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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260408
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260409
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260126T093718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T114635Z
UID:4779-1775606400-1775692799@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Pitch Mag Young Sports Journalist Competition 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 17.00 (UK time) on 8th April 2026\nEntry Fee: FREE\nPrizes: Publication in Pitch Mag\, £50 and possible work experience\nWord Limit: 700 to 800 words\nJudges: Guillem Balague\, Pat Nevin\, Natalie Perks\, Paul Simpson\, Jade Craddock\nEligibility: Open to young people aged between 14-21\, attending\nschool\, college or university in the UK\nCategory: Sports Writing Competitions\nCompetition Website: pitch-mag.co.uk/young-sports-journalist-competition\n\nOrganised by Pitch Magazine\, the Pitch Mag Young Sports Journalist Competition 2026 is open to aspiring journalists aged 14 to 21 years old and is split into the following age categories: \n\n14-15 year olds: Is sport damaging athletes’ mental health and well-being?\n16-17 year olds: Is sports betting undermining the integrity of competition?\n18-19 year olds: Should ‘sports-washing’ and sponsorship by ethically questionable bodies be allowed?\n20-21 year olds: How far is too far in cheating\, doping\, and rule bending?\n\nWinning entries will be published online and printed in the Summer Issue of Pitch. Critiqued by the brilliant panel of accomplished judges\, winners will also receive a £50 cash prize and be offered work experience at PITCH HQ.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/pitch-mag-young-sports-journalist-comp/
CATEGORIES:Non-fiction Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260405
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260406
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260101T091152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T102025Z
UID:7530-1775347200-1775433599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:New2theScene Winter Novel Competition 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 5th April 2026\nEntry Fee: £18\nPrizes: A professional line edit on the first 3\,000 words of your submission; a developmental workshop to structure your novel; a podcast interview\, discussing your story\, journey and ambitions; first 3\,000 words published in an anthology; your entry submitted to a literary professional\, bypassing the slush pile; an ‘Origins’ blog\, introducing you to an audience; a relationship with New2theScene – supporting any publication\, introducing you to a community through blogs/posts\, and potential future projects; £50 vouchers for the New2theScene bookstore.\nWord Limit: First 3\,000 words of a novel and a one-page synopsis\nJudge: Guest author\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website: new2thescene.co.uk/competition-information/novel\n\nNew2theScene is a platform for the discovery of new or not yet familiar literary talent. They sell the books of authors who aren’t bestsellers (yet)\, promoting them through their podcast\, articles\, blogs\, social media and so on. Their Novel Competition for unpublished writers will be open to entries from 1st January to 5th April 2026.  \nThe winner will gain a professional line edit on the first 3000 words of their submission; a developmental workshop to structure their novel; a podcast interview\, discussing their story\, journey and ambitions; the first 3\,000 words will also be published in an anthology. On top of that\, the winner’s entry will be submitted to a literary professional\, bypassing the slush pile and an ‘Origins’ blog will be written about the winner\, introducing them to an audience. All that adds up to a fantastic opportunity for a budding novelist.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/new2thescene-novel-competition/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260401
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260402
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20250923T090221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T090909Z
UID:11372-1775001600-1775087999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 1st April 2026\nEntry Fee: FREE\nPrizes: First Prize: $2\,000 plus a two-year gift certificate from co-sponsor\, Duotrope (a $100 value); Second Prize: $500; Third Prize: $250; Honorable Mentions: 10 awards of $100 each; Top 13 entries published online\nWord Limit: 250 lines maximum\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nJudges: Jendi Reiter\, assisted by Lauren Singer\nCompetition Website:  winningwriters.com/our-contests/wergle-flomp-humor-poetry-contest-free\n\nRun by Winning Writers (with co-sponsor\, Duotrope)\, The Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest has been running for a quarter of a century\, and this highly regarded competition offers generous prizes (£3\,750 in total) AND is free to enter.  \nNote that the contest is for humorous poems only – serious poems will not stand a chance of winning so save them for a different contest.  \nThe results for the contest will be announced on 15th August 2026.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/wergle-flomp-humor-poetry-contest/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260401
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260121T144904Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T144904Z
UID:12699-1774915200-1775001599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Cats Protection Cat Tales Short Story Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 31st March 2026\nEntry Fee: £10\nPrizes: An exclusive prize bundle from Cult Pens\, worth up to £350 plus publication in The Cat magazine\nWord Limit: 250 to 1\,000 words\nJudges: Gail Porter\, Matt Richardson\, Jane Fallon\, Anne Twist\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nCompetition Website:  cats.org.uk/shortstory\n\nCats Protection has announced the launch of a national short story competition\, inviting aspiring writers from across the UK to submit imaginative tales that celebrate the unique bond between cats and humans. \nWhether heart-warming\, magical or mysterious\, entries must feature cats at their core and highlight the special connection they share with people. \nStories will be judged by acclaimed authors Jane Fallon and Anne Twist as well as Scottish television presenter and mental health advocate Gail Porter and comedian Matt Richardson. \nThe winning entries will be published in The Cat magazine and showcased on Cats Protection’s website\, offering writers a valuable platform to share their work. \nBoth category winners will also win a goody bag gifted by competition partner\, Cult Pens\, each with a retail value of £350 as well as being offered a visit to a Cats Protection adoption centre to meet the cats awaiting rehoming. \nEligibility\n• Open to residents of England\, Wales\, Scotland and Northern Ireland\n• Entrants must be aged 18 or over\n• Stories must be original and written in English\n• Two categories: children’s literature and adult literature\n• Minimum word count 250 words\, maximum word count: 1\,000 words\n• Stories must use Arial\, 12pt\, be double-spaced and be submitted by a word document or PDF using the entry form with the short story title as the file name\n• One entry per person per category (separate entry fee required) \nAll stories must include or centre around a cat. Writers are encouraged to refer to Cats Protection’s Cat Welfare guidance to ensure responsible representation.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/cats-protection-cat-tales-short-story-competition/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260401
