Why Enter Writing Contests?
Beyond prize money, contests offer publication credits for your bio and query letters, agent attention (many agents scout contest winners), validation that your writing stands out, and deadlines that force productivity.
Where to Find Contests
Aggregator Sites
- •Poets and Writers (pw.org/grants) — the gold standard
- •The Write Life — curated contest lists
- •Submittable — search for open calls
Notable Annual Contests
- •NYC Midnight — $5,000 prize, short fiction
- •Writers of the Future — $5,000 + publication, free entry
- •Amazon Storyteller — $20,000 + publishing deal
How to Win
Read Previous Winners
Every contest has a “taste.” Read 5–10 past winners before writing your submission to understand what resonates with judges.
Follow Rules Exactly
Over word count by even 1 word? Wrong format? Missing cover page? All automatic disqualifications. Read the guidelines three times before submitting.
Start Strong
Judges read hundreds of entries. Your first paragraph decides whether they keep reading or move on. Use Scripio's AI Feedback tool to polish your opening.
Red Flags: Scam Contests
- •Entry fee over $30 for a small prize
- •“Everyone who enters gets published in our anthology” (vanity press)
- •No named judges or past winners
- •Prize is “exposure” or a certificate
