10 Best Creative Writing Competitions to Showcase Your Talent in 2023

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 7 min read

3. Writer's Digest Annual Competition

4. A Public Space Emerging Writer Fellowship

5. The Manchester Fiction Prize

6. The Masters Review Short Story Award

7. The Kenyon Review Short Fiction Contest

8. L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest

9. The O'Malley Short Story Award

10. The Craft Short Fiction Prize

If you're looking for the best creative writing competition for showcasing your talent, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we'll explore ten fantastic opportunities for writers of all levels to put their skills on display and potentially win some amazing prizes. So, grab your pen and paper or open your favorite writing app, and let's dive into these exciting contests!

1. The Bridport Prize

One of the most prestigious writing contests out there, The Bridport Prize is an excellent platform to showcase your talent. Established in 1973, this competition has earned a reputation for discovering and promoting new writing talents. Here's what you need to know about this fantastic opportunity:

Open to writers worldwide, regardless of their experience or background
Offers four categories: Poetry, Short Story, Flash Fiction, and Novel
Entry fees vary depending on the category, but they help support the Bridport Arts Centre
Generous cash prizes are awarded to winners and runners-up, with the top prize for the poetry and short story categories being £5,000 (roughly $6,800)
Winning entries are published in the annual Bridport Prize anthology, giving your work exposure to a wider audience

As one of the best creative writing competitions for showcasing your talent, The Bridport Prize could be your ticket to literary stardom. So, polish up your best work and give it a shot—you never know where it might lead!

2. The Bath Novel Award

Another fantastic opportunity for aspiring novelists is The Bath Novel Award. This annual international contest is designed to support and spotlight emerging novelists who have yet to land a traditional publishing deal. Here's what makes this competition stand out:

Open to both unpublished and self-published authors
Accepts a wide range of genres, including literary and commercial fiction, young adult novels, and children's fiction
Requires a minimum of 5,000 words from your novel and a one-page synopsis
Entry fee is £28 (around $38) per submission, which helps to fund the contest and provide free entries to low-income writers
Offers a grand prize of £3,000 (approximately $4,100) and additional opportunities for shortlisted authors, such as agent introductions and manuscript feedback

With The Bath Novel Award being one of the best creative writing competitions for showcasing your talent, don't miss the chance to have your novel recognized and potentially kickstart your publishing journey. So, dust off that manuscript and submit your most captivating story!

3. Writer's Digest Annual Competition

For over 90 years, the Writer's Digest Annual Competition has been an excellent platform for writers to showcase their talent and gain recognition. This well-established competition offers several benefits that make it a great choice for authors looking to shine:

Open to all genres and styles, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and scriptwriting
Features ten categories, providing a wide range of opportunities for writers with different strengths and interests
Accepts submissions of up to 4,000 words for most categories
Entry fees vary by category, with early-bird discounts available for those who submit ahead of the deadline
Offers a grand prize of $5,000, along with a paid trip to the Writer's Digest Annual Conference and other valuable prizes for category winners

The Writer's Digest Annual Competition is a fantastic chance for you to showcase your talent across various writing styles and genres. With its long history and prestigious reputation, this competition could be the perfect opportunity for your work to gain the recognition it deserves. So, why not give it a shot and submit your best work?

4. A Public Space Emerging Writer Fellowship

For writers seeking exposure and mentorship, the A Public Space Emerging Writer Fellowship is a superb choice. This unique program provides emerging writers with a chance to hone their craft and work closely with experienced editors. Here are some key features of this fellowship:

Open to fiction, nonfiction, and poetry submissions—your creativity is the limit
Three fellowships awarded annually, providing personalized support and mentorship
Fellows receive a $1,000 stipend, allowing you to focus on your writing without financial stress
Work with the A Public Space editorial team, gaining valuable insight into the publishing world
Opportunity to have your work published in A Public Space, a prestigious literary magazine

The A Public Space Emerging Writer Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring writers to sharpen their skills, build connections, and gain valuable experience in the literary world. If you're an up-and-coming writer looking for the best creative writing competition to showcase your talent, this fellowship might be just what you need to kickstart your career.

5. The Manchester Fiction Prize

If you're a writer with a passion for storytelling, the Manchester Fiction Prize is an excellent competition to consider. This prestigious contest offers a generous cash prize and the chance to have your work recognized by industry professionals. Here's what you need to know about this fantastic opportunity:

Open to both unpublished and published authors, giving you a level playing field
Welcomes short stories of up to 2,500 words, providing ample space for your creativity
Offers a £10,000 prize for the winner, making it one of the most rewarding writing competitions out there
Judged by a panel of esteemed authors and editors, ensuring your work is evaluated by experts in the field
International entries are welcome, so you can compete with talented writers from around the globe

The Manchester Fiction Prize is a fantastic opportunity for writers looking for the best creative writing competition to showcase their talent. With its generous prize and esteemed judges, this contest can help you gain the recognition you deserve and propel your writing career forward.