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260109T102756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T103044Z
UID:12579-1774915200-1775001599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:WriteMentor Novel and Picture Book Awards
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on Tuesday 31st March 2026\nEntry Fee: £12\nPrizes: 1st Place: £500 and 45-minute one-to-one consultation with an agent.\nWord Limit: First 3\,000 words of a novel and a one-page synopsis\, or completed manuscript for picture books\nJudges: Picture Book Category Judge – Lorna Hemingway; Children’s Category Judge – Lucy Irvine; Adult Category Judge – Clare Wallace\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website: write-mentor.com/writementor-writing-awards\n\nIn partnership with Darley Anderson Agency\, the WriteMentor 2026 Novel and Picture Book Award is looking for new writing talent in children’s\, young adult\, and adult fiction. Now in its eighth year\, this writing award invites entries worldwide within three categories: Picture Books\, Children’s (Chapter Books\, Middle Grade\, Young Adult)\, and Adult fiction. \nThe winner of each category will receive a £500 cash prize\, a 45-minute one-to-one virtual consultation with the agent judge for that category\, and a one-year free membership to the Hub\, WriteMentor’s online membership platform\, worth £150. The consultation will consist of a 15-minute discussion of the winning entry and 30 minutes for additional questions\, including industry insights and career guidance. \nThe awards offer both a standard entry and a feedback entry.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/writementor-novel-picture-book-awards/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260401
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251103T110947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T135331Z
UID:3781-1774915200-1775001599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Henshaw Press Short Story Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 31 March 2026\nEntry Fee: £6 per entry (additional fee of £14 for a critique)\nPrizes: First prize: £200; second prize: £100; third prize: £50\nWord Limit: 2\,000 words\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nCompetition Website:  henshawpress.co.uk\n\nThe latest Henshaw Press Short Story Competition is open to entries\, with a £6 fee and an optional critique (for an additional fee of £14)\, the top prize is £200\, which is well worth winning. Winning entrants will also be offered the opportunity to have their stories included in the next Henshaw Anthology. Check out the competition website for the various terms and conditions. \nIn 2023 the Henshaw Press Short Story Competition raised £406.39 which was donated for the purchase of books at the Christopher Whitehead Language College and Sixth Form\, Worcester. In 2024\, the competition raised £581.40 for The Burton Borough School\, Newport\, Shropshire. In 2025 the competition raised £364.29 for books for Walton High School\, Stafford.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/henshaw-press-short-story-competition/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260401
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251009T133848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T133848Z
UID:11594-1774915200-1775001599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Fish Poetry Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 31 March 2026\nEntry Fee: €16 (€11 subsequent entries); €45 for optional critique\nPrizes: 1st Place: €1\,000; 2nd: €300 + an online writing course; 3rd: €300\nWord Limit: 60 lines\nJudge:  Billy Collins\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: fishpublishing.com/competition/poetry-contest\n\nThe Fish Flash Fiction Prize\, run by west Ireland-based Fish Publishing\, offers a top prize of €1\,000 and is judged by the poet Billy Collins. The €16 entry fee might seem a little steep\, but subsequent entries cost a little less at €11. There is the option to pay an extra €45 to get a critique of your entry\, if that appeals to you. \nAside from the prizes listed above\, the top 10 stories will be published in the next Fish Anthology\, which is a great way to get your writing out to a wider audience. So if you have written a poem you’re particularly proud of\, the Fish Poetry Prize could be for you.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/fish-poetry-prize/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260328
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260329
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260222T132809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T104301Z
UID:2767-1774656000-1774742399@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (ET) 28th March 2026\nEntry Fee: $25 USD; Additional entries $15\nPrizes: Two to four winners share in the $1\,000 USD total prize pool. 10-20 writers Shortlisted. All entries considered for publication\, and for submission to the Pushcart.\nWord Limit: 5\,000 words\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nCompetition Website: letterreview.com/information/\n\nThe Letter Review Prize is a regular writing competition split into the following categories: Short Fiction\, Poetry\, Nonfiction\, and Manuscripts. It offers cash prizes and publication to the winners. You can access previous winners on the Letter Review site to give you an idea of what floats their boat. The judges will be Kita Das and Dr. Ol James.\nWinning and Shortlisted writers are celebrated via the Letter Review website (400\,000 yearly readers)\, their extensive mailing list\, social media channels (FB 37\,000 members)\, and their Subreddit (12K). Winning entries are also frequently submitted to further prestigious anthologies such as the Pushcart Prize. Winners are invited to participate in our interview series (Writers’ Insight)\, further raising their professional profile.  \nThere are no style\, theme or genre restrictions for the short fiction prize and all entries considered for publication and for submission to the Pushcart Prize and other anthologies.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/letter-review-prize-short-fiction/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260328
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260329
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260221T134134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T105212Z
UID:2775-1774656000-1774742399@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Letter Review Prize for Poetry
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (ET) 28th March 2026\nEntry Fee:  $20; Additional entries $15\nPrizes: Two to four winners share in the $1\,000 USD total prize pool. 10-20 writers Shortlisted. All entries considered for publication\, and for submission to the Pushcart.\nWord Limit: Up to 70 lines\nCategory: Poetry competition\nCompetition Website: letterreview.com/information/\n\nThe Letter Review Prize is a regular writing competition split into the following categories: Short Fiction\, Poetry\, Nonfiction\, Books and Art. It offers cash prizes and publication to the winners. You can access previous winners on the Letter Review site to give you an idea of what floats their boat. The judges will be Kita Das and Dr. Ol James. \nThe Poetry Prize is open to anyone in the world but the entry must not have been traditionally published. The competition is open to all varieties of poetry and there are no style or subject restrictions.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/letter-review-prize-poetry/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260328
