If you're a writer looking to take your skills to the next level in 2025, entering writing contests can be a great way to challenge yourself and gain recognition. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting, there are numerous contests offering cash prizes, publishing opportunities, and even a platform for your voice to be heard. In this article, we'll explore some of the best writing contests in 2025 that you won’t want to miss!
1. Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition
The Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition is a prestigious contest that welcomes submissions in several genres. It gives writers the chance to showcase their work, gain exposure, and win substantial prizes, including cash and publication. With various categories like poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, it offers a platform for writers at all levels to have their voices heard.
-
Genre: Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
-
Eligibility: Open to all writers
-
Prize: $5,000, interview in Writer’s Digest, and a trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference
-
Entry Fee: $20
-
Deadline: May 5, 2025
How To Apply:
Submit your entry through the Writer’s Digest website. Select the appropriate category and pay the entry fee to complete your submission.
2. The Bridport Prize
The Bridport Prize is one of the most respected international writing competitions. It celebrates excellence in short stories, poetry, and flash fiction. Winners are recognized with cash prizes and publication, providing significant exposure to emerging and established writers alike. The contest also includes a first novel prize, offering further opportunities for novelists.
-
Genre: Short Story, Poetry, Flash Fiction, First Novel
-
Eligibility: Open to all writers worldwide
-
Prize: £5,000 for short story winner, additional prizes for other categories
-
Entry Fee: £10–£20
-
Deadline: May 31, 2025
How To Apply:
Visit the Bridport Prize website, select your category, and upload your entry through their online portal. Ensure you include the required entry fee before submitting.
3. The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction
The PEN/Faulkner Award is one of the most respected literary awards in the U.S. It honors exceptional works of fiction published by American authors, with the winner receiving both a cash prize and national recognition.
-
Genre: Novel, Short Story Collection
-
Eligibility: U.S. authors
-
Prize: $15,000
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: May 2025
How To Apply:
Submit your published work through the PEN/Faulkner website. Follow their specific guidelines for eligibility and submission.
4. The Martha Mills Young Writers’ Prize 2025
The Martha Mills Young Writers’ Prize is designed for young writers in the UK aged 11 to 14. It encourages young talent to explore their creativity and submit original work. The competition offers a cash prize and the opportunity for recognition at a prestigious award ceremony.
-
Genre: Short Story, Poetry
-
Eligibility: UK residents aged 11 to 14
-
Prize: £200, books, and a special souvenir
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: June 15, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your work via the official Martha Mills Young Writers’ Prize website. Follow the submission guidelines, and ensure your entry is uploaded by the deadline.
5. The Faber/Observer/Comica Graphic Short Story Prize 2025
This contest invites submissions of short graphic stories, up to four pages in length. The winning entry will be published in The Observer New Review and awarded a £1,000 prize. This is an excellent opportunity for graphic novelists and comic artists to gain exposure in a major publication.
-
Genre: Graphic Short Story
-
Eligibility: Open to all graphic storytellers worldwide
-
Prize: £1,000 and publication in The Observer New Review
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: June 30, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your graphic short story through the official Faber and Observer website. Follow the formatting and submission guidelines, and ensure your entry meets the length and style requirements.
6. The Witsprouts Storytelling Prize 2025
The Witsprouts Storytelling Prize celebrates Nigerian writers and performers who share original, impactful stories. Entries must be short performances or monologues that last between 5–10 minutes. The top winner will receive a cash prize and have their work featured in a storytelling showcase.
-
Genre: Performance Storytelling
-
Eligibility: Nigerian writers and performers
-
Prize: ₦500,000
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: May 30, 2025, 11:59 PM Nigerian time
How to Apply:
Submit your video performance or monologue via the Witsprouts Storytelling Prize website. Ensure your performance meets the time limit and follows all guidelines for video submission.
7. The Nature Writing Prize for Working Class Writers
This contest is for UK residents who identify as working class and are not currently represented by an agent. It’s aimed at fostering voices from working-class backgrounds in nature writing, covering fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Winners will receive mentoring sessions and commissioned work.
-
Genre: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
-
Eligibility: UK residents who identify as working class
-
Prize: Mentoring, commissioned piece, and more
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: July 30, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your work through the Nature Writing Prize website. Make sure to follow the formatting and submission guidelines, and include the required information.
8. The Jericho Prize for Black-British Children’s Writers
This prize is aimed at unpublished and self-published Black-British children’s writers. It celebrates the best new voices in children’s literature and offers a guaranteed publishing contract with Scholastic UK, along with a £1,250 cash prize.
