Free Writing Contests That Are Totally Worth Entering

If you're a writer looking to get your work out there without spending a dime, you're in the right place. Free writing contests are an awesome way to test your skills, get noticed, and maybe even win some cool prizes. Whether you're into poetry, short stories, or nonfiction, there's something out there for everyone. And the best part? No entry fees. Just your words and a shot at something great.

Writing contests might sound like something only professionals enter, but the truth is, there are tons of free writing contests out there for writers of all experience levels. Whether you're just starting out or you've been writing for years, these contests give you a chance to share your work, test your skills, and maybe even win something cool - all without spending a cent.

Free writing contests are open to everyone and cover all kinds of writing styles, from poetry and short stories to essays and flash fiction. You don’t need a fancy degree or a published book to join in. All you need is your creativity and a willingness to put your words out into the world.

Why Enter Free Writing Contests?

1. No cost to enter.Let’s be honest - writing contests with entry fees can add up fast. That’s why free contests are such a great option. You get to try your hand at competing without putting your wallet on the line.

2. Chance to gain exposure or get published.Many contests offer the chance to get your work published, whether online, in print, or in a literary journal. It’s a solid way to build your writing portfolio and get your name out there.

3. Potential to win cash, prizes, or mentorships.Some free contests come with real rewards - we’re talking cash prizes, publishing deals, feedback from editors, or even writing mentorships. It’s all up for grabs, and you don’t have to pay to play.

4. Great motivation to write regularly.Deadlines can be the push you need to stop procrastinating and actually write. Contests help you stay focused and productive, especially when you’ve got a specific theme or word count to hit.

5. Builds your confidence as a writer.Putting your work out there is a big deal. Even if you don’t win, entering a contest means you’re taking your writing seriously. Over time, it helps you grow thicker skin, improve your skills, and feel more confident in your voice.

Free Writing Contests You Can Enter Right Now

There are so many great writing contests out there that don’t cost a thing to enter. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for new ways to share your work, these free opportunities can give you the motivation, exposure, and even rewards to keep writing. Below, you’ll find a curated list of free writing contests open to a variety of styles and skill levels. Take a look, find one that fits, and start submitting, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

1. Writers of the Future Contest

The Writers of the Future Contest is a well-known competition designed to spotlight emerging voices in science fiction and fantasy. It’s been running since the 1980s and offers writers a unique platform to get published, earn cash prizes, and attend a professional workshop in Hollywood. This quarterly contest has helped launch the careers of many successful authors. If you’re new to writing speculative fiction, this is a fantastic place to start.

• Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy

• Eligibility: Open to amateur writers with no professional publishing history

• Word Count: Up to 17,000 words

• Prize: $1,000 per quarter, $5,000 annual grand prize

• Deadline: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST

How to Apply:

Submit your original, unpublished science fiction or fantasy story using the online submission portal. Be sure to follow all formatting guidelines and review the rules carefully before entering.

2. Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize

This international prize, hosted byWasafiri literary magazine, celebrates new and diverse voices in global writing. Open to writers who haven’t yet published a full-length book, the contest accepts entries in fiction, poetry, and life writing. Winners receive a cash award and publication inWasafiri, giving them a valuable boost in exposure. It’s a great opportunity for those looking to break into the literary world.

• Category: Fiction, Poetry, Life Writing

• Eligibility: Open to unpublished book authors worldwide

• Word Count: Up to 3,000 words (fiction and life writing); up to 5 poems (poetry)

• Prize: £1,000 per category, plus publication

• Deadline: June 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM BST

How to Apply:

Submit your work via the entry form provided on the contest’s official platform. Make sure to select the appropriate category and double-check your word count before uploading your submission.

3. Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize

The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize is awarded annually to the best piece of writing that thoughtfully explores a chosen theme. The contest welcomes fiction and nonfiction entries and encourages deep, reflective storytelling. With generous cash prizes and an invitation to attend a symposium in Europe, it’s a highly respected contest among literary writers. Each year’s theme offers a fresh challenge and creative inspiration.

• Category: Prose (fiction or nonfiction)

• Eligibility: Open to all writers internationally

• Word Count: Up to 1,250 words

• Prize: £10,000 for the winner, £3,000 and £2,000 for runners-up

• Deadline: Typically in April

How to Apply:

Write a piece that responds to the yearly theme and submit it in PDF format through the official application form. Be sure your work adheres to the guidelines and is within the word limit.