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260329
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260220T131528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T105911Z
UID:2755-1774656000-1774742399@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Letter Review Prize for Books
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (ET) 28th March 2026\nEntry Fee:  $30; Additional entries $20\nPrizes: 2-4 Winners are announced who share in the $1000 USD total prize pool. Winners may choose to have an extract published\, and receive a letter of recommendation from our Judges. 10-20 writers are Shortlisted.\nWord Limit: First 5\,000 words of your manuscript or 15 pages of poetry (see Letter Review site for full details)\nCategory: Novel competition / Non-fiction competition / Poetry competition\nCompetition Website: letterreview.com/information/\n\nThe competition is open to anyone in the world. The entry must not have been traditionally published. The competition organisers are seeking all varieties of novels\, short story collections\, nonfiction\, and poetry collections. We will accept manuscripts which are unpublished\, self published\, and some which are indie published. Review the full entry guidelines for further details. You can access previous winners on the Letter Review site to give you an idea of what floats their boat. The judges will be Kita Das and Dr. Ol James. \nThe Book Prize is open to anyone in the world but the entry must not have been traditionally published. The competition is open to all varieties of novels\, short story collections\, nonfiction\, and poetry collections. Manuscripts which are unpublished\, self-published\, and some which are indie published will be accepted. Be sure to refer to the full entry guidelines for further details. Entrants should submit the first 5\,000 words of their manuscript\, whether it be prose or poetry.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/letter-review-prize-books/
CATEGORIES:Non-fiction Competitions,Novel Competitions,Poetry Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260327
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260328
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260120T141141Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T143939Z
UID:12678-1774569600-1774655999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Julia and Martin Wilson Short Story Prize
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 6 pm (UK time) on 27th March 2026\nEntry Fee: £12 per entry for adults; under-16s free\nPrizes: Main prize (adults): £800; Ages 11-16yrs: £100; Age 10 and under: £100\nWord Limit: 2\,000 words\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nCompetition Website:  broadwayartsfestival.com/2026-short-story-competition-entry-form\n\nThe Broadway Arts Festival originally launched the Julia and Martin Wilson Short Story Prize aims to encourage creativity during the lockdown. The prize is generously sponsored and judged by festival Benefactors Julia & Martin Wilson who read every entry received\, from across the world. The competition now takes place every other year. \nEntries need to be a maximum of 2\,000 words with unlimited entries allowed per entrant. No theme to adhere to. The main prize for adults is £800\, while there are £100 prizes for children aged 11-16 years\, and 10 and under.  \nWinners will be announced towards the second week of May. Winning stories will be published on the festival website for all to read & enjoy.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/julia-martin-wilson-short-story-prize/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260323
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260329
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260224T112755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T112755Z
UID:13376-1774224000-1774742399@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Words Unwound: Online Creative Writing Festival 2026
DESCRIPTION:Writing Festival Dates: Monday 23rd March to Saturday 28th March 2026\nFee: Full week: £30 (standard) or £15 (concessions); Individual talks and workshops: £5/£3\nKeynote speaker: Chris Packham – naturalist\, nature photographer\, television presenter and author\nCategory: Writing Courses and Opportunities\nCompetition Website: beyondthespectrum.uk/product/online-festival-2026/\n\nBrought to you by Writing East Midlands’ Beyond the Spectrum programme\, the Words Unwound online creative writing festival workshops for Autistic writers\, the festival starts on Monday 23rd March and finishes Saturday 28th March 2026. \nNote that\, while Words Unwound features many talks\, workshops and panels led by Autistic authors and poets\, with topics that Neurodivergent writers may find particularly interesting\, it is open to all and covers many topics that all writers will find of interest. \nThis year’s theme is Writing as Rest\, celebrating writing as source of creativity and connection\, for telling the stories we want to tell without pressure to be productive and exploring genres and routes to publishing that bring us joy. Words Unwound encourages writers to slow down\, reflect\, and create in their authentic voice. \nIn 2026\, the Keynote Speaker is Chris Packham\, naturalist\, nature photographer\, television presenter and author. Fellow speakers include Kate Oliver\, Charlotte Faulconbridge\, Accessibility Arts\, Emma Pass\, Sabrina Mei-Li Smith\, Claire Thomas-Hawnt\, Antonia King\, Kit Whitfield\, Caroline Stancer\, Suzie Wilson\, Gemma Lees\, K Angel\, Lauren McMenemy\, David Green\, Jess Telling\, Claire Ingham\, Matthew Huntbach and CJ DeBarra. \nWorkshops\, talks and panels will cover subjects such as Radical Rest\, Calming Sensory Overload\, Writing Ourselves into the World\, Sustaining Your Creative Practice\, Autistic Women Writers\, Lore and Order\, Intersectional Identities and Creative Spaces\, Fun With Monsters\, Poetry and Mindfulness\, Submitting to Poetry Magazines\, Why We’re Drawn to Imaginary Worlds\, Self-publishing\, From Page to Stage and Screen and Neurodivergent Stories. \nYou can find out more about each session by browsing the full programme here. All sessions are online\, and those that take place on a weekday are usually scheduled between 1-2 pm or 7-8 pm\, making them easy to tune in to during lunch hours or after dinner. Recordings will also be available to all ticketholders once the festival has concluded.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/words-unwound-online-creative-writing-festival/
CATEGORIES:Courses & Opportunities
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260321
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260322
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260226T143540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T143835Z
