Summer vacation can be packed full of travel plans, cookouts, and parties, but don’t forget to make time for these contests. Just like the glittering sparkle of fireworks against the night sky, once they’re gone, they won’t come back!
FEATURED! Summer Short Story Award for New Writers
Our contest is finally opening on July 1, and we couldn’t be more excited! We’re cheating a little since this is an August deadline, but it’s our contest so we’re allowed to. The Masters Review is looking for stories 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. Don’t miss your chance! Details here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: August 30
Bellevue Literary Review Prizes
All three of the Bellevue Literary Review’s contests are ending soon, so enter now if you want to receive one of the three $1,000 and publication first-place prizes! All entries should be related to themes of health, healing, illness, the mind, and the body. Daniel Mason is judging fiction, Natalie Diaz is judging poetry, and Meghan O’Rourke is judging nonfiction. Honorable mention winners also earn $300 and publication! Submit here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: July 1
New Millennium Writing Awards
There’s a little something for everyone in this contest, presented by literary journal New Millennium Writings! Writers can send in submissions for poetry, fiction, flash fiction, or nonfiction, with no restrictions on style or subject matter. Fiction and nonfiction must be less than 7,499 words, flash fiction must be less than 1,000 words, and poetry may include three poems less than five pages long. First place in each category receives $1,000, a certificate, publication online and in print, and two copies. Select finalists may also be published and receive complimentary copies. Don’t wait!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: July 1
Richard J. Margolis Award
Inspired by journalist and essayist Richard J. Margolis, this prize has provided financial and other support to a promising journalist whose work combines warmth, humor, and wisdom with social justice since 1992. This prize recognizes one writer with $10,000, and a one-month residency at the Blue Mountain Center in Blue Mountain Lake, NY. Applicants need to provide a cover letter, biographical note, a project description, and two nonfiction writing samples. Guidelines here.
Entry Fee: FREE Deadline: July 1
The Story Prize
This competition is a daunting gauntlet for any first-time author to run, but the reward at the end is well worth the effort! A $20,000 book prize is awarded to the author of a collection of short stories that was published this year, and entries may be submitted by agents, authors, or publishers. Currently they’re accepting submissions of books that were published from January through June. Are you eligible? Do it!
Entry Fee: $75 Deadline: July 1
Rattle Poetry Prize
Rattle is looking for an outstanding piece of poetry, and they are definitely willing to bribe you for it! This annual competition awards $15,000 for a single poem to be published in the winter issue of their magazine. Ten finalists also receive $500 and publication, and are eligible for the $5,000 Reader’s Choice Award. Four poems are allowed per entry, and there is no line limit. What are you waiting for? Enter here!
Entry Fee: $30 Deadline: July 15
Robert and Adele Schiff Awards
The Cincinnati Review is currently accepting submissions for their annual contest, but all good things will eventually come to an end. The winning entries will be published in 2026 and receive $1,000 each, so don’t lose your chance! Learn more here.
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: July 15
The Screw Turn Flash Fiction Competition
The Ghost Story is looking for the finest work they can find that incorporates the uncanny, as long as it’s less than 1,000 words! Stories don’t need to involve ghosts specifically, but they do need fresh perspectives and superb writing. The winner receives $1,000 and both online and print publication. Submit here!
Entry Fee: $15 Deadline: July 15
William Faulkner Literary Competition
This is a multi-faceted event, with opportunities for a staggering variety of writers. Authors can submit their work to novel, adult short story, student short story, one-act play, and poetry categories! Prizes and deadlines vary for each category, with the winning novel receiving $2,000 and publication. Make sure you read each category closely! More information here.
Entry Fee: $50 Deadline: July 15
Drue Heinz Literature Prize
This contest has some very stringent requirements, but the prize is almost beyond belief! In order to be eligible for the University of Pittsburgh Press’ award, you must have been published by a reputable journal, magazine, or publisher, before you can submit your collection of short fiction for consideration. The winner of this award, however, will have that manuscript published, and then receive $25,000! Details here.
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: June 30
Los Angeles Review Literary Awards
Here is a great chance for writers of all stripes, as the Los Angeles Review’s contest rewards authors in creative nonfiction, short fiction, flash fiction, and poetry! The winner in each category receives $1,000 and publication—make sure you submit to the correct category! Submission guidelines here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: July 31
Narrative Spring 2026 Story Contest
This contest is open to all fiction and nonfiction writers, writing anything from short stories and memoirs, to photo essays and literary nonfiction! The entries need to be less than 15,000 words and previously unpublished, while containing a strong narrative drive and intense insights. First prize is $2,500, second is $1,000, and third is $500. Guidelines here.
Entry Fee: $27 Deadline: July 31
by Kimberly Guerin