Can You Recommend Short Story Competitions For New Writers?

Question

Owen · Answer

Short story contests? Let me hype up a few underrated ones! 'The Fish Short Story Prize' from Ireland is stellar—they publish winners in an anthology, which is awesome for bragging rights. 'The Bristol Short Story Prize' is another solid pick; they’ve been around forever and attract a mix of seasoned and new writers. If you’re into genre stuff, 'Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine' runs regular contests for crime and suspense.

Oh, and 'Submittable’s Discover portal' is a goldmine for finding niche contests with low entry barriers. Just filter by ‘short story’ and ‘no fee’ if you’re on a budget. Winning isn’t everything—getting used to submitting is half the battle.

Simone · Answer

I’ve stumbled upon so many cool short story contests while browsing writing forums late at night. The 'NYC Midnight Short Story Challenge' is a personal fave—it’s competitive but thrilling because they assign prompts and deadlines, which forces you to think on your feet. Perfect if you thrive under pressure! 'The Bath Short Story Award' is another gem; it’s UK-based but open internationally, and the judges genuinely care about discovering fresh voices.

Then there’s 'The Moth Short Story Prize,' which leans toward literary fiction and has this artsy vibe I adore. If you’re into speculative or weird fiction, 'Luna Station Quarterly’s' contests are worth a look. Smaller-scale competitions like these often have fewer entries, so your odds feel less daunting. Plus, many offer critiques, which is way more valuable than prize money when you’re starting out.

Violet · Answer

If you're just starting out as a writer, short story competitions can be a fantastic way to get your work out there and build confidence. One of my favorites is the 'Bridport Prize,' which has a dedicated category for short stories under 5,000 words. It's got a great reputation, and even being shortlisted can open doors. Another one to check out is the 'Writers’ Village Short Fiction Award'—it’s super welcoming to newcomers and offers detailed feedback, which is gold for improving your craft.

For something with a quirky twist, the 'To Hull and Back Short Story Competition' is a blast. They love humor and unconventional storytelling, so if your style leans toward the offbeat, this could be your jam. And don’t overlook smaller, niche contests like 'Flash 500' if you’re into microfiction. The community around these competitions is often really supportive, and the entry fees are usually low. Just diving in and submitting something feels like a win, honestly.

Noah · Answer

Hey, fellow newbie writer! I gotchu. 'The London Short Story Prize' is super accessible, and they’ve published some real gems from unknowns. 'The Exeter Story Prize' is smaller but has a cozy, supportive vibe. If you’re into sci-fi or fantasy, 'Glimmer Train’s' now-defunct contests were legendary, but places like 'Clarkesworld’s monthly submissions' fill that gap.

Pro tip: Follow ‘The Write Life’ or ‘Reedsy’ blogs—they curate contest lists regularly. And remember, even ‘losing’ means you’re writing, which is the whole point.

Ivan · Answer

For new writers, I’d honestly prioritize contests that offer feedback or exposure over big cash prizes. 'The Commonwealth Short Story Prize' is a standout—it’s free to enter and focuses on underrepresented voices. 'The Sean O’Faolain International Short Story Competition' is another great one; it’s rigorous but respected, and making the longlist is a legit achievement.

If you write flash fiction, 'Micro Madness' by Reflex Press is a fun, low-stakes option. And don’t sleep on university-sponsored contests like 'The Manchester Fiction Prize'—they often have student categories. The key is to research each contest’s past winners to see if your style fits. Some lean literary, others adore pulp or experimental work. Finding your tribe matters more than you’d think.

Can You Recommend Short Story Competitions For New Writers?

5 Answers

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