Where Can I Find Free Writing Contests?

It's great you're looking for free writing contests! There are many excellent opportunities available for writers of all ages and genres that don't require an entry fee. Here's a breakdown of some options:

For Adults:

• L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest: This contest focuses on science fiction and fantasy and awards cash prizes quarterly ($1,000, $750, and $500) with an annual grand prize of $5,000.

• Inkitt's Writing Contest: Inkitt runs monthly contests across various genres. Winners are determined by reader engagement on their platform and can receive cash prizes (up to $300), book badges, and promotional packages.

• The Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans: Hosted by The Iowa Review, this contest is open to U.S. military veterans and active-duty members writing in any genre or about any subject.

• ServiceScape Short Story Award: ServiceScape, a platform for freelancers, runs a short story award. Keep an eye on their website for details and deadlines.

• Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest: Sponsored by Winning Writers, this annual contest awards cash prizes ($2,000 for first place) for humorous poems up to 250 lines.

• The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing: This prize is awarded annually to an unpublished manuscript in any genre (fiction or non-fiction) by a first-generation immigrant. The winner receives $10,000, publication, and potentially a residency.

• Black Voices in Children's Literature Writing Contest: This contest aims to uplift Black voices in children's literature and offers a cash prize.

• James Laughlin Award: The Academy of American Poets offers this $5,000 prize for a second book of poetry by a living U.S. poet, with the winning book published by Copper Canyon Press.

• African Poetry Book Fund Prizes: The APBF awards several prizes annually for African poetry.

  
  

For Young Writers (Teenagers and High School Students):

• Write the World Competitions: This platform for teen writers (ages 13-19) hosts free monthly competitions across various genres with cash prizes. They also offer feedback from peers and experts.

• The New York Times Learning Network's Annual Summer Reading Contest: High school students can respond to articles from The New York Times for a chance to have their work published.

• Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: A prestigious competition for students in grades 7-12, with various writing categories. Entry fees can be waived for students with financial need.

• Young Authors Writing Competition (Columbia College Chicago): Open to high school students, this contest accepts submissions in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry.

• River of Words Youth Art and Poetry Contest: Encourages K-12 students to explore their local watersheds through poetry and art.

• John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: High school students (grades 9-12) can write essays about acts of political courage by U.S. elected officials.

• Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award (UK): A major poetry competition for young people aged 11-17 writing in English.

• Write the World Nature Poetry Competition: Invites teen writers to submit poems inspired by nature.

• Ocean Awareness Contest: Students aged 11-18 can submit creative writing (fiction or nonfiction) exploring environmental issues.

• Young Writers Project: This online community for writers aged 13-18 often has free challenges and contests.

• Teen Ink: A national teen magazine that publishes creative writing by teenagers (ages 13-19). While not always a contest, it's a great opportunity for free publication.

• Just Poetry Competition: High school students can submit poems of 20 lines or less for a chance at publication and cash prizes quarterly.

• The American Library of Poetry Contest: Students in grades 3-12 in the USA can submit poems of up to 20 lines.

  
  

Important Tips:

• Read the Guidelines Carefully: Pay close attention to eligibility requirements, word limits, deadlines, and submission instructions for each contest.

• Check Credibility: Before submitting, research the contest and the organization running it to ensure it's legitimate. Look for past winners and reputable judges.

• Proofread Meticulously: Ensure your work is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

• Submit Your Best Work: Only send pieces you are proud of and that you have polished.

• Don't Be Discouraged: Writing contests are competitive. If you don't win, keep writing and submitting!

Good luck with your writing and your contest entries! Let me know if you have any other questions.