WRITING COMPETITIONS

At The Writers Herd, we believe there's no better way to gain recognition and showcase your work than through writing competitions. In the future, we're excited to introduce submission options and even host our own competitions. For now, as we continue to grow our community, writing competitions provide excellent opportunities to get noticed.

As writers ourselves, we know how frustrating it can be to browse through endless lists of competitions online. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why we're committed to simplifying the process.

Each month, we'll hand-pick key competitions—both free and paid—highlighting those with cash prizes and publication opportunities. We'll feature a mix of niche and popular contests, so whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, you'll find something tailored to your needs.

These will feature monthly, so stay tuned!

Tips for success

  • Check Competition Rules: Always review guidelines carefully to ensure your submissions meet all requirements.
  • Study Past Winners: Reviewing previous winning entries can give you insights into what judges want.
  • Try a Mix of Competitions: Niche competitions might offer better odds, but don't shy away from popular ones for greater exposure and prizes.
  • Keep a Submission Record: Track your entries, rejections, and wins. Check guidelines before submitting the same story to multiple outlets.
  • Embrace Rejection: Use rejection as motivation. If you don't try, you'll never know!
  • Prepare Early: Avoid last-minute submissions by giving yourself ample time to revise and polish your work.

Competition highlights for september – OCTOBER 2026 

Poetry Competitions

The Poetry Kit Ekphrastic Poetry Competition 2026

The Poetry Kit Ekphrastic Poetry Competition invites poets to submit original poems inspired by any form of artwork, from paintings and sculptures to photography, street art, or other creative mediums. Open to all styles and lengths, the competition celebrates fresh and imaginative responses to visual art.

  • Rules
    • Poems must be inspired by any artwork (broadly interpreted)
    • Open to poems in any style or form
    • No minimum or maximum length
    • Poems must be original, unpublished, and written in English
    • Entries are judged anonymously
    • Submit all poems in one Word or text document by email (no PDFs)
    • Multiple entries permitted
  • Prizes
    • 1st Prize: £110
    • 2nd Prize: £30
    • Shortlisted poems may be published on the Poetry Kit website
  • Entry Fee
    • £3.50 for one poem
    • £8 for three poems
    • £10 for five poems
  • Deadline
    • 28 September 2026 (Midnight UK time)

The Big Dithering Chaps September Cut-off

The Dithering Chaps September Cut-off offers poets the opportunity to submit a chapbook manuscript for publication, with every submission receiving personalised editorial feedback.

  • Rules
    • Submit a 10-page sample from a poetry collection
    • Collections should be approximately 30–60 pages
    • Include a 200-word cover note describing the collection
    • Include the full contents page of the manuscript
    • Submissions must be sent as a Word or PDF document
    • Poets without a previously published full collection are automatically eligible for the First Collection category
  • Prizes
    • Publication by Dithering Chaps in May 2027
    • 25% royalties on all sales income
    • 200–300 words of personalised editorial feedback for every submission
    • Eligible debut poets also considered for the First Collection publication opportunity
  • Entry Fee
    • £10 per submission
  • Deadline
    • 30 September 2026

Lines of Communication

To celebrate 150 years since Alexander Graham Bell's first telephone call, SaveAs Writers invites poets and short story writers to explore the theme "Lines of Communication." The theme can be interpreted broadly, from relationships and technology to cultural exchange, AI, and communication across worlds.

  • Rules
    • Open to UK and international writers
    • Theme: Lines of Communication
    • Poetry: Maximum 60 lines
    • Short Stories: Maximum 3,500 words
    • Entries must be original and written in English
    • Multiple entries permitted
  • Prizes
    • Poetry: £200 (1st), £100 (2nd), £50 (3rd)
    • Short Story: £200 (1st), £100 (2nd), £50 (3rd)
  • Entry Fee
    • Poetry: £4 per poem | £10 for three
    • Short Story: £5 per story | £12 for three
  • Deadline
    • 30 September 2026 

The Moth Nature Writing Prize

The Moth Nature Writing Prize is an international competition celebrating outstanding poetry and prose inspired by the natural world. Open to writers aged 16 and over, it welcomes original, unpublished work that explores our relationship with nature through exceptional literary writing.

