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Finding the best writing contests in 2025 can feel overwhelming, like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want opportunities that help you shine and maybe even land you a prize, but where do you start? Don’t worry—if you keep reading, I’ll show you how to spot the top contests that could turn your writing dreams into reality.
Stick with me, and you'll learn simple steps to find contests that fit your style and goals. We’ll cover what makes a contest worth entering and how to avoid the ones that might just waste your time. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of where to focus your efforts for the best shot at success.
So, if you're ready to uncover the hottest writing contests of 2025, let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- There are over 250 writing contests in 2025 covering genres like fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and children’s books. Focus on contests with big prizes, clear deadlines, and reasonable entry fees to improve your chances.
- Choose contests that match your genre and style. Reading past winners and understanding the rules helps craft better submissions. Submit to multiple categories for more opportunities.
- Polished work matters. Edit carefully, follow formatting rules, and prepare a strong bio or cover letter. Staying organized and meeting deadlines increases your chances of success.
- Study past winners and tailor each entry to the contest’s theme. Follow guidelines precisely and submit early to stand out in a competitive field.
- Rejection is normal. Use it to learn and improve. Keep track of your submissions, stay persistent, and don’t get discouraged — every attempt gets you closer to winning or gaining exposure.
Step 1: Find the Best Writing Contests for 2025
If you're eager to get your work noticed and win some cash or publishing opportunities, knowing where to enter is key. The good news is, 2025 offers over 250 writing contests spanning genres like fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and children's books. With so many options, it can be overwhelming, but focusing on the best ones will save you time and increase your chances of success.
Start by prioritizing contests with high prizes, favorable entry fees, and clear deadlines. Major contests like the Bridport Prize offer a whopping £5,000 (~$6,000 USD) prize for fiction, with submissions due by May 2025. The Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition offers $5,000 in prizes and generally opens its doors in June. Keep an eye on deadlines, which typically run from early to late in the year—October is a popular month for many significant contests. For example, the First Page Challenge closes on September 30, 2025, offering both cash prizes and publication opportunities.
Next, consider the categories each contest covers. Some focus solely on poetry, with typical length limits like 60 lines, while others accept short stories, essays, or even graphic short stories and comics. If you're into novels or unpublished manuscripts, contests like The Bath Novel Award provide a chance for industry exposure along with a cash prize of around £3,000 ($3,800 USD) plus agent introductions.
Another important aspect is entry fees. While many contests are free—perfect for writers just starting out—others charge between $5 and $30, with some charging in local currencies like CAD or AUD. For example, the First Page Challenge is free to enter, making it accessible for all, whereas the Bridport Prize has a fee but offers substantial rewards.
Eligibility varies, but most contests accept international submissions, especially those that focus on unpublished works or emerging writers. Some, like The First Page Challenge, are open worldwide, making it easier for writers outside the U.S. or U.K. to participate. Always double-check contest rules regarding nationality or publication status to avoid surprises.
To stay on top of upcoming opportunities, compile a list of contests with approaching deadlines and high stakes. Sites like ContestLists.com and literary communities often update their calendars regularly. Bookmarking and setting reminders for deadlines will help you submit on time. When you find a contest that fits your genre and goals, read the guidelines carefully to optimize your entry and increase your odds in this competitive arena.
Remember, some contests even offer non-monetary perks like professional editing, industry networking, and publication chances—valuable rewards that go beyond cash prizes. For example, participating in contests like the Peter Porter Poetry Prize can connect you with established poets and editors.
Getting familiar with current statistics also helps. For instance, knowing that most short story contests offer smaller prizes—say, $200 to $1,000—but have numerous categories, can guide your choices. For more tips on crafting winning entries and understanding contest trends, check out comprehensive guides like how to get a book published without an agent.
Step 2: Understand the Different Contest Categories and How to Target Yours
Not all writing contests are created equal, and each tends to focus on specific genres or formats.
Knowing the categories you want to enter is key to tailoring your submissions effectively.
Familiarize yourself with common categories like fiction, poetry, non-fiction, essays, and children’s literature.
Some contests even accept graphic stories, comics, or flash fiction, so check the rules carefully.
If you’re submitting fiction, make sure your story fits the genre—romance, mystery, science fiction, etc.—and follow word count limits strictly.
Poetry categories often specify line or page limits, so format your work accordingly to avoid disqualification.
For non-fiction, you might need to pitch a personal essay, memoir excerpt, or investigative piece.
