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| Writing Contests |
I’ll be honest — for years, I ignored writing contests. I thought they were for MFA grads, bestselling authors, or people with hours to spare on literary submissions.
Then I entered one on a whim.
And I didn’t win.
But something else happened: I got shortlisted. Then featured. Then emailed. That one little risk put my writing in front of readers I would’ve never reached on my own.
That’s when I realized: writing contests aren’t just about winning. They’re about getting seen, staying consistent, and building your writer resume.
If you're a blogger, poet, or aspiring author, there are real contests you can start entering today — no agent, no big name, no special credentials.
Here are 5 underrated contests and platforms worth checking out — starting with three I always recommend to beginners.
1. Narrative Magazine Spring and Fall Contests
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Prize: Up to $5,000
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Entry Fee: Usually $25
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Format: Fiction, memoir, poetry
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Where: NarrativeMagazine.com
This one's a bit more competitive — but the exposure is incredible. They publish new voices right next to big names.
If you're ready to level up your writing, set a goal to submit at least once per year here.
2. Writers Weekly 24-Hour Short Story Contest
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Prize: $300
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Entry Fee: $5–$10
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Format: Fiction (in 24 hours!)
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Where: WritersWeekly.com
This is fun, chaotic, and low-pressure. They give a surprise prompt at a set date/time, and you’ve got one day to write.
A great way to test your writing instincts — and beat perfectionism.
3. NYCMidnight Writing Competitions
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Prize: $500–$5,000
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Entry Fee: $45–$55
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Format: Timed prompts (fiction, screenplay, flash)
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Where: NYCMidnight.com
These are popular because they’re structured like a tournament. Each round gives a new prompt, word count, and genre. You write under pressure, get scored, and maybe advance.
Great community, too. You get feedback, forums, and a solid writing challenge.
4. The Fiddlehead's Annual Literary Contest
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Prize: $2,000 per genre
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Entry Fee: $35 (includes subscription)
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Format: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction
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Where: TheFiddlehead.ca
Canada’s oldest literary journal — but open to global submissions. A good contest for serious writers ready to build credentials.
5. Chill Subs Weekly Listings
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Type: Not a contest — a directory
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Why it matters: Chill Subs curates new writing contests, open calls, and submission deadlines every week. You’ll find obscure gems here — many free, many themed, and perfect for getting started.
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Where: ChillSubs.com
Bonus Picks (Quickfire)
Here are a few more to explore:
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Flash 500 (fiction)
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WOW! Women on Writing Contests (essays + more)
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The Moth Short Story Prize (UK-based, open globally)
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Fiction War (competitive + fast-paced)
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Writer’s Digest Competitions (ongoing, many genres)
Why These Contests Matter (Even If You Don’t Win)
Because deadlines create momentum.
Because submitting builds courage.
Because even one publication credit can change how editors see you — or how you see yourself.
Most importantly, contests connect you with real readers, not just algorithms.
Final Thought
Don’t wait until you “feel ready.”
Don’t scroll past another opportunity just because it seems small.
Sometimes, those are the ones that open the biggest doors.
Hit submit. Hit send.
You’ve got more to gain than you realize.
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