Winning Writers
@winningwriters.com
News about high-quality literary contests and resources for writers since 2001. Get access to in-depth profiles of 200+ great free literary contests when you subscribe to our free email newsletter: https://winningwriters.com/free
"Torquay, 2 - The Other Team, 2" by Robert Garnham, winner of our 2024 Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/torquay-2-the-other-team-2
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/torquay-2-the-other-team-2
February 15, 2026 at 2:00 AM
"Torquay, 2 - The Other Team, 2" by Robert Garnham, winner of our 2024 Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/torquay-2-the-other-team-2
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/torquay-2-the-other-team-2
Deadline extended to Feb 20: Next Generation Indie Book Awards
$1,500 and trophy for Best Fiction Book and for Best Non-Fiction Book. 80+ categories. Many smaller prizes. Fee: $80 for first category, $65 for each additional.
https://indiebookawards.com/
$1,500 and trophy for Best Fiction Book and for Best Non-Fiction Book. 80+ categories. Many smaller prizes. Fee: $80 for first category, $65 for each additional.
https://indiebookawards.com/
February 14, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Deadline extended to Feb 20: Next Generation Indie Book Awards
$1,500 and trophy for Best Fiction Book and for Best Non-Fiction Book. 80+ categories. Many smaller prizes. Fee: $80 for first category, $65 for each additional.
https://indiebookawards.com/
$1,500 and trophy for Best Fiction Book and for Best Non-Fiction Book. 80+ categories. Many smaller prizes. Fee: $80 for first category, $65 for each additional.
https://indiebookawards.com/
65 Beautiful Love Poems Everyone Should Know, curated by @reedsy.bsky.social
https://reedsy.com/discovery/blog/love-poems
https://reedsy.com/discovery/blog/love-poems
65 Beautiful Love Poems Everyone Should Know
In this post, we’ve put together the 65 most beautiful love poems ever written.
reedsy.com
February 14, 2026 at 12:01 PM
65 Beautiful Love Poems Everyone Should Know, curated by @reedsy.bsky.social
https://reedsy.com/discovery/blog/love-poems
https://reedsy.com/discovery/blog/love-poems
Sponsored > Original poetry, fiction, & creative nonfiction.
Atmo: A Literary Journal is an online journal from Atmosphere Press, featuring emerging and established voices and sharing work that stays with you long after you read it.
Learn more:
https://atmospherepress.com/atmo-a-literary-journal/
Atmo: A Literary Journal is an online journal from Atmosphere Press, featuring emerging and established voices and sharing work that stays with you long after you read it.
Learn more:
https://atmospherepress.com/atmo-a-literary-journal/
February 13, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Sponsored > Original poetry, fiction, & creative nonfiction.
Atmo: A Literary Journal is an online journal from Atmosphere Press, featuring emerging and established voices and sharing work that stays with you long after you read it.
Learn more:
https://atmospherepress.com/atmo-a-literary-journal/
Atmo: A Literary Journal is an online journal from Atmosphere Press, featuring emerging and established voices and sharing work that stays with you long after you read it.
Learn more:
https://atmospherepress.com/atmo-a-literary-journal/
It's Your Last Chance to Order a Book or Manuscript Critique for $240.
Price increases to $299 on February 15.
Winning Writers guarantees your satisfaction.
Learn more: https://createsend.com/t/d-A561D6735ECEFE222540EF23F30FEDED
Price increases to $299 on February 15.
Winning Writers guarantees your satisfaction.
Learn more: https://createsend.com/t/d-A561D6735ECEFE222540EF23F30FEDED
February 13, 2026 at 7:02 PM
It's Your Last Chance to Order a Book or Manuscript Critique for $240.
Price increases to $299 on February 15.
Winning Writers guarantees your satisfaction.
Learn more: https://createsend.com/t/d-A561D6735ECEFE222540EF23F30FEDED
Price increases to $299 on February 15.
Winning Writers guarantees your satisfaction.
