Category: Writing Contests

Another Writer’s Digest Contest: Popular Fiction Awards

Happy Friday once again. I want to use this post for two things, to remind you of a couple contest deadlines and to inform you of Writer’s Digest’s Popular Fiction Awards.

We have two upcoming contest deadlines. The first is the Bridport Prize on May 31st. You can go to this post for more information. The second is the final deadline for Writer’s Digest’s Annual Writing Competition, June 1st. This final deadline costs more to enter than the early bird deadline that I gave you in the original post on the Annual Writing Competition but it also means that you still have time to enter. Go to this post for more information.

Now, on to the Popular Fiction Awards. The entry form for this year’s contest was opened only a few days ago, so I thought I should inform everyone as soon as possible. Don’t worry, you have a while to enter. Here are the most important facts:

  • Entries must be short stories that are 4,000 words or less.
  • There are six categories in which you can enter: mystery/crime, horror, romance, science fiction/fantasy, thriller/suspense, and young adult. The contest page contains thorough definitions of each category.
  • There are two different entry fees for the two deadlines. The early bird deadline costs $20 per entry. The regular deadline is $25 for the initial entry and $20 for each additional entry.
  • Grand prize winner gets $2,500, a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference, an interview in the May/June edition of the Writer’s Digest magazine, and more!
  • Prizes are also available for one first prize winner in each category and honorable mentions.
  • The early bird deadline is October 16, 2017. The regular deadline is November 15, 2017.

You can find more information on the contest at this link.

Good luck to everyone!

If you know of a contest or publishing opportunity you think I should discuss on this blog, let me know in the comments below or contact me at thewritersscrapbin@gmail.com.

 

Designed by Stephanie Hoogstad circa 2011

Guide to Writing Contests from The Writer

Happy Friday, everyone! Pardon the infrequency of my posts lately. Between contests, financial pursuits, my portfolio, and my end-of-year essay, I’ve been rather busy and having a hard time focusing. However, that won’t stop me from providing you with some new contest information from The Writer for Fun-Day Friday.

If you don’t have a subscription to The Writer, I highly recommend it. I’ve learned a lot about writing, publishing, and the writing market since I started reading it. Today, though, I want to point out a free feature from The Writer‘s website: their summer guide to writing contests.

The guide is a PDF with an alphabetical list of writing contests with deadlines this summer. Listings include a brief description of the contest, the contest’s website, contact information, deadlines, etc. The contests come from around the world, albeit most–if not all–are from English-speaking countries.

The Writer will send you the PDF for free, just click on the link I provided above for more information. While you’re there, sign up for their newsletter and look at some of their articles and writing prompts. It never hurts for a writer to read more!

Have a happy and productive writing weekend.

Do you have any contests to recommend? Drop a line in the comments or email me at thewritersscrapbin@gmail.com.

 

Designed by Stephanie Hoogstad circa 2011

Contest for Fantasy and Science Fiction Writers: Writers of the Future

TGI Friday, fellow readers and writers. Today I want to bring your attention to a contest which I discovered quite a few years ago (sophomore or junior year of high school, I believe). It’s called the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest. It’s for new writers and illustrators of the fantasy and science fiction genres.

Before I get into the specifics of the contest itself, I wish to address its founder. Yes, it was started by that L. Ron Hubbard, renowned science fiction writer and founder of Scientology. As far as my research has turned up, that is where the connection between this contest and the controversial religion ends. Please do not let any negative conceptions you have of Scientology keep you from this contest. I have rather…mixed feelings about Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard myself but I still think the contest is a great opportunity for budding writers and illustrators who favor these genres.

