{"id":5228,"date":"2018-05-08T11:01:43","date_gmt":"2018-05-08T18:01:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freedomwithwriting.com\/freedom\/?p=5228"},"modified":"2018-05-08T11:20:33","modified_gmt":"2018-05-08T18:20:33","slug":"20-free-writing-contests-with-cash-prizes-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freedomwithwriting.com\/freedom\/uncategorized\/20-free-writing-contests-with-cash-prizes-2\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Free Writing Contests With Cash Prizes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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These prizes and residencies are for writers of fiction, nonfiction \u2013 including essays, reportage and travel writing \u2013 as well as poetry and plays. Prizes range from $100 to $30,000.\u00a0 — S. Kalekar<\/strong>\n<\/div>\n
\nJames Laughlin Award <\/strong><\/p>\n

This is for a second full-length poetry manuscript by a US poet (see guidelines), which is under contract by a US-based publisher. Manuscripts should be 48-100 pages long.<\/p>\n

Value: $5,000, residency at The Betsy Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida
\nDeadline: 15 May 2018 (postmarked)
\nOpen for: US poets
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nAyn Rand Institute: Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest for Students<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is an international essay contest for 12th<\/sup> graders, as well as undergraduate and graduate students. Submit an essay of 800-1,600 words on one of three specific topics centred around Ayn Rand\u2019s novel, Atlas Shrugged (see guidelines).<\/p>\n

Value: $10,000, $2,000, $500, $200, $50; see special prizes for 12th<\/sup>-graders, as well as regional prizes for students in California, Chicagoland and Colorado.
\nDeadline: 15 May 2018
\nOpen for: 12th<\/sup> Graders, undergraduate and graduate students
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nAyn Rand Institute: The Fountainhead Essay Contest for Students<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is an international essay contest for students in 11th<\/sup> and 12th<\/sup>\u00a0 grades. Submit an essay of 800-1,600 words on one of three specific topics centred around Ayn Rand\u2019s novel, The Fountainhead (see guidelines).<\/p>\n

Value: $10,000, $2,000, $500, $200, $50; see special regional prizes for students in Chicagoland, Colorado and Wyoming.
\nDeadline: 15 May 2018
\nOpen for: Students in 11th<\/sup> and 12th<\/sup> grades
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nNarratively: Untold Story Award \u2013 Renegades<\/strong><\/p>\n

This contest is for US citizens. Their website says that they want \u201cfeature stories… that require more time and a bigger budget than most, and illuminate people and communities that would otherwise go unnoticed or uncelebrated. We\u2019d like storytellers to view this as an opportunity to really dig into that dream story you\u2019ve always wanted to report, but haven\u2019t had the time or resources to undertake.\u201d They want features of up to 6,000 words or detailed proposals of deep-dive features on their theme, Renegades. These can be on rebels with a cause, dedicated activists, game changers, anyone going against the grain and making a real, measurable impact.<\/p>\n

Value: $5,000 to fund the feature
\nDeadline: 21 May 2018
\nOpen for: US Citizens
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nThe Nick Darke Award<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is an international award for playwrights. The application includes one full-length stage play script of minimum 45 minutes (no maximum), and a synopsis.<\/p>\n

Value: \u00a36,000
\nDeadline: 21 May 2018
\nOpen for: All playwrights
\nDetails here<\/a> and here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nThe Black Orchid Novella Award<\/strong><\/p>\n

They want fiction that confirms to the tradition of Rex Stout\u2019s Nero Wolfe series. They should focus on the detective skills of the sleuth, and the killer must be known to the victim \u2013 see guidelines for further specifications they ask for. They are not looking for derivatives of the Nero Wolfe series, or the milieu. Entries must be 15,000-20,000 words. Mailed submissions only.
\nValue: $1,000 and publication in Alfred Hitchcock\u2019s Mystery Magazine
\nDeadline: 31 May 2017 (postmarked)
\nOpen for: All writers
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nI must be off! Travel Writing Competition <\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a contest for entering travel articles, stories and reflections. Send in work that is 1,000 words or fewer.<\/p>\n

Value: \u20ac300, \u20ac50; one award of \u20ac50 based on social media shares
\nDeadline: Fee-free until 31 May 2017
\nOpen for: All writers
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nOnline Writing Tips Short Fiction Prize<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is an unthemed short story contest. Send in one short story of 1,000-4,000 words.<\/p>\n

Value: \u00a3100, \u00a350, \u00a325
\nDeadline: 31 May 2018
\nOpen for: All writers
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nJerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest <\/strong><\/p>\n

Their readers have interests in music, social history, literature, politics, art, film and theater, particularly that of the counter-culture of mid-twentieth century America. Their readers include publishers, artists, musicians, and fellow writers. While the story should appeal to a reader with these interests and in these creative professions, all story themes will be considered. Ideally, stories should not exceed 3,000 words, but those up to 5,000 words will be considered.
\nValue: $100
\nDeadline: 31 May 2018
\nOpen for: All writers
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nSouthern Fried Karma Press Novel Contest <\/strong><\/p>\n

