Library

How Can I Submit My Story To Current Writing Contests Easily?

2026-07-08 18:41:27

Follow5

RexDavis

3 Answers

Kevin

Okay, look—contests are a numbers game. Every writer I know with contest success just keeps a spreadsheet. Find twenty that fit your genre and deadlines that work, then submit to all of them. Don’t overthink the ‘perfect fit.’ Half the judging is subjective anyway.

I use Submission Grinder to track openings, but honestly, following a few publishers and writing orgs on Twitter gives you the fastest heads-up. The ‘easy’ part is just being organized; set aside one Sunday a month to update your list and send stuff out. You miss every shot you don’t take, and some of these have tiny entry fees that are worth the lottery ticket.

My only hard rule: never submit something you just finished last week. Let it sit, edit it once more, then send it off. Rushed entries always read rushed.

2026-07-11 02:59:01

Vanessa

Search for contests with free entry first. Many respectable ones run by universities or nonprofits have no fee. Avoid the ones with high fees and vague judging criteria—they're often revenue generators. Just google 'no fee writing contests 2024' and you'll find lists. Read the guidelines twice, format exactly as asked, and hit send. Keep a record of where you sent each piece. That's really all there is to it.

2026-07-12 03:58:32

Xander

I'm maybe a bit jaded here, but 'easily' is the wrong goal. A lot of those 'submit here!' platforms that aggregate contests are taking a cut or selling your data. The legit ones aren't usually on those sites.

Better to pick three or four contests run by institutions you actually respect—like a specific literary magazine's annual award, or a genre foundation's prize. Read past winners. Tailor your submission to feel like it belongs there. That takes more time, but your odds improve because you're not just blasting the same story everywhere.

I won a small one last year only because I noticed they favored quiet, character-driven pieces and trimmed the atmospheric description in my story to match. It wasn't easier, but it felt more purposeful than spraying submissions into the void.

2026-07-14 16:15:29

View All Answers

Related Books

Burning Passion {steamiest short stories}

YEARNERS: A COLLECTION SHORT STORIES

Vaspera Linnet

32.9K

YEARNERS delivers addictive short stories filled with building tension and passionate moments. Each tale is a complete journey spread over 7 to 10 chapters. You’ll find slow teasing that leads to overwhelming encounters, touches turning into strong claims, and characters who lose themselves completely in the wrong person. Expect deep emotional games, secret conflicts, and characters who give in to what they know is wrong. Open the book… if you dare to surrender.

Read Now

WILD PLEASURE {short stories}

Nuzel

9.4

290.3K

For Mature Audiences 🔞 Explore a collection of compelling short stories that delve into intense emotions, forbidden desires, and raw human connections. Each tale pushes boundaries, offering a blend of intrigue and passion that captivates and fascinates.

Read Now

Burning Passion {steamiest short stories}

Roxannie

9.4

470.9K

This book is a compilation of exciting erotica short stories which includes forbidden romance, dominating & Submissive romance, erotic romance and taboo romance, with cliffhangers. Unlike my other book “sinful Desires”, This book is a novella and has much longer chapters and lengthy storylines. This Erotic collection is loaded with hot, graphic sex! It is intended only for adults over the age of 18 and all characters are represented as 18 or over. Read, Enjoy, and tell me your favorite story.

Read Now

Dirty (short stories)

Mhiz Presh

23.8K

A collection of passionate encounters, forbidden attractions, and complicated relationships. From former lovers reunited by fate to rivals caught in unexpected temptation, each story explores desire, emotion, and the choices that change lives forever.

