MAY 2025 |
01/05/2025 |
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
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01/05/2025 REGN OPENS NEW LISTING |
Write a Book in a Day FUNDRAISING FOR THE KIDS' CANCER PROJECT Teams choose a day from 01/06/2025 to 29/09/2025 to write and illustrate within a 12 hour period Open to: Australian residents aged 10 and over, Students in years 5 – 12 and adult writing groups. Teams of 5 to 10 members Theme: Each team given unique parameters for their chosen writing day consisting of two human characters, one non-human character, a setting, an issue and five random words to be included * Accepts: Primary School Division - years 5 to 6 - Short story Size: 1,500 to 2,500 words Entry Fee: $77 per team and minimum $240 per team in sponsorship for the book to be eligible for judging Prizes: Awards for best book and best illustrations. Prizes for top fundraisers * Accepts: Middle Secondary School Division - years 7 to 9 - Short story Size: 3,500 to 5,000 words Entry Fee: $77 per team and minimum $240 per team in sponsorship for the book to be eligible for judging Prizes: Awards for best book and best illustrations. Prizes for top fundraisers * Accepts: Upper Secondary School Division - years 10 to 12 - Short story Size: 3,500 to 5,000 words Entry Fee: $77 per team and minimum $240 per team in sponsorship for the book to be eligible for judging Prizes: Awards for best book and best illustrations. Prizes for top fundraisers * Accepts: Open - aged 18 and over - Short story Size: 7,000 to 10,000 words Entry Fee: $77 per team and minimum $240 per team in sponsorship for the book to be eligible for judging Prizes: Awards for best book and best illustrations. Prizes for top fundraisers
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02/05/2025 NEW LISTING |
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
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02/05/2025 |
C.E.W. Bean Prize Open to: Honours, Masters or Postgraduate students who have completed and submitted their thesis for examination to an Australian University in the 2023, 2024 or 2025 calendar year Theme: Australian military history Accepts: Thesis Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $500, inscribed medallion, return airfares to attend Chief of Army History Conference
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02/05/2025 |
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
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02/05/2025 |
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
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03/05/2025 |
Yorke Regional Writers Weekend Short Story Competition Open to: Residents of Western Australia Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story - Over 17 years old Size: 1,200 - 1,500 words Entry Fee: $10 Prizes: First: $500, Second: $200 Barclay Books voucher * Accepts: Short Story - 17 years and under Size: 1,200 - 1,500 words Entry Fee: $10 Prizes: First: $250, Second: $50 Barclay Books voucher
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04/05/2025 |
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
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05/05/2025 |
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
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05/05/2025 |
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
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07/05/2025 |
Robert Gray Prize for Poetry Open to: 18 years and over Theme: The subject of nature Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines (or 500 words for prose poems) Entry Fee: $20 Prize: $5,000
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09/05/2025 |
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
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10/05/2025 |
Kyogle Writers Festival Poetry Competition Open to: All Theme: Life Changing Accepts: Poetry Size: 35 lines Entry Fee: $5 Prizes: First: $250, Second: $100, Third: $50, Commended x 5: $20
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11/05/2025 |
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
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11/05/2025 |
The Miki Prize for Short Stories Open to: South Australian Resident Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 5,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $1,983, Runners up: a bottle of whiskey behind the bar with your name on it
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11/05/2025 |
Zine West 2025 Open to: Aspiring writers aged 16 and over, who work, live or study in Western Sydney or attend a West Sydney cultural organisation Theme: None Accepts: Poetry, Prose, Drama, Comic Size: Poetry: 60 lines, Prose: 800 words, Drama & Comic: 3xA5 pages Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $400, Second: $300, Third: $200, Commendations: Giramondo titles, Best Poem and Best Prose: Editor's Award
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12/05/2025 |
June Shenfield National Poetry Awards Open to: Emerging Australian poet Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 80 lines Entry Fee: $20 (Members: $15) Prize: First: $1,000, Second: $700, Third: $500
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12/05/2025 NEW LISTING |
SLQ Young Writers Award Open to: Queensland residents aged 18 to 25 Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $2,000 & Queensland Writers Centre membership, Runner-up x 3: $500 & Queensland Writers Centre membership
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14/05/2025 EXTENDED |