  • Rules

    • Open internationally to writers aged 16 and over
    • Accepts one poem (any length) or one prose piece (fiction or non-fiction) up to 4,000 words
    • Entries must be original, unpublished, and written in English
    • Work must explore the natural world
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted
    • Anonymous judging process
    • AI-generated work is not permitted
    • No limit on the number of entries

  • Prizes

    • 1st Prize: €1,000 and a week at The Moth Retreat in rural Ireland
    • 2nd Prize: €500
    • 3rd Prize: €250
    • Winning entries published in The Irish Times online

  • Entry Fee

    • €16 per poem or prose entry

  • Deadline

    • 30 September 2026 (11:59pm GMT / Ireland time)

Gloucestershire Poetry Society 2026 Open Poetry Competition

The Gloucestershire Poetry Society Open Poetry Competition welcomes original, unpublished poems on any subject, offering cash prizes, publication in Steel Jackdaw Magazine, and anthology opportunities for longlisted entries.

  • Rules

    • Open to poems on any subject
    • Maximum 40 lines (excluding the title)
    • Poems must be original, unpublished, and written in English
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Multiple entries permitted
    • Simultaneous submissions accepted, provided poems are withdrawn if accepted elsewhere
    • Poems must be submitted as Word or PDF files
    • AI-generated work is not permitted

  • Prizes

    • Winner: £200 and publication in Steel Jackdaw Magazine
    • Runner-up: £80 and publication
    • Third Prize: £40 and publication
    • Friendship Prize: £50 and publication (GPS Friendship Members only)
    • All longlisted poems eligible for inclusion in a future Competition Anthology

  • Entry Fee

    • £4 per poem
    • £13 for up to four poems
    • GPS Friendship Members may submit up to three poems free as part of their membership

  • Deadline

    • 30 September 2026 (Midnight UK time)

Miller Williams Poetry Prize

The Miller Williams Poetry Prize, organised by the University of Arkansas Press, recognises outstanding unpublished full-length poetry manuscripts. Open internationally, the prize offers poets the opportunity for publication, with one manuscript receiving a $5,000 cash prize alongside publication in the prestigious Miller Williams Poetry Series.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to poets writing in English
    • Submit one unpublished poetry manuscript of 60–90 pages
    • Individual poems may have been previously published in journals, chapbooks, or anthologies
    • Translations are not accepted
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted, provided the press is notified if accepted elsewhere
    • One manuscript per author
    • AI-generated work is not accepted as original creative work
  • Prizes
    • Winner: $5,000 and publication
    • Three finalists receive publication in the Miller Williams Poetry Series
    • Professional editing, design, production, and national publication by the University of Arkansas Press
  • Entry Fee
    • $28 per manuscript
  • Deadline
    • 30 September 2026

Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest 2026

The Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest, organised by Winning Writers, offers $12,000 in prizes for poetry in any style or genre. Writers can compete for either the Tom Howard Prize for unrestricted poetry or the Margaret Reid Prize for rhymed and traditional forms.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers of any age, excluding countries and regions restricted under US regulations
    • Submit up to three poems per submission
    • Maximum 250 lines per poem
    • Poems may be on any theme
    • Both published and unpublished work accepted
    • Multiple submissions permitted
    • Entries must be submitted anonymously
    • The Tom Howard Prize accepts any style or genre
    • Entries must be written in the author's own words and contain no AI-generated text
  • Prizes
    • Tom Howard Prize: $3,500
    • Margaret Reid Prize: $3,500
    • 10 Honorable Mentions: $500 each
    • Top 12 entries published online
    • Top two winners also receive two-year Duotrope gift certificates
  • Entry Fee
    • $25 for up to three poems
  • Deadline
    • 1 October 2026

2027 Peter Porter Poetry Prize

The Peter Porter Poetry Prize, organised by Australian Book Review, is an international award celebrating outstanding contemporary poetry. Poets can submit original work on any subject or in any style, with AU$10,000 shared among the winner and four shortlisted poets.