UID:13432-1774051200-1774137599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:New Writers Sonnet Competition 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on Saturday 21st March 2026 (World Poetry Day)\nEntry Fee: FREE to newsletter subscribers (which is also free)\nPrizes: 1st Place: £50 plus one free entry to the New Writers 100-Word Writing Competition 2026\nPublication: On the NewWriters.org.uk website and in the next New Writers Anthology\nWord Limit: 14 lines (excluding title)\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nHow to Enter: Sign up to our free monthly newsletter (if you haven’t already)\, and submit your sonnet through the entry form.\n\nTo celebrate World Poetry Day on 21st March\, we welcome entries to the New Writers Sonnet Competition 2026. \nThe competition is FREE to enter\, but entrants must sign up to our NewWriters.org.uk Newsletter\, which is also free (use THIS LINK to sign up if you haven’t already). \nOur monthly newsletter includes details of upcoming writing competitions (including our current 100-Word Writing Competition with a £1\,000 top prize!)\, along with tips and prompts and other news or offers we think might interest writers. We don’t share subscribers’ information with anyone else. \nYour sonnet of 14 lines doesn’t have to strictly adhere to traditional rhyming schemes or stanza lengths\, but it should attempt to fit at least some of the sonnet ‘rules’. \nFor more information of the possible structures a sonnet could take\, check out the Poetry Foundation website and this useful introduction from BBC Bitesize. \nWe’re happy to receive traditional Petrarchan sonnets or English (aka Shakespearean) sonnets\, Equally\, if you want to experiment with the form\, that’s fine too (as long as you stick to 14 lines\, please). \nPlease give your entry a title that isn’t simply ‘Sonnet’\, and please don’t include your name on the entry. One entry per person. \nEntry to this free competition assumes you accept the following terms and conditions: \n\nEntries must be the sole work of the entrant and no AI or similar software may have been used to write it. One entry per person.\nEntries must be unpublished\, either in print or online (including social media).\nEntrants must be aged 18 years or older at the time of entry.\nEntries must be 14 lines and identifiable as a sonnet in some way.\nThe winner of competition will be paid a £50 prize and will receive one free entry to the New Writers 100-Word Writing Competition 2026 (worth £10\, deadline 30th April 2026).\nResults of the competition will be published in the NewWriters.org.uk newsletter no later than 23rd April 2026 (Shakespeare’s birthday). The winning entry will be published on the website soon after and in the next New Writers Anthology.\n\nNew Writers Sonnet Competition 2026 – Entry Form\nYour email *First Name(s) *Last Name *Pen Name or Alias (if applicable)The name you would like us to use if you make the short or longlist (or you win!)Title of Entry *Upload your entry *Choose FileNo file chosenDelete uploaded fileTick to confirm you have read and agree to the competition terms and conditions and that you have signed up to the free New Writers Newsletter. SUBMITPlease do not fill in this field.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/new-writers-sonnet-competition/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260311
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260312
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260212T110518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T110518Z
UID:13317-1773187200-1773273599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Mairtin Crawford Awards for Poetry and Short Story
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 12pm (midday UK time) on Wednesday 11 March 2026\nEntry Fee: £10\nPrizes: The Winner of each Award will receive a £500 cash Prize; In addition\, each Winner can take up time a ‘Time to Write’ package which includes a 3-night stay at a Hotel in Belfast\, and 4 days of dedicated writing space in The Crescent. Two Runners Up for each Category will receive a £250 cash prize.\nWord Limit: Poetry Award: between 3-5 poems of up to 60 lines each. Short Story of up to 2\,500 words.\nCategory: Short Story Competitions / Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website:  belfastbookfestival.com/mairtin-crawford-award\n\nThe Mairtín Crawford Awards are aimed at writers working towards their first full collection of poetry\, short stories\, or a novel. Both published and unpublished writers are invited to submit between 3-5 poems for the poetry award\, and a short story of up to 2\,500 words for the short story award\, with the only stipulation being that they have not yet published a full collection of poetry\, short stories\, or a novel. \nThe Winner of each Award will receive a £500 cash Prize. In addition\, each Winner can take up time a ‘Time to Write’ package which includes a 3-night stay at a Hotel in Belfast\, and 4 days of dedicated writing space in The Crescent. Two Runners Up for each Category will receive a £250 cash prize. \nJudging the 10th Mairtín Crawford Poetry Award will be: Kathleen McCracken and Dawn Watson. With support from Milena Williamson. Whilst the 9th Short Story Award will be judged by: Lucy Caldwell (Chair) and Wendy Erskine with support from Riley Johnston. The Patron of the Awards is Moyra Donaldson. The organisers offer thanks to the supporters of the 2026 Awards: Hastings Hotels and No Alibis Bookshop.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/mairtin-crawford-awards-poetry-short-story/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions,Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mairtin-Crawford-Awards-for-Poetry-and-Short-Story.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260302
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260303
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260104T144042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T145633Z
UID:4663-1772409600-1772495999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Brick Lane Bookshop Short Story Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 5 pm (UK time) on Monday 2nd March 2026\nEntry Fee: £10 per entry\nPrizes: 1st Place: £1\,000; 2nd: £500; 3rd: £250\nWord Limit: 1\,000 to 3\,500 words\nEligibility: Stories can be submitted from writers based in the UK and Ireland\nJudges: Andrew Porter (author of The Imagined Life)\, Shani Akilah (author of For Such a Time as This) and Ludo Cinelli (agent at Eve White Agency)\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nCompetition Website:  bricklanebookshop.org/2026-short-story-prize\n\nRun by Brick Lane Bookshop\, this well-established short story competition has great cash prizes and the twelve shortlisted stories will feature in the Brick Lane Bookshop Short Story Prize 2026 anthology.  \nThe judging team consists of:\n– Shani Akilah\, a Black British Caribbean writer and screenwriter from Woolwich. She is a book influencer\, co-founded the Nyah Network\, a book club for Black women\, and was a literary judge for the Nota Bene Prize 2023. Shani has a Masters degree in African Studies from Oxford University. Her debut short story collection ‘For Such A Time As This’ was published in June 2024.\n– Andrew Porter\, the author of four books\, including the story collections The Disappeared (Knopf) and The Theory of Light and Matter (Vintage) and the novels In Between Days (Knopf) and The Imagined Life (Knopf\, 2025). A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop\, he has received a Pushcart Prize\, a James Michener/Copernicus Fellowship\, and the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction.\n– Ludo Cinelli\, an Agent and the Managing Director at Eve White Literary Agency. He represents fiction\, non-fiction and children’s authors across genres. The work he loves might challenge him with their ideas and style\, but they might also be a simple story beautifully told\, or just incredibly fun. He takes pride in building strong\, long-lasting relationships with clients and publishing colleagues alike. \nSeveral free entries are available to those on a low income. See the competition site for details. Be sure to read and adhere to the terms of this competition (for instance entries must be in PDF format).