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
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15/05/2025 |
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
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15/05/2025 |
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
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16/05/2025 |
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
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16/05/2025 |
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
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18/05/2025 |
CRAFT Short Fiction Prize US COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Short Fiction Size: 1,000 - 5,000 words Entry Fee: $USD 20 (some free entry spots available for writers from historically marginalised groups) Prizes: First: $USD 2,000 and a choice of a Tech Bonus, Second: $USD 500, Third: $USD 300
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19/05/2025 NEW LISTING |
Finding Beauty Poetry Prize Open to: Emerging poets who are Australian residents with a strong connection to the Canberra region, 18 years and over Theme: Finding beauty in nature Accepts: Poetry Size: 80 lines Entry Fee: $20 ($15 for MARION/FNAWN members) Prizes: First: $5,000, Second: $2,000, Shortlisted: $750
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19/05/2025 |
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
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20/05/2025 |
Publishable Open to: Emerging Australian writers Theme: None (But see T&Cs for excluded genres) Accepts: Manuscripts Size: First 50 pages (Overall work for adult fiction and non-fiction: 55,000 - 110,000 words. Other genres and formats: contact QWC), Synopsis: 400 words Entry Fee: $65 (Members: $55) Prize: Shortlist x 10: 5 hours mentorship, pitch opportunity, one-year membership with Queensland Writers Centre, Longlist x 25: Consultation on manuscript development, workshop/s and/or seminar/s, All applicants: Online development workshop
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21/05/2025 |
Catchment - Poetry of Place Open to: Australian Residents Theme: Linked to location Accepts: Poetry & Tanka Size: Poetry: 30 lines, Tanka: 5 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Publication in online journal
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22/05/2025 |
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
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30/05/2025 NEW LISTING |
Mattie Furphy Short Story Competition Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: $25 ($15 for members) Prizes: First: $1,000, Second: $300, Third: $100
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30/05/2025 NEW LISTING |
The Australian Fiction Prize Open to: Australian residents Theme: Adult fiction (Check T&Cs for genre exclusions) Accepts: Manuscript Size: 75,000 - 100,000 words, pitch of one to three sentences, Synopsis of 500 words, Your biography of 200 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $20,000 plus the right to negotiate a publishing contract with advance against royalties of $15,000
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31/05/2025 |
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.
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31/05/2025 |
Fiction Factory Short Story Prize UK COMPETITION Open to: All aged 16 and over Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: £7 (£13 for 2, £18 for 3) (Optional critique: £30) Prize: £500
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31/05/2025 NEW LISTING |
Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Prize US COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None (but consider interests of the readership) Accepts: Short Story Size: Up to 3,000 words preferred but up to 4,000 words considered Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $USD 150
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31/05/2025 |
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
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31/05/2025 |
Mosman Youth Awards in Literature Open to: Primary and Secondary School students Theme: None * Accepts: Story - Senior - Years 10,11,12 Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Story - Junior - Years 7,8,9 Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Story - Primary - Years K-6 Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Poetry - Senior - Years 10,11,12 Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Poetry - Junior - Years 7,8,9 Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified
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31/05/2025 |
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
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31/05/2025 |
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
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31/05/2025 |
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
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31/05/2025 |
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
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JUNE 2025 |
01/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
ACU Prize for Poetry Open to: Australian residents. Any International student currently studying at an Australian University may also enter Theme: Belonging Accepts: Poetry Size: 60 lines Entry Fee: $25 Prize: First: $10,000, Second: $5,000, Third: $3,000, Highly Commended: $750
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01/06/2025 |
