Writing Contests, Grants & Awards

The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

Broadside Lotus Press

Cash Prize: $500
Entry Fee: $0
Application Deadline: 3/15/26
Genre: Poetry

A prize of $500 and publication by Broadside Lotus Press is given annually for a poetry collection by an African American poet. Submit two copies of a manuscript of...

read more

Prairie Schooner

Cash Prize: $3,000
Entry Fee: $25
Application Deadline: 3/15/26
Genre: Poetry, Fiction

Two prizes of $3,000 each and publication by University of Nebraska Press are given annually for a poetry collection and a story collection. Submit a poetry manuscript of at...

read more

Persea Books

Cash Prize: $2,000
Entry Fee: $30
Application Deadline: 3/15/26
Genre: Poetry

A prize of $2,000 and publication by Persea Books is given annually for a poetry collection by a poet who is a U.S. citizen or resides in the United States and who has...

read more

Airlie Press

Cash Prize: $1,000
Entry Fee: $25
Application Deadline: 3/15/26
Genre: Poetry

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Airlie Press is given annually for a poetry collection. The editors will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a...

read more

James Jones Literary Society

Cash Prize: $12,000
Entry Fee: $33
Application Deadline: 3/15/26
Genre: Fiction

A fellowship of $12,000 is given annually for a novel-in-progress that honors “the spirit of unblinking honesty, determination, and insight into modern culture as exemplified...

read more

Georgia Writers

Cash Prize: $500
Entry Fee: $0
Application Deadline: 3/31/26

Three grants of $500 each will be given annually to a poet, fiction writer, and nonfiction writer to “amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ youth in Georgia.” Grantees will also...

read more

Pages