10 opportunities to get published
Competitions and calls for submissions between now and September
I just saw a note that said something like ‘writers hover between the desire to be seen and the desire to hide’.
If you’re someone who has been too scared to submit your fiction for publication or are worried about rejection, I only have this to say — there is someone out there who needs to read what you have written today. Who needs to see their hopes, ideas, dreams, and challenges reflected. There is someone out there whose life will be changed by reading your words, who will find today a little easier to navigate, or a decision a tiny bit easier to make. So please, if not for yourself (for the record - for yourself is enough!) then for the person who needs to read your words, submit, submit, submit!
Also, sign up for a workshop, so that you can generate more stories and enter more competitions.
1. Anthology
Anthology is running a few competitions at the moment so I’ll mention two here.
By 31 July you can submit a 1500 word short story for their competition. It costs €18 to enter, and you can win €1000.
By 30 September you can submit a 250 word flash fiction for their competition. It costs €12 to enter, and you can win €300.
2. Sunlight books
Sunlight books is running a time-travel short story competition. Submit a story of no more than 8000 words, for £18, and stand the chance to win £500.
3. Terrain
Terrain is seeking poetry, nonfiction and fiction for their competition. It costs $20 to enter. All the details here.
4. Imagnary House
Imagnary House children’s publisher is open for submissions until 31 July. They’re looking for illustrated children’s picture books, children’s chapter books, children’s comic books, and science-fiction and fantasy novels. More details, here.
5. Mirari Press
Mirari Press is open for submission for their upcoming short story anthology UTOPIA/HAVOC by 30 June. They are also open to queer speculative fiction short stories (3000 - 6000 words) for their Mirari Revel imprint.
6. The Moth
The Moth Short Story Prize closes 30 June. Stories must be no more than 3000 words, and the entry fee is €15. Prize is €3000.
The Moth Nature Writing Prize closes on 30 September. Stories must be no more than 4000 words. It costs €15 to enter. Prize is €1000 plus a week at the Moth Retreat.
7. HerStry
HerStry is running a micro-memoir contest. True stories must be no more than 1000 words. It costs $10 to enter. Submissions close on 1 September. First place wins $200.
8. The Novelry
The Novelry is seeking the first three pages of your novel, with a chance to win a bonkers amount of money - $100000. Deadline for submission is 31 July. As a bonus, you can enter as many times as you like! But, you have to be from the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia.
9. Bridport Memoir Prize
The Bridport Memoir Prize needs 5000 to 8000 words plus a 300 word overview of your memoir. The deadline is 30 September 2025. The first prize is £1500 plus a package of support for your writing. It costs £26 to enter.
10. The Writers College
The Writers College is looking for a 600 word essay on the theme: The worst writing mistake I’ve ever made. Entry is free. Prizewinners receive NZ$200. Closes 30 June.
Good luck!