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2021 MAR-MAY Contests & Workshops

Feb 28, 2021 | RESOURCES-TIPS, Writing Contests

Hello Writing Corner Contest Group Member. Below are the Contests for MARCH – MAY 2021. I’m trying a new format that, hopefully, helps your find what you are looking for faster. Most of the listing, however, are Multiple Genre.

I have added several new contest sites. If you would like me to add a site, please let me know.
SOME SITES MAY REQUIRE YOU TO JOIN.
★ Indicates Resource New Listing
⭐ Added after mailout.
I also received notification that there are 20 New Literary Agents Seeking Writers Here’s your chance to get published.

Added lots of new contests or multiple genre contests to the lists thanks to all who have emailed me.

Mixed Genre

CHANTICLEER CONTESTS

https://www.chantireviews.com/category/contests/ All Contests for All Genre

JERRY JENKINS ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS THROUGH 2021

Regardless where you are on your writing journey—from wannabe to bestseller—you can benefit from entering contests. You need to scrool down to see the 2021 contests.
https://jerryjenkins.com/writing-contests/

REEDSY BEST WRITING CONTESTS OF 2021

Several contests for 2021 listed.
https://https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/

ALMOND PRESS

Welcome to the most comprehensive list of creative writing competitions, short story competitions, and various events for writers.
Each item on our list includes basic information about max word count, associated fees, submission deadlines, and the maximum prize that can be won. Clicking on an item opens a new page featuring a more detailed description and a link to the organizer’s submission page. Events that are free to enter are highlighted.
https://dystopianstories.com/writing-competitions-contests/

THE WRITER MAGAZINE

The Writer encourages all of our readers to practice their craft and put their stories in front of the eyes of as many people as possible. Writing contests have always been a vital part of the writing world, giving writers the chance to have their work reviewed by editors and possibly published. Literary journals, universities and even The Writer regularly host writing competitions, helping authors gain exposure and hone their craft. Choose your inspiration, submit before the deadline, and, as always, keep writing. Submit your very best essay in 2,000 words or less. Any theme, subject, or genre is fair game, as long as it is nonfiction and falls under 2,000 words.
Deadline March 10, 2021 Many other contests listed be sure to scroll to the bottom and check out the pages

https://www.writermag.com/contests/

PUBLISHING… AND OTHER FORMS OF INSANITY

This January there are more than three dozen writing contests calling for every genre and form, from poetry, to creative nonfiction, to completed novels. Prizes range from $100,000 to publication. None charge entry fees.

58 Calls for Submissions: https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2021/02/58-calls-for-submissions-in-march-2021.html
62 Writing Contests: https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2021/02/52-writing-contests-in-march-2021-no.html

THE WRITERS COLLEGE

If you are looking to take your writing to the next level, then entering a writing competition often provides that extra impetus to refine your work. This is by no means a full list of competitions. Some writing competitions require an entry fee. Others don’t. This seems to be the norm these days and there are credible competitions that require an entry fee. Always check that you are comfortable with sending money to the organizers if this is the case. Click on More details here (link almost the same color as text)

https://www.thewriterscollege.com/short-story-writing-competitions

NYC MIDNIGHT

Since 2002, NYC Midnight has hosted hundreds of inspiring competitions for storytellers around the world. Participants are challenged to create original stories, screenplays, or films using assigned elements under time constraints. If you enjoy a creative challenge, check out our upcoming competitions.
• Short Story Challenge
• Screenwriting Challenge
• Flash Fiction Challenge
• Microfiction Challenge/
• Short Screenplay Challenge

http://www.nycmidnight.com

SAN FRANCISCO WRITERS CONFERENCE

The San Francisco Writers Conference is pleased to announce the 2021 San Francisco Writing Contest. The contest is open to all writers everywhere. The entry fee is $30 per entry and includes a copy of the 2021 SFWC Writing Contest Anthology. Your entry must fit into one of the following categories: Sept 2021
* Adult Fiction
* Adult Nonfiction (including memoir)
* Children’s/YA Books
* Poetry

https://www.sfwriters.org/2021-writing-contest-overview/

CHRISTOPHER FIELDEN

Below are tables listing various short story competitions. Some are based in the UK, some are global. Some contests are of high renown (like the BBC Short Story Award or the Bridport Prize), offering huge prizes, and some are lesser known, but offer great opportunities for newer writers to become published authors. I will try and keep this list up to date, but please check the rules and dates on the different competition websites before entering. PLEASE NOTE: Most of the competitions listed on this page accept entries from writers living anywhere in the world. The country each competition is run from is listed so you know which global market you are submitting to.

