Sorrento Creative Writing Prize
Open to: Australian citizens and residents aged 18 and over who have not had their work published by a commercial publisher
Theme: None
Accepts: Creative writing
Size: 2,500 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $5,000

SCWC Poetry Award
Open to: Living in Australia over the age of 18
Theme: Shapeshifter
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $15 ($10 for SCWC members)
Prizes: First: $1,000, Second: $100, Ron Pretty SCWC Member award: $100, Wollongong Art Gallery Special Award: $100 voucher

Next Generation Short Story Awards
CANADIAN COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme:  Categories: African American, Animals/Pets, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), Children's/Juvenile, Fairy Tales/Fantasy, Family/Parenting, General Fiction (2,500 to 5,000 words), General Fiction (Under 2,500 words), Geenral Non-Fiction, Historical, Horror/Scary/Paranormal, Humour, Inspirational, LGBTQ+, Mystery, Poetry, Relationships, Romance, Science Fiction, Social Change/COVID 19 Pandemic, Spiritual/Religious, Survival/Overcoming Adversity, Suspense/Thriller, Travel, Wild Card (If it fits nowhere else)
Accepts: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
Size: 5,000 words, Middle School and High School student entries: 1,000 to 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $US 25 (stories may be entered into more than one category for $US 20 for each additional one)
Prizes: Category Winners: $US 75, gold medal and publication, Overall first: $US 500 & Trophy, Overall second: $US 300, Overall third: $US 200

Ada Cambridge Biographical Prose Prize
Open to: 18 years and over and who live in the state of Victoria
Theme: Biographical
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: $500

Ada Cambridge Poetry Prize
Open to: 18 years and over and who live in the state of Victoria
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 30 lines
Entry Fee: $15 (up to two poems)
Prize: $500

AWC Furious Fiction
Opens: 5pm (Sydney/Melbourne time)
Closes: 55 hours later
Open to: 17 years and older
Theme: Story prompt provided
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Not mentioned

Jennifer Burbidge Short Story Award
Open to: Australian Writers
Theme: Disability in an Australian Setting
Accepts: Fiction or Nonfiction
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: $500

RUSSH Literary Showcase
Open to: Australian writers identifying as women or as belonging to an under-recognised group
Theme: None
Accepts: Essays, Features, Narratives, Poetry, Screenplays
Size: Essays, Features, Narratives: 2,000 - 3,000 words,  Poetry: 800 - 1,200 words, Screenplays: 1,000 -3,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Judges' Choice: Writers Residency, 2025 RUSSH writers fellowship that includes at least $5,000 in paid writing commissions, Readers' Choice: Mentorship with a published author and advocate, Editor's Commendation: Mentorship with a published author and advocate

Miniatures
Open to: Writers based on New Zealand and Australia and 16 years and over
Theme: "Discovery" and have relevance to the broader Australian or New Zealand LGBTQIA+ Community
Accepts: Miniature story
Size: 50 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $500 plus Runner-up prizes

Michael Terence Publishing Short Story Competition
UK COMPETITION
Closing Date: EARLYBIRD: 10/03/2025, REGULAR: 10/06/2025
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short story – fiction or non-fiction
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: EARLYBIRD: £6, REGULAR: £9
Prizes: First: £1,000,  Publication in MTP Anthology and Anthology Title based on the winning entry's title, Second: £500, Publication in the MTP Anthology, Third: £250, Publication in the MTP Anthology, Runners-up x 5: £50, Publication in the MTP Anthology

The Scenic Writer's Shack Writing Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Delivery of a fridge. And includes the words: "yo-yo" and "flummoxed"
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100, Second: $50, Third: $25

Little Black Dress Spooky and Horror Story Competition
Open to: Australian residents
Theme: The Call
*
Accepts: Youth (12 and under) – Spooky Short Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: WA First: $25 & certificate & copy of anthology, WA Second: Certificate & copy of anthology, Interstate award: $25 & certificate & copy of anthology, Shire of Mundaring resident encouragement award: $25 & certificate & copy of anthology
*
Accepts: Teens (13 to 17 years old) – Spooky Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: WA First: $50 & certificate & copy of anthology, WA Second: Certificate & copy of anthology, Interstate award: $50 & certificate & copy of anthology, Shire of Mundaring resident encouragement award: $25 & certificate & copy of anthology
*
Accepts: Adult – Horror Short Story
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prizes: First: $100 & certificate & copy of anthology, Second: $50 & certificate & copy of anthology

Peter Carey Short Story Award
Open to: Australian residents 18 years and over
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prizes: First: $2,000, Runner-up: $1,000, Best Local Entry: $500

Shore Scripts TV Pilot Contest
US COMPETITION
EARLY BIRD: 14/03/2025
REGULAR: 11/04/2025
FINAL: 16/05/2025
Open to: Each writer, or writing team, may not have earned more than $USD 50,000 in screenwriting fees the the preceding 18 months
*
Accepts: Scripts for a TV pilot- 1 hour
Size: 40 - 65 pages
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $USD 55, REGULAR: $USD 65, FINAL: $USD 75
Prizes: See website
*
Accepts: Scripts for a TV pilot- 1/2 hour
Size: 5 - 35 pages
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $USD 50, REGULAR: $USD 60, FINAL: $USD 70
Prizes: See website

Daphne de Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense

US COMPETITION
Open to: Internationally to unpublished and published authors (see T&Cs)

