The temperature outside is heating up, and so are these contests! Check out these contests that we’ve selected, and don’t miss out if you find one you like!
FEATURED! Best Emerging Writers 2026
The entry period for The Masters Review Anthology is coming to a close, but there’s still a bit of time left! For the fifteenth volume, we are looking for stories from the best emerging writers. Submissions can be fiction or narrative nonfiction, but they need to be less than 8,000 words. The winners will be published in print and online in The Masters Review Anthology, and $7,000 will be awarded between the ten finalists. This contest is judged by the wonderful Ramona Ausubel, and she is hoping for stories that feel bright with your own obsessions. Check it out!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: June 7
Bard Fiction Prize
This amazing prize is offered to a promising emerging writer through Bard College, and the winner receives a stipend of $30,000, an appointment as writer-in-residence on campus for one semester, and the opportunity to give a public lecture. Be aware, though, they’re looking for writers who are thirty-nine years old or younger. You’ll need to have published a book in order to apply, but this is the chance of a lifetime! Learn more here.
Entry Fee: FREE Deadline: June 1
Halifax Ranch Fiction Prize
American Short Fiction and judge Rachel Khong are looking for writers who are confident, concise, and creative—could that be you? Stories must be between 2,000 and 6,500 words, but multiple entries are allowed. First place receives $3,000 and guaranteed publication in an upcoming issue. Additionally, the continued partnership with Tasajillo Residency means that the winner will also receive an all-expenses-paid writing retreat! Details here.
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: June 1
Poetry Contest for Emerging Poets
Boulevard’s contest is meant to honor a poet who has never published a book of poetry, and that could be you! There is a $1,000 prize, as well as publication in an issue of Boulevard. Entries may include up to three poems, but there is no limit on the number of entries, and all of the entries are considered for publication. Do it!
Entry Fee: $18 Deadline: June 1
Chapbook Prize
Offered by The Tusculum Review, this prize is meant to reward a poetry chapbook! They are looking for a chapbook between twenty and thirty pages. The winner receives $1,500, publication in The Tusculum Review, and the creation of a limited-edition stand-alone chapbook with original art. There is also a live reading and reception in Tennessee. Judged by Nate Marshall. Learn more here.
Fee: $20 Deadline: June 15
New American Fiction Prize
If you have an unpublished fiction manuscript, then this is opportunity knocking! New American Press and Keith Rosson are currently accepting submissions for this prize. A full-length fiction work of outstanding merit will be selected, and the winner will receive a publication contract, including a $1,500 advance, twenty-five author’s copies, and promotional support. Do it!
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: June 15
2026 Short Story Prize
The Moth is looking for short stories, under 3,000 words, with little constraints beyond that! Only unpublished short stories are eligible, but authors may submit multiple times. The winner receives €3,000 and publication, second place receives €1,000, and third place receives a week-long writing retreat. Judged by Wendy Erskine. Learn more here!
Entry Fee: €17 Deadline: June 15
Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction
The University of North Texas Press offers this prize every year, and this could be the year for you! Entries can be a combination of flash fiction, short stories, and novellas, from one hundred to two hundred book pages in length. Authors may submit multiple applications, and simultaneous submissions are allowed. The winner receives $1,000 and publication by UNT Press! Submit here.
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: June 30
Lascaux Prize in Flash Fiction
If you think you’re ready to medal in writing flash fiction, then this is the contest for you! The Lascaux Review is accepting three stories per submission, under 1,000 words each. All finalists in this contest will be published, but the winner also receives $1,000 and a bronze medallion for their efforts. Check it out!
Entry Fee: $15 Deadline: June 30
by Kimberly Guerin