Learn more: https://createsend.com/t/d-A561D6735ECEFE222540EF23F30FEDED
Deadline Feb 28: Cardinal Poetry Prize
Authors 40 and older as of 12/31/26 (and with no poetry book published within the past 10 years) may submit a manuscript of 48–64 pages to win $1,000 and publication by Wesleyan University Press. Fee: $25.
https://www.weslpress.org/the-cardinal-poetry-prize/
Authors 40 and older as of 12/31/26 (and with no poetry book published within the past 10 years) may submit a manuscript of 48–64 pages to win $1,000 and publication by Wesleyan University Press. Fee: $25.
https://www.weslpress.org/the-cardinal-poetry-prize/
February 13, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Deadline Feb 28: Cardinal Poetry Prize
Authors 40 and older as of 12/31/26 (and with no poetry book published within the past 10 years) may submit a manuscript of 48–64 pages to win $1,000 and publication by Wesleyan University Press. Fee: $25.
https://www.weslpress.org/the-cardinal-poetry-prize/
Authors 40 and older as of 12/31/26 (and with no poetry book published within the past 10 years) may submit a manuscript of 48–64 pages to win $1,000 and publication by Wesleyan University Press. Fee: $25.
https://www.weslpress.org/the-cardinal-poetry-prize/
Deadline Feb 28: The Snowbound Chapbook Award. Win $1,000 and publication by @tupelopress.bsky.social. Judge: Richie Hofmann. Submit an unpublished poetry manuscript, 20-36 pages suggested. Fee: $25.
https://tupelopress.org/snowbound-chapbook-award
https://tupelopress.org/snowbound-chapbook-award
February 12, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Deadline Feb 28: The Snowbound Chapbook Award. Win $1,000 and publication by @tupelopress.bsky.social. Judge: Richie Hofmann. Submit an unpublished poetry manuscript, 20-36 pages suggested. Fee: $25.
https://tupelopress.org/snowbound-chapbook-award
https://tupelopress.org/snowbound-chapbook-award
The Death of Book World
What the closing of the Washington Post’s books section means for readers.
https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-death-of-book-world via @newyorker.com
What the closing of the Washington Post’s books section means for readers.
https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-death-of-book-world via @newyorker.com
The End of Books Coverage at the Washington Post
Becca Rothfeld, a former critic at the Washington Post, on the death of the paper’s books section.
www.newyorker.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:01 PM
The Death of Book World
What the closing of the Washington Post’s books section means for readers.
https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-death-of-book-world via @newyorker.com
What the closing of the Washington Post’s books section means for readers.
https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-death-of-book-world via @newyorker.com
Deadline May 1: 34th Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest sponsored by Winning Writers & Duotrope. Submit published or unpublished work. Prizes: $3,500 X 2, 10 X $500. Winners published online. Fee: $25.
https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/tom-howard-john-h-reid-fiction-essay-contest
https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/tom-howard-john-h-reid-fiction-essay-contest
February 11, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Deadline May 1: 34th Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest sponsored by Winning Writers & Duotrope. Submit published or unpublished work. Prizes: $3,500 X 2, 10 X $500. Winners published online. Fee: $25.
https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/tom-howard-john-h-reid-fiction-essay-contest
https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/tom-howard-john-h-reid-fiction-essay-contest
Checks and Balances: The February 2026 Challenge from Glossy Planet
Write about what happens when checks and balances collapse. Submit unpublished fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid work to win $1,000 & pub. Fee: $10.
https://www.glossyplanetmag.com/challenge/checks-and-balances/
Write about what happens when checks and balances collapse. Submit unpublished fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid work to win $1,000 & pub. Fee: $10.
https://www.glossyplanetmag.com/challenge/checks-and-balances/
February 11, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Checks and Balances: The February 2026 Challenge from Glossy Planet
Write about what happens when checks and balances collapse. Submit unpublished fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid work to win $1,000 & pub. Fee: $10.
https://www.glossyplanetmag.com/challenge/checks-and-balances/
Write about what happens when checks and balances collapse. Submit unpublished fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid work to win $1,000 & pub. Fee: $10.
https://www.glossyplanetmag.com/challenge/checks-and-balances/
Sponsored > Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp & Writing Retreat
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at director@novelbookcamp.org.
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at director@novelbookcamp.org.
February 10, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Sponsored > Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp & Writing Retreat
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at director@novelbookcamp.org.
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at director@novelbookcamp.org.
