40 Free Writing Contests: Win Cash Prizes for Your Fiction, Poetry, and Nonfiction!

In the world of literature, contests can be a double-edged sword for aspiring writers. While they offer an opportunity for recognition and potential cash rewards, the landscape is littered with scams that prey on hopeful authors. Fortunately, there are numerous legitimate and free writing competitions available for those willing to navigate this exciting but complex arena. In this comprehensive guide, we present 40 writing contests that not only welcome entries without any fees but also provide a chance to secure substantial cash prizes in various genres including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just starting your journey, these opportunities can enhance your visibility and propel your writing career.

Join us as we explore highlighted contests such as the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest, the Drue Heinz Literature Prize, and the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, as well as an array of poetry competitions that can elevate your craft. We’ll delve into eligibility criteria, prize details, submission requirements, and deadlines to ensure you have all the information you need to submit with confidence. Let’s help you take the next step in your writing journey and discover contests that can put your work in the spotlight.

Key Takeaways

The article lists 40 free writing contests for various genres that offer cash prizes.
It emphasizes the importance of entering legitimate contests that do not require fees to avoid scams.
Highlighted contests include prestigious awards with significant cash prizes, providing opportunities for recognition and publication.

Overview of Free Writing Contests

## Overview of Free Writing Contests

For aspiring writers, participating in writing contests can be an exciting way to gain exposure and potentially win cash prizes. However, the landscape is filled with numerous competitions that often require entry fees, making it essential for writers to discern legitimate contests from scams. This article presents an extensive list of 40 authentic and free writing contests that span various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, all offering enticing cash prizes. Each contest is detailed with eligibility criteria, prize amounts, submission requirements, and deadlines, providing writers with the information needed to enter confidently.

### The Value of Writing Contests

Writing contests serve as an excellent platform for writers to showcase their talent, gain recognition, and establish their credibility in the literary world. Winning or even placing in a contest can open doors to publishing opportunities, allowing writers to present their work to editors and agents. Even if a writer does not win, the experience of competing can help hone their craft, receive constructive feedback, and connect with a community of other writers.

### The Importance of Avoiding Scams

Unfortunately, the prevalence of scams in the writing contest industry can be daunting. Many contests that require hefty entry fees offer little in return, often leading writers to believe that their money will help them achieve publication or recognition. To avoid falling victim to these scams, aspiring writers should prioritize contests that do not charge entry fees, ensuring their investment of time and creativity is rewarded fairly. The contests listed in this article uphold the integrity of the writing community, providing free entry and legitimate prizes.

### Featured Free Writing Contests

Here are some highlighted contests from our comprehensive list:

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1. L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest
This prestigious contest is specifically aimed at new and amateur writers in the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Quarterly prizes of up to $5,000 offer substantial rewards for talented storytellers, making this an excellent opportunity for those looking to break into the genre. Each quarter, authors can submit their original short stories of 17,000 words or less, competing not only for the cash prize but also for publication in the annual anthology.

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2. The Drue Heinz Literature Prize
Aimed at short fiction writers, this contest awards a generous cash prize of $15,000, along with consideration for publication. The contest welcomes collections of short stories, giving writers an opportunity to have their work recognized on a larger stage. To be eligible, authors must be professionally unpublished, which opens the door for new voices in literature.

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3. The Young Lions Fiction Award
This contest is specifically tailored for emerging writers aged 35 or younger, offering a $10,000 cash prize for the best work of fiction published in the previous calendar year. This award not only provides financial support but also helps to elevate the selected author’s profile within the publishing community.

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4. Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prizes
Graywolf Press offers a prestigious opportunity to nonfiction writers through their annual nonfiction prize, which promises a $12,000 advance and subsequent publication. This contest is ideal for authors with compelling narratives or innovative essays that challenge traditional forms of nonfiction writing.

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5. PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction
One of the most recognized awards in the literary community, the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction honors U.S. authors for an outstanding work of fiction published that year. With a prize of up to $15,000, this competition celebrates the diversity of voices in literature while promoting the importance of storytelling.

### Poetry Contests to Consider

In addition to fiction and nonfiction contests, aspiring poets can find value in participating in the following competitions:

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1. Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
This unique contest emphasizes humor in poetry, providing writers a chance to showcase their comedic talents. With no entry fee, the Wergle Flomp Contest awards cash prizes for the best entries, encouraging poets to explore the lighthearted side of their craft.

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2. Graywolf Press Walt Whitman Award
Targeting emerging poets, this contest supports new voices with the promise of publication and a cash award. Named after the iconic poet Walt Whitman, this prestigious award seeks to recognize innovative poetry that pushes boundaries and captures the spirit of contemporary life.

### Conclusion

Engaging in writing contests can be a transformative experience for writers, providing them with invaluable exposure, feedback, and potential accolades. While navigating the world of competitions, it’s crucial to remain vigilant against scams that might exploit a writer’s enthusiasm. By focusing on legitimate and free contests, like those listed in this article, aspiring writers can channel their creativity and passion toward achieving their literary goals. We encourage you to explore these contests, seize the opportunity to have your work recognized, and potentially secure a cash prize that rewards your talent and hard work. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, these contests may just be the stepping stone you need to lift your writing career to new heights.

Highlighted Contests and Their Criteria

In addition to the cash rewards and recognition, many writing contests also provide opportunities for mentorship and networking. Engaging with these contests can help writers connect with established authors, literary agents, and editors, thereby gaining insights into the publishing industry that are invaluable for their careers. For instance, some contests offer workshops or feedback sessions with seasoned writers, allowing participants to refine their skills further and understand what industry professionals look for in submissions. Participating in writing contests not only bolsters a writer’s portfolio but also enhances their ability to tackle constructive criticism, an essential trait for growth as a writer. Such experiences can inspire writers to push the boundaries of their creativity and diversify their writing styles, ultimately enriching their literary endeavors.