Fiction Writing Contests Worth Entering

If you're a writer looking to put your fiction skills to the test, entering a writing contest can be a great move. Contests not only give you deadlines to work toward, but they can also open doors to new opportunities, whether that's prize money, publication, or just a nice boost in confidence. Whether you're just starting out or have a few stories under your belt, there's a contest out there for you. Let's take a look at some of the best ones.

Why Enter Fiction Writing Contests?

If you're on the fence about submitting your work to a fiction contest, you're not alone. But the truth is, contests offer way more than just a shot at prize money. Here’s why they’re totally worth your time:

Build Confidence and Grow as a Writer

Submitting your work puts you in the mindset of a professional. It helps you finish pieces, polish them up, and take your writing more seriously. Even just hitting “submit” can feel like a win.

Opportunity for Feedback and Improvement

Many contests offer critiques or judges' comments, which can be super helpful. Even if you don’t win, thoughtful feedback can guide you to make your story stronger for the next round.

Chance to Get Published or Win Prizes

Some contests lead directly to publication in respected journals or anthologies. Others offer cash, mentorship, or other perks. It’s a great way to build your writing résumé while getting something tangible in return.

Connect With Writing Communities and Professionals

Contests often draw attention from editors, agents, and fellow writers. Whether you place or not, entering gives you a chance to plug into the literary world and find support from people who get what you’re doing.

15 Fiction Writing Contests to Enter

If you're ready to share your work and see how it stacks up, writing contests are a great place to start. They offer a mix of deadlines, prizes, and chances to get your stories published or noticed by editors and agents. Below, you'll find a handpicked list of 15 fiction writing contests that are open to writers of different levels and genres. Whether you're writing flash fiction, short stories, or working on a novel, there's something here for you.

1. Commonwealth Short Story Prize

An international short story competition open to writers from Commonwealth countries. The prize is highly regarded for spotlighting diverse voices from around the world and features generous cash rewards and global recognition.

• Application period: September to November annually

• Contest type: Short Story (2,000–5,000 words)

• Who can join: Writers from Commonwealth nations

• Cost to participate: Free

• Rewards offered: £2,500 regional winners, £5,000 overall winner

Best For

Writers from Commonwealth countries who want global exposure and a prestigious publishing opportunity.

2. Manchester Fiction Prize

One of the UK’s biggest prizes for a single short story. It attracts talented emerging and established writers from around the world and offers a significant cash prize for unpublished work.

• Application period: May to September

• Contest type: Short Story (up to 2,500–3,000 words)

• Who can join: Writers aged 16+ from anywhere in the world

• Cost to participate: £18

• Rewards offered: £10,000 for the winner

Best For

Writers seeking a high-profile platform and generous prize money for polished short fiction.

3. Writers of the Future Contest

A long-standing contest designed to discover and support new sci-fi and fantasy authors. Hosted quarterly, it's open to amateur writers and is free to enter.

• Application period: Quarterly (4 times per year)

• Contest type: Science Fiction/Fantasy Short Story (up to 17,000 words)

• Who can join: New and amateur writers worldwide

• Cost to participate: Free

• Rewards offered: $1,000 quarterly, up to $5,000 grand prize, publication in anthology

Best For

Aspiring speculative fiction writers looking for regular submission opportunities and industry mentorship.

4. The Story Prize

This prestigious U.S. contest honors the best published short story collections each year. It celebrates outstanding fiction writers and helps bring their work to a wider audience.

• Application period: July to November

• Contest type: Published Short Story Collection

• Who can join: Authors with a story collection published in the U.S.

• Cost to participate: $75

• Rewards offered: $20,000 grand prize, $5,000 to two finalists

Best For

Published writers with a short story collection looking for serious recognition and financial reward.

5. The Novelry's “The Next Big Story”

This new contest offers an incredible prize package for writers of novels. With mentorship and a large cash reward, it aims to launch the next bestselling author.

• Application period: Spring (March to May)

• Contest type: Novel Opening (first 3 pages)

• Who can join: Writers in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia

• Cost to participate: Free

• Rewards offered: £75,000 value including mentorship and industry support

Best For

Writers working on a novel who want expert guidance, connections, and a serious boost to their writing career.

6. SI Leeds Literary Prize

A UK-based prize that supports Black and Asian women writers. It focuses on unpublished fiction and includes mentoring and networking as part of the award.

