Introduction
Top 10 Paid Writing Contests To Enter This Year Contests can be a great method for authors to get noticed, build their portfolio, and even earn a sizable sum of money. Writing contests provide a useful platform for experienced authors seeking to increase their awareness or for up-and-coming authors wishing to get their foot in the door.
In addition to giving you an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities, paid writing competitions frequently provide substantial monetary awards, chances for publication, and perhaps even mentorship programs.
1: Why Enter Writing Contests?
1.1 The Benefits of Writing Contests
Writing contests serve as more than just a gateway to financial rewards. Entering contests can:
- Boost your credibility: Winning or even placing in a contest can boost your credentials as a writer. It serves as an external validation of your abilities and opens doors for future writing opportunities.
- Gain exposure: Many contests offer publication opportunities, which means you could see your work printed in well-known magazines, journals, or anthologies. This exposure can be invaluable for building a readership and advancing your writing career.
- Earn prizes: Aside from monetary awards, contests often come with other prizes such as scholarships, writing residencies, and even publishing contracts.
- Build your portfolio: A contest win or shortlisting adds a prestigious entry to your portfolio, which can be particularly beneficial when applying for grants, writing jobs, or literary agents.
- Develop your skills: The challenge of crafting a piece to fit a contest’s specific theme or criteria can push you to improve your writing and explore new creative directions.
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2: Top 10 Paid Writing Contests of the Year
2.1 The Bridport Prize (International)
The Bridport Prize is one of the most prestigious writing contests in the world. Established in 1973, it invites entries in multiple categories: poetry, short stories, flash fiction, and novel excerpts.
- Categories: Poetry, Short Story, Flash Fiction, Novel Excerpt
- Prizes: First prize winners in each category receive up to £5,000, with additional cash prizes and publication opportunities.
- Eligibility: Open to writers worldwide.
- Entry Fee: Varies by category, typically between £8-£20.
- Submission Deadline: Annually in May.
2.2 The Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition (USA)
The Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition is a long-standing contest that attracts thousands of entries from writers worldwide. It features several categories, including memoir, self-published books, poetry, and short stories.
- Categories: Poetry, Short Story, Memoir, Self-Published Book, Nonfiction, Genre Fiction.
- Prizes: Grand Prize winner receives $5,000, with various cash prizes for category winners and finalists.
- Eligibility: Open to writers globally.
- Entry Fee: $25 per entry.
- Submission Deadline: Typically in May.
2.3 The Commonwealth Short Story Prize (International)
This contest celebrates the art of storytelling, specifically in the short story form. The Commonwealth Short Story Prize invites entries from writers who are citizens of Commonwealth countries.
- Category: Short Story.
- Prizes: The overall winner receives £5,000, with regional winners receiving £2,500.
- Eligibility: Open to writers from Commonwealth countries.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Submission Deadline: Usually in January or February.
2.4 The PDSA Writing Competition (USA)
The PDSA Writing Competition focuses on fiction writing, offering opportunities for new voices in the literary world. It encourages both emerging and established writers to submit.
- Category: Short Fiction (up to 7,500 words).
- Prizes: $1,000 cash prize for the winner, plus publication in a renowned journal.
- Eligibility: Open to US residents.
- Entry Fee: $20.
- Submission Deadline: Annually in November.
2.5 The Bath Novel Award (International)
For novelists looking to make a mark, the Bath Novel Award offers a fantastic platform. This annual contest is specifically for unpublished and self-published authors, giving them the chance to win a cash prize and the attention of literary agents and publishers.
- Category: Novel (70,000 words or more).
- Prizes: £2,000 for the winner, with a shortlist of five novels.
- Eligibility: Open to unpublished or self-published authors worldwide.
- Entry Fee: £25.
- Submission Deadline: Typically in May.
2.6 The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction (USA)
The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction is one of the most prestigious awards for American fiction writers. While it’s not strictly a contest, it offers significant monetary rewards and recognition.
- Category: Fiction (novels and short stories).
- Prizes: $15,000 for the winner, with additional recognition for finalists.
- Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Submission Deadline: Annually in December.
