COMPETITIONS

UPDATED 01/11/2020

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

Bristol Short Story Prize
British Theatre Challenge
Calibre Essay Prize
Clearway 2021: Entanglement
Hal Porter Short Story Competition
Laura Literary Awards

The Henshaw Short Story Competition
The Mogford Food & Drink Short Story Prize
The Valerie Parv Award
W B Yeats Poetry Prize
Write from the Heart Microfiction
V International Playwriting Contest

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

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

NOVEMBER 2020
01/11/2020	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
06/11/2020	Simpson Prize Competition Open to: Year 9 & 10 students Theme: How do lesser known stories from the Western Front expand our understanding of the Australian experience of the First World War? Accepts: Essay Size: 1,200- 1.500 words (body of essay) Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: *(Subject to COVID19 Restrictions) : Winner from each State:* Attend briefing program in Canberra, travel overseas to historic sites (incorporating Anzac Day commemorations), *Runner-up from each State:* Attend briefing program in Canberra
13/11/2020	Odyssey House Victoria Short Story Competition Closing Date: 13/11/2020 Open to: All Theme: "Isolation" & 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
15/11/2020	The Masters Review Chapbook Award for Emerging Writers US COMPETITION Closing Date: 15/11/2020 Open to: Emerging writers Theme: None Accepts: Fiction or Non-fiction prose Size: 25 – 40 pages Entry Fee: $US 20 Prizes: First: $US 3,000 + print&digital publication + 50 contributor copies
16/11/2020	Judith Wright Poetry Prize Open to: Emerging poets Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 80 lines Entry Fee: $20 ($12 for subscribers) Prizes: First: $6,000 and publication, *Second:* $2,000 and publication, *Third:* $1,000 and publication
16/11/2020	Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize Open to: All Theme: Travel Accepts: Short Fiction Size: 3,000 words Entry Fee: $20 ($12 for subscribers) Prizes: First: $5,000 and publication, *2 x Runner-ups:* $750 and publication
20/11/2020	The New Guard Knightville Poetry Contest US COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 150 lines Entry Fee: $US 22 for up to three poems Prize: *First:* $US 1,500 & publication
20/11/2020	The New Guard Machigonne Fiction Contest US COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Fiction Size: 5,000 words Entry Fee: $US 22 Prize: *First:* $US 1,500 & publication
29/11/2020	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 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
30/11/2020	Anthology Magazine Poetry Prize IRISH COMPETITION Closing Date: EARLY BIRD: 30/09/2020, DEADLINE: 30/11/2020 Theme: Expectations Open to: All Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: €10, DEADLINE: €15 Prizes: *First:* €500, one year subscription and publication
30/11/2020	Blackened Billy Verse Competition Open to: All Theme: Relevant to Australia or Australians Accepts: Bush Verse Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: $10, 3 for $25, Optional Feedback: $10 Prizes: *First:* $500 plus trophy and certificate, *Second:* $250 plus certificate, *Third:* $150 plus certificate, *Highly* Commended x 5: $50 plus certificate, *Commended* x 5: Certificate
30/11/2020	Blue Draft Screenwriting Contest US COMPETITION Closing Date: EARLY BIRD: 30/06/2020, REGULAR: 30/09/2020, LATE: 30/11/2020 Open to: Aged 18 and over as at 01/01/2020 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
30/11/2020	Dungala-Kaiela Writing Awards Open to: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a connection to the Goulburn Valley region Theme: Open * Accepts: Story/Yarn/Article/Play - Elder (65 years and over) Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $200 * Accepts: Story/Yarn/Article/Play - Open (19 years and over) Size: 500 - 3,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $400 * Accepts: Story/Yarn/Article/Play - Youth - 13 to 18 years Size: 500 - 2,000 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $150 * Accepts: Story/Yarn/Article/Play - Junior - Prep to Grade 6 Size: 100 - 500 words Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $75 * Accepts: Aboriginal Languages of the region in any written form - Open (19 years and over) Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $400 * Accepts: Aboriginal Languages of the region in any written form - Youth - 13 to 18 years Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $150 * Accepts: Aboriginal Languages of the region in any written form - Junior - Prep to Grade 6 Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $75 Accepts: Poem/Lyric/Rap - Elder Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $150 * Accepts: Poem/Lyric/Rap - Open (19 years and over) Size: 6 - 40 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $200 * Accepts: Poem/Lyric/Rap - Youth - 13 to 18 years Size: 6 - 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $100 * Accepts: Poem/Lyric/Rap - Prep to Grade 6 Size: 5 - 10 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $50
30/11/2020	Dusty Swag Award Open to: All Theme: Australian Bush * Accepts: Juniors (Primary) Size: Short Story: 200 words, Poetry: 20 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $50, *Second:* $25 * Accepts: Seniors (Secondary) Size: Short Story: 750 words, Poetry: 40 lines Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First:* $50, *Second:* $25 * Accepts: Adults Size: Short Story: 1,000 words, Poetry: 60 lines Entry Fee: $10 Prize: *First:* $100, *Second:* $50
30/11/2020	Jackie's Spring Competition Closing Date: 30/11/2020 Open to: Adults who write for kids Theme: Open * Accepts: Verse Story Size: No limit Entry Fee: $10 Prizes: Includes picture books, subscription to the kidlit ezine “Pass it On”, 3 hours of editing service, sign up to Metre Matters Course * Accepts: Rhyming poem Size: No limit Entry Fee: $10 Prizes: Includes picture books, subscription to the kidlit ezine “Pass it On”, 3 hours of editing service, sign up to Metre Matters Course
30/11/2020	Joe O'Sullivan Writers' Prize Open to: Australian resident Theme: 'Closed Doors' Accepts: Prose, Fact or Fiction Size: 2,000 - 4,000 words Entry Fee: $10 Prize: *First:* $1,000
30/11/2020	Positive Words Mini Competition - November Open to: All Theme: Contains the word: Sinking 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
30/11/2020	The Gregory O'Donoghue International Poetry Competition IRISH COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 40 lines Entry Fee: €7, 5 for €30 Prize: *First:* €2,000, Residency (one week) at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Accomodation and board at the Cork International Poetry Festival in March 2021, publication, *Second:* €500, publication, *Third:* €250, publication, *10 x runners-up:* €50, publication
30/11/2020	The Joyce Parkes Women's Writers' Prize Open to: Australian Women Theme: Welcome' Accepts: Prose, Fact or Fiction Size: 1,000 - 2,000 words Entry Fee: $10 Prize: *First:* $500