Themes: 
Short romantic mystery/suspense,
Historical romantic mystery/suspense – predates end of World War II
Mainstream mystery/suspense,
Paranormal (PTTF) romantic mystery/suspense,
Long romantic mystery /suspense,
Novella mystery/suspense – not included on unpublished T&Cs
Accepts: novellas and novels
Size: 
Short romantic mystery/suspense: 40,000 – 65,000 words
Historical romantic mystery/suspense: at least 65,000 words
Mainstream mystery/suspense: at least 65,000 words
Paranormal (PTTF) romantic mystery/suspense: at least 65,000 words
Long romantic mystery /suspense: at least 65,000 words
Novella mystery/suspense: 25,000 – 40,000 words
Entry Fee:  $15 USD members/$30 USD non-members  
Prizes:  All finalists: Certificate, Digital Medallion, Voucher for one COFFIN online class, All category winners: Engraved bookmark (or equivalent), Additional voucher for a COFFIN online class, Overall winner: Plaque (or equivalent), Third voucher for a COFFIN online class

CRAFT Novelette Print Prize
US COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Literary fiction
Size: 7,500 - 15,000 words
Entry Fee: $US 30 (reduced price for historically marginalised or underrepresented groups - limited to 50 writers)
Prize: $US 3,000, oneline publication, print publication with forward by guest judge, royalties on optional international drop-shipping, twenty author copies and a free class at The Loft Literary Center

RAS AB Paterson Bush Poetry Award

Open to: School-aged Australian poets
Theme: the beauty, mystique, enchantment, and characteristics of the Australian Bush
*
Accepts: Poetry - Primary (K - 6)
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: Nil

*
Accepts: Poetry - Secondary (7 - 12)
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: Nil

*
Prize:  a copy of “Banjo Paterson” by Alistair Campbell, a Copyrighted copy of Banjo Paterson’s original notes when writing ‘Waltzing Matilda’, and a family pass to the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show

Book Pipeline Unpublished Contest
US COMPETITION
  PRE-REGISTER: 15/01/2025
  SPECIAL ENTRY: 20/03/2025
  EARLY: 22/05/2025
  REGULAR: 20/08/2025
  LATE: 05/09/2025
Open to: 18 years and over
Theme: None
Accepts: Literary, Mystery/Horror/Thriller, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, General Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Picture Books, Non-Fiction & Memoir, Comics & Graphic Novels
Size: Fiction & Memoirs: first 5,000 words and 1-3 page synopsis, Picture books: full manuscript and 1 page synopsis, Non-Fiction: At least a proposal (Memoirs as fiction). Comics & Graphic Novels: 20-28 pages, 1-3 page synopsis
Entry Fee: PRE-REGISTER: $US 25, SPECIAL ENTRY: $US 35, EARLY: $US 45, REGULAR: $US 55, LATE: $US 60
Prizes: Per Category: First: $US 2,500, direct circulation , consideration from producers, additional long-time review & access to exclusive writers events, Runner-up: Direct circulation , consideration from producers, additional long-time review & access to exclusive writers events

Young Adas Short Story Prize
Open to: Aged between 14 - 18 years and who live or work in the western suburbs of Melbourne
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $250

Opaque Call Out
NOTE: Anonymous Publication
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Fiction, Very Short Fiction, Poetry, Critical Essay
Size: Short Fiction: 4,000 words, Very Short Fiction: 1,000 words, Poetry: 80 lines, Critical Essay:4,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Publication Fee: $25 minimum (Total may increase with fundraising)

AAALS Creative Writing Competition
Open to: Residents and citizens of Australia and New Zealand, aged over 18. Indigenous categories are open to Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori writers.
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: $US 20
Prize: $US 1,000 and publication
*
Accepts: Creative Prose - Fiction or Non-fiction
Size: 3,500 words
Entry Fee: $US 20
Prize: $US 1,000 and publication
*
Accepts: Indigenous Writers - Poetry
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: $US 20
Prize: $US 1,000 and publication
*
Accepts: Indigenous Writers - Creative Prose - Fiction or Non-fiction
Size: 3,500 words
Entry Fee: $US 20
Prize: $US 1,000 and publication
*

All entrants receive a subscription to Antipodes

Calanthe Collective Prize for Unpublished Poetry
Open to: All
Theme: None
*
UNDER 18, RESTRICTED TO HIGH SCHOOL AGED PEOPLE
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $400, Highly Commended x 2: $100
*
OPEN, POETS WHO ARE YET TO HAVE A BOOK OR CHAPBOOK PUBLISHED
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: First: $1,000, Highly Commended x 3: $250

FAW Tasmania Nairda Lyne Award
Open to: All
Theme: Suitable for children aged 8-12 years
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: $100 & winner's name inscribed on a plaque in the State Library Launceston Branch, Best Tasmanian Entry: Hobart Bookshop voucher

Geelong Writers Prize
Open to: Writers who live, work or study in the City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, Surf Coast, Colac-Otway or Golden Plains Shires. Also to members of Geelong Writers
Theme: None
Accepts: Prose fiction and creative non-fiction
Size: 2,000 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $20, ($15 for members)
Prizes: First: $1,500, Second: $250, Third: $100

Positive Words Mini Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Contains the word: Green
Accepts: Short Story or Poetry
Size: 100 words or 10 lines
Entry Fee: $3 in unused stamps
Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words

The Caterpillar Poetry Prize
IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: Over 16
Theme: Poetry written by an adult for children (aged 7-11)
Accepts: Poetry
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: €15
Prizes: First: €1,000 plus a week at Circle of Misse in France, Second: €500, Third: €250

The Henshaw Short Story Competition
UK COMPETITION
PROCEEDS ARE USED TO PURCHASE BOOKS OR OTHER ESSENTIALS FOR A SELECTED SCHOOL
Open to: All over 16
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: £6, Optional Feedback: £14
Prizes: First: £200, Second: £100, Third: £50