Dymocks Beyond Words Creative Writing Competition Open to: Australian primary and secondary school students Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story - Primary School students Size: 500 - 1,500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $2,000, Runner Up: $1,000, Shortlisted x 8: $500 * Accepts: Short Story - Secondary School students Size: 500 - 1,500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $3,000, Runner Up: $1,000, Shortlisted x 8: $500 * REGIONAL AUSTRALIA WINNER: $1,000 GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY WINNER: $1,000 EAL/D WINNER: $1,000 FIRST NATIONS WINNER: $1,000 LGBTQIA+ WINNER: $1,000
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01/06/2025 |
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
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01/06/2025 |
Seniors Card Short Story Competition Open to: NSW Seniors Card holders Theme: Then and Now Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Top 100: Publication
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02/06/2025 |
The Big Issue Fiction Edition Open to: Writers based in Australia Theme: None Accepts: Fiction Size: 500 to 3,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: $500 for each author published
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06/06/2025 |
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
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08/06/2025 |
The Masters Review Best Emerging Writers US COMPETITION Open to: Emerging writers Theme: Open Accepts: Fiction and creative non-fiction Size: 8,000 words Entry Fee: $US 20 Prize x 10: $US 700
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10/06/2025 |
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
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13/06/2025 |
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
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22/06/2025 |
Ros Spencer Poetry Prize Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 60 lines Entry Fee: $10, $20 for 2, $25 for 3, $30 for 4 Prize: First: $1,001, Second: $499, Highly Commended x 2, Commended x 2
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23/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
Apollo Bay Wordfest Short Story Competition Open to: Residents of Victoria Theme: Real and Imagined * Accepts: Short Story - Adult/Open Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: $20 Prize: $500 * Accepts: Short Story - Secondary school students (under 19) Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $100 book voucher * Accepts: Short Story - Primary school students Size: 500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $50 book voucher
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26/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
Shore Scripts Feature Screenplay Contest US COMPETITION EARLY BIRD: 26/06/2025 REGULAR: 24/07/2025 FINAL: 28/08/2025 Open to: All Accepts: Scripts Size: 80 - 120 pages Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $USD 55, REGULAR: $USD 65, FINAL: $USD 75 (Plus $USD 15 to include Showdown Add-on) Prizes: First: $USD 5,000, Mentorship with A-List Filmmaker, Work with Writer Development Manager, Script circulated with industry roster, Industry mentorship, Guaranteed Meetings, Second: $USD 1,000, Work with Writer Development Manager, Script circulated with industry roster, Industry mentorship, Guaranteed Meetings, 10 finalists: Work with Writer Development Manager, Script circulated with industry roster, Industry mentorship, 5 Genre Winners: Guaranteed Genres meeting, Work with Writer Development Manager, Script circulated with industry roster TOP Comedy, Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi & Thriller Script: Genre Industry meetings Showdown Add-on: entry to be considered for the Paid Option Agreement with Showdown Productions
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27/06/2025 |
Friends of Paynesville Library Short Story Competition Open to: Over 18 years of age Theme: Open Accepts: Short Story Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: $10 Prizes: Not specified
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30/06/2025 |
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
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30/06/2025 |
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
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30/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
Armadale Young Writers' Awards Open to: Students in Years 3 to 12 and reside or attend school in the City of Armadale Theme: Open * Accepts: Prose - Years 3 & 4 Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $200, Second: $150, Third: $100 * Accepts: Prose - Years 5 & 6 Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $200, Second: $150, Third: $100 * Accepts: Prose - Years 7 & 8 Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $200, Second: $150, Third: $100 * Accepts: Prose - Years 9 & 10 Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $200, Second: $150, Third: $100 * Accepts: Prose - Years 11 & 12 Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $200, Second: $150, Third: $100 * BEST OVERALL: $50 gift card
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30/06/2025 |
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
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30/06/2025 |
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
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30/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
Flash 500 Flash Fiction Competition Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Flash Fiction Size: 500 words Entry Fee: £5 for one story, £8 for 2, £11 for 3, £14 for 4 Prize:First: £300, Second: £200, Third: £100