4. The Moth Short Story Prize

Hosted by the respected Irish literary magazineThe Moth, this contest recognizes exceptional short fiction from around the globe. It’s open to both emerging and established writers, and the winning entries are featured in the magazine. The top three entries also receive generous prizes. If you have a strong, unpublished short story, this is a fantastic place to submit.

• Category: Short Fiction

• Eligibility: Open to writers worldwide

• Word Count: Up to 5,000 words

• Prize: €3,000 for the winner, a week at Circle of Misse plus open travel stipend for second place,€1,000for third place

• Deadline: June 30, 2025

How to Apply:

Prepare your short story as a Word or PDF document and submit it through the contest’s entry form. Ensure your manuscript is anonymous and meets the word count requirement.

5. Bath Flash Fiction Award

This quarterly contest is dedicated to flash fiction - powerful stories told in 300 words or fewer. It’s known for attracting highly creative, emotionally resonant pieces from writers around the world. Each round offers a first-place prize and publication opportunities in a yearly print anthology. It’s ideal for writers who love crafting compact, impactful narratives.

• Category: Flash Fiction

• Eligibility: Open to all writers worldwide

• Word Count: Up to 300 words

• Prize: £1,000 for first place, additional prizes for finalists

• Deadline: Runs quarterly

How to Apply:

Submit your flash fiction entry using the online form. Your story should be anonymous, follow the word count rule, and meet the contest’s formatting requirements.

6. The Fiddlehead's Fiction and Poetry Contests

The Fiddlehead, one of Canada’s longest-running literary journals, hosts annual contests to celebrate outstanding fiction and poetry. These contests are open to writers around the world and are known for their generous prizes and high-quality entries. Winning submissions are published in the journal and reach a wide audience of literary readers. It's a great opportunity to gain recognition and see your work in a prestigious publication.

• Category: Fiction and Poetry

• Eligibility: Open to writers worldwide

• Word Count: Up to 6,000 words (fiction); up to 3 poems (poetry)

• Prize: CAD $2,000 per category

• Deadline: Typically in December

How to Apply:

Submit your work through the contest's official submission form. Be sure your entry follows the word or poem limit and is not under consideration elsewhere.

7. The Iowa Review Awards

This respected annual contest is run byThe Iowa Review, one of the most prominent literary magazines in the U.S. It awards prizes in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, and welcomes submissions from writers at any stage in their careers. Winning entries are published in the journal and receive notable recognition. It’s an excellent opportunity for writers aiming to publish in top-tier literary outlets.

• Category: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction

• Eligibility: Open to all writers

• Word Count: Up to 25 pages (fiction and nonfiction); up to 8 pages (poetry)

• Prize: $1,500 in each category

• Deadline: Typically in January

How to Apply:

Prepare your entry according to the genre guidelines and submit it through the journal’s online submission system. Make sure to follow all formatting rules and keep your document anonymous.

8. The Missouri Review's Jeffrey E. Smith Editors' Prize

This prestigious contest is hosted annually byThe Missouri Review and honors exceptional work in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. It's open to writers globally and offers generous prize money and publication for winners. Submitting to this contest is a great way to reach a wide and respected literary audience. Each category is judged by the magazine’s editorial staff.

• Category: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry

• Eligibility: Open to all writers

• Word Count: Up to 8,500 words (fiction and nonfiction); up to 10 pages (poetry)

• Prize: $5,000 in each category

• Deadline: Usually in October

How to Apply:

Upload your manuscript using the contest's official entry portal. Keep your document anonymous and ensure it follows the word or page limits outlined for each category.

9. The Bridport Prize

The Bridport Prize is one of the most well-known international writing competitions, based in the UK. It welcomes submissions in poetry, short stories, flash fiction, and novel excerpts. With substantial cash prizes and publication opportunities, it’s a high-profile platform for both new and established writers. The competition has a strong reputation for launching literary careers.

• Category: Poetry, Short Story, Flash Fiction, Novel

• Eligibility: Open to writers worldwide

• Word Count: Flash Fiction: up to 250 words; Short Story: up to 8,000 words; Poetry: up to 42 lines

• Prize: Up to £5,000 depending on category

• Deadline: May 31, 2025

How to Apply:

Choose your category, prepare your manuscript according to the rules, and submit your entry using the contest's online form. Entries should be unpublished and submitted anonymously.

10. Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest

This annual contest invites students to explore Jane Austen’s work and legacy through analytical essays. Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, the contest encourages close reading and thoughtful interpretation. Winners receive a cash prize and the opportunity to attend the society’s annual meeting. It’s a great option for students who love literature and want to showcase their academic writing.

