Welcome to the New Writers 100-Word Writing Competition 2025. Open to writers from around the world, we’re offering a total prize pot of £1,150. To mix things up, we’re spreading the cash around a little more so that every writer who makes it to the top 10 will get a cash prize.
For this competition, the winner will receive £500, with £200 for second place and £100 for third. In addition, we’ll award £50 to each of the shortlisted writers (from fourth to 10th position).
The deadline is midnight (UK time) on Wednesday 30th April 2025 and 10% of the proceeds will be split between our two chosen charities: First Story and The Funzi & Bodo Trust (see here for details of the brilliant work the charities undertake).
If you are ready to enter the competition, head straight to the ENTRY FORM to submit. Alternatively read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Also, please subscribe to the NewWriters.org.uk monthly newsletter to gain access to exclusive free-to-enter micro, flash and poetry competitions (with cash prizes), book and writing course giveaways and the latest writing competition listings: SUBSCRIBE HERE
New Writers 100-Word Short Story Competition 2025 – At A Glance:
- Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on Wednesday 30th April 2025
- Entry Fee: £8 (one entry), £15 (two entries), £21 (three entries)
- Prizes: 1st Place: £500; 2nd Place: £200; 3rd Place: £100, 4th-10th Place: £50 (plus publication)
- Judges: Editorial team at NewWriters.org.uk
- Publication: The top-10 winning entries will be published on the NewWriters.org.uk website and in the New Writers Anthology 2025
- Word Limit: Up to 100 words (excluding title)
- Eligibility: Open to writers aged 18 or above from anywhere in the world; entries can be prose or poetry and must be written in English
- Charity: 10% of proceeds will be split equally between First Story and The Funzi & Bodo Trust
- Please read the full Competition Terms & Conditions before entering
- Winners and authors who have made the shortlist will be notified by email no later than Friday 27th June 2025. The public announcement of winners and shortlisted entries will also be made by then.
*We want to make the competition accessible to as many writers as possible. We therefore have a limited number of free entries for low-income writers, available on a first-come, first-served basis (though no later than 22nd April 2025). Please see the terms and conditions for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter stories that have been published elsewhere?
No, this would invalidate your entry, even if published on your own website or social media.
Where will you publish the winning entries?
The 10 winning entries will be published on the NewWriters.org.uk website and in the next edition of the New Writers Anthology.
Will any shortlisted or longlisted entries be published?
All 10 of the shortlisted entries will be published. We also hope to publish several entries from the longlist in the New Writers Anthology. We will contact entrants with the details after the competition winners have been announced.
Are there are any free entries for people on low incomes?
There are a limited number of free entries available to people from low income households. Details of how to apply can be found in the terms and conditions. Note that this must be done before 22nd April 2025.
Can I enter a poem rather than a story?
Absolutely, we’re happy to accept either prose or poetry (as long as your entry doesn’t contain more than 100 words, excluding the title and any line breaks).
Is there is a discount for multiple entries?
Yes. If you pay for and submit two or three entries at the same time, you will receive a discount ( Entry fees: £8 for one entry, £15 for two entries, £21 for three entries). Note that the maximum number of entries is three per person.
Should I put my name on the entry?
Please do not put your name or any other identifying information on the entry (as they are judged anonymously). Please write only the title (not included in the word count) and the story or poem itself in the body of the entry document.
Should I include the word count on the entry?
There’s no need to include the word count as we check every entry. But please double-check that your entry is 100 words or fewer (not including the title) before sending it in. (We always double-check entries using wordcounter.net.)
Is there a theme for the competition?
There is no specific theme. Stories or poems can be about any subject or incorporate any theme or genre.
Can I use AI to help me write my entry?
No, please don’t use AI. Any entries found to have been written by AI, or indeed any that have been plagiarised, will be disqualified and no refund will be given.
Should I put a word count on the entry?
No, we will check each entry contains 100 words or fewer (excluding the title), so please don’t include a word count. Don’t include your name or other details either. Just include the title of the story or poem and the story or poem itself.
Which file formats are allowed?
Please submit your entry or entries as an attachment through the entry form in one of the following file formats: Microsoft Word Document, OpenDocument Text, or PDF (.doc, .docx, .odt, or .pdf). (No .pages files please, we can’t open them!)
GOOD LUCK!