Read Now

Shifter Short Stories

Michele Dixon

6.7K

This is a book of shifter short stories. All of these stories came from readers asking me to write stories about animals they typically don't see as shifters. The stories that are in this series are - Welcome to the Jungle, Undercover, The Storm, Prize Fighter, The Doe's Stallion The Biker Bunnies The Luna's Two Mates

Read Now

TALES OF INSTANT LUST - SHORT READS

Lovelywriters

23.1K

TALES OF INSTANT LUST - SHORT READS Preface Greetings, Reader Welcome to a world where passion flares up in the most unexpected places, where lust takes the stage, and where desire never waits. The concept behind "Tales of Instant Lust" was that not all love stories have to be quiet or poetic. Irresistible chemistry, unsaid tension, and raw hunger can sometimes express more than a thousand romantic words ever could. Designed for people who want their fantasies to be served quickly, hot, and unrestrained, these stories are brief, intense, and explicitly sexy. There are no happily-ever-afters in this story. It's about the rush of the present, the energy of the moment, and what happens when two bodies naturally give in to it. Thus, locate a peaceful area, turn down the lights, and get ready. This is indulging, not just reading. With desire, Author. BLURB "Tales of Instant Lust" is an enticing compilation of short, passionate erotic stories that are sure to leave you speechless. This story, which covers bare unrestricted lust in all its exciting forms—from sneaky meetups in lifts to wild nights in faraway countries—is ideal for readers who want romance without hesitation. Regardless of your preference for sexy build-ups or intimate encounters, every story puts you right in the thick of things. From gentle groans to unrepentant passion, this collection offers a variety of personalities, appetites, tones, and peculiarities to suit every sensual preference. Each story is fast-paced and is incredibly spicy; it is meant to be read all at once and to stay with you long after the last word. Pure, immediate pleasure in a world where wishes come true—no drawn out slow burns. Note: These are adult-only stories. Tales of Instant Lust is your guilty obsession waiting to happen. Enjoy Reading

Read Now

Book Tags

Related Questions

What are the best current writing contests for debut authors?

3 Answers2026-07-08 02:33:34

Not to be overly cynical, but the term 'best' depends entirely on what you're writing and what you're after. The 'big' ones like the Bridport Prize or the Bath Novel Award get all the press, and they're fantastic for the prestige if you win, but the entry fees add up. I've wasted money on contests that promised exposure but just felt like cash grabs for the organizers. What I've found more useful are the ones attached to specific genres or independent presses. Things like the Cheshire Prize for Literature if you're in the UK, or contests run by journals like 'Glimmer Train' (though they're on hiatus, similar ones pop up). They have smaller pools, so your work might actually get a closer read. The real prize is often publication and a bit of cash, which is more tangible for a debut than vague 'industry recognition.' My advice is to skip the ones that charge fifty bucks and offer a trophy. Look for contests where the prize includes a publishing contract or agent introduction. That's the golden ticket when you're starting out.

How to submit to fantasy writing competitions successfully?

4 Answers2026-04-09 02:36:29

Submitting to fantasy writing competitions feels like preparing a spellbook for a panel of wizards—you want every page to shimmer with potential. First, I always research the judges or past winners. If it's a contest favoring high fantasy like 'The Name of the Wind', I lean into intricate worldbuilding; for urban fantasy vibes akin to 'Neverwhere', I focus on voice and grit. My golden rule? Tailor the submission to the competition’s soul. Then there’s the editing marathon. I let the draft breathe for weeks, then hack away with fresh eyes. Beta readers are my unsung heroes—they spot plot holes I’ve grown blind to. Last year, a friend pointed out my protagonist’s magic system had zero stakes; rewriting that section got me shortlisted. Competitions crave originality, so I sprinkle in quirks—maybe a necromancer who hates touching bones, or a dragon obsessed with knitting. The key is making the familiar feel fresh.

What genres do current writing contests typically accept this year?

3 Answers2026-07-08 15:20:32

Straight up—novels. I've noticed a sharp shift. Used to see flash fiction and short story calls everywhere, but the bigger contests with real prize money and agent eyes seem laser-focused on full-length manuscripts now. Historical fiction's having a huge moment, maybe because readers want that deep-dive escape? Also spotted a weird niche surge in 'climate fiction' and 'solarpunk' categories. Feels like the market's pushing for either big, immersive commercial projects or stuff that tackles the zeitgeist head-on. Might be publisher-driven. They want contest winners they can actually sell, not just beautiful prose pieces. Saw a call for 'upmarket book club fiction' specifically—that hybrid literary/commercial sweet spot. Kinda makes sense, but I miss the wild experimental stuff winning. Everything feels very... polished and packageable this year.