The Letter Review Prize
US COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Short Fiction
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $US 20
Prize: $US 1,000 Prize pool
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 70 lines
Entry Fee: $US 15
Prize: $US 1,000 Prize pool
*
Accepts: Nonfiction
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $US 20
Prize: $US 1,000 Prize pool
*
Accepts: Unpublished Book
Size: Prose: First 5,000 words, Poetry: First 15 pages, Total size: Novels: minimum 45,000 words, Novellas: 25,000 – 45,000 words, Short Story Collections: minimum 25,000 words, Nonfiction: minimum 40,000 words. Poetry: minimum 20 pages (with some flexibility)
Entry Fee: $US 25
Prize: $US 1,000 Prize pool

The Plaza Flash Fiction Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: £10 (£7.50 for subsequent entries)
Prizes: First: £1,000, Second: £300, Third: £100

The Plaza Prose Poetry Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: £10 (£7.50 for subsequent entries)
Prizes: First: £750, Second: £300, Third: £100

To Hull and Back Competition
UK COMPETITION
Closing Date: 
EARLY BIRD: 31/03/2025
REGULAR: 30/06/2025
Open to: All
Theme: Humorous
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee:
    EARLY BIRD: £10, £17 for 2, £20 for 3
    REGULAR: £12, £20 for 2, £24 for 3
Prize: First: £1,000, your face on the cover of the anthology,  a trip to Hull on a Harley Davidson if they wish, Second: £200, Third: £100,  3 x Highly Commended: £70, 14 x Shortlisted: £35
 

Shore Scripts Short Film Fund - Spring Season
US COMPETITION
EARLY BIRD: 28/02/2025
REGULAR: 02/04/2025
FINAL: 02/05/2025
Open to: All
*
Accepts: Short Film Fund - Scripts
Size: 2 - 30 pages
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $USD 39, REGULAR: $USD 49, FINAL: $USD 59
Prizes:
First: $USD 15,000 production grant, Mentorship with Maria Gracia Turgeon, Camera Equipment rental from Arri Rental, a film festival strategy package with Kimberley Browning, Production support and script development, Film shared with judges and industry roster, Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF,
Top 5:  Feedback, Script sent to directors and relevant industry roster, Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF,
Finalists:  Feedback, Script sent to directors and relevant industry roster, Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF
Semi-Finalists:  Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF
All Entries: Short Feedback
*
Accepts: Short Film Fund – Finishing Funds
Size: 40 minutes
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $USD 39, REGULAR: $USD 49, FINAL: $USD 59
Prizes:
First: $USD 4,000 finishing funds grant, Mentorship with Maria Gracia Turgeon, a film festival strategy package with Kimberley Browning, Production support and script development, Film shared with judges and industry roster, Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF,
Finalists:  Feedback, Script sent to directors and relevant industry roster, Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF
Semi-Finalists:  Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF
All Entries: Short Feedback

Book Links Short Story Competition
Open to: Writers aged 18 and over
Theme: Suitable for children up to 15 years old
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $250 & published on website

The Masters Review Debut Fiction Prize
US COMPETITION
Open to: Debut fiction writers
Theme: None
Accepts: Fiction or Nonfiction
Size: 6,000 words
Entry Fee: $US 20 (Nil for up to 50 writers from historically marginalize or underrepresented groups)
Prizes: First: $US 3,000, 2-year subscription to Dutrope, license for Scrivener and a copy of Best Emerging Writers, Second: $US 300, license for Scrivener and a copy of Best Emerging Writers, Third: $US 200, license for Scrivener and a copy of Best Emerging Writers

Griffith Review Emerging Voices Competition
Open to: Australian residents, emerging authors (unpublished or only one book published)
Theme: None
Accepts: Fiction and Creative non-fiction
Size: 3,500 – 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $25, Griffith Review subscribers = $15
Prizes: Pool of $20,000

CYA - Adult Genre Competition
Open to: See website
Theme: Adult Genre
*
Accepts: 8 to 18 years old and unpublished in book format in adult genre
Size: First 5,000 words, pitch and 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $60, Third: $40
*
Accepts: Aspiring Writer (Check website for eligibility)
Size: First 5,000 words, pitch and 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: $26.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute video consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher of adult books
*
Accepts: Published Writer (More than two books published within this section’s genre)
Size: First 12,500 words, pitch and 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: $47.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute video consultation with final judge, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher of adult books

CYA - Aspiring Authors (Unpublished) Competition
Open to: Check website
Theme: For the children’s and young adults’ market
*
Accepts: Picture book - text only for pre-school children
Size: 500 words & pitch
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher
*
Accepts: Picture book - text only for primary school children
Size: 500 words & pitch
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher
*
Accepts: Picture book - Non-Fiction - text only for primary school children
Size: 500 words & pitch
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher
*
Accepts: Chapter book – A - text only for young primary aged children
Size: First 1,000 words, pitch & 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher
*
Accepts: Chapter book – B - text only of older aged children (Middle Grade)
Size: First 1,000 words, pitch & 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher
*
Accepts: Fiction for Young Adults
Size: First 5,000 words, pitch & 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher

CYA - Hatchlings
Open to: 8 - 18 years old and not been published in book format within the CYA genres.
Theme: Children’s and young adults’ markets
*
Accepts: Picture book - text only for pre-school or primary aged children
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $60, Third: $40
*
Accepts: Chapter Book and Young adult novels
(a) Text only for younger primary aged children
(b) Text only for older aged children (Middle Grade)
(c) Fiction writing for young adults
Size: 
(a) & (b) First 1,000 words, pitch & 600 word synopsis
(c) First 5,000 words, pitch and 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $60, Third: $40

Daisy Utemorrah Award
Open to: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons living in Australia
Theme: None (but consider the description of the award on the website)
Accepts: Junior or Young Adult Fiction
Size: Not mentioned
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $15,000 and a publishing contract with Magabala Books

Fogarty Literary Award
Open to: Western Australian author aged 18 to 35
Theme: None
Accepts: Fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction, verse novel
Size: Manuscripts: 50,000 - 120,000 words, Verse Novel: minimum of 12,000 words (around 80 pages)
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:  $20,000

Casey Fresh Words Young Writers Competition
Open to: Students in Grade 5 to Year 12 who live, work or study in the City of Casey
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Creative Writing
Size: 750 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Unspecified.
*
Accepts: Poetry/Lyrics
Size: 1 page
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Unspecified.
*
Accepts: English as a Second Language
Size: 750 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Unspecified. 

