writing contests

In our special section on writing contests, we take a look at three literary organizations offering prizes that include more than just cash—including time and space to write, career development, and more.

Information about twenty-five first-book contests for poets and fiction writers ready to submit their manuscripts.

Nine frequent contest judges—who also happen to be some of the most productive writers and editors working today—offer advice and insight about what they look for in entries, how they winnow the piles, and what it takes to win.

A breakdown of the numbers behind our Grants & Awards section, including the total amount of prize money given each year, the cost of entry, and how writing contests have changed over the past ten years.

What first struck John D’Agata as a flaw in Noam Dorr’s essay, “Love Drones,” turns out to be a strength that sets it apart, a big factor in D’Agata’s decision to select the piece as winner of the 2014 Gulf Coast Nonfiction prize.