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If you are a writer looking for a fun way to get your short stories published, look no further! Here is a list of eight contests that are definitely worth checking out.
1. Free to Enter Best Short Fiction Story 2017 ContestNY Literary Magazine
This contest is an international contest. NY Literary Magazine is asking for is writing within any genre of short fiction that is 2,000 words or less. Writers can submit up to three stories to this competition, and the best part is that this is free to enter. Winners will receive award seals and publication in the magazine. Finalists also receive the magazines Five Star Writer award.
The contest ends on December 10th.
2. 44th New Millennium Writing AwardsNew Millennium Writings
The New Millennium Writing Awards has several categories, including a fiction one. The guidelines are simple, it must be 6,000 words or less, and there are no restrictions on the subject matter. Previously published works are allowed, as long as it circulated under 5,000 or it was an online exclusive. The fee varies depending on the number of entries, but for one entry it is $20. First place will win $1,000 and a certificate, as well as publication in both online and print magazines, and two free copies of the published piece.
The deadline is July 31st.
3. 2017 K PrizeIndiana Review
This contest is looking for an original fiction work that is 500 words or less. Writers may send up to three pieces for a fee of $20, which includes a subscription to the Indiana Review. This contest is also open to the international community, which requires additional fees for postage. The winner will get $1,000 and publication in the Indiana Review.
The deadline is August 1st.
4. John Steinbeck Award for Fiction 2017Reed Magazine
This contest is asking for fiction submissions that are under 5,000 words. Reed Magazine is also asking that the entries touch on the theme of California, which will be the theme of the issue that the story will be published in. To submit, writers must pay a $15 fee, which will include a free copy of the latest edition of the magazine. Besides publication, the winner will also receive $1,000.
The deadline is November 1st.
5. Manchester Fiction PrizeManchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University is looking for short stories that are less than 2,500 words. There is no restriction on the subject, and writers may submit as many stories as they want. However, each submission is 17.50. The prize is 10,000 and can be split among multiple winners if the judges decide to do so.
The deadline is September 29th.
6. 21st Annual Zoetrope: All-Story Short Fiction CompetitionZoetrope: All-Story
The guidelines for this contest are simple, a written work in any genre of fiction that is under 5,000 words. Multiple entries are allowed, and each entry is $20. There will be three winners for this Zoetrope: All-Story contest. First prize receiving $1,000. The top three and seven honorable mentions will also be considered for representation.
The deadline is October 2nd.
7. Writers Digest Short Short Story CompetitionWriters Digest
In order to be considered a short short story, Writers Digest is asking for the written works to be under 1,500 words. The top 25 writers will all receive a prize. The first-place winner will get $3,000, publication, and a paid trip to the Writers Digest Conference. All the winning entries will also be on display at the Annual Writers Digest Competition Collection.
The deadline is November 15th.
8. Short Story Competition 2017Stirling Robyn Publishing
This Short Story Competition has three sections. The first is Micro, which asks for submissions that are 300 words or less, the second is Flash which asks for 1,000 words or less, and the third is Short Fiction which asks for 5,000 words or less. All three require only a $3 entry fee. The winners of will win $100, publication, a free reading, and four free printed copies of the winners work, among other prizes.
The deadline for these contests is August 31st.