DECEMBER 2020
04/12/2020	The 2020 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 accommodaton 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 accommodaton to the Gold Coast, Tickets to Somerset Storyfest, Access to meet with authors and publicists
04/12/2020	The 2020 Storyfest 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
15/12/2020	Tom Collins Poetry Prize Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 60 lines Entry Fee: $10 Prizes: *First:* $1,000 , *Second:* $300, *Third:* $100
18/12/2020 NEW LISTING	Hal Porter Short Story Competition Open to: Australian writers Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: $10 Prize: $1,000
18/12/2020	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)
24/12/2020	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, *Third:* $100 and certificate, *Novice:* $100 and certificate, *Junior:* $100 and certificate
31/12/2020	Blue Mountain Arts Poetry Contest US COMPETITION Closing Date: 31/12/2020 Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: Not mentioned Entry Fee: Nil Prize: *First: $350 USD, Second:* $200 USD, *Third:* $100 USD
31/12/2020	Audioarcardia.com's "General" Themed Short Story Competition UK COMPETITION Open to: Aged 18 plus Theme: None Accepts: Short Story Size: 5,000 words Entry Fee: $USD 8.45 Prize: Percentage of royalties
31/12/2020	Positive Words Mini Competition - December Open to: All Theme: Contains the word: Toys 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
31/12/2020	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*
31/12/2020 NEW LISTING	V International Playwriting Contest SPANISH COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None * Accepts: Category A - Play Size: 60 minutes - 2 hours Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: €2,400 for the writer, translation to another European language, plublication and public reading, plus economic aid for performances within two years after publication (Value: €4,800), Short list: Consideration for publication * Accepts: Category B - Play Size: 30 minutes - 1 hour Entry Fee: Nil Prizes: First: €1,000 for the writer, translation to another European language, plublication and public reading, plus economic aid for performances within two years after publication (Value: €3,200), Short list: Consideration for publication

JANUARY 2021
06/01/2021 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: £12 Prizes: *First:* £200, *Second:* £100, *Third:* £50
13/01/2021 NEW LISTING	The Mogford Food & Drink Short Story Prize UK COMPETITION Open to: All over 18 Theme: Food and Drink must be at the heart of the tale Accepts: Short Story Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: £15 Prizes: *First:* £10,000, an inscribed award, read by an actor and uploaded, 3 *x Runners* *up:* £250
15/01/2021 NEW LISTING	Calibre Essay Prize Theme: None Open to: All Accepts: Non-fiction essay Size: 2,000 - 5,000 words Entry Fee: $25 (or $15 for ABR subscribers) Prizes: *First:* $5,000, *Second*: $2,500

