Your guide to some of the most prestigious and indie-friendly opportunities this year and next.
For self-published authors, book awards and contests offer recognition, credibility, and new readers. Winning or being a finalist can boost sales, attract media, and open new opportunities. While self-published books were once excluded from such competitions, the industry now offers many more opportunities.
We've gathered a list of some of the book awards and contests for 2025 (and into 2026) that are open to indie authors. They're noted below in order of their deadlines for entry.
Please be sure to read the eligibility, rules, and guidelines for each award before submitting your work. Many of the awards have specifications for submissions related to date published, formats, genre, etc. Additionally, a majority of them require an entry fee upon submission. (However, a number of them offer a discounted "Early Bird" entry fee.)
We'll start with a couple of awards that have deadlines throughout the year…
Chanticleer International Book Awards
The CIBAs celebrate outstanding storytelling in a variety of genres, including mystery and fantasy. This esteemed award offers authors marketing assistance, promotional opportunities, and industry recognition, enhancing their presence in competitive literary markets.
- Deadline: Varies by category (throughout 2025)
- Categories: Open to fiction and nonfiction authors globally—16 fiction categories and multiple nonfiction divisions
- Prizes: $1,000 for one lucky Overall Grand Prize Winner; winners receive ribbons, badges, and cash awards along with a powerful promotional boost
- For More Info: Chanticleer Reviews
The International Impact Book Awards
These awards welcome independent authors and publishers from around the globe to participate. Both fiction and nonfiction entries are welcome.
- Deadline: Entry deadline for the 2026 International Impact Book Awards is year-round; you can submit your entry at any time throughout the year.
- Categories: Awards offered in more than 80 diverse categories; submit your book to as many categories as you see fit.
- Prizes: A digital award seal, a commemorative digital certificate, and year-long recognition and promotion through their network
- For More Info: The International Impact Book Awards
Deadline: November
The Lambda Literary Awards
Also known as the "Lammys," celebrating more than 150 LGBTQ writers across 26 categories spanning a number of genres, lived identities, and experiences. They proudly recognize works by self-published authors and independent and academic presses alongside works supported by traditional big 5 publishers.
- Deadline: November 21
- Categories: Twenty-six categories, which you can review here
- Prizes: Trophy, award stickers - no cash prizes
- For More Info: Lambda Literary Awards
The Literary Global Book Awards
These awards stand out as the most inclusive international literary competition worldwide. By entering a single category, your book becomes eligible not only for a category prize but also for the prestigious title of "Book of the Year."
- Deadline: November 30
- Categories: Seven categories including business, children's, fiction, and nonfiction
- Prizes: Digital awards, digital certificates, and two winners for "Book of the Year"
- For More Info: Literary Global Awards
The Bram Stoker Award®
Any work of Horror first published in the English language may be considered for an award during the year of its publication, including self-published books. To qualify for a Bram Stoker Award, your work needs to be submitted and receive enough recommendations from the Horror Writers of America (HWA) members to make it onto the preliminary ballot for a specific category.
- Deadline: November 30
- Categories: Currently 13 categories from short fiction to middle grade to poetry
- Prizes: A statuette, recognition
- For More Info: Bram Stoker Awards FAQ
The Bath Children's Novel Award
An international prize open to unagented writers, who are unpublished, self-published or independently published without advance. Writers of every age, gender, nationality and residency are welcome.
- Deadline: November 30
- Categories: Children’s novels, YA, chapter books, and picture book texts
- Prizes: Winner receives £5,000 along with a Minerva trophy; one longlisted writer will also win a place on the 18-week virtual course Edit Your Novel the Professional Way from Cornerstones Literary Consultancy and the Professional Writing Academy
- For More Info: The Bath Children's Novel Award
Anthology Travel Writing Competition 2025
Established for writers who like to share authentic travel experiences and to provide a platform for publication, this competition is open to original and previously unpublished travel articles in the English language by writers of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. The organizer is looking for an engaging article that will capture the reader’s attention, conveying a strong sense of the destination and the local culture. Open to both new and established writers, articles submitted must not exceed 1,000 words.
