The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Writing Contests for Beginners (2025)

Welcome to the most complete beginner-friendly handbook for finding and entering writing contests in 2025. Whether you write flash fiction, short stories, poetry, essays, or scripts—this guide gives you step-by-step methods, practical templates, and organizational tools to help you submit confidently, avoid scams, and maximize your chance of success.

This guide includes:

• How to choose contests that match your goals
• Where to reliably find contests (resources & links)
• A printable monthly contest calendar template
• An editable submission tracker (HTML table)
• Email/cover letter templates & sample entries
• A judging rubric so you can write like a winner
• Case studies, prompts, and a deep FAQ with 30+ answers

Quick tip: Save this article to your bookmarks. It’s long — use the browser find (Ctrl/Cmd+F) to jump to the sections you need.

Why Enter Writing Contests? (More than Prizes)

Contests are often the fastest route from private practice to public recognition. But they offer more than cash or trophies:

• Deadlines teach discipline: They force projects to finish.
• Visibility: Shortlists and anthologies put your name in front of editors and readers.
• Skill acceleration: Focused submissions improve craft faster than casual writing.
• Networking: Winners and finalists often meet other writers and mentors.

“Write, finish, submit—repeat. That loop is the fastest way to improve.”

What to Look For in Beginner-Friendly Contests

Not all contests are a great fit for beginners. Use this checklist when evaluating a contest:

1. Clear rules: Word limits, themes, formats, and judging timeline spelled out.
2. Transparent organizers: An established magazine, university, nonprofit, or named judges.
3. Reasonable fees: Free is ideal; modest fees ok. Avoid sky-high entry fees with little transparency.
4. Age categories: If you’re young, contests with a “student” or “under-18” bracket level the playing field.
5. Prizes that matter: Publication, mentorship, or cash—determine what matters to you.
6. Rights policy: Does the contest take exclusive rights or just first publication rights? Always read the small print.
7. Feedback availability: Some beginner contests provide notes or critiques—very valuable.

Where to Find Writing Contests — A Curated Resource Directory

Below is a categorized list of places to search for contests. Keep this list as your hub for regular checking.

A. Dedicated Contest Aggregators & Directories

• My Write Time — Competitions page: Our curated list with filters for age, genre, and fee. (Internal link)
• Reedsy Contests: Weekly prompts and paid prizes — good for quick practice.
• Poets & Writers’ Contests & Grants: A respected directory of many contests and deadlines.
• Submittable Discover: Search competitions and open calls from the platform many publishers use.

B. Literary Magazines & Journals

Many magazines run annual or seasonal contests—great for prestige:

• Writer’s Digest competitions
• Regional literary journals (search by state or country)
• Youth-focused magazines like teen writing journals or school literary magazines

C. Schools, Libraries, & Nonprofits

• Scholastic & Youth Awards (student categories)
• Local library writing competitions
• University creative writing contests and community outreach programs

D. Online Communities & Social Platforms

• Wattpad contests and writing challenges
• Writing.com community contests
• #WritingContest and #Prompt-based competitions on Twitter/X and Instagram

E. Regional & National Arts Councils

Government or arts council sites often publish calls for entries and youth competitions—search your local arts council website.

Note: If a contest name appears unfamiliar, search for organizer information and past winners before paying a fee.

50+ Contest Ideas & Categories to Search For

Below are contest types (and example labels) to watch for. Use these terms in searches to find matching contests.

• Student Short Story Competitions
• Young Poets Prize
• Flash Fiction Weeklies
• Young Essayist Awards
• Scriptwriting/Screenplay Contests for Schools
• Local Library Creative Writing Awards
• Regional Youth Anthology Calls
• Online Platform Prompt Competitions
• Seasonal Writing Challenges (Summer Short, Winter Haiku)
• Genre-Specific Contests (Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Mystery)
• Memoir & Personal Essay Awards
• Translation & Bilingual Writing Contests
• Poetry Slam & Spoken-Word Competitions (regional)
• Nonprofit-Themed Contests (e.g., environment, youth voices)
• Emerging Writer Fellowships & Grants (beginner-level)
• Anthology Calls for Themed Collections
• High School Writing Awards
• College Freshman Writing Prizes
• Book-length Debut Novel Contests (look for beginner tracks)
• Children’s & YA Illustrated Story Contests
• Microfiction (100-300 words) contests
• One-Sentence Story Challenges
• Epistolary / Letter-form Writing Prizes
• Collaborative Story Contests
• Community & Civic Writing Awards

Use these category keywords on contest directories, Google, and social media to expand your hunt.

Monthly Contest Calendar Template (Editable)

Keep track of weekly and monthly opportunities using this simple calendar layout. Copy & paste into a document or keep a live version on your site.

How to use this table: Fill the calendar with contests you find. Put reminders in your phone 7 days and 2 days before each deadline. Update the “Notes” column with submission formats and whether feedback is offered.

