It might seem like this heat never quits, but neither should you! Muster up all of your willpower, and make sure to submit to the contest of your dreams before it’s too late!
FEATURED! Summer Short Story Award for New Writers
Our contest is coming to a close, but it’s not too late! The Masters Review is looking for stories under 6,000 words, written by emerging writers who are good with grammar and show finesse with fiction! The winner receives $3,000, publication, and agency review, and the runners-up also receive cash prizes, publication, and review. Judged by Whiting Award winner Weike Wang! Don’t miss your chance! Details here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 30
Black Warrior Review 2026 Contest
We want you to play to your strengths, and Black Warrior Review has an opportunity for everyone in this contest! The 2026 Fiction Contest is judged by Lesley Nneka Arimah, the 2026 Nonfiction Contest is judged by Melissa Faliveno, and the 2026 Poetry Contest is judged by Kaveh Akbar. The first-place prize is a cash reward and publication in each genre. Let’s get started!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 1
Prairie Schooner Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest
This is a great contest for all writers, writing in English, who just so happen to have an imaginative essay of general interest! Manuscripts ought to be under 5,000 words, and the essays will be judged by Orenda Fink. Winners will receive $1,000 and publication in the Spring 2027 issue. Submit here!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 1
Oregon Literary Fellowships
These fellowships are meant to help emerging Oregon writers initiate, develop, or complete literary projects, whether they are writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, or young readers’ literature! Literary Arts has awarded over 700 authors and publishers since 1987, and dispensed more than $1 million in fellowships and award monies. Submissions require the completed application and a writing sample, in triplicate, and possibly an addendum if they qualify for the Women Writers or Writers of Color fellowships. There’s a fellowship for everyone, so don’t be shy! Specific details here.
Entry Fee: FREE Deadline: August 7
Gival Press Short Story Award
This is the 23rd annual award given by Gival Press, to the author of an outstanding and unpublished original stand-alone short story. It is open to writers globally, regardless of publishing history. The winner will be published on the website and receive a cash award of $1,000. More details here.
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: August 8
Stories That Need to Be Told: The Contest
Presented by TulipTree Press, the best entry for this contest is a submission that truly tells a story. The grand prize is $1,000 and a gift certificate for two years of Duotrope. Additional prizes are offered to stories that excel in humor, passion, depth, and love. Entries must be less than 10,000 words, but multiple entries are allowed. Learn more here!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 9
2026 ½ K Prize
Indiana Review and judge Diane Seuss are looking for writers who are sharp, short, and definitely not shy—could that be you? Entries must be under 500 words, but multiple entries are allowed! All genres are accepted, and first place receives $1,000 and guaranteed publication in Indiana Review! Details here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 15
Gemini Magazine Flash Fiction Contest
Here is a great chance for writers of all stripes, as Gemini Magazine’s contest is open to any subject, style, or genre! Entries must be unpublished, and the maximum length is 1000 words. The winner receives $1,000 and publication. Submission details here.
Entry Fee: $8 Deadline: August 31
Kenneth Patchen Award
If you have an innovative yet unpublished fiction manuscript, you must have been waiting for this contest! The Journal of Experimental Fiction is currently accepting submissions for this prize. An innovative full-length fiction work will be selected, and the winner will receive publication and $1,000. Do it!
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: August 31
2026 Publishing Lab Prize
The University of New Orleans Press is looking to publish the best novel/short story collection written this year, to bring innovative publicity and broad distribution to authors! The contest is open to all writers, and entries are allowed to be any length and any subject. The winner receives a $10,000 advance and a publishing contract, along with promotion from The Publishing Laboratory at the University of New Orleans. Submit here!
Entry Fee: $28 Deadline: August 31
The St. Lawrence Book Award
If you have an unpublished poetry or short story collection, this could be your big break! Black Lawrence Press is currently accepting submissions from any author who has not yet published a full-length collection. The winner will receive book publication, $1,000, and ten copies of the book. Details here.
Entry Fee: $30 Deadline: August 31
by Kimberly Guerin