• Application period: Biennial (next open in 2026)

• Contest type: Unpublished Novel (minimum 30,000 words)

• Who can join: Black and Asian women in the UK

• Cost to participate: Free

• Rewards offered: Cash prize, development support, networking

Best For

Underrepresented women writers in the UK ready to showcase their fiction and connect with industry insiders.

7. William Faulkner – William Wisdom Competition

This long-running contest offers multiple categories including novel, novella, and short story. It honors literary tradition and gives strong support to emerging writers.

• Application period: January to May

• Contest type: Multiple (Novel, Short Story, Novella, etc.)

• Who can join: Writers worldwide

• Cost to participate: Varies by category (~$25–$35)

• Rewards offered: Up to $7,500 depending on category

Best For

Writers with a longer manuscript or story idea seeking serious literary recognition and flexible entry categories.

8. American Short(er) Fiction Contest

A flash fiction competition run byAmerican Short Fiction magazine. It offers publication and a cash prize for standout short-short stories.

• Application period: Typically open December to February

• Contest type: Flash Fiction (up to 1,000 words)

• Who can join: Open to all writers

• Cost to participate: Around $18

• Rewards offered: $1,000 and publication

Best For

Writers with strong microfiction who want to be published in a respected literary magazine.

9. New Ohio Review Literary Prizes (Fiction)

Hosted by New Ohio Review, this contest honors outstanding short stories with cash prizes and publication.

• Application period: March to April

• Contest type: Short Story (up to ~5,000 words)

• Who can join: Open to all writers

• Cost to participate: Around $20

• Rewards offered: $1,500 and publication

Best For

Writers seeking a solid cash prize and print publication in a reputable journal.

10. Masters Review Summer Short Story Award

An annual summer competition aimed at emerging writers. The focus is on fresh voices and stories that stand out.

• Application period: July to August

• Contest type: Short Story (up to 6,000 words)

• Who can join: Emerging writers only

• Cost to participate: $20

• Rewards offered: $3,000 and publication

Best For

New writers looking for publication and visibility with a top-tier fiction platform.

11. Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition

This well-known contest promotes literary excellence and is named after Ernest Hemingway’s granddaughter. It's open to unpublished writers.

• Application period: Spring to early summer

• Contest type: Short Story (up to 3,500 words)

• Who can join: Unpublished writers worldwide

• Cost to participate: $15–$20

• Rewards offered: $1,500 grand prize

Best For

New writers who want early-career recognition and a literary connection to the Hemingway legacy.

12. Zoetrope All-Story Short Fiction Contest

Run by Zoetrope: All-Story, a publication known for blending literary and cinematic storytelling.

• Application period: August to October

• Contest type: Short Story (up to 5,000 words)

• Who can join: Writers worldwide

• Cost to participate: $30

• Rewards offered: $1,000 and exposure to top agents

Best For

Writers interested in both literary and film storytelling, looking for big industry eyes on their work.

13. Missouri Review Jeffrey E. Smith Editor’s Prize

This contest offers a significant reward for top fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. It's one of the most respected U.S. literary journal prizes.

• Application period: May to October

• Contest type: Short Story (up to 8,500 words)

• Who can join: Writers worldwide

• Cost to participate: $25

• Rewards offered: $5,000 and publication

Best For

Writers with a well-polished story who want both a generous prize and a strong literary credit.

14. Indiana Review Fiction Prize

This prize focuses on discovering exciting new fiction voices. The winning story gets published and rewarded with a solid cash prize.

• Application period: September to November

• Contest type: Short Story (up to 6,000 words)

• Who can join: Writers worldwide

• Cost to participate: $20

• Rewards offered: $1,000 and publication

Best For

Writers looking to break into the literary scene through a university-backed journal with a good reputation.

15. John Steinbeck Award for Fiction (Reed Magazine)

A respected fiction contest offered by Reed Magazine, the oldest literary journal west of the Mississippi.

• Application period: August to November

• Contest type: Short Story (up to 5,000 words)

• Who can join: Writers worldwide

• Cost to participate: $20

• Rewards offered: $1,000 and publication

Best For

Writers who want to align with the literary legacy of John Steinbeck and gain exposure in a long-running print magazine.

How to Choose the Right Contest for You

With so many fiction contests out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But choosing the right one doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to find a contest that aligns with your goals, your genre, and where you are in your writing journey.