- Deadline: November 30
- Categories: Nonfiction travel
- Prizes: Winner will receive €300 and the chance to see their work published in a future issue of Anthology.
- For More Info: Anthology Magazine Travel Writing Competition
Deadline: December
Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize
The National Book Critic's Circle's (NBCC) Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize honors the best book of any genre translated into English and published in the United States.
- Deadline: December 1
- Categories: Any genre is eligible
- Prizes: A certificate of recognition
- For More Info: Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize
The Philadelphia Stories Fiction Contest
For this national short fiction contest, the organizers especially encourage writers from underrepresented groups and backgrounds to send their work. Previously unpublished works of fiction up to 8,000 words are accepted. “Published” means any work published in print or online, including online magazines, blogs, public social media sites, etc. Only authors currently residing in the United States are eligible.
- Deadline: December 1
- Categories: Column, Interview, Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Review
- Prizes: $1,000 cash first place award and three $250 cash runner-up awards. Winning stories will be published in the print issue of the Winter/Spring 2025 issue of Philadelphia Stories.
- For More Info: Philadelphia Stories Fiction Contest
Bestsellers World Awards
Awards presented by the book review service, recognizing and celebrating books written in English, with a judging panel comprised of reviewers, some of whom are authors.
- Deadline: December 15
- Categories: Various genres including adult fiction, humor/satire, mystery, and sci-fi
- Prizes: Digital seals and certificates, along with a free author page on their website.
- For More Info: Bestsellers World Awards
Feathered Quill Book Awards
An annual program that recognizes and celebrates outstanding books across various genres, with a judging panel comprised of industry professionals. They aim to identify and showcase "Top-Pick" books in the competitive book world.
- Deadline: December 15
- Categories: Various children's, adult, and general categories
- Prizes: Certificates, embossed seals, and promotion
- For More Info: Feathered Quill Book Awards
The Reader Views Literary Awards
Shines a spotlight on the most innovative and captivating self-published books of the year. As a premiere recognition program in the industry, they offer independent authors a unique opportunity to gain visibility, credibility, and recognition for their literary achievements.
- Deadline: December 15
- Categories: Seven categories including children's, poetry, adult nonfiction, and regional
- Prizes: Six overall winners will receive cash grand prizes for fiction and nonfiction, gold, silver and bronze awards for both fiction and nonfiction. Total cash awarded is $2,500.
- For More Info: The Reader Views Literary Awards Program
The Dartmouth Medal
Committee members suggest titles to request from their reading awareness of the publishing industry and the chair also contacts major reference publishers and university presses to inquire about titles that might be eligible for consideration. You can submit your book for consideration by contacting the committee chair for instructions.
- Deadline: December 15
- Categories: No specific categories beyond the overall recognition of exceptional reference materials
- Prizes: Medal
- For More Info: Dartmouth Medal
The Final Girl Review
The Final Girl Review is a new, independent horror-focused literary journal that publishes fiction, poetry, visual art, reviews, creative nonfiction, and academic/critical essays—all centered on the eerie and unsettling. The journal is woman‑created and celebrates horror in many forms—from gothic dread to psychological terror.
- Deadline: December 15
- Categories: Submit short fiction, poetry, artwork, academic and critical essays, reviews of new or classic horror books and films, and creative nonfiction to win publication.
- Prizes: Publication
- For More Info: The Final Girl Review
IBPA Book Awards
The IBPA Book Award program is the oldest, most established, and recognized national honor in independent publishing. The awards are unique in that the verbatim judging forms are returned to all participating publishers, providing entrants with direct feedback on each submission.
- Deadline: December 16
- Categories: 60 categories including art & photography, graphic novels, self-help, and cover design
- Prizes: Gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with year-long recognition and promotion to winning books. Gold winners also receive a custom crystal trophy.
