Writing Contests & Writing Competitions in 2020: The Definitive Guide

• Write a short story of 1,200–3,000 words about dreams.
• As always, interpret the prompt in any way you wish.
• You can explore a specific dream, dreams in general, how a dream impacted a character, or how life impacted a dream.
• The only thing we ask of you is to avoid cliches, such as having a whole story be a dream, with the character waking up at the end. Too easy!
• Open to US only.

• The Prize will be awarded to an unpublished piece of writing – prose fiction, non-fiction or poetry – which best combines exceptional literary merit with an exploration of the writer’s relationship with the natural world. -- The prize is open to anyone over the age of sixteen, as long as the work is original and previously unpublished.
• The winning piece will be published in the winter issue of The Moth, and the winner will receive €1,000 and a week-long stay at The Moth Retreat in rural Ireland.
• Closing date 15 September 2020.

• Poets of any age and nationality are welcome to submit.
• Poems must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere.
• Please see the Haiku Poets of Northern California web site for details.
• This contest is open to all countries
• The entry fee is $1 per poem

-This writing contest is all about book blurbs. The twist? We want blurbs about completely made-up, nonexistent books. Get creative!

-Write and submit a back cover blurb of 100 words or fewer that sets the stage for a novel, establishes the characters, and raises the stakes in a way that makes readers want to find out more.

-Your blurb must be original. - Any submissions found to contain plagiarism will be disqualified. -Submissions must be 100 words or fewer. -Please run a spellcheck and proofread carefully. -You can apply from anywhere in the world. -No purchase is necessary to enter this contest. -In applying, you grant us permission to publish your blurb entry on the QueryLetter.com blog.

• The contest is open to women writers, age 40+
  
• Both fiction and non-fiction writers are eligible. Poetry is excluded.
• Application fee is $45, with possible reduction or waiver for pre-approved hardship cases.
• NOTE: Pre-approval is required - see the contest FAQs for details
• Grand prize is $1,000 plus a month-long free residency in the Daisy Pettles' Writer's House, a vintage 1920s arts & crafts bungalow in Bedford, Indiana.
• First runner-up is $250, a certificate, and the residency if the grand prize winner cannot accept.
• Second runner-up is $100 and certificate.
• There are two awards scheduled for 2020.
  
• Application deadline for the June, 2020 residency 2/15/20.
• Application deadline for the July 2020 residency is 4/15/20.

• Seeking short fiction of any genre between 250 - 750 words.
• The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, communication, and well-rewarded recognition to contestants.
• 1st Place: $400, publication, interview, and $25 Amazon Gift Certificate.
• Additional prizes include cash prizes for up to 20 winners.
• $10 entry fee; critique option for an additional $10

• The 12th Annual LGBTQ+ Saints and Sinners Short Fiction Writing Contest is now accepting submissions.
• The winner will be selected from submissions of original, unpublished short stories between 3,000 and 7,000 words with LGBTQ+ content on the broad theme of “Saints and Sinners.”
• One grand prize of $500 and two second place prizes of $100 will be awarded.
• The 18th Annual Saints and Sinners Literary Festival is March 26-28, 2021 in New Orleans.
• For submission guidelines, please see our website.

• The Anthology Magazine Poetry Prize are now inviting entries.
• It is open to original and previously unpublished poems in the English language.
• Entries are invited from poets of all nationalities, living anywhere in the world.
• Poems submitted must be on the theme of ‘Expectations’ and should not exceed 40 lines.
• There is no limit to entries per person.

• Top prize $700 CAD
• 2nd place: $200 = 3rd place: $100
• All three finalists will also be published on the Chopping Blog.
• Tell us a story in fewer than 1000 words.

• Give us a snapshot into a post-pandemic world in which a shift towards positive systems change has occurred and a new paradigm is established or unfolding.
• We are looking for an original take on ideas that underpin the vision of Systems Change Alliance, those of economic democracy, ecological sustainability, resilience, equality and spiritual values.
• This contest is open to all countries
• This contest is free to enter

• Our annual poetry contest is now live! This year’s theme is “Words, Words, Words” giving power to three of the most popular literary devices.
• $500 Cash Prize, Collection Publishing Contract, 100 Author Copies (of your collection)
• 2nd- $250 Cash, Publishing Contract, 50 Copies
• 3rd- $100 Cash, Publishing Contract, 20 Copies
• Your poem must include one of the following: Alliteration, Onomatopoeia, Personification
• We accept multiple submissions, but each submission will include additional fee.

