COMPETITIONS

UPDATED 09/08/2021

The following information has been extracted from other websites and no assurance can be given as its correctness.

Give your hard work the best chance to win, make sure that you follow the entry requirements!

If the entry conditions don't specify it, then generally you can submit the same entry to different competitions at the same time - but if your entry places in one then you should inform the organisers of the other competitions. It is then up to them whether your entry is disqualified or not.

Allow for time to post and double-check closing dates, particularly if the organiser is in another time zone. This is becoming more important to check as we are being more frequently approached by international competitions to be included on our list.

NEW LISTINGS THIS MONTH

ARKfest Short Play Competition
Bass Coast Prize for Non-Fiction
Deborah Cass Prize for Writing
Flash Fiction Friday
F(r)iction Competition - Fall
Ken Scarlett Award
Lambing Flat Regional Writing Competition
Marjorie Graber-McInnis Short Story Award
Odyssey House Victoria Short Story Competition
Peter Porter Poetry Prize
Robyn Mathison Poetry Prize
SBS Emerging Writers' Competition
Sentinel Literary Quarterly Poetry Competition
Southern Cross Short Story Competition
The Best of Times Short Story Competition
The Henshaw Short Story Competition
The Kembla Flame
The Moth Poetry Prize

AWC Furious Fiction

Opens: 5pm (Sydney/Melbourne time) on the first Friday of every month
Closes: 55 hours later
Open to: 17 years and older
Theme: Story prompt provided
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:First: $500

Flash 500 Flash Fiction Competition

Closing Date: Quarterly competitions - see website
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: £5 for one story, £8 for two stories
Prize:First: £300, Second: £200, Third: £100

NEW LISTING
Flash Fiction Friday

Opens: 5 pm on the fourth Friday of the month
Closes: at 11.30 pm on the same Sunday of that weekend
Open to: NSW writers subscribed to the newsletter
Theme: Short story prompt
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Mystery gift to the value of $50

The Writing Quarter Competition

Closing Date: Last day of the month
Open to: Aged 18 or over
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:$30 via Paypal

Write from the Heart Microfiction
Closing Date: End of Month at midnight
Open to: All
Theme: As chosen by prior winner
Accepts: Microfiction
Size: 100 words
Entry fee: $2 entry fee plus 50 cents to cover Paypal charge (or Nil entry fee but prize rolled over to next month)
Prize: Nominated charity: 50% of entry fees, First: 28% of entry fees, choose next charity and theme, Second: 8% of entry fees, Third: 4% of entry fees

