The Definitive List of Short Story Competitions in 2024
There are many reasons why writers should enter short story competitions. Perhaps the most obvious reason (besides the prize) is that they’re a great way to get your work in front of editors and agents. Winning can also lead to publication, awards, and other recognition.
But competitions aren't just about winning; they're also a great way to get feedback on your work and improve your writing because short stories allow you to practise all the skills of writing in a much more condensed format.
A good short story competition should motivate you to write something new or submit your best existing stories. They should have an inspiring or challenging theme, a prize that’s worth any entry fees or associated costs, and (ideally) a chance to get feedback on your story.
Here are our picks of the best short story competitions running this year.
Love writing short stories? Our 2024 Open Short Story Competition is now open! Submit any story, in any genre, for a chance to win our £2,000 grand prize! Click here to find out more!
7 Day Story Writing Challenges
New Writers Flash Fiction Competition 2024
Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction 2024
Stringybark Open Short Story Award 2023
Looking for more writing competitions? Check out our ‘Big List of International Writing Competitions!’
Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest 2023
Anthology Short Story Award 2023
Looking for inspiration? Why not check out our list of the 20 Greatest Short Story Writers of All Time!
Bridport Short Story Prize 2023
Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition 2023
$1000 for 1000 Words Contest 2023
CWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition 2023
The Screw Turn Flash Fiction Competition 2023
Creative Writing Award for Short Fiction 2023
NOWW 25th International Writing Contest 2023
Stories Through The Ages - Baby Boomer Plus 2023
Minds Shine Bright Writing Competition 2023
Ethos Literacy Annual Short Short Story Contest 2023
Dream Quest One Writing Contest 2023
Indignor Play House Annual Short Story Competition 2023
Lazuli Literary Group Writing Contest 2023
Narrative Prize 2023
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