The Best Writing Contests for Adults Looking to Get Published

If you're an adult who loves writing, entering a contest might be just the push you need. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just getting started, writing competitions can help you stay motivated, get feedback, and even win some great prizes. From poetry to short stories to personal essays, there's something out there for every kind of writer. Let's take a look at some of the best contests to check out this year.

Types of Writing Contests to Consider

There are tons of writing contests out there, and they’re not all the same. Some are better suited for certain styles, formats, or experience levels. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types so you can figure out which ones might be right for you.

Short Story Contests

These are great for writers who enjoy telling a full story in a limited space. Most short story contests have word limits between 1,000 and 5,000 words, though some go higher. They’re ideal for fiction writers who want to develop strong characters and plotlines without committing to a whole novel. If you like the challenge of saying a lot with fewer words, this is your lane.

Poetry Competitions

Perfect for those who love language, rhythm, and emotion. Poetry contests can focus on specific forms (like haiku or sonnets) or be open to any style. They're a great fit if you enjoy exploring feelings, observations, or abstract ideas in creative and compact ways. Even if you’re new to poetry, these contests can be a fun way to experiment and grow.

Essay or Memoir Contests

These are often centered around real-life stories, reflections, or opinions. If you enjoy writing about your own experiences, lessons learned, or observations about the world, this could be a great option. These contests are a good fit for personal storytellers, bloggers, and nonfiction fans who want to connect with readers on a more personal level.

Novel and Book-Length Manuscript Contests

Geared toward writers who’ve completed (or nearly completed) a full-length manuscript. These contests usually look for unpublished novels or nonfiction books and may offer publication as a prize. They’re best for writers with a full project ready to go and who are looking for a way to get noticed by agents or publishers.

Flash Fiction or Microfiction Contests

If you love quick, punchy stories, these are for you. Flash fiction typically runs under 1,000 words, while microfiction can be as short as 50 or even 10 words. These contests reward creativity, precision, and strong storytelling in a tiny space. Great for busy writers or anyone who enjoys experimenting with structure and language.

Top Writing Contests for Adults

Looking to enter a writing contest this year but not sure where to start? Whether you're a poet, short story writer, novelist, or nonfiction enthusiast, there's something on this list for you. Here’s a closer look at the best contests worth checking out.

1. The Bedford Competition

Running since 2012, The Bedford Competition welcomes poets and short story writers worldwide and channels entry fees into local literacy charities. The judges look for emotional punch, vivid imagery, and strong narrative arcs, so polished craft matters. Winners feature in the annual anthology, gaining prestige and exposure alongside a satisfying cash prize and supportive writing community connections for emerging voices.

• Type of contest: Poetry and short story

• Eligibility: Writers aged 17+ anywhere in the world

• Entry cost: $11

• Top prize: £2,000

• Deadline: 31 October 2025

Perfect For

Writers who want a respected UK contest that also supports charity.

2. Oxford Flash Fiction Prize 2025

Oxford Flash Fiction Prize champions tiny yet powerful stories, challenging entrants to craft complete narratives in under one thousand words. Judges prize originality, tight structure, and memorable endings that linger. Twice a year the competition offers global writers equal footing, handsome cash awards, publication in a print anthology, and the cachet of being part of Oxford's literary heritage and buzz.

• Type of contest: Flash fiction

• Eligibility: Open worldwide for adults

• Entry cost: $7

• Top prize: £1,000

• Deadline: 31 August 2025

Perfect For

Writers who thrive on tight word counts and prestigious branding.

3. Simon & Schuster UK Writing Contest

Simon and Schuster UK's writing contest aims to discover outstanding fiction voices of colour, providing a life changing two book deal with a six figure advance. Entrants submit complete manuscripts for careful editorial review. Winners receive professional mentoring, marketing muscle, and guaranteed bookstore placement, turning an unpublished dream into a mainstream career on both digital and physical shelves for worldwide audiences.

• Type of contest: Full length novel

• Eligibility: Un-agented fiction writers of colour

• Entry cost: Free

• Top prize: Two book UK contract plus six figure advance

• Deadline: 31 July 2025

Perfect For

Writers of colour ready to land a major publishing deal.