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/brick-lane-bookshop-short-story-prize/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Brick-Lane.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260301
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260302
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260104T095330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T111652Z
UID:6833-1772323200-1772409599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:New2theScene Winter Short Story Competition 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 1st March 2026 (opens 1st January 2026)\nEntry Fee: £5\nPrizes: First prize: Interview for the New2theScene podcast; £50 New2theScene vouchers; ‘Spotlight author’ and winner’s blog\, with the story featured on the New2theScene website and 2026 anthology; Notable mentions: £15 New2theScene vouchers; possible publication in anthology\nWord Limit: 4\,000 words\nTheme/Genre: Any – let your imagination free!\nJudge: Guest author\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nCompetition Website: new2thescene.co.uk/new2thecomp\n\nNew2theScene is a platform for the discovery of new or not yet familiar literary talent. They sell the books of authors who aren’t bestsellers (yet)\, promoting them through their podcast\, articles\, blogs\, social media and so on. Their Winter Short Story Competition for unpublished writers will be open to entries from 1st January to 1st March 2026. Although the cash prize isn’t as big as some out there\, the winner will also be interviewed on the New2theScene podcast and given exposure on the socials\, so it could be a great opportunity to get your writing out there.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/new2thescene-winter-short-story-competition/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/New2theScene.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260228
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260301
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251009T030035Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T133300Z
UID:901-1772236800-1772323199@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Fish Flash Fiction Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 28 February 2026\nEntry Fee: €16 (€11 subsequent entries); €45 for optional critique\nPrizes: 1st Place: €1\,000; 2nd: €300 + an online writing course; 3rd: €300\nWord Limit: 300\nJudge: Tania Hershman\nCategory: Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website: fishpublishing.com/competition/flash-fiction-contest/\n\nThe Fish Flash Fiction Prize\, run by west Ireland-based Fish Publishing\, offers a top prize of €1\,000 and is judged by the brilliant Tania Hershman. Although the €16 entry fee is towards the top end for flash fiction contests\, subsequent entries will cost a little less at €11. There is also the option to pay an extra €45 to get a critique of your entry\, if that floats your boat. \nAside from the prizes listed above\, the top 10 stories will be published in the next Fish Anthology\, which is a great way to get your writing out to a wider audience. So if you fancy trying your hand at a spot of flash fiction\, the Fish Flash Fiction Prize is certainly worth entering. \n 
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/fish-flash-fiction-prize/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Fishing-Short-Story-Prize.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260228
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260301
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20250921T082154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T130759Z
UID:7002-1772236800-1772323199@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Canterbury Tales Writing Competition 2025/26
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: Midnight (UK time) on 28 February 2026\nEntry Fee: FREE\nPrizes: For entrant: 1st £300\, 2nd £150\, 3rd £100 (Prizes for entrant’s school library: 1st £1000\, 2nd £500\, 3rd £250)\nWord Limit: 500 words\nTheme/Genre: Happily ever after?\nEligibility: The three age groups are: Junior – 5-10 years old\, Intermediate – 11-14 years old\, Senior – 15-18 years old\nCategory: Story/Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: chaucer.org.uk/canterbury-tales-writing-competition-2025-26-happily-ever-after\n\nThis competition is organised by The Chaucer Heritage Trust (which was founded in 1992 and aims to further interest\, understanding and appreciation of the works of Geoffrey Chaucer\, his life and times\, and influence).  \nThe special theme of the competition this year is ‘Happily ever after?’ and the competition is open to all students of school age including not only those in schools and college communities\, but also students who are home educated and in any other young people’s community organisations. The three age groups are: Junior – 5-10 years old\, Intermediate – 11-14 years old\, Senior – 15-18 years old (based on the entrant’s age on 28 February 2026). \nEntrants should invoke the spirit of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and must choose ONE of the following:\n– Write a poem or story that ends happily\n– Write a poem or story that ends happily\, but not for everyone\n– Write a description (in verse or prose) of a character who comes to a bad end \nMore details available on the competition site.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/canterbury-tales-writing-competition/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions,Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pexels-pixabay-207636.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260227
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260228
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260120T144755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T144755Z
UID:12683-1772150400-1772236799@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Story Star Standard's Founding Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on Friday 27th February 2026\nEntry Fee: Free\nPrizes: Several prizes including a full professional book review\, an official Story Star Standard star rating\, and a permanent listing within our website’s Indie Book Catalogue (see competition site for full details)\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website: thestorystarstandard.com/launch-competition\n\nCompetition Details\nHosted by The Story Star Standard\, the Founding Competition is designed to highlight high-quality indie books in today’s crowded market. Indie authors who have published a book (whether as recently as this year or as long ago as a decade or more)\, as well as those scheduled within the next six months are invited to submit 10\,000 words of their manuscript along with a synopsis.  \nFrom these submissions\, a selection of authors will be invited to submit their full manuscript. From this group\, the chosen winners will receive a full\, in-depth professional review\, a Story Star badge\, a permanent place on The Story Star Standard’s Indie Book Catalogue\, and they will be featured on The Story Star Standard’s platform in whichever format the author is most comfortable with: from written blog posts to interviews. One title among the winners will be named the Winner of The Story Star Standard Founding Competition.  \nAll authors must be indie published\, either through self-publishing or a small press. Any word counts and genres are welcome\, with the exception of non-fiction\, children’s books\, and poetry. All work must be human-written and we the competition does not accept A.I. work.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/story-star-standard-competition/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Story-Star.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260227