https://www.christopherfielden.com/short-story-tips-and-writing-advice/short-story-competitions.php#Featured

FAN STORY

A list of several contests for various genre.

https://www.fanstory.com/contestsall.jsp

WRITER’S DIGEST

(must join to see all posts)
All Contests: https://www.writersdigest.com/wd-competitions

Annual Writing Competition
ENTER NOW! DEADLINE: 5/7/21 Writer’s Digest’s oldest and most popular competition, the Annual Writing Competition, is open for entries. Winners of the 90th Annual competition will be announced in the Nov/Dec 2021 issue of Writer’s Digest.

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

★ NEWFOUND PROSE PRIZE

You know that long story of yours that wickedly exceeds the word counts for journals? Or that micro-essay collection you’ve been crafting that’s still too short to publish as a book? These works deserve to exist in print. Now they have a home. Deadline: March 15

https://newfound.org/prose-prize?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI24rKj96K7wIVhYKGCh3Q1wGCEAAYASAAEgLitvD_BwE

★ SMART BLOGGER

So you want to compete in writing contests for prizes and recognition? Writing contests are a fun way to evolve your writing skills — and, yes, cash prizes are a nice bonus. But remember, the emphasis is on fun. If cash is your primary goal, you should focus your time and energy on landing freelance writing jobs.

https://smartblogger.com/writing-contests/

★ CANADIAN AUTHORS

A list of contests for 2021

All Contests: https://canadianauthors.org/national/links/awards-competitions/

⭐ BRIDGEPORT PRIZE

For writers everywhere – Poetry, Short Story, Flash Fiction, Novels
We are committed to discovering new writers in poetry, short story, flash fiction and the novel. Our alumni reads like a Who’s Who of the literary world: Kate Atkinson MBE, Gail Honeyman and Kit de Waal. Judges have included Roger McGough, Monica Ali and Zoe Heller. Our patron is Fay Weldon. We are a route to being published so send us your words and it could be your name up here next year.

Click on+ contest you want from scrolling slideshow or click The Competition in the menu bar to go to specific genre.(menu bar is slow to respond)

https://bridportprize.org.uk/

⭐ KOTOBEE BLOG

300+ Writing Contests You Need to Enter in 2021 – If there’s one thing we need these days, it’s consistency. Something that proves not everything has changed. Something that gives you a bout of comfort given the current circumstances. So what better way to do that than to know 2021 comes with a host of writing contests for people of all ages from all around the world?

Sort by Genre and Month
blog.kotobee.com/300-writing-contests-2021/

⭐ STONE SOUP

How to Submit Creative Writing and Art to Stone Soup. Stone Soup welcomes submissions from around the world by writers and artists ages 13 and younger. All submissions must come to us via Submittable. We do not accept submissions by email or by post.

https://stonesoup.com/how-to-submit-writing-and-art-to-stone-soup/

⭐ NOTHING IN THE RULEBOOK

41 Writing Competitions for 2021 – Dozens of writing competitions for you to get stuck into during 2021. When we put out our annual compendium of creative writing contests, we were worried it might be the last chance for some of us writers to see our writing win some excellent prizes – what with the threat of total climate collapse and World War III seemingly around the corner. COVID-19 wasn’t even on our radar.

https://nothingintherulebook.com/2021/02/02/41-writing-competitions-for-2021/

⭐ WRITERS-EDITORS.COM

A varity of contests and genres for 2021.

https://www.writers-editors.com/Writers/Contests/contests.htm

Calls for Submissions

PUBLISHING… AND OTHER FORMS OF INSANITY

58 Calls for Submissions
https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2021/02/58-calls-for-submissions-in-march-2021.html

62 Writing Contests
https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2021/02/52-writing-contests-in-march-2021-no.html

⭐ STONE SOUP

How to Submit Creative Writing and Art to Stone Soup. Stone Soup welcomes submissions from around the world by writers and artists ages 13 and younger. All submissions must come to us via Submittable. We do not accept submissions by email or by post.

https://stonesoup.com/how-to-submit-writing-and-art-to-stone-soup/

⭐ LA SCREEN PLAY AWARDS.COM

SUBMISSIONS: This is the only screenplay competition founded by a team of working Hollywood professionals with more than 1,000 produced credits and a century of collective industry experience. Our roster of Senior Judges includes multiple Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and WGA Award Winners.