THROUGH THE YEAR

AUGUST 2021
01/08/2021	Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Writing Competition Open to: All Theme: Courage… Accepts: Short Story Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: $12 Prize: *First:* $250 Hawkeye Publishing Gift Voucher & anthology cover art based on story, Top 40 published
02/08/2021	The Peter Blazey Fellowship Open to: Australian citizen or resident with a publishing record Theme: None Accepts: Biography, Autobiography and Life Writing Size: Curriculum vitae of two pages, synopsis of one page and 5,000 word extract of a work in progress Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $15,000 & access to support and facilities from The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Arts
06/08/2021	King of the Ranges Written Bush Poetry Competition Open to: All Theme: None * Accepts: Bush Poetry - Serious Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: $10 for first two then $10 per poem thereafter, (Optional critique: $10) Prizes: *First:* $100, *Second:* $30, *Third:* $20 * Accepts: Bush Poetry - Humorous Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: $10 for first two then $10 per poem thereafter, (Optional critique: $10) Prizes: *First:* $100, *Second:* $30, *Third:* $20 * BEST OVERALL: $200 and name inscribed on the Outback Heritage Trophy
06/08/2021	SAETA Spring Poetry Festival Open to: Students and teachers in Australian Schools Theme: None * Accepts: Students in Yr 11 - 12 - Poetry Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Entry fee per school to cover administrative costs. $10 for corporate member schools and $20 for non - member schools Prize: $50 x 2 * Accepts: Students in Yrs up to Yr 10 - Poetry Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Entry fee per school to cover administrative costs. $10 for corporate member schools and $20 for non - member schools Prize: $50 x 2
13/08/2021 NEW LISTING	Deborah Cass Prize for Writing Open to: Australia early career writer (see website) who was born overseas or at least one parent born overseas Theme: Reflects at least in part of the migrant experience Accepts: Fiction or Non-Fiction Prose Size: 3,000 words (can be part of a larger work) Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: $3,000 plus three-months mentorship with an established writer
15/08/2021	Book Pipeline Unpublished Contest US COMPETITION 01/06/2021 : Early Deadline 15/08/2021 : Regular Deadline 05/09/2021 : Late Deadline 10/09/2021 : Extended (Coverfly & Submittable) Deadline Open to: 18 years and older Theme: None Accepts: Categories: Young Adult Fiction, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Thriller, Literary Fiction, Middle Grade, Non-fiction Size: First 5,000 words approx and 1-3 page synopsis (Full manuscript generally 50,000 - 120,000 words) Entry Fee: Early Deadline: $US 45, Regular Deadline: $US 55, Late Deadline: $US 60, Extended: $65 *First in each category:* $US 2,500. Immediate circulation to publishers, agents, editors and other execs, Consideration from producers seek projects for film and TV adaptation, Additional reviews of other books for potential circulation and invitations to annual writers and industry events hosted by Pipeline Media *2 x runner-ups in each category:* Immediate circulation to publishers, agents, editors and other execs, Consideration from producers seek projects for film and TV adaptation, Additional reviews of other books for potential circulation and invitations to annual writers and industry events hosted by Pipeline Media
15/08/2021	BR4B Seeking Asylum Poetry Prize Open to: Anyone living in Australia Theme: Time for a Home Accepts: Poetry Size: 50 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $300, Second: $150, Third: $50
16/08/2021	Melton City Council Short Story Competition Open to: Live, work or study in the City of Melton or be a library member Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story - Adult (18 years and over) Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $750, *Second:* $500, *Third:* $250 * Accepts: Short Story - Teenage (Year 7 to Year 12) Size: 1,500 words (or, for other story formats, something that takes no more than 5 minutes to experience) Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $300, *Second:* $200, *Third:* $100 * Accepts: Short Story - Junior B (Year 4 to Year 6) Size: 1,500 words (or, for other story formats, something that takes no more than 5 minutes to experience) Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $300, *Second:* $200, *Third:* $100 * Accepts: Short Story - Junior A (Prep to Year 3) Size: 1,500 words (or, for other story formats, something that takes no more than 5 minutes to experience) Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $300, *Second:* $200, *Third:* $100
19/08/2021	Lane Cove Literary Awards Open to: Over 16 years, Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia and must be living in Australia at time of entry Theme: Open * Accepts: Short Story Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: $15 Prize: *First:* $2,000 * Accepts: Memoir (Own life) Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: $15 Prize: *First:* $1,500 * Accepts: Poetry Size: 50 lines and more than 1,000 words Entry Fee: $15 Prize: *First:* $1,500 OTHER PRIZES THE BURNS BAY BOOKERY YOUTH PRIZE (16 - 24 years): $500 WISE SAGE PRIZE (65+ years): $500
20/08/2021	The Eden School Prize Open to: South Australian Year 10 students attending a Department for Education school (Note: maximum of three entries per school) Theme: "How can understanding and applying mathematics make the world a better and happier place?" Accepts: Essay Size: 600 - 800 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $1,250, *Second: $750, Third:* $500
20/08/2021	The Helen Anne Bell Poetry Bequest Award Open to: Australian women over the age of 18 Theme: About Australian Culture (Broadly defined) Accepts: Collection of poems Size: 50 - 80 pages Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $40,000 and publication with Vagabond Press
22/08/2021	The Good Oil Writer's Award Open to: Residents of Australia, Kiribati, the Philippines and Japan - countries where the Sisters of the Good Samaritan live and minister Theme: Inclusivity Accepts: Reflection, Opinion, Profile, News feature Size: 800 - 1,200 for articles, no limit for poetry Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $600, Second: $400, Third: $200