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260228
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251020T094631Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T084719Z
UID:11685-1772150400-1772236799@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Classical Association Verse and Voice Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23:59 (GMT) on Friday 27 February 2026\nEntry Fee:  FREE\nPrizes: Share of £2\,000 prize money\nWord Limit: 1\,000 words\nTheme/Genre: Inspired by classical objects from Sir John Soane’s Museum\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: classicalassociation.org/verse-and-voice-competition\n\nThe Classical Association is delighted to be working in collaboration with Sir John Soane’s Museum in London to open entries for our 2026 Verse and Voice Competition\, which is free for everyone to enter\, of any age\, across the world. Explore the fascinating classical objects in the Sir John Soane collection and be creatively inspired to submit your poems and spoken word pieces! \nEntries must not have been previously published or accepted for publication in print or online by a third party. Selected entries may be published on the competition website. \nNote that there are three age categories:\n– Junior: aged 11 and under\n– Senior: aged 12-18\n– Open: aged 19 and above \nEntries can be submitted as Verse (written poem) or Voice (spoken word): \nVerse (Written Poem) Category \n\nYou must be inspired by one or more of the ten inspiration objects.\nThere is no specific prompt or any restriction upon the style of your poem. Be creative!\nPoems must not exceed 1000 words in length.\n\nVoice (Spoken Word) Category \n\nYou must be inspired by one or more of the ten inspiration objects.\nYour spoken word piece must not exceed 8 minutes in length.\nYou must upload your video to YouTube unlisted.\nIn the description box of your video you must state the following: ‘this is an entry for the 2026 CA Competition and the views and opinions in this work are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of The Classical Association or Sir John Soane’s Museum’.\n\nThere are two fantastic judges for the competition: Helen Dorey\, MBE – Deputy Director and Inspectress of Sir John Soane’s Museum\, and Barney Norris – Award-winning writer.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/classical-association-verse-voice-competition/
LOCATION:VirtualLocation
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Verse-and-Voice.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260222
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260223
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20260209T103218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T145732Z
UID:2324-1771718400-1771804799@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Limnisa Short Story Competition 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 on 22 February 2026\nEntry Fee: €10 (£8.50)\nPrizes: Winner: 1st Place: Free Week at Limnisa Writing Retreat; 2nd Place: 50% off a stay\, 3rd Place: 25% off.\nWord Limit: 1\,500 words\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nTheme: A line from “On This Land” by Mahmoud Darwish\nCompetition Website:  limnisa.com/competition-2026\n\nLimnisa is a writing retreat in Greece who have been running for over 15 years\, helping writers find space and time to work on their projects. Located in a quiet villa next to the sea\, Limnisa provides food\, board and quiet time for writers to work in the sun\, along with ample opportunity to meet other writers and artists and share their craft.\nWith a thriving international community of writers\, Limnisa is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets\, and perfect for the overwhelmed artist looking for a space to relax and dedicate themselves to their craft.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/limnisa-short-story-competition/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Limnisa-short-story-competition-e1770821825609.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260215
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260216
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251119T105106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T133751Z
UID:3955-1771113600-1771199999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:3-Minute Writing Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 15th February 2026\nEntry Fees: £6 for first entry\, £3 for subsequent entries (in the same category)\nPrizes: £70 plus winning entries will be performed at the Mini-Arts Festival in Glaisdale\nWord Limit: Three minutes/500 words or fewer (excluding title)\nCategory: Song/Play/Story Competitions\nCompetition Website: 3-minutearts.uk/writing-competition\n\nThe 3-Minute Arts Writing Competition is seeking stories\, plays or songs that last three minutes. The winning entries will be performed at Glaisdale’s 3-Minute Arts Fest\, and the cash part of the prize will be £70. This could be a fun and interesting way to get your work performed rather than simply published\, so get involved. \nNote that the judges for the competition are: Lydia Reid – story\, Martin Vander Weyer – drama\, story\, Lisa Williams – drama\, story\, Mark Stratton – drama\, Maddy Prior – song\, Sarah Dew – song\, Angela Hannaford – song\, Mark Goodall – song.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/3-minute-writing-competition/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions,Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/3-Minute-Writing-Competition.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251127T101023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251127T101023Z
UID:12237-1769904000-1769990399@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Claret Press Short Story Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 1st February 2026\nEntry Fee: £5 per entry\nPrizes: 1st Place: £50\, 2nd Place: £30\, 3rd Place: £20\nPublication: Claret Press website and Sip of Claret News Newsletter\nTheme: Today’s Politics\nWord Limit: 5\,000 words\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nJudges:  Tessa Glover\, Katie Isbester and Ann Whitehead\nCompetition Website: claretpress.com/short-story-competition\n\nCompetition Details\nClaret Press\, an independent publisher based in London\, England\, is looking for short stories centred around ‘Today’s Politics’. \nIf you’re not used to writing political fiction\, don’t worry! This broad topic encompasses everything from the right to protest\, LQBTQ+ issues\, feminism\, housing\, medical care\, the economy. \nThe deadline is 1st February 2026\, and the entry fee is £5. Winners will receive £50 (first place)\, £30 (second place) and £25 (third place)\, and have their story published on the Claret Press website and in the Claret Press newsletter\, which has over 700 highly-engaged subscribers.\nThis competition is open globally\, although each submission is expected to be written in English.  \nGood luck!