https://lascreenplayawards.com/

Children

BLUE FIRE

Welcome aspiring young authors, and thank you for your interest in the $1000 for 1000 Words Creative Writing Contest! We’re looking for an outstanding piece of short fiction that consists of exactly 1000 words. While there are no specific guidelines beyond that, we encourage you to tell a story that matters. Write something you believe in. Tell a story that only you can tell. Our judges have no specific criteria in mind other than to look for excellence. In other words, write something that moves you, that dazzles you, that says precisely what you want to say in precisely the way you want to say it. As long as you do so in precisely 1000 words. Eligibility: contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 6-12.

https://www.bluefire.org/about-contest

Flash Fiction

WOW! Women On Writing Quarterly Flash Fiction Contest

Seeking short fiction of any genre between 250 – 750 words. The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, communication, and well-rewarded recognition to contestants.

WOW! Women On Writing

REEDSY BEST WRITING CONTESTS OF 2021

Several contests for 2021 listed.
https://https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/

Fantasy

QUARKNDAGGER.COM

We’ve put together a list of writing contests or places to publish short works. These channels are ideal for young adults (teens), especially those interested in writing sci-fi and fantasy. Scroll through, put it in your calendar and get writing. If you have any you’d like to add to the list, comment below.

https://quarkndagger.com/19-writing-contests-and-publication-outlets-for-young-adults/

Fiction

REEDSY BEST WRITING CONTESTS OF 2021

Several contests for 2021 listed.
https://https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/

Mystery - Suspense

CHANTICLEER CONTESTS

The Mystery & Mayhem Awards ~ Cozy Mystery Novel Writing Contest ~2021
The search for 2021’s best Cozy & Not-So-Cozy Mystery Fiction Books
Deadline April 30th, 2021
ENTER TO WIN the 2021 CIBA Overall Grand Prize of $1,000 USD for Best Book
https://www.chantireviews.com/services/Cozy-Mystery-Writing-Contests-Chanticleer-Book-Reviews-p21521076

ARIZONA MYSTERY WRITERS

No 2021 contests listed
Arizona Mystery Writers Jim Martin Memorial Story Contest
http://www.arizonamysterywriters.com/?page_id=1449

REEDSY BEST WRITING CONTESTS OF 2021

Several contests for 2021 listed.
https://https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/

Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense

Sponsor: Kiss of Death Chapter
Fee: $15 for KOD members, $30 for non-KOD members
Deadline: March 15, 2021 (categories close when caps are reached)
Eligibility: unpublished manuscripts and books published in 2019 and 2020.
Categories: Short Romantic Mystery/Suspense (40K-65K); Long Romantic Mystery/Suspense (65K+); Historical Romantic Mystery/Suspense; Inspirational Romantic Mystery/Suspense; Paranormal Romantic Mystery Suspense; Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.
FMI, visit https://www.rwakissofdeath.org/rwakissofdeath-org-contest/.

Non Fiction

★ CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL

https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

Deadlines:
ANGLES: Angels and miracles are all around us if we keep our eyes open. Have you experienced a divine intervention, answered prayer, or other miraculous occurrence courtesy of someone you think just might have been an angel. Do you have a guardian angel who seems to swoop in and help you when you need it? March 31

CHRISTMAS: We are looking for stories about the entire holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and New Year’s. Please make sure that they are “Santa safe” so that we don’t spoil the magic for precocious readers. May 15

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS – Gratitude is one of the keys to happiness. Even during the toughest times, if we can find our gratitude and count our blessings we feel better. Back in 2009, when we were going through a deep recession, we received thousands of stories from people who were still counting their blessings and finding their joy. April 20

HUMOROUS STORIES – Laughter is the best medicine. And we love to publish your funny stories—in all our books. Our first ever book filled with nothing but funny stories was a bestseller, so we’re doing it again, for publication in 2022. We’re looking for those funny stories you tell again and again. The ones that make everyone laugh. August 30

TOUGH TIMES – Tough times won’t last but tough people will. It’s time for us to share our own stories about how we’ve overcome tough times ourselves, both during the pandemic and prior to that. This book will be published November 2, 2021 so we’re hoping the pandemic will be in the rearview mirror at that point. Story and Poetry March 31

JERRY JENKINS ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS THROUGH 2021

