WHAT’S better than an opportunity to have your work published by a favorite press, lauded by an author you admire, or honored with a cash prize? How about a chance at these and other prizes at no cost to you? Each year dozens of contests reward writers for their tenacity, artistry, vision, and talent—all without the entry fees that can otherwise be a thorn in a judicious submitter’s side. We’ve gathered a year’s worth of the most notable of these prizes—forty-one in all—with opportunities that emerging and debut writers can pursue across the calendar, from the coldest winter nights to sultry summer days. As always, any contest we list has been thoroughly vetted to ensure it is worthwhile and reliably run, to make certain your time and energies are wellspent. We’ve also confirmed that all details that follow are accurate at the time of this printing. (That said, a year is a long time. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that things can change. As deadlines approach, double-check with contest websites to confirm that particulars—especially dates—haven’t shifted.) Your work deserves to be supported, celebrated, and read. So go ahead and try your hand at one of these contests. It’ll cost you nothing—literally.
MAY
HIGH DESERT MUSEUM
Waterston Desert Writing Prize
Next/Typical deadline: May 1
Genre: Nonfiction
Prize: $3,000, reading
This unique award supports writers at any stage of their careers who—like