Submission Tracker (Copyable / Editable)

Below is an editable submission tracker you can copy into a Google Sheet or keep as a table on your site. Tracking prevents accidental simultaneous submissions if a contest requires exclusive consideration (read rules).

Pro tip: Maintain a column titled “Rights/Terms” in your real tracker so you remember what rights you granted on acceptance.

Email / Cover Letter Templates You Can Use

Some contests ask for a short bio or cover letter—keep these templates handy and customize them before sending.

1) Short Email Cover (for submissions that allow email)

Subject: Submission — "TITLE" — [Category]

Hello [Editor/Contest Team],

Please find attached my submission "TITLE" for consideration in the [CONTEST NAME] — [CATEGORY]. The piece is [WORD COUNT] words.

A short bio: [Your name], [age if desired], writer and student from [town/city]. I write short fiction and poetry; my work explores [brief theme].

Thank you for your time and for organizing this contest.

Best,
[Your Name]
[email] | [website or My Write Time profile link if applicable]
            

2) Short Bio (50 words)

[Your Name] is a young writer based in [City, State/Country]. Their work appears online and in school publications. They enjoy [genre] and are currently exploring themes of [themes]. [Optional: Grade / School or "Student at Example High School"].
            

3) Follow-Up Email (if allowed and after timeline passes)

Subject: Follow-up — Submission "TITLE" — [CONTEST NAME]

Hello [Name/Team],

I submitted "TITLE" on [date] to [contest name]. I wanted to confirm that the submission was received and to ask whether there is an expected decision date.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
            

Always follow contest policies about follow-ups. If the rules explicitly forbid contact, don’t send follow-ups.

Judging Rubric — Write With the Judges in Mind

Understanding how judges evaluate submissions helps you craft a stronger entry. Below is a simple rubric judges commonly use (adapted for short stories / poems):

Score each category and use the rubric to revise. If a piece scores under 3 in originality or emotional impact, consider reworking it before submitting.

Case Studies: Beginners Who Levelled Up Through Contests

Real examples can be motivating. Here are short case studies you can adapt into your own plan:

Case Study A — From Classroom to National Anthology

Background: Alex (16) entered a local high school contest with a short story. The story was shortlisted and published in the town anthology.

Actions: Alex revised the piece based on teacher feedback, tailored it to an anthology theme, and submitted to two more contests that year.

Outcome: Within 12 months, Alex had three publications and used those credentials when applying to summer writing programs.

Case Study B — The Weekly Prompt That Built Confidence

Background: Priya started entering weekly microfiction challenges and used them as writing sprints.

Actions: She set a weekly goal: 2 entries every week and one submission per month to a paid contest.

Outcome: After consistent practice, she won a small anthology call and began receiving freelance offers to write short pieces for blogs.

50 Writing Prompts to Power Practice Before Submitting

Use these prompts as warm-ups or to create pieces for contests with flexible themes. Pick one, set a 20-minute timer, and write freely.

1. Write a 300-word scene where the power goes out at the worst possible moment.
2. Start with the line: “They left the note under the third stone.”
3. Write a letter from someone alive to someone who has died.
4. Describe an ordinary object as if it’s the key to a kingdom.
5. Write a 100-word memory that changed everything.
6. Write a poem about a smell that brings you back to childhood.
7. Write flash fiction about a lost pet that returns—but not as expected.
8. Write a scene told from the perspective of a game’s high score leaderboard.
9. Write a story where the protagonist keeps hearing the same song in different places.
10. Write a dialogue-only piece that reveals a surprise at the end.

(Tip: Trim or expand each prompt to fit specific contest word limits.)

Deep FAQ — 30+ Answered Questions for Beginner Contest-Entrants

1. Do I need to be published to enter contests?

No. Many contests welcome unpublished and emerging writers. There are also contests specifically for students and beginners.

2. How much should I pay in entry fees?

Start with free contests. If you consider paid contests, keep fees reasonable (e.g., under $20 for small contests). Always research the organizer first.

3. What are “first publication” rights?

First publication (or first serial rights) means a contest or magazine can publish the piece first, and usually rights revert to you later. Never sign away all future rights without understanding terms.

4. Can I submit the same piece to multiple contests?

Only if each contest’s rules allow simultaneous submissions. If a contest requires exclusive submissions, you must wait for a decision or withdraw from one before submitting elsewhere.

5. What is simultaneous submission?

Submitting the same piece to more than one contest or publication at the same time. Many journals allow it, but some don’t—always read the rules.

6. How do I handle rejections?

Get used to them—every writer receives rejections. Use them as data: revise, submit elsewhere, and keep writing.

7. Should I send attachments or paste text into a form?

Follow the contest’s instructions. If they request a .docx, submit as .docx; if they prefer pasted text, paste it. Wrong formats can lead to disqualification.

8. What does “simultaneous submissions allowed but notify if accepted” mean?

You can submit the same piece elsewhere but must withdraw it from other contests once it’s accepted.

