Winning Writers
@winningwriters.com
News about high-quality literary contests and resources for writers since 2001. Get access to in-depth profiles of 200+ great free literary contests when you subscribe to our free email newsletter: https://winningwriters.com/free
DL Jan 15: New American Poetry Prize
Submit an ms of 48+ pages to win $1,500 and pub. Fee: $25. Some or all of the ms may have been published previously, though not in the same form that it is being submitted to NAP.
https://newamericanpress.com/2026-new-american-poetry-prize-final-judge-rick-barot/
Submit an ms of 48+ pages to win $1,500 and pub. Fee: $25. Some or all of the ms may have been published previously, though not in the same form that it is being submitted to NAP.
https://newamericanpress.com/2026-new-american-poetry-prize-final-judge-rick-barot/
December 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM
DL Jan 15: New American Poetry Prize
Submit an ms of 48+ pages to win $1,500 and pub. Fee: $25. Some or all of the ms may have been published previously, though not in the same form that it is being submitted to NAP.
https://newamericanpress.com/2026-new-american-poetry-prize-final-judge-rick-barot/
Submit an ms of 48+ pages to win $1,500 and pub. Fee: $25. Some or all of the ms may have been published previously, though not in the same form that it is being submitted to NAP.
https://newamericanpress.com/2026-new-american-poetry-prize-final-judge-rick-barot/
Writer Conferences: What to Expect and Tips for Prep
https://insights.bookbub.com/writer-conferences-what-to-expect-tips-prep/
via @bookbubpartners.bsky.social
https://insights.bookbub.com/writer-conferences-what-to-expect-tips-prep/
via @bookbubpartners.bsky.social
Writer Conferences: What to Expect and My Tips for Prep
Get expert tips on choosing the right author conference and making the most of your experience, from pre-conference prep to post-event follow-up!
insights.bookbub.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Writer Conferences: What to Expect and Tips for Prep
https://insights.bookbub.com/writer-conferences-what-to-expect-tips-prep/
via @bookbubpartners.bsky.social
https://insights.bookbub.com/writer-conferences-what-to-expect-tips-prep/
via @bookbubpartners.bsky.social
Deadline Jan 6: Erma Bombeck Writing Competition
Submit an unpublished personal essay of 450 words in the Humor or Human Interest categories to win $1,000 and a free registration to the sold-out March 26-28 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Fee: $25 ($15 for students).
https://wclibrary.info/erma/
Submit an unpublished personal essay of 450 words in the Humor or Human Interest categories to win $1,000 and a free registration to the sold-out March 26-28 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Fee: $25 ($15 for students).
https://wclibrary.info/erma/
December 5, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Deadline Jan 6: Erma Bombeck Writing Competition
Submit an unpublished personal essay of 450 words in the Humor or Human Interest categories to win $1,000 and a free registration to the sold-out March 26-28 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Fee: $25 ($15 for students).
https://wclibrary.info/erma/
Submit an unpublished personal essay of 450 words in the Humor or Human Interest categories to win $1,000 and a free registration to the sold-out March 26-28 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Fee: $25 ($15 for students).
https://wclibrary.info/erma/
The FISH List of lively independent literary magazines evaluates and ranks over 4,000 lit mags against 14 criteria to help you find your new favourite indie lit mag.
https://www.fictionontheweb.co.uk/p/fish-list.html
HT @chillsubs.bsky.social #litmags
https://www.fictionontheweb.co.uk/p/fish-list.html
HT @chillsubs.bsky.social #litmags
December 4, 2025 at 8:02 PM
The FISH List of lively independent literary magazines evaluates and ranks over 4,000 lit mags against 14 criteria to help you find your new favourite indie lit mag.
https://www.fictionontheweb.co.uk/p/fish-list.html
HT @chillsubs.bsky.social #litmags
https://www.fictionontheweb.co.uk/p/fish-list.html
HT @chillsubs.bsky.social #litmags
Reposted by Winning Writers
#Writing calls & contests for #fiction, #nonfiction & #poetry paying up to $72,000.
#SubmissionCall themes include: Unidentified Funny Objects; nightfall; timefuckery; transformations; tales of steel & sorcery; cozy #fantasy; bad #romance; summer in the city.
