Winning Writers
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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
The increasing use of AI is enabling publishing scams to fabricate entire teams of fake executives and use the identities of real authors to create a highly deceptive corporate facade.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/17/authors-writers-caught-in-global-ai-publishing-scam
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/17/authors-writers-caught-in-global-ai-publishing-scam
November 22, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The increasing use of AI is enabling publishing scams to fabricate entire teams of fake executives and use the identities of real authors to create a highly deceptive corporate facade.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/17/authors-writers-caught-in-global-ai-publishing-scam
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/17/authors-writers-caught-in-global-ai-publishing-scam
"Soap Suds", a poem by Louis MacNeice
https://www.blueridgejournal.com/poems/lm-soap.htm
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/soap-suds-by-louis-macneice/
https://www.blueridgejournal.com/poems/lm-soap.htm
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/soap-suds-by-louis-macneice/
November 21, 2025 at 2:01 AM
"Soap Suds", a poem by Louis MacNeice
https://www.blueridgejournal.com/poems/lm-soap.htm
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/soap-suds-by-louis-macneice/
https://www.blueridgejournal.com/poems/lm-soap.htm
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/soap-suds-by-louis-macneice/
Deadline Dec 15: Writer's Digest Call for 28th Annual 101 Best Websites for Writers Nominations - Please nominate Winning Writers!
https://www.writersdigest.com/best-websites-for-writers-nomination-2026
https://www.writersdigest.com/best-websites-for-writers-nomination-2026
November 20, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Deadline Dec 15: Writer's Digest Call for 28th Annual 101 Best Websites for Writers Nominations - Please nominate Winning Writers!
https://www.writersdigest.com/best-websites-for-writers-nomination-2026
https://www.writersdigest.com/best-websites-for-writers-nomination-2026
Rolling deadline: $1,000 John Updike Review Emerging Writers Prize
No fee. Writers up to 40 years old may submit essays that deepen our understanding of the work of John Updike. Submit to: Prof. James Schiff, Editor, The John Updike Review, james.schiff@uc.edu.
https://updikereview.com/submissions/
No fee. Writers up to 40 years old may submit essays that deepen our understanding of the work of John Updike. Submit to: Prof. James Schiff, Editor, The John Updike Review, james.schiff@uc.edu.
https://updikereview.com/submissions/
November 20, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Rolling deadline: $1,000 John Updike Review Emerging Writers Prize
No fee. Writers up to 40 years old may submit essays that deepen our understanding of the work of John Updike. Submit to: Prof. James Schiff, Editor, The John Updike Review, james.schiff@uc.edu.
https://updikereview.com/submissions/
No fee. Writers up to 40 years old may submit essays that deepen our understanding of the work of John Updike. Submit to: Prof. James Schiff, Editor, The John Updike Review, james.schiff@uc.edu.
https://updikereview.com/submissions/
DL 11/30: Bath Children’s Novel Award
International. Emerging authors may submit novels for YA & younger or the text of story picture books to win £5,000. Submissions may be unpublished, self-published, or published without an advance. Fee: £29.99.
https://bathnovelaward.co.uk/childrens-novel-award/
International. Emerging authors may submit novels for YA & younger or the text of story picture books to win £5,000. Submissions may be unpublished, self-published, or published without an advance. Fee: £29.99.
https://bathnovelaward.co.uk/childrens-novel-award/
November 19, 2025 at 12:02 PM
DL 11/30: Bath Children’s Novel Award
International. Emerging authors may submit novels for YA & younger or the text of story picture books to win £5,000. Submissions may be unpublished, self-published, or published without an advance. Fee: £29.99.
https://bathnovelaward.co.uk/childrens-novel-award/
International. Emerging authors may submit novels for YA & younger or the text of story picture books to win £5,000. Submissions may be unpublished, self-published, or published without an advance. Fee: £29.99.
https://bathnovelaward.co.uk/childrens-novel-award/
When Annie Mydla judges book submissions, she frequently sees strong starts followed by weak action and an unsatisfying resolution that's at odds with the book's genre, characters, and story arc.
https://winningwriters.com/resources/choosing-your-books-resolution-status-quo-or-new-normal #WriteTips
https://winningwriters.com/resources/choosing-your-books-resolution-status-quo-or-new-normal #WriteTips
November 18, 2025 at 8:02 PM
When Annie Mydla judges book submissions, she frequently sees strong starts followed by weak action and an unsatisfying resolution that's at odds with the book's genre, characters, and story arc.