Regardless where you are on your writing journey—from wannabe to bestseller—you can benefit from entering contests.
https://jerryjenkins.com/writing-contests/

WRITERS ONLINE

Non-fiction competition: 2021 Fitzcarraldo Editions/Mahler & Lewitt Studios Essay Prize – Fitzcarraldo Editions are inviting entries for the 2021 Fitzcarraldo Editions/Mahler & Lewitt Studios Essay Prize for writers who have yet to secure a publishing deal. The winner will receive £3,000, a publishing deal and the chance to spend three months at the Mahler & Lewitt Studios in Spoleto, Italy, to work on their book. Enter a proposal up to 5,000 words for a book length essay (minimum 25,000 words) by the closing date of 15 March.

https://www.writers-online.co.uk/news/non-fiction-competition-2021-fitzcarraldo-editions-mahler-lewitt-stu/

Poetry

POETS & WRITERS WRITING CONTESTS, GRANTS & AWARDS

The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.
https://www.pw.org/grants?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_Y29xan-5QIVGKSzCh3cQwAmEAMYAiAAEgJXqvD_BwE

REEDSY BEST WRITING CONTESTS OF 2021

Several contests for 2021 listed.
https://https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/

ALMOND PRESS

https://dystopianstories.com/writing-competitions-contests/

WRITERS ONLINE

Poetry competition: Plough 2021 – The competition is for original, unpublished poetry up to 40 lines. The first prize is £1,000 and there are second and third prizes of £500 and £250. The entry fee is £5 per poem online, and £6 per poem for postal entries. The closing date is 31 March.

https://www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/poetry-prize

Romance

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA

MARCH 2021 CONTESTS

21st Annual FHL Reader’s Choice Award
Sponsor: Faith, Hope and Love Chapter
Fee: $25 FHL members, $35 non-members
Deadline: March 1, 2021
Eligibility: Christian fiction books with a 2020 copyright.
Entry: Four new autographed copies of each entry.
Categories: Long Contemporary, Short Contemporary, Long Historical, Short Historical, Women’s Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Novella
Judges: Readers of Christian fiction
Top Prize: Winner in each category receives an engraved box.
FMI: http://www.faithhopelove-rwa.org/fhlrca-contest/
Or contest coordinator: Nancy J. Farrier: nancyjfarrier@gmail.com

Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense**
Sponsor: Kiss of Death Chapter
Fee: $15 for KOD members, $30 for non-KOD members
Deadline: March 15, 2021 (categories close when caps are reached)
Eligibility: unpublished manuscripts and books published in 2019 and 2020.
Categories: Short Romantic Mystery/Suspense (40K-65K); Long Romantic Mystery/Suspense (65K+); Historical Romantic Mystery/Suspense; Inspirational Romantic Mystery/Suspense; Paranormal Romantic Mystery Suspense; Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.
FMI, visit https://www.rwakissofdeath.org/rwakissofdeath-org-contest/.

National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award (NERFA)*
Sponsor: First Coast Romance Writers
Fee: $35 (+$5 for Best First Book entry)
Deadline: March 31, 2021, for registration and payment.
Eligibility: Entries must have an original copyright date and for sale in the United States in 2019 -2020. Entries must be book-length fiction with a minimum of 40,000 words (except romantic novella category).
Entry: Submit a PDF file to the contest coordinator within March 1 – 31, 2021.
Categories: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Futuristic/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance, Romance with Religious Elements, Young Adult Romance, Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance, Erotic Romance, Romantic Novella (Under 40Kwords) and Best First Book Category (in addition to another category) for a $5 fee.
Judges: Romance readers
Final Judges: Librarians, bloggers and booksellers
Prizes: All 2021 finalists will receive a NERFA Finalist web logo and certificate. Winners will receive a NERFA Winner web logo and trophy. Finalists and winners will be announced in the Romance Writers Report and on the FCRW website.
FMI, visit http://www.firstcoastromancewriters.com/national-excellence-in-romance-fiction-award/

APRIL CONTESTS

2021 Stiletto Contest
Sponsor: Contemporary Romance Writers
Deadline: April 1, 2021
Eligibility: unpublished and published divisions
Categories: Contemporary short-mid-long, YA/NA, Chicklit/Women’s Fiction
FMI, https://contemporaryromance.org/2021-stiletto-contest/

2nd Annual 25-4-25
Sponsor: Hudson Valley RWA
Fee: $25
Deadline: April 30, 2021
Entry: receive a developmental edit by published and soon-to-be-published authors on the first twenty-five pages of your manuscript for only $25!
Judges: experienced published and unpublished authors
FMI, entry form, rules, and a sample of the scoresheet, please visit http://www.hudsonvalleyrwa.org/25-4-25 or email hudsonvalleycontest@gmail.com.