• The Book Pipeline: Adaptation competition seeks published books, graphic novels, short stories, and plays for film and television adaptation.
• There are no genre restrictions. -Submitted books, graphic novels, and short stories must already be published in some form (traditional publishing or self-publishing). Stage plays must have been published and/or produced. Unpublished material can be submitted to Book Pipeline: Unpublished.
• Entries are judged on the basis of concept originality, writing ability, and the property’s viability as a scripted film or television series. Judging is done internally by Pipeline Development Executives. -Prizes: Winner and finalists receive one-on-one assistance from Book Pipeline execs prior to industry exposure, in addition to $10,000 to winner, $2,000 to 2 runners-up ($1,000 each), long-term circulation and promotion to producers and other execs, project development with Book Pipeline to prepare a film or TV series pitch, consideration of other material and circulation of other stories to industry, invitations to annual writer and industry events hosted by Pipeline Media Group -One (1) grand prize winner and two (2) runners-up are selected.
• Deadline Dates/Entry Fees: Early: May 20th, 2020 - $55, Regular: July 31st, 2020 - $60, Late: August 31st, 2020 - $70
• Finalists announced by October 15th, 2020. Winner/Runner-Ups selected by November 1st, 2020.

• The 2020 Book Pipeline: Unpublished competition is exclusively for unpublished manuscripts across 6 categories of fiction and nonfiction: Young Adult, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, Mystery / Thriller, Literary, Outsider / Experimental, Nonfiction
• Select publishers and agents get first look at the top selections for each category, including LGR Literary Agency, Katherine Tegen Books, and Verve Publishing.
• Prizes: Winners and finalists receive: $15,000 to winners ($2,500 for each category winner), Immediate circulation to publishers, agents, editors, and other execs, consideration from producers seeking projects for film and TV adaptation, additional long-term reviews of other books for potential circulation, invitations to annual writer and industry events hosted by Pipeline Media Group
• One (1) grand prize winner and two (2) runners-up are selected for each category.
• Deadline Dates/Entry Fees: Early: June 1st, 2020 - $45, Regular: September 5th, 2020 - $55, Late: October 5th, 2020 - $60
• Finalists announced by October 20th, 2020. Winners selected by November 5th, 2020.

• The 35th Annual Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival is seeking submissions of original Fiction, Short Fiction, Poetry, and One-Act plays for our 2020-2021 Writing Contest.
• This contest is open to U.S. and international submissions from emerging writers.
• Prizes awarded for the winning submission, as well as for the top finalists in each category.
• Fiction and One-Act Play deadline is October 1, 2020.
• Poetry and Very Short Fiction deadline is October 15, 2020.
• The Grand Prize includes $1,500, domestic airfare (up to $500), French Quarter accommodations to attend the Festival in New Orleans, VIP Festival pass ($600 value), public reading at a literary panel at the next Festival and publication in Louisiana Literature
• Finalists will receive a panel pass ($100 value) to the Festival. Their names will be published on our website and all our social media outlets.
• For complete guidelines and submission details, please see our website.

• We’re looking for your best political poetry! We’re putting out an anthology called Poems of Political Protest in November 2020 and we want your voice to be heard!
• 1st Place – $500 Cash Prize, Collection Publishing Contract, 100 Author Copies (of your collection)
• $250 Cash Prize, Publishing Contract, 50 Copies
• $100 Cash Prize, Publishing Contract, 20 Copies – All entries must be centered on a political situation – A poem in its entirety must be an original work by the person entering the contest – Submissions are open to anyone anywhere, including outside the USA! – All poems must be written in English – We accept multiple submissions

• 1st prize €6,000, plus three runner-up prizes of €1,000 and eight commended poets will each receive €250.
• The prize is for an unpublished poem, and entrants (over 16) are welcome from anywhere in the world.
• The four shortlisted poems will be published in the spring 2021 issue of The Moth and the overall winner will be announced at a special award ceremony at Poetry Ireland in the spring.
• There is an entry fee of €15 per poem.
• This year’s judge is Nick Laird.
• Closing 31 December 2020.