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/claret-press-short-story-competition/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Claret-Press-Short-Story-Competition-e1764238201287.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251114T124429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T144950Z
UID:7220-1769904000-1769990399@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Latin Programme Poetry Prize VI
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 1st February 2026\nSuggested Entry Fee:  £14\nPrizes: Winner: £200; All shortlisted poems will be included in our Poetry Prize Anthology.\nLine Limit: 40 lines max\nTheme: ‘All roads via Rome’\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: thelatinprogramme.co.uk/poetryprize-vi\n\nThis is the sixth annual poetry prize organised by The Latin Programme – a charity promoting the learning of Latin in schools. The winner of the competition will earn £200 and all shortlisted poems will be included in our Poetry Prize Anthology. They will also be invited to share their work at a prize giving event. \nNote that the prompt for the competition – ‘All roads via Rome’ – can be interpreted as you see fit. Entries are not required to reference Latin or the ancient world specifically. Although words or phrases in other languages are permitted\, entries should be written predominantly in English. The prize is open to adults (18+). \nCheck the competition site for further details.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/latin-programme-poetry-prize/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Latin-Programme-Poetry-Prize-VI.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260131
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260201
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251124T101355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251127T100307Z
UID:7418-1769817600-1769903999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bristol Short Story Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: Midnight (UK time) on 31 January 2026\nEntry Fee: £14 per entry\nPrizes: 1st prize £1\,500\, 2nd prize £500\, 3rd prize £250; each of the 12 remaining shortlisted writers will receive £50\nWord Limit: 4\,000 words (no minimum\, title not included in the word count)\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nJudges: Jan Carson\, Kate Johnson\, and Peace Adzo Medie\nCompetition Website: bssp.blogs.bristol.ac.uk\n\nCompetition Details\nThe Bristol Short Story Prize is now open and accepting entries from writers around the globe. It has been running for 16 years and was previously under the direction of coordinator Joe Melia. As of 2024\, it has been under the direction of Dr Carrie Etter of the Department of English at the University of Bristol. The top prize is £1\,500\, with £500 for second and £250 for third. All shortlisted entries will receive £50\, be published in the print anthology and receive a free copy.  \nThe judges for the 2026 competition are:\n– Daisy Johnson is the author of Fen\, Everything Under\, Sisters and The Hotel. Her short story collection Fen was the winner of the 2017 Edge Hill prize.\n– Celeste Mohammed is the author of the novels-in-stories Ever Since We Small and Pleasantview which won the 2022 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature.\n– Claire Carroll writes about the intersection of nature\, technology\, and desire. She is also a PhD researcher at Bath Spa and Exeter Universities\, where she explores how experimental writing – particularly short stories – can reimagine how humans relate to the natural and non-human world.\n– Zakiya McKenzie is a Senior Research Associate in creative research methods in the University of Bristol’s History Department\, working the project ‘Plants\, Enslavement and Public History’.\n– Michael Kalisch teaches American literature at Bristol. He is the author of The Politics of Male Friendship in Contemporary American Fiction (Manchester UP\, 2021) and The Midcentury Minor Novel: American Literature\, 1945-1965 (Edinburgh UP\, 2024).  \nEntries can be submitted online or by post\, although online is recommended. The entry fee is £14 per story\, with up to 50 low-income entries available each month.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bristol-short-story-prize/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/anthologies-inc-16-landscape-e1733222111503.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260131
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260201
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251107T104906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T104623Z
UID:11979-1769817600-1769903999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Parracombe Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 31 January 2026\nEntry Fee: £5 per entry\nPrizes: 1st Place £150; 2nd Place £50; 2 x 3rd Place £25; local writer £50\nPublication: Parracombe Prize Anthology 2026\nWord Limit: 2\,026 words\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nCompetition Website:  prize.parracombe.org.uk\n\nRun by the Parracombe Community Trust\, the Parracombe Prize 2026 is a short story competition that started small and went global\, and is now in its sixth year. With the Parracombe Prize\, no writer gets overlooked. Every submitted story is read by a panel of judges\, which includes published writers. Longlisted entries are re-read twice more and those in line for publication are debated\, dissected and discussed at length. \nAll profits are funnelled towards good causes in a small corner of Exmoor. The anthology of the judges’ 35 favourite stories will be launched at Parracombe’s annual arts and literary festival in May 2026 and will be available from their website\, in the community shop and on Amazon. \nCheck the competition website for the full details.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/parracombe-prize/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tree_logo.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260119
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260120
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251124T133836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T091500Z