4. Reader Views Literary Awards

The Reader Views Literary Awards celebrate independent authors across nearly thirty genres, pairing detailed professional reviews with credible accolades that boost marketing efforts. Judges focus on storytelling quality, originality, and reader impact rather than sales figures. Winners earn cash, media features, and promotional packages, giving self published writers the exposure, validation, and momentum they need to reach new audiences globally.

• Type of contest: Published books in multiple genres

• Eligibility: Indie and self published authors worldwide

• Entry cost: $89

• Top prize: $1,250

• Deadline: 15 December 2025

Perfect For

Indie authors seeking credible recognition and marketing support.

5. SFPA Poetry Contest

Run by the Science Fiction Poetry Association, this contest rewards speculative poems that explore outer space, futuristic tech, supernatural mysteries, or alternate realities. Three length categories level the field, encouraging concise haiku style or epic storytelling alike. Modest fees keep the event accessible while cash prizes, publication, and community recognition help emerging poets gain confidence and readership among genre fans.

• Type of contest: Speculative poetry

• Eligibility: Open worldwide

• Entry cost: $3

• Top prize: $150

• Deadline: 31 August 2025

Perfect For

Poets who love science fiction, fantasy, or horror themes.

6. The Reedsy Prompts Contest

Every Friday Reedsy emails five fresh prompts, sparking short stories submitted within a week. Low stakes fees, quick turnaround, and lively community feedback make this competition an excellent creativity workout. Winning stories snag cash, site publication, and bragging rights, while shortlisted authors earn marketplace credits that offset editing or design costs on future self publishing projects for their books success.

• Type of contest: Weekly short story

• Eligibility: Open worldwide

• Entry cost: $5

• Top prize: $250

• Deadline: Weekly (Monday following each Friday at 23:59 PT, rolling through 2025)

Perfect For

Writers who need regular deadlines to stay motivated.

7. The Elegant Literature Award For New Writers

Elegant Literature magazine invites unpublished writers to spin captivating tales inspired by its monthly prompt, offering generous payment rates and a top cash award. The competition doubles as a talent scout, guiding winners into the site's novel accelerator program. With inclusive genre categories and helpful submission guides, this contest encourages beginners to polish craft and break into professional fiction markets.

• Type of contest: Prompt based short fiction

• Eligibility: New or unpublished writers

• Entry cost: $10

• Top prize: $3,000

• Deadline: 30 June 2025

Perfect For

Emerging writers seeking both cash and structured mentorship.

8. #GWstorieseverywhere

Hosted by Gotham Writers, #GWstorieseverywhere turns Instagram and Twitter into microfiction playgrounds where monthly themes challenge authors to post original sixty six word stories. Zero entry fees and instant social sharing lower barriers, while winners receive a free craft class of their choice. The format provides bite sized deadlines that keep creative muscles toned and storytelling confidence high year round.

• Type of contest: Monthly microfiction

• Eligibility: Open worldwide

• Entry cost: Free

• Top prize: Free Gotham Writers class

• Deadline: 30 June 2025 (new theme monthly)

Perfect For

Writers who enjoy social media and ultra short storytelling.

9. The Berkeley Fiction Review Sudden Fiction Contest

Berkeley Fiction Review's Sudden Fiction Contest celebrates the art of brevity, awarding tight stories of one thousand words or fewer. Anonymous judging encourages daring experimentation with structure or voice. Besides cash prizes, finalists find their pieces in the respected student run journal, earning university library shelf space and a valuable publishing credit that strengthens graduate school or agent queries applications.

• Type of contest: Flash fiction

• Eligibility: Open worldwide

• Entry cost: $5

• Top prize: $150

• Deadline: 1 April 2025

Perfect For

Writers looking to pair publication with academic credibility.

10. Claymore Award

Killer Nashville's Claymore Award spotlights the first fifty pages of unpublished thrillers, mysteries, and suspense manuscripts, funneling finalists toward agents and publishers scouting fresh voices. Although it offers no direct cash, winners often secure book deals or option agreements, making the entry fee a strategic investment. Conference networking opportunities further amplify each semifinalist's visibility within the crime writing community circles.

