A prize of $3,000, publication by Tupelo Press, and 20 author copies is given annually for a first or second poetry collection. Submit a manuscript of 48 to 88 pages with a $30...
read moreWriting 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.
Plough
Cash Prize: $2,000
Entry Fee: $7
Application Deadline: 4/30/26
Genre: Poetry
An award of $2,000 and publication in Plough will be given annually for a single poem that reflects Rhina Espaillat’s “lyricism, attention to form, empathy, and...
read moreAutumn House Press
Cash Prize: $1,000
Entry Fee: $35
Application Deadline: 4/30/26
Genre: Creative Nonfiction
A prize of $1,000 and publication by Autumn House Press is given annually for a book of creative nonfiction. The winner also receives a $1,500 travel and publicity grant. Ira...
read moreBackwaters Press
Cash Prize: $2,000
Entry Fee: $32
Application Deadline: 5/1/26
Genre: Poetry
A prize of $2,000 and publication by Backwaters Press, an imprint of University of Nebraska Press, is given annually for a poetry collection. An honorable mention prize of $1,...
read moreHigh Desert Museum
Cash Prize: $3,000
Entry Fee: $0
Application Deadline: 5/1/26
Genre: Creative Nonfiction
A prize of $3,000 is given annually for a work of nonfiction that recognizes “the vital role deserts play worldwide in the ecosystem and the human narrative.” The winner is...
read moreWinning Writers
Cash Prize: $3,500
Entry Fee: $25
Application Deadline: 5/1/26
Genre: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Two prizes of $3,500 each, two gift certificates for two-year memberships to the literary database Duotrope, and publication on the Winning Writers website are given annually...
read moreMcGill University
Cash Prize: $14,418
Entry Fee: $18
Application Deadline: 5/1/26
Genre: Poetry
A prize of $20,000 Canadian (approximately $14,418) is given biennially for a poem. Natalie Diaz will judge, and Jaswinder Bolina, Kayla Czaga, Boris Dralyuk, Iona Lee, Brandy...
read moreNoemi Press
Cash Prize: $2,000
Entry Fee: $30
Application Deadline: 5/1/26
Genre: Poetry
A prize of $2,000 and publication by Noemi Press is given annually for a poetry collection. The editors will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript...
read moreWick Poetry Center
Cash Prize: $2,500
Entry Fee: $27
Application Deadline: 5/1/26
Genre: Poetry
A prize of $2,500 and publication by Kent State University Press is given annually for a debut poetry collection. The winner is also invited to teach a weeklong writing...
read moreInterlochen Center for the Arts
Cash Prize: $25,000
Entry Fee: $0
Application Deadline: 5/1/26
Genre: Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
A prize of $25,000 and a two- to three-day residency at Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan, is given annually for a book of fiction or nonfiction published in...
read moreTrio House Press
Cash Prize: $1,000
Entry Fee: $25
Application Deadline: 5/15/26
Genre: Creative Nonfiction
A prize of $1,000, publication by Trio House Press, and 20 author copies is given annually for a book of nonfiction by a writer living in the United States. Deborah Derrickson...
read moreAcademy of American Poets
Cash Prize: $25,000
Entry Fee: $75
Application Deadline: 5/15/26
Genre: Poetry
A prize of $25,000 is given annually for a poetry collection by a living poet published in the United States during the previous year. The winner also receives a 10-day...
read moreAcademy of American Poets
Cash Prize: $5,000
Entry Fee: $0
Application Deadline: 5/15/26
Genre: Poetry
A prize of $5,000 is given annually for a second poetry collection by a living poet to be published in the next calendar year. The winner also receives an all-expenses-paid...
read moreGeorgia Review
Cash Prize: $1,500
Entry Fee: $25
Application Deadline: 5/15/26
Genre: Poetry
A prize of $1,500 and publication in Georgia Review is given annually for a single poem. Brian Teare will judge. Submit up to three poems totaling no more than 10...
read moreRegal House Publishing
Cash Prize: $1,000
Entry Fee: $25
Application Deadline: 5/15/26
Genre: Fiction
A prize of $1,000 and publication by Regal House Publishing is given annually for a novella. The editors will judge. English translations of works originally written in another...
read moreCrook’s Corner Book Prize Foundation
Cash Prize: $5,000
Entry Fee: $35
Application Deadline: 5/15/26
Genre: Fiction
A prize of $5,000 is given annually for a debut novel primarily set in the American South. Authors living anywhere are eligible. Self-published books are accepted, but books...
read more