  • Rules

    • Open internationally to living poets of any age

    • Submit one poem of up to 60 lines

    • Poems may be on any subject or in any style

    • Entries must be original, unpublished, and written in English

    • Previously published, broadcast, or prize-winning poems are not eligible

    • Multiple entries permitted

    • Anonymous judging process

    • Simultaneous submissions permitted, subject to exclusivity requirements if longlisted

    • Translations are not eligible

    • Generative AI is not permitted

  • Prizes

    • Winner: AU$6,000

    • Four shortlisted poets: AU$1,000 each

    • Shortlisted poems published in the January–February 2027 issue of Australian Book Review

  • Entry Fee

    • AU$30 per poem

    • AU$20 per poem for current Australian Book Review subscribers

  • Deadline

    • 14 October 2026 (11:55pm AEDT)

The 2027 Alice James Award

The Alice James Award welcomes full-length poetry manuscripts from emerging and established poets based in the United States. The winning collection receives $2,000, professional book publication, and distribution, with additional manuscripts also eligible for publication as Editor's Choice selections.

  • Rules
    • Open to poets residing in the United States
    • Submit a full-length, previously unpublished poetry manuscript of 48–100 pages
    • Manuscripts must be single-spaced, paginated, and include a numbered table of contents
    • Individual poems may have been previously published in magazines, anthologies, or chapbooks of fewer than 25 pages
    • The collection as a whole must be unpublished
    • Translations, self-published books, and multi-authored collections are not eligible
    • Initial screening is conducted anonymously
    • Online and postal submissions accepted
  • Prizes
    • Winner: $2,000 + book publication by Alice James Books
    • Professional distribution through Consortium
    • One or more additional manuscripts may be selected for publication as Editor's Choice
  • Entry Fee
    • $30 per manuscript
  • Deadline
    • 16 October 2026

Waltham Forest Poetry Competition 2026

The Waltham Forest Poetry Competition invites poets worldwide to explore this year's theme of Music, with separate prizes for adults, young poets, Waltham Forest entrants, and the funniest poem. Writers can submit up to six poems, with free entry for poets under 18.

  • Rules

    • Open to UK and international poets

    • Adult category: aged 18 and over

    • Young Poet category: under 18

    • Submit up to six poems, each no longer than 40 lines

    • All poems must respond to the theme of Music

    • Entries must be original, written in English, and judged anonymously

    • Poems previously shared on personal social media or community forums are eligible, provided they have not been formally published elsewhere

    • Simultaneous submissions are not accepted

    • Poems generated using AI are not permitted

  • Prizes

    • Adult Main Prize: £400 / £200 / £100

    • Adult Waltham Forest Prize: £50 / £30 / £20

    • Young Poet Main Prize: £50 / £30 / £20

    • Young Poet Waltham Forest Prize: £50 / £30 / £20

    • Funniest Poem Prize: £100

    • Winning, Funniest Poem, and selected Commended poems published on the competition website

  • Entry Fee

    • Adults: £3 for the first poem + £1 for each additional poem in the same submission

    • Under 18s: Free

  • Deadline

    • 19 October 2026 (Midnight UK time)

Anthology Poetry Competition 2026

The Anthology Poetry Competition invites poets worldwide to submit original poetry on any theme and in any style. With €1,400 in cash prizes, the competition offers the winner publication in Anthology alongside additional professional development opportunities through Reedsy Learning.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to poets of all ages
    • Submit an original, unpublished poem of up to 40 lines
    • Poems must be written in English
    • No restrictions on theme or style
    • Multiple entries permitted, with a separate fee for each submission
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted, but poems must be withdrawn if accepted elsewhere
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Generative AI is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • 1st Prize: €1,000 + publication in a future issue of Anthology
    • 2nd Prize: €250
    • 3rd Prize: €150
    • Winner receives a one-year Reedsy Learning membership
    • Shortlisted poets receive one Reedsy live craft masterclass
    • All entrants receive a 10% Reedsy Learning membership discount
  • Entry Fee
    • €18 per poem
  • Deadline
    • 31 October 2026

The National Poetry Competition 2026

Run by The Poetry Society since 1978, the National Poetry Competition is an international award for outstanding unpublished poetry. Poets can submit work on any subject, with a £5,000 first prize and publication in The Poetry Review among the opportunities for winning entries.