DL 3/6: Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize
Submit unpublished stories up to 750 words. Win $1,000, pub on Electric Literature, performance by an actor, free course with Gotham Writers. Fee: $25.
https://www.symphonyspace.org/selected-shorts/the-stella-kupferberg-memorial-short-story-prize
Submit unpublished stories up to 750 words. Win $1,000, pub on Electric Literature, performance by an actor, free course with Gotham Writers. Fee: $25.
https://www.symphonyspace.org/selected-shorts/the-stella-kupferberg-memorial-short-story-prize
February 10, 2026 at 12:01 PM
DL 3/6: Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize
Submit unpublished stories up to 750 words. Win $1,000, pub on Electric Literature, performance by an actor, free course with Gotham Writers. Fee: $25.
https://www.symphonyspace.org/selected-shorts/the-stella-kupferberg-memorial-short-story-prize
Submit unpublished stories up to 750 words. Win $1,000, pub on Electric Literature, performance by an actor, free course with Gotham Writers. Fee: $25.
https://www.symphonyspace.org/selected-shorts/the-stella-kupferberg-memorial-short-story-prize
Sponsored > Spalding Low-Residency MFA
https://spalding.edu/school-creative-professional-writing/master-of-fine-arts-in-writing/
"I had no idea how enriching residency would be. This one week created a huge shift: in my motivation, my perspective of what's possible..."
- Emily Persichetti Schuster
https://spalding.edu/school-creative-professional-writing/master-of-fine-arts-in-writing/
"I had no idea how enriching residency would be. This one week created a huge shift: in my motivation, my perspective of what's possible..."
- Emily Persichetti Schuster
February 9, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Sponsored > Spalding Low-Residency MFA
https://spalding.edu/school-creative-professional-writing/master-of-fine-arts-in-writing/
"I had no idea how enriching residency would be. This one week created a huge shift: in my motivation, my perspective of what's possible..."
- Emily Persichetti Schuster
https://spalding.edu/school-creative-professional-writing/master-of-fine-arts-in-writing/
"I had no idea how enriching residency would be. This one week created a huge shift: in my motivation, my perspective of what's possible..."
- Emily Persichetti Schuster
Free from @authorspublish.com:
Poem to Book — The Poet's Path to a Traditional Publisher
https://authorspublish.com/books/poem-to-book-the-poets-path-to-a-traditional-publisher/
Poem to Book — The Poet's Path to a Traditional Publisher
https://authorspublish.com/books/poem-to-book-the-poets-path-to-a-traditional-publisher/
February 9, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Free from @authorspublish.com:
Poem to Book — The Poet's Path to a Traditional Publisher
https://authorspublish.com/books/poem-to-book-the-poets-path-to-a-traditional-publisher/
Poem to Book — The Poet's Path to a Traditional Publisher
https://authorspublish.com/books/poem-to-book-the-poets-path-to-a-traditional-publisher/
DL Feb 15: (NOT) in Love Haiku Challenge
Emerging poets may submit unpublished haiku "that explores the people, places, and things you have a love-hate relationship with." Win $500 & online pub. Fee: $10 for 1-3 poems.
https://frontier.submittable.com/submit/345635/2026-not-in-love-haiku-challenge
Emerging poets may submit unpublished haiku "that explores the people, places, and things you have a love-hate relationship with." Win $500 & online pub. Fee: $10 for 1-3 poems.
https://frontier.submittable.com/submit/345635/2026-not-in-love-haiku-challenge
February 8, 2026 at 4:02 PM
DL Feb 15: (NOT) in Love Haiku Challenge
Emerging poets may submit unpublished haiku "that explores the people, places, and things you have a love-hate relationship with." Win $500 & online pub. Fee: $10 for 1-3 poems.
https://frontier.submittable.com/submit/345635/2026-not-in-love-haiku-challenge
Emerging poets may submit unpublished haiku "that explores the people, places, and things you have a love-hate relationship with." Win $500 & online pub. Fee: $10 for 1-3 poems.
https://frontier.submittable.com/submit/345635/2026-not-in-love-haiku-challenge
DL 3/1: Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award
No fee. For emerging Connecticut poets and fiction writers. Win a trip to New York City to meet with top literary professionals, including editors, agents, publishers, and prominent writers.
https://www.pw.org/about-us/maureen_egen_writers_exchange_award
No fee. For emerging Connecticut poets and fiction writers. Win a trip to New York City to meet with top literary professionals, including editors, agents, publishers, and prominent writers.
