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 JUly 2026 

Poetry Competitions

The Shelley Memorial Poetry Competition 2026

An international poetry competition inspired by the legacy of Percy Bysshe Shelley, inviting poets to explore the 2026 theme of "Liberty", with cash prizes and recognition for outstanding entries.

  • Rules

    • Open to writers aged 18 and over

    • Theme: Liberty

    • Submit original, unpublished poems

    • Maximum 40 lines per poem

    • Up to four poems may be entered

    • Anonymous judging process

  • Prizes

    • First Prize: £300

    • Second Prize: £200

    • Third Prize: £100

    • The Sussex Cup awarded to the best poem by a Sussex-based poet

  • Entry Fee

    • £5 per poem

  • Deadline

    • 15 July 2026

  • More Info

New Writers Poetry Competition 2026

An international poetry competition welcoming original poems on any theme, offering generous cash prizes and publication opportunities for winning entries through the New Writers Anthology.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers aged 18 and over
    • Submit original, unpublished poems written in English
    • Any theme or subject accepted
    • Maximum 42 lines per poem (excluding title and line spaces)
    • Up to three poems may be entered
    • Anonymous judging process
    • AI-generated work is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • First Prize: £1,000
    • Four Runners-up: £100 each
    • Winning and runner-up poems published on the New Writers website and in the New Writers Anthology
  • Entry Fee
    • £10 for one entry
    • £18 for two entries
    • £26 for three entries
    • Limited free entries available for eligible low-income writers
  • Deadline
    • 15 July 2026

2026 Rattle Poetry Prize

An internationally renowned poetry competition from Rattle magazine, inviting poets to submit original work of any style or subject for substantial cash prizes and publication.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally
    • Submit original, unpublished poems written primarily in English
    • Any theme, style, or subject accepted
    • No line or length restrictions
    • Submit up to four poems per entry
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted
  • Prizes
    • First Prize: $15,000 USD and publication in the Winter 2026 issue of Rattle
    • Ten Finalists: $500 USD each and publication
    • Readers' Choice Award: $5,000 USD
    • Additional poems may also be selected for standard publication
  • Entry Fee
    • $30 per entry (includes a one-year subscription to Rattle magazine or a one-year extension for current subscribers)
  • Deadline
    • 15 July 2026

Morecambe Poetry Competition 2026

An international poetry competition welcoming original poems on any subject, with cash prizes, anthology publication, and the opportunity for winning poets to read at the Morecambe Poetry Festival.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers aged 16 and over
    • Submit original, unpublished poems written in English
    • Any theme or subject accepted
    • Maximum 50 lines per poem
    • Anonymous judging process
    • AI-generated poetry is not permitted
    • Up to five poems may be submitted
  • Prizes
    • First Prize: £300
    • Second Prize: £125
    • Three Third Prizes: £25 each
    • £50 Local Prize for poets living in an LA3 or LA4 postcode
    • Winning and shortlisted poems published in the Morecambe Poetry Festival Anthology
    • Winning poets invited to read at the Morecambe Poetry Festival
  • Entry Fee
    • £4 for one poem
    • £10 for three poems
    • £3 for each additional poem (up to five poems per submission)
  • Deadline
    • 28 July 2026 (6:00 p.m. GMT)

The Letter Review Prize for Poetry 2026

An international poetry competition celebrating outstanding new writing, offering substantial cash prizes, publication opportunities, and wide exposure through one of the world's leading online literary journals.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally
    • Submit original, unpublished poems
    • Maximum 70 lines per poem
    • Any theme, style, or subject accepted
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted
    • Translations of your own work are accepted
  • Prizes
    • Winners share a $3,000 USD prize pool
    • Winning poems published online and in The Letter Review Winners Anthology
    • Up to 20 shortlisted poets recognised
    • Winning and shortlisted writers promoted across The Letter Review website and social media
    • Winning entries may be considered for prestigious anthologies, including the Pushcart Prize
    • All entries considered for publication
  • Entry Fee
    • $20 USD for one poem
    • $10 USD for each additional poem
  • Deadline
    • 30 July 2026

Wells Festival of Literature Young Poets' Competition 2026

A poetry competition for young writers aged 16–22, welcoming original poems on any subject and offering cash prizes, publication, and the opportunity to perform at the Wells Festival of Literature.

