event. Entry fee per entry, $5 USD.
various see web page see web page
December
  • Atlantic Monthly Student Writing Contest
    • Poetry, fiction, and personal or journalistic essays.
    • must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited degree-granting U.S. institution.
 1st: $1,000
2nd: $500
3rd: $250

7 runners-up in each category get one-year subscriptions

none
mentioned
December

 
  • Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia Atlantic Writers Competition.
    • For unpublished manuscripts.
    • Six categories: poetry, novel, short story, picture books for children, YA novels and magazine article/non-fiction essay. 
    • Writers may not enter in a category in which they have previously won first prize.
    • More information.
 Cash prizes from $50 to $200 awarded to top three in each category at a Gala Celebration in September, 2008 $15/entry or $10 WFNS member/ student/ senior for all genres except novel where the fee is $25/$20
December 31, 2008
  • Word-wise's 2008 Short Writing Contest
    • a search for new, unpublished writers with promise, three winners selected in 2008.
    • Entrants must be at least 18 years of age (exceptions possible)
    • Entrants must never have entered a publishing contract.
    • Entries in a personal blog or letters to the editor will not disqualify an author. Other previous non-contractual publications must be disclosed in submission cover message.
    • Any form and genre of prose is acceptable for this competition: fiction, observational essay, humor, etc. Poetry is not eligible.
    • Subject matter and vocabulary must be "PG-rated." Total length of writing must be 500-1500 words, including any necessary notes or citations.
    • Writing must be original, never before published.
    • PRIZE: $50 cash, professional editing of their winning entries courtesy of Admin Maven, publication of their entries in Word-wise, recognition via press releases announcing the winning entries and introducing the authors and an additional three hours of VA service courtesy of Admin Maven.
    • Full information
 See left None mentioned
Annual,
see link
for deadline
 		 see site see site
Annual,
see link
for deadline 		$1,000 cash prize and a book publishing contract  

Poetry (includes hymns, lyrics, etc.) (back to top)

Deadline Most are annual contests • Check links for accurate information
Contest Name and Links		 Prize Money Entry Fee
Accepts January 1 to September 30 each year
  • Winning Writers: Tom Howard/John H. Reid Poetry Contest
    • Total prizes have increased to $2,380 with the addition of the $500 Margaret Reid Poetry Prize for Traditional Verse.
    • Submit any number of original poems.
    • All styles and themes are welcome.
    • Both published and unpublished work are eligible as long as you own the anthology and online publication rights.
    • Online submission welcome. 
    • Complete guidelines
 1st: $1,000. 2nd: $400. 3rd: $200. Seven High Distinction Awards: $100 each. Ten Highly Commended Awards: $70 each. Ten Commended Awards: $50 each. Top ten will be published
 		  $5 for every 25 lines
January 15, 2008
(If closed, check link for next contest)
 		 $1,000 and publication of winning book $25 USD
reading fee
Accepted between January and April

(If closed, check link for next contest)
  • Foley Poetry Contest
    • Sponsored by American, a national Catholic weekly.
    • Offered annually for unpublished works.
    • 30 lines or less.
    • Accepts submissions between January and April.
    • Open to any writer.
    • Full rules
 $1,000, usually awarded in June no entry fee

 
March 28, 2008

MUST REGISTER!

(If closed, check link for next contest)
  • Canadian Journal of Poetry and Critical Writing 2-Day poem contest
    • $10 and an email address gets contestants ten words from CV2 via e-mail at the stroke of midnight Central Standard Time, on March 31st.
    • Contestants have until midnight Monday April 2nd (CST) to write the best poem they can.
    • All ten secret words must be used in the poem and the poem itself cannot exceed 48 lines. Not only must the words be used, but they must be used in proper context.
    • Prizes include publication in a future issue of Contemporary Verse 2, and a complimentary year's subscription to the magazine.
    • First place Canadian finisher gets to judge ne