A Definitive List of Writing Contests and Book Awards for 2026

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 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 2026)
• Categories: Open to fiction and nonfiction authors globally in 20+ categories
• 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 30 diverse categories in fiction and nonfiction; 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 Award

Deadline: January

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 Colorado Prize for Poetry

An international poetry book manuscript contest open to all themes and genres. Manuscripts must be 48 to 100 pages. Individual poems may have appeared in journals, anthologies, or chapbooks, but the collection itself must be unpublished, and none of the pieces can have appeared in any of the author’s previously published books. Must be 18+ to enter.

• Deadline: January 14
• Categories: All themes and genres welcome
• Prizes: A $2,500 honorarium and publication of his or her book by the Center for Literary Publishing
• For More Info: The Colorado Prize for Poetry

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 Henry Morgenthau III First Book Poetry Prize

Established in 2018 by the Morgenthau children to honor their father, Henry Morgenthau III, who began writing poetry in his 90s. The prize is awarded every other year to a U.S. poet 70 or older who has not published a full-length book of poetry.

• Deadline: January 15
• Categories: No restrictions on the style of poetry or subject matter. No translations
• Prizes: Top Prize: £2,000; Winner gets publication and a featured interview. All honorable mentions will be published.
• For More Info: The Henry Morgenthau III First Book Poetry 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. A single category registration qualifies a book for all prize consideration.

• Deadline: January 21
• 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 Write Prize for Flash Fiction

It's a write-off! Choose a team and write a 500-word story based on your team's 3 prompts to compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes and print publication. Then stick around for the podcast afterparty, where your judges will unpack the competition stats and celebrate the top stories. 

The competition is open to writers of all levels of experience worldwide.

• Deadline: January 25
  • Note: The competition runs quarterly. Other 2026 deadlines are: 
    • April 26
    • July 26
    • October 25
• Categories: 500-word flash fiction, all genres
• Prizes: There is a total prize pool of AU$4,000 up for grabs in each round of the competition, a trophy for the winner, and publication in our annual print anthology
• 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

Christmas Horror Short Story Contest

Open to writers working across the full spectrum of horror, from dark and disturbing tales to quiet, atmospheric stories and even cosy horror. Entries won't be judged on how frightening they are, but on their overall quality: storytelling, craft, originality, and voice. 

• Deadline: January 26
• Categories: Stories should embrace the themes, symbols, and traditions of the holiday season
• Prizes: £1,000 for the winning story
• For More Info: Christmas Horror Short Story Contest

The Bridge Prize National Short Story Award

Presented by the School of Liberal Education at the University of Lethbridge. The Bridge Prize is a biennial short story writing competition that intends to inspire and motivate the next generation of fiction writers in Canada. Only undergraduate and graduate students attending colleges and universities in Canada are eligible to submit a short story. 

• Deadline: January 26
• Categories: Short stories
• Prizes: Top Prize: Graduate category: $5,000; Top prize: Undergraduate category: $5,000; Finalist in each category: $1,000. Each winning author and finalist will also receive a $200 gift card courtesy of Munro’s Books.
• For More Info: The 2026 Bridge Short Story Award

The William Saroyan International Prize for Writing

A biennial literary award jointly organised by Stanford University Libraries in California, USA, and the William Saroyan Foundation. The competition recognises newly published books in fiction and nonfiction and is intended to encourage new or emerging writers rather than established authors. Self-published books are eligible.

• Deadline: January 30
• Categories: Fiction and nonfiction
• Prizes: Two awards of $5,000 each are given—one for fiction and one for nonfiction
• For More Info: The William Saroyan International Prize for Writing

The Elegant Literature Prize

Ink & Iron: The Elegant Literature Prize for New Writers is presented monthly by Elegant Literature, a digital magazine, to a new, unpublished writer. The award is part of the organizer’s mission to help new talent launch their writing careers by providing financial support and publication opportunities.

• Deadline: January 31
• Categories: Fantasy, contemporary, romance, crime—all genres are welcome
• Prizes: First Place: $3,000; Second - Tenth Place: 10c/word and publication
• For More Info: The Elegant Literature Prize
  

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 

The 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 can't exceed 7,000 words. No restrictions on age or location of participant.

• Deadline: January 31
• Categories: All genres
• Prizes: First place: $3,000; Second place: $1,000; Third Place: $750
• For More Info: Story Unlikely Annual Short Story Contest

The Screw-Turn Flash Fiction Contest

A biannual flash fiction contest from The Ghost Story (TGS). Straight ghost stories are welcome, but organizers seek fresh, unclichéd takes on the uncanny and well-crafted prose. Entries must be unpublished and not under consideration elsewhere.