https://winningwriters.com/resources/choosing-your-books-resolution-status-quo-or-new-normal #WriteTips
https://winningwriters.com/resources/choosing-your-books-resolution-status-quo-or-new-normal #WriteTips
DL Nov 30: The Gulliver's Travel Grant sponsored by the Speculative Literature Foundation
No fee. Writers of speculative literature can receive $1,000 for travel expenses involved with non-academic research.
https://speculativeliterature.org/grants-3/the-gulliver-travel-grant/
HT FundsforWriters
No fee. Writers of speculative literature can receive $1,000 for travel expenses involved with non-academic research.
https://speculativeliterature.org/grants-3/the-gulliver-travel-grant/
HT FundsforWriters
November 18, 2025 at 4:04 PM
DL Nov 30: The Gulliver's Travel Grant sponsored by the Speculative Literature Foundation
No fee. Writers of speculative literature can receive $1,000 for travel expenses involved with non-academic research.
https://speculativeliterature.org/grants-3/the-gulliver-travel-grant/
HT FundsforWriters
No fee. Writers of speculative literature can receive $1,000 for travel expenses involved with non-academic research.
https://speculativeliterature.org/grants-3/the-gulliver-travel-grant/
HT FundsforWriters
Deadline Nov 30: The International Dark Poets Prize: Edition IV
Submit poems that explore the beauty within darkness to win £1,000. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Length limit: 250 words per poem. Fee: £6 per poem.
https://www.darkpoets.club/darkpoetsprize
HT FundsforWriters
Submit poems that explore the beauty within darkness to win £1,000. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Length limit: 250 words per poem. Fee: £6 per poem.
https://www.darkpoets.club/darkpoetsprize
HT FundsforWriters
November 17, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Deadline Nov 30: The International Dark Poets Prize: Edition IV
Submit poems that explore the beauty within darkness to win £1,000. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Length limit: 250 words per poem. Fee: £6 per poem.
https://www.darkpoets.club/darkpoetsprize
HT FundsforWriters
Submit poems that explore the beauty within darkness to win £1,000. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Length limit: 250 words per poem. Fee: £6 per poem.
https://www.darkpoets.club/darkpoetsprize
HT FundsforWriters
Our November newsletter features Julian Peters' illustration of "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes.
https://createsend.com/t/d-FA4F05776FCFAB582540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-FA4F05776FCFAB582540EF23F30FEDED
November 17, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Our November newsletter features Julian Peters' illustration of "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes.
https://createsend.com/t/d-FA4F05776FCFAB582540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-FA4F05776FCFAB582540EF23F30FEDED
DL 11/30: Independently Published Pre-publication Grant sponsored by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
SCBWI members can apply for $2,500 towards self-publishing.
https://www.scbwi.org/awards-and-grants/for-independently-published/independently-published-pre-publication-grant
SCBWI members can apply for $2,500 towards self-publishing.
https://www.scbwi.org/awards-and-grants/for-independently-published/independently-published-pre-publication-grant
November 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM
DL 11/30: Independently Published Pre-publication Grant sponsored by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
SCBWI members can apply for $2,500 towards self-publishing.
https://www.scbwi.org/awards-and-grants/for-independently-published/independently-published-pre-publication-grant
SCBWI members can apply for $2,500 towards self-publishing.
https://www.scbwi.org/awards-and-grants/for-independently-published/independently-published-pre-publication-grant
DL Nov 30: New Millennium Writings Awards
$1,000 each for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and flash fiction. Winners published.
Fee: $20.
https://newmillenniumwritings.submittable.com/submit/334149/61st-new-millennium-writings-awards
via @newmillwritings.bsky.social
$1,000 each for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and flash fiction. Winners published.
Fee: $20.
https://newmillenniumwritings.submittable.com/submit/334149/61st-new-millennium-writings-awards
via @newmillwritings.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 10:00 PM
DL Nov 30: New Millennium Writings Awards
$1,000 each for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and flash fiction. Winners published.
Fee: $20.
https://newmillenniumwritings.submittable.com/submit/334149/61st-new-millennium-writings-awards
via @newmillwritings.bsky.social
$1,000 each for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and flash fiction. Winners published.