• Category: Essay

• Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students

• Word Count: 6-8 pages (typically 1,500-2,000 words)

• Prize: Up to $1,000 and free registration for JASNA’s Annual General Meeting

• Deadline: Typically in June

How to Apply:

Write your essay in response to the year’s theme and submit it using the official contest form. Be sure to follow all formatting and citation guidelines.

11. The Writers College My Writing Journey Competition

This annual competition is perfect for writers who want to reflect on their personal writing journey. Whether you're just starting out or have been at it for a while, the contest encourages honest, heartfelt essays about the ups and downs of writing. It’s free to enter and is open to writers from around the world. The winning entry is published on the Writers College blog and comes with a cash prize.

• Category: Personal Essay

• Eligibility: Open to unpublished and published writers globally

• Word Count: up to 600 words

• Prize: $200 for first place

• Deadline: Usually around September

How to Apply:

Write a personal essay that shares your experience as a writer and submit it through the contest’s entry form. Make sure your work is original, unpublished, and stays within the word count.

12. Creative Future Writers’ Award Competition

This UK-based contest is aimed at underrepresented writers who face barriers to getting their work seen. It accepts entries in both poetry and short fiction and offers mentoring, cash prizes, and publication opportunities. The contest’s mission is to amplify diverse voices and create real opportunities for emerging talent. Winning pieces are featured in a printed anthology.

• Category: Poetry and Short Fiction

• Eligibility: Open to underrepresented writers in the UK (due to disability, ethnicity, low income, mental health challenges, etc.)

• Word Count: Up to 2,000 words (fiction); up to 50 lines (poetry)

• Prize: Up to £1,000 plus mentoring and publication

• Deadline: Usually in May

How to Apply:

Register for the competition and submit your entry through the official platform. Be sure to confirm your eligibility and review the full list of guidelines before submitting.

13. Write the World Competitions (Monthly)

Write the World hosts monthly writing competitions designed for teenage writers. Each month features a different genre or theme, such as poetry, journalism, or flash fiction. The contest gives young writers the chance to get feedback, refine their skills, and win prizes. It’s a great resource for students who want to practice writing in a fun, low-pressure environment.

• Category: Varies monthly (fiction, poetry, essays, etc.)

• Eligibility: Writers aged 13-18

• Word Count: Varies by theme (usually 400-1,000 words)

• Prize: Up to $100 and publication

• Deadline: End of each month

How to Apply:

Create a free account on the platform, choose the current month’s prompt, and submit your work. You can also request feedback from peers and revise before the final deadline.

14. BBC Young Writers’ Award

This prestigious competition is open to young writers in the UK who want to showcase their storytelling talent. Organized by the BBC, the contest celebrates creativity, originality, and strong narrative voices. Shortlisted entries are featured on BBC platforms, and the winner receives national recognition and mentoring. It’s one of the UK’s most high-profile contests for teen writers.

• Category: Short Story

• Eligibility: UK residents aged 14-18

• Word Count: Up to 1,000 words

• Prize: National recognition, broadcast on BBC, and mentoring opportunities

• Deadline: Typically in March

How to Apply:

Write a short story based on your original idea and submit it through the BBC’s Young Writers’ Award entry form. Be sure to follow the age and residency requirements carefully.

15. Reedsy Weekly Writing Contest

The Reedsy Weekly Writing Contest is a fun, ongoing competition for short fiction writers. Every week, Reedsy posts a new set of writing prompts, and participants choose one to inspire a short story. The winning story is published on the Reedsy blog and earns a cash prize. It’s an excellent way to stay motivated and sharpen your writing skills regularly.

• Category: Short Fiction

• Eligibility: Open to writers worldwide, aged 18 and older

• Word Count: 1,000-3,000 words

• Prize: $250 and publication on Reedsy’s blog

• Deadline: Every Friday

How to Apply:

Pick one of the weekly prompts, write your story, and submit it using Reedsy’s online contest form. Make sure your story is original, unpublished, and within the word count limit.

Tips for Entering (and Winning) Writing Contests

Entering a writing contest is exciting, but it’s not just about hitting “submit” and hoping for the best. A few smart moves can really boost your chances of standing out from the crowd. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind before you send your work off.

Read the rules carefully

It might sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how many great entries get disqualified simply because they didn’t follow the rules. Always check the guidelines for formatting, genre, word count, and whether your name should be removed from the document. One small detail can make or break your submission.