Now, on to the contest. There are more details than I wish to cover here, so please follow this link for complete information on entering, prizes, etc. But here are some highlights:

  • Science fiction, fantasy, and dark fantasy stories of up to 17,000 words in length may be submitted.
  • Contestants retain all publication rights.
  • NO ENTRY FEE
  • The contest is quarterly with three winners each quarter.
  • The first place winners for each quarter have a chance to win the grand prize at the end of the contest year.
  • There’s also a branch of the contest for artists called the Illustrators of the Future Contest.
  • Cash prizes and publication in the annual Writers and Illustrators of the Future anthology
  • There’s a formal reception for the winners.
  • Contestants CANNOT have professionally published a novel or short novel, more than one novelette, or more than three short stories in any medium. More information on what is considered “professional publication” is available on the site.

I entered the contest once (and lost) but have not returned to it due to other paths calling my name. However, if you’ve a hand for writing in these genres, I highly recommend submitting to Writers of the Future.

Best of luck!

 

Designed by Stephanie Hoogstad circa 2011

Publishing Opportunity: Hookline Books

Happy Friday once again. Today I want to tell you about a unique publishing opportunity through Hookline Books. I owe this tip to my program’s director, Dilys Rose. This chance is for students and graduates of M.A. creative writing courses.

Before I describe this opportunity in-depth, I have to make one thing perfectly clear: Hookline Books only accepts one manuscript submission per writer per year. They use this limit to ensure that people submit only their best work without having to implement a deadline or submission fee.

Here’s what happens:

  1. You submit the first free chapters of your book and a brief synopsis.
  2. Hookline Books assigns your submission to book groups to read and features it on the “Discover New Authors” page.
  3. If readers like it, Hookline Books will ask for the entire manuscript.
  4. This next part I’m going to quote directly from their site so as to not misquote them:
    • “Writers who receive a thumbs up will be offered an ebook contract. Those who receive a resounding thumbs up will have their work published in paperback and ebook format.”

There’s no deadline, no submission fee. As long as you remember that you can only submit once per year and give them your best work, you’ll have a shot at getting published. If nothing else, it’s great practice for submitting your work and word about your book can reach a wider audience.

I know it may not seem fair that this contest is specifically for students and graduates of Master’s in Creative Writing programs. Hookline Books does this because these writers have put a lot of time and money into improving their craft. The publisher just wants to give these new writers a chance.

Don’t worry. There are a lot of contests available for people who aren’t in Master’s programs. Check out my blog post on this Writer’s Digest contest for another publishing opportunity.

Good luck on this and all your endeavors!

 

Designed by Stephanie Hoogstad circa 2011

Another Writing Contest from Writer’s Digest

Hello world and all who write in it! It’s the weekend once again, and I’m here to provide you with another excellent opportunity from our friends at Writer’s Digest.

There are no small opportunities, but this contest is definitely bigger than the last one. I’m walking about Writer’s Digest‘s Annual Writing Competition.

Here are the most important details:

  • The grand prize winner will be announced on a subscriber’s issue of the magazine, receive $5000 in cash, and much more.
  • There are nine different categories in which you can enter.
  • There are two deadlines, the early bird deadline on May 5th and the final deadline on June 1st.
  • The cost to enter varies depending on type of entry (poetry versus manuscript), number of entries, and the deadline. I normally wouldn’t recommend contests with entry/reading fees but Writer’s Digest is well-established and the contest is in its 86th year, so you can safely enter without fear of being scammed.

For full information on the contest and how to enter, follow this link:

http://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/annual-writing-competition

I wish everyone the best luck.

 

Designed by Stephanie Hoogstad circa 2011

Contest from Writer’s Digest

Happy Friday! The weekend is here (well, technically). I’ve decided to start the day with a brief announcement about a contest via Writer’s Digest.

It involves writing a very short story (maximum 700 words) for the picture prompt that they provide on the site. If you win, your story will be published in an issue of the magazine under their “Your Story” section. Deadline is April 10th.

Follow this link for the full details:

http://www.writersdigest.com/your-story-competition/story-81-submit-now

Remember, “short” doesn’t mean “easy,” so be sure to give it your best. It will be good practice in writing and competition submission. Good luck!

 

Designed by Stephanie Hoogstad circa 2011