- For More Info: IBPA Book Awards
The Crime Fiction Indie Gold Awards
These awards spotlight the best in indie mystery, thriller, and suspense writing. Open to self-published and independent authors worldwide, this contest accepts short stories, or novel/novella excerpts (e.g., a first chapter or key scene).
- Deadline: December 17
- Categories: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Detective/P.I., Noir, and more
- Prizes: Winners receive digital badges, promotion, and a chance at the $500 Grand Prize
- For More Info: Crime Fiction Indie Gold Awards
The Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO)
For self-published fantasy novels only, this annual contest begins with 300 entries, which are judged by 10 book review bloggers. These are then narrowed down to 10 finalists, and a winner is selected based on a 10-point scoring system.
- Deadline: December 20
- Categories: Must be a fantasy novel, written by a human (no AI)
- Prizes: A digital badge is awarded to the finalists and the winner, who also receives The Selfie Stick award
- For More Info: The SPFBO
Ruth Rendell Short Story Competition
Previously judged by the late thriller and murder mystery author, Ruth Rendell CBE – InterAct’s Short Story Competition is now named after her. The competition is more recently judged by Margaret Drabble DBE; biographer, novelist and short story writer. The top 3 stories are shortlisted and performed by professional actors that work for InterAct. It's a biennial competition and the ceremony takes place at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond.
- Deadline: December 21
- Categories: A short story in any genre; must be no longer than 1,000 words
- Prizes: The winner of the competition will be commissioned to write four further stories for InterAct Stroke Support over the course of one year, and will receive £1,000 in payment.
- For More Info: Ruth Rendell Short Story Competition/Interact
Indies Today Book Awards
An annual contest recognizing and honoring top independent and self-published books, with awards for Best Book of the Year, Best in Genre, and more.
- Deadline: December 31
- Categories: Best Book of the Year, Best in Genre (including a variety of genre/categories such as memoir, short stories, suspense, and more)
- Prizes: Grand Prize Winner gets a trophy, publicity, and endorsements; Genre Winners get publicity and digital badge
- For More Info: Indies Today Book Awards
The Book Excellence Awards
An international book awards competition dedicated to helping authors and publishers increase their credibility, visibility, and book sales.
- Deadline: December 31
- Categories: 125+ categories including action, horror, real estate, true crime, and much more
- Prizes: Grand Prize valued at $30,000, international exposure, and a promotional package
- For More Info: The Book Excellence Awards
Killer Shorts Horror Short Screenplay Competition
The premier writing contest dedicated to discovering and promoting emerging horror screenwriters. Now entering its seventh season, the competition invites writers worldwide to submit original horror short screenplays or short stories, encompassing all sub-genres of horror.
- Deadline: December 31
- Categories: Scriptwriting, short stories
- Prizes: Prizes include guaranteed industry reads, career consultations, mentorships, a killer trophy, and more.
- For More Info: Killer Shorts Horror Short Screenplay Competition
Lilith Fiction Contest
Lilith magazine – an independent, Jewish, and feminist publication - seeks quality short stories with heart, soul, and chutzpah, 3,000 words or under, for their Annual Lilith Fiction Contest. The organizer is seeking fresh fiction with feminist and Jewish nuance. They're eager to read submissions from writers of color and emerging writers of any age.
Previously published work is not accepted.
- Deadline: December 31
- Categories: Various formats are accepted: reporting, analysis, opinion pieces, memoir, fiction and poetry with a feminist take on subjects of interest to Jewish feminists.
- Prizes: First prize = $300 and publication
- For More Info: Lilith's Annual Fiction Contest
The Moth Poetry Prize
One of the biggest prizes in the world for individual unpublished poems. The prize is open to anyone over 16, and each year attracts thousands of entries from new and established poets from over 50 countries worldwide. The prize is judged anonymously by a single poet each year.
- Deadline: December 31
- Categories: Poems can be on any subject
- Prizes: The overall winner of €6,000 will be announced at a special award online in the spring of 2026.