They want fiction manuscripts that \u201cgo beyond stereotypical depictions (of the Southern US) and illuminate the multiplicity of the Southern experience: past, present, or future; the good, the bad, and especially the unexpected.\u201d<\/p>\n

Value: $1,500 Advance against royalties
\nDeadline: 31 May 2018
\nOpen for: All writers
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nThe Bodley Head\/FT Essay Prize<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is for writers aged up to 35 years. They want a lively, dynamic and authoritative essay on any topic, of up to 3,500 words. Simon Schama introduces<\/a> the prize this year, and has written about the form and what makes a good essay.<\/p>\n

Value: \u00a31,000, \u00a3500
\nDeadline: 31 May 2018
\nOpen for: Writers aged 18-35
\nDetails here<\/a> (scroll down) and here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nSolution Loans Short Story Writing Competition: The Wedding Gift <\/strong><\/p>\n

This contest is for UK writers. Their website says, \u201cour thoughts are turning to spring and the forthcoming royal wedding in May!\u201d They invite short stories of 1,500-2,500 on the theme, The Wedding Gift.<\/p>\n

Value: \u00a3200; three prizes of \u00a350
\nDeadline: 31 May 2018
\nOpen for: UK writers
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nSapiens Plurum: Earth Day Short-Fiction contest<\/strong><\/p>\n

The topic is Can We Rewrite Our Children\u2019s History? Their guidelines say, perhaps writers can \u201creimagine the historical introduction to society of a \u201cnew\u201d technology, people considering (or not) the ethical and safety implications and potential impacts on their lives.\u201d See guidelines for further specifications, and recommended reading. Stories must be 1,500-3,000 words.
\nValue: $1,000, $500, $300
\nDeadline: 1 June 2018
\nOpen for: All writers
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nABA Journal\/Ross Writing Contest for Legal Short Fiction <\/strong><\/p>\n

This contest is for US writers. They want fiction that illuminates the role of the law and\/of lawyers in modern society. Stories must be 5,000 words or fewer.<\/p>\n

Value: $3,000
\nDeadline: 1 June 2018
\nOpen for: US writers
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nThe Stony Brook Short Fiction Prize<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is for undergraduate students in the US and Canada. The judges are looking for lively storytelling and unique voices. They accept stories up to 7,500 words. The prize has traditionally encouraged submissions from those with an Asian background, but they urge all students to enter.
\nValue: $1,000 and a scholarship to the Southampton Writers Conference
\nDeadline: 1 June 2018
\nOpen for: Undergraduate students from the US and Canada
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nFraser Institute Student Essay Contest<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a contest for Canadian students only. This year\u2019s topic is Increasing the Minimum Wage: Good Intentions, Bad Policy? <\/em>Essays can have more than one author, and must be 1,000-1,500 words.<\/p>\n

Value: $1,500, $1,000, $500 in each category: High School, Undergraduate, Graduate
\nDeadline: 1 June 2018
\nOpen for: Canadian students
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nGuardian and BAME Short Story Prize<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is for black, Asian, minority ethnic writers living in the UK and Ireland. Submit a story of up to 6,000 words.
\nValue: \u00a31,000, Publishing workshop
\nDeadline: 1 June 2018
\nOpen for: UK BAME authors
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nLiterary Taxidermy Fiction Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n

They are hosting three contests and invite writers to enter one, two or all thee. Stories should be constructed based on the given opening and closing lines from these works: The Thin Man\u00a0by Dashiell Hammett; Through the Looking-Glass\u00a0by Lewis Carroll; and A Telephone Call by Dorothy Parker (see guidelines). Stories should be 3,000 words or fewer, in any genre. Writers can pay a voluntary fee.<\/p>\n

Value: $500 for the winner and $50 for the runner-up in each contest
\nDeadline: 4 June 2018
\nOpen for: All writers
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nIndependent Legions Publishing: Inferno Award 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

This award is for an unpublished horror novella (45,000-50,000 words). All types of horror are welcome. All subgenres and forms of speculative fiction are welcome.<\/p>\n

Value: $600 Advance against royalties
\nDeadline: 15 June 2018
\nOpen for: All writers
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n

\nBard Fiction Prize \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is for an emerging writer who is a US citizen aged 39 years or younger. The award includes a residency at Bard College, New York, and a cash prize. Candidates should write a cover letter explaining the project they plan to work on while at Bard and submit a CV, along with three copies of the published book they feel best represents their work. There are no formal teaching duties attached to the residency.<\/p>\n

Value: $30,000, Residency at Bard College, New York
\nDeadline: 15 June 2018
\nOpen for: US Citizens
\nDetails here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n