Not Quite Write Prize
NOTE: Prompts are emailed out at midday 25/04/2025 with competition closing at midnight 27/04/2025
Dates: Early:28/02/2025, Regular: 25/04/2025
Open to: All
Theme: 3 prompts will be emailed consisting of a word prompt, an action prompt and an anti-prompt
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Early: $28, Regular: $35
Prizes: First: $1,500, Second: $1,000, Third: $500, Fourth: $350, Fifth: $250, Sixth: $100, Wildcard x 2: $100

Liquid Amber Poetry Prize
Open to: All
Theme: Poetry of Flight
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $25 ($15 if unwaged)
Prizes: First: $1,250, Second: $650, Best poem by an emerging poet: Editing ervice Pack with Rose Lucas

Anthology Travel Writing Competition
IRISH COMPETITION
  VERY EARLY BIRD: 28/02/2025
  EARLY BIRD: 30/04/2025
  STANDARD: 30/11/2025
Open to: All
Theme: Authentic Travel Experience
Accepts: Article
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: VERY EARLY BIRD: €10, EARLY BIRD: €12, REGULAR: €15
Prize: €500

Bronze (Silver) Swagman Award
Open to: All
Theme: Australian
Accepts: Bush Poetry
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: $30 per entry form, up to 3 poems per form
Prizes: First: $1,500 & Silver statuette of the Swagman, Runner-up: $700 & trophy, Third Prize (Jean O’Connell Memorial Award): $350 & trophy, Highly Commended: $100 & Certificate, Tim Borthwick Memorial Award: $100 & trophy

Furphy Literary Award
Open to: Australian residents, 18 years and over
Theme: Australian Life in all its diversity
Accepts: Fiction or Narrative non-fiction
Size: 5.000 words
Entry Fee: Not mentioned
Prizes: First:  $15,000, Second: $3,000, Third: $2,000 LaTrobe University Shepparton Residency, Selected for publication: $250

High Country Words Writing Competition
Open to: All
Theme: SCRUB
*
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $20, $10 for additional entries (Local/Student/Pensioner: $10, Arts Mansfield members and Mansfield Readers & Writers members: One free entry)
Prizes: First: $1,000, Local: $500
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: $20, $10 for additional entries (Local/Student/Pensioner: $10, Arts Mansfield members and Mansfield Readers & Writers members: One free entry)
Prizes: First: $500
*
Accepts: Bush Poetry
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: $20, $10 for additional entries (Local/Student/Pensioner: $10, Arts Mansfield members and Mansfield Readers & Writers members: One free entry)
Prizes: First: $500

Moorabool Young Writers Awards
Open to: Young writers in the Moorabool Shire
Theme: Write where you are!
*
Accepts: Middle Primary (Grades 3 & 4) - Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Runner-up: $50
*
Accepts: Upper Primary (Grades 5 & 6) - Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Runner-up: $50
*
Accepts: Secondary (Years 7 to 12, or under 18) - Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $200, Runner-up: $100
*
Two local Moorabool Primary schools will win an Author talk

Peter Cowan 600 Short Story Competition
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 600 words
Entry Fee:  $12, Youth entries: $7 (Humanitix fees are additional)
Prizes: Not mentioned at time of listing 

Poetica Christi Press Annual Poetry Competition
Open to: Residing in Australia and aged 16 years and over
Theme: Life’s Tapestry
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $9, 3 for $25
Prizes: First: $300, Second: $100

Positive Words Mini Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Contains the word: Plan
Accepts: Short Story or Poetry
Size: 100 words or 10 lines
Entry Fee: $3 in unused stamps
Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words

The Best of Times Short Story Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Humorous
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: 60% of total entry fees, Second: 15% of total entry fees, Third: 5% of total entry fees, Highly Commended and Commended: Certificate

The Plaza Short Story Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Stories
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: £15 (£22.50 for 3 entries) - can apply for free entry under Bursary Scheme
Prizes: First: £4,000, Second: £300, Third: £100

Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival Short Story Competition
Open to: Students from Years 3 to 12 from the Mackay region
Theme: Open
*
Accepts: Years 3 & 4: Short Story
Size: 300 - 400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $70, Second: $30, Third: $20
*
Accepts: Years 5 & 6: Short Story
Size: 300 - 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $80, Second: $40 Third: $30

Accepts: Years 7 & 8: Short Story
Size: 400 - 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $50, Third: $40

Accepts: Years 9 & 10: Short Story
Size: 600 - 800 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $200, Second: $70, Third: $50

Accepts: Years 11 & 12: Short Story
Size: 800 - 1,200 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $250, Second: $100, Third: $80

Questions Writing Prize
Open to: Australians between 18 to 30 years old
Theme: None
Accepts: Fiction or Non-fiction
Size: 1,500 - 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize pool: $3,000

F(r)iction Spring Contest
US COMPETITION
Open to: All
*
Theme: None
Accepts: Creative Non-Fiction
Size: 6,500 words
Entry Fee: $US 15
Prizes: First: $US 500 & publication, 5 x finalists: consideration for publication
*
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,001 to 7,500 words
Entry Fee: $US 15
Prizes: First: $US 1,000 & publication, 5 x finalists: consideration for publication
*
Theme: None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: $US 10 or 3 for $US 12
Prizes: First: $US 300 & publication, 5 x finalists: consideration for publication
*
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: three pages
Entry Fee: $US 10 or 3 for $US 12
Prizes: First: $US 300 & publication, 5 x finalists: consideration for publication