6. The Masters Review Short Story Award

Are you an emerging writer eager to make your mark in the literary world? The Masters Review Short Story Award might be the perfect contest for you. This competition is designed to spotlight the best creative writing talents among new and emerging authors. Here's what sets this contest apart:

Exclusively open to unpublished writers, giving you a chance to shine without competing against established authors
Accepts short stories up to 6,000 words, allowing for a diverse range of narrative styles and genres
Awards $3,000 for the winner and publication in the Masters Review, providing both monetary reward and valuable exposure
Run by a reputable literary journal with a strong focus on discovering and promoting new talent
Offers personalized feedback from the judges for the top 15 stories, helping you improve your writing skills

With its commitment to showcasing emerging talent, the Masters Review Short Story Award is an excellent platform for writers looking to gain recognition and boost their careers. If you believe in your storytelling abilities, this might just be the best creative writing competition for showcasing your talent.

7. The Kenyon Review Short Fiction Contest

For writers seeking to make a lasting impression, the Kenyon Review Short Fiction Contest is a fantastic opportunity. This prestigious competition is hosted by the renowned Kenyon Review, a literary magazine with a rich history of publishing exceptional fiction. What makes this contest an excellent choice for budding writers?

Open to writers who have not yet published a book, ensuring you're competing on a level playing field
Welcomes submissions of short stories up to 1,200 words, encouraging concise and impactful storytelling
The winning story gets published in the Kenyon Review, providing invaluable exposure and prestige
Offers a cash prize of $1,000, adding a financial incentive to the mix
Attracts submissions from talented writers around the world, giving you the chance to connect with a global literary community

With its illustrious reputation and focus on promoting exceptional short fiction, the Kenyon Review Short Fiction Contest is an ideal platform for writers seeking to showcase their talent and make a lasting impact in the literary world.

8. L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest

If you have a passion for science fiction and fantasy, the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest is the perfect opportunity to showcase your talent in these genres. This esteemed competition has been running for over 30 years and has helped launch the careers of many successful writers. What makes this contest stand out among others?

Specifically designed for new and amateur writers, providing a fair chance for undiscovered talent
Accepts short stories and novellas up to 17,000 words, allowing for a wide range of storytelling possibilities
Awarded quarterly, giving you multiple opportunities throughout the year to submit your work
Winners receive cash prizes, with the grand prize winner receiving $5,000, making it an attractive incentive
Winning stories are published in the annual Writers of the Future anthology, offering significant exposure and credibility

By participating in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest, you can gain valuable experience, recognition, and the chance to join a community of talented writers in the science fiction and fantasy world.

9. The O'Malley Short Story Award

For those who enjoy crafting engaging short stories, the O'Malley Short Story Award is an excellent platform to showcase your talent. This competition, hosted by the prestigious literary journal, The Moth, offers an opportunity for writers to gain recognition and exposure in the literary world. Here are some reasons why you should consider participating in this competition:

Open to both published and unpublished writers, offering an equal chance for all
Welcomes stories from any genre, giving you creative freedom to explore various themes and styles
Maximum word count of 5,000 words, allowing you to focus on crafting a well-developed short story
The winning story is published in The Moth, providing a significant boost to your writing credentials
Attractive cash prize of €3,000 for the winner, along with a week-long writing retreat in Ireland

By submitting your work to the O'Malley Short Story Award, you have the chance to connect with a global audience and establish yourself as a talented storyteller.

10. The Craft Short Fiction Prize

If you're looking for a competition that values both the art and craft of storytelling, the Craft Short Fiction Prize is an excellent choice. This contest, organized by Craft Literary, focuses on the elements that make a story memorable and engaging. Here's what makes this competition stand out:

Open to both emerging and established writers, creating a diverse and inclusive environment
Accepts stories of up to 6,000 words, giving you ample space to develop your narrative
Offers a cash prize of $2,000 for the first place winner, along with publication in Craft Literary
Includes an in-depth critique from the guest judge as part of the prize, providing valuable feedback and insights
The competition also awards two runner-up prizes, increasing your chances of being recognized for your work

Submitting your short story to the Craft Short Fiction Prize can be a fantastic way to receive constructive feedback, enhance your storytelling skills, and make your mark in the literary world.

If you're looking to improve your writing skills and take your craft to the next level, don't miss out on Christina Wolfgram's workshop, 'Everything You Need To Be A Skilled Writer'. This comprehensive workshop will provide you with the knowledge, techniques, and inspiration you need to become a skilled writer and make your mark in the literary world.