FEBRUARY 2021
02/02/2021 NEW LISTING	Clearway 2021: Entanglement Open to: Women writers residing in Australia, over 16 Theme: Entanglement Accepts: Short works in the first person as a woman Size: 800 words (3 minutes reading) Entry Fee: $15.00 Prizes: *12 - 15 monologues:* $100, performed
26/02/2021	Allen & Unwin Crime Fiction Prize Open to: Australian and New Zealand residents Theme: Crime or Thriller Accepts: Manuscript Size: 70,000 - 100,000 words Entry Fee: Nil (check) Prize:*First:* Publishing contract with advance against royalties of $25,000
28/02/2021	Flash 500 Short Story 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

MARCH 2021
30/03/2021 NEW LISTING	British Theatre Challenge UK COMPETITION Open to: All Theme: None Accepts: Play Size: One Act, running time 5 - 30 minutes, more than one actor Entry Fee: £16 Prize: *First:* 5 plays selected: Given a full performance at a London theatre - developed by professional directors - performed by professional actors - given written assessments by theatre professionals - considered for publication - filmed in performance by Mini Mammoth Films, Public Choice Award
31/03/2021	Ada Cambridge Biographical Prose Prize Open to: 18 years and over and who live in the state of Victoria Theme: Biographical Accepts: Short Story Size: 1,000 - 3,000 words Entry Fee: $15 Prize: *First:* $500
31/03/2021	Ada Cambridge Poetry Prize Open to: 18 years and over and who live in the state of Victoria Theme: None Accepts: Poetry Size: 30 lines Entry Fee: $15 for 2 poems Prize: *First:* $500
31/03/2021	FAW Tasmania Nairda Lyne Award Open to: All Theme: Suitable for children aged 8-12 years Accepts: Short Story Size: 1,000 words Entry Fee: $5 Prize: $100 & winner's name inscribed on a plaque in the State Library Launceston Branch, *Best Tasmanian Entry*: Hobart Bookshop voucher
31/03/2021 NEW LISTING	W B Yeats Poetry Prize Closing Date: 31/03/2021 Open to: Australian residents Theme: Open Accepts: Poetry Size: 50 lines Entry Fee: $10 for first entry ($4 each entry thereafter) Prizes: *First:* $600, *2 x Second:* $100, *Commendation:* Certificate

APRIL 2021
25/04/2021 NEW LISTING	The Valerie Parv Award Open to: Aspiring or Emerging writers - check website for full definition Theme: Romance/Romantic elements Accepts: Novels Size: 10,000 plus 1,000 word synopsis Entry Fee: $110, $44 for RWA members Prizes: First: 1 year mentorship with Valerie Parv
30/04/2021	Bronze Swagman Award Open to: All Theme: Australian Accepts: Bush Poetry Size: No limit Entry Fee: $25 per entry form, up to 3 poems per form Prizes: *First:* $500 & Bronze statuette of the Swagman, *Runner-up:* $200 & trophy, *Highly Commended:* Certificate

MAY 2021

05/05/2021
NEW LISTING

Bristol Short Story Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to: Over 16
Theme: Open
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 4,000 words
Entry Fee: £9
Prizes: First: £1000, Second: £500, Third: £250, Shortlisted x 17: £100, The Sansom Award (Bristol Writer): £100

07/05/2021
NEW LISTING

Laura Literary Awards

Theme: None
*
PROSE AWARDS
*
SECTION 1 - OPEN
Open to: All
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: $200
*
SECTION 2 - YOUNG ADULT
Open to: 13 - 18 years
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,200 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $50
*
SECTION 3 - JUNIOR
Open to: 9 - 12 years
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 800 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $25
*
SECTION 4 - JUNIOR PRIMARY
Open to: 5 - 8 years
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $15
*
THE CJ DENNIS POETRY AWARDS
*
SECTION 5 - OPEN
Open to: All
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: $200
*
SECTION 6 - OPEN BUSH POETRY
Open to: All
Accepts: Bush Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: $200
*
SECTION 7 - YOUNG ADULT
Open to: 13 - 18 years
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $50
*
SECTION 8 - JUNIOR
Open to: 9 - 12 years
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $25
*
SECTION 9 - JUNIOR PRIMARY
Open to: 5 - 8 years
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $15

JUNE 2021
30/06/2021	Henry Savery National Short Story Award Open to: Australian residents Theme: Open Accepts: Short Story Size: 2,500 words Entry Fee: $5 Prize: First: $400, Second: $100

AUGUST 2021
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