Grenfell Henry Lawson Poetry and Short Story Prize
Open to: Writers living in Australia
Theme: The World is Full of Kindness
*
Accepts: Poetry - Open - 18 years or over on 31 March
Size: 48 lines
Entry Fee: $35
Prize: First: $1,000, Second: $500
*
Accepts: Poetry - High School Student
Size: 48 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $250, Second: $100
*
Accepts: Poetry - Primary School Student
Size: 48 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $100, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Short Story - Open - 18 years or over on 31 March
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $35
Prize: First: $1,000, Second: $500
*
Accepts: Short Story - High School Student
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $250, Second: $100
*
Accepts: Short Story - Primary School Student
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $100, Second: $50

ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short story
Size: 2,000 - 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $30, (ABR Subscribers: $20)
Prizes: First: $6,000, Second: $4,000, Third: $2,500

The Kathryn Purnell Poetry Prize
Open to: Australian women writers
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $15 ($10 for members), $30 for 3 ($20 for members)
Prizes: First: $250, Second: $150, Third: $75

Laura Literary Awards
Open to: All
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Section 1 - Open - Short Story
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: $200
*
Accepts: Section 2 - Young Adult (13 - 18) - Short Story
Size: 1,200 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $50
*
Accepts: Section 3a - Upper Primary 11 - 12) - Short Story
Size: 800 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $25
*
Accepts: Section 3b - Junior (9 - 10) - Short Story
Size: 800 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $25
*
Accepts: Section 4 - Junior Primary (5 - 8) - Short Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $15
*
Accepts: Section 5 - Open - Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: $200
*
Accepts: Section 6 - Open - Bush Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: $200
*
Accepts: Section 7 - Young Adult (13 - 18) - Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $50
*
Accepts: Section 8 - Junior (9 - 12) - Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $25
*
Accepts: Section 10 - Junior Primary (5 - 8) - Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $15

Boroondara Literary Awards
Open to: Victorian Residents, Young Writers: Live, Work or study in the City of Boroondara
Theme: Open
*
Accepts: Open Short Story
Size: 1,500 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $1,500, Second: $1,000, Third: $500, Keith Carroll Award: $500, Highly Commended x 3: $50 Voucher
*
Accepts: Young Writers  - Junior -Years 5 - 6 - Poetry
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher
*
Accepts: Young Writers  - Junior -Years 5 - 6 -  - Prose
Size: 300 - 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher
*
Accepts: Young Writers  - Middle -Years 7 - 9 - Poetry
Size: 200 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $450, Second: $300, Third: $150, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher
*
Accepts: Young Writers  - Middle -Years 7 - 9 -  - Prose
Size: 500 - 900 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $450, Second: $300, Third: $150, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher
 *
Accepts: Young Writers - Senior -Years 10 - 12 - Poetry (also open to young people not in secondary school, aged 15 to 18 years as of 1 January)
Size: 200 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $600, Second: $400, Third: $200, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher
*
Accepts: Young Writers  - Senior -Years 10 - 12 -  - Prose (also open to young people not in secondary school, aged 15 to 18 years as of 1 January)
Size: 900 - 1,300 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $600, Second: $400, Third: $200, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher

Boree Log Poetry Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Australian Bush
Accepts: Bush poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: $8 or $30 for 4
Prizes: First: $100 plus trophy 7 certificate, Highly Commended & Commended: Certificates

Eastwood/Hills Fellowship of Australian Writers Literary Competition
Open to: All
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Category 1 : Flash Fiction
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: $8, $30 for 4
Prizes: First: $150, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Category 2 : Phillipa Holland Award for Poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: $8, $30 for 4
Prizes: First: $150, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Category 3 : Alan Russell Award for Memoir
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $8, $30 for 4
Prizes: First: $150, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Category 4 : Short Story
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $8, $30 for 4
Prizes: First: $150, Second: $50

What Matters? Writing Competition
Open to: Writers undertaking Primary or Secondary education in Australia (or an Australian International School) in Yr 5 to Yr 12
Theme: What Matters?
*
Accepts: Prose/Poetry/Fiction/Non-fiction - Yr 5 & 6
Size: 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $350, Writing workshop (either face-to-face or online), Book pack from Allen & Unwin, Runner-up: $200,Writing workshop (either face-to-face or online), Book pack from Allen & Unwin
*
Accepts: Prose/Poetry/Fiction/Non-fiction - Yr 7 & 8
Size: 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $350, Writing workshop (either face-to-face or online), Book pack from Allen & Unwin, Runner-up: $200,Writing workshop (either face-to-face or online), Book pack from Allen & Unwin
*
Accepts: Prose/Poetry/Fiction/Non-fiction - Yr 9 & 10
Size: 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $350, Tailored program with ReachOut.com with opportunity to be paid $200 for a feature article, Book pack from Allen & Unwin, Runner-up: $200, Book pack from Allen & Unwin
*
Accepts: Prose/Poetry/Fiction/Non-fiction - Yr 11 & 12
Size: 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $350, 1 year Membership to Writing NSW, Writing workshop, Book pack from Allen & Unwin, Runner-up: $200, Book pack from Allen & Unwin
*
Overall Winner: $1,500, trophy, Book pack for their school library
Allen & Unwin Prize (Yr 5 to 8): $1,000
Graham Feudenberg Award: Flight to Canberra to spend day shadowing the Political speechwriters and journalists in the Press Gallery
Artistic Merit Award: Access to Varuna's self-paced on-line writing courses plus $100 book pack from Megalong books
Host an Author x 3: Randomly drawn school from the shortlisted entries offered opportunity for 1 hour virtual author visit

