Check out these 19 writing competitions to enter in 2024, featuring both free and paid options.
In the ever-evolving world of literature, discovering the next great book is an adventure eagerly pursued by book lovers. From bustling bookstores with hidden gems to the endless scroll of online titles, the thrill of finding a diamond in the rough never fades.
Your personal quest for the perfect book might be sparked by a captivating illustration on the cover or the allure of prestigious awards. When the blend of plot, design, and words touches your heart, it's instantly added to your collection. But what if you're an author dreaming of a similar journey? Here's a peek at what lies ahead in the realm of writing contests in the future.
What is a Writing Contest?
A writing contest is a literary event where entrants showcase their work in the hope of winning a prize and accruing recognition. From emerging writers to seasoned authors, there's a contest for everyone. Let's dive into why they're a worthy consideration for aspiring authors.
Publication
There's no greater feeling than knowing your work will be seen by readers. Winning a contest guarantees a platform for your writing to reach an audience, boosting your chance of gaining traction and gaining momentum as an author.
If you're a novelist, it's a terrific opportunity to share snippets of your plot or even an entire shorter work based on your vision. Fan feedback could inspire new ideas that take your work to new heights.
Cash Prize
While the thought of having your work recognized and appreciated is rewarding in itself, it never hurts to have financial incentives. Contest prizes range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, acting as seeds for new projects or stokers for those considering self- publishing.
Practice and Skill Development
One of the best rewards of entering writing contests is the valuable practice you'll receive. Crafting your work to fit the contest criteria and meeting deadlines helps you build a consistent writing routine – a valuable practice when embarking on a novel.
In addition, the entering process allows you to hone various skills such as writing an author bio, mastering the art of applying for literary opportunities, and even communicating effectively with editors and publishers.
Navigating the emotional aspects of having your work reviewed is also crucial. The experience of waiting weeks for feedback, dealing with criticism, and even facing rejection are all intrinsic parts of the writer's journey that you'll face throughout your career.
What to Look for in Contest Writing
Each contest has its unique rules and guidelines. As you seek out contests to enter, keep the following aspects in mind:
Fees
Reading fees not only support magazines but also fund the literary prizes. Fees are a common aspect of contests but be mindful not to overspend. If the fee is causing concern, consider contests with no admission charge.
Rules
Read the rules carefully several times to avoid disqualification due to missed details. Pay attention to the First Publishing Rights to ensure they align with your intentions. Some contests require unpublished material, have a specific word count, or follow strict formatting guidelines. Overlooking these requirements could lead to your elimination from the contest.
Now that the technicalities are in order, let's explore some exciting writing contests in 2024 and beyond.
Free Contests to Enter
Can't afford entry fees? No problem! There are numerous free contests where you can showcase your skills.
1. 2024 Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
This contest is for playful poets to enter one humorous poem with a maximum of 250 lines. Submissions are due by April 1, 2024. Details can be found here.
Prize
- 1st place: $2000
- 2nd place: $500
- 3rd place: $250
- 10 honorable mentions of $100 each
2. 2024 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Competition
This competition is aimed at unpublished authors, aged 18 and above, with mysteries and murder at the heart of their stories. Details can be found here.
Prize
- Winner: Publication by Minotaur Books and an advance of $10,000 against future royalties
3. 53 Word Story Contest
monthly contest welcoming entries from everyone. The deadline is the 15th day of the month. Details can be found here.
Prize
- Winners: Feature in Prime Numbers Magazine and a complimentary book from Press 53.
4. W.Y. Boyd Literary Award for Excellence in Military Fiction
This award celebrates the best literature set during times of war. Young adult or adult fiction are preferred genres. Details can be found here.
Prize
- Winner: Prize of $5,000 and a 24k gold-framed citation of achievement
5. Pen/Heim Translation Fund Grants
This competition is for translators. Previous winners have translated works from a variety of languages, including Farsi, Finnish, Lithuanian, Armenian, Basque, Estonian, Mongolian, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. Details can be found here.
Funding
- Pen/Heim Translation Fund: Grants of $2,000-$4,000 for each translation
6. The Gabo Prize for Literature in Translation & Multilingual Texts
This prize, hosted by Lunch Ticket, is funded by Antioch University Los Angeles MFA Alumni Allie Marini and Jennifer McCharen, along with writers and translators. Details can be found here.
Prize
- Winner: Prize consisting of $200 and publication in the next issue of Lunch Ticket.
Writing Contests with Entrance Fees
Lace up your boots and get ready for the challenge. There are numerous paid contests waiting for your submission.
7. Bath Flash Fiction Award 2024
A writing competition for entrants aged 16 and above, writing on any subjects or themes while keeping the piece at 300 words. Details can be found here.
Fee
- Entrance fee: 9 GBP per submission, with multiple submissions reducing the price
Prize
- 1st place: £1000
- 2nd place: £300
- 3rd place: £100
- Two commendations of £30 each
8. The Caterpillar Poetry Prize 2024
This contest is for adult writers creating poems for children aged 7 to 11. Additionally, the piece should be unpublished. Note that the deadline for this edition is March 31, 2024. Details can be found here.