-
Genre: Picture Book
-
Eligibility: Unpublished or self-published Black-British children’s writers
-
Prize: Publishing contract with Scholastic UK and £1,250 cash
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: August 1, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your picture book manuscript through the Jericho Prize website. Ensure that your manuscript is unpublished or self-published and meets the contest’s submission criteria.
9. The Native Voices Award
The Native Voices Award seeks to highlight and support Indigenous storytellers from around the world. Writers of original, unpublished work in various genres - such as short stories, flash fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art - are invited to enter. The prize includes a $500 cash award and recognition.
-
Genre: Short Story, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Visual Art
-
Eligibility: Open to Indigenous storytellers (Native American, First Nation, Polynesian, etc.)
-
Prize: Up to $500
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: August 15, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your original work through the Native Voices Award website. Make sure your submission adheres to the genre guidelines and includes any required materials, such as a biography.
10. The Betty L. Yu and Jin C. Yu Creative Writing Prizes
The Betty L. Yu and Jin C. Yu Creative Writing Prizes are open to writers of Taiwanese heritage or those with a strong connection to Taiwan. Submissions can be in any literary genre, including fiction, poetry, and personal essays.
-
Genre: Fiction, Poetry, Personal Essays, Creative Nonfiction
-
Eligibility: Writers of Taiwanese heritage or those with significant connections to Taiwan
-
Prize: Grand Prize: $500, Finalist: $200, Honorable Mention: $75
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: August 31, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your entry through the Betty L. Yu and Jin C. Yu Prize website. Follow the submission guidelines and upload your manuscript in the appropriate format.
11. The Henfield Prize
The Henfield Prize is a UK-based writing competition celebrating short fiction. With a legacy of more than 70 years, it offers new writers an excellent platform to showcase their talent and gain recognition in the literary community.
-
Genre: Short Story
-
Eligibility: Open to all writers worldwide
-
Prize: £10,000
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: August 2025
How To Apply:
Submit your short story through the Henfield Prize website. Ensure you follow their formatting rules and provide the necessary information.
12. The Narrative Prize
The Narrative Prize is an annual contest for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. It offers writers a significant cash prize and publication on the Narrative platform, a respected venue in the literary world. The competition is open to both emerging and established writers.
-
Genre: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
-
Eligibility: Open to all writers worldwide
-
Prize: $4,000
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: August 31, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your work through the Narrative website. The contest accepts submissions in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, so choose your category and follow the formatting guidelines when submitting your work.
13. The Fieldstone Review
The Fieldstone Review invites submissions in creative nonfiction, literature, and book reviews on the theme of "Colour." This contest provides an opportunity for writers to explore and express their interpretation of colour through written words.
-
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Book Reviews
-
Eligibility: Open to all writers
-
Prize: $100
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: September 1, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your work via the Fieldstone Review website. Ensure that your entry follows the theme of "Colour" and adheres to the formatting guidelines.
14. The Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors Contest
This contest is open to military veterans and their families, inviting them to share their stories through poetry, short fiction, essays, or photography. The contest encourages warriors to express their experiences and perspectives.
-
Genre: Poetry, Short Fiction, Essay, Photography
-
Eligibility: Open to U.S. military veterans and their families
-
Prize: $250 in each category
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: September 10, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your work via the official Proud to Be website. Choose the appropriate category and ensure your work meets the guidelines for submission.
15. The Friends of Falun Gong Poetry Contest
The Friends of Falun Gong Poetry Contest invites poets to write poems on themes related to Falun Gong, including advocating for human rights and exposing the injustice faced by practitioners. The contest offers substantial prizes to winning entries.
-
Genre: Poetry
-
Eligibility: Open to all writers worldwide
-
Prize: $500, $250, $100
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: September 15, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your poem via the Friends of Falun Gong website. Ensure your poem adheres to the contest’s themes and formatting requirements.
16. The Betty LaDuke Award for Creative Writing
This award aims to support underrepresented voices in creative writing by offering emerging writers a chance to work with a mentor and develop their writing skills. The award includes a cash prize and publication opportunities.
-
Genre: Fiction, Poetry
-
Eligibility: Open to emerging writers from diverse backgrounds
-
Prize: $2,000 and mentorship
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: October 1, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your manuscript via the Betty LaDuke Award website. Follow the submission instructions and provide a sample of your writing, along with any necessary supporting documents.