South Perth Young Writers Award
Open to: School aged children (years 1 to 10) residing or attending school in the City of South Perth
Theme: None
*
Accepts: A. Lower Primary: Year 1 - 2 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $150
*
Accepts: B. Middle Primary: Year 3 - 4 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $150
*
Accepts: C. Upper Primary: Year 5 - 6 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $150
*
Accepts: D. Lower Secondary: Year 7 - 8 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $150
*
Accepts: F. Upper Secondary: Year 9 - 10 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $150
*
Shortlisted entrants invited to attend a one-on-one workshop with a published local author, who will provide tailored feedback on their stories

AWMA Writing Competition
PROCEEDS TO YES, UNLIMITED!
Open to: All
Theme: Martial Arts
*
Accepts: Fiction & Non-fiction - 16 years and over
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $200 & 2-year digital subscription to Martial Arts Magazine (value $98), Second: $100 & 2-year digital subscription to Martial Arts Magazine (value $98), Third: $50 & 2-year digital subscription to Martial Arts Magazine (value $98)
*
Accepts: Fiction & Non-fiction - 10 to 15 years and over
Size: 750 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: First: $100 & 2-year digital subscription to Martial Arts Magazine (value $98), Second: $50 & 2-year digital subscription to Martial Arts Magazine (value $98), Third: $25 & 2-year digital subscription to Martial Arts Magazine (value $98)
*
Accepts: Fiction & Non-fiction - 9 years and under
Size: 750 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: First: $100 & 2-year digital subscription to Martial Arts Magazine (value $98), Second: $50 & 2-year digital subscription to Martial Arts Magazine (value $98), Third: $25 & 2-year digital subscription to Martial Arts Magazine (value $98)
*
LOCAL PRIZE: 6 x weeks free classes with Albury Wodonga Martial Arts
The winner of this award, or a person that the winner elects, must be able to attend classes in either Wodonga or Beechworth.

Minds Shine Bright Writing Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Places – the places we live, the places we love, the places we leave
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $10 ($5 for students and concession holders)
Prize: $500 
*
Accepts: Flash fiction
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: $10 ($5 for students and concession holders)
Prize: $500 
*
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $10 ($5 for students and concession holders)
Prize: $500 
*
OVERALL WINNER: $1,500
COMMENDED: Up to 3,000 words: $100, up to 5000 words: $150 - $200
YOUNG WRITERS: $50
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: $500

Positive Words Mini Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Contains the word: Donkey
Accepts: Short Story or Poetry
Size: 100 words or 10 lines
Entry Fee: $3 in unused stamps
Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words

RD Walsh Memorial Writing for the Environment Prize

Open to: Australian Citizens
Theme: Hang on, humans! Don’t give up, yet!
 *
Accepts: Poetry – under 19 years
Size: 300 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $500, Second: $250, Pat Strong Award for a Young Writer: $100
*
Accepts: Poetry - 19 - 26 years
Size: 300 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $500, Second: $250
*
Accepts: Poetry – 60 and over
Size: 300 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $500, Second: $250

The Plaza Poetry Prize (40 lines)
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: £11 (£9 for subsequent entries) - can apply for free entry under Bursary Scheme
Prizes: First: £1,000, Second: £300, Third: £100

The Plaza Short Memoir Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Memoir
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: £15 (£12 for subsequent entries) - can apply for free entry under Bursary Scheme
Prizes: First: £1,000, Second: £300, Third: £100

Periscope Literary Paired Fiction Award
UK COMPETITION
Open to: Pair of writers in collaboration, both 18 years and over
Theme: When the Smoke Clears
Accepts: Fiction
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: £16 for up to 2 entries per pair
Prizes: £400

Make Your Own Storybook Competition
Open to: Western Australian Students, PP to Year 8
Theme: None
Accepts: Picture Books and Story Books (See website)
Size: 5,000 words, Page size: A5 to A4
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Three prizes awarded in each category:
- Years PP to 2 - Picture Book
- Years 3 to 4 - Picture Book
- Years 5 to 6 - Picture Book
- Years 7 to 8 - Picture Book
- Years 3 to 4 - Story Book
- Years 5 to 6 - Story Book
- Years 7 to 8 - Story Book
Students may work with a partner, maximum of two students per book

IEU QLD & NT Literary Competition
Note: Limitation on entries per school: 10 in each student section, 5 in Open section
Open to: Students in years 5 -12 and teachers from all schools across Queensland and from independent schools across the Northern Territory.
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Years 11-12
1. Poem, 2, Short Story,  3. Non-fiction Prose
Size: Poem: No limit, Short Story: 600-1,500 words, Non-fiction prose: 600 - 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100
*
Accepts: Years 9-10
1. Poem, 2, Short Story
Size: Poem: No limit, Short Story: 500-1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $150, Second: $100, Third: $75
*
Accepts: Years 7-8
1. Poem, 2, Short Story
Size: Poem: No limit, Short Story: 500-1,200 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $150, Second: $100, Third: $75
*
Accepts: Years 5 - 6
1. Poem, 2, Short Story
Size: Poem: No limit, Short Story: 400-800 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $150, Second: $100, Third: $75
*
Accepts: Open: Staff: Short Story
Size: 800-2,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100

Anthology Poetry Award
IRISH COMPETITION
Closing Date: 
EARLY BIRD: 30/06/2025
REGULAR: 31/10/2025
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: €15, REGULAR: €18
Prizes: First: €1,000, Second: €250, Third: €150