27/08/2021	Boroondara Literary Awards Open to: Australian Residents, Young Writers: Live, Work or study in the City of Boroondara Theme: Open * Accepts: Open Short Story Size: 1,500 - 3,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $1,500, *Second:* $1,000, *Third:* $500, *Keith Carroll Award:* $500 * Accepts: Young Writers (Boroondara) - Junior -Years 5 - 6 - Poetry Size: 100 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $300, *Second:* $200 * Accepts: Young Writers (Boroondara) - Junior -Years 5 - 6 - - Prose Size: 300 - 500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $300, *Second:* $200, *Third:* $100 * Accepts: Young Writers (Boroondara) - Middle -Years 7 - 9 - Poetry Size: 200 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $450, *Second:* $300, *Third:* $150 * Accepts: Young Writers (Boroondara) - Middle -Years 7 - 9 - - Prose Size: 500 - 900 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $450, *Second:* $300, *Third:* $150 * Accepts: Young Writers (Boroondara) - Senior -Years 10 - 12 - Poetry (also open to young people not in secondary school, aged 15 to 18 years as of 1 January) Size: 200 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $600, *Second:* $400, *Third:* $200 * Accepts: Young Writers (Boroondara) - Senior -Years 10 - 12 - - Prose (also open to young people not in secondary school, aged 15 to 18 years as of 1 January) Size: 900 - 1,300 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $600, *Second:* $400, *Third:* $200
29/08/2021 EARLY BIRD	Shore Scripts Short Film Fund US COMPETITION 29/08/2021 : Early Deadline 30/09/2021 : Regular Deadline 31/10/2021 : Late Deadline Open to: All where each writer, or writing team, may not have earned more than $US 50,000 in writing fees in the preceding 18 months Theme: None * Accepts: Short Film Size: 2-30 pages Entry Fee: Early Deadline: $US 40, Regular Deadline: $US 45, Late Deadline: $US 50 Prize: *First:* $US 15,000 production budget grant, Free camera equipment from Arri Rental, Full production support from Shore *Second:* $US 10,000 production budget grant, Free camera equipment from Arri Rental, Full production support from Shore *Top 5:* Feedback, Script read by judges, Industry Roster & Directors, Free enrolment to Ultimate Screenwriting Course, Final Draft 11 Software *Top 15:* Script read by judges, Industry Roster & Directors, Free enrolment to Ultimate Screenwriting Course
30/08/2021	Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition NOTE: SUBMISSIONS IN HARD-COPY BRAILLE, A WORD DOCUMENT, SIMBRAILLE or a DUXBURY-readable file Open to: Australian Residents who are legally blind, or have low or no vision, People's Choice: Open Theme: Growing * Accepts: Adult (Over 18) - Short Story Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: $10 Prize: *First:* $350, *Second:* $150 * Accepts: Adult (Over 18) - Poem/Song Lyrics/Limerick Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: $10 Prize: *First:* $350, *Second:* $150 * Accepts: Adult (Over 18) - Article/Opinion Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: $10 Prize: *First:* $350, *Second:* $150 * Accepts: Senior Student (13 - 17 years) - Short Story/Poem/Song Lyrics/Limerick/Blog Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: $10 Prize: *First:* $350, *Second:* $150 * Accepts: Junior Student (12 years and under) - Short Story/Poem/Song Lyrics/Limerick/Blog Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: $5 Prize: *First:* $350, *Second:* $150 * Accepts: People's Choice - Short Story Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: $10 Prize: *First:* $350, *Second:* $150
30/08/2021 NEW LISTING	Marjorie Graber-McInnis Short Story Award Open to: Emerging writers residing permanently in the ACTregion Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 1,500 - 3,000 words Entry Fee: $10 for ACT Writers Centre members, $15 for non-members Prizes: *First:* $600
30/08/2021	The Masters Review Summer Short Story Award US COMPETITION Open to: Emerging writers Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 6,000 words Entry Fee: $US 20 Prizes: First: $US 3,000, Second: $US 300, Third: $US 200
30/08/2021	Toolangi CJ Dennis Poetry Competition Open to: Authors throughout Australia and New Zealand * Theme: Topic inspired by any poem or story in A Book for Kids by CJ Dennis Accepts: Open - Marian Mayne Prize - Poetry Theme: Environment / Climate Change Size: 80 lines Entry Fee: $15 Prize: *First: $250, Second:* $150, *Third:* $100 * Theme: Topic inspired by any poem or story in A Book for Kids by CJ Dennis Accepts: Open - CJ Dennis Society Prize - Short Story Theme: Environment / Climate Change Size: 500 words Entry Fee: $15 Prize: *First: $250, Second:* $150, *Third:* $100 * Accepts: Poetry written by adults for children Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: $15 Prize: *First: $250, Second:* $150, *Third:* $100, *Chosen by group of local children:* $150 * Accepts: School Students – Preps to Grade 4 - Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First: $100, Second:* $75, *Third:* $50 * Accepts: School Students – Grade 5 to Year 8 - Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First: $100, Second:* $75, *Third:* $50 * Accepts: School Students – Grade 9 to Year 12 - Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First: $100, Second:* $75, *Third:* $50
31/08/2021	FAW Tasmania Poetry Prize Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 60 lines Entry Fee: $5 Prize:*First:* $150, *Runner-up:* $50
31/08/2021	Fool for Poetry International Chapbook Competition IRISH COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry collection Size: 16 - 24 pages Entry Fee: €25 Prize: *First:* €1000, publication and 25 copies, *Second:* €500, publication and 25 copies In addition, the winning poets will also be offered a reading and three nights' accommodation at the Cork International Poetry Festival.
31/08/2021	Hilarie Lindsay Young Writers Short Story Competition Open to: Australian School Children Theme: Open * Accepts: Section 1 - Short Story - Yrs 10, 11 & 12 Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: $3 Prize: *First:* $150 * Accepts: Section 2 - Short Story - Yrs 7, 8 & 9 Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: $3 Prize: *First:* $125 * Accepts: Section 3 - Short Story - Yrs 5 & 6 Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: $3 Prize: *First:* $100 * Accepts: Section 4 - Short Story - Yrs 4 and under Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: $3 Prize: *First:* $50
