Key Takeaways
- There are over 400 active US writing contests offering cash prizes ranging from $500 to $100,000, with deadlines spread throughout 2025-2026.
- Some of the biggest contests include the Stegner Fellowships ($75,000 each), the Rome Prize ($30,000), and the Benjamin Saltman Poetry Award ($3,000).
- Entry fees vary from free to $55, and many prestigious contests like the Drue Heinz Literature Prize don’t charge any fee at all.
- These contests cover all kinds of writing — from poetry and nonfiction to creative nonfiction, flash fiction, and even specialized categories like historical fiction, graphic novels, and translation.
- The benefits go beyond money, as you can gain publication opportunities, meet industry professionals, and take your writing career to the next level, whether you’re just starting out or already established.
The US is home to one of the most exciting and diverse scenes for writing contests in the world. With over 400 competitions running in 2025, there’s something for every writer, no matter your chosen genre or experience level. From prestigious fellowships that offer generous financial support to contests celebrating unique voices in African poetry or stories set in wartime, these opportunities open doors to recognition, publication, and meaningful prizes.
New writers aiming to get published for the first time and seasoned authors looking to expand their literary credentials will find plenty of opportunities in US writing contests. You’ll find contests for poetry competitions, fiction, creative nonfiction, nonfiction poetry, prose poetry, and many other forms, including some that focus on specific themes and voices in today’s literary world. There are even contests that encourage young writers and those focused on children’s literature, writing contests, or young adult books.
This guide will walk you through the most important writing contests happening in 2025. You’ll get the scoop on cash prizes, entry fees, what’s required to enter, and when deadlines fall. We’ll highlight free contests that remove financial barriers as well as high-stakes competitions where the grand prize can change your writing life. Many of these are annual writing contests, awarded annually, ensuring ongoing opportunities for writers to showcase their work.
Major US Writing Contests with Big Prizes
Some of the most prestigious writing contests in the US offer serious cash and career opportunities that can really boost your writing journey. These annual awards are the cream of the crop, attracting talented writers from across the country and beyond.
Stegner Fellowships at Stanford University are among the most sought-after awards for fiction writers and poets. Ten fellowships worth $75,000 each support a two-year creative writing program at one of the country’s top universities. The application deadline is November 1, 2025, and there’s a $55 entry fee — but the payoff can be huge, including financial support and connections with renowned faculty and fellow writers. Winners receive not only cash prizes but also invaluable mentorship from professional writers.
The Rome Prize offers fellowships between $16,000 and $30,000, plus the chance to live and write in Rome, Italy. This international prize appeals to writers looking to broaden their horizons in one of the world’s most inspiring cities. With a $50 entry fee and a November 1, 2025, deadline, it’s one of the most prestigious opportunities for American writers.
Catherine Doctorow Innovative Fiction Prize awards $15,000 and publication for fiction that breaks new ground and experiments with storytelling. The $25 fee and November 1, 2025, deadline make it a great option for writers who want to challenge narrative norms and get published by a respected press.
Drue Heinz Literature Prize offers $15,000 and publication for a collection of short fiction, with no entry fee. Run by the University of Pittsburgh Press, this prize has helped launch many literary careers. The deadline is June 30, 2025, giving you plenty of time to prepare your best collection. This short fiction prize is highly competitive and respected among fiction writers.
Benjamin Saltman Poetry Award gives $3,000 and publication by Red Hen Press for an outstanding poetry collection. With a $25 entry fee and an October 31, 2025, deadline, it’s a fantastic chance for both new and established poets to advance their careers with cash and publication.
Poetry Writing Contests
Poetry contests are some of the most rewarding and prestigious contests out there. They celebrate the art of verse and offer substantial prizes and publication chances for winners.
Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award is the richest poetry prize in the US, giving $100,000 to established poets with exceptional work. The June 30, 2025, deadline is your chance to apply if you’ve published significant poetry and want to keep pushing the art form forward. The prize allows winners to focus on their craft without financial worries.
Kate Tufts Discovery Award complements the Kingsley Tufts by offering $10,000 for promising first poetry books. It’s aimed at emerging voices and provides crucial support early in a poet’s career. The deadline is also June 30, 2025, and many poets enter both contests to increase their chances.