Know Your Goals

Are you looking to get published? Win money? Receive feedback? Some contests focus more on recognition and exposure, while others are all about the prizes. Think about what matters most to you right now.

Match the Contest to Your Work

Not every contest is a fit for every story. Make sure you’re submitting to contests that accept your genre, length, and style. Don’t try to force a piece into a category it doesn’t quite belong in.

Check the Fine Print

Look at the entry fee, prize details, and what rights you’re granting the contest. Reputable contests will be clear and fair about how your work will be used. If something feels off, it’s okay to pass.

Start Small, Then Build Up

If you’re just getting started, try entering a smaller contest or one aimed at emerging writers. As your confidence and portfolio grow, you can work your way up to more competitive ones.

The Right Tools: Check Out Freewrite

If you're serious about entering fiction writing contests, having the right tools can make a big difference. When deadlines are tight and the pressure’s on, focus is everything. That’s whereFreewrite comes in.

When we created Freewrite, we had one clear goal in mind: to help writers do what they do best, write, without getting sucked into distractions. No notifications, no tabs, no rabbit holes. Just you, the page, and your words. Whether you're polishing a short story or cranking out the first draft of a novel for a contest, Freewrite makes it easier to stay focused and finish what you started.

Our devices are built for deep, uninterrupted writing sessions. Writers tell us they’re producing 2–3 times more words per hour thanks to Freewrite’s distraction-free setup and comforting design. From the pocketable Traveler to the ultra-precise Wordrunner keyboard, we’ve made sure every tool supports your creative flow.

Alpha Cosmic Edition

TheAlpha Cosmic Edition is built for writers who crave focus and freedom. With a sleek black chassis speckled like a starry sky, this distraction-free drafting device lets you write wherever inspiration strikes, day or night. Lightweight and portable, it’s designed to keep you in the writing zone without notifications, pop-ups, or tempting tabs. Whether you’re at home or on the move, Cosmic helps you stay productive and creative without getting pulled off course.

Key Features:

• Built-in warm backlight with 5 brightness levels for comfortable writing in any lighting

• Compact and ultra-portable design weighing just 1.6 lbs

• 100-hour battery life for extended writing sessions away from outlets

• Syncs automatically to Postbox, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Evernote

• Includes an exclusive felt sleeve with colorful stitching for safe, stylish transport

Wordrunner Keyboard

Wordrunner is the first keyboard built from the ground up for writers. Crafted from solid aluminum, it combines a mechanical keyboard with a real-time Wordometer and built-in productivity timer to help you stay in the zone. Whether you're sprinting toward your daily word count or writing your next novel chapter by chapter, Wordrunner keeps you focused and flying through drafts without leaving the keyboard. It’s not just a keyboard - it's your writing coach. Late pledges are still available to pre-order Wordrunner onKickstarter.

Key Features:

• 8-digit mechanical Wordometer that physically tracks your word count in real time

• Built-in writing timer with visual cues to support focus and flow

• All-aluminum body with sound-dampened mechanical switches

• Customizable macro keys and updated function row built just for writers

• Bluetooth and USB-C support with seamless switching between up to 4 devices

Hemingwrite Signature Edition

TheHemingwrite Signature Edition is a tribute to Ernest Hemingway’s minimalist spirit and adventurous legacy. With its raw aluminum body, green keycaps, and hand-polished finish, it brings timeless style to a modern writing tool. Designed to help you focus and write boldly, Hemingwrite skips the noise of everyday tech so you can connect with your words in a deeper way. It even comes with a luxury leather attaché case for writers who take their craft (and their gear) seriously.

Key Features:

• Premium aluminum chassis and individually polished finish for a one-of-a-kind look

• Automatic cloud syncing plus offline USB backup for peace of mind

• Bundled with a genuine leather attaché case lined with soft velvet

• Supports 30+ languages and 60+ keyboard layouts

• Access to Freewrite’s Postbox and Freewrite Plus tools for extra control and features

Conclusion

Writing contests can be an amazing way to push yourself, grow as a writer, and get your work in front of new audiences. Whether you're submitting flash fiction, short stories, or even a novel excerpt, there’s a contest out there that fits your voice and your goals. Remember, it's not just about winning, it's about showing up, putting your work out there, and making progress.

So pick a contest (or a few), set your deadline, and get writing.

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