https://www.pw.org/about-us/maureen_egen_writers_exchange_award
Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award
Established in 1984, the Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award introduces emerging writers to the New York City literary community. The prestigious award, which aims to provide promising writers a network for professional advancement, has helped to launch the careers of Sue Monk Kidd (The Invention of Wings, The Secret Life of Bees), David Mura (Turning Japanese: Memoirs of a Sansei), Craig Santos Perez (from unincorporated territory åmot), Mona Simpson (Case), Lidia Yuknavitch (Thrust), and ot...
www.pw.org
February 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM
DL 3/1: Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award
No fee. For emerging Connecticut poets and fiction writers. Win a trip to New York City to meet with top literary professionals, including editors, agents, publishers, and prominent writers.
https://www.pw.org/about-us/maureen_egen_writers_exchange_award
No fee. For emerging Connecticut poets and fiction writers. Win a trip to New York City to meet with top literary professionals, including editors, agents, publishers, and prominent writers.
https://www.pw.org/about-us/maureen_egen_writers_exchange_award
The Washington Post's Book World supplement has now been killed twice. Here's why we'll miss it anew.
Gift article: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/02/books-news-washington-post/685897/?gift=w-hSt70vJb5g1LNr3EgivFJLk6-mLG3ZbWuDS_S1je0&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
Gift article: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/02/books-news-washington-post/685897/?gift=w-hSt70vJb5g1LNr3EgivFJLk6-mLG3ZbWuDS_S1je0&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
What Happens When Books Aren’t News
In a sense, the decline of book reviews, like the decline of newspapers themselves, is a story about disaggregation.
www.theatlantic.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:02 PM
The Washington Post's Book World supplement has now been killed twice. Here's why we'll miss it anew.
Gift article: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/02/books-news-washington-post/685897/?gift=w-hSt70vJb5g1LNr3EgivFJLk6-mLG3ZbWuDS_S1je0&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
Gift article: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/02/books-news-washington-post/685897/?gift=w-hSt70vJb5g1LNr3EgivFJLk6-mLG3ZbWuDS_S1je0&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
Deadline Feb 13: Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Independent authors & publishers may submit books released during 2024-2026 to win $1,500 for Best Fiction Book and $1,500 for Best Non-Fiction Book. Many smaller prizes. 80+ categories. Fee: $80 ($65 per addl category).
https://indiebookawards.com/
Independent authors & publishers may submit books released during 2024-2026 to win $1,500 for Best Fiction Book and $1,500 for Best Non-Fiction Book. Many smaller prizes. 80+ categories. Fee: $80 ($65 per addl category).
https://indiebookawards.com/
February 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Deadline Feb 13: Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Independent authors & publishers may submit books released during 2024-2026 to win $1,500 for Best Fiction Book and $1,500 for Best Non-Fiction Book. Many smaller prizes. 80+ categories. Fee: $80 ($65 per addl category).
https://indiebookawards.com/
Independent authors & publishers may submit books released during 2024-2026 to win $1,500 for Best Fiction Book and $1,500 for Best Non-Fiction Book. Many smaller prizes. 80+ categories. Fee: $80 ($65 per addl category).
https://indiebookawards.com/
The final Poetry Bulletin newsletter includes 175+ reading periods in a free spreadsheet. An Accessible Opportunities tab features venues with no fees or reduced fee options.
https://open.substack.com/pub/poetrybulletin/p/2026-poetry-book-publishing-175-deadlines?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
https://open.substack.com/pub/poetrybulletin/p/2026-poetry-book-publishing-175-deadlines?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
February 6, 2026 at 11:01 PM
The final Poetry Bulletin newsletter includes 175+ reading periods in a free spreadsheet. An Accessible Opportunities tab features venues with no fees or reduced fee options.
https://open.substack.com/pub/poetrybulletin/p/2026-poetry-book-publishing-175-deadlines?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
https://open.substack.com/pub/poetrybulletin/p/2026-poetry-book-publishing-175-deadlines?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Newly updated by @writersdigest.bsky.social: 100+ Book Fairs and Book Festivals by State
https://www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/list-of-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-by-state
https://www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/list-of-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-by-state
List of Book Fairs and Book Festivals by State
Book fairs and festivals are great events for writers and readers to meet up and celebrate books of all genres. Here's a list of book fairs and book festivals that we've compiled and will continue to update.
