Writing Competitions.
A regularly updated list of open short story and flash fiction competitions.
This is a regularly updated list of short story writing competitions open right now. It includes flash fiction contests, short story awards, and longer-form opportunities for writers at every stage.
If you’re looking for a way to challenge yourself, build a submission habit, or get your work in front of editors and judges, these competitions offer clear goals and real deadlines. New opportunities are added each month, with outdated listings removed, so you’re always seeing current, relevant calls for entries.
From 100-word stories to full-length fiction, this page is designed to be a practical hub for writers ready to put their work out into the world.
International Jay Yes Short Story Contest 2026
Deadline: 8th May Wordcount: 2,500 – 4,000 words Fee: Free Prize: 3 top winning entries get publishing contracts with zero degree publishing |
F(r)iction Writing Contests – Spring 2026
Deadline: 15th May Wordcount: 7,500 words Fee: $15 Prize: $1,000 |
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Inkspot Publishing Flash Fiction Writing Competition
Deadline: 17th May Wordcount: 500 words Fee: £10 Prize: £500 |
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M.F.K. FISHER Emerging Writers Contest
Deadline: 17th May Wordcount: 750 words Fee: $50 Prize: $250.00 awarded to the first place winner in each category An additional $250.00 awarded to the grand prize winner First, second and third place submissions (and their authors’ names) in each category will be published on the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation website. |
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Fight for another world, write for another world! Short story Competition
Deadline: 31st May Wordcount: 25,000 words Fee: Free Prize: one year of free writing guidance by a experienced writer / publisher |
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Frome Festival Short Story Competition 2026
Deadline: 31st May Wordcount: between 1,000 and 22,000 words Fee: £8 Prize: £400, £200 and £100, plus local categories |
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Reedsy Literary Prize
Deadline: 31st May Wordcount: 2,000 – 5,000 words Fee: $20 Prize: 1st place: $1,500 + publication in Reedsy’s literary magazine Prompted + personalized feedback from the guest judge; 2nd place: a year-long Reedsy Learning membership; 3rd place: Reedsy Marketplace credit worth $100 |
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FFF Competition Thirty-Four
Deadline: 23rd June Wordcount: 100 – 300 words Fee: £4.95 Prize: 1 Winner will receive £200.00 and publication 2 Highly Commended will receive £100.00 and publication 3 Shortlisted will receive £80.00 and publication |
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The Moth Short Story Prize 2026
Deadline: 15th June Wordcount: 3,000 words Fee: €17 Prize: 1st prize €3,000, 2nd prize €1,000, 3rd prize a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland. |
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Friction Factory Short Story Competition
Deadline: 30th June Wordcount: 3,000 words Fee: £7 Prize: £500 |
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Wells Festival of Literature’s Short Story Competition
Deadline: 30th June Wordcount: 1,000 – 2,000 words Fee: £8 Prize: £750 |
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Write Catalyst Annual Short Story Contest
Deadline: 23rd July Wordcount: 1,000 – 5,000 words Fee: $5 Prize: 1st Place: $100 – 2nd Place: $50 – 3rd Place: $25 |
Anthology Short Story Competition 2026
Deadline: 31st July Wordcount: 1,500 words Fee: Early Bird fee – €15 (November 2025 – January 2026) Standard fee – €18 (February – July 2026) Prize: 1st Place: €1,000 plus publication in Anthology magazine and a one-year subscription; 2nd: €250; 3rd: €150 |
Aesthetica Creative Writing Awards 2026 Aesthetica Creative Writing Award – Short Fiction
Deadline: 31st August Wordcount: 2,000 words Fee: £18 Prize: Winner: £2,500, publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual and an Arvon writing course plus more |
New2theScene Summer Short Story Competition 2026
Deadline: 6th September Wordcount: 4,000 words Fee: £5 Prize: Interview for the New2theScene podcast; £50 New2theScene vouchers; ‘Origins’ blog’; author bio and work featured on the New2theScene website; social media promotion; publication in an anthology; possible future projects not advertised on the site. Notable mentions: £15 New2theScene vouchers; possible publication in anthology |