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
"Epilogue", a poem by Robert Lowell
https://poets.org/poem/epilogue
via @poetsorg.bsky.social
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/epilogue-by-robert-lowell/
https://poets.org/poem/epilogue
via @poetsorg.bsky.social
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/epilogue-by-robert-lowell/
December 10, 2025 at 2:00 AM
"Epilogue", a poem by Robert Lowell
https://poets.org/poem/epilogue
via @poetsorg.bsky.social
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/epilogue-by-robert-lowell/
https://poets.org/poem/epilogue
via @poetsorg.bsky.social
Read by Amanda Holmes for The American Scholar
https://theamericanscholar.org/epilogue-by-robert-lowell/
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 9, 2025 at 8:02 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].
Deadline Dec 15: Nominate your favorite writing-related website for the 101 Best Websites for Writers feature in the May/June 2026 Writer’s Digest
https://www.writersdigest.com/best-websites-for-writers-nomination-2026 via @writersdigest.bsky.social
https://www.writersdigest.com/best-websites-for-writers-nomination-2026 via @writersdigest.bsky.social
December 9, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Deadline Dec 15: Nominate your favorite writing-related website for the 101 Best Websites for Writers feature in the May/June 2026 Writer’s Digest
https://www.writersdigest.com/best-websites-for-writers-nomination-2026 via @writersdigest.bsky.social
https://www.writersdigest.com/best-websites-for-writers-nomination-2026 via @writersdigest.bsky.social
Reposted by Winning Writers
Authors think they're submitting to a traditional press. Only at the contract stage, they find out they're supposed to pay. 😯
authorspublish.com/bait-and-swi...
authorspublish.com/bait-and-swi...
» Bait and Switch: Editing Fees Built into Contracts
authorspublish.com
December 7, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Authors think they're submitting to a traditional press. Only at the contract stage, they find out they're supposed to pay. 😯
authorspublish.com/bait-and-swi...
authorspublish.com/bait-and-swi...
Attention Advertisers: Last Call to Save Money on Your 2026 Mailings
The price goes up to $1,350 on January 1. Order now for $1,250. Email [email protected].
https://createsend.com/t/d-0D6BACF5EFB356622540EF23F30FEDED
The price goes up to $1,350 on January 1. Order now for $1,250. Email [email protected].
https://createsend.com/t/d-0D6BACF5EFB356622540EF23F30FEDED
December 8, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Attention Advertisers: Last Call to Save Money on Your 2026 Mailings
The price goes up to $1,350 on January 1. Order now for $1,250. Email [email protected].
https://createsend.com/t/d-0D6BACF5EFB356622540EF23F30FEDED
The price goes up to $1,350 on January 1. Order now for $1,250. Email [email protected].
https://createsend.com/t/d-0D6BACF5EFB356622540EF23F30FEDED
Labs, fellowships, publication deals, and production funding at The Black List
"... mentorship, resources, and transformative support for screenplays, TV pilots, plays and novels"
https://blcklst.com/programs
HT @literaryhub.bsky.social
"... mentorship, resources, and transformative support for screenplays, TV pilots, plays and novels"
https://blcklst.com/programs
HT @literaryhub.bsky.social
December 8, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Labs, fellowships, publication deals, and production funding at The Black List
"... mentorship, resources, and transformative support for screenplays, TV pilots, plays and novels"
https://blcklst.com/programs
HT @literaryhub.bsky.social
"... mentorship, resources, and transformative support for screenplays, TV pilots, plays and novels"
https://blcklst.com/programs
HT @literaryhub.bsky.social
Deadline Jan 25: Craft Memoir Excerpt & Essay Contest
Submit unpublished creative nonfiction of 1,001-6,000 words. Three winners will receive $1,000 each along with publication. Guest judge: Roxane Gay. Fee: $20.
https://www.craftliterary.com/craft-memoir-excerpt-essay-contest-2025/
Submit unpublished creative nonfiction of 1,001-6,000 words. Three winners will receive $1,000 each along with publication. Guest judge: Roxane Gay. Fee: $20.
https://www.craftliterary.com/craft-memoir-excerpt-essay-contest-2025/
December 7, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Deadline Jan 25: Craft Memoir Excerpt & Essay Contest
Submit unpublished creative nonfiction of 1,001-6,000 words. Three winners will receive $1,000 each along with publication. Guest judge: Roxane Gay. Fee: $20.
https://www.craftliterary.com/craft-memoir-excerpt-essay-contest-2025/
Submit unpublished creative nonfiction of 1,001-6,000 words. Three winners will receive $1,000 each along with publication. Guest judge: Roxane Gay. Fee: $20.
https://www.craftliterary.com/craft-memoir-excerpt-essay-contest-2025/
#GiftIdeas: The Literary Hub Gift Guide: 50 Gifts for Writers
https://lithub.com/the-literary-hub-gift-guide-50-gifts-for-writers/
via @literaryhub.bsky.social
https://lithub.com/the-literary-hub-gift-guide-50-gifts-for-writers/
via @literaryhub.bsky.social
The Literary Hub Gift Guide: 50 Gifts for Writers
Writers can be hard to shop for. Like everyone, really. Would the writer in your life enjoy a novelty notebook that says “Eat, Pray, Read”? (Probably not, but you know them best, if ind…
lithub.com
December 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM
#GiftIdeas: The Literary Hub Gift Guide: 50 Gifts for Writers
https://lithub.com/the-literary-hub-gift-guide-50-gifts-for-writers/
via @literaryhub.bsky.social
https://lithub.com/the-literary-hub-gift-guide-50-gifts-for-writers/
via @literaryhub.bsky.social
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/