- For More Info: The Moth Poetry Prize
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
A unique, independent book award program, run by a UK-based children's author, that focuses on involving readers and authors in the judging process, offering feedback, and promoting independently published books.
- Deadline: December 31
- Categories: Adult and children’s books
- Prizes: Gold, silver, and bronze medals; honest feedback, networking opportunities, and marketing help
- For More Info: The Wishing Shelf Awards
Do Wha(TS) Write Short Fiction Competition
An annual short fiction competition with a word limit of 1,000 words, and unlimited entries at $5 each. All proceeds from this contest go directly towards Tourette Canada, the Canadian national charity that supports people living with Tourette Syndrome and their families.
- Deadline: December 31
- Categories: Entries should be flash fiction or short stories; no required prompt or topic
- Prizes: Winner will receive a prize of $200 CAD and have their work published on the organizer's website
- For More Info: Do What(TS) Write!
The Danahy Fiction Prize
An annual award for a previously unpublished work of short fiction, sponsored by Tampa Review, the faculty-edited literary journal of the University of Tampa.
- Deadline: December 31
- Categories: Short fiction of all genres, 500 to 5,000 words
- Prizes: An award of $1,000 and publication in Tampa Review
- For More Info: The Danahy Fiction Prize
2026
Deadline: January
The Exeter Novel Prize
This prestigious prize welcomes entries in English from all over the world, and is open to all authors who are without representation by a literary agent at the closing date, whether or not they have previously been published.
- Deadline: January 1
- Categories: All genres including children’s of Middle Grade (9-12), Young Adult, and New Adult are acceptable.
- Prizes: First prize = £1,000; five finalists receive £100
- For More Info: The Exeter Novel Prize
The Welkin Writing Prize
An annual competition for microfiction up to 100 words. It's free to enter and aims to be a welcoming space for all writers. The competition is open to all forms of narrative prose (fiction and nonfiction), be that flash fiction, short-short, vignette, haibun, hermit crab, prose poem or work that sits outside such labels.
- Deadline: January 2
- Categories: All forms of fiction and nonfiction
- Prizes: First place - £75; Second place - £40; and Third place = £25
- For More Info: The Welkin Writing Prize
The Betty Award for Young Writers
A well-established international writing competition designed to encourage creativity in young writers aged 8 to 12. Entries are judged on imagination, originality, and writing style, giving children the chance to showcase their storytelling talent in any genre they choose
Entries must be the original unpublished work of the child entering the contest.
- Deadline: January 3
- Categories: Stories can be written on any topic, as long as it is age-appropriate.
- Prizes: Winners receive cash prizes of $300 (1st place), $200 (2nd place), and $100 (3rd place)
- For More Info: The Betty Award
The Marlowe & Christie Novel Prize
An international competition for writers who have not been conventionally published, run by a literary society based in the UK. Entrants submit the opening 3,000 words of their novel. Entry fees apply.
- Deadline: January 5
- Categories: Entries can be on any subject and in any style or genre.
- Prizes: A £1,200 cash prize for the winner, and feedback for finalists and shortlisted entries
- For More Info: Marlowe & Christie Novel Prize
The Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize
Renowned and highly regarded for championing and launching the careers of exceptional female writers. Entrants should submit the opening 10 pages of their manuscript, a one-paragraph pitch, and a one-page synopsis. You must be an unpublished writer to enter.
- Deadline: January 7
- Categories: Both literary and genre fiction are welcomed
- Prizes: Winner will receive a £1,500 prize, and all shortlisted authors will benefit from a one-on-one consultation with a literary agent, including editorial feedback and invaluable publishing advice.
- For More Info: The Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize
Illumination Book Awards
Celebrating the best new titles written from a Christian perspective, the Illumination Awards help highlight the most impactful books out there.
- Deadline: January 8, 2026
- Categories: 25+ categories, from Bible study to Christian fiction to digital media
- Prizes: Gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded in each category. Each winning book receives a medal, a personalized certificate, and 20 sample seals.
