If you've entered writing contests in the past and are looking to try your hand at it again, or are a newbie to the anxious experience of sending your work off to be judged by people who may or may not agree that you're the best writer they've ever seen, why not take a look at the ones listed below to see if one or two suit your taste buds. If you've been thinking about it, why not look into it. Admittedly, I haven't entered a contest in a few years. Even though I prefer writing short stories, much of my time has been devoted to novel length works. But I have one that I'm interested in shopping around. I just haven't found the right contest for it though. I would love to experience the validation that comes from having something I created be recognized with an honorable mention, or better yet, a win.
I'm hoping 2011 serves as an awakening for me. Job pursuits, educational pursuits, relationship pursuits, just being focused on everything and everyone but me, led to that special part of me taking a very long nap. It's awaking now. So, in case yours is awaking too, this post is for you. Even if it's just to get you thinking about it.
I'm also going to plug my website's Resources page because I have other links to contests and other helpful resources for both writers and editors. Also, if you enter a contest listed here and win or place, come back and let me know.
The 33rd Nimrod Literary Awards
Prize: First place winner will receive $2000 and publication; second place $1000 and publication.
Entry fee: $20
Word count: For the Fiction prize: no more than 7500
Deadline: April 30, 2011
For details visit http://www.utulsa.edu/nimrod/awards.html
The 2011 Nelligan Prize for Short Fiction
Prize: One winner will receive $1500 and publication in the fall/winter 2011 issue of the Colorado Review.
Entry fee: $15
Word count: no word restrictions, but no more than 50 pages
Deadline: Short notice, but must be postmarked by March 11, 2011
For details visit http://coloradoreview.colostate.edu/nelligan-prize/submission-guidelines/
Tom Howard/John H. Reid Short Story Contest
Prize: First prize winner will receive $3000; second prize $1000; third prize $400; fourth prize $200
Entry fee: $15
Word count: no more than 5000
Deadline: March 31, 2011
For details visit www.WinningWriters.com/tomstory
The Writer's 2011 Short Story Contest
Prize: First prize winner will receive $1000; second prize $300; third prize $200
Entry fee: $10
Word count: no more than 2000
Deadline: April 30, 2011
For details visit http://www.writermag.com/2011contest
Punkin Novelist Contest
Prize: Grand prize winner will receive $1000 and a publishing contract with Punkin House; second place $500 and critique of first three chapters of the novel; third place $100 and critique of the first chapter of the novel
Entry fee: $35
Word count: must be novel length (minimum 50,000)
Deadline: May 1, 2011
For details visit http://www.punkinhouse.com/Novice_Novelist_Contest.html
2011 New American Fiction Prize
Prize: First place winner will receive $1000 and a publishing contract
Entry fee: $20
Word count: no word restrictions, but must be between 100-500 pages
Deadline: May 15, 2011
For details visit http://newamericanpress.com/contests/current.php
A word of caution: Sadly not all writing contests are created equal. Research, research, research, especially the reviews of previous contest entrants, before entering a particular competition; and read the contest guidelines very carefully. Be sure to ask for clarification on terminology you do not understand, particularly the term "right of first publication."
These are some of the best contests! An international journal, a university, a publisher, I mean just a smorgasbord to choose from, and with deadlines far enough ahead to kindle any writer’s creative spirit. You have really returned to your literary chair with wind under your wings.
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