  • Rules

    • Open internationally to writers aged 16–22

    • Submit original, unpublished poems written in English

    • Any theme or subject accepted

    • Maximum 40 lines per poem

    • Up to three poems may be entered

    • Anonymous judging process

    • Entries must not be published or entered into another competition during the judging period

  • Prizes

    • First Prize: £200

    • Second Prize: £150

    • Third Prize: £100

    • One year's membership to The Poetry Society for all prize winners

    • All shortlisted poems published in the Festival Poetry Booklet

    • Shortlisted poets invited to perform or submit a video reading at the awards event

  • Entry Fee

    • £3 per poem

  • Deadline

    • 31 July 2026

  • More Info

The Mills Archive Trust Poetry Competition 2026

A poetry competition celebrating the heritage and history of milling, inviting poets to submit original work exploring the 2026 theme of "Milling", with publication opportunities for winning entries.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers aged 11 and over
    • Theme: Milling
    • Submit original, unpublished poems written in English
    • Maximum 40 lines per poem (excluding the title)
    • Up to five poems may be entered
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted (organisers must be notified if a poem is published or wins elsewhere)
    • AI-generated work is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • Winning poems published in Mill Memories
    • Featured in the Mills Archive Trust newsletter
    • Promoted across the Trust's social media channels
  • Entry Fee
    • Adults (25+): £5
    • Young Adults (18–24): £3
    • Children (11–17): Free
  • Deadline
    • 31 July 2026

Winchester Poetry Prize 2026

An international poetry competition welcoming original poems of any style or subject, offering generous cash prizes, anthology publication, and recognition through the Winchester Poetry Festival.

  • Rules

    • Open internationally to writers aged 16 and over

    • Submit original, unpublished poems written in English

    • Any theme, style, or form accepted

    • Maximum 40 lines per poem (excluding the title)

    • Anonymous judging process

    • AI-generated, translated, and collaborative works are not permitted

    • Poems must not be under consideration in another competition at the time of submission

  • Prizes

    • First Prize: £1,000

    • Second Prize: £500

    • Third Prize: £250

    • The Kathryn Bevis Prize awarded to the best poem by a Hampshire-based poet

    • All longlisted poems published in the Winchester Poetry Prize Anthology

    • Longlisted poets invited to read at the prize-giving ceremony

  • Entry Fee

    • £7 for the first poem

    • £5 for each subsequent poem

    • Free entries available through the Pay It Forward scheme for eligible low-income poets

  • Deadline

    • 31 July 2026 (11:59 p.m. UK time)

  • More Info

The International Dark Poets Prize V

An international poetry competition celebrating dark, gothic, and emotionally powerful poetry, inviting writers to explore the beauty, mystery, and complexity found within the shadows.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally
    • Submit poems written in English
    • Theme: Dark poetry (including gothic, melancholic, macabre, surreal, or haunting work)
    • Maximum 250 words per poem (excluding the title)
    • Previously published poems are accepted
    • Multiple entries permitted
    • All entries considered for future publication
  • Prizes
    • First Prize: £1,000, winner's certificate, official Dark Poets Club T-shirt, and publication
    • Second Prize: £500, certificate, official Dark Poets Club T-shirt
    • Third Prize: £300, certificate, official Dark Poets Club T-shirt
    • Shortlisted and Honourable Mention entries considered for publication
  • Entry Fee
    • £6 for one poem
    • £10 for three poems
    • £14 for five poems
  • Deadline
    • 31 July 2026

2026 Poetry Prize: Green Dragon Guild of London

A free poetry competition inviting UK-based fantasy and historical fiction writers to explore the theme of "Chimeras", with the winning poem set to music and performed by professional musicians.