Book Buyers Best Contest for Published Authors
Sponsor: Orange County (CA) RWA
Fee: $30
Deadline: April 30, 2021
Eligibility: a romance novel traditionally, or independently published in 2020
Judges: readers of romance
Top Pick Judge: librarian or bookseller
FMI, http://OCCRWA.org

Science Fiction

BALTIMORE SCIENCE FICTION SOCIETY

Check out their contests menu – changes when contests available

https://www.bsfs.org/bsfsssc.htm

QUARKNDAGGER.COM

https://quarkndagger.com/19-writing-contests-and-publication-outlets-for-young-adults/

Screenwriting

PAGE INTERNATIONAL SCREENWRITING AWARDS

Each year some of Hollywood’s most influential producers, agents, managers, and development executives judge the contest and read our winning scripts. As a result, dozens of our past winners have secured representation, landed script assignments, signed option agreements on their work, and many now have movies and television shows in production, on the air, and in theaters. March 15
https://pageawards.com/the-contest/how-to-enter/

⭐ LA SCREEN PLAY AWARDS.COM

https://lascreenplayawards.com/

Self Publishing

PAGE INTERNATIONAL SCREENWRITING AWARDS

REEDSY BEST WRITING CONTESTS OF 2021

Several contests for 2021 listed.
https://https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/

Short Story

ALMOND PRESS

https://dystopianstories.com/writing-competitions-contests/

JERRY JENKINS ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS THROUGH 2021

Regardless where you are on your writing journey—from wannabe to bestseller—you can benefit from entering contests.

https://jerryjenkins.com/writing-contests/

STONEY BOOK SOUTHAMTON

Only undergraduates enrolled full time in United States and Canadian universities and colleges for the academic year 2020-2021 are eligible. This Prize has traditionally encouraged submissions from students with an Asian background, but we urge all students to enter.

https://www.stonybrook.edu/southampton/mfa/special_programs/fiction_guidelines.html

2021 ABR ELIZABETH JOLLEY SHORT STORY PRIZE

Entries are opening soon on 21 January 2021 for the Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize. The Jolley Prize is worth a total of AU$12,500 – first place will receive $6,000, second place will receive $4,000, and third place will receive $2,500. The Jolley Prize is open to all short story writers writing in English. We seek original short stories of between 2,000 and 5,000 words. May 3

https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/prizes-programs/

AUSTRALIAN BOOK REVIEW

Entries are currently open for the 2021 ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize. The Jolley Prize is worth a total of AU$12,500 – first place will receive $6,000, second place will receive $4,000, and third place will receive $2,500. The Jolley Prize is open to all short story writers writing in English. We seek original short stories of between 2,000 and 5,000 words.

https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/ contest over for 2021

THE NATIONAL FANTASY FAN FEDERATION

This contest is open to all amateur writers in the field, regardless of whether they’re members of the National Fantasy Fan Federation. For the purposes of this contest, we define an amateur as someone who has sold no more than two (2) stories to professional science fiction or fantasy publications or publishing houses. July 1, 2021 deadline

http://n3f.org/short-story-contest/

ANTHOLOGY MAGAZINE

The Anthology Short Story Award is now open for entries. Established to recognise and encourage creative writing and provide a platform for publication, it is open to original and previously unpublished short stories in the English language by a writer of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. Stories submitted must be on the theme of ‘Memories’ and not exceed the maximum of 1,500 words. Writers can submit as many entries as they wish.

https://anthology-magazine.com/awards/short-story/

★ TCK PUBLISHING

If you enjoy writing short stories, or have just recently started experimenting, entering your work in short story contests can be a great way to hone your talent and get exposure for your work. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities out there, and many of them come with a chance to win cash prizes or publication in a magazine! We’ve put together a list of short story contests that you can enter today so you can grow your confidence and your skills.

https://www.tckpublishing.com/short-story-contests/

⭐ WRITERS UNITE

Must be a follower of Writers Unite! on Web https://writersuniteweb.wordpress.com/ (Click on Follow or join via email.)

Write a fiction story based on the theme “Courage.”

