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!