2.7 The JF Kennedy Library Fiction Prize (USA)
The JF Kennedy Library Fiction Prize is an exclusive opportunity for short fiction writers. It offers a substantial cash prize and a platform for showcasing your literary talent.
- Category: Short Story (up to 3,000 words).
- Prizes: $10,000 cash prize.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens, ages 18-35.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Submission Deadline: Typically in March.
2.8 The Poetry Society’s National Poetry Competition (UK)
For poets, the National Poetry Competition hosted by the Poetry Society is an iconic and highly competitive contest. It offers significant cash prizes and publishing opportunities for winners.
- Category: Poetry (up to 40 lines).
- Prizes: £5,000 for the winner, with two runners-up receiving £1,000 each.
- Eligibility: Open to poets worldwide.
- Entry Fee: £7 per poem.
- Submission Deadline: Annually in October.
2.9 The Narrative 30 Below Contest (International)
The Narrative 30 Below Contest is a great opportunity for young writers, particularly those aged 30 or younger, to submit original short fiction or poetry. It’s one of the most accessible contests for emerging voices.
- Categories: Fiction, Poetry, and Nonfiction.
- Prizes: $1,500 for the winner, plus publication in the Narrative journal.
- Eligibility: Open to writers under the age of 30.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Submission Deadline: Ongoing.
2.10 The Royal Society of Literature’s V.S. Pritchett Memorial Prize (UK)
This competition honors short stories in the tradition of V.S. Pritchett. With a strong emphasis on narrative innovation, this prize is highly regarded within the literary world.
- Category: Short Story (up to 2,000 words).
- Prizes: £1,000 for the winner, plus publication in the RSL Review.
- Eligibility: Open to UK writers.
- Entry Fee: £6 per entry.
- Submission Deadline: Annually in April.
3: How to Increase Your Chances of Winning
3.1 Follow the Guidelines Carefully
Each contest has its own set of rules and submission guidelines. Ensure that you carefully read and follow all instructions, including word count, formatting, and submission process. Failure to comply with these details could result in disqualification.
3.2 Edit and Revise Your Work
Before submitting your work, make sure it is well-polished. Contests typically receive a large number of submissions, so presenting the best version of your work is crucial. Consider working with a trusted editor or using grammar and editing tools to fine-tune your writing.
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3.3 Tailor Your Submission to the Contest Theme
Many contests provide specific themes or prompts. Make sure your submission aligns with these themes, as this can increase your chances of standing out to judges. Creativity and originality are key.
3.4 Be Persistent
Winning a writing contest is often about persistence and timing. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t win the first time. Entering multiple contests can help you build your portfolio, gain experience, and increase your visibility in the literary world.
Conclusion
Writing contests provide an excellent opportunity for writers to gain recognition, win cash prizes, and enhance their professional portfolios. By entering well-established contests like the Bridport Prize or Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition, you can not only challenge yourself as a writer but also take significant steps toward advancing your writing career.
The key to success lies in choosing contests that align with your writing style and dedicating the time to create well-crafted submissions. With perseverance and careful preparation, you can make a mark in the literary world through these competitive and rewarding opportunities.
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FAQ
Q1: How much can I earn from writing contests?
A1: The cash prizes from writing contests vary significantly. Some contests offer small prizes of $100 to $500, while others offer substantial rewards of $5,000 or more. In addition to cash, many contests provide valuable exposure through publication and recognition, which can lead to further writing opportunities.
Q2: Are there any free writing contests?
A2: Yes, many writing contests offer free entry, such as the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and the JF Kennedy Library Fiction Prize. However, some contests do require a fee to cover administrative costs or prize funding, so it’s important to review the contest guidelines.
Q3: How can I improve my chances of winning a writing contest?
A3: To increase your chances, make sure to follow the contest guidelines precisely, proofread your work thoroughly, and submit high-quality writing that aligns with the contest’s theme. Additionally, studying past winners can provide insights into what judges look for.
Q4: Can I enter multiple writing contests at once?
A4: Yes, you can enter multiple contests simultaneously, as long as you adhere to each contest’s guidelines. However, make sure that you don’t submit the same piece to multiple contests that prohibit simultaneous submissions.