Contributors’ work must be original and not posted on any website, social media site, magazine, or traditionally or self-published. No exceptions.
Word count must not exceed 3000 words (minimum 1000 words).
Story must be fiction and rated G, PG, or R. (No excessive gore or erotica.)
Only one submission per author.
Stories submitted via email at writersunite16@gmail.com
Subject Line: “2021 Short Story Contest.”
Submissions deadline May 31, 2021 11:59 p.m. E.T.
A panel of three experienced authors will judge the stories anonymously.

Students and Teachers

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

STUFF FOR THE TEEN AGE, FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS, FOR TEACHERS
25 Writing Contests and Publication Opportunities for Teensby Marianna Vertsman, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)
Have to scroll down the page to see the 2021 Contests.

Have to scroll down the page to see 2021 contests: https://www.nypl.org/blog/2020/10/26/writing-competitions-young-adults

GEEK PARTNERSHIP SOCIETY

A chance to learn about the publication process and its requirements. The submission requirements are not negotiable, nor should this contest be used as a required class exercise by teachers. Teachers, please encourage your students to enter our contest but don’t make it a homework assignment. Entries must be science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural, and alternate history in short fiction, poetry, or comics.

https://geekpartnership.org/programs/writing-contest

Teens - Young Adults

PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS

TEEN INK: is one of the most popular and diverse writing spaces to get published in high school. The broad categories for publication reflect the diversity of writing that this lively online magazine celebrates. Some publication categories include: community service, travel and culture, the environment, health, reviews of TV shows and video games, and college essays, among the more traditional poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Visit online at: http://www.teenink.com/

AGNI: is Boston University’s well-respected journal. It appears in both print and online. AGNI submissions are not limited to high school writers, but the journal is known to accept and publish lots of work by new writers. Get published in high school at AGNI and you’ve taken an important step to becoming a writer in the real world! Find them online at: http://www.bu.edu/agni/submit.html

THE ADROIT JOURNAL: is run by high school students, college students, and emerging writers. Adroit publishes within “over 21” and “under 21” categories, so your writing will appear alongside great work by writers of any age. Adroit publishes fiction and poetry, and includes art and photography. They will reopen our submission reading period in January 2021. Find them online at: http://www.theadroitjournal.org/

EMBER: only published twice a year, but this beautiful and dreamy journal of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction appeals to all age groups. Although it doesn’t exclusively publish young writers, submissions from writers and artists ages 10 to 18 are strongly encouraged. Submissions open in February of 2021. For more details, visit them online at: http://emberjournal.org/

POLYPHONY LIT: invites submissions of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction from high school students worldwide. Student editors provide feedback to all submissions, including the ones not accepted for publication. Submissions are open from July 1 2020 – April 30, 2020. More details can be found at https://www.polyphonylit.org/.

SELECT YOUTH CONTESTS

HOT DISH MAGAZINE, an online journal serving up a bubbling mixture of poetry and fiction by teens (grades 9–12), wants your voice to be heard! We award cash prizes for fiction, poetry, and the Hot Dish Challenge. Our submission period is October-January. Visit us at www.hotdishmagazine.com.

GIRLS RIGHT THE WORLD is a literary journal inviting young, female-identified writers and artists, ages 14–21, to submit work for consideration for the fourth annual issue. We believe girls’ voices transform the world for the better. We accept poetry, prose, and visual art of any style or theme. We ask to be the first to publish your work in North America; after publication, the rights return to you. Please include a note mentioning your age, where you’re from, and a bit about your submission. Send your best work, in English or English translation, to girlsrighttheworld@gmail.com between September 1 and December 31. https://www.girlswritenow.org/contests/

THE LUMIERE REVIEW is a literary magazine dedicated to shining the light on all voices (particularly young creatives) through poetry, prose, and art. We’ll be running our first annual writing contest for poetry and prose, which will be open for submission from December 1st to January 15th. Updates will be made on our social media accounts (@lumierereview on twitter and instagram). Details on the contest guidelines can be found at https://lumierereview.com/contest.

PRINCIPIA PERSPECTIVES WRITING CONTEST is an annual writing contest that centers around a specific theme each year. This year, the theme is family. What stories define “family” for you? We don’t limit “family” to blood relatives; any person, group of people, or community that fulfills that role is an option. We also don’t want to limit you to COVID-19 stories—the purpose here is not to reflect on the pandemic, but rather, family. Anything goes as long as the theme is addressed in a thoughtful manner. The contest is open to middle and high schoolers. View contest details and guidelines at https://www.principiatutors.com/principia-perspectives-contest.

