Winning Writers
@winningwriters.com
News about high-quality literary contests and resources for writers since 2001. Get access to in-depth profiles of 200+ great free literary contests when you subscribe to our free email newsletter: https://winningwriters.com/free
"Danger Music", a poem by Aldo Amparán
https://poems.com/poem/danger-music/
via @epochliterary.com and @poetrydaily.bsky.social
https://poems.com/poem/danger-music/
via @epochliterary.com and @poetrydaily.bsky.social
January 16, 2026 at 2:00 AM
"Danger Music", a poem by Aldo Amparán
https://poems.com/poem/danger-music/
via @epochliterary.com and @poetrydaily.bsky.social
https://poems.com/poem/danger-music/
via @epochliterary.com and @poetrydaily.bsky.social
Our January newsletter is out! We found nearly five dozen excellent free poetry and prose contests with deadlines between today and February 28.
https://createsend.com/t/d-D302EC3ABC7CA1A72540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-D302EC3ABC7CA1A72540EF23F30FEDED
January 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Our January newsletter is out! We found nearly five dozen excellent free poetry and prose contests with deadlines between today and February 28.
https://createsend.com/t/d-D302EC3ABC7CA1A72540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-D302EC3ABC7CA1A72540EF23F30FEDED
Flash Sale Today Only: Next Generation Short Story Awards
Receive your second category FREE when you pay for your first ($25). Submit unpublished stories up to 5,000 words to win $500 and anthology publication. Many smaller awards. 30+ categories.
https://shortstoryawards.com/guidelines.php
Receive your second category FREE when you pay for your first ($25). Submit unpublished stories up to 5,000 words to win $500 and anthology publication. Many smaller awards. 30+ categories.
https://shortstoryawards.com/guidelines.php
January 15, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Flash Sale Today Only: Next Generation Short Story Awards
Receive your second category FREE when you pay for your first ($25). Submit unpublished stories up to 5,000 words to win $500 and anthology publication. Many smaller awards. 30+ categories.
https://shortstoryawards.com/guidelines.php
Receive your second category FREE when you pay for your first ($25). Submit unpublished stories up to 5,000 words to win $500 and anthology publication. Many smaller awards. 30+ categories.
https://shortstoryawards.com/guidelines.php
9 literary contests and magazines with January deadlines, curated by Frontier Poetry
https://www.frontierpoetry.com/2025/12/15/january-deadlines-2025/
https://www.frontierpoetry.com/2025/12/15/january-deadlines-2025/
January 15, 2026 at 12:01 PM
9 literary contests and magazines with January deadlines, curated by Frontier Poetry
https://www.frontierpoetry.com/2025/12/15/january-deadlines-2025/
https://www.frontierpoetry.com/2025/12/15/january-deadlines-2025/
DL 1/31: swamp pink prizes in fiction, nonfiction, & poetry
Submit unpublished stories & essays of up to 25 pages or a set of 1-3 poems. Winners in each genre will receive $2,000 & pub. Fee: $20.
https://swamp-pink.charleston.edu/prizes/
HT @newpages.bsky.social
Submit unpublished stories & essays of up to 25 pages or a set of 1-3 poems. Winners in each genre will receive $2,000 & pub. Fee: $20.
https://swamp-pink.charleston.edu/prizes/
HT @newpages.bsky.social
January 14, 2026 at 12:01 PM
DL 1/31: swamp pink prizes in fiction, nonfiction, & poetry
Submit unpublished stories & essays of up to 25 pages or a set of 1-3 poems. Winners in each genre will receive $2,000 & pub. Fee: $20.
https://swamp-pink.charleston.edu/prizes/
HT @newpages.bsky.social
Submit unpublished stories & essays of up to 25 pages or a set of 1-3 poems. Winners in each genre will receive $2,000 & pub. Fee: $20.
https://swamp-pink.charleston.edu/prizes/
HT @newpages.bsky.social
Sponsored > Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp & Writing Retreat
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
January 13, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Sponsored > Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp & Writing Retreat
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
Deadline Jan 15: StoryBottle Co.’s Short Story Contest
Submit an unpublished story up to 10,000 words to win $1,000 and publication online and as a standalone chapbook. Fee: $15.
https://www.storybottleco.org/contest
HT @newpages.bsky.social
Submit an unpublished story up to 10,000 words to win $1,000 and publication online and as a standalone chapbook. Fee: $15.
https://www.storybottleco.org/contest
HT @newpages.bsky.social
January 13, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Deadline Jan 15: StoryBottle Co.’s Short Story Contest
Submit an unpublished story up to 10,000 words to win $1,000 and publication online and as a standalone chapbook. Fee: $15.
https://www.storybottleco.org/contest
HT @newpages.bsky.social
Submit an unpublished story up to 10,000 words to win $1,000 and publication online and as a standalone chapbook. Fee: $15.
