2013 Writing Contests

Writing contests are a fantastic way to discover new genres and reveal your writing to both the reading and writing communities. When searching for a writing contest, consider submitting something in a genre outside of your norm. It helps you to broaden your skills as a writer and also allows you to flex your craft and discover other interests beyond your typical stories or poetry. Many writing contests have specific themes, which can also bring focus where otherwise you might feel conflicted about what story to write. Choose a few contests below and make it your personal writing goal to be more open, more intuitive and more flexible with your writing. And perhaps most importantly don't take it too seriously. Writing is an inward journey so be gentle with yourself and allow the words to flow...

2013 Autmumn House Poetry Contest: Deadline 6/30/13

2013 Lois Cranston Memorial Poetry Prize: Deadline 6/30/13

Hunger Mountain Howard Frank Mosher Short Fiction Prize: Deadline 6/30/13

Literal Latte Short Fiction Contest: Deadline 6/30/13

Teachers and Writers Collaborative 2013 Bechtel Prize Essay: Deadline 7/1/13

Bard Fiction Prize for Published Authors: Deadline 7/15/13

The Cincinati Review Robert and Adele Schiff Awards in Poetry and Prose: Deadline 7/15/13

The 2013 Rattle Poetry Prize: Deadline 7/15/13

The 2013 Wasafiri New Writing Prize: Deadline 7/26/13

Dream Quest One Poetry and Writing Contest: Deadline 7/31/13

2013 Northwind Short Story Contest: Deadline 7/31/13

Subito Press Book Prize: Deadline 8/16/13

When writing a novel a writer should create living people; people not characters. A character is a caricature.

Ernest Hemingway 

Writing Contests: Short Story Contests, Poetry, Essay and More

Writing contests inspire a lot of feelings for most of us writers. Some people love them and salivate at the mere thought of crafting a string of prose about a frighteningly random topic like 'cart wheeling on the moon.' Other writers tremble at the thought of that blank page, even when the category is open-ended and they have a word folder stuffed with worthy submissions. Whether you live in the former or the latter category, writing contests give you an opportunity to share your voice, your story and your perspective. Check out the contests below and remember to stretch yourself. It's easy to stick with your genre, but it's great for your craft if you try out the opposite instead.



Writing Contests for Multiple Genres 

• Our Stories:The Generation XYZ Contest: Deadline 9/30/11

• Prescott College: 2011 National Writing Contest: Deadline 9/30/2011 

• Inscape Magazine: Writing Contest: Deadline 10/26/2011 

• Black Lawrence Press: The Black River Chapbook Competition: Deadline 10/31/2011 

• Glimmer Train: Family Stories: Deadline 10/31/2011 

Fiction Writing Contests (And Flash Fiction)

• Zoetrope: All Story Fiction Contest: Deadline 10/3/2011 

• Indiana Review: 2011 Fiction prize: Deadline 10/15/2011 

• Inkwell: 14th Annual Short Fiction Contest: Deadline 10/31/2011

• Kore Press: Short Fiction Chapbook Award: Deadline 10/31/2011 

• The New Renaissance: The Louise E. Reynolds Memorial Fiction Awards: Deadline 10/31/2011  

Poetry Contests 

• New Issues Poetry and Prose: The 2010 Green Rose Prize: Deadline 9/30/11

• Pudding House: Poetry Chapbook Competition: Deadline 9/30/11

• Red Hen Press: Ruskin Art Club Poetry Award: Deadline 9/30/11 

• Fordham University: Poets Out Loud Prize: Deadline 10/15/2011 

• Silverfish Review Press: Gerald Cable Book Award: Deadline 10/15/2011 

Essay Contests

• Review of English Studies: 2011 RES Essay Prize: Deadline 9/30/2011

• Diagram: Essay Contest: Deadline 10/31/2011 

'Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.'

William Wordsworth