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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for NewWriters.org.uk
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260129T101720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T152545Z
UID:8475-1769904000-1777593599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:New Writers 100-Word Writing Competition 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on Thursday 30th April 2026\nEntry Fee: £10 for one entry\, £18 for two entries\, £26 for three entries\nPrizes: 1st Place: £1\,000; 4x Runners-up prizes of £100 each; top five entries will be published online\nWord Limit: 100 words (excluding title)\nCharity: 10% of entry fee proceeds will be donated to Duchenne UK\nJudges: Editorial team at NewWriters.org.uk\nEligibility: Open to poetry or prose from writers aged 18 or above based anywhere in the world\nCompetition Page: newwriters.org.uk/100-word-competition\n\nThe New Writers 100-Word Writing Competition 2026 is seeking imaginative\, thought-provoking stories or poems of up to 100 words. With an increased prize fund of £1\,400 and the top five entries getting published on the website and in a future New Writers Anthology\, this is a great competition for new and experienced writers alike. \nThe winner will be awarded £1\,000\, while four runners-up will be awarded £100 each. \n \nAlso\, 10% of the proceeds of the competition will donated to Duchenne UK\, the UK’s leading charity seeking a cure and effective treatments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). So even if you don’t win\, you’ll still be contributing to a good cause. \nIn addition\, the New Writers Editor\, David Hanson\, is undertaking a sponsored 200-mile London to Paris cycle ride (the Duchenne Dash) to raise additional funds for the charity. If you’d like to support the charity (and encourage his efforts)\, please check out his Just Giving page HERE. Any donations would be massively appreciated. \nWe 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 (up to 22nd April 2026). Please see the terms and conditions for details. \nSo if you’d like the chance to win up to £500 for (up to) 100 words\, get involved.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/100-word-writing-competition/
LOCATION:VirtualLocation
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions,Poetry Competitions,Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Long-Logo1-e1740652090620.png
ORGANIZER;CN="New Writers UK":MAILTO:competitions@newwriters.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270201
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260203T140123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T140215Z
UID:13246-1769990400-1801439999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Story Glory Short Story Contest
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: Last day of each month\nEntry Fee: Free\nPrizes: A book or book voucher\nWord Limit: 300 to 1\,200 words\nCategory: Short Story Competitions / Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website:  storyglory.co.uk\n\nThe Story Glory Short Story Contest is a montly writing competition for fiction stories of between 300 and 1\,200 words. The theme varies each month\, it could be one word\, could be a title or a line of dialogue. The contest opens on the first of each month and closes on the final day of each month. The results will be announced by the 10th of the following month. \nIt is free to enter and the winner will win a book or a book voucher. Entrants must create a free account on the website to take part.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/story-glory-short-story-contest/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions,Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Story-Glory-e1770127191375.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260423
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260424
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20250104T084629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T162530Z
UID:2190-1776902400-1776988799@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:FFF Competition Thirty-Three
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 10 pm (UK time) on Thursday 23rd April 2026\nEntry Fee: £4.95 per entry (PayPal/Stripe) or £3.50 per entry via BACS (UK bank account)\nPrizes: Winner: £200; 2x Highly Commended: £100; 3x Shortlisted: £88 (all winners will receive publication)\nWord Limit: 300 maximum\, 100 minimum (excluding title)\nJudge: TBC\nCategory: Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website: freeflashfiction.com/current-competition\n\nOrganised by freeflashfiction.com\, the latest FFF Competition offers an increased top prize of £200 and a very reasonable entry fee (especially if you pay by BACS from a UK bank account). There are also two highly commended and three shortlist prizes up for grabs. \nNote that Free Flash Fiction always accept submissions of flash fiction – if accepted they are published and can be read for free. For general submissions the upper word limit is 500\, but for the competitions it is 300 (so don’t overshoot!).