Fee: $20.
https://newmillenniumwritings.submittable.com/submit/334149/61st-new-millennium-writings-awards
via @newmillwritings.bsky.social
Our November newsletter is out! We found over four dozen excellent free poetry and prose contests with deadlines between today and December 31.
https://createsend.com/t/d-FA4F05776FCFAB582540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-FA4F05776FCFAB582540EF23F30FEDED
November 15, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Our November newsletter is out! We found over four dozen excellent free poetry and prose contests with deadlines between today and December 31.
https://createsend.com/t/d-FA4F05776FCFAB582540EF23F30FEDED
https://createsend.com/t/d-FA4F05776FCFAB582540EF23F30FEDED
Today and tomorrow are Indie Author Day. "Each year, libraries and organizations around the world bring local indie authors, writers, and their communities together for a day of education, networking, writing, open mics, live panels, and so much more!" Register free at
https://indieauthorday.com/
https://indieauthorday.com/
November 14, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Today and tomorrow are Indie Author Day. "Each year, libraries and organizations around the world bring local indie authors, writers, and their communities together for a day of education, networking, writing, open mics, live panels, and so much more!" Register free at
https://indieauthorday.com/
https://indieauthorday.com/
Deadline Nov 23: The Flash Challenge sponsored by The Masters Review
Emerging writers may submit unpublished fiction and creative nonfiction up to 1,000 words to win $1,000 and online publication. Fee: $15 for 1-2 pieces.
https://mastersreview.com/flash-challenge/
Emerging writers may submit unpublished fiction and creative nonfiction up to 1,000 words to win $1,000 and online publication. Fee: $15 for 1-2 pieces.
https://mastersreview.com/flash-challenge/
November 13, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Deadline Nov 23: The Flash Challenge sponsored by The Masters Review
Emerging writers may submit unpublished fiction and creative nonfiction up to 1,000 words to win $1,000 and online publication. Fee: $15 for 1-2 pieces.
https://mastersreview.com/flash-challenge/
Emerging writers may submit unpublished fiction and creative nonfiction up to 1,000 words to win $1,000 and online publication. Fee: $15 for 1-2 pieces.
https://mastersreview.com/flash-challenge/
Deadline Dec 14: Uncharted Magazine Novel Excerpt Prize
Submit 5,000 words or fewer from your unpublished novel in progress. 3 winners will each receive $1,000 & pub. Fee: $20.
https://www.unchartedmag.com/uncharted-magazine-novel-excerpt-prize-judged-by-rachel-howzell-hall-3000-awarded/
Submit 5,000 words or fewer from your unpublished novel in progress. 3 winners will each receive $1,000 & pub. Fee: $20.
https://www.unchartedmag.com/uncharted-magazine-novel-excerpt-prize-judged-by-rachel-howzell-hall-3000-awarded/
November 13, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Deadline Dec 14: Uncharted Magazine Novel Excerpt Prize
Submit 5,000 words or fewer from your unpublished novel in progress. 3 winners will each receive $1,000 & pub. Fee: $20.
https://www.unchartedmag.com/uncharted-magazine-novel-excerpt-prize-judged-by-rachel-howzell-hall-3000-awarded/
Submit 5,000 words or fewer from your unpublished novel in progress. 3 winners will each receive $1,000 & pub. Fee: $20.
https://www.unchartedmag.com/uncharted-magazine-novel-excerpt-prize-judged-by-rachel-howzell-hall-3000-awarded/
"The Last Sea Cow's Testimony", a poem by Brandon Kilbourne
https://poems.com/poem/the-last-sea-cows-testimony/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @graywolfpress.bsky.social
https://poems.com/poem/the-last-sea-cows-testimony/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @graywolfpress.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 2:01 AM
"The Last Sea Cow's Testimony", a poem by Brandon Kilbourne
https://poems.com/poem/the-last-sea-cows-testimony/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @graywolfpress.bsky.social
https://poems.com/poem/the-last-sea-cows-testimony/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and @graywolfpress.bsky.social
Sponsored > Deadline Dec 31: Lilith's Annual Fiction Contest; no fee, submit a story up to 3,000 words to win $300 and publication. *Please include full contact info on your ms.* "We especially like fresh fiction with feminist and Jewish nuance..."
https://lilith.org/contact/writing-for-lilith/
https://lilith.org/contact/writing-for-lilith/
November 12, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Sponsored > Deadline Dec 31: Lilith's Annual Fiction Contest; no fee, submit a story up to 3,000 words to win $300 and publication. *Please include full contact info on your ms.* "We especially like fresh fiction with feminist and Jewish nuance..."
https://lilith.org/contact/writing-for-lilith/
https://lilith.org/contact/writing-for-lilith/
"McVay" and "Thersites" by T.P. Perrin, second prize in our 2005 War Poetry Contest
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/mcvay-thersites
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/mcvay-thersites
November 12, 2025 at 2:00 AM
"McVay" and "Thersites" by T.P. Perrin, second prize in our 2005 War Poetry Contest
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/mcvay-thersites
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/mcvay-thersites
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.
