WRITING COMPETITIONS

At The Writers Herd, we believe there’s no better way to gain recognition and showcase your work than through writing competitions. In the future, we’re excited to introduce submission options and even host our own competitions. For now, as we continue to grow our community, writing competitions provide excellent opportunities to get noticed.

As writers ourselves, we know how frustrating it can be to browse through endless lists of competitions online. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’re committed to simplifying the process.

Each month, we’ll hand-pick key competitions—both free and paid—highlighting those with cash prizes and publication opportunities. We’ll feature a mix of niche and popular contests, so whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, you’ll find something tailored to your needs.

These will feature monthly, so stay tuned!

Tips for success

  • Check Competition Rules: Always review guidelines carefully to ensure your submissions meet all requirements.
  • Study Past Winners: Reviewing previous winning entries can give you insights into what judges want.
  • Try a Mix of Competitions: Niche competitions might offer better odds, but don’t shy away from popular ones for greater exposure and prizes.
  • Keep a Submission Record: Track your entries, rejections, and wins. Check guidelines before submitting the same story to multiple outlets.
  • Embrace Rejection: Use rejection as motivation. If you don’t try, you’ll never know!
  • Prepare Early: Avoid last-minute submissions by giving yourself ample time to revise and polish your work.

Competitions for December 2024

Poetry Competitions

The Moth Poetry Prize 2024

One of the biggest poetry prizes in the world, open to poets globally for unpublished poems of any length and subject.

  • Rules: Poems must be original, unpublished, and written in English. No line limit.
  • Prizes: €6,000 (1st prize), €1,000 for three runner-ups, and €250 for eight commended poets. Shortlisted poems will appear in The Irish Times online.
  • Entry Fee: €15 per poem
  • Deadline: 31 December 2024
  • More Info

Wolverhampton Literature Festival Poetry Competition

An international competition open to poets aged 16+, welcoming work on any subject. Includes a special prize for poets from the WV postcode.

  • Rules: Poems must be no more than 40 lines, unpublished, and submitted anonymously.
  • Prizes:
    • 1st Prize: £400
    • 2nd Prize: £150
    • 3rd Prize: Three winners receive £25 each
    • WV Postcode Prize: £50 for the best poem submitted from a WV postcode
  • Entry Fee: £4 for one poem, £10 for three poems, and £3 for each additional poem (max 5 per submission).
  • Deadline: 31 December 2024
  • Submission Details: Send entries via email to wolfpoetrycomp@gmail.com with poems as individual .doc/.docx files (anonymous format). Payment via PayPal.
  • More Info

King’s English Society Poetry Competition

A competition on the theme of Paper, open to all levels of poets. Each entrant may submit up to two previously unpublished poems.

  • Rules: Poems must be no more than 20 lines and unpublished.
  • Prizes: £100 for the winning poem, publication on the King’s English Society website, Facebook, and possibly in their quarterly magazine, Quest. The runner-up will also be published.
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Deadline: 18 December 2024
  • Submission Details: Send poems by post to 10 Runnelfield, Harrow on the Hill, Middx HA1 3NY or via email to dorothy.pope@hotmail.com (each poem must be sent separately with contact details).
  • More Info

Arkbound Writing Competition

A call for poetry and prose that reflects on Scottish landscapes, cultural heritage, and environmental preservation. Gaelic submissions are welcomed.

  • Rules: Poetry and prose entries must emphasize themes like landscape memory, heritage, or urban/rural balance. Word counts for prose >4,500 words.
  • Themes:
    • Landscape Memory: The landscape’s role in shaping memory and identity.
    • Intangible Cultural Heritage: Traditions tied to the landscape.
    • Urban & Rural Landscapes: Development vs. preservation of nature.
  • Prizes: Monetary prizes (TBC) and publication in a book. All contributors will receive a copy of the book.
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Deadline: 31 December 2024
  • More Info

Short Story Competitions

Do Wha(TS) Write

A Canadian-based competition open internationally, with all proceeds donated to Tourette Canada. Submit flash fiction or short stories up to 1,000 words.

  • Rules: No poetry, no required prompt, and no preferred genre. Submissions must be unpublished. Multiple entries are allowed but require separate fees.
  • Prizes: $200 CAD for the winner, publication on the organizer’s website.
  • Entry Fee: $3 CAD per entry
  • Deadline: 31 December 2024
  • More Info

Free Flash Fiction Competition (FFF Competition Twenty-Five)

Submit a flash fiction story of 100–300 words on any theme. Open to writers worldwide.

  • Rules: Stories must be unpublished, written in English, and between 100–300 words. Multiple entries are allowed but must be submitted separately.
  • Prizes:
    • 1st Prize: £150 and publication
    • 2 Highly Commended: £60 each and publication
    • 3 Shortlisted: £50 each and publication
  • Entry Fee: £3.95 per story (PayPal/Stripe), £2.55 (BACS, UK accounts only)
  • Deadline: 23 December 2024 (10 PM UK Time)
  • More Info

TBC