Stick to the word count

If the contest says “up to 1,000 words,” they mean it. Word limits are not just suggestions. Going over, even by a few words, can disqualify your entry, so always double-check before you submit.

Write with a strong voice

Contests attract a lot of entries, so it’s important your writing stands out. Focus on developing a clear and engaging voice that feels authentic to you. Whether your piece is funny, sad, intense, or lyrical, make sure it leaves an impression.

Edit before submitting

Give yourself enough time to revise. A good story can become a great one with a round or two of solid editing. Read your piece out loud, fix typos, cut any unnecessary words, and make sure every sentence is working hard.

Don’t be afraid to take creative risks

Some of the most memorable entries are the ones that do something a little unexpected. Feel free to experiment with style, structure, or topic as long as it fits the contest theme. Judges often appreciate fresh takes and bold storytelling.

Keep a list of contests and deadlines

Staying organized makes things much easier, especially if you plan to enter more than one contest. Keep a simple spreadsheet or a notes app list with contest names, deadlines, and your submission status. That way, you won’t miss any opportunities and you can track your progress.

Ready to Focus? How Distraction-Free Writing Devices Can Help You Win

Now that you’ve got some solid tips for entering and winning writing contests, let’s talk about something that can seriously level up your writing game - focus.

Staying focused is one of the biggest challenges for writers, especially with constant notifications, open tabs, and all the little distractions that pull you away from your work. That’s where distraction-free writing tools come in. Devices fromFreewrite are designed with one goal in mind: helping you write without interruptions. 

If you're serious about preparing for a contest, a Freewrite device might just be your best writing partner. When you’ve got a deadline coming up or a word count to hit, staying in the zone makes all the difference. You’ll be able to write faster, think more clearly, and maybe even enjoy the process a bit more.

Let’s check a few standout distraction-free writing devices that are perfect for writers who want to cut out the noise and get their best work done.

1. Smart Typewriter

The Smart Typewriter is built for one purpose: helping you write without distractions. It offers a focused environment free from emails, social media, and notifications, so you can dive into your writing and stay there. With its high-contrast E Ink screen, mechanical keyboard, and sturdy aluminum design, this device is ideal for anyone who wants to write more and edit less. Whether you're working in daylight or after dark, it's made to keep you comfortable and productive.

What Sets It Apart:

• Latest-generation E Ink screen with built-in frontlight for writing any time of day or night

• Full-size mechanical keyboard with Kailh Box Brown switches and thick PBT keycaps for a satisfying feel

• Durable all-aluminum body with a retractable handle

• Automatic cloud syncing with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Evernote, and Postbox

• Local file storage and offline transfers via USB cable

• Long-lasting battery that keeps up with long writing sessions

• Supports over 60 languages and 85 keyboard layouts

• Designed to separate drafting from editing for better writing flow

2. Alpha

Alpha is a lightweight, distraction-free writing device designed to go wherever your creativity takes you. Whether you're commuting, traveling, or writing late into the night, Alpha is ready with its warm backlight and comfortable typing experience. With no apps, notifications, or internet distractions, it's built to help you stay in the flow and focus on what matters - getting your words on the page. Simple, portable, and purpose-built, Alpha is perfect for writers who want clarity and ease while drafting.

What Sets It Apart:

• Ultra-portable design at just 1.6 lbs, ideal for writing anywhere

• Warm backlight with five brightness levels for comfortable use in any lighting

• Quiet, low-profile mechanical keyboard with Kailh Choc V2 switches to reduce finger fatigue

• Built-in kickstand and wrist rest for ergonomic comfort at any angle

• 100-hour battery life for extended unplugged writing sessions

• Constant autosave and cloud syncing with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Evernote

• Offline file transfer via USB when you're off the grid

• Supports 30+ languages and 60+ keyboard layouts

• Includes a simple drafting interface that keeps only 2 to 4 lines on screen to minimize distractions

3. Traveler

Traveler is the go-anywhere writing companion for writers who want to stay focused, inspired, and mobile. It’s incredibly light and compact, making it easy to take on the road or use wherever inspiration strikes, whether that’s at a coffee shop, in the park, or on your living room floor. With an E Ink screen that’s easy on the eyes and a smooth scissor-switch keyboard, Traveler is made for drafting without distractions. It keeps things simple so you can get into the flow and just write.