• 1st Place – $200 Cash Prize, Collection Publishing Contract, 20 Author Copies (of your collection)
• 2nd– $100 Cash, Publishing Contract, 15 Copies
• 3rd– $50 Cash, Publishing Contract, 10 Copies
• City Limits Publishing is publishing a series of short story collections and we’re looking for new authors to join the mix! Do you have a short story to add to one of our collections? Join NOW!
• Categories: Fantasy, Fairytale, Fiction, Thriller/Suspense, LGBTQ+ Literature, Life Lessons, Romance, Young Adult

• Has your main character overcome a great loss? A great trial? Is there inspiration to be found in their journey? - We're looking to publish a collection of short stories focused on inspiration and overcoming adversity.

• City Limits Publishing is hosting the first annual Novel Contest featuring multiple cash prizes and publishing contracts! We’re looking for people with already completed works to join our authors.
• $500 Cash Prize, Publishing Contract, 100 Author Copies, Author Branding Package
• 2nd- $250 Cash, Contract, 50 Copies, Branding
• 3rd- $100 Cash, Contract, 20 Copies, Branding
• Submission Guidelines: – Original work of fiction or non-fiction that must be previously unpublished. – Word count per chapter should not exceed 3,000 words. – 30,000 word minimum – Submit your file in PDF or .DOC format, double spaced, 12pt font – All genres accepted – We accept multiple submissions

Stories Out of School Contest

• 1st place winners receive $1000 and publication of the story in "A Public Space"
• Runners-up receive a subscription for "A Public Space"
• The story’s protagonist, or its narrator, must be a K-12 teacher.
• Stories must be between 6 and 749 words and previously unpublished.
• Any adult over the age of eighteen (whether a teacher or not) is welcome to submit.
• Only one submission per writer.
• Sentimentality is discouraged and education jargon is forbidden.

• City Limits Publishing is proud to host the 2020 New Theatrical Works Competition and Festival.
• We are currently accepting submissions for short plays and full-length plays in all genres and categories with cash prizes awarded!
• Additionally, all finalists will have their works presented during our New Theatrical Works Festival in November 2020.
• Winners will also be offered publishing agreements for their completed works, including theatrical rights agreements!
• Full Length Category– $1,000 Cash Prize, Publishing Contract, 100 Author Copies
• Short Category- $500 Cash, Contract, 100 Copies
• Individual- $100 Cash, Contract, 100 Copies

• The 2020 Women’s National Book Association Writing Contest is open for submissions until December 1. Fiction, CNF, Poetry, and Flash Prose (up to 750 words).
• Established and emerging writers may enter.
• Winners receive a $250 cash prize and are published on the WNBA’s website in its Bookwoman Newsletter, and in an anthology.
• Entry fees are $20 for nonmembers and $15 for WNBA members.
• Complete submission guidelines an be found on the WNBA’s writing contest page.
• Entry is $20 for nonmembers and $15 for WNBA members

• The competition aims to encourage writers of any age (Adult/under18).
• All work submitted for consideration can be on any subject, and written in any style or form, but must be the entrant's own original writing.
• The competition will be judged in two categories
• a) Young Writers (Under 18 years old)
• b) Adults
• Entries must not exceed 500 words, excluding title and headers and footers, written in English.
• First Place Prize: Book illustration + video animation of the story+ £200 + Publication​

• The Daisy Pettles Writing Contest for Women is now accepting submissions for the 2021 writing residency and grant awards. Deadline is 12/12/2020.
• The competition is open to older women writers, aged 40+, published OR unpublished.
• Both fiction and non-fiction writers are eligible. Only poetry is excluded.
• Grand prize is $1,000 PLUS a month-long free residency in the Daisy Pettles' Writer's House.
• First runner-up is $200, a certificate, and the residency if the grand prize winner cannot accept.
• Entry fee is 0 - $25 - $45 - sliding scale based on need.

• Seeking creative nonfiction essays on any topic (200 - 1000 words) and in any style--from personal essay and memoir to lyric essay and hybrid, and more!
• The mission of this contest is to reward bravery in real-life storytelling and create an understanding of our world through thoughtful, engaging narratives.
• $12 entry fee; critique option for an additional $13
• Top prize includes $500, publication, interview, and gift card good for one item from CreateWriteNow's Store
• Additional prizes for up to 20 winners.