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/fff-flash-fiction-competition/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FFFWhite52.14.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260425
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260426
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260330T095738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T095738Z
UID:13760-1777075200-1777161599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Northern Publishers' Fair 2026
DESCRIPTION:Event Date: 11am – 3:30pm on Saturday 25th Apr 2026\nEvent Location: Manchester Central Library\, St Peter’s Square\, Manchester\, M2 5PD\nEntry Fee: FREE or £7 for entry\, a ‘Reading is Resistance’ Tote bag and two mystery books\nCategory: Writing Courses and Opportunities\nCompetition Website: fly-on-the-wall-press.eventcube.io/events/93203/northern-publishers-fair-2026/\n\nHosted by Arvon\, the award-winning Manchester-based publisher\, the Northern Publishers’ Fair 2026 is designed to allow independent and trade publishers from the North of England to gather to sell books\, network with the future generation of publishers\, and meet writers and readers. \nWith space for reading and coffee\, the fair is the perfect place to grab a book that offers something different to mainstream bookshop offerings\, and a fab place to get an idea of just what the North has to offer. The fair welcomes families\, students\, readers and writers to come be part of the fun.  \nWith new publishers and their popular chatty table to chat with agents and development agencies about your writing career\, the Northern Publishers’ Fair could be particularly useful for new and aspiring authors. \nFrom trade to independent publishing\, this book fair showcases what the North does best – you’ll find a treasure trove of books from literary fiction\, genre fiction\, translated books\, non fiction\, children’s\, memoir\, essays\, short stories and poetry.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/northern-publishers-fair/
CATEGORIES:Courses & Opportunities
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Northern-Publishers-Fair-2026.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260426
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260427
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260405T130819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T153732Z
UID:3979-1777161600-1777247999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 11.59pm (AEDT) Sunday 26th April 2026\nEntry Fees: AU$35 per entry (PayPal) (approximately £17)\nPrizes: Total prize pool: AU$4\,000 (everyone on the shortlist wins a cash prize); Winner: AU$1\,500; 2nd place: AU$1\,000; 3rd place: AU$500; 4th place: AU$350; 5th place: AU$250; 6th place: AU$200; 2 x Wildcard prizes: AU$100 (all winners also receive print publication in the Not Quite Write anthology and are read aloud on the podcast)\nWord Limit: 500 words or fewer (excluding title)\nJudges: Ed and Amanda (Hosts of the Not Quite Write Podcast)\nCategory: Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website: notquitewritepodcast.com/prize\n\nThe Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction is different to most flash fiction competitions for various reasons. Firstly\, you have only two days in which to write your 500-word story. Secondly\, instead of just one prompt\, there are two… plus an additional anti-prompt\, which urges you to break a specific ‘rule’ of writing. This will either get your creative juices flowing or have you tearing your hair out\, but we are really drawn to the originality of the competition… and indeed the AU$4\,000 in cash prizes available! \nThere’s an option to purchase a critique if you so wish\, and even an option to have your entry read on the podcast with an on-air critique (of you’re feeling brave). So if you want to test yourself in a time-specific competition that forces to your work within set parameters\, this could be the contest for you.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/not-quite-write-prize-flash-fiction/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Not-Quite-Write-Flash-Fiction-Competition.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260428
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260429
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260407T101045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T101705Z
UID:5320-1777334400-1777420799@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Jane Austen Literacy Foundation Writing Competition 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 28 April 2026\nEntry Fee: FREE\nPrizes: The winning story will be recorded as an audiobook and published worldwide\nWord Limit: 1\,000 to 2\,000 words\nTheme: A Story Worth Telling\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nCompetition Website:  janeaustenlf.org/writing-competition-entry-2026\n\nThe Jane Austen Literacy Foundation Writing Competition 2026 is open to entries of between 1\,000 and 2\,000 words on the theme of ‘A Story Worth Telling’. The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation panel of judges will select a short list of ten stories from all of the eligible entries received and three winning stories will be selected from the shortlist by our special panel of judges including founder & chair of the foundation\, Caroline Jane Knight\, the lead judge\, author Jane MacKenzie and Helena Kelly\, author of ‘Jane Austen\, The Secret Radical’. \nThe three winning stories are published on the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation website and promoted to the organisation’s subscribers and on social media (with the author identities kept confidential) for a ten-day public vote\, to select our overall winner.  \nThe winner will be announced at The Knight Family Picnic with Jane Austen’s Family\, in the grounds of Chawton House on Sunday 21st June 2026. The winner will also be announced on the website and social media. The three winning stories will be recorded as an audiobook and published worldwide. \nThe competition is open to everyone around the world (aged 16+). The competition is judged in two categories — new fiction writers and experienced fiction writers (see Entry Guidelines on the competition website for details).
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/jane-austen-literacy-foundation-competition/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2026-Writing-Competition-Launch-Image-e1775643103986.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260430
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260224T173211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T141435Z
UID:8426-1777507200-1777593599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Ware Poets Open Poetry Competition 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: Midnight (UK time) on 30th April 2025\nEntry Fee: £5 per poem\nPrizes: First prize £1\,000\, Second prize £500\, Third prize £200\, Sonnet prize £200\, Local prize: £200 (resident of Herts or Essex)\nWord Limit: 50 lines maximum\nJudge: Keith Jarrett\, multiple poetry slam champion\, writer and teacher of poetry\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: warepoets.org/competition-2026\n\nThe Ware Poets 28th annual Open Poetry Competition is open to entries of up to 50 lines. The winning poem will be awarded £1\,000 and entered for the Forward Prize. There are also prizes for second (£500)\, third (£200)\, and the best sonnet (£200)\, as well as a prize for the best poem from a for a poem by a resident of Hertfordshire or Essex (£200). All prize-winning and commended poets will be invited to read their poem at an informal\, celebratory prize-giving event.  \nThis year’s judge is Keith Jarrett. A multiple poetry slam champion\, he was selected for the International Literary Showcase as an outstanding LGBT writer. His poem\, ‘From the Log Book’\, was projected onto St. Paul’s Cathedral. His play\, Safest Spot in Town\, was performed at the Old Vic and aired on BBC Four.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/ware-poets-competition/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ware-Poets-Open-Poetry-Competition-2026-scaled-e1772028748566.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260430
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260312T085529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T155252Z
UID:3518-1777507200-1777593599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 30th April 2026\nEntry Fees: $15 per entry\nPrizes: 1st place: $1\,000 + a 2-year Duotrope Gift Certificate\nWord Limit: 100 words or fewer (including title)\nCategory: Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website: tadpolepress.com/100-word-writing-contest\n\nThe Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest offers one hell of a cash prize for so few words\, this is a great opportunity for fans of flash (or\, more accurately micro) fiction. You can write on any theme but note that – unlike many competitions – the title of your story IS included in the word count. And with just 100 words to play with\, you will have to be selective and very efficient. \nThe prizes for their 2026 contest are sponsored by Duotope and are as follows:  \n1st place: $1\,000 USD + a 2-year Duotrope Gift Certificate ($100 USD value)\n2nd place: Publishing and marketing package with Compassiviste Publishing ($6\,000 USD value)\n3rd place: Manuscript assessment package with Compassiviste Publishing ($1\,500-$3\,000 USD value)\n4th place: Editing package with Tadpole Press ($1\,500 USD value)\n5th & 6th place: Writing coaching package with Tadpole Press ($500 USD value)\n7th to 10th place: $200 USD\n11th to 15th place: $150 USD\n16th to 20th place: $100 USD\n21st to 30th place: $50 USD \nCheck out the full details on the Tadpole Press site\, but in their guidance\, they say: “Pieces will be judged on creativity\, uniqueness\, and how the story captures a new angle\, breaks through stereotypes\, and expands our beliefs about what’s possible or unexpectedly delights us. In addition\, we are looking for writing that is clever or unique\, inspires us\, and crafts a compelling and complete story.”