17. The Tina Davies Women’s Writing Prize
This contest celebrates women writers and invites submissions in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. It provides a platform for underrepresented voices and aims to empower women through creative expression.
-
Genre: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
-
Eligibility: Women writers worldwide
-
Prize: $1,000 and a publication opportunity
-
Entry Fee: $25
-
Deadline: October 15, 2025
How to Apply:
Submit your work via the Tina Davies Women’s Writing Prize website. Ensure your entry follows the contest guidelines and includes the appropriate entry fee.
18. The Amazon Storyteller Award
This contest celebrates self-published works in both short story and novel formats. Writers who have self-published their works through Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform can enter their works for the chance to win cash prizes and a high-profile promotional campaign.
-
Genre: Short Story, Novel
-
Eligibility: Open to self-published authors on Amazon
-
Prize: $10,000 and promotional support
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: October 2025
How To Apply:
Enter your self-published book through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform. Make sure your book meets their formatting requirements and adhere to the contest's deadlines.
19. NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)
NaNoWriMo challenges writers to complete a 50,000-word novel draft within 30 days. It's a fun, high-energy contest that encourages participants to push through the first draft stage of novel writing. While it’s not about perfection, completing the challenge earns participants recognition and provides them with helpful writing tools and resources.
-
Genre: Novel (Various Genres)
-
Eligibility: Open to all writers
-
Prize: Completion certificate and community recognition
-
Entry Fee: Free
-
Deadline: November 30, 2025
How To Apply:
Sign up on the official NaNoWriMo website, where you can track your word count, get writing tips, and connect with other participants. The competition is all about completing your novel within the month.
Why Enter Writing Contests?
Writing contests offer more than just a shot at winning cash prizes. Here are a few reasons why entering them is a great idea:
-
Exposure: Many contests provide winners with significant exposure, whether through publication, media attention, or connections with literary agents and publishers.
-
Motivation: Writing contests offer deadlines and themes, which can be the perfect spark to get your creative juices flowing and push you to finish your projects.
-
Networking: Contests often connect you with a community of writers, editors, and industry professionals, giving you valuable networking opportunities.
-
Experience: Even if you don’t win, entering contests allows you to practice your craft, build confidence, and learn about the competitive world of writing.
Tips for Writing Contest Success
To stand out in a contest, you’ll want to put your best work forward. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
-
Read the Guidelines Carefully: Every contest has its own rules, so make sure you understand the entry requirements (word count, theme, submission format).
-
Make Your Writing Shine: Don’t rush through your work. Spend time revising and editing to ensure your submission is polished and compelling.
-
Stay Authentic: Contests often have a lot of entries, so it’s essential that your writing stands out. Write from the heart and don’t be afraid to showcase your unique voice.
-
Submit Multiple Entries: Many contests allow you to submit more than one entry. If you have multiple pieces of writing that you’re proud of, submit them!
Distraction-Free Writing Devices for Contest Success
When it comes to writing contests, one of the most important factors in achieving success is staying focused and productive. Distractions are everywhere, especially in today's digital world, where phones, emails, and social media constantly demand our attention. To maximize your writing potential, minimizing these distractions is key. By providing a space free from distractions,Freewrite helps writers prepare effectively for writing contests, ensuring that their creativity and productivity are at their peak.
Freewrite is a unique writing tool designed to help writers focus solely on their craft. Its minimalist design, and no internet access, eliminates all the usual distractions that come with using a computer or tablet. The device encourages a writing workflow where the drafting process is separate from editing, allowing you to create freely without interruptions. With Freewrite, writers can immerse themselves in their work and stay in the flow state, which is crucial for meeting contest deadlines and producing their best work.
Let’s explore these devices that can help enhance your writing process and keep you on track for contest success.
1. Smart Typewriter
The Smart Typewriter is a distraction-free writing device designed to help writers stay focused and productive. With its E Ink display, full-size mechanical keyboard, and durable aluminum body, it provides an ideal platform for drafting without interruptions. The device eliminates the usual digital distractions like email or social media, allowing writers to fully immerse in their work. The device also features automatic cloud syncing to ensure your drafts are always backed up and accessible from anywhere.