• F(r)iction is a triannual publication that boasts work from both industry legends and emerging writers.
• We seek work that pushes boundaries, features complex characters and strong narratives, and plays with genre, setting, and voice.
• Celebrity judges this cycle include Lev Grossman, Benjamin Woodward, and Rachel Mennies.
• Prizes include $1,000 for short story, $300 for poetry, and $300 for flash
• Additional prizes include publication either online or in print, and custom artwork to accompany your published piece
• This contest is open to all countries for submissions
• Entry fees include $15 for short story, $10 for flash ($12 for 3 stories), $10 for poetry ($12 for 3 poems)

• Top prize: $500 Cash Prize, Publishing Contract, 100 Author Copies
• Additional prizes: $250 Cash Prize, Publishing Contract, 50 Copies; $100 Cash Prize, Publishing Contract, 20 Copies
• City Limits Publishing is hosting a Romance Novel Contest featuring multiple cash prizes and publishing contracts!
• We’re looking for people with already completed works to join our authors.
• Winners will be announced by April 15, 2020.
• Submissions will receive feedback from our judges after our winners have been announced.

• Top prize: $500 Cash Prize, Publishing Contract, 100 Author Copies
• Additional prizes: $250 Cash Prize, Publishing Contract, 50 Copies, $100 Cash Prize, Publishing Contract, 20 Copies
• City Limits Publishing is hosting a Suspense/Thriller Novel Contest featuring multiple cash prizes and publishing contracts!
• We’re looking for people with already completed works to join our authors. Winners will be announced by April 15, 2021.

• Top prize: $250 Cash Prize, Collection Publishing Contract, 100 Author Copies
• Additional prizes: 2nd Place – $100 Cash Prize, 3rd Place – $50 Cash Prize
• We’re looking for your best love and romance poetry!
• Whether happy and upbeat, or reminiscent of past love, we're looking for your best poetry about love! All submissions must be received by January 15, 2021.
• Winners will be announced by February 5, 2021.

• Top prize: $500
• Additional prizes: A chance to become a published author with Creative Novels
• Write a Short Story Showcasing your talents as a Light Novel writer
• All entries must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere.
• Any submissions found to contain plagiarism will be disqualified.
• Submissions must be 2500 words or fewer.
• There is no limit to the number of submissions, as long as they aren’t the same entry.
• You can apply from anywhere in the world.

• The prize is for an unpublished poem, written by an adult for children aged 7–11.
• The prize consists of €1,000 plus publication in the summer 2021 issue of The Caterpillar.
• Entrants are welcome from anywhere in the world.
• There is an entry fee of €14 per poem.
• This year’s judge is Michael Morpurgo.
• Deadline: 31 March 2021. See www.thecaterpillarmagazine.com for details.

• Top prize: $100 and publication
• Finalists will be shortlisted and considered for publication.
• Submissions open to all countries
• The Lumiere Review is holding its first ever annual Writing Contest for poetry and prose. We accept from all writers regardless of age or location.
• We seek submissions that have electrifying and inventive narratives, honest and visceral language, and a distinguished sense of craft.
• Submit one piece of prose under 2,000 words or up to 3 poems. = Winners will be awarded $100 and publication and will be notified in March.

-Stories are judged by leading professional genre authors, including Orson Scott Card, Brandon Sanderson, Kevin J. Anderson, Brian Herbert, Sean Williams, Larry Nevin, Nnedi Okorafore, Kathryn Kress, and many more. (https://www.writersofthefuture.com/writer-judges/)

-All winning stories are published in the annual anthology and you retain the rights to your story. -Submissions open to all countries.

-Stories are judged blind. Authors of every age, gender, race, and nationality compete on equal ground.

-Names and addresses are removed for blind judging based on the merit of the storytelling alone.

-Must be a new author to enter. (https://www.writersofthefuture.com/contest-rules-writers/)

-17,000 word limit.

-Free online writing workshop available to get an edge on the competition.

• LiteraTea are looking for submissions to their Emerging Writers Short Story Contest

• LiteraTea employs a rolling reading period. Once sufficient qualified entries, around 100, are received, finalists will be selected and announced.

• A community reading period follows this announcement, prior to judging. Then, the contest will reset .

• LiteraTea's Emerging Writers’ Contest is dedicated to supporting writers who would benefit from our Advanced Writers' Program, LiteraTea's highest membership level.

• The word count of your submission should be 1200-3000 words.

• Submission is free!