• Deadline: January 31
• Categories: Supernatural, paranormal, or magic-realist work
• Prizes: Twice each year TGS awards $1,000 and publication to the first-place winner. In addition, two honorable mention winners will receive $200 each, as well as publication. 
• For More Info: The Screw-Turn Flash Fiction Contest

The Chautauqua Janus Prize

The Chautauqua Janus Prize honors an emerging writer's single work of short fiction or nonfiction that pushes formal and aesthetic boundaries

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

Masters Review Winter Short Story Award for New Writers

A biannual contest from The Masters Review, a U.S.-based literary magazine focused on emerging writers that honors excellence in short fiction and creative nonfiction. Open to previously unpublished stories and narrative nonfiction in English under 6,000 words. Authors with books from indie presses, as well as self-published authors, may submit unpublished work.

• Deadline: February 1
• Categories: Fiction and narrative nonfiction
• Prizes: 1st Place: $3,000, 2nd Place: $300, and 3rd Place: $200 - all winners receive online publication and agency review
• For More Info: Masters Review Winter Short Story Award

Calibre Essay Prize 2026

Australian Book Review welcomes entries in the The Calibre Prize, open to all essayists writing in English. Entries must be a single nonfiction essay of 2,000 to 5,000 words. Previously published, prize-winning, or broadcast essays will not be accepted.

• Deadline: February 2
• Categories: Essays of all kinds are accepted: personal or political, literary or speculative, traditional or experimental.
• Prizes: Winner receives AU$5,000; Runner-up receives AU$3,000; and Third place receives AU$2,000
• For More Info: Calibre Essay Prize

The Keats-Shelley Poetry and Essay Prizes

Established in 1998 to encourage writers of all ages to respond to the work of the Romantics, The Keats-Shelley Poetry and Essay Prizes are open to all. Entries must be original and contemporary in style. The poem must not have been published previously, either in print or online or in any other media, nor previously submitted to us.

• Deadline: February 2
• Categories: Entrants are invited to submit poems on the subject of either “Dystopia” or “Utopia”.
• Prizes: Winners receive £1,000. Two highly commended entrants in each category will receive £500.
• For More Info: The Keats-Shelley Prizes

First Chapter Novel and Memoir Contest

Organized by Off Topic Publishing, a small publisher and community of writers and readers run by Marion Lougheed. Looking for first chapters of novels or memoirs for work that is unpublished or self-published only. The piece doesn't need to be finished yet. It’ll need to be finished by the time the winner is announced.

• Deadline: February 10
• Categories: All genres are welcome
• Prizes: First-Place Winner in each category (Novel or Memoir) will receive $100 CAD, a free ticket to the Off Topic Writers’ Conference, and a Full Manuscript Critique (valued at around $1,200).
• For More Info: First Chapter Novel and Memoir Contest

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 nonfiction 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

Emerging Author Dagger

Formerly the Debut Dagger, this is an international competition for crime novelists writing in English. All crime subgenres are welcome. Entrants may not have self-published their entry or any other piece of fiction of over 20,000 words unless it was removed from public sale five years or more previous to the deadline date.

• Deadline: February 27
• Categories: All crime subgenres, including thriller, noir, cozy mystery, suspense, police procedural, spy fiction, and crossovers—aimed at adult or young adult readers.
• Prizes: A cash prize of £500, along with representation or a publishing contract
• For More Info:  Emerging Author Dagger

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

Bridge House Annual Anthology (Call for Submissions)

Bridge House are seeking stories on the subject of "Room at the Inn?" for their annual anthology, to be released in November of 2026. New writers, established writers and writers included in other anthologies are all equally welcome. 

• Deadline: February 28
• Categories: Stories between 1,000 and 5,000 words that address the theme in some way
• Prizes: Publication in anthology, a free ebook, and profit share of book sales
• For More Info: Bridge House Annual Anthology Submissions

Voices of Mixed Heritage

Organizer is looking for original, unpublished work in English, including short stories, nonfiction essays, or poetry from individuals 18+. Authors and poets of mixed heritage or relationships are preferred, but not required. 

• Deadline: February 28
• Categories: Nonfiction, poetry, or short stories exploring themes of multicultural or third-culture identity, love, belonging, home life, and pain.
• Prizes: Prizes up to $500 for top winners along with publication in Kinsman Quarterly’s literary journal and the upcoming anthology, Living Between Worlds: Bicultural Life, Love, & Pain. 
• For More Info: Voices of Mixed Heritage

Fish Flash Fiction Prize

An annual event run by west Ireland-based Fish Publishing that's an opportunity to attempt one of the most interesting and rewarding tasks: to create, in a tiny fragment, a completely resolved and compelling story in 300 words or less. The winning stories must be available for the Fish Anthology, and therefore must not have been published previously.

• Deadline: February 28
• Categories: No restriction on theme or style
• Prizes: Top prize of €1,000. Top 10 stories will be published in the Fish Anthology 2026.
• For More Info: Fish Flash Fiction Prize

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.