Which current writing contests offer the highest cash prizes?

3 Answers2026-07-08 00:46:48

I was just researching this because a friend asked, and honestly, the ones with the biggest numbers aren't always the most visible. The Reedsy platform runs a weekly contest with a $500 prize, which adds up if you're consistent, but the submission window is tight. For sheer scale, the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition used to have a $10,000 grand prize funded by sponsors, though I think the structure changed recently. A lot of the 'big money' contests seem to be tied to specific genres or very niche themes from private foundations, which can feel a bit like winning the lottery. What surprised me was discovering some university-affiliated short story contests for 'emerging writers' that offer upwards of $2,500. They aren't advertised on mainstream writing sites, you have to dig through university English department pages. The catch is they often require the work to be unpublished anywhere, even on a personal blog, which is a huge commitment for a single piece. It makes you weigh whether locking a story away for a year for a chance at a prize is better than just publishing it serially online and building an audience. Still, for a clean, unpublished manuscript, those can be a decent shot.

How to join writing contests on online wattpad?

4 Answers2025-07-08 07:03:09

joining writing contests is one of my favorite ways to challenge myself and connect with fellow writers. To find contests, start by browsing the 'Contests' section under the 'Discover' tab on Wattpad. Many contests are hosted by official Wattpad accounts like 'Wattpad4' or 'WattpadYoungAdult,' but independent authors and book clubs also run their own. Before entering, carefully read the contest rules, which usually include word count limits, genres, and deadlines. Some contests require specific tags or formatting. I always draft my story separately first, then paste it into Wattpad and add the required tags like '#contestname' or '#wattpadcontest.' Engaging with other participants by reading and commenting on their entries can also boost your visibility and chances of winning. For inspiration, check out past winners like 'The Arrangement' by 'username' or 'Whispered Promises' by 'user2.' These stories often showcase what judges look for—strong pacing, emotional depth, and originality. Don’t forget to promote your entry on social media; some contests even award bonus points for community engagement. Whether you win or not, contests are a fantastic way to grow your audience and refine your craft.

Are there IMVU story writing contests?

4 Answers2026-04-19 08:30:02

IMVU's creative community is buzzing with opportunities, and story writing contests do pop up occasionally! I stumbled upon one last year hosted by a group of passionate users who love weaving narratives around their avatars. The theme was 'Parallel Worlds,' and participants had to craft a short story set in IMVU's virtual universe. It was fascinating to see how people blended the platform's customization tools with their imaginations—some even integrated screenshots of their avatars into the submissions. What really stood out was the diversity of genres. From cyberpunk romances to fantasy adventures, the entries showcased how IMVU isn't just about aesthetics but also storytelling. While official contests from the platform itself are rare, user-run events keep the spirit alive. I’d recommend joining active IMVU forums or Discord servers to catch these hidden gems. The camaraderie there feels like a cozy writers’ guild, minus the pretentiousness.

Can I write a book and make money by entering writing contests?

5 Answers2026-07-08 18:32:30

My friend tried to fund their whole novel by contest hopping a few years back, which I always thought was a weird way to do it. It's not a publishing strategy; it's a lottery ticket with better odds than the actual lottery. That sounds harsh, but after watching them burn cycles for months, the payout was maybe enough for a nice dinner. I spent that time just writing the damn book and building a newsletter, which was slow but has actually started selling copies. If you're serious about finishing a long project, treating contests as a primary goal can be disorienting. The deadlines and specific prompts pull you away from your own voice. I saw my friend's style get choppy and imitative. The money's so inconsistent that you can't plan around it, and even the prestige of a small contest win doesn't mean much to most readers browsing Amazon. Where they make sense is for short stories or individual chapters—polished pieces you can detach and submit. The feedback from a good contest's judges is sometimes more valuable than any prize money. But for a full novel? It's like trying to build a house by winning a bunch of door prizes at the hardware store. The core work is still on you, and getting it to readers is a completely different, and frankly more important, game.