9. How should I format my manuscript?

Standard manuscript format: readable serif or sans font (12pt), double-spaced for prose unless the contest specifies single-spaced, page numbers, and your name in header unless anonymity is requested.

10. How long should my piece be?

Follow the word limit. If a contest allows a range, aim to be comfortably within the maximum rather than at the exact upper limit unless your work needs that length.

11. What if a contest requires a theme and mine doesn’t fit exactly?

Try to reinterpret the theme creatively, or write a new piece tailored for that contest. Reworking an old piece to fit a theme can be a great exercise.

12. How soon should I enter after finishing?

It’s often best to let a finished piece sit for a day or two, revise, then submit. Avoid last-minute submissions if possible.

13. Do winners get individual feedback?

Sometimes. Many contests do not offer critiques by default, but some beginner contests do offer feedback for a small fee.

14. Is it worth entering big national contests?

Yes—if you’re ready. Big contests often have stiff competition, but they also offer prestige and valuable exposure.

15. How do I find contests with youth categories?

Search with terms like “student,” “youth,” “under 18,” or “young writers.” Check school and library programs for local opportunities.

16. Can contests help me get agent attention?

Occasionally. Some agents notice anthology contributors, but contests are more consistently useful for craft, exposure, and credentials rather than direct agent discovery.

17. Should I mention previous rejections in queries?

No. Focus on the strengths of your submission rather than rejection history.

18. How do I handle co-authored pieces?

Ensure the contest allows co-authorship and clarify rights, credits, and contact details for both authors on submission.

19. What if my contest results are late?

Most contests post estimated decision dates—be patient. If an organizer is significantly late, check announcements or contact them politely.

20. Can I withdraw my submission?

Yes; most contests allow withdrawal before publication. Follow the organizer’s procedure for withdrawing.

21. What should I put in a contest bio?

Short, relevant facts: name, age or student status (if applicable), where you’re from, a line about what you write, and one small publishing credit if you have it.

22. Are fees tax deductible?

Consult a tax professional. For most beginners, contest fees are considered personal expenses; rules differ by jurisdiction.

23. Should I copyright my work before submitting?

In many countries, your work is automatically copyrighted upon creation. If you want added protection, consider registering with your national copyright office (cost varies).

24. How do I handle anonymous judging?

Remove identifying info if the contest requires anonymous entries. Put contact info only where allowed (e.g., in a separate form field).

25. What is “rolling” contest vs. fixed deadline?

Rolling means organizers accept submissions year-round and read as they receive them; fixed deadlines have a single cutoff date.

26. Should I publish my contest pieces online after rejection?

Check the contest’s rights policy. If you retain rights, self-publishing on a personal blog or platform is often fine; always wait until exclusive consideration periods have ended.

27. How to decide between many small contests vs. a few big ones?

Balance both. Small contests increase practice and odds of acceptance; big contests offer higher prestige. Set goals: e.g., 6 small submissions + 1 big submission per quarter.

28. Are writing prompts allowed as contest entries?

Yes—as long as your piece is original and meets rules. Prompts are a great way to generate new entries quickly.

29. What about collaborative or multimedia entries?

Some contests accept multimedia submissions—read the format rules carefully and test file compatibility.

30. How long until I’ll “get good” using contests?

Improvement depends on practice. Many writers see visible progress within 6–12 months of regular contest practice and feedback.

If you want more FAQs added to this page, we can expand this list to 50+ questions tailored to specific genres or age groups.

90-Day Contest Strategy for Beginners

Use this simple plan to build momentum:

1. Week 1: Research and pick 6 potential contests (mix free + low-fee).
2. Week 2–4: Draft and polish 2–3 pieces; enter 2 contests.
3. Month 2: Enter 3 more contests (including one larger contest).
4. Month 3: Revise based on feedback, enter 2–3 more, reflect and plan next quarter.

Keep a simple goal: submit 1 piece every 10 days. Consistent submissions beat rare, heroic efforts.

Quick Rights Checklist Before Submitting

• Does the contest require exclusive or perpetual rights? If yes, avoid unless you fully understand terms.
• Does the contest request payment for feedback? Decide if it’s worth it for you.
• Are you comfortable with first publication terms?
• Is credit and author name usage clearly defined?

Privacy & Safety Tips

• Do not share private personal details beyond what the contest asks for.
• Use a dedicated email address for contest submissions to keep track and avoid spam.
• Keep records of payment receipts for paid entries.
• Avoid contests that require you to buy services to qualify for prizes.

Ready to Start?

Head to our curated Competitions Page to find contests that match your age, genre, and goals. If you want, download our tracker and paste it into your Google Drive for easy updating.

Find Contests Now

Author’s Note

I built My Write Time to help young writers find opportunities and build confidence. If you use this guide, please tell us which contests you tried—your stories help other writers. You can reach us at contact or by submitting to our community showcase.