Writing Contests: A Fun Way to Grow as a Writer

Writing contests are more than just opportunities to win prizes—they're a great way to develop your skills, stay motivated, and connect with the larger writing community. Many writers find that contests help them focus on completing projects and teach the valuable discipline of meeting deadlines. Whether you're a poet, novelist, essayist, or short story writer, entering contests can be both rewarding and fun.

Recently, club members were surveyed about their favorite resources for finding reputable writing contests and opportunities. Here are the sites they recommended most often:

Poets & Writers

The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database from Poets & Writers is one of the most respected resources available. It includes information on poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, novel awards, grants, and more. Each listing is carefully reviewed before being included, making it a trusted source for legitimate opportunities.

The Submission Grinder

The Submission Grinder is a donation-supported submission tracker and market database for writers of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Its powerful search tools help writers locate publications and contests that are a good fit for their work. Many writers also appreciate its submission-tracking features.

Contest Lists

Contest Lists is dedicated to helping writers and artists locate reputable competitions. The site strives to include only verified and trustworthy opportunities from around the world, making it a useful starting point for anyone looking for contests in a variety of creative fields.

Duotrope

Duotrope has long been considered one of the most trusted resources for writers seeking contests and publication opportunities. This subscription-based service (currently $6 per month) offers an extensive searchable database of contests, publishers, and agents. It also includes a submission tracker, deadline calendar, and valuable statistical information gathered from years of submission data.

Submittable

Submittable maintains a large and frequently updated list of opportunities for writers, including contests, grants, fellowships, and calls for submissions. Its discovery platform makes it easy to browse opportunities by genre, category, and deadline.

NewPages

The NewPages Guide to Writing Contests features a comprehensive collection of opportunities, including magazine contests, book contests, chapbook contests, audio and video competitions, and more. The site is especially useful for writers interested in independent publishers, literary magazines, writing programs, conferences, and festivals.

Ready to Enter?

Writing contests can challenge you to finish work, experiment with new ideas, and share your writing with a broader audience. Even when you don't win, the experience of completing and submitting your work can be valuable. If you're looking for motivation, inspiration, or simply a new writing adventure, consider exploring one of these trusted resources and finding a contest that sparks your interest.

Happy writing—and good luck!

Literary Events Fill Saturday, June 20

Book lovers and writers will find plenty to enjoy on Saturday, June 20, with several literary events taking place in Oshkosh.

Writers Club Meeting and Author Talk
The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. at the Oshkosh Public Library. Meetings are free and open to anyone age 17 and older.

Also at 10 a.m., author Karl L. Stewart will discuss his 2025 historical fiction novel, Charlie’s Wings. Set in 1918 during World War I, the novel follows Charlie Carter, a young American pilot fighting in the skies over France as part of a new generation of aerial warriors.

Meet Author Julian Greystoke

 

After the Writers Club meeting, stop by Caramel Crisp Bookstore, 200 City Center, where Oshkosh LGBTQ fantasy author and developmental editor Julian Greystoke will be signing books and meeting readers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Greystoke is the author of several character-driven fantasy novels, including the cozy Adventurer Mage series. Her first science fiction novel, Song of Battle, is scheduled for release later this summer.

Meeting reminder and more!

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, in the lower level of the Oshkosh Public Library. New members welcomed!

Please keep in mind that the Oshkosh Farmers Market will be in full swing downtown that morning, which may result in traffic congestion and limited parking. Plan accordingly and allow yourself extra travel time.

While you're downtown, be sure to stop by Author Apothecary & Bookstore, 576 N. Main Street, for its Grand Opening Celebration from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 6. Browse signed copies of romance novels by Kat Crowe and enjoy a variety of literary-themed creations from local vendors, including book mold soaps, essential oils, crocheted book character stuffies, crystal candles, handmade book jewelry, and more.

Club member and Oshkosh poet Tom Cannon will be the featured poet at Creative Space Healing Art's Poetry Open Mic at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, at 1231 S. Webster Ave., Green Bay. Designed for the "messy, meaningful work of being human," this welcoming event offers writers and listeners of all skill levels a safe space to share their work and connect with others through poetry.

Lastly, mark your calendars for the Annual Hedberg Public Library Book Fest, June 19–27, 2026 in Janesville. The literacy event features free workshops on character development, writing methods, querying, working with an editor, and much more.

Featured authors include Lesley Kagen and Pao Lor, along with returning special guests Maggie Ginsberg and Ann Garvin.

New for 2026: Book Fest is expanding to include a full week of more than 20 author events throughout Downtown Janesville, culminating in the Book Fest Author Fair at the Janesville Farmers Market on Saturday, June 27.

There is no cost to attend. Registration for individual workshops is recommended.

We hope to see you at the meeting and at these exciting literary events throughout the month!