Fee
- Entrance fee: €15 per poem
Prize
- 1st: €1000 + a week at Circle of Misse
- 2nd: €500
- 3rd: €250
9. The Bridport Prize 2024
This contest offers multiple categories: novel | flash fiction | poetry | short stories. Details can be found here.
Fee
- Entrance fee: Between £11 – £24
Prize
- Each category has varying prizes ranging from £250 to £5,000 + Highly Commended 10 x £100.
10. 2024 Bristol Short Story Prize
A short story contest for published and unpublished writers aged 16 or older. Submit stories with no specific theme or subject, as long they're under 4000 words long. Details can be found here.
Fee
- 250 free online entries, followed by a fee of £9
Prize
- 1st place: £1000
- 2nd place: £500
- 3rd place: £250
- Each of the 17 remaining shortlisted writers will receive £100.
11. The 2024 Colorado Prize for Poetry
This international poetry manuscript competition, spanning 48 to 100 pages, has no limit on the number of poems included. Details can be found here.
Fee
- Entrance fee: $28, which includes a yearly subscription to Colorado Review
Prize
- Winner: Honorarium of $2500 and publication by the Center for Literary Publishing.
12. 2024 Rattle Chapbook Prize
This writing contest, organized by Rattle Poetry magazine, requires submissions between 15 - 30 pages in length. Details can be found here.
Fee
- Entrance fee: $28, which includes a yearly subscription to Rattle Poetry magazine
Prize
- The three winners will receive $5,000 and 500 author copies, which will also be distributed to all of Rattle's 7,000+ subscribers.
13. The Masters Review Chapbook Open
This writing competition is for emerging writers with a soft spot for short stories, essays, mini novellas, and flash fiction. Details can be found here.
Fee
- Entrance fee: $25
Prize
- Winner: Honorarium of $3000, publication, and 100 contributor copies.
Writing Contests for Teens
The world of writing contests is blooming with opportunities for teen writers:
14. Princeton University 10-Minute Play Contest
This contest is exclusively for 11th-grade students. The jury consists of members of the Princeton University Program in Theater faculty. Details can be found here.
Prize
- 1st place: $500
- 2nd place: $250
- 3rd place: $100
15. Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest
Celebrating its 60th year, this writing contest targets sophomores and juniors in high schools or preparatory schools. Winners are selected by faculty and student members of Hollins' creative writing program. Details can be found here.
Prize
- 1st place: $350
- Publication in Cargoes, Hollins' award-winning student literary magazine
- Ten copies of Cargoes
- Renewable scholarship up to $5,000
- 2nd place: Publication in Cargoes
- Two copies of Cargoes
- Renewable scholarship up to $1,000
16. Young Arts
The National YoungArts Foundation aims to identify, nurture, and support accomplished young artists in the fields of visual, literary, design, and performing arts. Details can be found here.
Prize
- Finalist, Honorable Mention, and Merit winners receive cash prizes between $100 and $10,000.
17. Writopia Lab Worldwide Plays Festival
This festival features plays written and awarded in Writopia's labs professionally produced in New York City. The playwright competition is open to worldwide writers aged 6 to 18. Details can be found here.
Prize
- There is no cash prize, but the play that gets selected will be put on stage.
18. Chapman Art and Writing Holocaust Contest
This contest focuses on the Holocaust. Participating schools may submit three entries from individual students in various categories, including prose, poetry, art, and film. Details can be found here.
Prize
- Students can win a first prize award of $400 in each category.
19. Bennington College Young Writers Awards
Offered by Bennington College, this contest is divided into three categories: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Details can be found here.
Prize
- 1st place: $1000
- 2nd place: $500
- 3rd place: $250
Finalists and winners are eligible for undergraduate scholarships.
Reedsy Contests
Looking for speedier results or need a writing routine booster? Check out the Reedsy writing contest, which proposes a new weekly topic. Find the perfect fit for your writing pace, or discover a routine that aligns with your existing schedule.
And speaking of writing routines, entering writing contests pushes you to meet deadlines, a vital skill when preparing for a career in the literary world.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on the writing contest journey can mean a chance to enhance your career, improve your skills, and even find a publishing platform. With the right research and a thoughtful approach, contests can open doors to new opportunities and expand your horizons as a writer.
Moreover, contests encourage networking opportunities with other writers, editors, and agents. If the contest doesn't offer a publishing platform, consider self-publishing and sharing your work with the world.
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A writing contest can be both a literary event and a valuable resource for aspiring authors, providing a platform for publication, financial incentives, and opportunities for skill development.
The 53 Word Story Contest is a free monthly competition for writers of all levels, offering feature in Prime Numbers Magazine and a complimentary book from Press 53 as prizes.
On the other hand, The Bridport Prize offers multiple categories for novel, flash fiction, poetry, and short stories, with each category having varying prizes ranging from £250 to £5,000.
