Writing Contests for Money: Enter to Win Cash Prizes

If you're a writer looking to earn some extra cash, writing contests can be a fun and rewarding way to do it. From short stories to poems and essays, there are all kinds of competitions that offer real money just for doing what you love. Whether you're just starting out or you've been writing for years, these contests can give you exposure, experience, and the chance to win big. Below, we've rounded up some of the best writing contests that actually pay.

Quick Tips for Submitting to Writing Contests

Before you hit "submit" on your entry, here are a few tips to boost your chances and make sure your work stands out (in a good way):

• Read the rules carefully:Every contest is different. Some have strict word counts, formatting requirements, or specific themes. Don’t get disqualified over a small detail.

• Tailor your writing to the contest: If the contest has a theme or tone, match it. A horror short story might not win a contest focused on heartfelt personal essays.

• Edit like crazy: First drafts are never perfect. Take the time to revise, proofread, and polish your work. Typos and sloppy writing can ruin an otherwise great piece.

• Stick to the word limit: If it says 1,500 words max, don’t go over. Going under is usually fine, but over the limit can get you cut without a second look.

• Submit early when possible: Technical issues happen. Give yourself a buffer in case something goes wrong. Plus, submitting early means you’re not rushing through edits last minute.

• Keep track of where you’ve submitted: Use a simple spreadsheet or note to track contest names, deadlines, pieces submitted, and results. It saves time and keeps you organized.

• Don’t get discouraged: Even if you don’t win, it doesn’t mean your writing isn’t good. Contests are subjective. Keep writing, keep submitting, and treat each entry as practice.

• Watch out for scams:If a contest has a high fee and no clear prize or judging info, it might not be legit. Stick with trusted organizations or sites that regularly list reputable contests.

Best 15 Writing Contests to Enter in 2025

Looking for competitions that pay real money and carry real prestige? The fifteen contests below offer solid cash prizes, publication opportunities, and serious bragging rights for winners and finalists. Scan the list, pick the ones that match your work, and mark their deadlines on your calendar.

1. L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest

A long-standing and well-known contest for new and amateur writers of science fiction and fantasy. It’s judged by top names in the genre and gives winners professional exposure along with mentorship opportunities.

• Prize: Up to $5,000 plus publication

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Science fiction and fantasy short stories

• Eligibility: New and amateur writers (no professional publication history)

• When to apply: Quarterly deadlines (four contests per year)

2. PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction

One of the most prestigious literary awards in the U.S., this prize honors outstanding works of fiction by American authors. Winning can significantly boost an author’s career and visibility.

• Prize: $15,000 for the winner, $5,000 for finalists

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Fiction (novels or short story collections)

• Eligibility: U.S. authors with a published book of fiction

• When to apply: Typically opens in summer

3. Drue Heinz Literature Prize

This award is given for a collection of short fiction and includes publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press. It’s one of the few major prizes specifically for short story collections.

• Prize: $15,000 and publication

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Short fiction collections

• Eligibility: Writers with a published book or story in a recognized literary journal

• When to apply: May through June

4. Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prizes

An excellent opportunity for emerging nonfiction writers, this prize includes publication and editorial support from a top independent press.

• Prize: Publishing contract and editorial guidance

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Literary nonfiction

• Eligibility: Emerging nonfiction authors

• When to apply: Annually, varies by year

5. The Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans

Hosted by The Iowa Review, this award supports U.S. military veterans writing about any topic in any form of creative nonfiction.

• Prize: $1,000 for first place

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Creative nonfiction

• Eligibility: U.S. military veterans

• When to apply: Annually, usually in spring

6. Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence

This award honors rising African American fiction writers and celebrates literature that explores African American culture and history.

• Prize: $15,000

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Fiction

• Eligibility: African American authors with a published novel or short story collection

• When to apply: Summer

7. PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers

This prize recognizes 12 debut short stories by emerging authors, showcasing new voices and providing publication in an annual anthology.

• Prize: $2,000 and publication

• Entry fee: Free (submitted by editors of eligible publications)

• Category: Short stories

• Eligibility: First published short story by an emerging writer

• When to apply: Annually, usually early spring

8. Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards

Honoring works that contribute to understanding racism and human diversity, this prestigious award covers fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

• Prize: $10,000

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry

• Eligibility: Authors whose work addresses race and cultural understanding

• When to apply: Fall

9. Marfield Prize (aka National Award for Arts Writing)

This award is given for excellence in arts writing intended for a general audience, covering everything from music and dance to visual art.

• Prize: $10,000

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Nonfiction (arts and culture)

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• When to apply: Typically fall

10. St. Martin’s Minotaur / Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Competition

Perfect for first-time novelists in the crime or mystery genre, this competition offers a publishing deal with St. Martin’s Press.

• Prize: Publication and a $10,000 advance

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Crime and mystery novels

• Eligibility: Unpublished writers

• When to apply: Fall to winter

11. ServiceScape Short Story Award

A one-entry-per-person short story competition with a decent cash prize and a quick online submission process.

• Prize: $1,000

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Short stories (any genre)

• Eligibility: Open to all

• When to apply: Ends each November

12. Stowe Prize

Awarded to a U.S. author whose work promotes social justice and policy change, in the spirit of Harriet Beecher Stowe.

• Prize: $10,000

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Nonfiction

• Eligibility: U.S. authors whose work inspires positive social change

• When to apply: Biennial (every two years)

13. The Diana Woods Memorial Award in Creative Nonfiction

Offered through Lunch Ticket, this award supports new voices in creative nonfiction with a cash prize and publication.

• Prize: $250 and publication

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Creative nonfiction

• Eligibility: Open to all

• When to apply: Twice a year (February and August)

14. The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing

Celebrating first-generation immigrant writers, this prize includes publication and supports new voices in fiction and nonfiction.