Vassar Miller Prize awards $1,000 and publication by the University of North Texas Press for a standout poetry collection. The $25 entry fee and October 31 deadline make this contest accessible to poets at all stages. The press is known for supporting innovative poetry, making this a great opportunity. The trio award also recognizes excellence in poetry and can be a valuable accolade.
James Hearst Poetry Prize offers $1,000 for a single outstanding poem. With a $23 entry fee and November 1 deadline, it’s perfect if you want to submit your winning poem without a full book.
Drinking Gourd Chapbook Poetry Prize awards $500 to writers of color, with no entry fee. The October 31 deadline and focus on diverse voices make this an important contest for underrepresented poets.
Snowbound Chapbook Award is another annual contest awarding $1,000 for a chapbook-length poetry manuscript, promoting literary excellence. The $25 entry fee and February 28 deadline provide a great opportunity for emerging poets to gain recognition, especially those working on a poetry chapbook.
Fiction Writing Competitions
Fiction contests in the US cover every genre and length — from flash fiction contests to novels — giving writers at all levels a chance to shine. These contests often act as springboards for literary careers and offer great financial rewards.
Ronald Sukenick Innovative Fiction Contest awards $3,000 and publication for novels or story collections that push narrative boundaries. The $25 entry fee and November 1 deadline attract writers who want to experiment and get recognized for it.
PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction is one of the most prestigious American literary honors, offering $15,000 for the best fiction published the previous year. There’s no entry fee, and the deadline is September 30, 2025. This award focuses on books published, so it’s for authors whose works are already out there.
Young Lions Fiction Award offers $10,000 to authors under 35, supporting fresh voices in American literature. There’s no entry fee, and deadlines vary. It’s a great way to get financial help and recognition early in your career.
Kurt Vonnegut Speculative Fiction Prize awards $1,000 and publication for outstanding speculative fiction — including science fiction and fantasy. The $23 entry fee and November 1 deadline make it a solid choice for genre writers aiming for literary acclaim.
St. Martin’s Minotaur First Crime Novel offers a $10,000 advance and publication contract for a debut crime novel. There’s no entry fee, and the deadline is December 17, 2025. This contest provides a direct route to traditional publishing with a major house.
Philadelphia Stories Fiction Contest is a notable short story competition that awards $1,000 for outstanding fiction, encouraging adult fiction writers to submit their best work. The $15 entry fee and October 31 deadline make it accessible to many, and the contest hopes to discover new voices.
Creative Nonfiction and Essay Contests
Creative nonfiction contests celebrate storytelling rooted in real life, giving writers a platform to share experiences and insights while competing for cash and publication.
Book Prize from the University of New Mexico awards $1,000 for excellent creative nonfiction, with a $27 entry fee and an October 31 deadline. This contest highlights the growing importance of nonfiction prizes and offers both money and publication.
Helena Whitehill Award offers $1,000 for poetry or creative nonfiction, broadening the field for versatile nonfiction writers. The $30 entry fee and October 31 deadline make it accessible for those working across genres.
Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards provide $10,000 for books addressing racism and cultural diversity. There’s no entry fee, and the deadline is December 31, 2025. This award honors works that contribute to vital social conversations and literary excellence.
Marfield Prize awards $10,000 for outstanding arts writing, with no entry fee and an October 15 deadline. It recognizes the value of cultural criticism and arts journalism, offering significant support for writers in these fields.
Hektoen Grand Prix Essay Contest offers $5,000 for the winner and $2,500 for the runner-up in medical humanities essays. There’s no entry fee, and the deadline is September 15, 2025. This contest celebrates the intersection of medicine and literature with generous prizes.
Free Writing Contests (No Entry Fee)
Free contests remove financial barriers while still offering great prizes and publication opportunities. These contests prove you don’t have to pay to play.
L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future awards a $5,000 grand prize winner, plus quarterly $1,000 prizes for science fiction and fantasy writers. Running throughout the year, this contest has helped launch many careers.
Fresh Voices Fellowship offers $2,000 and publication in Epiphany magazine, with a November 1 deadline. This fellowship supports emerging writers with both money and exposure.
Evaristo Prize for African Poetry awards $1,500 for emerging African poets, with a November 1 deadline. This vital contest celebrates African voices in poetry.