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/tadpole-press-100-word-writing-contest/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Tadpole-Press.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260502
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260330T101607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T135403Z
UID:4200-1777593600-1777679999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Alpine Fellowship Poetry Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 1st May 2026\nEntry Fee:  £10 per entry\nPrizes: 1st Place: £3\,000; 2nd: £1\,000; 3rd: £1\,000\nWord Limit: 500 words\nTheme: JOY\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website:  alpinefellowship.com/poetry-prize\n\nThis amazing free-to-enter poetry competition from the Alpine Fellowship is open to poems (or collections of poems) of up to 500 words. It is also open to all nationalities\, though applicants must be aged 18 or above at the time of entry and all entries must be written in English. Applicants can only enter one of the prizes and are limited to one entry per person.  \nNote that the winner and runners-up will receive cash prizes and will be invited to attend the Alpine Fellowship’s annual symposium. The organisation will offer up to £500 travel expenses to help with travel to the event and meals and accommodation during the symposium dates are also covered. \nThe Alpine Fellowship Poetry Prize 2026 will be awarded for the best poetic response on the theme of JOY.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/alpine-fellowship-writing-poetry-prize/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Alpine-Fellowship-Prize.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260502
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260331T100410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T134805Z
UID:4193-1777593600-1777679999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 1st May 2026\nEntry Fee:  £10 per entry\nPrizes: 1st Place: £3\,000; 2nd: £1\,000; 3rd: £1\,000\nWord Limit: 1\,250 words\nTheme: JOY\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\, Non-fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website:  alpinefellowship.com/writing-prize\n\nThis amazing free-to-enter competition from the Alpine Fellowship is open to all genres of writing\, including fiction\, non-fiction\, and non-academic essays. It is also open to all nationalities\,  though applicants must be aged 18 or above at the time of entry and all entries must be written in English. Applicants can only enter one of the prizes and are limited to one entry per person.  \nThe theme for the 2026 Writing Prize is JOY.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/alpine-fellowship-writing-prize/
CATEGORIES:Non-fiction Competitions,Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Alpine-Fellowship-Prize.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260502
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260503
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260226T102834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T103052Z
UID:13425-1777680000-1777766399@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Mo Siewcharran Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 11:59PM on 2nd May 2026\nEntry Fee: FREE\nEligibility: Entrants must be unagented and previously unpublished\, aged 18 or over\, resident in the UK and from a Black\, Asian\, mixed heritage and/or multiple ethnic background.\nPrizes: First prize: £2\,500 plus editorial feedback\, a meeting with a literary agent and more; second prize: £1\,500 plus feedback and mentoring; third prize: £750\, feedback and a hamper\nWord Limit: Up to the first 10\,000 words of the novel plus a synopsis of up to 700 words.\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website: thefuturebookshelf.co.uk/tfb-blog/2026/01/07/bookouture-to-host-the-mo-siewcharran-prize-2026\n\nHachette UK’s The Future Bookshelf is running the Mo Siewcharran Prize for its sixth year to help discover unpublished fiction writers from Black\, Asian\, mixed heritage and/or multiple ethnic backgrounds. For 2026\, the prize will be hosted by Bookouture and we are looking for page-turning commercial fiction within the genres of psychological thriller and romantic fiction. \nThe initiative\, named in memory of NielsenIQ BookData’s former Director of Marketing and Communications\, aims to nurture talent from under-represented backgrounds writing in English. Run as part of Hachette UK’s The Future Bookshelf scheme\, the prize was launched in 2019. \nThe Judges are: Ellen Gleeson (Publishing Director at Bookouture)\, Hennah Sandhu (former co-chair of Thrive\, Hachette UK’s network for Black\, Asian and Mixed Heritage employees and allies)\, Leodora Darlington (editor\, Bookseller Rising Star\, and author of The Exes)\, Silé Edwards (Literary Agent at Andrew Nurnberg Associates)\, and Jenn Li (book influencer @bookmarkonthewall). \nJudges will be looking for:\n– A well-written and entertaining piece of writing\n– A page-turning story that will speak to romance or psychological thriller readers\n– An attention-grabbing concept\, also known as the hook\n– A compelling plot that drives us through the story\n– Memorable characters that readers care for\n– The submission must be aimed at adults.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/mo-siewcharran-prize/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carousel-1B-e1772101585793.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260503
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260504
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260408T105155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T105442Z
UID:13861-1777766400-1777852799@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:StorySloth - The StorySloth 500
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 3rd May 2026\nEntry Fee: FREE to all registered StorySloth authors (free to sign up)\nPrizes: 1st Place: £50 Amazon voucher and a permanent Founding Author badge on your profile; 5 entries selected at random to receive a £10 Amazon vouchers\nWord Limit: 500 words\nCategory: Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website: storysloth.com/competitions/welcome-500\n\nStorySloth is a new home for original short fiction. Free to read\, and built around the idea that independent authors deserve real readers. \nTheir inaugural writing competition welcomes entries of up to 500 words. There is no theme\, no genre restrictions\, and no prompt. They are simply seeking a story\, complete and under the word limit.  \nTo enter\, you need to sign up (which is free)\, then publish your entry\, and if it wins\, you’ll walk away with a £50 Amazon voucher and a permanent Founding Author badge on your profile — a small mark that you were here first. The organisers will also randomly select five entries to receive £10 Amazon vouchers. \nNote that authors grant StorySloth a non-exclusive licence to display their work\, but retain full copyright ownership\, so you can publish your story elsewhere too. Check out the full details on the Story Sloth site.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/storysloth-500/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260506
