Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on Friday 27th February 2026
Entry Fee: Free
Prizes: 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)
Prizes: 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
Deadline: 12pm (midday UK time) on Wednesday 11 March 2026
Entry Fee: £10
Prizes: 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.
Word Limit: Poetry Award: between 3-5 poems of up to 60 lines each. Short Story of up to 2,500 words.
Category: Short Story Competitions / Poetry Competitions
Prizes: 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.
Word Limit: First 5,000 words of your manuscript or 15 pages of poetry (see Letter Review site for full details)
Prizes: 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.
Prizes: 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.
Prizes: 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
Prizes: 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.
Word Limit: First 3,000 words of a novel and a one-page synopsis
At NewWriters.org.uk, we curate the best and most trusted current and upcoming writing competitions for writers in the UK and internationally — including flash fiction, short stories, poetry, novels, and non-fiction. Each competition listing includes the deadline, prize details, word limit, entry fee, and eligibility so you can quickly decide which contests fit your writing goals.
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