AAWP Writing Prizes
* 
AAWP / UWRF Poetry Prize for Emerging Writers
Open to: Emerging writers
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines for lineated poetry, 400 words for prose poetry and hybrid forms
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: Ticket to UWRF, accommodation during the festival, one year membership to AAWP,  and fully subsidised fees to attend the annual conference, consideration for publication by Meniscus
*
Sudden Writing Prize
Open to: Emerging writers under 25 years of age
Theme: None
Accepts: Creative works
Size: Prose: 400 words, Poetry: 40 lines, Prose Poems: 200 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: $500, publication on Express Media website, Voiceworks subscription, one year membership to AAWP
*
AAWP / Westerly Magazine Life Writing Prize
Open to: All
Theme: Life writing
Accepts: Any form associated with Life Writing
Size: 3,500 words
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: $500, one year subscription to Westerly & Conference fees to attend the annual AAWP conference
*
AAWP and SW Novella Prize
Open to: Members of AAWP
Theme: None
Accepts: Prose or verse
Size: : 50 lines for poetry or 5,000 words for prose, Synopsis: 500 words
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: $500 and fully subsidised fees to attend the annual conference
*
‘Chapter One’ The AAWP Publication Pathway for Emerging Writers
Open to: Emerging writers (see website for definition) AND also a member of AAWP
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry collection, literary novel, short story collection or a hybrid work
Size: First chapter: 50 lines for poetry or 5,000 words for prose, Synopsis: 500 words
Total work: Prose: at least 40,000 words, Poetry: at least 40 pages
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: $500, letter of recommendation to Western Australia Publishing , Conference fees to attend the annual AAWP conference
*
AAWP - UWRF Translators' Prize
Open to: Not mentioned
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry and Prose
Size: Poetry: 30 lines, Prose: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: Ticket to UWRF, accommodation during the festival , one year membership to AAWP and fully subsidised fees to attend the annual conference
*
AAWP / UWRF Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers
Open to: Emerging writers
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: Ticket to UWRF, accommodation during the festival, one year membership to AAWP,  and fully subsidised fees to attend the annual conference, consideration for publication by Meniscus

Bundyi Writing Prize
Open to: Emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writer
Theme: Open
Accepts: Adult Fiction
Size: Total files submitted: 10MB
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  $10,000, manuscript development with a First nations editor, potential publishing contract

Dorothea Mackeller Poetry Awards

Open to: School Students (K – Yr 12) enrolled in Australian education facilities
Theme: Optional theme: All the Beautiful Things
*
Accepts: Lower Primary (Years K - 3) Poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee:  
    Individual (where home-schooled or school not taking part): $20 for up to 3 poems,
    School Entry up to 30 entries: $30, 
    School Entry over 30 entries: $60, 
    School Entry over 100 entries: $80

Prize: First: $300, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $150 & prize pack
*
Accepts: Upper Primary (Years 4 - 6. Year 7 in SA) Poetry

Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee:  
    Individual (where home-schooled or school not taking part): $20 for up to 3 poems,
    School Entry up to 30 entries: $30, 
    School Entry over 30 entries: $60, 
    School Entry over 100 entries: $80

Prize: First: $400, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $200 & prize pack

*
Accepts: Assisted Learning Primary Poetry

Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee:
    Individual (where home-schooled or school not taking part): $20 for up to 3 poems,
    School Entry up to 30 entries: $30, 
    School Entry over 30 entries: $60, 
    School Entry over 100 entries: $80

Prize: First: $400, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $200 & prize pack
*
Accepts: Junior Secondary (Years 7 - 9) Poetry

Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee:
    Individual (where home-schooled or school not taking part): $20 for up to 3 poems,
    School Entry up to 30 entries: $30, 
    School Entry over 30 entries: $60, 
    School Entry over 100 entries: $80

Prize: First:  $500, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $300 & prize pack

*
Accepts: Senior Secondary (Years 10 - 12) Poetry

Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee:
    Individual (where home-schooled or school not taking part): $20 for up to 3 poems,
    School Entry up to 30 entries: $30, 
    School Entry over 30 entries: $60, 
    School Entry over 100 entries: $80

Prize: First:  $500, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $300 & prize pack

*
Accepts: Assisted Learning Secondary Poetry

Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee:
    Individual (where home-schooled or school not taking part): $20 for up to 3 poems,
    School Entry up to 30 entries: $30, 
    School Entry over 30 entries: $60, 
    School Entry over 100 entries: $80

Prize: First:  $500, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $300 & prize pack

*
DAVID MAHER AWARD (Primary only): $300, trophy & prize pack
KURRUMBEDE AWARD (Entries from a school within 100km of Gunnedah):
PRIMARY SCHOOL AWARD: $250, trophy & prize pack
SECONDARY SCHOOL AWARD: $250, trophy & prize pack
SCHOOLS’ AWARD:
PRIMARY SCHOOL: $1,000, trophy & prize pack
SECONDARY SCHOOL: $1,000, trophy & prize pack

Henry Savery National Short Story Award
Open to: Australian residents
Theme: Open
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: First: $400, Second: $100

Heroines Women's Writing Prize
Open to: Women writers
Theme: Witchcraft (Focus on lost women's history, untold stories and reimagined myths, fairy tales, folklore or legends, or speculative fiction)
Accepts: Poetry & Short Fictions
Size: Poetry: 3 pages, Fiction: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: $500

Positive Words Mini Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Contains the word: Train
Accepts: Short Story or Poetry
Size: 100 words or 10 lines
Entry Fee: $3 in unused stamps
Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words

Southword Creative Non-Fiction Award

IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Essay / Memoir
Size: 4,000 words
Entry Fee: €20
Prize: First: €1,000 & publication in Southword, Second: €400& publication in Southword

TCK Publishing Poetry Awards Contest
US COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: US$ 5
Prize: US$ 1,000

