We’re almost mid-way through 2025. Have you had a chance to write for fun—and maybe win some money?
Here are updated writing contests for 2025 that will give you a chance to flex your creative writing muscle in a way you don’t normally get to when you are doing work for other people.
Along with the chance to win some money, you get to have your work seen and evaluated by judges who often bring some impressive credentials to the table.
If you ever get the opportunity to see their scorecards or get some feedback, do take it. You may find something valuable in what they have to say about your writing.
Get freelance writing jobs
As always, when entering writing contests, follow the instructions precisely. If there is something that isn’t clear, reach out to the organizers by email before the submission deadline to make sure you are submitting your entry correctly. You don’t want to have your submission rejected because of one small detail.
Writing Contests 2025
Writing Battle is a global writing competition where writers face off anonymously, judged by fellow participants. Submit original short stories across various genres for a chance to win cash prizes, improve your craft, and join a vibrant writing community. Prize pools range from $10,000 – $20,000.
The next rounds start August 1 and October 5. Register early for the earlybird entry fee ($18).
MAY
James Laughlin Award (Academy of American Poets)
The James Laughlin Award, offered since 1954, honors a poet’s second book of poetry set for publication the following year. The winner receives $5,000, a weeklong residency at The Betsy Hotel in Miami Beach, and the book’s distribution to about 1,000 Academy of American Poets members.
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) New Writers Award
The GLCA New Writers Awards (NWA) 2026 invites publisher submissions of debut books in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Now in its 56th year, this award is judged by literature and creative writing professors from twelve independent Midwestern colleges.
Prize: $500
Deadline: May 25, 2025
Harlequin: Romance Includes You Mentorship
Harlequin’s Romance Includes You Mentorship is accepting story submissions from debut romance writers in underrepresented communities for a chance to start your romance writing career and have your debut novel published. Submissions will be accepted from May 1, 2025 at 0:01 am ET to May 31, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET.
The Romance Includes You Mentorship is all about finding new voices in romantic fiction that bring more diversity and representation to the genre. They’re looking to offer the writer of the top submission a publishing contract with an advance for their debut novel, as well as a one-year mentorship with a Harlequin editor to complete their story for publication, and a writing grant to support their early writing career. The mentorship has a total value of $5,000 USD.
Deadline: May 31, 2025
The Yeovil Literary Prize is an international writing competition open to new and established writers, offering categories in novel, short story, poetry, and “Writing Without Restrictions.” Winners receive cash prizes and recognition.
Prize: £1,350, £625, £450, etc.
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Stories That Heal – Mental Health Awareness Writing Contest
Do you have a story that helped you heal—or one that could help someone else? This May, for Mental Health Awareness Month, Inkitt invites writers from all backgrounds to submit stories that explore mental health with depth, honesty, and heart.
Deadline: May 31, 2025; 11:59 PST
Bridport Prize Flash Fiction Competition
One of the world’s most prestigious flash fiction contests, open internationally to writers aged 16 and over. Submit a story of up to 250 words for a chance at significant cash prizes and publication in the renowned Bridport Prize anthology. All entries are judged anonymously. Fee is £11 per flash fiction.
Prize: £1,000 (1st), £500 (2nd), £250 (3rd), Highly Commended: 2 x £100
Deadline: May 31, 2025
JUNE
The Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest
International sonnet contest for traditional and non-traditional sonnets. Multiple categories, including youth and regional prizes.
Prize: Over $3,000 in total prizes across categories
Deadline: June 1, 2025
Annual short story contest judged by a prominent author. Winners published in Salamander literary magazine.
Prize: $1,000 (1st), $500 (2nd), publication
Deadline: June 1, 2025
Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition
One of the most respected contests for writers of all genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children’s writing. Winners receive cash, publication, and conference opportunities. Grand Prize $5,000, plus $1,000 and $500 prizes in each category, and a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference
Deadline: June 2, 2025
Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest
For new speculative fiction writers who have not yet published a novel or multiple short works. International and free to enter.
Prize: $1,500 (1st), $750 (2nd), $400 (3rd)
Deadline: June 2, 2025
The MacGuffin Poet Hunt Contest
Annual poetry contest open to all poets. Submit up to five poems per entry; winners published in The MacGuffin.
Prize: $500 (winner), publication, honorable mentions
Deadline: June 15, 2025
Burnside Review Chapbook Contest
Submit a poetry chapbook manuscript of 18–24 pages (excluding your name/contact info on the manuscript). Open to all poets, simultaneous submissions allowed. The winner receives a cash prize, 10 copies, and publication. Entries are accepted only via the online submission manager; $15 entry fee.
Prize: $200 and 10 copies of the published chapbook
Deadline: June 30, 2025
Rinks and Romance – Hockey Romance Writing Contest
Do you love writing hockey romance stories? This is your chance to shine! The Rinks and Romance Writing Contest invites passionate writers to submit their best hockey romance stories for a chance to win exciting prizes, including a Galatea Publishing Contract and up to $300 USD in cash prizes!
Deadline: June 30, 2025; 11:59 PM
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