  • Rules
    • Open to UK residents aged 18 and over
    • Theme: Chimeras
    • Open to fantasy and historical fiction authors and poets
    • Submit original lyrics or poems suitable for musical setting
    • Maximum 50 lines
    • Up to two entries permitted
    • Entries must be written mostly or entirely in English
    • Previously published and unpublished works accepted
  • Prizes
    • £100 cash prize
    • Winning poem set to music by composer David Yardley
    • Live performance by professional musicians at the "Of Carols & Chimeras" concert
    • Complimentary concert tickets
    • 50% royalties from future performances and recordings of the musical work
  • Entry Fee
    • Free
  • Deadline
    • 29 July 2026

Short Story & Novel Competitions

HG Wells Short Story Competition 2026

An international short story competition inspired by the legacy of H.G. Wells, inviting writers to respond to the 2026 theme of "The Cheat", with cash prizes and anthology publication for shortlisted entries.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally
    • Theme: The Cheat
    • Submit original, unpublished short stories written in English
    • Word count: 1,500–5,000 words
    • Stories must be the sole work of the entrant
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Multiple entries permitted (each submitted separately)
  • Prizes
    • Under 21 Category: £1,000
    • Senior Category (22+): £500
    • Shortlisted stories published in the HG Wells Short Story Competition Anthology
  • Entry Fee
    • Free for writers aged 21 and under
    • £10 per entry for writers aged 22 and over
    • £5 for students (with valid student ID)
  • Deadline
    • 7 July 2026 (11:00 p.m. BST)

Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize 2026

An international novel-writing competition celebrating the art of the opening page, inviting writers to submit the first page of an unpublished novel-in-progress for cash prizes and publication.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers aged 18 and over
    • Submit the first page of Chapter One of an unpublished novel-in-progress
    • Open to all adult fiction genres, including YA with adult readership
    • Middle-grade, children's fiction, non-fiction, and erotica are not eligible
    • Entries must be original work written in English
    • AI-generated content is not permitted
    • Multiple entries permitted (each requires a separate entry fee)
  • Prizes
    • First Prize: $1,000
    • Second Prize: $500
    • Third Prize: $250
    • Winning and Honourable Mention entries published on the Gutsy Great Novelist website
  • Entry Fee
    • $20 per entry
  • Deadline
    • 16 July 2026 (5:00 p.m. ET)

Write Catalyst Annual Short Story Contest 2026

An international short story competition welcoming original fiction across all genres, offering cash prizes, publication, and promotion through the Write Catalyst writing community.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers aged 18 and over
    • Submit original, unpublished short stories
    • Open to all fiction genres
    • Word count: 1,000–5,000 words
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted
    • Multiple entries permitted (each requires a separate entry fee)
    • AI-generated content is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • First Prize: $100, publication, social media promotion, and a one-year Write Catalyst membership
    • Second Prize: $50, publication, social media promotion, and a one-year Write Catalyst membership
    • Third Prize: $25, publication, social media promotion, and a one-year app membership
  • Entry Fee
    • $5 per entry
  • Deadline
    • 22 July 2026 (8:00 p.m. EDT)

The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction 2026

An international short fiction competition celebrating outstanding storytelling across all genres, offering substantial cash prizes, publication opportunities, and wide exposure through one of the world's leading literary journals.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally
    • Submit original, unpublished short fiction
    • Maximum 5,000 words
    • Any theme or genre accepted
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted
    • Translations of your own work are accepted
  • Prizes
    • Winners share a $3,000 USD prize pool
    • Winning stories published online and in The Letter Review Winners Anthology
    • Up to 20 shortlisted writers recognised
    • Winning and shortlisted writers promoted across The Letter Review website and social media
    • Winning entries may be considered for prestigious anthologies, including the Pushcart Prize
    • All entries considered for publication
  • Entry Fee
    • $25 USD for one entry
    • $15 USD for each additional entry
  • Deadline
    • 30 July 2026

Ironclad Short Story Competition – Autumn 2026

An international short story competition inviting writers to respond creatively to the 2026 prompt "HARVEST", with cash prizes and publication in the Ironclad Creative Autumn 2026 Anthology.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers of all ages
    • Theme/Prompt: HARVEST
    • Submit original, unpublished short stories written in English
    • Maximum 6,000 words
    • Any genre accepted
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Multiple entries permitted
    • AI-generated work is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • First Prize: £100 and publication
    • Second Prize: £50 and publication
    • Third Prize: £25 and publication
    • Shortlisted stories published in the Ironclad Creative Autumn 2026 Anthology
  • Entry Fee
    • £9.75 per story
    • Limited free entries available for eligible low-income writers living in the UK
  • Deadline
    • 31 July 2026 (11:59 p.m. BST)

Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Competition 2026

An internationally acclaimed short story competition welcoming original fiction of any style or subject, offering generous cash prizes, publication, and the opportunity to read at the Cork International Short Story Festival.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally
    • Submit original, unpublished and unbroadcast short stories written in English
    • Maximum 3,000 words
    • Any theme, genre, or style accepted
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted
    • Multiple entries permitted (each requires a separate entry fee)
    • Translations are not eligible
    • Previous first-prize winners are not eligible to enter
  • Prizes
    • First Prize: €2,000, publication in Southword, and a featured reading at the Cork International Short Story Festival
    • Second Prize: €800 and publication
    • Four Runners-up: €400 each and publication
  • Entry Fee
    • €19 per story
  • Deadline
    • 31 July 2026

Cranked Anvil Quarterly Short Story Competition

An international quarterly short story competition welcoming original fiction of any genre, offering cash prizes, publication, professional audio recordings, and UK radio broadcasts.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers aged 16 and over
    • Submit original, unpublished short stories written in English
    • Any theme or genre accepted
    • Word count: 501–1,500 words
    • Up to three stories may be entered per quarter
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted (organisers must be notified if accepted elsewhere)
  • Prizes
    • First Prize: £100, publication, professional audio recording, UK radio broadcast, and inclusion in a future digital anthology
    • Second Prize: £30, publication, professional audio recording, UK radio broadcast, and inclusion in a future digital anthology
    • Special Mention entries receive publication, professional audio recording, UK radio broadcast, and anthology inclusion
    • Selected shortlisted stories may also be considered for publication and audio production
  • Entry Fee
    • £5 for one story
    • £8 for two stories
    • £10 for three stories
  • Deadline
    • 31 July 2026 (Midnight UK time)

Anthology Short Story Competition 2026

An international short story competition celebrating original fiction of any theme or style, offering generous cash prizes, publication, and additional writing opportunities through Anthology magazine.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally to writers of all ages
    • Submit original, unpublished short stories written in English
    • Maximum 1,500 words
    • Any theme or style accepted
    • Anonymous judging process
    • Multiple entries permitted
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted
    • AI-generated work is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • First Prize: €1,000 and publication in Anthology magazine
    • Second Prize: €250
    • Third Prize: €150
    • Winner receives a one-year Reedsy Learning membership
    • Shortlisted writers receive a Reedsy Learning live craft masterclass
    • All entrants receive a 10% Reedsy Learning membership discount
  • Entry Fee
    • €18 per story
  • Deadline
    • 31 July 2026

Summer on Story Street Flash Fiction Contest 2026

A free international micro-fiction competition inviting writers to explore the theme "Unpacked" in exactly 100 words, with cash prizes and publication in the Story Street Review.

  • Rules
    • Open to writers aged 18 and over
    • Theme: Unpacked
    • Submit one original, unpublished story
    • Maximum 100 words (title excluded)
    • Limited to the first 1,000 submissions
    • Simultaneous submissions permitted
    • AI-generated work is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • First Prize: $100 and publication in the Story Street Review
    • Three Runners-up: $25 each and publication
  • Entry Fee
    • Free
  • Deadline
    • 15 July 2026 (Midnight EST)

Protopian Prize Fiction Contest 2026

A free international short fiction competition inviting writers to imagine realistic, optimistic futures through one of two themes: Public AI or Democratic Futures, with winning stories published by MIT Press.

  • Rules
    • Open internationally
    • Submit one original, previously unpublished short story
    • Choose one category: Public AI or Democratic Futures
    • 500–6,000 words
    • Co-authored entries permitted
    • AI-generated writing is not permitted
  • Prizes
    • Two winners (one per category) receive $5,000 USD each
    • Publication in In the Loop: Stories from the Future of People, Power, and Machines (MIT Press)
  • Entry Fee
    • Free
  • Deadline
    • 31 July 2026