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260507
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260406T104524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T150404Z
UID:7710-1778025600-1778111999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Wigtown International Poetry Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 12.00 Noon on 6th May 2026\nEntry Fee: £10\nPrizes: Winner: £1\,500\, Runner-up: £200\nWord Limit: 40 lines\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website:  wigtownpoetryprize.com/poetry-competition\n\nFounded in 2005\, the Wigtown Poetry Prizes are some of the UK’s best established writing competitions\, offering awards in all three of Scotland’s languages with a prize pot of over £3\,000. The 2026 prizes mark more than two decades of Wigtown Poetry Prizes and over £50\,000 awarded to emerging and established poets. \nThe competition closes on 6th May 2026\, with a prize-giving at Wigtown Book Festival in the autumn.  \nNote that in addition to the International Prize\, the following prizes are also available (check the site for the relevant entry fees): \n– Wigtown Scots Prize: £500\, Runner-up: £200 (Supported by Saltire Society)\n– Wigtown Scottish Gaelic Prize: £500\, Runner-up: £200 (Supported by The Gaelic Books Council)\n– Dumfries & Galloway Fresh Voice Award: Professional support including mentoring by Wigtown Festival Company and a retreat at Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre\n– Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize: 30 copies of a pamphlet of your work set by Gerry Cambridge (Supported by The Dark Horse Magazine) \nCheck out the competition website for the full details of how to enter.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/wigtown-international-poetry-prize/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Wigtown-Poetry-Competition-e1736855588989.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260510
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260323T131209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T154206Z
UID:720-1778371200-1778457599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:The SmokeLong Quarterly Award for Flash Fiction 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: Midnight (ET) on 10 May 2026\nEntry Fees: 1st February to 31st March: One Entry\, $15; Two Entries\, $22; Up to Four Entries: $37 | 1st April to 10th May: One Entry\, $17; Two Entries\, $25; Up to Four Entries: $37\nPrizes: Grand prize winner: $2\,500; Second place: $1\,000; Third place $500; Finalists: $150. All finalists and placers will be published in the June 2026 issue.\nWord Limit: 1\,000 words or fewer (excluding title)\nJudges: SmokeLong editors\nCategory: Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website: smokelong.com/the-smokelong-quarterly-award-for-flash-fiction-2026\n\nThe SmokeLong Quarterly Award for Flash Fiction is a biennial competition for fiction of up to 1\,000 words. Run by The SmokeLong Quarterly (which is “dedicated to bringing the best flash fiction to the web”)\, the competition has a fabulous first prize of $2\,500\, $1\,000 for the second-place entry\, $500 for third and $150 each for the finalists. All finalists and placers will also be published in an edition of The SmokeLong Quarterly (which has been around for around 20 years). \nThere are discounts for multiple entries and/or if you enter before 31st March 2026. The competition is open from 1st February 2026 to anyone aged 18+ irrespective of where they reside. Entries must either be in English or another language but with an accompanying English translation. \nThis competition is a great way to get your flash fiction into the public view while also having the chance to win a serious cash prize\, so get involved.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/smokelong-quarterly-award-flash-fiction/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Smokelong-Quarterly-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260515
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260516
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260416T132839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T132839Z
UID:13983-1778803200-1778889599@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:F(r)iction Writing Contests - Spring 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23:59 (Denver Time) on 15th May 2026\nEntry Fee: $10 for Poetry or Flash\, $15 for Short Story or Creative Nonfiction\nPrizes: Short Story: $1\,000; Creative Nonfiction: $500; Poetry: $300; Flash: $300; winners and selected finalists are considered for publication in F(r)iction\nWord Limit: Short stories: 1\,001–7\,500 words; Poetry: up the three pages per poem; Creative Nonfiction: up to 6\,500 words; Flash fiction: up to 1\,000 words per piece\nJudges: Manuel Aragon (Short Stories)\, Trish Broome (Poetry)\, Shannon Chen See (Creative Nonfiction)\, Brett Pribble (Flash)\nCategories: Short Story | Poetry | Fiction | Creative Nonfiction\nCompetition Website:  frictionlit.org/contests/\n\nThe Spring 2026 F(r)iction Contests are open to entries of Short Story\, Poetry\, Creative Nonfiction\, and Flash Fiction. \nIn their writing contests\, they seek writing that reflects a similar mission to our journal\, F(r)iction: work that actively pushes the boundaries of traditional publishing\, that has complex characters and a strong narrative arc\, and makes the reader feel something. They are seeking stories they haven’t seen before\, whether it twists or plays with genre\, setting\, language\, voice\, you name it.  \nTheir contests also feature a panel of three guest judges to help decide the winners for each category. For Spring 2026\, they have Manuel Aragon judging Short Story\, Brett Pribble judging Flash Fiction\, Shannon Chen See judging Creative Nonfiction\, and Trish Broome judging Poetry.  \nWinners in each category will receive a cash prize\, as well as work with one of their Senior Editors to see their work published either online or in our print journal!