31/08/2021	Marjorie Barnard Short Story Award Open to: Permanent residents of Australia Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: $10 Prize: $500
31/08/2021	NWF/Joanne Burns Micro-lit Award Open to: Australian citizens or residing in Australia, and over 18 Theme: Travel Accepts: Short Story Size: 200 words Entry Fee: $15 for up to three, Hunter Category: $10 for up to three Prize: $300
31/08/2021	Positive Words Mini Competition Open to: All Theme: Contains the word: Kind Accepts: Short Story or Poetry Size: 100 words or 10 lines Entry Fee: $2.20 in unused stamps Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words
31/08/2021	Scarlet Stiletto Awards Open to: Women citizens/residents of Australia Theme: Crime & Mysteries with an active woman protagonist - check conditions for specific themes Accepts: Short Story Size: 5,000 words Entry Fee: $20 for Sisters in Crime Members, $25 for non-members Prizes: *Swinburne University Award (First): $1,500 plus trophy, Simon & Schuster Award (Second):* $1,000, *The Sun Bookshop/Wild Dingo Press Award (Third):* $600, *Affirm Press Award for Best Young Writer (for writers 18 or under): $500, The Monash University Award for Best New Writer (for writers 19 - 25 years): $500, Melbourne Athenaeum Library ‘Body in the Library' Award:* $1,250; runner up $750, *Booktopia Publisher Services Award for Best Environmental Mystery:* $750, *Clan Destine Press Award for Best Cross-Genre Story:* $750, *Every Cloud Productions Award for Best Mystery with History Story:* $750, *Kerry Greenwood Award for Best Malice Domestic Story:* $750, *Viliama Grakalic Award for Best Art and Crime Story:* $750, *Writers Victoria Crime and Punishment Award for the Story with the Most Satisfying Retribution:* Studio Residency at the Old Melbourne Gaol (Value $660), *HQ Fiction Award for Best Thriller:* $500, *ScriptWorks Award for a Great Film Idea:* $500, *Liz Navratil Award for Best Story with a Disabled Protagonist Story:* $400
31/08/2021	Sentinel Poetry Book Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry collection Size: 20 A4 pages Entry Fee: £25 Prize: *First:* £300 & publication & 20 copies of their collection, *Second:* £200, *Third:* £100
31/08/2021	Shore Scripts Screenwriting Competition UK COMPETITION 31/05/2021 : Early Deadline 31/07/2021 : Regular Deadline 31/08/2021 : Late Deadline Open to: All where each writer, or writing team, may not have earned more than $US 50,000 in writing fees. Theme: None * Accepts: Feature script Size: 80-120 pages (additional fee if over this length) Entry Fee: Early Deadline: $US 45, Regular Deadline: $US 55, Late Deadline: $US 65 Prize: *First:* $US 10,000, Script read by judges, Industry Roster & Directors, Introduction and Meetings with Hollywood Agents and Managers, Script development with Shore Scripts, Free enrolment to Ultimate Screenwriting Course, Final Draft 11 Software, Choice of Free Pass to Raindance, Flickerfest or Vancouver Film Festival *Genre Winners in Action/Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Sci-Fi, Thriller & Horror :* $US 1000, Script read by judges, Industry Roster & Directors, Introduction and Meetings with Hollywood Agents and Managers, Script development with Shore Scripts, Free enrolment to Ultimate Screenwriting Course, Final Draft 11 Software *Each Genre's Top 5:* Script read by judges, Industry Roster & Directors, Free enrolment to Ultimate Screenwriting Course * Accepts: TV Pilot - First episode Size: 1 Hour: 40 - 70 pages 1/2 Hour: 5 - 30 pages Entry Fee: 1 Hour: Early Deadline: $45, Regular Deadline: $US 55, Late Deadline: $US 65 1/2 Hour: Early Deadline: $40, Regular Deadline: $US 50, Late Deadline: $US 60 Prize: *1 Hour: First:* $US 5,000, Script read by judges, Industry Roster, Introduction and Meetings with Hollywood Agents and Managers, Script development with Shore Scripts, Free enrolment to Ultimate Screenwriting Course, Final Draft 11 Software, Choice of Free Pass to Raindance, Flickerfest, or Vanvouver Film Festival *1 Hour: Second:* $US 1,000, Script read by judges, Industry Roster, Introduction and Meetings with Hollywood Agents and Managers, Script development with Shore Scripts, Free enrolment to Ultimate Screenwriting Course, Final Draft 11 Software *1 Hour: Top 10:* Script read by judges, Industry Roster, Introduction and Meetings with Hollywood Agents and Managers, Free enrolment to Ultimate Screenwriting Course *1/2 Hour: First:* $US 5,000, Script read by judges, Industry Roster, Introduction and Meetings with Hollywood Agents and Managers, Script development with Shore Scripts, Free enrolment to Ultimate Screenwriting Course, Final Draft 11 Software, Choice of Free Pass to Raindance, Flickerfest or Vancouver Film Festival *1/2 Hour: Second:* $US 1,000, Script read by judges, Industry Roster, Introduction and Meetings with Hollywood Agents and Managers, Script development with Shore Scripts, Free enrolment to Ultimate Screenwriting Course, Final Draft 11 Software *1/2 Hour: Top 10:* Script read by judges, Industry Roster, Introduction and Meetings with Hollywood Agents and Managers, Free enrolment to Ultimate Screenwriting Course
31/08/2021	The Betty Olle Poetry Award Open to: All Theme: Australian * Accepts: Open - Australian Bush Verse Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: $10 Prize: *First:* The 'Betty Olle' Poetry Award & $500, *Runner-Up:* Certificate & $200, *Highly Commended:* Certificate * Accepts: Junior (12 years and under) - Australian Bush Verse Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* The 'Betty Olle' Junior Poetry Award & $100, *Runner-Up:* Certificate & $50, *Highly Commended:* Certificate
31/08/2021	What's Your Story? Closing Date: 31/08/2021 * SHORT STORY Open to: Victorian Residents over the age of 18 years Theme: None Accepts: Short story Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: $500 * POETRY Open to: Victorian Residents over the age of 18 years Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: $500 * CREATIVE STORY WRITING - 5 -12 Open to: Students aged 5 to 12 who live or go to school in Stonnington Theme: None Accepts: Short story Size: 500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: *First:* $150 prize-pack of books * CREATIVE STORY WRITING - 13 -18 Open to: Students aged 13 to 18 who live or go to school in Stonnington Theme: None Accepts: Short story Size: 750 words Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: *First:* $250 prize-pack of books