What Sets It Apart:

• Ultra-portable design weighs only 1.6 lbs and takes up half the space of a laptop

• E Ink screen is glare-free, easy to read in sunlight, and doesn’t cause eye strain

• Scissor-switch keyboard offers smooth, responsive typing with over 2mm of key travel

• Automatically saves drafts locally and syncs with cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Evernote

• USB connection for offline transfers when you’re working off the grid

• Battery lasts for weeks with regular use

• Supports over 60 languages and 85 keyboard layouts

• Compact yet capable, ideal for travel, commuting, or minimalist setups

4. Hemingwrite (Signature Edition)

The Hemingwrite is a beautifully designed writing device created in collaboration with the Ernest Hemingway estate. It combines all the features of Freewrite’s Smart Typewriter with a timeless, handcrafted finish that reflects Hemingway’s rugged and minimalist spirit. With a raw aluminum body that develops its own unique patina and reproduction of Ernest Hemingway’s signature laser-engraved on each unit, this special edition feels more like a collector’s item than a gadget. It’s built to inspire writers to focus, draft freely, and embrace the art of writing, no matter where they are.

What Sets It Apart:

• Hand-polished raw aluminum chassis with distinctive green keycaps for a premium finish

• Official collaboration with the Ernest Hemingway estate, including reproduction of his authentic engraved signature

• Comes with a custom leather attaché case, complete with velvet lining

• Built-in distraction-free drafting features from the Smart Typewriter

• E Ink display with console screen for session stats and a clean writing canvas

• Supports dozens of languages and keyboard layouts for a global writing experience

• Long battery life and rugged design ideal for writers on the go or at home

5. Alpha Cosmic Edition

The Alpha Cosmic Edition takes the popular Alpha device and gives it a cosmic twist. With its terrazzo-style speckled shell and warm backlight, it’s designed for writers who like to dream big and write late into the night. This special edition comes with a constellation-stitched felt sleeve and offers the same focused writing experience that Freewrite is known for. It’s light, sleek, and distraction-free, perfect for anyone looking to turn everyday writing into something a little more magical.

What Sets It Apart:

• Distinctive terrazzo-inspired design with red, blue, and yellow flecks for a one-of-a-kind look

• Warm backlight with five brightness settings to support writing at any hour

• Comes with an exclusive felt sleeve featuring colorful stitching and leather trim

• Lightweight and ultra-portable at just under 2 pounds, ideal for writing on the move

• Full-size mechanical keyboard with Kailh Choc V2 low-profile switches for quiet typing

• 100-hour battery life keeps you writing without constant recharging

• Automatic local and cloud saving with support for Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Evernote

• Offline file transfer via USB and compatibility with over 30 languages and 60 keyboard layouts

6. Smart Typewriter Valentine

The Smart Typewriter Valentine is not just a writing tool, it's a bold statement for creative rebels. Inspired by the iconic Italian Valentine typewriter from 1969, this special edition brings timeless design into the digital age. With all the same features as the classic Smart Typewriter, Valentine wraps them in a sleek, aluminum shell and pairs them with a stylish, protective carrying case and branded strap. It’s built for writers who want to stand out and stay focused, no matter where they go.

What Sets It Apart:

• Special edition design inspired by 1969 Italian aesthetics, built from premium aluminum

• Comes with a custom-fitted water-resistant case and a branded carrying strap

• Full-featured mechanical keyboard with tactile Kailh Box Brown switches

• E Ink screen eliminates eye strain and keeps you focused on your words

• Automatically saves and syncs drafts to the cloud via Wi-Fi and Freewrite’s Postbox app

• Offline file transfers available through USB connection

• Long-lasting battery supports extended writing sessions without interruption

• Supports dozens of languages and alternative keyboard layouts

• Clean, minimalist interface designed to help writers focus on drafting, not editing

No matter your writing style or routine, there's a Freewrite device built to support your flow and help you stay focused. From the ultra-portable Alpha to the statement-making Valentine, each tool strips away distractions and brings your words front and center. Whether you're drafting your next novel at a café or journaling in the quiet hours of the night, these purpose-built devices make it easier to write freely, consistently, and with intention.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing to take away from all of this, it’s that you should keep writing and keep putting your work out there. Every story you write, every contest you enter, and every time you hit “submit” helps you grow. Even if you don’t win right away, you’re building experience, finding your voice, and getting one step closer to your goals.

Remember, every writer starts somewhere, and most start with a blank page, a little self-doubt, and a whole lot of determination. What matters most is showing up for your writing and giving yourself the chance to improve.

So celebrate your progress. Be proud of the work you’ve done. Whether you win a prize or simply finish a draft, it’s all worth recognizing. Keep going. Your words matter, and the world is waiting to hear them.