You’ve spent all winter thinking, writing, and editing, but showtime has finally arrived. Just as the cherry trees enter into full bloom, now is your time to show the world your beautiful writing masterpieces!
FEATURED! Debut Fiction Prize
This is a brand-new contest offered by The Masters Review, specifically for new authors who could use a boost at the beginning stage of their career! Submissions of previously unpublished fiction can be up to 6,000 words, and multiple submissions are allowed. Our judge for this contest is Julie Iromuanya, who is looking for a story that “creates a feeling of depth and a confusion of emotions that lingers.” First place receives $3,000, online publication, and a two-year subscription to Duotrope. Second and third place receive $300 and $200 respectively, and all winners receive a license for Scrivener writing software and a copy of the Best Emerging Writers anthology published by The Masters Review. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Learn more here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: April 6
The Hudson Prize
If you have an unpublished poetry or short story collection, this could be your big break! Black Lawrence Press is currently accepting submissions from new, emerging, and established authors. The winner will receive book publication, $1,000, and ten copies of the book. Details here.
Entry Fee: $30 Deadline: April 1
The Orison Prizes in Poetry and Fiction
Every year Orison Books accepts submissions of full-length poetry and fiction manuscripts between December and April, and this year’s window is closing fast! Fiction entries may be novellas, novels, or collections of short stories and flash fiction, but they must be a minimum of 30,000 words. Poetry entries may be between fifty and one hundred pages. Phillip B. Williams is judging poetry, Tessa Fontaine is judging fiction, and the winners of each genre receive $1,500, publication, and a standard royalties contract. Check it out!
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: April 1
New Ohio Review Contests
All three of the New Ohio Review’s contests are ending this month, so enter now if you want to receive one of the three $1,500 first-place prizes! Deesha Philyaw is judging the fiction section, Ted Kooser is judging the poetry section, and Kerri ní Dochartaigh is judging the nonfiction applicants. All of the winners and a selection of the runners up will be published! See more here.
Entry Fee: $22 Deadline: April 15
Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grants
The Whiting Foundation offers a helping hand to authors in the midst of completing a book-length work of nonfiction for a general, not academic, audience by awarding up to ten grants of $40,000. They welcome submissions such as works on history, biography, the sciences, philosophy, travel writing, and even personal essays, but these projects must be under contract to a publisher in the United States, UK, or Canada. Work must have been ongoing, to ensure that the author can identify upcoming challenges, but any applicants who fulfill all the requirements already know that this is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t miss out!
Entry Fee: FREE Deadline: April 23
The 2025 Gulf Coast Prizes
Here is an opportunity for all writers, as Gulf Coast’s contest rewards authors in nonfiction, fiction, and poetry! Wei Tchou judges nonfiction, Rachel Heng judges fiction, and Tarfia Faizullah judges poetry. The winner in each category receives $1,500, and two honorable mentions in each category also receive $250. Make sure you submit to the correct category! Details here.
Entry Fee: $26 Deadline: April 30
Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize
Named after the first director of the University of Pittsburgh Press, this prize is offered for a first full-length book of poems! Manuscripts should be between forty-eight and one hundred pages, and accompanied by a CV. The winner receives a $5,000 cash award as well as publication by the Pitt Poetry Series under its standard royalty contract. The winner will be announced in the fall, so get the process started now! Learn more here!
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: April 30
Autumn House Press Nonfiction Prize
In this contest offered by Autumn House Press, contestants can submit manuscript entries for nonfiction. The final judge is May-lee Chai. The winner receives publication, a $1,000 honorarium, and a $1,500 travel/publicity grant to promote their book! They want to develop a rich and varied writing tradition! Find more details here.
Entry Fee: $35 Deadline: April 30
Supernatural Fiction Competition
The Ghost Story is looking for the finest work they can find that incorporates the uncanny, as long as it’s under 10,000 words! Stories don’t need to involve ghosts specifically, but they do need fresh perspectives and superb writing. The winner receives $1,500 and publication. Submit here!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: April 30
by Kimberly Guerin