🔗 authorspublish.com/37-themed-su...
#SubmissionCall themes include: Unidentified Funny Objects; nightfall; timefuckery; transformations; tales of steel & sorcery; cozy #fantasy; bad #romance; summer in the city.
🔗 authorspublish.com/37-themed-su...
» 37 Themed Submission Calls and Contests for December 2025
authorspublish.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:16 AM
#Writing calls & contests for #fiction, #nonfiction & #poetry paying up to $72,000.
#SubmissionCall themes include: Unidentified Funny Objects; nightfall; timefuckery; transformations; tales of steel & sorcery; cozy #fantasy; bad #romance; summer in the city.
🔗 authorspublish.com/37-themed-su...
#SubmissionCall themes include: Unidentified Funny Objects; nightfall; timefuckery; transformations; tales of steel & sorcery; cozy #fantasy; bad #romance; summer in the city.
🔗 authorspublish.com/37-themed-su...
10 Magazines Accepting Formal Poetry, curated by @authorspublish.com
"These journals accept formal and/or rhymed poetry of various types, from villanelles to sonnets to lyric poetry."
https://authorspublish.com/10-magazines-accepting-formal-poetry/
"These journals accept formal and/or rhymed poetry of various types, from villanelles to sonnets to lyric poetry."
https://authorspublish.com/10-magazines-accepting-formal-poetry/
10 Magazines Accepting Formal Poetry
Curated by Authors Publish
authorspublish.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:01 PM
10 Magazines Accepting Formal Poetry, curated by @authorspublish.com
"These journals accept formal and/or rhymed poetry of various types, from villanelles to sonnets to lyric poetry."
https://authorspublish.com/10-magazines-accepting-formal-poetry/
"These journals accept formal and/or rhymed poetry of various types, from villanelles to sonnets to lyric poetry."
https://authorspublish.com/10-magazines-accepting-formal-poetry/
"Leda and the Swan", a poem by William Butler Yeats
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43292/leda-and-the-swan
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/leda-and-the-swan-by-w-b-yeats/
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43292/leda-and-the-swan
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/leda-and-the-swan-by-w-b-yeats/
December 4, 2025 at 2:00 AM
"Leda and the Swan", a poem by William Butler Yeats
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43292/leda-and-the-swan
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/leda-and-the-swan-by-w-b-yeats/
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43292/leda-and-the-swan
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/leda-and-the-swan-by-w-b-yeats/
19 Instagram Book Promotion Ideas from Publishers
https://insights.bookbub.com/instagram-book-marketing-ideas-from-publishers/
via @bookbubpartners.bsky.social #PubTips
https://insights.bookbub.com/instagram-book-marketing-ideas-from-publishers/
via @bookbubpartners.bsky.social #PubTips
19 Instagram Book Promotion Ideas from Publishers
Need ideas for how to promote your book on Instagram? Take a look at what publishers are doing to show off their titles.
insights.bookbub.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:01 PM
19 Instagram Book Promotion Ideas from Publishers
https://insights.bookbub.com/instagram-book-marketing-ideas-from-publishers/
via @bookbubpartners.bsky.social #PubTips
https://insights.bookbub.com/instagram-book-marketing-ideas-from-publishers/
via @bookbubpartners.bsky.social #PubTips
Sponsored > Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp & Writing Retreat
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
December 2, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Sponsored > Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp & Writing Retreat
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
June 21 - 27, 2026
3 Immersive Programs
2 Exciting Tracks
1 Incredible Week
Learn more at https://novelbookcamp.org/ or email our director, Dave Rank, at [email protected].