• Type of contest: Thriller or mystery manuscript excerpt

• Eligibility: Unpublished English language fiction writers

• Entry cost: $54

• Top prize: Industry exposure plus potential contract

• Deadline: 1 April 2025

Perfect For

Crime writers wanting agent attention without a full manuscript.

11. UNO Press Publishing Lab

Run by the University of New Orleans, this competition seeks unpublished novels or short story collections, granting the victor a ten thousand dollar advance and a full publishing contract. The in-house Publishing Laboratory handles editing, design, marketing, and national distribution, giving debut authors the resources of a university press without traditional barriers. Finalists also receive meaningful editorial feedback packages.

• Type of contest: Full manuscript (novel or collection)

• Eligibility: Unpublished authors worldwide

• Entry cost: $28

• Top prize: $10,000 advance plus contract

• Deadline: 31 August 2025

Perfect For

Writers ready for professional publication with academic backing.

12. Dream Quest One Poetry Contest

Dream Quest One welcomes poems on any style or theme, focusing on inspirational or thought provoking writing rather than flashy formatting. International participation and a low entry fee make it accessible to hobbyists experimenting with contests for the first time. Winners earn cash, website publication, and the satisfaction of seeing their creative voice celebrated on a supportive global stage online.

• Type of contest: Poetry

• Eligibility: Open worldwide

• Entry cost: $5

• Top prize: $250

• Deadline: 6 April 2025

Perfect For

Poets entering competitions for the very first time.

13. The $15,000 Writing Challenge (Storyshares)

Storyshares invites authors to create engaging, easy to read stories for teen and adult learners, with an impressive fifteen thousand dollar grand prize encouraging high quality submissions. Entries span five accessible categories and may be published digitally and in print, offering readership beyond the classroom. The contest doubles as literacy advocacy, motivating writers to contribute meaningful content to underserved audiences.

• Type of contest: Accessible fiction for developing readers

• Eligibility: Open worldwide

• Entry cost: Free

• Top prize: $15,000

• Deadline: 13 January 2025

Perfect For

Writers passionate about literacy and social impact.

14. The Plough Prize

Britain's Plough Prize has championed new poetry voices since 2003, inviting submissions up to forty lines on any topic. Anonymised judging ensures fairness between established names and total newcomers. With reasonable fees, clear guidelines, and thoughtful feedback for shortlisted poets, the competition offers a respected platform, cash awards, and bragging rights that can open doors to journals and residencies worldwide.

• Type of contest: Poetry

• Eligibility: Poets writing in English

• Entry cost: $5

• Top prize: £1,000

• Deadline: 31 March 2025 (annual contest)

Perfect For

Poets wanting unbiased judging and international prestige.

15. Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition

Named for Ernest Hemingway's granddaughter, this long running contest spotlights new short fiction voices writing under three thousand five hundred words. Judges seek stories with emotional resonance and lean prose, reflecting Hemingway's legacy. Cash prizes and publication on the competition website help winners gain credibility, while finalists receive recognition that can bolster grant applications, MFA program portfolios, or agent submissions.

• Type of contest: Short story

• Eligibility: Open worldwide

• Entry cost: $15

• Top prize: $1,500

• Deadline: 1 September 2025

Perfect For

Writers inspired by classic minimalist storytelling.

What Judges Are Looking For

Every contest has its own theme and rules, but most judges are looking for a few key things that show your essay stands out from the crowd.

Originality is huge. Judges want to see your unique perspective, not a recycled opinion or something that feels generic. Whether you're writing about a book, a personal experience, or a global issue, try to offer something fresh or thoughtful that makes your essay memorable.

Clarity and structure are also essential. A well-organized essay with a clear beginning, middle, and end helps judges follow your argument or story. Avoid rambling and make sure each paragraph has a purpose.

Your voice matters, too. Whether it’s confident, reflective, passionate, or even humorous, your voice is what makes your writing sound like you. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through, as long as it fits the tone of the contest.

And of course, your essay has to answer the prompt. It sounds simple, but many entries miss the mark by going off-topic. Read the prompt carefully, and check your essay against it before you submit. If the contest asks a question, make sure your essay directly responds to it.