https://www.storybottleco.org/contest
HT @newpages.bsky.social
Sponsored > CLOSING THIS MONTH. William Saroyan International Prize for Writing - a biennial competition for newly-published books, intended to encourage new or emerging writers. Fiction and nonfiction published in 2024 and 2025 can win $5,000. Fee: $50.
https://saroyanprize.stanford.edu/
https://saroyanprize.stanford.edu/
January 12, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Sponsored > CLOSING THIS MONTH. William Saroyan International Prize for Writing - a biennial competition for newly-published books, intended to encourage new or emerging writers. Fiction and nonfiction published in 2024 and 2025 can win $5,000. Fee: $50.
https://saroyanprize.stanford.edu/
https://saroyanprize.stanford.edu/
Our Favorite Home Libraries: From Connecticut to Cairo, these reading spots will seem like paradise to book- and design-lovers alike.
Gift article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/t-magazine/best-home-library-design.html?unlocked_article_code=1.C1A.ByvG.uy9sUxJlkr96&smid=url-share
Gift article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/t-magazine/best-home-library-design.html?unlocked_article_code=1.C1A.ByvG.uy9sUxJlkr96&smid=url-share
January 11, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Our Favorite Home Libraries: From Connecticut to Cairo, these reading spots will seem like paradise to book- and design-lovers alike.
Gift article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/t-magazine/best-home-library-design.html?unlocked_article_code=1.C1A.ByvG.uy9sUxJlkr96&smid=url-share
Gift article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/t-magazine/best-home-library-design.html?unlocked_article_code=1.C1A.ByvG.uy9sUxJlkr96&smid=url-share
Deadline Feb 28: Edinburgh Short Story Awards
International. Submit unpublished stories up to 2,000 words to win £3,000 and publication. Several smaller awards. Entry fee: £11. Can request free entry.
https://www.scottishartstrust.org/short-story
HT FundsforWriters
International. Submit unpublished stories up to 2,000 words to win £3,000 and publication. Several smaller awards. Entry fee: £11. Can request free entry.
https://www.scottishartstrust.org/short-story
HT FundsforWriters
January 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Deadline Feb 28: Edinburgh Short Story Awards
International. Submit unpublished stories up to 2,000 words to win £3,000 and publication. Several smaller awards. Entry fee: £11. Can request free entry.
https://www.scottishartstrust.org/short-story
HT FundsforWriters
International. Submit unpublished stories up to 2,000 words to win £3,000 and publication. Several smaller awards. Entry fee: £11. Can request free entry.
https://www.scottishartstrust.org/short-story
HT FundsforWriters
Deadline Jun 30: May Sarton New Hampshire Poetry Prize
Submit a poetry manuscript, 50-80 pages suggested, to win $1,000 and publication by Bauhan Publishing. Fee: $30.
https://bauhanpublishing.com/may-sarton-prize/
HT @pw.org
Submit a poetry manuscript, 50-80 pages suggested, to win $1,000 and publication by Bauhan Publishing. Fee: $30.
https://bauhanpublishing.com/may-sarton-prize/
HT @pw.org
January 8, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Deadline Jun 30: May Sarton New Hampshire Poetry Prize
Submit a poetry manuscript, 50-80 pages suggested, to win $1,000 and publication by Bauhan Publishing. Fee: $30.
https://bauhanpublishing.com/may-sarton-prize/
HT @pw.org
Submit a poetry manuscript, 50-80 pages suggested, to win $1,000 and publication by Bauhan Publishing. Fee: $30.
https://bauhanpublishing.com/may-sarton-prize/
HT @pw.org
Deadline May 31: Welsh Poetry Competition - International Poetry Book Awards
Submit one copy of your book. Fee: £40 for first book. Prizes:
1st Prize – £800
2nd Prize – £400
3rd Prize – £200
New: Children’s Poetry Book Prize
Judge: Dave Lewis
https://poetrybookawards.co.uk/
Submit one copy of your book. Fee: £40 for first book. Prizes:
1st Prize – £800
2nd Prize – £400
3rd Prize – £200
New: Children’s Poetry Book Prize
Judge: Dave Lewis
https://poetrybookawards.co.uk/
January 7, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Deadline May 31: Welsh Poetry Competition - International Poetry Book Awards
Submit one copy of your book. Fee: £40 for first book. Prizes:
1st Prize – £800
2nd Prize – £400
3rd Prize – £200
New: Children’s Poetry Book Prize
Judge: Dave Lewis
https://poetrybookawards.co.uk/
Submit one copy of your book. Fee: £40 for first book. Prizes:
1st Prize – £800
2nd Prize – £400
3rd Prize – £200
New: Children’s Poetry Book Prize
Judge: Dave Lewis
https://poetrybookawards.co.uk/
"II. Cardinals", a poem by Kevin Young
https://poems.com/poem/ii-cardinals/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @aaknopf.bsky.social
https://poems.com/poem/ii-cardinals/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @aaknopf.bsky.social
January 7, 2026 at 2:00 AM
"II. Cardinals", a poem by Kevin Young
https://poems.com/poem/ii-cardinals/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @aaknopf.bsky.social
https://poems.com/poem/ii-cardinals/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @aaknopf.bsky.social
Sponsored > Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp & Writing Retreat
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
January 6, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Sponsored > Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp & Writing Retreat
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
Book ads now for our January 15 newsletter. Price: $175. Design help available at no extra charge. Circulation: 50,000+ poets and writers.