www.writersdigest.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Newly updated by @writersdigest.bsky.social: 100+ Book Fairs and Book Festivals by State
https://www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/list-of-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-by-state
https://www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/list-of-book-fairs-and-book-festivals-by-state
35 Magazines Seeking Literary Fiction, curated by @authorspublish.com
These magazines accept literary fiction. Some also accept genre fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
https://authorspublish.com/35-magazines-accepting-literary-fiction-2/
#litmags
These magazines accept literary fiction. Some also accept genre fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
https://authorspublish.com/35-magazines-accepting-literary-fiction-2/
#litmags
» 35 Magazines Accepting Literary Fiction
Curated by Authors Publish
authorspublish.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:02 PM
35 Magazines Seeking Literary Fiction, curated by @authorspublish.com
These magazines accept literary fiction. Some also accept genre fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
https://authorspublish.com/35-magazines-accepting-literary-fiction-2/
#litmags
These magazines accept literary fiction. Some also accept genre fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
https://authorspublish.com/35-magazines-accepting-literary-fiction-2/
#litmags
Solo Mailings at Winning Writers - Cost-Effective & Needle-Moving
Solo emails to our list of 50,000+ poets and writers are $1,350. Compare to similar lists that charge substantially more. Get as much design help as you need. Learn more:
https://createsend.com/t/d-12063951B4685D7A2540EF23F30FEDED
Solo emails to our list of 50,000+ poets and writers are $1,350. Compare to similar lists that charge substantially more. Get as much design help as you need. Learn more:
https://createsend.com/t/d-12063951B4685D7A2540EF23F30FEDED
February 5, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Solo Mailings at Winning Writers - Cost-Effective & Needle-Moving
Solo emails to our list of 50,000+ poets and writers are $1,350. Compare to similar lists that charge substantially more. Get as much design help as you need. Learn more:
https://createsend.com/t/d-12063951B4685D7A2540EF23F30FEDED
Solo emails to our list of 50,000+ poets and writers are $1,350. Compare to similar lists that charge substantially more. Get as much design help as you need. Learn more:
https://createsend.com/t/d-12063951B4685D7A2540EF23F30FEDED
Deadline Feb 22: Limnisa Short Story Competition for short stories of 500-1,500 words.
Theme: "On This Land" by Mahmoud Darwish (reproduced on contest website). Fee is €10 (or £8.50) per story.
Win a one-week Writers' Retreat in 2026 or 2027 at Limnisa.
https://limnisa.com/competition-2026
Theme: "On This Land" by Mahmoud Darwish (reproduced on contest website). Fee is €10 (or £8.50) per story.
Win a one-week Writers' Retreat in 2026 or 2027 at Limnisa.
https://limnisa.com/competition-2026
Limnisa for writers
No matter what genre or medium grabs you, your age or nationality, whether you're a published writer or not...
limnisa.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Deadline Feb 22: Limnisa Short Story Competition for short stories of 500-1,500 words.
Theme: "On This Land" by Mahmoud Darwish (reproduced on contest website). Fee is €10 (or £8.50) per story.
Win a one-week Writers' Retreat in 2026 or 2027 at Limnisa.
https://limnisa.com/competition-2026
Theme: "On This Land" by Mahmoud Darwish (reproduced on contest website). Fee is €10 (or £8.50) per story.
Win a one-week Writers' Retreat in 2026 or 2027 at Limnisa.
https://limnisa.com/competition-2026
Deadline Apr 1: 25th annual Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest sponsored by Winning Writers. No fee. Submit one funny poem to win $2,000. $3,750 in total cash prizes. Submit published or unpublished work via Submittable: https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/wergle-flomp-humor-poetry-contest-free
February 4, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Deadline Apr 1: 25th annual Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest sponsored by Winning Writers. No fee. Submit one funny poem to win $2,000. $3,750 in total cash prizes. Submit published or unpublished work via Submittable: https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/wergle-flomp-humor-poetry-contest-free
Winning Writers will critique your book or manuscript for $240. Order now. Price increases to $299 on February 15.
https://createsend.com/t/d-E6BCEA8108E9D0EE2540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-E6BCEA8108E9D0EE2540EF23F30FEDED
February 4, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Winning Writers will critique your book or manuscript for $240. Order now. Price increases to $299 on February 15.
https://createsend.com/t/d-E6BCEA8108E9D0EE2540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-E6BCEA8108E9D0EE2540EF23F30FEDED