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/friction-writing-contests/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions,Non-fiction Competitions,Poetry Competitions,Short Story Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260517
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260518
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260121T150936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T151209Z
UID:12704-1778976000-1779062399@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Inkspot Publishing £500 for 500 Flash Fiction Writing Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 11:59 PM GMT on Sunday 17th May 2026\nEntry Fee: £10 for General Entry\, £20 for Entry + a paragraph of feedback from a competition judge\nPrizes: £500 plus publication\nWord Limit: 500 words\nJudge: Peter Buckman\, Literary Agent\, The Ampersand Agency\nCategory: Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website:  inkspotpublishing.com/competition/500-for-500-flash-fiction-2026\n\nThe Inkspot Publishing £500 for 500 Flash Fiction Writing Competition is open for entries. Writers from anywhere in the world can submit to this short story competition.  \nThe judge is Peter Buckman\, Literary Agent at The Ampersand Agency. Note that the word limit is 500 words\, and there is the option to receive feedback on your entry (for an additional fee). The shortlist date is Sunday 21st June 2026 and the winners will be announced on Sunday 19th July 2026. Check out the competition website for the full details.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/inkspot-publishing-flash-fiction-competition/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20240319T145830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T093620Z
UID:1512-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bath Novel Award 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23:59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £33 (some sponsored places are available)\nPrizes: 1st Place: £5\,000 plus and a trophy; all shortlisted entrants win feedback on their full manuscript; online novel editing course (worth £1\,980) for one longlisted entrant\nWord Limit: Opening 5\,000 words plus one page synopsis\nJudge: Amanda Harris – Literary Agent\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website:  bathnovelaward.co.uk/the-bath-novel-award-international-writing-prize/\n\nThe Bath Novel Award has been running since 2013 and is one of the most prestigious novel competitions for unpublished authors in the UK (along with a handful of others including the Bridport Prize). And for 2025\, the top prize is once again a very tidy sum of £5\,000. \nEntries should include up to 5\,000 words of your novel along with a one-page synopsis. The entry fee of £33 is on the high side when it comes to writing competitions. But then the judges and readers need to assess 5\,000 words for each entry (rather than something like 300 for many flash fiction entries)\, so it is understandable. And the top prize of £5\,000 is also very nice indeed. There are also some sponsored entries for low income writers\, details of which can be found HERE.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bath-novel-award/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20250225T184352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T095050Z
UID:9972-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Whispering Wisdom Poetry Prize
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 11.59 pm on Sunday 31st May 2026\nEntry Fee: £5 per poem (additional entries £4 each)\nPrizes: 1st: £250\, 2nd: £50\, 3rd: £50\nWord Limit: Up to 40 lines (excluding title and line breaks)\nJudges: Whispering Wisdom and Award-winning Poet and Screenwriter\, Peter Devonald and Whispering Wisdom Founder\, Chris Allen\nTheme: A theme of your choice\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCharity: 5% of profits will be shared between our two chosen charities for 2025/26 – Sarcoidosis UK and Narcolepsy UK.\nCompetition Website: whisperingwisdom.co.uk/competitions\n\nThe Whispering Wisdom Poetry Prize is open for entries and is seeking poems on the theme of your choice. The top prize is £250 and 5% of the profits from the competition will be split between two excellent charities. In addition to the top prize\, there are additional £50 prizes for second and third place. \nAll entries will be judged blindly\, based on creativity\, resonance\, and technical craft. Chris Allen\, founder of  Whispering Wisdom\, will be joined by award-winning poet and screenwriter Peter Devonald on the judging panel. Winners will be announced on Friday 14th August 2026. Check out the competition website for further information.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/whispering-wisdom-poetry-prize/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20251007T102106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T093908Z
UID:11568-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Frogmore Poetry Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 on Sunday 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £4 per poem\nPrizes: First prize: 250 guineas (£262.50) + 2-year subscription to The Frogmore Papers. Runners-up: 75\, 50 guineas + one-year subscriptions\nWord Limit: 40 lines\nTheme/Genre: Any\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: frogmorepress.co.uk/frogmore-poetry-prize\n\nThe Frogmore Poetry Prize was founded in 1987 and will be awarded for the 40th time in 2026. Previous winners include Sharon Black\, Tobias Hill\, Mario Petrucci and Emily Wills.  \nAll shortlisted poems will be published in the 108th edition of The Frogmore Papers in September 2026. The 40th Frogmore Prize will be adjudicated by poet and publisher Mike Barlow\, a previous winner of the National Poetry Competition\, who will read all entries. \nRead the full rules and entry details on the competition website.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/frogmore-poetry-prize/
LOCATION:VirtualLocation
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20251018T091438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T124723Z