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30/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
Geography Writing Competition Open to: All Theme: Set in Queensland on the significance of the environment in human life Accepts: Fiction Size: 500 words Entry Fee: $10 Prizes: First: $300, Second: $150. Third: 1 year membership to the Queensland Writers Centre
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30/06/2025 |
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
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30/06/2025 |
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
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30/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
Little Stories, Big Ideas Open to: Australian Secondary-school aged students Theme: Friction * Accepts: Creative Writing - Years 7 to 9 Size: 100 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Writing Masterclass, STARTER+ wen hosting package and domain name, 1 year Express Media Membership & Voiceworks subscription * Accepts: Creative Writing - Years 10 to 12 Size: 100 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Writing Masterclass, STARTER+ wen hosting package and domain name, 1 year Express Media Membership & Voiceworks subscription
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30/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
Mornington Peninsula Mayor's Short Story Writing Awards Open to: Residents of the Mornington Peninsula Shire Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story - 8 to 12 years old Size: 500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500 and book store voucher * Accepts: Short Story - 13 to 17 years old Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500 and book store voucher * Accepts: Short Story - 18 years and over Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $1,000, book store voucher and two-week Police Point Artist Residency
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30/06/2025 |
Poetry London Prize UK COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 80 lines Entry Fee: £10 (£5 for subscribers) (Limited free entries for writers on low incomes) Prize: First: £5,000, Second: £2,000, Third: £1,000
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30/06/2025 |
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
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30/06/2025 |
Scribes Writers "Poetic License" Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Traditional Verse Size: 60 lines Entry Fee: $10 Prizes: First: $200, Second: $100, Third: $50, Highly Commended & Commended: Certificate
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30/06/2025 |
Southword Creative Non-Fiction Award IRISH COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Essay / Memoir Size: 4,000 words Entry Fee: €20 Prize: First: €1,000 & publication in Southword, Second: €400& publication in Southword
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30/06/2025 |
TCK Publishing Poetry Awards Contest US COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 500 words Entry Fee: US$ 5 Prize: US$ 1,000
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30/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
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
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30/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
The Hope Prize ALL ROYALITIES FROM THE ANTHOLOGY TO BE DONATED TO CAMFED (The Campaign for Female Education) EARLY BIRD: 30/06/2025 REGULAR: 31/10/2025 Open to: Over 18 Theme: Hope, courage and resilience as experienced or imagined by you Accepts: Short Story Size: 5,000 words Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $20, REGULAR: $30 (limited fee-free places for writers experiencing hardship) Prizes: First: $10,000
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30/06/2025 |
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
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30/06/2025 |
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
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30/06/2025 |
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
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30/06/2025 |
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
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30/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
Wasafiri Essay Prize UK COMPETITION Open to: PhD candidates and early career researchers Theme: On a subject within the field of international contemporary literature published since 1965 Accepts: Essay Size: 6,000 - 9,000 words (including citations but excluding works-cited list) Entry Fee: Nil Prize: £250, mentoring conversation with an academic on the editorial board, annual print and digital subscription to Wasafiri, publication
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30/06/2025 |
Wells Festival of Literature Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: Open * Accepts: Poetry Size: 35 lines Entry Fee: £6 Prizes: First: £1,000, Second: £500, Third: £250, Local Prize: £100 * Accepts: Short Story Size: 1,000 - 2,000 words Entry Fee: £6 Prizes: First: £750, Second: £300, Third: £200, Local Prize: £100 * Accepts: A Book for Children (age 7 and up) Size: First two chapters or 20 pages, whichever is shortest, plus a synopsis of up to 2 pages (Shortlisted entrants may be asked for complete manuscript) Entry Fee: £6 Prizes: First: £750, Second: £300, Third: £200, Local Prize: £100 * Accepts: Young Poets (16 - 22 years old) Size: 35 lines Entry Fee: £3 Prizes: First: £200 & membership to The Poetry Society, Second: £150, Third: £100
