Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was perhaps understating it when he foretold that “into each life some rain must fall.” Don’t let the drizzle get you down, though, when we have a cornucopia of contests for you to consider!
FEATURED! The Masters Review Novel Excerpt Contest
This is a brand-new contest, and we’re looking to find an excerpt that stands on its own – and makes us want to read the rest of the book! The excerpt must be from an unpublished novel, and less than 6000 words. The winning entry will receive $3000, online publication, and a literary agent consultation. Second and third place will receive $300 and $200, respectively, as well as online publication and feedback. Dan Chaon judges. Don’t miss it!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: November 30
Annual Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction Contest
There is still just enough time to enter The Briar Cliff Review’s writing contest, so don’t miss your chance! Prose entries can be up to 5000 words, poetry entries can include up to three poems, and simultaneous submissions are allowed. The first-place winner in each category is awarded $1000 and will be published in the 2022 edition of The Briar Cliff Review. Submission guidelines here!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: November 1
Gabriele Rico Challenge in Creative Nonfiction
Reed Magazine is currently accepting submissions for this award, but not for long! This prize recognizes outstanding works of nonfiction, up to 5000 words, and the winner receives $1333! Please note that entries must be creative nonfiction, such as personal essays or narratives, and not scholarly papers or book reviews. Submit here!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: November 1
John Steinbeck Fiction Award
Another great contest from Reed Magazine ends this month, so make sure you check out this one as well! Send in works of fiction under 5000 words, with a word count and a brief bio, and you could win $1000! All entries need to be stand-alone short stories, however, not chapters from larger works. Learn more here!
Entry Fee: $20 Deadline: November 1
Ronald Sukenick Innovative Fiction Contest
The University of Alabama Press is looking for fiction that is too innovative, challenging, and ambitious for traditional publishing, and they’re willing to pay you for the privilege of publishing yours! Open to any author writing in English who hasn’t been published with their imprint Fiction Collective Two, submissions may include a collection of short stories, one or more novellas, or a novel of any length. The winner, chosen by judge Marream Krollos, receives $1500 and publication. Details here!
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: November 1
Nilsen Literary Prize
Are you wondering what to do with your just-finished manuscript? Well, this prize is meant for an applicant’s first novel! Submissions can be novels, novellas, or collections of closely-linked short stories. The manuscript must be unpublished, as the winner will be published through Southeast Missouri State University Press, and they will also receive $2000. Check it out!
Entry Fee: $25 Deadline: November 12
Patrick Henry Writing Fellowship
This is an amazing opportunity for any historical writer! Applicants should have a book-length project in progress, and it should address the history and/or legacy of the U.S. founding era and/or their founding ideas (very broadly defined). The fellowship includes a $45,000 stipend, a book allowance, and a nine-month residency in Chestertown, MD. Entries need to include a cover letter, CV, a writing sample, a description of a class they might teach, and a persuasive description of the work-in-progress. More details here!
Entry Fee: FREE Deadline: November 15
Baltimore Review “Reasons” Contest
The Baltimore Review wants to understand why, even if they might not like the answer. You can interpret this any way you like, but the word “reason” should be somewhere in the title or the work. Fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry are accepted, and each of the first-place prizes is $300. Submission guidelines here.
Entry Fee: $8 Deadline: November 30
Narrative Fall 2021 Story Contest
This contest is open to all fiction and nonfiction writers, writing anything from short stories and memoirs, to 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 $2500, second is $1000, and third is $500. All entries are considered for publication, and all contest entries are also eligible for the $4000 Narrative Prize! Guidelines here.
Entry Fee: $27 Deadline: November 30
by Kimberly Guerin