Question 1

Are there any contests for story for Wattpad writers?

Accepted Answer

I can confidently say there are numerous contests tailored for aspiring writers. Wattpad itself frequently hosts official competitions like the 'Wattys,' which is one of the most prestigious awards for stories on the platform. Winning or even being shortlisted can skyrocket a writer’s visibility. Other contests like 'Open Novella Contest' and genre-specific challenges pop up regularly, often sponsored by brands or publishers looking for fresh talent.

Beyond Wattpad’s official events, many writing groups and fan communities organize their own contests. These range from small, niche competitions for specific genres like fantasy or romance to larger events with cash prizes and publication opportunities. I’ve seen contests where winners get their stories turned into webcomics or even optioned for TV adaptations. The key is to stay active in the community, follow Wattpad’s social media, and join Discord servers or Facebook groups dedicated to writers. The opportunities are endless if you know where to look.

Question 2

What are the best current writing contests for debut authors?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Which current writing contests offer the highest cash prizes?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Where can I find free fantasy writing competitions?

Accepted Answer

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!

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