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30/06/2025 NEW LISTING |
Wyndham Writing Awards Open to: Residents of Victoria 18+ Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story Size: 1500-3000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $1,000, Local Encouragement Award: $800 * Accepts: Poetry Size: 60 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500, Local Encouragement Award: $400 * Accepts: Flash Fiction Size: 100-600 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500, Local Encouragement Award: $400
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JULY 2025 |
02/07/2025 |
Write Around the Murray Short Story Competition Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: $10 Prize: First: $1,000, Second: $200 book voucher, Third: $100 book voucher
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04/07/2025 NEW LISTING |
Randolph Stow Young Writers Award Open to: Students in years 3 - 12 studying in the Midwest and Gascoyne Regions, Western Australia Theme: None * Accepts: Lower Primary - Year 3 & 4 - Prose Size: 1,200 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Lower Primary - Year 3 & 4 - Poetry Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Upper Primary - Year 5 & 6 - Prose Size: 1,200 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Upper Primary - Year 5 & 6 - Poetry Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Lower Secondary - Year 7 & 8 - Prose Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Lower Secondary - Year 7 & 8 - Poetry Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Middle Secondary - Year 9 & 10 - Prose Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Middle Secondary - Year 9 & 10 - Poetry Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Upper Secondary - Year 11 & 12 - Prose Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified * Accepts: Upper Secondary - Year 11 & 12 - Poetry Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not specified
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04/07/2025 |
The Eden School Prize Open to: Years 8 to 10 students attending a South Australian government school Theme: "How can volunteering and ‘being of service’ make the world a better and happier place?” Accepts: Essay Size: 600 - 800 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $1,250, Second: $750, Third: $500
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07/07/2025 |
Ledbury Poetry Festival Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: All aged 18 years and over Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: £6 Prize: First: £1,000 & a week’s poetry course, Second: £500, Third: £250
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11/07/2025 NEW LISTING |
Melton City Libraries Short Story Competition Open to: People who live, work or study in the City of Melton or hold a current Melton City Libraries membership Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story - Junior A - Prep to Year 3 Size: 1,500 words or 5 minutes to experience Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100 * Accepts: Short Story - Junior B - Year 4 to 6 Size: 1,500 words or 5 minutes to experience Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100 * Accepts: Short Story - Teen - Year 7 to 12 Size: 1,500 words or 5 minutes to experience Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100 * Accepts: Short Story - Adult Size: 3,000 words or 5 minutes to experience Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $750, Second: $500, Third: $250
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14/07/2025 NEW LISTING |
My Brother Jack Awards Open to: People who live, work or study in the City of Glen Eira Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story - Open Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $800, Second: $600, Third: $400 * Accepts: Short Story – Senior Secondary (Years 10 – 12) Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500 gift voucher * Accepts: Short Story – Junior Secondary (Years 7 – 9) Size: 500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $400 gift voucher * Accepts: Short Story – Senior Primary (Years 4 – 6) Size: 500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $300 gift voucher * Accepts: Short Story – Junior Primary (Foundation – Year 3) Size: 500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $200 gift voucher * Accepts: Poetry - Open Size: 60 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $800, Second: $600, Third: $400 * Accepts: Poetry – Senior Secondary (Years 10 – 12) Size: 30 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500 gift voucher * Accepts: Poetry – Junior Secondary (Years 7 – 9) Size: 10 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $400 gift voucher * Accepts: Poetry – Senior Primary (Years 4 – 6) Size: 10 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $300 gift voucher * Accepts: Poetry – Junior Primary (Foundation – Year 3) Size: 10 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $200 gift voucher
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15/07/2025 |
E.M. Fletcher Writing Prize Open to: Residents of Australia, over 18 years of age Theme: Family history/genealogy theme Accepts: Short Story Size: 1,500 - 2,000 words Entry Fee: $30 ($20 for members) Prize: First: $1,000, Runner Up: $500, Rosemary McKenzie Member Prize: $100
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25/07/2025 NEW LISTING |