37 Themed Submission Calls and Contests for December 2025, curated by @authorspublish.com
"These are calls and contests for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry."
https://authorspublish.com/37-themed-submission-calls-and-contests-for-december-2025/
"These are calls and contests for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry."
https://authorspublish.com/37-themed-submission-calls-and-contests-for-december-2025/
37 Themed Submission Calls and Contests for December 2025
Curated by Authors Publish
authorspublish.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:06 PM
37 Themed Submission Calls and Contests for December 2025, curated by @authorspublish.com
"These are calls and contests for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry."
https://authorspublish.com/37-themed-submission-calls-and-contests-for-december-2025/
"These are calls and contests for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry."
https://authorspublish.com/37-themed-submission-calls-and-contests-for-december-2025/
Sponsored > Deadline Dec 31: Lilith Magazine's Annual Fiction Contest; no fee, submit a story up to 3,000 words to win $300 and publication. *Please include full contact info on your ms.* Lilith seeks quality short stories with heart, soul and chutzpah.
https://lilith.org/contact/writing-for-lilith/
https://lilith.org/contact/writing-for-lilith/
December 2, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Sponsored > Deadline Dec 31: Lilith Magazine's Annual Fiction Contest; no fee, submit a story up to 3,000 words to win $300 and publication. *Please include full contact info on your ms.* Lilith seeks quality short stories with heart, soul and chutzpah.
https://lilith.org/contact/writing-for-lilith/
https://lilith.org/contact/writing-for-lilith/
"This Animal", a poem by Aracelis Girmay
https://poems.com/poem/this-animal/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and BOA Editions
https://poems.com/poem/this-animal/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and BOA Editions
December 2, 2025 at 2:00 AM
"This Animal", a poem by Aracelis Girmay
https://poems.com/poem/this-animal/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and BOA Editions
https://poems.com/poem/this-animal/
via @poetrydaily.bsky.social and BOA Editions
Download 69 Free E-Books from Poetry Super Highway
Poets have generously made their books available, but only for 11 more hours!
Includes "Disruption at the Caterpillar Orgy" by Rick Lupert.
https://www.poetrysuperhighway.com/psh/great-poetry-e-book-free/
Poets have generously made their books available, but only for 11 more hours!
Includes "Disruption at the Caterpillar Orgy" by Rick Lupert.
https://www.poetrysuperhighway.com/psh/great-poetry-e-book-free/
December 1, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Download 69 Free E-Books from Poetry Super Highway
Poets have generously made their books available, but only for 11 more hours!
Includes "Disruption at the Caterpillar Orgy" by Rick Lupert.
https://www.poetrysuperhighway.com/psh/great-poetry-e-book-free/
Poets have generously made their books available, but only for 11 more hours!
Includes "Disruption at the Caterpillar Orgy" by Rick Lupert.
https://www.poetrysuperhighway.com/psh/great-poetry-e-book-free/
The Top 45 Publishers for New Authors, curated by @authorspublish.com
These presses were chosen because they have published a number of debut books before. They do not require literary agents.
https://authorspublish.com/the-top-45-publishers-for-new-authors/
These presses were chosen because they have published a number of debut books before. They do not require literary agents.
https://authorspublish.com/the-top-45-publishers-for-new-authors/
The Top 45 Publishers for New Authors
Curated by Authors Publish
authorspublish.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The Top 45 Publishers for New Authors, curated by @authorspublish.com
These presses were chosen because they have published a number of debut books before. They do not require literary agents.
https://authorspublish.com/the-top-45-publishers-for-new-authors/
These presses were chosen because they have published a number of debut books before. They do not require literary agents.
https://authorspublish.com/the-top-45-publishers-for-new-authors/
New contest! Deadline Dec 31: The Susan Neville Prize in Fiction & Poetry
Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Booth will be given for an unpublished poem or work of fiction. $20 fee includes print subscription. Final judges: Kaveh Akbar and Paige Lewis.
https://booth.submittable.com/submit
Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Booth will be given for an unpublished poem or work of fiction. $20 fee includes print subscription. Final judges: Kaveh Akbar and Paige Lewis.
https://booth.submittable.com/submit
November 30, 2025 at 4:01 PM
New contest! Deadline Dec 31: The Susan Neville Prize in Fiction & Poetry
Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Booth will be given for an unpublished poem or work of fiction. $20 fee includes print subscription. Final judges: Kaveh Akbar and Paige Lewis.
https://booth.submittable.com/submit
Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Booth will be given for an unpublished poem or work of fiction. $20 fee includes print subscription. Final judges: Kaveh Akbar and Paige Lewis.