SEPTEMBER 2021
01/09/2021	Outstanding Short Story Competition Open to: Writers based in Australia and New Zealand, 16 years and older Theme: "Ooops!" (Have relevance to the broader Australian LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer + community) Accepts: Short Story Size: 750 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not mentioned
03/09/2021	Pens Against Poverty Open to: Students in grades 3-10 (needs a teacher or parent to submit/endorse the entry) Theme: Time for Change Accepts: Short Story or Poem Size: 500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Winners and Highly commended selected from multiple grade levels, prizes not specified
09/09/2021	KSP Short Fiction Competition Open to: Australian residents and citizens Theme: None * Accepts: Short Fiction - Open Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: $10 Prize:*First:* $300, plus one weeks' residency at KSP Writers' Centre & certificate, *Second:* $150 & certificate, *Commended:* Certificate * Accepts: Short Fiction - Youth (10 to 18 years of age) Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize:*First:* $100 & certificate, *Second:* $50 & certificate, *Commended:* Certificate, *Mundaring National Young Writers Encouragement Award for under 14s:* $25
10/09/2021	Junior Journo Open to: Year 3 - 6 students in Western Australian Schools Theme: Seven options on website Accepts: Articles Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $100 book vouchers from Fremantle Press
14/09/2021 NEW LISTING	Bass Coast Prize for Non-Fiction Open to: Writers living, working or studying in Gippland, or have a strong conenction with teh Gippsland region Theme: Pertaining to the Gippland region, issues or people Accepts: Prose or poetry Size: 4,000 - 10,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $5,000, Second: $3,000, ThiredL $2,000
15/09/2021 NEW LISTING	ARKfest Short Play Competition Open to: Australian writers Theme: None Accepts: Short Play Size: 10 minutes (1,500 words), no more than 8 in the cast with minimal props/set Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Up to 30 plays performed. Awards for Best Script, Best Production, People’s Choice for Best Productions, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress
15/09/2021	The Moth Nature Writing Prize IRISH COMPETITION Open to: Over 16 Theme: Nature writing Accepts: Prose and Poetry Size: 4,000 words Entry Fee: €15 Prize: €1,000 and a week-long writing retreat at Circle of Misse in France
16/09/2021	Heywire Competition Note: Audio, Video and Photo story categories available Open to: Australian Residents aged 16-22 and not living in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth or Sydney Theme: Life in Australia outside the major cities Accepts: Audio, Video, Photos or Text Size: Video & Audio: 2 - 4 minutes, Photos: 10 images, Text: around 400 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize (awarded to 33 to 40 people): Opportunity for story to be produced for ABC and an all-expenses paid trip to the Heywire Regional Issues Summit in Canberra (details on website)
16/09/2021 NEW LISTING	SBS Emerging Writers' Competition Open to: Australian residents, aged 18 and over, who are not published authors of a book Theme: Between Two Worlds: stories from a diverse Australia Accepts: Memoir Size: 1,000 - 2,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First: $5,000, Second:* $3,000, *Honorable Mention x 2:* $1,000
17/09/2021	Poem Forest A tree will be planted at Mount Annan for every entry recieved Open to: Australian student or young person (aged 18 and under) or an accredited teacher Theme: Nature * Accepts: Lower primary ( F - Year 3) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500, book packs ($100), certificates * Accepts: Upper primary ( Years 4 - 6) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500, book packs ($100), certificates * Accepts: Lower secondary (Years 7 - 9) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500, book packs ($100), certificates * Accepts: Upper secondary (Years 10 - 12) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500, book packs ($100), certificates * Accepts: Threatened species (F - Year 12) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500, book packs ($100), certificates * Accepts: Accredited Teacher (All ages) - Poetry Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500, book packs ($100), certificates * Australian Botanic Gardens ( F - Year 12) award for local entrants: Tour of the Gardens
23/09/2021	Hugo Throssell Writing Award for Youth Open to: All studenst who live, or go to school, in the Shire of Mundaring Theme: Use one of the photo prompts, themem of war and remembrance * Accepts: Junior (9 - 12 years) - Essay or short story Size: 500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $50 and certificate, Highly commended and commended: Book prize and certificate * Accepts: Senior (13 - 17 years) - Essay or short story Size: 700 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: First: $100 and certificate, Highly commended and commended: Book prize and certificate
30/09/2021	Hammond House Competitions UK COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: Stardust * SONGWRITING COMPETITION Accepts: Lyrics or Performed Song Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members, optional feedback: £10 Prize: *First:* £100 * INTERNATIONAL LITERARY PRIZE Accepts: Short Story Size: 1,000 - 5,000 words Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members, optional feedback: £10 Prize: *First:* £1,000, *Second:* £100, *Third:* £50 * INTERNATIONAL POETRY PRIZE Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members, optional feedback: £10 Prize: *First:* £500, *Second:* £50, *Third:* £20 * SHORT FILM SCREENPLAY Accepts: Screenplay Size: 10 pages Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members, optional feedback: £10 Prize: *First:* £250
30/09/2021	KSP Poetry Competition Open to: Australian residents Theme: Open * Accepts: Poetry - Open Size: 50 lines Entry Fee: $10 Prize: *First:* $200, one weeks' residency at KSP Writers' Centre & certificate, *Second:* $150 & certificate, *Commended:* Certificate * Accepts: Poetry - Youth (12 to 18 years of age) Size: 50 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $100 & certificate, *Second:* $50 & certificate, *Commended:* Certificate, *Mundaring National Young Writers Encouragement Award for under 14s:* $25 * Annette Cameron Encouragement award for an unpublished WA poet Accepts: Poetry - (Over age of 18) Size: 50 lines Entry Fee: $10 Prize: *First:* $150
30/09/2021	New England Thunderbolt Prize Open to: Australian Resident Theme: Crime * Accepts: The New England Thunderbolt Prize for Crime Fiction Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: $10, $5 for youth entries (Under 18) Prize: *First:* $500 * Accepts: The New England Thunderbolt Prize for Crime Non-Fiction Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: $10, $5 for youth entries (Under 18) Prize: *First:* $500 * Accepts: The New England Thunderbolt Prize for Crime Poetry Size: 60 lines Entry Fee: $10, $5 for youth entries (Under 18) Prize: *First:* $500 OTHER PRIZES THE NEW ENGLAND AWARD: $250 EMERGING AUTHORS AWARD (Over 18): $250 YOUTH AWARD: $150
30/09/2021	Positive Words Mini Competition Open to: All Theme: Contains the word: Rooster Accepts: Short Story or Poetry Size: 100 words or 10 lines Entry Fee: $2.20 in unused stamps Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words
30/09/2021	Scribes Writers - 'Short Takes' Open to: All Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story (Not Fan Fiction) Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: $8 Prize:*First:* $200, *Runner-up:* $100, *Highly Commended & Commended: Certificates Accepts: Memoir Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: $8 Prize:*First:* $200, *Runner-up:* $100, *Highly Commended & Commended*: Certificates
30/09/2021 NEW LISTING	Southern Cross Short Story Competition Open to: Writers over the age of 18 Theme: Turning Away Accepts: Short Story Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: $20 ($15 for Ballarat Writers members) Prizes: First: $1,000, *Second:* $400, *Third:* $100
30/09/2021 NEW LISTING	The Henshaw Short Story Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: All over 16 Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 2,000 words Entry Fee: £6, Optional Feedback: £14 (free critiques for writers 16 and under) Prizes: First: £200 & publication in Anthology, Second: £100, Third: £50