- For More Info: Illumination Book Awards
Poetry Life Poetry Contest
This contest hopes to find the poems that represent the best of the poetic form—bold language, bravery in form and content, and the immediacy that makes one's breath catch in the throat when read.
- Deadline: January 10
- Categories: No specific categories
- Prizes: First prize is a $150 gift card to Bookstore 1, and the winner will be invited to read the winning poem at the Poetry Life event in Sarasota, Florida. The poem will also be published in the upcoming issue of Magazine1. Runners up will receive a $50 gift card to Bookstore 1 and will be published in the upcoming issue of Magazine 1.
- For More Info: Poetry Life Poetry Contest
The Rattle Chapbook Prize
Organized by the Rattle, an American poetry magazine, this competition is open to writers worldwide. Each poet may submit 15 – 30 pages of poetry. Poems must be written in English.
Individual poems may be previously published in any format, but the manuscript as a whole must be unpublished as a collection.
- Deadline: January 15
- Categories: No specific categories
- Prizes: Three winners will receive $5,000 and 500 author copies of their chapbook, which will also be distributed to all of Rattle’s subscribers along with a future issue of the magazine. At least one of the winners will be a poet who has never published a full-length collection of poetry prior to 2025.
- For More Info: Rattle Chapbook Prize
The Eric Hoffer Book Award
Founded at the start of the 21st century, this award honors freethinking writers and independent books of exceptional merit. Since its inception, the Hoffer Award has grown to become one of the premiere international independent book awards.
- Deadline: January 21, 2026
- Categories: 26 categories designed to cover all types of books from art to spiritual to home
- Prizes: A Grand Prize of $5,000 is awarded annually. In addition, winners receive various prizes within all-inclusive categories and separate distinctions for presses.
- For More Info: The Eric Hoffer Book Award
Not Quite Right Prize for Flash Fiction
An international writing event that challenges writers to create an original piece of flash fiction based on two typical writing prompts plus one anti-prompt. When the competition kicks off, prompts will be announced by email. Entrants will receive details about how and here to submit their entry when the competition opens.
The competition is open to writers of all levels of experience worldwide.
- Deadline: January 23
- Categories: Flash fiction and Flesh Fiction (erotic short stories); flash fiction is open to various genres
- Prizes: There is a total prize pool of AU$4,000 up for grabs in each round of the competition
- For More Info: Not Quite Write Prize
The Axiom Business Book Awards
These awards recognize the best business titles from independent and traditional publishers, authors, and illustrators. Judging is based on content, originality, design, and production quality, with an emphasis on innovation and creativity.
- Deadline: January 26
- Categories: 28 categories ranging from leadership and entrepreneurship to personal finance
- Prizes: Winning books receive a medal, a personalized certificate, and sample seals
- For More Info: The Axiom Business Book Awards
Story Unlikely Annual Short Story Contest
Story Unlikely is looking for great stories regardless of genre or author pedigree. Unlike other outlets, they are laser-focused on the quality of the writing, not the author’s background (or social media following). The story itself cannot exceed 7,000 words. There are no restrictions on age or location of participant.
- Deadline: January 31
- Categories: Open to all genres of fiction and nonfiction
- Prizes: $3,000 (1st place), $1,000 (2nd place), and $750 (3rd place)
- For More Info: Story Unlikely Short Story Contest
Inkitt Myth Weaver Writing Contest
This contest invites authors to craft stories where mythology and mythos come to life! From ancient legends to timeless folklore, bring the power of myth into unforgettable narratives.
Explore retelling classic stories or alternative viewpoints on well-known tales. Journey down to the underworld with added spice or let readers cry their eyes out over star-crossed lovers. Fan fiction and poetry are not eligible.