https://booth.submittable.com/submit
Voting closes on Dec 7 for the 3rd Annual Chill Subs Community Favorites Best Lit Mag Awards. Nominate up to 5 of the most inspiring publications of 2025:
https://www.chillsubs.com/best-lit-mag-awards
via @chillsubs.bsky.social #litmags
https://www.chillsubs.com/best-lit-mag-awards
via @chillsubs.bsky.social #litmags
November 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Voting closes on Dec 7 for the 3rd Annual Chill Subs Community Favorites Best Lit Mag Awards. Nominate up to 5 of the most inspiring publications of 2025:
https://www.chillsubs.com/best-lit-mag-awards
via @chillsubs.bsky.social #litmags
https://www.chillsubs.com/best-lit-mag-awards
via @chillsubs.bsky.social #litmags
National Baseball Poetry Festival. No fee. Submit poems on theme of baseball or softball. Prizes include tickets to game in Worcester, MA in May 2026.
Deadline Mar 27: College Students and Adults 18+.
Deadline Apr 17: Youth Grades 4 – 12.
https://baseballpoetryfest.org/baseball-poetry-contests/
Deadline Mar 27: College Students and Adults 18+.
Deadline Apr 17: Youth Grades 4 – 12.
https://baseballpoetryfest.org/baseball-poetry-contests/
November 29, 2025 at 8:01 PM
National Baseball Poetry Festival. No fee. Submit poems on theme of baseball or softball. Prizes include tickets to game in Worcester, MA in May 2026.
Deadline Mar 27: College Students and Adults 18+.
Deadline Apr 17: Youth Grades 4 – 12.
https://baseballpoetryfest.org/baseball-poetry-contests/
Deadline Mar 27: College Students and Adults 18+.
Deadline Apr 17: Youth Grades 4 – 12.
https://baseballpoetryfest.org/baseball-poetry-contests/
Book Marketing 101: How (and Why!) to Reach the Right Readers
"If you’re spending a lot of time marketing but not seeing results, you might be targeting too broad of an audience or the wrong type of audience..."
https://insights.bookbub.com/how-reach-right-readers/
#PubTips
"If you’re spending a lot of time marketing but not seeing results, you might be targeting too broad of an audience or the wrong type of audience..."
https://insights.bookbub.com/how-reach-right-readers/
#PubTips
Book Marketing 101: How (and Why!) to Reach the Right Readers
Stop wasting time on marketing that doesn't work! Learn how to identify your target audience, reach the right readers, and sell more books.
insights.bookbub.com
November 29, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Book Marketing 101: How (and Why!) to Reach the Right Readers
"If you’re spending a lot of time marketing but not seeing results, you might be targeting too broad of an audience or the wrong type of audience..."
https://insights.bookbub.com/how-reach-right-readers/
#PubTips
"If you’re spending a lot of time marketing but not seeing results, you might be targeting too broad of an audience or the wrong type of audience..."
https://insights.bookbub.com/how-reach-right-readers/
#PubTips
"At the Galleria Shopping Mall", a poem by Tony Hoagland
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/52645/at-the-galleria-shopping-mall
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/52645/at-the-galleria-shopping-mall
November 29, 2025 at 2:00 AM
"At the Galleria Shopping Mall", a poem by Tony Hoagland
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/52645/at-the-galleria-shopping-mall
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/52645/at-the-galleria-shopping-mall
DL Dec 7: Leopold Bloom Prize for Innovative Narration sponsored by L’Esprit Literary Review
Submit a short story or novel excerpt, of up to 5,000 words, that exhibits risk-adept narration. Win $500 & pub. Fee: $10.
https://lespritliteraryreview.org/2026-leopold-bloom-prize-for-innovative-narration/
Submit a short story or novel excerpt, of up to 5,000 words, that exhibits risk-adept narration. Win $500 & pub. Fee: $10.
https://lespritliteraryreview.org/2026-leopold-bloom-prize-for-innovative-narration/
November 28, 2025 at 12:02 PM
DL Dec 7: Leopold Bloom Prize for Innovative Narration sponsored by L’Esprit Literary Review
Submit a short story or novel excerpt, of up to 5,000 words, that exhibits risk-adept narration. Win $500 & pub. Fee: $10.