UID:3669-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bridport Prize - Flash Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £12 per entry\nPrizes: First prize: £1\,000; second prize: £500; third prize: £250; highly commended: 5 x £100\nWord Limit: 250 words (no minimum\, title not included in the word count)\nCategory: Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website: bridportprize.org.uk/the-competition/flash-fiction/\n\nCompetition Details\nThe Bridport Flash Fiction Prize is perfect for those who enjoy (and excel at) writing within very tight word limits. The prestige of the Bridport Prize means that winning any of their prizes can make agents\, editors and publishers take notice. \nThe 250-word limit means you have to get to the heart of your story from the opening line\, but if you can hook the judges instantly\, you could be in with a decent chance of success. \nThe following additional prizes may also apply to entrants who fit certain criteria: \nYoung Writer Award £500 – For the highest placed writer aged 16 to 25 in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. \nNever Too Late Award – This £500 award is given to the highest placed writer aged 60+ in Poetry\, Short Story\, Novel and Flash Fiction. The winning piece will feature in our anthology\, which counts as being published and opens doors with literary agents and publishers. It also accesses other competitions not available to the public. \nDorset Award £100 – Given to the highest placed Dorset writer in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. Sponsored by The Bookshop\, Bridport.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bridport-prize-flash-fiction/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20251019T102308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T101429Z
UID:1328-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bridport Prize 2026 - Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £26 per entry\nPrizes: First prize: £1\,500; second prize: £750; three further prizes of £150; plus publication and manuscript/extract appraisal\nWord Limit: 8\,000 words max (5\,000 minimum) plus 300-word synopsis. (Title not included in the word count.)\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website: bridportprize.org.uk/the-competition/novel-award\n\nCompetition Details\nThe Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award\, to give the Bridport Prize Novel Award’s official name\, is one of the most sought-after prizes in literature.  If ever there was a prize win on a CV to make an agent or publisher take note\, the Bridport is it. \nWhile the £1\,500 top prize is significantly less (and the £24 entry fee significantly more) than for the Short Story Prize\, the doors opened by a win or even a shortlist in the Peggy Chapman-Andrews makes it well worth entering. \nTo enter you need to submit an extract of between 5\,000 and 8\,000 words from the opening chapters of your novel\, plus a 300-word synopsis. If you make it to the longlist\, you’ll then need to submit 15\,000 words (including your initial submission); then if you make the shortlist you’ll need to send in a total of 30\,000 words. So\, if you fancy your chances of winning this one\, don’t enter unless you have made significant progress with your novel. \nAs well as the prizes mentioned above\, the top five entries will receive appraisal from The Literary Consultancy and the winner will also gain a consultation with literary agent A.M. Health and publisher Headline\, which could prove invaluable (though there are no promises you’ll get a publishing deal out of it!). \nThe following additional prizes may also apply to entrants who fit certain criteria: \nYoung Writer Award £500 – For the highest placed writer aged 16 to 25 in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. \nNever Too Late Award – This £500 award is given to the highest placed writer aged 60+ in Poetry\, Short Story\, Novel and Flash Fiction. The winning piece will feature in our anthology\, which counts as being published and opens doors with literary agents and publishers. It also accesses other competitions not available to the public. \nDorset Award £100 – Given to the highest placed Dorset writer in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. Sponsored by The Bookshop\, Bridport.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bridport-prize-novel/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20251020T095120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T113021Z
UID:1172-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bridport Prize 2026 - Poetry
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £13 per entry\nPrizes: First prize: £5\,000; second prize: £1\,000; third prize: £500; highly commended: 10 x £100\nLine Limit: 42 lines (Not including title)\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: bridportprize.org.uk/the-competition/poetry\n\nCompetition Details\nThe Bridport Prize is one of the most prestigious (and lucrative) writing competitions around that is open to unpublished writers. The Bridport Prize for Poetry offers an amazing £5\,000 top prize\, but even making it onto the shortlist gives the poet an important addition to their CV. \nAt £13 per entry\, it’s not not bad value given the prize\, and if you are serious about your verse\, you might as well aim high. And if you win the Bridport Prize (in any category) it can garner a lot of attention and open plenty of doors. \nNote that the 42-line limit doesn’t include the title of the poem or lines between stanzas. Ensure you read the submission instructions carefully (for instance you need to add the line count to the entry and submit in 12pt\, black font). \nThe following additional prizes may also apply to entrants who fit certain criteria: \nYoung Writer Award £500 – For the highest placed writer aged 16 to 25 in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. \nNever Too Late Award – This £500 award is given to the highest placed writer aged 60+ in Poetry\, Short Story\, Novel and Flash Fiction. The winning piece will feature in our anthology\, which counts as being published and opens doors with literary agents and publishers. It also accesses other competitions not available to the public. \nDorset Award £100 – Given to the highest placed Dorset writer in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. Sponsored by The Bookshop\, Bridport.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bridport-prize-poetry/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260226T085339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T074150Z
UID:13367-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Reedsy Literary Prize