Barry Young River of Stories Open to: Students must reside within a 150k radius of Albury/Wodonga Theme: Magic * Accepts: Short Story - Students: Years 3 - 4 Size: 500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $50 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $25 book voucher * Accepts: Short Story - Students: Years 5 - 6 Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $50 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $25 book voucher * Accepts: Short Story - Students: Years 7 - 8 Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher * Accepts: Short Story - Students: Years 9 - 10 Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher * Accepts: Short Story - Students: Years 11 - 12 Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher * Accepts: Poetry - Students: Years 3 - 4 Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $50 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $25 book voucher * Accepts: Poetry - Students: Years 5 - 6 Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $50 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $25 book voucher * Accepts: Poetry - Students: Years 7 - 8 Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher * Accepts: Poetry - Students: Years 9 - 10 Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher * Accepts: Poetry - Students: Years 11 - 12 Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher * BEST PRIMARY SCHOOL ENTRANT - Poetry: $250 BEST PRIMARY SCHOOL ENTRANT – Short Story: $250 BEST HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANT - Poetry: $250 BEST HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANT – Short Story: $250
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27/07/2025 NEW LISTING |
Farrells Bookshop Kids' Story Writing Competition Open to: Residents of Mornington Peninsula Theme: Include: "As I opened the letter, a ticket fell out ..." * Accepts: Short Story / Picture Story / Poetry - Lower Primary - Prep to Year 2 Size: 1,000 words (2 pages) Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: Farrells book vouchers * Accepts: Short Story / Picture Story / Poetry - Middle Primary - Years 3 to 4 Size: 1,000 words (2 pages) Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: Farrells book vouchers * Accepts: Short Story / Picture Story / Poetry - Upper Primary - Years 5 to 6 Size: 1,000 words (2 pages) Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: Farrells book vouchers * Accepts: Short Story / Picture Story / Poetry - Lower Secondary - Years 7 to 9 Size: 1,500 words (3 pages) Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: Farrells book vouchers * Accepts: Short Story / Picture Story / Poetry - Upper Secondary - Years 10 to 12 Size: 1,500 words (3 pages) Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: Farrells book vouchers
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31/07/2025 |
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
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31/07/2025 |
Fiction Factory Poetry Competition UK COMPETITON Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: £5, £9 for 2, £12 for 3 (£20 for optional assessment) Prizes: First : £100 and feedback on 5 poems, hour Zoom call with a judge, Short-listed x 5: Supportive critique
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31/07/2025 |
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
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31/07/2025 NEW LISTING |
Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Competition IRISH COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: €19 Prizes: First: €2,000, featured reading at the Cork International Short Story Festival (with 4-night hotel stay and full board), publication, Second: €500, publication, Runners-up x 4: €400, publication
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31/07/2025 |
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
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31/07/2025 |
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
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31/07/2025 NEW LISTING |
Stories of Life Open to: All Theme: Autobiographical or biographical, about an aspect of Christian faith * Accepts: Short Story - Open Size: 500 words Entry Fee: $10, Nil for under 18 Prize: First: $300, $100 Omega Writers voucher & one-year Omega Writers membership, Second: $200 & one-year Omega Writers membership, Third: $100 & $50 Omega discount coupon, Youth Award: $100 * Accepts: Short Story - Open Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: $10, Nil for under 18 Prize: First: $300, $100 Omega Writers voucher & one-year Omega Writers membership, Second: $200 & one-year Omega Writers membership, Third: $100 & $50 Omega discount coupon, Youth Award: $100
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31/07/2025 |
The Keith MacNider Poetry Prize Open to: Poets over 18 years of age who live in Australia or New Zealand Theme: Our Place in the Natural World Accepts: Poetry Size: 30 lines Entry Fee: $10, or $20 for 3 Prizes: First: $800, Second: $400, Third: $250
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31/07/2025 |
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
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31/07/2025 NEW LISTING |
Turtle Publishing NextGen YA Competition Open to: Aged 13 and above Theme: Young Adult fiction Accepts: Short Story / Prequel to exisitng manuscript / First chapter of an upcoming novel Size: 1,500 - 3,000 words Entry Fee: $45, One free entry for under 18s ($55 for optional assessment) Prize: Up to 20 winners: Professional developmental edit, copy/line edit. publication