OCTOBER 2021
01/10/2021	Noosa Arts Theatre National One-Act Playwriting Competition Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: One-Act Play Size: 30 - 45 minutes, see T&Cs for staging requirements Entry Fee: $40 Prizes: *The Eleanor Nimmo Prize for Best Play: $5,000, Second:* $2,000, *Third: $1,000, Nancy Cato Audience Choice Award:* unspecified cash amount
04/10/2021 NEW LISTING	Peter Porter Poetry Prize Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 70 lines Entry Fee: Online entry - Subscriber: $15, Online entry - Non-Subscriber: $25, Online entry & ABR Online Subscription: $80, Online entry & Print subscription (Australia): $100, Online entry & Print subscription (NZ and Asia): $190, Online entry & Print subscription (Rest of World): $210 Prizes: *First:* $6,000, *Shortlisted entries x 4:* $1,000
08/10/2021	Silver Quill Written Competition Open to: All Theme: Australian * Accepts: Open Serious Size: No limit Entry Fee: $10 Prize: Not mentioned * Accepts: Open Humorous Size: No limit Entry Fee: $10 Prize: Not mentioned * Accepts: Novice Size: No limit Entry Fee: $10 Prize: Not mentioned * Accepts: Junior (5 - 12 years old) Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not mentioned * Accepts: Junior (13 - 17 years old) Size: No limit Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Not mentioned * Accepts: Local (Avon Valley) Size: No limit Entry Fee: $10 Prize: Not mentioned
10/10/2021	Blue Draft Screenwriting Contest US COMPETITION Closing Date: EARLY BIRD: 30/06/2021, REGULAR: 10/10/2021, LATE: 30/11/2021 Open to: Aged 18 and over as at 01/01/2021 Theme: None Accepts: Short Film Size: 15 minutes Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $USD 30 (Gold Members: $USD 24), REGULAR: $USD 40 (Gold Members: $USD 32), LATE: $USD 50 (Gold Members: $USD 40) Prize: Production deal
15/10/2021 NEW LISTING	Lambing Flat Regional Writing Competition Closing Date: 15/10/2021 Open to: All Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story - Adult Open Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: $5 Prize:*First:* $200, *Second:* $75, Third: $25 * Accepts: Poetry - Adult Open Size: 50 lines Entry Fee: $5 Prize:*First:* $200, *Second:* $75, Third: $25 * Accepts: Short Story - Junior Primary (Years 1 - 3) Size: 250 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize:*First:* $30, *Second:* $15 * Accepts: Poetry - Junior Primary (Years 1 - 3) Size: 15 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize:*First:* $30, *Second:* $15 * Accepts: Short Story - Primary (Years 4 - 6) Size: 750 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize:*First:* $50, *Second:* $20 * Accepts: Poetry - Primary (Years 4 - 6) Size: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize:*First:* $50, *Second:* $20 * Accepts: Short Story - Secondary (Years 7 - 9) Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize:*First:* $100, *Second:* $30 * Accepts: Poetry - Secondary (Years 7 - 9) Size: 25 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize:*First:* $100, *Second:* $30 * Accepts: Short Story - Secondary (Years 10 - 12) Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize:*First:* $100, *Second:* $30 * Accepts: Poetry - Secondary (Years 10 - 12) Size: 25 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize:*First:* $100, *Second:* $30
15/10/2021	MiNDFOOD Short Story Competition Open to: Australian and New Zealand residents Theme: Open Accepts: Short Story Size: Approximately 2,000 words (about 100 words either side is fine) Entry Fee: Nil Prize:*Australian First:* AU$1,000, *New Zealand First:* NZ$1,000
29/10/2021 NEW LISTING	F(r)iction Competition - Fall US COMPETITION Open to: All over 13 * Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 1,001 to 7,500 words Entry Fee: $US 15 Prizes: *First:* $US 1,000 & publication, *5 x finalists:* professional edit & consideration for publication * Theme: None Accepts: Flash Fiction Size: 1,000 words per piece Entry Fee: $US 10. $US 12 for 3 Prizes: *First:* $US 300 & publication, *5 x finalists:* professional edit & consideration for publication * Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: Three pages per poem Entry Fee: $US 10, $US12 for 3 Prizes: *First:* $US 300 & publication, *5 x finalists:* professional edit & consideration for publication
30/10/2021	Mary River Press Services Short Story Competition Open to: 16 years and over Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 2,000 - 5,000 words Entry Fee: $5, Pensioner/Student: $3 Prize: *First:* $100, *Second:* $30, *Third*: $10
31/10/2021	Anthology Poetry Award IRISH COMPETITION Closing Date: EARLY BIRD: 31/07/2021 REGULAR: 31/10/2021 Open to: All Theme: 'Freedom' Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: €10, REGULAR: €15 Prizes: €500 & one year subscription to Anthology Magazine
31/10/2021	Flash 500 Novel Opening Chapter & Synopsis Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Opening Chapter of a Novel with Synopsis Size: Opening chapter up to 3,000 plus one page synopsis Entry Fee: £10, £18 for 2, £26 for 3 (£25 for optional critique) Prize:*First:* £500, *Second:* £200
31/10/2021	Patrick White Young Indigenous Writers Award Open to: Indigenous Australian students (Kindergarten to Year 12) studying in NSW Theme: One of three themes: "I’ve got you covered", "Oops!", "What a feeling" Accepts: Short Story, Play, Poem. Group work accepted for Year K-3 to encourage shared learning Size: 1,500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: Prizes from $50 up to $500 and Encouragement Awards from $20 up to $250 will be awarded to students from Kindergarten to Year 12 for Poetry and Short Story or Play. Prizes of up to $250 will be awarded for Kindergarten to Year 3 Group work
31/10/2021	Positive Words End-of-Year Short Story & Poetry Competition Open to: All Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story Size: 500 words Entry Fee: $4.40, 4 for $15 Prize: *First:* $100, *Second:* Twelve Six months subscription to Positive Words * Accepts: Poetry Size: 32 lines Entry Fee: $4.40, 4 for $15 Prize: *First:* $100, *Second:* Twelve Six months subscription to Positive Words
31/10/2021	Positive Words Mini Competition Open to: All Theme: Contains the word: Potato Accepts: Short Story or Poetry Size: 100 words or 10 lines Entry Fee: $2.20 in unused stamps Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words
31/10/2021 NEW LISTING	Robyn Mathison Poetry Prize Open to: All Theme: New Beginnings Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: $10 for up to two entries Prize: *First:* $200, *Second:* $50, *Highly Commended & Commended:* Certificates
31/10/2021 NEW LISTING	Sentinel Literary Quarterly Poetry Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 50 lines Entry Fee: £5, 2 for £8, 3 for £10, 4 for £12, 5 for £14, 7 for £16, 10 for £22 Prize: *First:* £250, *Second:* £125, *Third:* £75, *High Commendation x 3:* £30, *Commendation x 3:* £20, *Special Mention x 3:* £10
31/10/2021	The Bedford Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None * Accepts: Short Story Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: £7.50, three of £15 (Full time students: £5, three for £10) Prize: *First:* £1,000, *Second:* £200, *Third:* £100, *For Young Writers:* £100 * Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: £7.50, three of £15 (Full time students: £5, three for £10) Prize: *First:* £1,000, *Second:* £200, *Third:* £100, *For Young Writers:* £100
31/10/2021 NEW LISTING	The Best of Times Short Story Competition Open to: All (except stories that have previously won a prize or certificate in prior Best of Times Theme: Humorous Accepts: Short Story Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: $10 Prizes: *First:* 75% of entry fees, *Second:* 10% of entry fees, *Third place:* 5% of entry fees, highly commended and commended certificates