The Moth International Short Story Prize
IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: Over 16
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: €15
Prize: First: €3,000, Second: a week-long writing retreat at Circle of Misse in France (plus travel stipend), Third: €1,000

The Plaza Audio Poetry Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 4 minutes
Entry Fee: £12 (£9 for subsequent entries) - can apply for free entry under Bursary Scheme
Prizes: First: £1,000, Second: £300, Third: £100

The Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to: Writers who have not published a book-length work of fiction, life-writing or poetry (excluding self-published works or poetry chapbooks)
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Poetry (up to 3 poems = a single entry)
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £12, £16 for 2, £6 for a subsidised entry
Prize: First: £1,000 & publication
*
Accepts: Fiction
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £12, £16 for 2, £6 for a subsidised entry
Prize: First: £1,000 & publication
*
Accepts: Life Writing
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £12, £16 for 2, £6 for a subsidised entry
Prize: First: £1,000 & publication

Anthology Short Story Award
IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: €18
Prizes: First: €1,000 & one year subscription to Anthology Magazine, Second: €250, Third: €150

Positive Words Mini Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Contains the word: Under
Accepts: Short Story or Poetry
Size: 100 words or 10 lines
Entry Fee: $3 in unused stamps
Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words

Short Stories Unlimited Poetry Competition - Fresh Water
Open to: All
Theme: Fresh Water
Accepts: Poetry
Size: No limit (but use common sense)
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: First: $100 & copy of ebook, Second: $50 & copy of ebook, Third: $25 & copy of ebook, Highly commended x 2: $10 & copy of ebook

Short Stories Unlimited Short Story Competition - Fresh Water
Open to: All
Theme: Fresh Water
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $200 & copy of anthology, Second: $100 & copy of anthology, Third: $50 & copy of anthology, Highly commended x 2: $20 & copy of anthology

The Plaza Fantasy / Sci-Fi Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: £30 (£20 for subsequent entries) - can apply for free entry under Bursary Scheme
Prizes: First: £3000 and tutorial with Michael Sullivan in a luxury villa in France, Second: £300, Third: £100

Not Quite Write Prize for Flesh Fiction

Open to: 18 years and over
Theme: Making the unsexy irresistible
Accepts: Erotic Flash Fiction in six categories: Erotic Comedy, Erotic Romance, Fantasy & Supernatural, Literary Erotica, Kink & Taboo, Other Erotic Subgenres
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Overall Winner: $500, 2026 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction annual pass, 12 month subscription to Adult Match Maker (Australian entrants only), 12 month membership to Romance Writers of Australia (Australian Entrants only) OR Romance Writers of America will waive membership admin fee and provide a digital tool kit, Category winners: $100, 2026 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction annual pass, 12 month membership to Romance Writers of Australia (Australian Entrants only) OR Romance Writers of America will waive membership admin fee and provide a digital tool kit, ALL ENTRANTS: $5 discounted from Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction Entry ticket, ALL AUSTRALIAN ENTRANTS: 10% discount off a 12 month membership to Romance Writers of Australia

Anthology Nature Writing Prize
IRISH COMPETITION
Closing Date: 
VERY EARLY BIRD: 30/11/2024
EARLY BIRD: 28/02/2025
REGULAR: 31/08/2025
Open to: All
Theme: Nature Writing
Accepts: Essay
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: VERY EARLY BIRD: €10, EARLY BIRD: €12, REGULAR: €15
Prizes: First: €500

Anthology Personal Memoir Competition
IRISH COMPETITION
Closing Date: 
EARLY BIRD: 28/02/2025
REGULAR: 31/08/2025
Open to: All
Theme: Personal unique life experience
Accepts: Memoir
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: €12, REGULAR: €15
Prizes: First: €500

Positive Words Mini Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Contains the word: Laughter
Accepts: Short Story or Poetry
Size: 100 words or 10 lines
Entry Fee: $3 in unused stamps
Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words

Rhiza Edge Short Story Competition
Open to: Australian and New Zealand writers

Theme 1: Migration and Diaspora
Accepts: Fiction and Non-fiction narratives
 

Theme 2: Breakthroughs in history
Accepts: Short Story

Size: 1,000 - 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $16.50 ($11 concession). School entry is $44 and covers all student entries.
Prizes: 2 copies of the book plus either a. 4 further copies or b. half price manuscript appraisal

Anthology Flash Fiction Competition
IRISH COMPETITION
  EARLY BIRD: 28/02/2025
  STANDARD: 30/09/2025
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 250 words
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: €10, REGULAR: €12
Prize: €300

Positive Words Mini Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Contains the word: Magpie
Accepts: Short Story or Poetry
Size: 100 words or 10 lines
Entry Fee: $3 in unused stamps
Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words

Positive Words Mini Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Contains the word: Glad
Accepts: Short Story or Poetry
Size: 100 words or 10 lines
Entry Fee: $3 in unused stamps
Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words

Short Stories Unlimited Poetry Competition - Salt Water
Open to: All
Theme: Salt Water
Accepts: Poetry
Size: No limit (but use common sense)
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: First: $100 & copy of ebook, Second: $50 & copy of ebook, Third: $25 & copy of ebook, Highly commended x 2: $10 & copy of ebook

Short Stories Unlimited Short Story Competition - Salt Water
Open to: All
Theme: Salt Water
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $200 & copy of anthology, Second: $100 & copy of anthology, Third: $50 & copy of anthology, Highly commended x 2: $20 & copy of anthology

Positive Words Mini Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Contains the word: Delight
Accepts: Short Story or Poetry
Size: 100 words or 10 lines
Entry Fee: $3 in unused stamps
Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words

Positive Words Mini Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Contains the word: Suddenly
Accepts: Short Story or Poetry
Size: 100 words or 10 lines
Entry Fee: $3 in unused stamps
Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words