  • Rules

    • Open internationally to poets aged 18 and over

    • Submit an original, unpublished poem of up to 40 lines

    • Poems may be on any subject

    • Entries must be written in English, although phrases in other languages are permitted

    • There is no limit on the number of poems submitted

    • Anonymous judging process

    • Poems must not have been published, self-published, posted online or on social media, broadcast, or previously selected as competition winners

    • AI-generated work is strictly prohibited

  • Prizes

    • 1st Prize: £5,000

    • 2nd Prize: £3,000

    • 3rd Prize: £2,000

    • Seven Commended Prizes: £500 each

    • Top three winning poems published in The Poetry Review

  • Entry Fee

    • £9 for the first poem

    • £6 for each subsequent poem in the same submission

    • Poetry Society members: second poem free with their first submission

  • Deadline

    • 31 October 2026 (Midnight GMT)

Caring at Christmas Poetry Competition

The Caring at Christmas Poetry Competition, organised by Carers UK, invites UK-based writers to submit original poems exploring the joys and challenges of caring during the festive season. Open to poets of all experience levels, the competition celebrates the voices and experiences of unpaid carers.

  • Rules

    • Open to writers currently living in the UK
    • Submit up to two poems
    • Themes: The joy of caring at Christmas and/or The challenges of caring at Christmas
    • Maximum 30 lines (approximately 300 words) per poem
    • Poems must be original, unpublished, and not have won or been commended in another competition
    • Anonymous judging process
    • AI-generated work is not permitted

  • Prizes

    • 1st Prize: £50 high street voucher
    • 2nd Prize: £30 high street voucher
    • 3rd Prize: £20 high street voucher
    • One winning poem will be read at the Carers UK Carol Service
    • Shortlisted poems featured on the Carers UK website

  • Entry Fee

    • Free

  • Deadline

    • 30 September 2026 (Midnight UK time)

The New Cockney Poets & Together on Cable Street 2026

The New Cockney Poets poetry challenge invites writers to explore Modern Cockney identities and the Cockney Diaspora, or Unity and Comradeship in East End communities, marking the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street. Selected poems will be considered for a new anthology celebrating community, identity and togetherness.

  • Rules

    • Open to poets aged 18 and over

    • Submit poems of up to 40 lines

    • Poems should respond to one of two themes:

      • Modern Cockney identities & Cockney Diaspora

      • Unity & Comradeship of East End Communities

    • Selected poems will be considered for a planned anthology of approximately 50 poems

  • Prizes

    • 1st Prize: £500 (a "Monkey")

    • Two Commendation Prizes: £100 each (a "Ton")

    • Selected poems considered for publication in the New Cockney Poets anthology

  • Entry Fee

    • Free

  • Deadline

    • 4 October 2026

Blossom and Buzz: A Young Poets Network Writing Challenge

The Young Poets Network invites young writers worldwide to explore flowers, insects, or the relationship between them through poetry. Writers can draw inspiration from the natural world or use bugs and blooms as metaphors for memories, emotions and relationships.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to young poets aged 25 and under
    • Write a poem about flowers, insects, or the relationship between them
    • There is no word or line limit
    • Submit as many poems as you like
    • Written, video and audio submissions accepted, although video/audio entries must also include a text version
    • Poems must be the entrant's original work
    • AI assistance, including generative AI, is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • Selected winning poems published on Young Poets Network
    • Winners receive a range of poetry prizes, including poetry ebooks and posters
  • Entry Fee
    • Free
  • Deadline
    • 4 October 2026 (11:59pm BST)

Happiful Poetry Prize 2027

The Happiful Poetry Prize celebrates original poetry exploring mental health and wellbeing in engaging, empowering, and thought-provoking ways. Open to experienced and first-time poets across the UK, the competition is completely free, with publication opportunities and a free poetry webinar for every eligible entrant.