Where can I find free fantasy writing competitions?

4 Answers2026-04-09 01:04:42

Finding free fantasy writing competitions feels like uncovering hidden treasure chests in a vast literary dungeon. My go-to spots are writing community forums like Absolute Write or the NaNoWriMo forums—participants often share obscure contests with zero entry fees. Subreddits like r/fantasywriters occasionally spotlight smaller presses hosting open calls, like the quarterly 'Swords and Sorcery' flash fiction challenge by Mythic Magazine. I’ve also stumbled upon gems through Twitter hashtags like #WritingContest or #FreeCompetition. Authors like Beth Cato frequently retweet indie opportunities. Pro tip: Follow niche blogs like 'The Write Life'—they curate lists of legit free contests, though always double-check for scams. Last year, I placed in a free micro-fiction contest from 'Podcastle' just by lurking in a Discord writing group!

Who are the current contestants on The Bachelors series?

4 Answers2026-04-16 11:14:46

The current season of 'The Bachelor' has this intriguing mix of personalities that keeps me glued to the screen every week. There's the bubbly elementary school teacher who always wears floral dresses, the competitive fitness trainer who somehow turns every group date into a showdown, and the shy artist who barely speaks but paints these stunning portraits of the Bachelor. Then you've got the obligatory villain—this time it's a corporate lawyer who 'accidentally' spills wine on anyone she sees as a threat. What I love about this cast is how they play off each other. The dynamics shift so fast—one minute they're bonding over hometown stories, the next they're arguing about who stole the last rose. And that one contestant who brought her pet ferret to the mansion? Absolute chaos. I can't look away.

Who writes the wattpad best stories romance currently trending?

6 Answers2025-10-10 02:40:05

Jumping headfirst into the world of Wattpad is like diving into a treasure chest full of unique stories! For romance specifically, right now, I’ve been absolutely captivated by authors like Ariana and her tale 'The Bad Boy's Girl.' The dynamic between the main characters is so electrifying; it’s like you can feel the tension jump off the page! The way she masterfully captures those classic high school love clichés while infusing them with fresh twists makes it a real page-turner. Then there’s the incredible talent of K.A. Linde, whose story 'The Affliction' has been gaining a lot of traction lately. Her ability to weave together heartache and passion is truly something else. I found myself rooting for the characters, holding my breath during the conflicts, hoping they find their way back to each other. Plus, the emotional depth just adds layers; it’s not just a fling, it feels real! And let's not forget about the delightful 'My New Life' by Zarias, portraying a romance that feels like a breath of fresh air amidst all the usual tropes. Her characters are relatable, and the lighthearted narrative gives me those warm fuzzies. It’s fascinating to see how different styles and themes create such rich storytelling experiences! You can't help but feel the excitement in the community when a new update is posted!

How Can I Submit My Story To Current Writing Contests Easily?

3 Answers

Related Books

YEARNERS: A COLLECTION SHORT STORIES

WILD PLEASURE {short stories}

Burning Passion {steamiest short stories}

Dirty (short stories)

Shifter Short Stories

TALES OF INSTANT LUST - SHORT READS

Related Questions

What are the best current writing contests for debut authors?

How to submit to fantasy writing competitions successfully?

What genres do current writing contests typically accept this year?

Which current writing contests offer the highest cash prizes?

How to join writing contests on online wattpad?

Are there IMVU story writing contests?

Can I write a book and make money by entering writing contests?

Where can I find free fantasy writing competitions?

Who are the current contestants on The Bachelors series?

Who writes the wattpad best stories romance currently trending?

Related Searches

Fantasy Writing Competitions

How To Get Story Published