• Prize: $10,000 and publication

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Fiction or nonfiction

• Eligibility: First-generation immigrants writing a debut book

• When to apply: Opens in fall

15. VCU Cabell First Novelist Award

This award honors the best debut novel of the year and includes a speaking engagement at Virginia Commonwealth University.

• Prize: $5,000 and invited reading

• Entry fee: Free

• Category: Fiction (debut novel)

• Eligibility: U.S. debut novelists

• When to apply: January through March

How to Choose the Right Contest for You

With so many contests out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The key is to focus on a few that really match your writing style, goals, and experience level. Are you writing poetry, flash fiction, or essays? Do you want a shot at publication or are you mostly after prize money? Choose contests that align with your voice, and don’t feel like you have to enter everything.

Start by asking yourself a few questions:

• What genre do I write best?

• Do I want feedback or just a shot at winning?

• Am I a new writer, or do I have some experience?

• How much time do I realistically have to polish a piece?

If you’re just starting out, look for contests specifically labeled for emerging writers or first-time authors. These often have smaller pools of entries and can give you a confidence boost. If you’re more experienced, go for bigger competitions with serious recognition attached.

Also, pay attention to the prize structure and terms. Some contests offer publication and a small cash prize, while others offer large sums but require first publication rights. Make sure you're comfortable with what you're signing up for. And don’t forget to read past winning entries when available, they’ll give you a feel for what each contest values.

In the end, picking the right contests is all about being honest with yourself about your goals, your style, and your time. It’s better to enter a few that really fit than to spread yourself too thin.

Get Contest-Ready with Help from Freewrite

AtFreewrite, we know how hard it can be to sit down and actually write, especially when you're trying to work toward something big like a writing contest. That’s exactly why we built Freewrite devices, to help writers block out the noise and focus on what really matters: getting words on the page. With no social media, no email, and no browser to drag you into a rabbit hole, Freewrite gives you a distraction-free space to write freely and stay in flow.

We designed these tools for people like us, writers who need time and mental clarity to create something great. Whether you're crafting a short story, polishing an essay, or working on your debut novel for a competition, Freewrite helps you stay focused from the first word to the last. Writing contests are competitive, and the best thing you can do is give your work the attention it deserves. Freewrite is here to help you do just that.

Smart Typewriter

Smart Typewriter is our all aluminum drafting machine built to keep you in the zone. With an E Ink screen that feels easy on the eyes, a full size mechanical keyboard, and no tempting apps to break your flow, it turns every writing session into focused progress. Draft on the couch, at a café, or outside in daylight and let your words sync to the cloud when you reconnect.

Standout Features

• Full size mechanical keyboard with Kailh Box Brown switches for satisfying, accurate typing

• Front-lit E Ink display that stays readable in bright sun or after dark

• Durable die-cast aluminum body with a retractable handle for grab-and-go writing

• Automatic cloud backup to Postbox plus Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Evernote

• Extra long battery life so dead batteries never cut a session short

Wordrunner Keyboard

Wordrunner is the first mechanical keyboard that pushes your writing forward with a built-in 8-digit mechanical Wordometer that physically tracks your word count and sprint timer. Designed from the ground up for writers, it tracks your word count, times your writing bursts, and delivers a premium tactile feel in a rock solid aluminum frame. Hook it up to your laptop, tablet, or phone wired or over Bluetooth and watch your productivity soar.

Standout Features

• Real time Wordometer with an 8-digit counter that keeps your progress visible even when powered off

• Integrated sprint timer and subtle lights to keep you focused through Pomodoro sessions or custom sprints

• Re-imagined function row plus three programmable macro keys for writer-friendly shortcuts like Find and Replace

• Gasket mounted mechanical switches and multi layer sound dampening for a quiet yet satisfying feel

• Dual connectivity with USB-C and multi device Bluetooth that lets you switch between up to four devices

Alpha Raven Black with Backlight

Alpha is our ultra portable writing companion that weighs just 1.6 pounds yet stores up to a million words. Its warm backlit LCD shows only a few lines at a time so you stay focused on drafting, not editing. With low profile mechanical switches, a 100 hour battery, and instant cloud sync, Alpha slips into your bag and is ready whenever inspiration strikes.

Standout Features

• Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 1.6 lbs built for commuting and travel

• Warm adjustable backlight on an anti glare LCD so you can write day or night without eye strain

• Low profile Kailh Choc V2 switches that reduce finger fatigue during long sessions

• Automatic local and cloud saving with offline USB transfer when you are off the grid

• Integrated kickstand and palm rest so you can draft comfortably at any angle

Traveler

Traveler is the most portable Freewrite device, built for writers who want a lightweight, compact tool they can take anywhere. With a no-glare E Ink screen, full-size keyboard, and distraction-free experience, it helps you focus on writing whether you're on a plane, in a coffee shop, or in your backyard. It’s ideal for anyone who wants the Freewrite experience in a smaller footprint without losing core features.

Standout Features

• Compact and lightweight at only 1.6 lbs, perfect for travel

• E Ink screen with adjustable viewing angle for easy readability in sunlight

• Smooth full-size scissor-switch keyboard for comfortable typing

• Local and automatic cloud syncing with Postbox, Dropbox, Google Drive, and more

• Battery lasts up to four weeks with regular use

Conclusion

Writing contests can be a powerful way to grow as a writer while also earning real money for your work. Whether you're aiming for a big literary prize or just looking for motivation to hit your word count, contests give you a clear goal and a deadline to push toward. Even if you don’t win the first time, every entry is a chance to improve your craft and build confidence.

Pick the contests that match your style, keep an eye on the deadlines, and don’t overthink it. Just write, submit, and repeat. You never know what could happen until you try.

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