NOVEMBER 2021
05/11/2021 NEW LISTING	Odyssey House Victoria Short Story Competition Open to: All Theme: "New Beginnings" & reference to alcohol and/or drugs Accepts: Short Story Size: 1.500 words Entry Fee: $10 Prizes: First: $1,000 & 1 year membership to Writers Victoria, *Second:* $100, *Third:* $50
12/11/2021 NEW LISTING	Ken Scarlett Award Open to: Australian resident Theme: Spirit of Place OR one of the selected artists/sculptures OR public outdoor sculpture Accepts: Essay Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $3,000
21/11/2021	Celebrate Caves Through Your Creativity Open to: All Theme: Caves and Karst in Australasia Accepts: Poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction, journalism Size: 5,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: $500 Ledlenser voucher NOTE: There are visual and audio categories and a $1,000 grand prise award across all entries
30/11/2021	Positive Words Mini Competition Open to: All Theme: Contains the word: Dimple Accepts: Short Story or Poetry Size: 100 words or 10 lines Entry Fee: $2.20 in unused stamps Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words
30/11/2021	The Bath Children's Novel Award UK COMPETITION Open to: International writers yet to be traditionally published Theme: Open Accepts: Unsigned novel written for middle grade or young adults Size: First 5,000 words plus 300 word synopsis (see website for length of full manuscript) Entry Fee: £28 with sponsored places available for writers on low income Prizes: First: £3,000, *Most promising Longlisted Novel:* Edit Your Novel the Professional Way on-line course, *Shortlist Prize:* Manuscript feedback plus literary agent introductions