https://lespritliteraryreview.org/2026-leopold-bloom-prize-for-innovative-narration/
Submit a short story or novel excerpt, of up to 5,000 words, that exhibits risk-adept narration. Win $500 & pub. Fee: $10.
https://lespritliteraryreview.org/2026-leopold-bloom-prize-for-innovative-narration/
Deadline Jan 11: The Bechtel Prize. No fee. Submit an unpublished essay under 2,500 words that describes innovation in creative writing instruction. Winner receives $1,000 and publication in Teachers & Writers Magazine. Judge: Diana Khoi Nguyen.
https://teachersandwritersmagazine.org/bechtel-prize/
https://teachersandwritersmagazine.org/bechtel-prize/
November 27, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Deadline Jan 11: The Bechtel Prize. No fee. Submit an unpublished essay under 2,500 words that describes innovation in creative writing instruction. Winner receives $1,000 and publication in Teachers & Writers Magazine. Judge: Diana Khoi Nguyen.
https://teachersandwritersmagazine.org/bechtel-prize/
https://teachersandwritersmagazine.org/bechtel-prize/
Poets, poems, and articles exploring the Native American experience, curated by Poetry Foundation
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/144560/native-american-poetry-and-culture
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/144560/native-american-poetry-and-culture
Native American Poetry and Culture
Poems, readings, poetry news and the entire 110-year archive of POETRY magazine.
www.poetryfoundation.org
November 27, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Poets, poems, and articles exploring the Native American experience, curated by Poetry Foundation
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/144560/native-american-poetry-and-culture
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/144560/native-american-poetry-and-culture
Nomination & Award Events for Editors + Publishers to Enter: Literary Magazines & Presses [2025-PRESENT]
https://litmaglab.substack.com/p/nomination-and-award-events-for-lit
via @thelitmaglab.bsky.social HT Lit Mag News #litmags
https://litmaglab.substack.com/p/nomination-and-award-events-for-lit
via @thelitmaglab.bsky.social HT Lit Mag News #litmags
Nomination & Award Events for Editors + Publishers to Enter: Literary Magazines & Presses 2025-PRESENT
a few main nomination events editors should be aware of regarding poems, short stories, fiction, non-fiction, essays, books, magazines and visual art
litmaglab.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Nomination & Award Events for Editors + Publishers to Enter: Literary Magazines & Presses [2025-PRESENT]
https://litmaglab.substack.com/p/nomination-and-award-events-for-lit
via @thelitmaglab.bsky.social HT Lit Mag News #litmags
https://litmaglab.substack.com/p/nomination-and-award-events-for-lit
via @thelitmaglab.bsky.social HT Lit Mag News #litmags
Academy of American Poets: Poems for Thanksgiving
https://poets.org/poems-thanksgiving
Poetry Foundation: Thanksgiving Poems
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/101693/the-cranberry-cantos
https://poets.org/poems-thanksgiving
Poetry Foundation: Thanksgiving Poems
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/101693/the-cranberry-cantos
November 26, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Academy of American Poets: Poems for Thanksgiving
https://poets.org/poems-thanksgiving
Poetry Foundation: Thanksgiving Poems
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/101693/the-cranberry-cantos
https://poets.org/poems-thanksgiving
Poetry Foundation: Thanksgiving Poems
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/101693/the-cranberry-cantos
What Writers Need to Know About Anthology Offers (and the red flags)
https://janefriedman.com/before-you-say-yes-what-writers-need-to-know-about-anthology-offers/
via Jane Friedman HT Lit Mag News
https://janefriedman.com/before-you-say-yes-what-writers-need-to-know-about-anthology-offers/
via Jane Friedman HT Lit Mag News
Before You Say Yes: What Writers Need to Know About Anthology Offers | Jane Friedman
Learn how to find and assess anthology opportunities, which offer short fiction authors income and visibility by sharing audiences across contributors.
janefriedman.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:02 PM
What Writers Need to Know About Anthology Offers (and the red flags)
https://janefriedman.com/before-you-say-yes-what-writers-need-to-know-about-anthology-offers/
via Jane Friedman HT Lit Mag News
https://janefriedman.com/before-you-say-yes-what-writers-need-to-know-about-anthology-offers/
via Jane Friedman HT Lit Mag News