Fictional Narrative Contests
Below is a list of fictional narrative writing competitions that are free to enter.
May
Learning A-Z Writing Competition: Placeholder
For Grades 1-3 & 4-6.
Entries are due on May 24.
Website
June
John Estay Student Writing Competition: Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow is a visionary work that combines speculative fiction with deep philosophical inquiry. The Sparrow tells the story of a charismatic Jesuit priest and linguist, Emilio Sandoz, who leads a scientific mission entrusted with a profound task: to make first contact with intelligent extraterrestrial life. The mission begins in faith, hope, and beauty, but a series of small misunderstandings brings it to a catastrophic end.
This prompt is a quote from Russell’s The Sparrow and can be used as a first line, a last line, a jumping-off point, an inspiration for your students’ work. They can use the entire quote or portions of it to write a fiction or nonfiction story, poem, song, scene, short monologue or other form of writing. Submissions should be 1,000 words or less regardless of format. Prizes range from $500- $2,000.
For Grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12, entries are submitted by a teacher.
Entries are due on June 7.
August
Pen & Quill Summer Competition: “Longing and Dreamscapes” calls for works that intertwine the boundaries of fiction and reality. We invite you to explore the borders of past and present, old and new, desire and disgust. In the Northeast of the U.S., the summer heat can be so strong it makes everything feel like a dream. We invite you, too, to soak in your sweat and share with us the whispers of your dreams and the longings of your heart.
For ages 12-21.
Entries are due on August 18.
September
C. A. A. B. Publishing: Terrific Treats & Terrible Treats: Terrific Tricks and Terrible Treats – a collection of spooky stories written by children for children. Get your best costume and be prepared to be scared ... Our latest Kid’s Competition is now open! The word count has a maximum number of 1,000 words. The winner of this competition will receive a £30 Amazon gift voucher and every story accepted will be printed in an anthology of stories and made available on Amazon, in addition to this every young writer with a story in the book will receive a free PDF copy as a ‘well done’ for being such a brilliant new author.
For ages 8-12.
Entries are due on September 2.
Ad Meliora: Student Writing Contest: Placeholder.
For Grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
Entries are due on TBA.
READ Magazine: Short Story Contest: This contest is for Short Stories. Anyone who enters MUST have a free account with READ Magazine.
For all ages.
Entries are due on September 30.
October
C. A. A. B. Publishing: Twisted Winter Tales: Join some amazing emerging authors, in this fantastic anthology of stories with a twist. Each one must be set in the Winter and must have a sting in the tail. The word count has a maximum number of 2,000 words. The winner of this competition will receive a £30 Amazon gift voucher and every story accepted will be printed in an anthology of stories and made available on Amazon, in addition to this every young writer with a story in the book will receive a free PDF copy as a ‘well done’ for being such a brilliant new author.
For ages 13-16.
Entries are due on October 1.
December
Love Letters to London: The annual Love Letters to London writing competition from The London Society returns for its fourth year with a new theme and venue for the winners’ reveal.
This year we have teamed up with St Paul’s Cathedral and they will be hosting the prizegiving in St Paul’s Crypt on Saturday, 29 March 2025. The prize is being launched this year, which marks the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s sermon at St Paul’s, so we are theming the competition around: Dreams for London.
What are your passions, hopes and dreams for this incredible city? We all need to dream to conjure up a brighter future. Let your imagination run riot, spill your dreams onto the page in prose and poetry (or both!).
For ages 5-11, 12-18, Adults.
Entries are due on TBA.
Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize: Placeholder.
For ages 18-25.
Entries are due on December 15
January
The Rising Voices Awards: The Rising Voices Awards are a collaboration between seven youth literary magazines–The Stirling Review, The Incandescent Review, SeaGlass Literary, The Globe Review, The Trailblazer Review, HaluHalo Journal, and Outlander Zine, as well as our 501(c)(3) partner Humanity Rising. The contest represents the first event ever of its kind, where a team of youth arts organizations join hands with renowned guest authors to create something amazing and display the immense changemaking potential of youth in literature. We are proud to present to you the first-ever Rising Voices Awards: a writing contest for youth creatives aged 13-18, with $2,350 in prize money.
For ages 13-18.
Entries are due on January 30.
February
Literary Magazines
Crannóg: We accept material for Online Content all year round. Please include relevant images with your submission. If accepted we will let you know as soon as it is posted.
For all ages.
Entries are open year-round.