  • Rules
    • Open to UK residents aged 18 and over
    • Submit one poem only
    • Maximum 25 lines, excluding the title
    • Poems must explore mental health or wellbeing
    • Entries must be original, unpublished, and written in English
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted, but entrants must withdraw their poem if it is accepted elsewhere or wins another competition
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Generative AI must not be used to write, rewrite, or generate any part of the poem
  • Prizes
    • Winner: £100
    • Four shortlisted poets: £25 National Book Token each
    • Winning and shortlisted poems published in Issue 120 of Happiful
    • Every eligible entrant receives a free ticket to an exclusive online poetry webinar
  • Entry Fee
    • Free
  • Deadline
    • 30 October 2026 (11:59pm UK time)

Short Story & Novel Competitions

Cranked Anvil Quarterly Play Writing Competition

The Cranked Anvil Quarterly Play Writing Competition, run in partnership with Radio Northumberland, invites writers to submit original scripts designed for radio or audio broadcast. Winning and selected plays receive professional audio production, radio broadcast and publication opportunities.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers aged 16 and over
    • Submit an original radio or audio play of approximately 10–20 minutes
    • Any theme, genre, or setting is welcome
    • Theatre or film scripts that can be adapted for audio are also eligible
    • Entries must be written in English
    • Multiple and simultaneous submissions permitted
    • Scripts must be submitted as Word or OpenDocument Text files (no PDFs)
  • Prizes
    • 1st Prize: £50 + professional audio recording, radio/online broadcast and anthology inclusion
    • 2nd Prize: £35 + professional audio recording, radio/online broadcast and anthology inclusion
    • Special Mentions: Professional audio recording, broadcast and anthology inclusion
    • Selected shortlisted scripts may also be considered for professional recording and anthology publication
  • Entry Fee
    • £12 for one play
    • £22 for two plays
    • £30 for three plays
  • Deadline
    • 30 September 2026 (Midnight UK time)

The Writers' College Short Story Competition 2026

The Writers' College Short Story Competition supports emerging writers from around the world, with the 2026 theme "The End of the Line." Writers are invited to submit an original short story interpreting the theme for the chance to win cash prizes, publication, and editorial feedback.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to emerging writers aged 16 and over
    • Entrants must be unpublished or have been published four or fewer times
    • Theme: The End of the Line
    • Maximum 2,000 words
    • The exact phrase "the end of the line" must appear somewhere in the story
    • All genres accepted
    • Submit one story only
    • Stories must be original, unpublished, and written in English
    • Generative AI is not permitted
    • Anonymous judging process
  • Prizes
    • 1st Prize: £500 + anthology publication
    • 2nd Prize: £250 + anthology publication
    • 3rd Prize: £125 + anthology publication
    • Top three winners receive editorial feedback on their submitted stories
  • Entry Fee
    • £8 per entry
  • Deadline
    • 30 September 2026

Anthology Nature Writing Competition 2026

The Anthology Nature Writing Competition invites writers from around the world to submit original nature-themed writing celebrating our relationship with the natural world. Entries can explore anything from wildlife and local landscapes to environmental challenges and the restorative power of nature.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers of any age
    • Submit an original nature-themed piece of up to 1,500 words
    • Entries must be previously unpublished and written in English
    • Multiple entries permitted, with a separate fee for each submission
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Generative AI is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • Winner: €300 + publication in a future issue of Anthology
    • Winner receives a one-year Reedsy Learning membership
    • Shortlisted writers receive one Reedsy live craft masterclass
    • All entrants receive a 10% Reedsy Learning membership discount
  • Entry Fee
    • €15 per entry
  • Deadline
    • 30 September 2026

Anthology Flash Fiction Competition 2026

The Anthology Flash Fiction Competition invites new and established writers from around the world to create compelling stories in just 250 words. Open to any theme or genre, the competition rewards original, concise storytelling with a cash prize and publication in Anthology magazine.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers of any age
    • Submit an original flash fiction piece of up to 250 words
    • Any theme or genre is accepted
    • Entries must be previously unpublished and written in English
    • Multiple entries permitted, with a separate fee for each submission
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Generative AI is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • Winner: €300 + publication in a future issue of Anthology
    • Winner receives a one-year Reedsy Learning membership
    • Shortlisted writers receive one Reedsy live craft masterclass
    • All entrants receive a 10% Reedsy Learning membership discount
  • Entry Fee
    • €12 per entry
  • Deadline
    • 30 September 2026

Dzanc Books Writing Prizes

Dzanc Books offers three major manuscript competitions for novelists, short story writers, and poets, supporting daring and innovative writing with publication and cash advances. The Fiction and Short Story Collection prizes close in September, while poets have until the end of October.