Freewrite: Your Secret Weapon for Winning Writing Contests

If you're thinking about entering a writing contest, here’s a little secret: focused writing wins. We createdFreewrite devices for that exact reason, to give writers a tool that shuts out distractions and helps them get into the zone. No apps, no notifications, no rabbit holes. Just you and your words. Whether you're writing a flash fiction piece or cranking out a full novel for submission, Freewrite helps you stay locked in and productive.

We’ve heard from writers all over the world who use Freewrite devices to prep for contests, and not just because they look cool on a desk. With our distraction-free setup and comfortable typing experience, writers often double or even triple their word count. That’s more drafts, more edits, and a much stronger final entry. If you're aiming to hit that contest deadline with your best work, we built Freewrite to help you get there.

Smart Typewriter Valentine

We wanted a device that captures the bold spirit of 1969 design while giving writers modern cloud backup and a crystal-clear E Ink screen.Valentine is our answer: a unique Smart Typewriter that makes a statement the moment you open its piano-hinged lid. Take it to a café and heads will turn, but more importantly, your focus will lock on the page and stay there.

Inside the aluminum shell you get our signature mechanical keyboard with box brown switches that feel great for marathon sessions. Automatic Wi-Fi sync backs up every sentence, and the included water-resistant carrying case and strap mean Valentine goes wherever inspiration strikes. It is a rebellion against noisy apps and blinking alerts, built for writers who want their drafting ritual to feel as iconic as the stories they tell.

Special Features

• Eye-friendly front-lit E Ink screen that eliminates glare and reduces fatigue

• Aluminum body plus dedicated case and strap for travel-ready durability

• Box brown tactile switches that deliver satisfying feedback without excess noise

• Automatic cloud and offline USB syncing to keep every draft safe and accessible

Alpha

Alpha is our lightest, most affordable writing device, made for writers who need to draft anywhere without editing distractions. At under two pounds it slips easily into a backpack, yet the typing experience still feels rock solid thanks to low-profile mechanical switches. The warm backlight means you can write on a dim train, a park bench at dusk, or even in bed without waking anyone.

The display shows only two to four lines of text, which keeps your eyes on the sentence at hand instead of scrolling through pages. Alpha saves every keystroke locally and in the cloud once you hit Wi-Fi, so you never worry about losing work. Add a 100-hour battery and instant-on startup and you have a drafting buddy that is always ready the moment an idea pops up.

Special Features

• Warm five-level backlight on an anti-glare LCD so you can write day or night

• Kailh Choc V2 low-profile mechanical switches for quiet, fatigue-free typing

• 100-hour rechargeable battery plus constant local and cloud saving for peace of mind

• Integrated kickstand, palm rest, and under-two-pound weight for comfort on the go

Wordrunner

We builtWordrunner because the keyboard is the one tool every writer touches most, yet most keyboards just are not made for writers. This all-aluminum board gives you satisfying tactile feedback and a word count that ticks up right on the deck, so you always know exactly how far you have come in a session. Plug it into your laptop, pair it with a phone, or even draft on a tablet and watch the words fly.

Once you start typing it is hard to stop. The real-time Wordometer and built-in sprint timer nudge you to keep momentum without ever leaving the keys. Need to jump between devices or playlists? Quick Bluetooth switching and a joystick volume knob keep you in flow. Wordrunner turns any screen into a focused drafting zone that feels more like a purpose-built writing studio than a desk full of distractions.

Special Features

• Real-time Wordometer with eight-digit display for session, project, or lifetime counts

• Sprint timer that lets you set, start, and reset writing sprints without lifting your hands

• Reimagined function row plus three programmable macro keys for your favorite shortcuts

• Solid die-cast aluminum body with hot-swappable mechanical switches and Bluetooth or USB-C connectivity

Conclusion

Entering a writing contest isn’t just about winning, it’s about showing up for your writing, pushing your limits, and sharing your voice with the world. Whether you're working on short stories, novels, poetry, or nonfiction, the right contest can help you stay motivated, get noticed, and build your writing resume.

We’ve rounded up some of the best contests out there, each with its own strengths and opportunities. Now it’s your turn: pick the ones that excite you, mark those deadlines, and start writing. No matter what happens, every entry is a step forward in your journey as a writer.

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