- Deadline: January 31
- Categories: Fiction, Novel, Short Fiction - with mythology as a central theme
- Prizes: $300 cash prize, Contest Winner badge for your book, and more
- For More Info: Myth Weaver Writing Contest
American Legacy Book Awards 2026
- Deadline: January 31
- Categories: 70+ fiction categories and 80+ nonfiction categories, including genres/subgenres
- Prizes: Winners receive the right to promote their title as an award-winning book, including awards stickers, premium certificates, and high-resolution digital logos
- For More Info: American Legacy Book Awards
Deadline: February
The Outstanding Creator Awards
A literary & creative arts contest that recognizes passionate and imaginative people. Known for their unique "Special Awards" which recognize niche or individual aspects of each work.
- Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Categories: Each entry is automatically considered for every available category and the Best of the Year Awards.
- Prizes: A digital nomination certificate and seal, editorial review, and the opportunity to compete against other creators
- For More Info: The Outstanding Creator Awards
Story Monsters® Approved Book Designation Program
Recognizes and honors authors in the field of children’s literature whose books inspire, inform, teach, or entertain. One deserving title that's outstanding in content, readability, message, and overall production will be selected for the honor of Story Monsters Approved Book of the Year.
- Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Categories: 25 categories (fiction and nonfiction) from children's books to environmental issues and spirituality
- Prizes: All titles earning a Story Monsters Approved designation are listed on the Story Monsters Book Awards website and receive a digital personalized certificate and award seal. Book of the Year earns a cash prize, seals, and promotion.
- For More Info: Story Monsters® Approved Book Designation Program
The IndieReader Discovery Awards
These awards highlight independently published books that stand out for their writing quality and storytelling. While editing, production quality, and cover and interior design are also considered, the goal of the IRDAs is to find talented writers and great books.
- Deadline: February 11, 2026
- Categories: There will be a first, second and third prize winner in both the fiction and non-fiction categories. There's the potential for there to be one winner in each of the 50+ sub categories.
- Prizes: Cash prizes, professional reviews, first look consideration for representation, publicist consultation, and credit for Reedsy.com services available for various winners
- For More Info: The IndieReader Discovery Awards
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards for Authors and Illustrators
The Award is given to an African American author and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions. The titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society. (Title must be written/illustrated by an African American in the previous year)
- Deadline: February 12, 2026
- Categories: Author, illustrator, and the John Steptoe New Talent award
- Prize: Cash prize and a plaque
- For More Info: The Coretta Scott King Book Award
Next Generation Indie Book Awards
The largest international awards program for indie authors and publishers, recognizing and honoring exceptional independently published books, presented by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (IBPPG).
- Deadline: February 13, 2026
- Categories: 80+ categories including current events, romantasy, social change, women's issues, and much more
- Prizes: Cash prizes, valuable awards, and industry recognition
- For More Info: Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Next Generation Short Story Awards
A not-for-profit international awards program for authors of short stories, brought to you by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group.
- Deadline: February 26, 2026
- Categories: 30+ categories; enter as many categories as you wish that apply to you
- Prizes: Cash prizes plus gold medals for all winners
- For More Info: Next Generation Short Story Awards
The Shirley Jackson Awards
For outstanding achievement in the literature of psychological suspense, horror, and the dark fantastic. The awards are voted upon by a jury of professional writers, editors, critics, and academics.
- Deadline: February 26
- Categories: Novel, novella, novelette, short fiction, single-author collection, and edited anthology
- Prizes: A certificate and a special prize donated by a member of the horror community
- For More Info: Shirley Jackson Awards
The AWP Award Series
The Series is an annual competition for the publication of excellent new book-length works (only book-length manuscripts are eligible). It's open to all authors writing in English, regardless of nationality or residence, and is available to published and unpublished authors alike.
- Deadline: February 28
- Categories: Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Short Fiction, and the Novel
- Prizes: A cash prize (typically $2,500 to $5,500) and book publication with a partner press
- For More Info: AWP Award Series
The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) Self-Publishing Literary Award
BCALA, in partnership with Biblioboard, honors the best self-published ebooks by African-American authors in the United States in the genres of fiction and poetry. These awards acknowledge outstanding achievement in the presentation of the cultural, historical and sociopolitical aspects of the Black Diaspora.