When targeting a category, look at previous winners’ work to understand what the judges favor.
This research can help you hone in on the style, tone, and themes that resonate with each contest’s priorities.
Remember, many contests have multiple categories, so diversify your submissions across different genres to increase your chances.
Check whether your work needs to be unpublished or if previously published work is allowed—this varies, so read the guidelines thoroughly.
Some contests specifically seek emerging writers or debut works, so see if you qualify under those terms to boost your odds.
Always label your entries clearly, matching your manuscript to the category and requirements to avoid mix-ups.
Step 3: How to Prepare Your Entries for Success
Submitting a polished, professional-looking entry is half the battle won.
Start by editing your work carefully; consider using editing tools like AutoCrit or ProWritingAid to tighten your prose.
Take time to ensure your manuscript aligns with the contest’s formatting rules, such as font size, margins, and spacing.
A clean, well-formatted document looks more professional and shows respect for the judges’ time.
If the contest requests a synopsis or bio, craft a compelling, concise version that adds value without overshadowing your work.
Pay attention to cover letter requirements—some contests ask for a brief note explaining your submission or your writing background.
Avoid common errors like typos or grammatical mistakes; consider having a friend or professional editor review your work.
Use a consistent file name that includes your name and the title, so it’s easy for organizers to identify your submission.
Double-check the submission guidelines before hitting send, and keep a copy of your entry for your records.
Note submission deadlines—set reminders well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes or missed opportunities.
Remember, some contests offer feedback or industry opportunities even if you don’t win; treat each submission as a learning experience.
Step 4: How to Maximize Your Chances of Winning
With many talented writers competing, it helps to go the extra mile to stand out.
Study past winning entries to understand what judges look for—unique voice, compelling storytelling, or innovative poetry.
Tailor each submission to the specific contest; avoid sending generic work that doesn’t fit the theme or style.
Follow every guideline meticulously—ignoring details like word count or file format almost guarantees disqualification.
Consider participating in smaller, local contests first to build confidence and refine your approach.
Networking can also help—join writing communities or forums where past finalists share tips and insights.
Utilize social media to connect with contest organizers or to promote your participation—sometimes visibility pays off.
Don’t be discouraged by rejection; use it as an opportunity to revise and improve your work.
Keep a record of your submissions, including dates and feedback, to recognize patterns and enhance your future entries.
Aim to submit early when possible—winning entries often benefit from careful refinement and a fresh perspective.
Sometimes, a strong, well-crafted cover letter can provide context and help judges connect with your work.
Finally, stay persistent: entering multiple contests throughout the year increases your chances of landing a win or professional exposure.
Step 5: How to Handle Rejections and Keep Moving Forward
Rejection is part of the game—every writer faces it, even the greatest authors.
Don’t take it personally; use it as a chance to sharpen your skills or rethink your approach.
Review any feedback provided—it can be invaluable in improving your craft or your next submission.
Set aside rejected work for later revision or consider submitting it to other suitable contests or publishers.
Maintain a positive attitude and keep submitting; perseverance often leads to breakthroughs.
Many successful writers see rejection as a stepping stone, not a stop sign.
Create a routine—set goals like submitting to a certain number of contests each month to stay motivated.
Join writer groups or accountability partners for encouragement and shared advice.
Remember, some contests do accept previously unpublished work, but double-check the guidelines for each one.
Stay organized by tracking your submissions and deadlines so you won’t forget promising opportunities.
Celebrate your efforts, regardless of the outcome—every submission gets you closer to your goal.
Consider the possibility of editing or rewriting your entry based on the feedback you get, then resubmit to other contests or publishers.
Eventually, persistence and learning from each experience will increase your chances of winning and building your writing career.
FAQs
Look for contests with reputable organizations, clear submission guidelines, attractive prizes, and a focus area that matches your writing style. Reading past winners and reviews can also help determine which contests are worth entering for 2025.
Start researching contests early in the year so you have ample time to craft quality submissions. Preparation often involves multiple drafts, peer reviews, and understanding contest themes, making early planning beneficial.
Yes, submitting to several contests can increase your chances of winning and gaining exposure. Just ensure each entry aligns with contest rules and themes to avoid disqualification.
Contests often accept fiction, poetry, essays, and creative nonfiction. Some contests focus on specific genres or themes, so review each contest's guidelines to find suitable opportunities for your writing style.
