Writing Contests & Novel Awards

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Writing contests are a fun way to stretch your skills and maybe win some clout. It's great to add to your bio in a query letter and some of the prizes aren't too shabby either.

Many writing contests cost a small fee to enter, which can be a deterrent to a lot of starving artists. But the small fee can return great benefits and the extra incentive to not waste your money ensures you work your ass off on your entry.

But you'll be pleased to hear, as I was, that the first short-story contest in the list is FREE to enter!

Support Indie Authors
FREE to enter. Enter multiple times, if you like. 3,000-word limit, has a Halloween theme and a couple of requirements.

WriteMichigan
Sorry, this one's only for us Michiganders. $10 entry fee, 3,000-word limit.

Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge
Every week, IU hosts a 250-word flash fiction challenge. FREE to enter.

Writer's Digest
Short-story & poetry contest with lots of categories to enter under. $30 for the first entry, $25 for subsequent.

Novel Awards:
RITA Award
The fee to enter your book in the running is significantly higher, but the benefits are significantly higher, too. Plus there are winners for 13 different categories. Need not be an RWA member to enter!

WILLA Literary Award
For novels set in the West, in any time period. $65 entry fee.

Writer's Digest
Self-pubbed book awards $99 to enter. Closed for this year, but keep in mind for 2020!

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