NEWS PAGES

Where young writers can find print and online literary magazines to read, places to publish their own works, and legitimate contests. Some publish only young writers, some publish all ages for young readers. For specific submission guidelines, visit the publication’s website. Ages can include elementary, teen, or early college. This is an ad-free resource: publications and writing contests listed here have not paid to be included. This guide is maintained by Editor Denise Hill, a teacher who loves to encourage young writers.

Sort Deadline by Month: https://www.newpages.com/writers-resources/young-writers-guide-to-contests

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Have to scroll down the page to see 2021 contests:
https://www.nypl.org/blog/2020/10/26/writing-competitions-young-adults

HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE

Several different contests and different sites.

http://hshla.org/writing-contests

QUARKNDAGGER.COM

https://quarkndagger.com/19-writing-contests-and-publication-outlets-for-young-adults/

Worklshops / Chapter Events

Romance Writers of America
MARCH 2021 ONLINE WORKSHOPS

World Building
Sponsor: Kiss of Death
Fee: $15, KOD members; $20, RWA members; $30, non-members
Date: March 1–12, 2021
Presenter: Tim Waggon
FMI, https://www.rwakissofdeath.org/coffin

Creating Unforgettable Worlds: World-building in Speculative Fiction
Sponsor: NEORWA
Fee: $20
Date: March 1–26, 2021
Presenter: Midnight Voss
FMI, http://www.neorwa.com/online-workshops/upcoming-meetings/

Heroines (Craft/Characters)
Sponsor: OIRWA
Fee: $25, members; $35, non-members
Date: March 1–26, 2021
FMI, http://www.oirwa.com/forum/campus/

New Beginnings & Left Turns (Plotting)
Sponsor: OIRWA
Fee: $25, members; $35, non-members
Date: March 1–26, 2021
FMI, http://www.oirwa.com/forum/campus/

Story Bootcamp
Sponsor: RWA Online Chapter
Fee: $15 (free for our chapter members)
Date: March 1–26, 2021
Presenter: Peter Andrews
FMI, https://rwaonlinechapter.org/workshops-3/

Those Who Forgot History – Using Backstory to Enhance Your Novel (Craft)
Sponsor: OIRWA
Fee: $25, members; $35, non-members
Date: March 1–26, 2021
FMI, http://www.oirwa.com/forum/campus/

To Be or Not to Be & Other Editing Quandaries (Editing)
Sponsor: OIRWA
Fee: $25, members; $35, non-members
Date: March 1–26, 2021
FMI, http://www.oirwa.com/forum/campus/

The US Intelligence Community – Brave, Smart Heroes and Exciting Plots Await You
Sponsor: Kiss of Death
Fee: $20, KOD members; $25, RWA members; $35, non-members
Date: March 1–26, 2021
Presenter: Kristie Wolf
FMI, https://www.rwakissofdeath.org/coffin

Writing About Explosive and Narcotics Detection Dogs
Sponsor: Kiss of Death
Fee: $20, KOD members; $25, RWA members; $35, non-members
Date: March 1–26, 2021
Presenter: Robin Greubel MBA, ACC, Master K9 Trainer
FMI, https://www.rwakissofdeath.org/coffin

Character Torture 101: Writing Conflict
Sponsor: Western New York Romance Writers
Fee: $20–40
Date: March 1–31, 2021
Presenter: Linnea Sinclair
FMI, http://www.wnyrw.org/workshops/

The Creative Brilliance Academy Part 1
Sponsor: Contemporary Romance Writers
Fee: $15 for CRW members; $25 for RWA members; $35 for non-RWA members
Date: March 1–31, 2021
Presenter: Deb Riley-Magnus
FMI, http://contemporaryromance.org/workshops/

Diving 7 Miles Deep
Sponsor: Contemporary Romance Writers
Fee: $15 for CRW members; $25 for RWA members; $35 for non-RWA members
Date: March 1–31, 2021
Presenter: Katie McCoach
FMI, http://contemporaryromance.org/workshops/

Starting in the Right Place: Where Does the Story Begin?
Sponsor: Contemporary Romance Writers
Fee: $15 for CRW members; $25 for RWA members; $35 for non-RWA members
Date: March 1–31, 2021
Presenter: Beth Daniels
FMI, http://contemporaryromance.org/workshops/