DECEMBER 2021
03/12/2021	The 2022 Somerset National Poetry Prize Open to: All current secondary school students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents attending school or receiving home schooling in Australia under 19 years of age at close of entries Theme: None * Accepts: Junior Secondary - Years 7 to 9 Size: 50 lines Entry Fee: $15 Prize: $300 plus flights and accommodation to the Gold Coast, Tickets to Somerset Storyfest, Access to meet with authors and publicists * Accepts: Senior Secondary - Years 10 to 12 Size: 50 lines Entry Fee: $15 Prize: $300 flights and accommodation to the Gold Coast, Tickets to Somerset Storyfest, Access to meet with authors and publicists
03/12/2021	The 2022 Somerset National Novella Writing Competition Open to: All current secondary school students attending school or receiving home schooling in Australia under 19 years of age at close of entries Theme: None Accepts: Novella Size: 8,000 - 20,000 words Entry Fee: $20 Prizes: *National winner:* $2,500 and a full editorial report from Penguin Random House (Australia), *State Winners:* Unspecified cash prize and personalised advice from Penguin Random House (Australia). Flights and accommodation to the Gold Coast, Tickets to Somerset Storyfest
17/12/2021	Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize Open to: 18 years and over Theme: None Accepts: Manuscript - see website for more information Size: 80,000 words Entry Fee: $45 Prize: Author Coaching, Structural Edit and Line edit (Value $2500)
24/12/2021 NEW LISTING	The Kembla Flame Open to: All Theme: Uniquely Australian Accepts: Bush Poetry Size: No limit Entry Fee: $6, $10 for 3 Prize: *First:* "The Kembla Flame" trophy, $300 and certificate, *Second:* $200 and certificate, *2 x Highly Commended:* $100 and certificate, *Novice:* $100 and certificate, *Junior:* $100 and certificate
31/12/2021	Audioarcadia.com's Short Story Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: Aged 18 plus Theme: Adventure, Travel and Science Fiction Accepts: Short Story Size: 5,000 words Entry Fee: $USD 8.45 Prize: Percentage of royalties
31/12/2021	Blue Mountain Arts Poetry Contest US COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First: $350 USD, Second:* $200 USD, *Third:* $100 USD
31/12/2021	Positive Words Mini Competition Open to: All Theme: Contains the word: Anticipation Accepts: Short Story or Poetry Size: 100 words or 10 lines Entry Fee: $2.20 in unused stamps Prize: Six months subscription to Positive Words
31/12/2021 NEW LISTING	The Moth Poetry Prize IRISH COMPETITION Open to: All over 16 Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: No Limit Entry Fee: €15 Prizes: *First:* €6,000, *Runners-up x 3: €1,000, Commended x 8: €250 - Winners published in the spring 2021 issue of The Moth*

FEBRUARY 2022
28/02/2022	Flash 500 Short Story Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 1,000 - 3,000 words Entry Fee: £7, £12 for 2, £16 for 3, £20 for 4 Prize:*First:* £500, *Second:* £200, *Third:* £100