https://createsend.com/t/d-D7D313570848F6492540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-D7D313570848F6492540EF23F30FEDED
January 6, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Book ads now for our January 15 newsletter. Price: $175. Design help available at no extra charge. Circulation: 50,000+ poets and writers.
https://createsend.com/t/d-D7D313570848F6492540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-D7D313570848F6492540EF23F30FEDED
Deadline Jan 31: Kentucky Visions Short Story Contest
Submit fiction up to 7,500 words to win $500 and pub. All stories have a connection to the Bluegrass State—set in Kentucky, written by a Kentuckian, or inspired by a Kentucky relative. Fee: $20.
https://bluegrasswriterscoalition.com/contest/
Submit fiction up to 7,500 words to win $500 and pub. All stories have a connection to the Bluegrass State—set in Kentucky, written by a Kentuckian, or inspired by a Kentucky relative. Fee: $20.
https://bluegrasswriterscoalition.com/contest/
January 5, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Deadline Jan 31: Kentucky Visions Short Story Contest
Submit fiction up to 7,500 words to win $500 and pub. All stories have a connection to the Bluegrass State—set in Kentucky, written by a Kentuckian, or inspired by a Kentucky relative. Fee: $20.
https://bluegrasswriterscoalition.com/contest/
Submit fiction up to 7,500 words to win $500 and pub. All stories have a connection to the Bluegrass State—set in Kentucky, written by a Kentuckian, or inspired by a Kentucky relative. Fee: $20.
https://bluegrasswriterscoalition.com/contest/
Deadline Jan 31: 52 haiku will be selected for The Haiku Calendar 2027, with prizes totalling £400/US$600. Submit published or unpublished work. Entry fees: £10/US$15 for up to 4 haiku; £20/US$30 for up to 12 haiku.
https://www.snapshotpress.co.uk/contests/thcc/entry_guidelines.htm
https://www.snapshotpress.co.uk/contests/thcc/entry_guidelines.htm
January 5, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Deadline Jan 31: 52 haiku will be selected for The Haiku Calendar 2027, with prizes totalling £400/US$600. Submit published or unpublished work. Entry fees: £10/US$15 for up to 4 haiku; £20/US$30 for up to 12 haiku.
https://www.snapshotpress.co.uk/contests/thcc/entry_guidelines.htm
https://www.snapshotpress.co.uk/contests/thcc/entry_guidelines.htm
DL 1/15: Submit unpublished fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry & hybrid work that "that interrogates the idea that who you are is a problem to be fixed". Win $1,000 and pub. Limit: 1,000 words of prose or 2 pages of poetry. Fee: $10.
https://www.glossyplanetmag.com/challenge/cult-of-productivity/
https://www.glossyplanetmag.com/challenge/cult-of-productivity/
January 4, 2026 at 4:10 PM
DL 1/15: Submit unpublished fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry & hybrid work that "that interrogates the idea that who you are is a problem to be fixed". Win $1,000 and pub. Limit: 1,000 words of prose or 2 pages of poetry. Fee: $10.
https://www.glossyplanetmag.com/challenge/cult-of-productivity/
https://www.glossyplanetmag.com/challenge/cult-of-productivity/
"Second Time Trying to Say Where My Son Was", a poem by Patricia Smith
https://poems.com/poem/second-time-trying-to-say-where-my-son-was/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @scribnerbooks.bsky.social
https://poems.com/poem/second-time-trying-to-say-where-my-son-was/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @scribnerbooks.bsky.social
January 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM
"Second Time Trying to Say Where My Son Was", a poem by Patricia Smith
https://poems.com/poem/second-time-trying-to-say-where-my-son-was/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @scribnerbooks.bsky.social
https://poems.com/poem/second-time-trying-to-say-where-my-son-was/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @scribnerbooks.bsky.social
Deadline extended to Jan 31: Dorset Prize for Poetry
Submit an unpublished poetry manuscript, 48-88 pages suggested, to win $3,000, publication by Tupelo Press, and a two-week residency in Port Angeles, WA. Fee: $30. Final judge: Sabrina Orah Mark.