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (EST) on 31st May 2026\nEntry Fee: $20\nPrizes: 1st place: $1\,500 + publication in Reedsy’s literary magazine Prompted + personalized feedback from the guest judge; 2nd place: a year-long Reedsy Learning membership; 3rd place: Reedsy Marketplace credit worth $100\nWord Limit: Each submission must be between 2\,000-5\,000 words\nPrompt: Write a story that includes change or transformation.\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nCompetition Website: reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/reedsy-literary-prize/\n\nReedsy have been connecting authors with publishing professionals for more than a decade and now they’ve launched a new competition: the Reedsy Literary Prize. This competition asks participants to write a single short story\, in any genre\, based on a single prompt. \nAfter the competition closes\, longlisted entries will be assessed by a professional literary agent. The winner will receive $1\,500\, publication in Reedsy’s literary magazine Prompted\, and recognition across Reedsy’s platforms\, which host over 1 million monthly users. The inaugural Reedsy Literary Prize will be judged by Jon Michael Darga\, a literary agent at Aevitas Creative Management. Jon represents a wide range of clients\, including bestselling authors such as Tim Curry and Geena Rocero. \nEligibility\n● Each submission must be between 2\,000-5\,000 words\n● Only one submission allowed per entrant\n● Writers must be aged 18 or over to enter\n● Submissions must be original\, standalone work. Artificial intelligence (AI) usage to create or revise stories will not be permitted.\n● Submission fee is $20 \nThe Reedsy website provides a wealth of useful information and resources for writers at various stages of their publishing journey. The editors at NewWriters.org.uk have long been admirers of Reedsy (and we feature them on our Resources page as a recommended site for writers). Whether you are seeking an editor to help shape your stories or an agent for your debut novel\, it’s worth checking out the information available at Reedsy’s site.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/reedsy-literary-prize/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260401T082347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T082617Z
UID:13774-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Hay Festival Room to Write
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 12pm (BST) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: FREE\nEligibility: UK-based published writers of fiction or non-fiction or poetry (at least one book) aged 18+\nPrizes: Eight writers will each win an Airbnb coupon worth £1\,500\nWord Limit: Entrants must provide a description of their work (max 500 words)\, a short writing sample (max 500 words)\, and a brief writer biography (max 200 words)\nPrompt: Write a story that includes change or transformation.\nCategory: Short Story\, Flash Fiction\, Poetry\, Novel\, Non-Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website: https://www.hayfestival.com/room-to-write\n\nIn the UK’s National Year of Reading\, Airbnb will partner with arts charity Hay Festival to launch Room to Write – a new writing award.\nRooted in Hay Festival’s commitment to nurturing contemporary writing and Airbnb’s mission to enable meaningful travel and connection\, Room to Write champions creativity and the importance of place and space in storytelling.\nDeveloped with Hay Festival to support writers at a critical stage in their career\, the Room to Write award recognises that time\, space\, and a change of environment are essential to fuel creativity and often inaccessible due to financial or personal constraints.\nOpen to UK-based writers\, the award offers eight recipients an Airbnb coupon worth £1\,500\, enabling them to stay in a UK location of their choosing to support focused writing.\nApplications for the award are open now here\, closing Sunday 31 May. See the website for detailed full terms and conditions.\nAn accompanying digital content series\, recorded at the Festival’s flagship UK edition\, 21–31 May\, will feature established writers sharing their top writing tips and reflections on the role of place in storytelling\, to engage a wider audience in creative inspiration.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/hay-festival-room-to-write/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions,Non-fiction Competitions,Novel Competitions,Poetry Competitions,Short Story Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260402T120945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T093608Z
UID:13791-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Stainsby Festival National Poetry Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £6 each or £10 for two\nPrizes: The winner will be invited to a paid residency at the 2027 festival; Three winning poems will be published online; Shortlisted poets will be invited to read their work at this year’s festival\nLine Limit: 42 lines (Not including title)\nHead Judge: Roger McGough\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: stainsbyfestival.org/poetry/\n\nStainsby Festival has announced its inaugural National Poetry Competition to be held at this year’s event. The festival has featured spoken word with previous performances by\, Longfella (aka the Manchester poet Tony Walsh)\, the former Derbyshire Poet Laureate Mat Black\, the Bard of Windmill Hill\, the stand up poet Live Torc\, as well as numerous aspiring local poets. \nThe new competition will be judged by legendary poet\, Roger McGough. The voice of poetry on Radio 4’s Poetry Please for over 25 years\, he’s known for his work nationally and internationally\, as well as being a bit famous in Liverpool. \nShortlisted poets will be invited to read their work (or have it read) at this year’s festival in Roger’s presence. Three winning poems will be published online and (possibly) in this year’s festival programme. The overall winner will be invited to a paid residency at the 2027 festival\, which is a fantastic opportunity for any aspiring poet.  \nThe organisers are seeking accessible poems on any subject (no\, it doesn’t have to be about festivals or music or gatherings) – so really\, any subject you choose but to a maximum of 42 lines. Please see the competition website for the full details.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/stainsby-festival-national-poetry-competition/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260408T094256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T094256Z