  • Rules
    • Open to new, emerging, and established writers, including agented authors
    • Prize for Fiction: Submit a previously unpublished novel-length manuscript, generally 40,000+ words
    • Short Story Collection Prize: Submit a previously unpublished book-length story collection, generally 40,000+ words; individual stories may have been previously published
    • Poetry Prize: Submit a previously unpublished full-length poetry collection, generally 60+ pages
    • Previously published or self-published books are not eligible
    • Children's and YA manuscripts are not accepted
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted
  • Prizes
    • Prize for Fiction: $5,000 advance + publication by Dzanc Books
    • Short Story Collection Prize: $5,000 advance + publication by Dzanc Books
    • Poetry Prize: $1,500 advance + publication by Dzanc Books
  • Entry Fee
    • $25 per manuscript
  • Deadlines
    • Prize for Fiction: 30 September 2026 (Midnight)
    • Short Story Collection Prize: 30 September 2026 (Midnight)
    • Poetry Prize: 31 October 2026 (Midnight)

Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition 2026

The Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition welcomes short fiction on any subject, theme, or genre. The winning writer receives £1,000, publication, and an online creative writing course, with two additional cash prizes for runners-up.

  • Rules
    • Submit a short story of up to 3,000 words
    • No minimum word count
    • Entries may be on any subject, theme, or genre
    • Stories must be written in English
    • Multiple entries permitted, with a separate entry form and fee for each
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Entries must be submitted through Subfolio
  • Prizes
    • 1st Prize: £1,000 + an online Creative Writing Ink course + publication on the Creative Writing Ink website
    • Two Runners-up: £200 each
  • Entry Fee
    • £12 per entry
  • Deadline
    • 21 October 2026 (5pm)

FFF Competition Thirty-Six

Free Flash Fiction's Competition Thirty-Six invites writers worldwide to submit compact stories on any subject and in any style. Six stories will receive cash prizes and publication, with £200 awarded to the winning flash fiction.

  • Rules

    • Open internationally to writers aged 16 and over

    • Submit a flash fiction story of 100–300 words, excluding the title

    • Entries may be on any subject and written in any style of flash fiction

    • Stories must be fiction, written in English, and previously unpublished

    • Multiple entries permitted, but each must be submitted separately

    • Entries are anonymised for judging

  • Prizes

    • Winner: £200 + publication

    • Two Highly Commended: £100 each + publication

    • Three Shortlisted: £80 each + publication

    • Winner invited to judge the next FFF competition

  • Entry Fee

    • £4.95 per entry via PayPal or Stripe

    • £3.50 per entry via BACS for UK bank accounts

  • Deadline

    • 23 October 2026 (10pm UK time)

New Writers Novel Prize 2026

The New Writers Novel Prize, run by NewWriters.org.uk in association with The Novel Factory, invites writers to submit the opening of an unpublished novel or novella for adults or young adults. The inaugural competition offers a £1,000 first prize, publication, and writing software prizes.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers aged 18 and over
    • Submit the opening 500 words of an unpublished novel or novella
    • Open to any theme or genre for adult or young adult readers
    • The novel or novella does not need to be completed
    • Entries must be original, unpublished, and written in English
    • Published and unpublished writers are eligible
    • Submit up to three entries
    • Entries must not have previously won a prize or competition
    • Anonymous judging process
    • AI-generated writing is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • 1st Prize: £1,000 + lifetime access to The Novel Factory
    • 2nd Prize: £300 + 12-month Standard subscription to The Novel Factory
    • 3rd Prize: £200 + 12-month Basic subscription to The Novel Factory
    • Top three entries published on NewWriters.org.uk and in the New Writers Anthology
    • All entrants receive a 30% discount on The Novel Factory software
  • Entry Fee
    • £12 for one entry
    • £22 for two entries
    • £31 for three entries
    • Limited free entries for low-income writers available by application before 22 October 2026
  • Deadline
    • 31 October 2026 (11:59pm UK time)