John Updike Tucson Casitas Fellowship gives $1,000 plus a two-week residency, with a November 1 deadline. Combining financial support with a valuable writing retreat, it offers a unique opportunity.
Derricotte/Eady Chapbook Prize awards $1,000 to Black poets along with residency opportunities. With a November 3 deadline, this prize supports Black voices with both money and professional growth.
Specialized and Genre-Specific Contests
Specialized contests focus on particular genres, themes, or communities, offering targeted chances for writers working in specific areas.
W.Y. Boyd Literary Award offers $5,000 for fiction related to military themes, with no entry fee and a December 31 deadline. Highlighting the importance of stories set during wartime in American literature, this award encourages writers to explore military fiction.
Malinda A. Markham Translation Prize awards $2,000 for poetry translation by female translators, with a $30 entry fee and November 1 deadline. Celebrating translation and women’s contributions to literature, this prize recognizes exceptional work.
Short Fiction Contest from Moment Magazine offers $1,000 for Jewish-themed fiction, with a $25 entry fee and November 1 deadline. Promoting Jewish voices and experiences, this contest provides a valuable platform.
Open Season Awards give three $2,000 Canadian prizes for poems, stories, and essays, with a $22 entry fee and November 1 deadline. Welcoming international submissions across genres, these awards celebrate diverse talents.
Patricia Dobler Poetry Award awards $1,000 for women poets over 40, with a $20 entry fee and October 31 deadline. Honoring the unique voices of mature women poets, this award supports literary excellence.
Contest Submission Guidelines and Tips
To boost your chances in writing contests, pay close attention to guidelines and prepare strategically.
Check the Latest Details: Always visit official contest sites for up-to-date contest deadlines, fees, and rules. Things can change, and missing info can cost you.
Follow Instructions Exactly: Judges receive many entries, and not following formatting or word count rules often means disqualification. Be sure to get fonts, margins, and file types right.
Submit Your Best Work: Only send polished, well-edited pieces. Professional editing can make a big difference, especially for high-stakes contests.
Keep Track: Record contest names, deadlines, reading fees paid, and notification dates. This helps avoid double submissions and keeps you organized.
Handle Multiple Submissions Carefully: Some contests allow simultaneous submissions; others don’t. If your work is accepted somewhere, withdraw it from other contests to stay professional.
Benefits of Entering US Writing Contests
Writing contests offer more than just money — they can open doors and help your writing career grow.
Money and Recognition: Cash prizes from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars provide immediate support. Winning also boosts your reputation in the literary world.
Publication: Many contests include publication in respected literary magazines, presses, or anthologies, all great for building your writing resume.
Networking: Winning stories can connect you with editors, agents, and other writers, leading to mentorship and future opportunities.
Stronger Portfolio: Awards add credibility to your bio and improve your chances with publishers and grant committees.
Professional Growth: Some contests offer workshops, residencies, and festival invitations, helping you develop your craft and career.
The Writing District Contests
At The Writing District, we showcase a range of writing contests that celebrate and support writers at every stage. Even if you’re just starting out or already have some experience, the contests we list are designed to inspire and encourage your creativity across genres like fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and flash fiction.
Contests welcome diverse voices and fresh storytelling, reflecting our commitment to building a vibrant and inclusive literary community. We keep contest deadlines and details up to date on our website, so be sure to check back often and submit your best work. Whatever you’re aiming for, The Writing District is here to support and celebrate your writing journey.
FAQ
How should I manage simultaneous submissions? Always review the contest guidelines carefully to see if simultaneous submissions are allowed. Maintain detailed records of where and when you submit your work, and promptly withdraw your submission from other contests if your piece is accepted elsewhere.
When can I expect to hear back from contests? Response times vary widely. Some contests notify winners within a few weeks, while others may take several months. Check the contest’s official website for estimated timelines.
What makes a strong author bio for contest submissions? Keep your bio concise and relevant, focusing on your writing achievements, awards, publications, and any pertinent education or experience. Customize it to fit the tone and requirements of each contest.
Can I submit previously published work? Most writing contests require previously unpublished material, but some book awards and specialized contests accept self-published books or books previously published. Always verify the submission guidelines before entering.