- Deadline: February 28
- Categories: Poetry and Fiction
- Prizes: Each genre prize winner shall receive: $2,500.00, formal recognition at the American Library Association conference, and a BCALA Literary Award Seal to use in their marketing.
- For More Info: The BCALA Self-Publishing Literary Award
The Edinburgh Short Story Awards: The First Write Award
An opportunity for unpublished writers to shine, get noticed, and get published. They're eager to find those undiscovered talents, the writers living anywhere in the world who are producing artful, insightful, engaging, entertaining, thrilling, or emotionally driven stories. Stories can be up to 2,000 words.
- Deadline: February 28
- Categories: Stories in all genres: literary, historic, crime, romance, gritty realism, contemporary, humor, and more
- Prizes: £300 plus publication
- For More Info: Edinburgh Short Story Awards
Deadline: March
Porter Fleming Literary Competition
An annual writing contest administered by the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, Georgia, with support from the Porter Fleming Foundation. All entries must be original, previously unpublished in print or online media, and not accepted by any publisher at the time they are entered. Open to writers aged 18+ who reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington D.C.
- Deadline: March 1
- Categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and One-Act Play
- Prizes: $7,000 cash awards across categories
- For More Info: Porter Fleming Literary Competition
The Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize
A writing competition sponsored by the stage and radio series Selected Shorts. The prize will be judged by Simon Rich. The winning work will be performed by an actor in spring 2026 and published on Electric Literature. Entries should be 750 words or less. Entry must be original and unpublished.
- Deadline: March 6
- Categories: Stories can be on any theme
- Prizes: The winning writer will receive $1,000 and a free 10-week course with Gotham Writers
- For More Info: The Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize
The Edinburgh Young Adult Novel Award
A competition for writers and illustrators of young adult fiction, for novels and graphic novels. Open to writers and illustrators worldwide. Entrants can be any age over 16 years – creating work suitable for audiences aged 12 and older. Unfinished work is accepted. At no stage do you need to submit a completed novel.
- Deadline: March 10
- Categories: Any topic, in any style: comedy, romance, drama, horror, queer, contemporary, realist, speculative fiction, and more
- Prizes: First prize £1,500, Second prize £500, Third Prize £250, and 2 Commendations worth £100
- For More Info: Edinburgh Young Adult Fiction Novel Award
The Lascaux Prize in Poetry
Poems may be previously published or unpublished, and simultaneous submissions are accepted. Judges are the journal’s editors. Poets retain all rights to their work at all times.
- Deadline: March 31
- Categories: All genres and styles are welcome
- Prizes: Winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review
- For More Info: The Lascaux Prize in Poetry
The Rubery Book Awards
An international book award that recognizes the best books by indie writers, self-published authors, and books published by independent presses. Open to all genres. Prizes include cash, a glass plaque, and a review on the website for all winners and shortlisted authors.
- Deadline: March 31
- Categories: Categories will be represented once all entries have been received. Each book will be judged on its own merit and the correct category. They may not be able to represent ALL categories to give prizes to, as it depends greatly on the quality and quantity of entries received. If your book is in a category that isn't represented in the final line-up, please be assured that it was not at a disadvantage at all and was judged in the category it was entered under.
- Prizes: Book of the Year = £2,000; Category Winners = £200. Every winner receives a glass plaque and all winners & shortlisted authors receive a write up.
- For More Info: Rubery Book Awards
National Indie Excellence® Awards
The National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA) recognize books that demonstrate excellence in form and content, celebrating self-published books.
- Deadline: March 31
- Categories: 150+ categories to choose from
- Prizes: Cash prizes, sponsorship awards with professional development and marketing assistance, and Juror's Choice awards with unrestricted funds for marketing and distribution
- For More Info: National Indie Excellence Awards
Deadline: April
Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
Thi 2026 contest is organized by Winning Writers located in Western Massachusetts, in the United States. The organizer is accepting humor poems written in English, up to 250 lines in length. Both published and/or unpublished work can be submitted. One poem only, please.