Why Smart Typewriter:
-
It’s distraction-free, with no internet or notifications
-
The E Ink screen is easy to read in all lighting, even at night
-
The mechanical keyboard feels great and lasts for millions of key presses
-
Your drafts automatically sync to the cloud for easy access anywhere
-
The battery lasts for long writing sessions without interruption
2. Traveler
Traveler is a portable, distraction-free writing device that helps writers focus on their craft without the temptation of digital distractions like browsers, emails, or notifications. It features an E Ink display, which is gentle on the eyes and works perfectly in sunlight. The lightweight design makes it easy to take on the go, while the full-size scissor switch keyboard offers a smooth, tactile writing experience. Traveler syncs your drafts to the cloud for easy access and editing whenever you’re ready.
Why Traveler:
-
It’s portable, weighing just 1.6 lbs and easy to carry
-
The full-size keyboard provides a smooth and comfortable typing experience
-
Your drafts automatically sync to the cloud and other services like Google Drive
-
The battery lasts up to 4 weeks with regular use
-
Its slim design makes it perfect for writers who travel or work in different locations
3. Alpha
Alpha is a portable, distraction-free writing device designed to help you focus on your drafting process without any interruptions. With a comfortable backlight for writing day or night, this device helps you maintain a steady writing flow. It automatically saves your work locally and to the cloud, ensuring that your drafts are always backed up. Weighing just 1.6 lbs and featuring a full-size keyboard, Alpha is ideal for writers who are always on the go.
Why Alpha:
-
It’s lightweight and easy to carry, weighing just 1.6 lbs.
-
The backlight adjusts to different brightness levels for any lighting
-
The keyboard provides a quiet, comfortable typing experience
-
Your work is automatically saved to both the device and the cloud
-
The battery lasts up to 100 hours, so you can write for days without charging
4. Hemingwrite
The Hemingwrite Signature Edition, also known as "Hemingwrite," is a premium writing device that combines the functionality of the Smart Typewriter with a luxurious design inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s legacy. Made from raw aluminum with green keycaps, it develops a unique patina over time. It includes a custom cognac leather case for stylish protection, and it is optimized for distraction-free writing. The Hemingwrite syncs your drafts to the cloud, ensuring that your writing is always backed up and accessible.
Why Hemingwrite:
-
The raw aluminum body and green keycaps are hand-polished
-
It’s officially licensed by the Ernest Hemingway estate
-
Comes with a custom leather case for easy storage
-
Designed for distraction-free writing with no interruptions from notifications or apps
-
The efficient battery design allows for long writing sessions without frequent recharging
5. Alpha Cosmic Edition
The Alpha Cosmic Edition is a lightweight, distraction-free writing device designed for ultimate portability and productivity. With a sleek, terrazzo-speckled black body and a warm backlight, it helps you write day or night without interruptions. The device features a full-size mechanical keyboard and offers up to 100 hours of battery life, making it perfect for long writing sessions. It also comes with a custom felt sleeve for added protection during transport.
Why Alpha Cosmic Edition:
-
It’s lightweight and easy to carry, weighing just 1.6 lbs
-
The adjustable backlight makes writing comfortable in any lighting
-
The mechanical keyboard offers a smooth typing experience
-
The battery lasts up to 100 hours, so you can write without worrying about charging
-
It automatically syncs your documents to the cloud for easy access and backup
-
Comes with a custom felt sleeve for stylish protection while on the go
6. Valentine
The Valentine Smart Typewriter combines iconic 1969 Italian design with modern technology, creating a powerful tool for writers who want to focus without distractions. Its bold, aluminum body houses a mechanical keyboard and an E Ink screen, offering a smooth, eye-friendly writing experience. It also includes a premium, water-resistant carrying case, making it both stylish and portable.
Why Valentine:
-
The aluminum body with green keycaps is sleek and stylish
-
It allows you to focus on writing with no interruptions
-
Your work is automatically backed up to the cloud for easy access
-
The battery lasts for long writing sessions without needing a charge
-
Comes with a custom carrying case for easy portability.
Conclusion
Writing contests provide an incredible opportunity for writers to challenge themselves and gain recognition for their work. The right tools can make all the difference in ensuring you stay focused, productive, and on track to meet deadlines. Whether you're looking for a distraction-free environment to draft your next short story, poem, or novel, the devices we've explored, such as the Freewrite family of products, are designed to help you reach your full writing potential. These tools eliminate the common digital distractions, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the creative process.
By investing in a device that suits your writing needs, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges of participating in writing contests. The combination of thoughtful design, portability, and the right features ensures that you can focus on what matters most, your writing. So, whether you’re drafting your next award-winning piece or simply looking for a tool that lets you write with ease, these distraction-free writing devices will help you create with confidence and clarity.