The Secrets to Getting More Book Reviews
Sponsor: Contemporary Romance Writers
Fee: $15 for CRW members; $25 for RWA members; $35 for non-RWA members
Date: March 13, 2021, at 1 p.m. EST / 12 p.m. CST /10 a.m. PST
Presenter: Penny Sansevieri
FMI, http://contemporaryromance.org/workshops/

The Indie Authors’ Guide to Indie Editor
Sponsor: Kiss of Death
Fee: $15, KOD members; $20, RWA members; $30, non-members
Date: March 15–26, 2021
Presenter: Jen Graybeal
FMI, https://www.rwakissofdeath.org/coffin

Growth Hacking a Bestseller
Sponsor: Central PA Romance Writers
Fee: $35, CPRW members; $50, non-CPRW members
Date: March 27, 2021, 2–10 p.m. EST via Zoom
Presenter: Liz Pelletier, Entangled Publishing CEO & Publisher
FMI, visit https://cprw.rwa.org/CPRW/Events/CPRW/Education/Education.aspx or email info@cprw.org.

CHAPTER EVENTS
Local RWA chapters offer a number of workshops.

Heart of California – Quilting 101/Plotting
Begin Date: 03/01/2021 End Date: 03/31/2021
Quilting 101, Plotting -Patchworking the Perfect Plot through Relationship Arcs with Suzanne Johnson/Susannah Sandlin Do storyboards, sticky notes, spreadsheets and index cards give you hives? Does your manuscript wander in circles – yet you’re afraid ,,,
Register: https://hcrw.rwa.org/HCRW/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=HCRWMAR_21

Aged to Perfection – Freedom and Framework: Story Planning for Pantsers
Begin Date: 03/01/2021 End Date: 03/31/2021
Flying by the seat of your pants to write the first draft for your book feels so freeing. It’s a time to play, to experiment, to try out new ideas. What fun! But diving into a project as big as a novel without any plan at all often means a lot of extra work after the draft is completed as you scramble to revise hundreds of pages that might have no cohesion, inconsistent characters, or a wandering plot
Register: https://a2psr.rwa.org/A2PSR/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=A2PMAR_2

Heart of California Spring Conference featuring Farrah Rochon
Begin Date: 03/13/2021 End Date: 03/13/2021
Heart of Carolina Romance Writers is incredibly pleased to welcome USA Today Bestselling author of The Boyfriend Project Farrah Rochon as the main speaker of their 2021 Spring Conference. Farrah hails from a small town just west of New Orleans. She has garnered much acclaim for her Holmes Brothers and New York Sabers series.
Register: https://hcrw.rwa.org/HCRW/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=HCRWMAR21

Aged to Perfection – “Where the Heck Do I Start?” (Self-Publishing)
Begin Date: 04/01/2021 End Date: 04/30/2021
Thinking about self-publishing? Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of taking on what some call a monumental task? Then you definitely need this workshop which will introduce you to self-pub in a non-frightening way, give you a basic understanding of what to expect during the process, and help you be prepared to navigate the steps.
Register: https://a2psr.rwa.org/A2PSR/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=A2PAPR21_2

VIEW THE REST OF THE CHAPTER EVENTS HERE: (over 24 pages) https://www.rwa.org/Online/Events/Chapter_Events/Online/Events/Chapter_Events.aspx?hkey=5ed926dc-351f-476d-9c1a-fa8ccb35671a#Contests

⭐ Added After Mailout on March 1, 2021

⭐ WRITERS UNITE

Must be a follower of Writers Unite! on Web https://writersuniteweb.wordpress.com/ (Click on Follow or join via email.)

Write a fiction story based on the theme “Courage.”

Contributors’ work must be original and not posted on any website, social media site, magazine, or traditionally or self-published. No exceptions.
Word count must not exceed 3000 words (minimum 1000 words).
Story must be fiction and rated G, PG, or R. (No excessive gore or erotica.)
Only one submission per author.
Stories submitted via email at writersunite16@gmail.com
Subject Line: “2021 Short Story Contest.”
Submissions deadline May 31, 2021 11:59 p.m. E.T.
A panel of three experienced authors will judge the stories anonymously.

⭐ BRIDGEPORT PRIZE

Click on+ contest you want from scrolling slideshow or click The Competition in the menu bar to go to specific genre.(menu bar is slow to respond)

https://bridportprize.org.uk/

⭐ KOTOBEE BLOG

Sort by Genre and Month
blog.kotobee.com/300-writing-contests-2021/