- Deadline: April 1
- Categories: Humor poems
- Prizes: First prize = $2,000 plus two-year gift certificate from Duotrope; Second prize = $500; Third prize = $250; Honorable mentions = 10 awards of $100 each; top 13 entries published online
- For More Info: Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
The Adrienne Rich Award for Poetry
An annual prize administered by the Beloit Poetry Journal, supported by the Adrienne Rich Literary Trust. It celebrates poetry that embodies the boldness, creativity, and social engagement championed by Adrienne Rich herself. Submit 1-3 unpublished poems on any subject in any style, up to a maximum of 10 pages per entry.
- Deadline: April 30
- Categories:
- Prizes: Top prize is $1,500 and publication in Beloit Poetry Journal
- For More Info: The Adrienne Rich Award for Poetry
Deadline: May
The Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest
Organized by Winning Writers. For this contest, a story is any short work of fiction, and an essay is any short work of nonfiction. Both published and unpublished work is accepted, written in any theme. No restriction on age of author.
- Deadline: May 1
- Categories: All categories of story or essay accepted
- Prizes: Story: First Prize, $3,500; Essay: First Prize, $3,500; 10 Honorable Mentions will receive $500 each
- For More Info: The Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest
The Montreal International Poetry Prize
Run by the Department of English at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, the awards issue one prize to a poet for a single poem of 40 or fewer lines. A jury of internationally reputed poets and critics selects a shortlist of approximately 60 poems, from which a judge chooses one winner. The shortlist is published in The Montreal Poetry Prize Anthology.
- Deadline: May 1
- Categories:
- Prizes: $20,000 CAD
- For More Info: The Montreal International Poetry Prize
Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition
Writer’s Digest has been shining a spotlight on up-and-coming writers in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for over 90 years. Enter their 95th Annual Writing Competition for your chance to win and have your work be seen by editors and agents! Almost 500 winners will be chosen.
- Deadline: Early-Bird Deadline is May 4
- Categories: Nine categories including Memoirs/Personal Essay, Rhyming Poetry, Humor, Children's/Young Adult Fiction, and more
- Prizes:
- Grand Prize = $5,000 cash, an interview in the magazine, publication of their winning piece online, and more
- First Place in each category = $1,000 cash and publication online
- Second through Tenth Place winners in each category win prizes between $500 and $25 cash
- For More Info: Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition
Bridport Prize
A well-regarded international competition with the mission of encouraging writers everywhere. Previous winners include the novelist Kate Atkinson MBE, Kit de Waal, and Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott.
- Deadline: May 31
- Categories: Poetry, Short Story Flash Fiction, Novel, and Memoir
- Prizes: Range from £5,000 to £250 depending on the category
- For More Info: Bridport Prize
The Bath Novel Award
A prestigious competition for unpublished manuscripts. Entrants are typically asked to submit the first 5,000 words plus a synopsis by the deadline.
- Deadline: May 31 Any genre is accepted for adult and YA manuscripts
- Categories: Any genre is accepted for adult and YA manuscripts
- Prizes: Winner is awarded £5,000 along with a Minerva trophy. One longlistee wins a place worth £1,980 on the 18 week virtual course Edit Your Novel the Professional Way
- For More Info: The Bath Novel Award
Tips for Entering Book Awards Successfully
- Read the guidelines carefully: Each contest has specific requirements regarding eligibility, format, submission deadlines, and entry fees.
- Choose the right category: Picking the best-fitting genre category for your book increases your chances of winning.
- Determine what the judges are looking for: Do your research and find out what the award judges are seeking. This could possibly help your submission stand out among others.
- Submit a professionally edited book: Judges value high-quality writing and presentation.
- Leverage your nomination or win: Even if you don’t win, being a finalist is an excellent marketing tool. Mention it in your author bio, website, and social media.
Winning or placing in a book contest can significantly enhance your credibility as an indie author. With so many opportunities available, there’s no reason not to submit your book and possibly gain some well-deserved recognition.
