The Big List of UK Writing Competitions & Awards 2024 (Part 2) + Link to Deadline Calendar
The Big List of UK Writing Competitions & Awards 2024 (Part 2) + Link to Deadline Calendar
more writing opportunities coming at ya
Hey writery pals!
I’m back with Part 2 of the big juicy list of 50 writing competitions and awards looking for entries of novels, short stories, flash fiction, poetry, prose poetry and more.
Jump back to Part 1 if you haven’t read it.
BONUS: I’ve also a created a deadline calendar for paid subscribers that includes all 50 competitions and awards! Add it to your own calendar and never miss a deadline on your favourite opportunities throughout the year. Scroll down to the end for the link.
Disclaimers — feel free to skip if you’ve already read them in Part 1
If you’re a new writer, I’d recommend going only with the free entry opportunities in the first instance. Tip: search this page for the word ‘free’ to find them quicker.
The more prestigious awards on this list are highly competitive and some have more expensive entry fees than others, so only go with what you can afford.
Most of the bigger competitions also offer a number of free or sponsored entries for writers on low incomes.
For any opportunities you’re particularly interested in, I’d recommend signing up to the organisation’s mailing list (most of them have one) and following them on social media for updates. I say this because some deadlines or competition details may change as organisations gear up for the 2024 round.
Always make sure you read the full T&Cs for any opportunity you enter.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are tons of other amazing opportunities out there, some still to be announced. If there are any you think should be added to this list, let me know in the comments.
Happy writing!
The Big List of UK Writing Competitions & Awards 2024 — Part 2
JUNE
Every year, a single author is asked to anonymously judge The Moth Short Story Prize and choose three winning stories from entries submitted worldwide. The winner receives €3,000 and runners-up receive a week-long stay at Circle of Misse plus an open travel stipend, and €1,000 respectively.
Previous judges include Martina Evans, John Boyne, Donal Ryan, Belinda McKeon, Mike McCormack, Kevin Barry, Ali Smith, Mark Haddon and Sarah Hall.
The winning story is printed as part of the summer fiction series in the Irish Times while the second and third-prize-winning stories are published in the Irish Times online.
Entry fee: estimated €15 per story
Deadline: estimated 30th June 2024
JULY
The Guardian and 4th Estate 4thWrite Prize is a competition open to Black, Asian and minority ethnic writers living in the UK or Ireland, aged 18 and above.
The winner will receive £1,000, a one-day publishing workshop at 4th Estate and publication of their story on the Guardian website. After the winner is announced, the full shortlist will be published on 4thestate.co.uk.
Entry fee: unknown but looks like it’s free
Deadline: estimated 2nd July 2024
The New Writers Awards is an annual awards programme supporting writers in Scotland to develop their craft. Prizes include a £2,000 cash award, tailored personal development, PR, performance and presentation training, and much more. The award may also include a stay at a writing retreat – details TBC.
Entry fee: free
Deadline: estimated 19th July 2024
This competition is open to original, unpublished and unbroadcasted short stories of up to 3,000 words. The story can be on any subject, in any style, by a writer of any nationality, living anywhere in the world.
Writers can submit more than one entry. Once entered, no alterations can be made to the submission. Simultaneous submissions are accepted but please let them know immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.
Entry fee: €19 per story
Deadline: estimated 31st July 2024
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