Each month we curate a list of contests, fellowships, and other writing opportunities with approaching deadlines. Opportunities will be posted in the month prior to their deadlines, so that you have ample time to submit your work or applications.

Fiction Contests

Ronald Sukenick Innovative Fiction Contest
Eligibility: U.S. writers
Prize: $1,500 + publication
Entry fee: $25
Deadline: November 1, 2020

Catherine Doctorow Innovative Fiction Prize
Eligibility: U.S. writers with at least three books of fiction published
Prize: $15,000 + publication
Entry fee: $25
Deadline: November 1, 2020

John Steinbeck Award
Eligibility: All writers
Prize: $1,000
Entry fee: $20
Deadline: November 1, 2020

Machigonne Fiction Contest
Eligibility: All writers
Prize: $1,500 + publication
Entry fee: $22
Deadline: November 20, 2020

Nonfiction Contests

Gabriele Rico Creative Nonfiction Challenge
Eligibility: All writers
Prize: $1,333
Entry fee: $20
Deadline: November 1, 2020

Poetry Contests

Edwin Markham Prize
Eligibility: All poets
Prize: $1,000
Entry fee: $20
Deadline: November 1, 2020

Alice James Award
Eligibility: Emerging & established poets
Prize: $2,000 + publication
Entry fee: $30
Deadline: November 2, 2020

Walt Whitman Award
Eligibility: U.S. poets who have not previously published a book
Prize: $5,000 + publication
Entry fee: $35
Deadline: November 16, 2020

Knightville Poetry Contest
Eligibility: All poets
Prize: $1,500 + publication
Entry fee: $22
Deadline: November 20, 2020

A Poulin, Jr. Poetry Prize
Eligibility: U.S. poets who have not previously published a book
Prize: $1,000 + publication
Entry fee: $25
Deadline: November 30, 2020

Cider Press Review Book Award
Eligibility: All poets
Prize: $1,500 + publication
Entry fee: $26
Deadline: November 30, 2020

Multi-Genre Contests

Narrative 30 Below Contest
Eligibility: All writers, ages 18-30
Prize: $1,500
Entry fee: $26
Deadline: November 19, 2020

Narrative Fall Story Contest (for fiction and nonfiction)
Eligibility: All writers
Prize: $2,500
Entry fee: $27
Deadline: November 30, 2020