Writing Competitions
and Events
Looking for a Short Story or Poetry Competition to Enter?
If you want to take your writing to the next level, entering a writing competition is a fantastic way to challenge yourself, refine your craft and gain recognition. Many competitions offer cash prizes, publication opportunities and sometimes, valuable feedback.
This list isn’t exhaustive, as new short story and poetry competitions are launched regularly. Some require an entry fee, while others are free to enter. Entry fees are common, even in reputable writing competitions. Just be sure you’re comfortable submitting payment to the organisers.
If you have any questions about a specific short story competition, please contact the organisers directly. UK Writers’ College is not responsible for third-party competitions or events.
Annual Writing Competitions
Bristol Short Story Prize 2026
Deadline: 31 January 2026
More details here
Fiction Factory | First Chapter of a Novel + Synopsis Competition
Deadline: 31 January 2026
More details here
Fiction Factory First Chapter of a Novel + Synopsis
Deadline: 31 January 2026
More details here
Ironclad Short Story Competition – Spring 2026
Deadline: 31 January 2026
More details here
New Writers Flash Fiction Competition 2026
Deadline: 31 January 2026
More details here
2026 Chautauqua Janus Prize
Deadline: 31 January 2026
More details here
WOW! Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest
Deadline: 31 January 2026
More details here
Claret Press Short Story Competition 2026
Deadline: 1 February 2026
More details here
The Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Deadline: 12 February 2026
More details here
3-Minute Arts Short Story Competition
Deadline: 15 February 2026
More details here
The Rhys Davies Short Story Competition 2026
Deadline: 16 February 2026
More details here
The Next Generation Short Story Awards
Deadline: 26 February 2026
More details here
WOW! Winter 2026 Flash Fiction Contest
Deadline: 28 February 2026
More details here
Brick Lane Bookshop Short Story Prize
Deadline: 2 March 2026
More details here
Deepings Literary Festival 2026 Short Story Competition
Deadline: 6 March 2026
More details here
Monthly Writing Competitions
Weekly Writing Competitions
Regular Entries: Poetry, Short Story and Essay Competitions
Park Publications Scribble Short Story Competitions for 2026
Deadline: Ongoing
More details
Tortive Lit has a monthly 101 word creative writing competition. The prize is dictated by the number of people who enter. Each entry is £1.50. More information at www.tortivelit.com/flashfiction101
The Future Scholar Foundation run monthly short story competitions.
Deadline: 28th of each month
More details here
Andromeda Magazine Monthly Short Story Competition
More details here
The Plaza Prizes run many writing competitions throughout the year. The purpose is to discover, publish and promote talented new writers. You can see their upcoming competitions here.
Northern Life Writing Competition run regular writing competitions.
More details here
Anthology run many competitions throughout the year. Check their competitions here.
The Letter Review runs regular competitions throughout the year. Genres include Short Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry and Unpublished Books. Details here.
Almond Press runs a writing competition event calendar that is updated on a daily basis
Inkitt maintains an excellent website documenting lots of international writing competitions
Details here>
Storyhouse | Contests for previously unpublished writers
Details here>
Cranked Anvil Prompt Competition
DEADLINES: 10am GMT on 1 April; 1 July; 1 October
Details here>
Cranked Anvil Short Story Competition
DEADLINES: QUARTERLY: January; April; July; October.
Details here>
Cranked Anvil Flash Fiction Competition
DEADLINES: QUARTERLY: February; May; August; November
Details here>