https://tupelopress.org/the-dorset-prize-for-poetry
Submit an unpublished poetry manuscript, 48-88 pages suggested, to win $3,000, publication by Tupelo Press, and a two-week residency in Port Angeles, WA. Fee: $30. Final judge: Sabrina Orah Mark.
https://tupelopress.org/the-dorset-prize-for-poetry
January 3, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Deadline extended to Jan 31: Dorset Prize for Poetry
Submit an unpublished poetry manuscript, 48-88 pages suggested, to win $3,000, publication by Tupelo Press, and a two-week residency in Port Angeles, WA. Fee: $30. Final judge: Sabrina Orah Mark.
https://tupelopress.org/the-dorset-prize-for-poetry
Submit an unpublished poetry manuscript, 48-88 pages suggested, to win $3,000, publication by Tupelo Press, and a two-week residency in Port Angeles, WA. Fee: $30. Final judge: Sabrina Orah Mark.
https://tupelopress.org/the-dorset-prize-for-poetry
Deadline May 1: Our 34th annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest. Submit published or unpublished work. Two top prizes of $3,500 each. Ten honorable mentions of $500 each. Top 12 entries will be published online. Fee: $25.
https://createsend.com/t/d-6D113AA2D06386352540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-6D113AA2D06386352540EF23F30FEDED
January 2, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Deadline May 1: Our 34th annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest. Submit published or unpublished work. Two top prizes of $3,500 each. Ten honorable mentions of $500 each. Top 12 entries will be published online. Fee: $25.
https://createsend.com/t/d-6D113AA2D06386352540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-6D113AA2D06386352540EF23F30FEDED
Happy New Year! Polishing up a story, essay, or poems for their debut? Order a Winning Writers critique for $109. You'll get helpful feedback and supportive suggestions from Dr. Cheryl J. Fish. Learn more:
https://winningwriters.com/critiques/critiques-for-poems-stories-and-essays
https://winningwriters.com/critiques/critiques-for-poems-stories-and-essays
January 1, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Happy New Year! Polishing up a story, essay, or poems for their debut? Order a Winning Writers critique for $109. You'll get helpful feedback and supportive suggestions from Dr. Cheryl J. Fish. Learn more:
https://winningwriters.com/critiques/critiques-for-poems-stories-and-essays
https://winningwriters.com/critiques/critiques-for-poems-stories-and-essays
Next round Jan 23-25: Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction
International. Choose a team and write a 500-word story based on your team’s 3 prompts (you'll get 60 hours). Top prize is AU$1,500 and publication. Entry fees start at US$24.71.
https://notquitewritepodcast.com/prize/
International. Choose a team and write a 500-word story based on your team’s 3 prompts (you'll get 60 hours). Top prize is AU$1,500 and publication. Entry fees start at US$24.71.
https://notquitewritepodcast.com/prize/
January 1, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Next round Jan 23-25: Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction
International. Choose a team and write a 500-word story based on your team’s 3 prompts (you'll get 60 hours). Top prize is AU$1,500 and publication. Entry fees start at US$24.71.
https://notquitewritepodcast.com/prize/
International. Choose a team and write a 500-word story based on your team’s 3 prompts (you'll get 60 hours). Top prize is AU$1,500 and publication. Entry fees start at US$24.71.
https://notquitewritepodcast.com/prize/
Sponsored > LAST CALL! Win $1,000 & online publication for an unpublished poem in the annual Gemini Magazine Poetry Open. Any topic or style. Five additional cash prizes. Entry fee: $10. Deadline: Jan 2. Winners featured online in spring issue.
https://gemini-magazine.com/16th-annual-poetry-open/
https://gemini-magazine.com/16th-annual-poetry-open/
January 1, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Sponsored > LAST CALL! Win $1,000 & online publication for an unpublished poem in the annual Gemini Magazine Poetry Open. Any topic or style. Five additional cash prizes. Entry fee: $10. Deadline: Jan 2. Winners featured online in spring issue.
https://gemini-magazine.com/16th-annual-poetry-open/
https://gemini-magazine.com/16th-annual-poetry-open/
Sponsored > We congratulate Mirinae Lee and Fae Myenne Ng, winners of the 2024 William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. This year, fiction and nonfiction published in 2024 and 2025 can win $5,000. Deadline: Jan 30. Learn more:
https://saroyanprize.stanford.edu/
https://saroyanprize.stanford.edu/
December 31, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Sponsored > We congratulate Mirinae Lee and Fae Myenne Ng, winners of the 2024 William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. This year, fiction and nonfiction published in 2024 and 2025 can win $5,000. Deadline: Jan 30. Learn more:
https://saroyanprize.stanford.edu/
https://saroyanprize.stanford.edu/