There are many benefits to fiction writing contests, one of which is giving the writer motivation. There are also simple tips to follow that will up one's chances of winning a writer's contest. Some of the tips are so basic, it's a wonder everyone doesn't follow them.
This list of paying anthologies and writers markets are calling for short stories to novellas. They range in genre and requirements. Some have entry fees and some do not. Several of these contests require hard copies of the manuscript and don’t accept electronic submissions. Therefore the writer needs to plan ahead to submit on time.
Writing Contests and Anthologies Ending by April 15
- Deadline April 1
- Entry fee: Varies, read guidelines
- Prize: Cash prizes
This competition accepts work in seven different genres. It’s highly esteemed, therefore has many entries. Prizes vary by genre, with the largest award of $7,500 going to the winning novel. A list of winners will be posted on the website at the end of January 2012.
All submissions must be unpublished. The entry fee is different for each genre of writing. A downloadable entry form is available from the website, but all entries must be sent by snail mail and postmarked by April 1, 2011.
- Deadline April 15
- Entry fee: $15 includes a subscription to Harpur Palate
- Prize: $500 and publication
Harpur Palate is the literary journal published by Binghamton University in New York. They are looking for talented, literary quality writing, in short story form no longer than 8,000 words. One unique thing about this contest is that all writers who submit a story will receive a copy of the edition in which the winning story appears. All submissions must be mailed in as hard copies, and they won’t be returned.
Writing Contests and Anthologies Ending by April 30
Canadian Writers’ Journal Short Fiction Contest
- Deadline April 30
- Entry fee: $5
- Prize: Cash award and publication
Here’s a contest for Canadian citizens. They’re looking for short stories up to 2,500 words long. The guidelines ask for the submissions to follow standard formatting guidelines, and they warn that manuscripts will not be returned. Include a short author biography.
Winning entries are published in Choice Works. First prize receives payment of $150, second prize $100, and third prize $50.
- Postmark dated between March 1 and May 2
- Entry fee: $20 includes copies of the magazine
- Prize: $2000 and publication
This fiction writing contest is sponsored by the Department of English, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. The Crab Orchard Review is their literary magazine. In addition to publishing the winning submission, finalists will be offered publication and a $200 payment.
This contest is judged blind, meaning the author’s name should not appear on any pages of the story. They’re transparent about the judges and the process, which is good for the writers.
E.M. Koeppel Short Fiction Award
- Deadline April 30
- Entry fee: $15 for the first story, $10 for additional stories
- Prize: $1100 and publication
This contest honors the college students of the world by adding a $500 scholarship to the prize if the writer is currently enrolled in a college or university at the time of the contest. This is because the contest is in recognition of Emma Koeppel, who returned to college late in life to get a degree.
Winning submissions will be published online. The editors may also choose other entries for publication with an award of $100. All entries must be postmarked by the deadline date. Authors may enter multiple submissions.
Inceptus Press Beneath a Violet Moon Anthology
- Deadline April 25
- Payment: Royalty
This publisher is creating a fantasy anthology to be released through Amazon and Smashwords. They’re looking for new, original writing, not the overdone zombies, vampires, and werewolves. Their submission process is green; writers may send their work by email. They pay a percentage royalty to the authors selected for inclusion in the anthology.
- Deadline April 23
- Entry fee: $10
The Willamette Writers Conference is a well attended conference in the Pacific Northwest. In conjunction with the conference, they sponsor this contest, awarding prizes in seven categories for adult writing. In addition, they have three student writer categories, for which there is no entry fee.
Guidelines are very explicit, and an official entry form from their site must accompany the submissions. Winners will be awarded at the conference banquet on August 6, 2011.
Suzanne Pitner - Suzanne Pitner is a teacher and published writer. A member of RWA and YARWA, she writes fiction as Suzanne Lilly.
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