Flash 500 Novel Opening & Synopsis Competition 2026

The Flash 500 Novel Opening & Synopsis Competition invites writers worldwide to submit the opening of an unpublished novel alongside a compelling synopsis. Open to published, self-published, and unpublished novelists, the annual competition offers a £500 first prize.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to published, self-published, and unpublished writers
    • Submit a novel opening of up to 3,000 words
    • The opening may consist of one or more chapters
    • Include a synopsis of up to 750 words
    • The opening and synopsis must be submitted together in a single file
    • Entries must be original, unpublished, and written in English
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted, but entrants must notify Flash 500 if their work is accepted elsewhere
    • Anonymous judging process
  • Prizes
    • 1st Prize: £500
    • 2nd Prize: £200
  • Entry Fee
    • £10 for one novel
    • £18 for two novels
    • £26 for three novels
    • Optional critique of the novel opening and synopsis: £35 per entry
  • Deadline
    • 31 October 2026 (Midnight UK time)

Six Word Wonder Contest 2026

The Six Word Wonder Contest challenges writers to tell a complete story, memoir, poem, or joke in exactly six words. Free to enter and open worldwide, the competition celebrates creativity and impact through one of the shortest forms of storytelling.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers aged 16 and over
    • Each entry must contain exactly six words
    • Submit up to five entries
    • Entries may be a story, memoir, poem, or joke
    • Entries must be original and written in English
    • AI-generated entries are not permitted
  • Prizes
    • Winner: $100 + title of Six Word Wonder 2026
    • Winning entry published in a future Six Word Wonder book
    • Shortlisted entries also published in a future Six Word Wonder book
  • Entry Fee
    • Free
  • Deadline
    • 30 September 2026 (Midnight Pacific Time)

The Folk Horror Short Story Contest

Run by Briar Press NY, the Folk Horror Short Story Contest is seeking atmospheric, unsettling fiction rooted in the folk-horror tradition. Stories can be set in any time, place, or culture, with the winning work published in the forthcoming anthology These Rotted Things.

  • Rules

    • Open internationally

    • Submit a folk-horror short story

    • Stories should be 5–30 pages, approximately 2,500–15,000 words

    • Entries may be set in any time period, place, or culture

    • Stories must be previously unpublished

    • Submit as a Word or PDF document

    • Manuscripts should include the author's name, title, and page numbers

    • Include a short cover letter with contact details and any relevant publishing history

  • Prizes

    • Winning story published in Briar Press NY's These Rotted Things anthology in Spring 2027

    • Publication in digital and soft-trade paperback formats

    • Marketing and promotional support through Briar Press NY

    • Three free copies of the published anthology

  • Entry Fee

    • Free

  • Deadline

    • 1 October 2026

The Solstice Nature Prize for Young Writers 2026

The Solstice Nature Prize, run by Writing East Midlands, invites young writers across the UK to explore nature, the environment, and climate change through poetry, short stories, or blogs. The free competition has four age categories, with prizes and publication opportunities available in each.

  • Rules
    • Open to UK-based writers aged 7–25
    • Submit one piece of work only
    • Short stories and blogs: maximum 500 words
    • Poetry: maximum 40 lines
    • Entries should explore nature, the environment, or issues related to climate change
    • Work must be original and unpublished
    • Anonymous submissions required
    • Simultaneous submissions are not permitted
    • AI-assisted and AI-generated work is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • Winner in each age category: £100 in Amazon vouchers + publication
    • Five Highly Commended writers in each age category: goody bag + online publication
    • Additional regional prizes available for young writers living in the East Midlands
  • Entry Fee
    • Free
  • Deadline
    • 10 October 2026 (11:59pm UK time)