UID:3753-1768780800-1768867199@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Page Is Printed 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on Monday 19th January 2026\nEntry Fee: £5 for one entry\, £10 for three (FREE for under 18s)\nPrizes: First prize (adults): £100 voucher; First prize (under 18s): £25 voucher\nWord Limit: Single side of A4\nCompetition Website: tacchi-morris.com/the-page-is-printed\n\nThe Page is Printed creative writing competition is run by the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre in Taunton\, Somerset\, and is different to most writing competitions in that it accepts any type of writing as long as it fits on a single side of A4. So whether you want to write prose\, poetry\, script\, a confession\, a love letter or anything else\, this could be the perfect competition for you. \nNote that there is a fee for entries from adults\, but those aged under 18 can enter for free. There is an Open prize and an additional prize for resident of Somerset. Entry to the competition also entitles you to one free tickets for the Celebration Evening on 15th February 2025\, at which the winners to the competition will be announced. There is also an additional prize of £25 for the “Best on the Night”. \nThere are four categories\, each with their own prizes: \n– The Somerset Prize (£100 voucher to Uk.Bookshop.org) is awarded to the best submission from a Somerset based writer. There is also an under 18’s version of this category with a £25 voucher prize available.\n– The Open Prize (£100 voucher to Uk.Bookshop.org for UK based winners\, or Waterstones.com for overseas winners) is awarded to the best submission regardless of the writer’s geographic location. Again\, there is a separate under 18’s version of this category with a £25 voucher prize. \nThe competition is assessed by a panel of judges\, which includes local award-winning poet Graeme Ryan.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/page-is-printed-competition/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions,Non-fiction Competitions,Poetry Competitions,Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/The-Page-is-Printed-2026-Creative-Writing-Competition.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260105
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260106
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251019T130027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T101941Z
UID:6548-1767571200-1767657599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Marlowe and Christie Novel Prize
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 5th January 2025\nEntry Fee: £19 Early Bird Entry (until 5th November 2025) then £24 for standard entry (until 5th January 2026). Feedback options available.\nPrizes: Winner: £1\,200/$1\,600; Top Three: Feedback from Alec Shane\, literary agent with Writers House\, Jenny Hewson\, literary agent from Lutyens & Rubinstein\, and Guest Reviewer Katie Seaman\, Developmental Editor and Former Commissioning Editor at HQ. The ten shortlisted entries will receive written feedback from Patrick Gleeson.\nWord Limit: Up to 3\,000 words from the opening of your novel\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website:  marloweandchristie.com\n\nThe Marlowe and Christie Novel Prize is open to unpublished novelists and is seeking the opening 3\,000 words from your novel. Entries can be on any subject and in any style or genre. DEADLINE AND FEE: Early-Bird Deadline 5th November 2025: £19.00; Final Deadline 5th January 2026: £24.00. Entrants will be notified of the results by 5th April. \nThe head judge is Patrick Gleeson\, author of Hattie Brings the House Down\, published in 2024 by Bedford Square Publishers\, who will be giving feedback on each of the 10 shortlisted entries. The top three entries will also receive feedback from Alec Shane\, literary agent with Writers House\, Jenny Hewson\, literary agent from Lutyens & Rubinstein and Guest Reviewer Katie Seaman\, Developmental Editor and Former Commissioning Editor at HQ. \nIn addition to the standard entry option\, there are several entry options that include feedback (for additional fees): Bronze (with one paragraph of feedback)\, Silver (with one page of feedback)\, and Gold (with one page of feedback and a 20-minute Zoom call). You see the full details on the competition site.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/marlowe-christie-novel-prize/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260102
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251110T104043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T104043Z
UID:12037-1767225600-1767311999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Exeter Novel Prize
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 1st January 2026\nEntry Fee: £20\nPrizes: First prize: £1\,000; five finalists receive £100\nWord Limit: Up to 10\,000 words plus synopsis\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nHead Judge: Hellie Ogden – Literary Agent\nCompetition Website:  wordkitchen.org.uk/exeter-novel-prize\n\nThe Exeter Novel Prize is international and open to writers who are not represented by an agent.\nEntries should submitted via the submission page in the Word Kitchen website. Entries cost £20. There is also the option – for an extra fee – to receive a detailed appraisal of your submission (cost: £150 for entry fee and appraisal.) \nThe first prize is £1\,000 and five runners up each receive £100. The word limit for entries is 10\,000 words plus a short synopsis. The novel should not have been published by a traditional publishing house.  \nThe winners will be chosen by Hellie Ogden Head Of The Book Dept at WME literary agency. Any queries should be sent to: wordkitchencomms@gmail.com.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/exeter-novel-prize/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251231
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260101
DTSTAMP:20260422T022412
CREATED:20251007T114848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T135522Z
UID:397-1767139200-1767225599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Moth Poetry Prize 2025
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 31 December 2025\nEntry Fee: €16 per poem\nPrizes: 1st Place: €6\,000; 3x runner-up prizes of €1\,000; 8x prizes of €250 for commended poems\nLine Limit: No limit\nJudge: Ishion Hutchinson (winner of numerous poetry prizes and Professor in the Humanities at Cornell University in New York)\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: themothmagazine.com\n\nCompetition Details\nThe Moth Poetry Prize offers a whopping €6\,000 prize\, which is one of the biggest out there for a single poem. There are also three runners-up prizes of €1\,000 and eight prizes of €250 for commended poems.  \nThe competition is open to poems that have never been published\, self-published\, published online or broadcast. Unlike many poetry competitions\, there is no line limit\, and poems can be about any subject you like. \nThe judge for the competition is Ishion Hutchinson\, who is the author of three poetry collections\, is a recipient of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry\, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature and the Windham-Campbell Prize for Poetry\, among others. He is Professor in the Humanities at Cornell University in New York and recently published his essay collection\, Fugitive Tilts\, which New York Magazine described as ‘thrilling’. \nThere’s no specific time given for the close of entries on 31 December 2025\, so don’t leave it until the last minute. The cost to enter is €16 per poem and you need to make the payment through PayPal.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/moth-poetry-prize/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
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