UID:13849-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Kirkstall Art Trail 2026 Poetry Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £4 each \nPrizes: National: £30; Local (Leeds postcode) £20\nLine Limit: 40 lines (Not including title)\nHead Judge: Kirkstall poet\, Jim Corah\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: kirkstallarttrail.co.uk/kirkstall-art-trail-2026-poetry-competition\n\nFor 2026\, Kirkstall Art Trail are launching their inaugural poetry competition with\, the surprisingly and appropriately named\, Kirkstall Art Trail Poetry Competition 2026.  \nWith two prizes\, one national and one local\, the organisers’ ambition is to produce a collection featuring the ten best submissions. The collection will be available for sale during the Kirkstall Art Trail weekend (18 and 19 July) and on their website. On Saturday\, 18 July\, there will be a spoken word event. To celebrate both the Poetry Competition and the Poetry Trail\, the organisers invite entrants to come along and read their poems. \nNote the 40-line limit (excluding the title) and the £4 entry fee. Full details can be found on the competition website.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/kirkstall-art-trail-poetry-competition/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260413T095809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T142152Z
UID:1585-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:BPA First Novel Award 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 31st May 2026\nEntry Fee: £25 (some free places are available to writers on low incomes)\nPrizes: Winner: £1\,500 + Agent Introduction; Runner up: £500 + Agent Introduction; Most Promising Talent: £250\nWord Limit: 5\,000 words plus a 300 word synopsis and a covering letter\nJudges: Olivia Maidment (Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency) and novelist Freya Bromley\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website:  bluepencilagency.com/blue-pencil-agency-annual-competitions/bpa-first-novel-award-2026\n\nThe BPA First Novel Award is run by the Blue Pencil Agency who offer a range of services for authors including manuscript assessment\, mentoring and copy editing. They also run events for writers. The winners of the competition will receive cash prizes (with £1\,500 to the winner)\, but arguably more valuable than the dish is the additional prize in each case: an introduction to a literary agent.  \nThe competition judges for 2026 are literary agent Olivia Maidment (Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency) and novelist Freya Bromley. \nNote that as well as submitting the opening chapter or chapters of your novel (up to a maximum of 5\,000 words)\, you should also include a 300-word synopsis and a covering letter – each on separate documents. As always with writing competitions\, ensure you check the submission information carefully and comply with spacing/font requirements. \nNote that there are at least 20 free entries available for low income writers\, details of which can be found on the competition page below the ‘How to submit’ section.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bpa-first-novel-award/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260416T141802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T141802Z
UID:13995-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:First Novel Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) 31st May 2026\nEntry Fee: £25 per entry\nPrizes: First prize: £1\,000; Shorlist Prize: £500\nWord Limit: 5\,000 words plus synopsis\nJudges: Hayley Steed (Literary Agent at Janklow & Nesbit UK)\, Sally Williamson (Editorial Director at Transworld)\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website: https://www.firstnovel.co.uk/\n\nIn its 11th consecutive year\, the First Novel Prize aims to discover an original new voice in fiction writing\, across the English language world. The 2026 edition of the First Novel Prize is now open for entries of up to 5\,000 words (plus a synopsis) of you novel.  \nThe competition features two excellent judges: Hayley Steed\, Literary Agent at Janklow & Nesbit UK\, one of the UK’s leading agencies\, and Sally Williamson. Editorial Director at Transworld\, part of Penguin Random House UK. Check out the competition website for the full details.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/first-novel-prize/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260607
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260608
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260103T103709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T112829Z
UID:6838-1780790400-1780876799@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:New2theScene Flash Fiction Competition 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 7th June 2026 (opens 5th April 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 possibly an anthology); Notable mentions: £15 New2theScene vouchers; possible publication in anthology\nWord Limit: 999 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 Flash Fiction Competition for unpublished writers will be open to entries from 5th April to 7th June 2026. The winner will 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. So if you can tell a fantastic story in fewer than 1\,000 words\, this is the option for you.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/new2thescene-flash-fiction-competition/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260607
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260608
DTSTAMP:20260422T004954
CREATED:20260408T083450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T092953Z
UID:441-1780790400-1780876799@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bath Flash Fiction Award
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: Midnight (UK time) on 7 June 2026\nEntry Fee: £9 for one entry\, £15 for two entries\, £18 for three entries\nPrizes: 1st Place: £1\,000; 2nd place: £300; 3rd place: £100; Two commendations of £30 each\, plus 50 longlisted entrants will be offered publication\nWord Limit: 300 words\nJudge: Alison Woodhouse\nCategory: Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website:  bathflashfictionaward.com\n\nThe Bath Flash Fiction Award is a brilliant option for those seeking a big prize for writing just a few hundred words. The entry fee is £9\, which isn’t bad these days\, and there are discounts for multiple entries. The top prize of £1\,000 is well worth going for\, plus there’s a second prize of £300\, a third prize of £100 and two commendation awards of £30 each. In addition\, 50 longlisted entrants will be offered publication.  \nEntrants must be aged 16 or older\, and entries must not have been published in print or online and must be adult or young adult readers (i.e. not aimed at children under 13 years of age). Note that entries should be typed in a sans 14pt font (many competitions request a 12pt font\, so be sure to get this right to avoid getting disqualified on such a technicality). Check out the competition website for the full details.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bath-flash-fiction-award/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions
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