November 11, 2025 at 8:03 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.
"The Song of Iraq" by Rob Cook, second prize in our 2004 War Poetry Contest
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/the-song-of-iraq
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/the-song-of-iraq
November 11, 2025 at 12:02 PM
"The Song of Iraq" by Rob Cook, second prize in our 2004 War Poetry Contest
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/the-song-of-iraq
https://winningwriters.com/past-winning-entries/the-song-of-iraq
"Snipe", a poem by Matthew Gellman
https://poems.com/poem/snipe/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and BOA Editions
https://poems.com/poem/snipe/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and BOA Editions
November 10, 2025 at 2:00 AM
"Snipe", a poem by Matthew Gellman
https://poems.com/poem/snipe/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and BOA Editions
https://poems.com/poem/snipe/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and BOA Editions
Deadline Dec 1: Writer’s Digest Poetry Awards
Submit unpublished poems up to 32 lines and chapbooks up to 25 pages to win $1,000, publication, and additional benefits. Many smaller prizes. Fees: $25-$40.
https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/poetry-awards
Submit unpublished poems up to 32 lines and chapbooks up to 25 pages to win $1,000, publication, and additional benefits. Many smaller prizes. Fees: $25-$40.
https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/poetry-awards
November 8, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Deadline Dec 1: Writer’s Digest Poetry Awards
Submit unpublished poems up to 32 lines and chapbooks up to 25 pages to win $1,000, publication, and additional benefits. Many smaller prizes. Fees: $25-$40.
https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/poetry-awards
Submit unpublished poems up to 32 lines and chapbooks up to 25 pages to win $1,000, publication, and additional benefits. Many smaller prizes. Fees: $25-$40.
https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/poetry-awards
Sponsored > POEMS TO SEE BY makes a great holiday gift
"You've seen the moving, insightful work by Julian Peters in our newsletters. Here's a chance to buy his unique book for yourself and your friends at a 30% discount." -Adam Cohen at WW
https://createsend.com/t/d-E360CB4E46BE40042540EF23F30FEDED
"You've seen the moving, insightful work by Julian Peters in our newsletters. Here's a chance to buy his unique book for yourself and your friends at a 30% discount." -Adam Cohen at WW
https://createsend.com/t/d-E360CB4E46BE40042540EF23F30FEDED
November 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Sponsored > POEMS TO SEE BY makes a great holiday gift
"You've seen the moving, insightful work by Julian Peters in our newsletters. Here's a chance to buy his unique book for yourself and your friends at a 30% discount." -Adam Cohen at WW
https://createsend.com/t/d-E360CB4E46BE40042540EF23F30FEDED
"You've seen the moving, insightful work by Julian Peters in our newsletters. Here's a chance to buy his unique book for yourself and your friends at a 30% discount." -Adam Cohen at WW
https://createsend.com/t/d-E360CB4E46BE40042540EF23F30FEDED
Deadline Nov 25: The PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers recognizes debut short stories published in a literary magazine, journal or cultural website. No fee. 12 writers each receive $2,000 and publication by Catapult.
https://pen.org/literary-awards/pen-dau-short-story-prize/
https://pen.org/literary-awards/pen-dau-short-story-prize/
November 7, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Deadline Nov 25: The PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers recognizes debut short stories published in a literary magazine, journal or cultural website. No fee. 12 writers each receive $2,000 and publication by Catapult.
https://pen.org/literary-awards/pen-dau-short-story-prize/
https://pen.org/literary-awards/pen-dau-short-story-prize/
Attention advertisers! On January 1, the price to mail to our 50,000+ Winning Writers subscribers will increase from $1,250 to $1,350. Lock in the $1,250 rate for your 2026 mailings before it's gone! Email adam@winningwriters.com.
November 6, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Attention advertisers! On January 1, the price to mail to our 50,000+ Winning Writers subscribers will increase from $1,250 to $1,350. Lock in the $1,250 rate for your 2026 mailings before it's gone! Email adam@winningwriters.com.