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AUGUST 2025 |
01/08/2025 NEW LISTING |
Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Writing Competition Open to: All Theme: Lost and Found Accepts: Short Story Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: $18.50 Prize: First: Ticket to Children and Young Adult Conference (value $410), $200, Anthology cover based on winning story, Second & Third: year membership to Queensland Writers Centre ($79)
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24/08/2025 |
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
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31/08/2025 |
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
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31/08/2025 |
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
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31/08/2025 NEW LISTING |
FAW Tasmania Beatrice Clarke Award Open to: Poets aged 14 and under Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: $5 Prizes: First: $100, Second: $50, Encouragement Prize x 2: $25
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31/08/2025 NEW LISTING |
FAW Tasmania Poetry Prize Open to: Residents of Australia Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 60 lines Entry Fee: $5 Prizes: First: $150, Runner-up: $50
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31/08/2025 NEW LISTING |
Hilarie Lindsay Young Writers Short Story Competition Open to: Australian School Children Theme: Open * Accepts: Section 1 - Short Story - Yrs 10, 11 & 12 Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: $5 Prize: First: $150 * Accepts: Section 2 - Short Story - Yrs 7, 8 & 9 Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: $5 Prize: First: $125 * Accepts: Section 3 - Short Story - Yrs 5 & 6 Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: $5 Prize: First: $100 * Accepts: Section 4 - Short Story - Yrs 4 and under Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: $5 Prize: First: $50
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31/08/2025 |
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
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31/08/2025 NEW LISTING |
Marjorie Barnard Short Story Award Open to: Permanent residents of Australia Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: $15 Prize: $500
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31/08/2025 |
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
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31/08/2025 NEW LISTING |
The Betty Olle Poetry Award Open to: All Theme: Australian * Accepts: Open - Australian Bush Verse Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: $15 (2 poems) Prize: First: Trophy & $500, Runner-Up: Certificate & $200, Highly Commended: Certificate * Accepts: Junior (12 years and under) - Australian Bush Verse Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: Trophy & $100, Runner-Up: Certificate & $50, Highly Commended: Certificate
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SEPTEMBER 2025 |
01/09/2025 NEW LISTING |
Heywire Competition Open to: Australian Residents aged 16-22 and not living in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth or Sydney Theme: True story about you and/or your community Accepts: Audio, Video, Photos or Text Size: Video & Audio: 2 - 4 minutes, Photos: 10 images, Text: around 400 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize (awarded up to 33 people): Opportunity for story to be produced for ABC and a trip to the Heywire Regional Youth Summit in Canberra (details on website). Networking and communications training, invitation to the Heywire Gala Dinner. Includes flight and accommodation.
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19/09/2025 NEW LISTING |
The Mayday Hills Ghost Story Competition To be performed on stage by entrant at Bijou Theatre Hall, Beechworth, on 25/10/2025 Open to: Australian or New Zealand citizen or resident Theme: Horror that involves a ghost/spirit Accepts: Short Story Size: No more than 15 minutes performance Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $100 & Trophy, Second: $50, Third: $25
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26/09/2025 NEW LISTING |
Poem Forest A native tree will be planted on Dharawal and Wodi Wodi Country for every entry received Open to: Australian student or young person (aged 18 and under) or an accredited teacher Theme: Understory * Accepts: Lower primary ( F - Year 3) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, handcrafted poetry journal, ‘Wild Things’ poster, 2026 Mycelium Mushroom calendar, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize * Accepts: Upper primary ( Years 4 - 6) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, handcrafted poetry journal, ‘Wild Things’ poster, 2026 Mycelium Mushroom calendar, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize * Accepts: Primary First Nations ( F – Year 6) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, handcrafted poetry journal, ‘Wild Things’ poster, 2026 Mycelium Mushroom calendar, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize * Accepts: Primary CaLD ( F - Year 6) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, handcrafted poetry journal, ‘Wild Things’ poster, 2026 Mycelium Mushroom calendar, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize * Accepts: Lower secondary (Years 7 - 9) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, handcrafted poetry journal, ‘Wild Things’ poster, 2026 Mycelium Mushroom calendar, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize * Accepts: Upper secondary (Years 10 - 12) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, handcrafted poetry journal, ‘Wild Things’ poster, 2026 Mycelium Mushroom calendar, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize * Accepts: Secondary First Nations ( Years 7 - 12) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, handcrafted poetry journal, ‘Wild Things’ poster, 2026 Mycelium Mushroom calendar, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize * Accepts: Secondary CaLD ( Years 7 - 12) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, handcrafted poetry journal, ‘Wild Things’ poster, 2026 Mycelium Mushroom calendar, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize * Accepts: Accredited Teacher (All ages) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, handcrafted poetry journal, ‘Wild Things’ poster, 2026 Mycelium Mushroom calendar, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize * Wollongong Community Greening Local Prize ( F – Year 12): $100 Dymocks book voucher, handcrafted poetry journal, ‘Wild Things’ poster, 2026 Mycelium Mushroom calendar, certificate, $50 Wollongong Botanic Garden’s Greenplan Nursery voucher, School prize: Excursion for up to 30 students, 30 plants, All entrants: a seedling
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30/09/2025 |
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
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30/09/2025 NEW LISTING |
Bridport Prize Memoir Award UK COMPETITION Open to: 16 and over Theme: None Accepts: Memoir Size: Initially: 5,000 - 8,000 words of total work plus 300 word overview, If Long-listed: 15,000 words, If Short-listed: 30,000 words Entry Fee: £24 Prize: First: £1,500, a year of mentoring, consultation with a literary agent, Advice from a publisher, opportunity to discuss with University of Exeter’s Creative Writing Department, Runner-up: £750, feedback, Opportunity to discuss with University of Exeter’s Creative Writing Department, Highly Commended x 3: £150, manuscript appraisal, invitation to an industry day, Opportunity to discuss with University of Exeter’s Creative Writing Department
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30/09/2025 |
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
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30/09/2025 NEW LISTING |
Secrets International Literary Prize UK COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: Respond to the theme song * Accepts: Lyrics or Performed Song Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members, optional feedback: £10 Prize: First: £100, Second: £50, Third: £25 * Accepts: Short Story Size: 1,000 - 5,000 words Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members, optional feedback: £10 Prize: First: £1,000, Second: £100, Third: £50 * Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members, optional feedback: £10 Prize: First: £1,000 & fellowship of the RSA, Second: £100, BI £50 * Accepts: Script Size: 10 pages Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members, optional feedback: £10 Prize: First: £100, Second: £50, Third: £25
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OCTOBER 2025 |
15/10/2025 NEW LISTING |
MiNDFOOD Poetry Competition Open to: Australian and New Zealand residents Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 100 - 400 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: Australian winner: $1,000, New Zealand winner: NZ$1,000
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17/10/2025 NEW LISTING |
MiNDFOOD Short Story Competition Open to: Australian and New Zealand residents Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: Approximately 2,000 words (about 100 words either side is fine) Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: Australian winner: $1,000, New Zealand winner: NZ$1,000
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31/10/2025 NEW LISTING |
Flash 500 Novel Opening Chapter & Synopsis Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Opening Chapter of a Novel with Synopsis Size: Opening chapter up to 3,000 plus one page synopsis (750 words) Entry Fee: £10, £18 for 2, £26 for 3 (£35 for optional critique) Prizes: First: £500, Second: £200
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31/10/2025 |
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
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31/10/2025 |
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
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31/10/2025 |
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
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31/10/2025 |
The Bedford Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: 17 years and over Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: £8.50, three for £17 (Full time students: £6, three for £12) Prize: First: £1,500, Second: £300, Third: £200, Bedford Prize: £100, Cygnature Prize (25 years and under): £200 * Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: £8.50, three for £17 (Full time students: £6, three for £12) Prize: First: £1,500, Second: £300, Third: £200, Bedford Prize: £100, Cygnature Prize (25 years and under): £200
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NOVEMBER 2025 |
30/11/2025 |
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
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30/11/2025 |
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
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DECEMBER 2025 |
31/12/2025 |
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
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