Literary Magazine Contests: Complete Guide to Writing Contests, Prizes, Submissions & How to Win
Literary magazine contests are an excellent opportunity for writers who want to publish their work, gain recognition, win cash prizes, and build a strong literary résumé. From poetry and short stories to essays, flash fiction, creative nonfiction, and emerging-writer competitions, literary magazines host contests for writers at many different stages of their careers.
Unlike traditional publishing opportunities, literary magazine contests often give writers a chance to compete for publication, editorial recognition, prize money, and sometimes a long-term relationship with a respected literary publication.
For emerging writers, these contests can be especially valuable. Winning or placing in a literary magazine competition can strengthen a writing portfolio, attract editors and readers, and provide an important credential for applications to writing programs, fellowships, residencies, and other literary opportunities.
This guide explains what literary magazine contests are, how they work, where to find them, what types of competitions are available, how to prepare a submission, how judges evaluate entries, and how writers can improve their chances of success.
What Are Literary Magazine Contests?
Literary magazine contests are writing competitions organized by literary journals, magazines, independent publishers, universities, nonprofit literary organizations, or writing institutions.
Depending on the contest, writers may be invited to submit:
Poetry
Short stories
Flash fiction
Creative nonfiction
Essays
Personal essays
Memoir
Novel excerpts
One-act plays
Hybrid literature
Experimental writing
Translations
Emerging-writer manuscripts
Most contests require an entry fee, although some literary magazines offer free contests, fee waivers, or free submission opportunities for certain writers.
The winning entry may receive a cash prize, publication in the literary magazine, an interview, an editorial feature, or another form of recognition.
Some competitions accept international submissions, while others are restricted to writers living in a particular country, region, state, age group, or educational category.
Because contest rules vary considerably, writers should always read the official guidelines carefully before submitting.
Why Enter Literary Magazine Contests?
There are many reasons writers enter literary magazine competitions. Winning is obviously attractive, but the benefits go beyond prize money.
1. Publication Opportunities
One of the biggest benefits is the possibility of publication.
A literary magazine may publish the winning poem, story, essay, or other work in a print or online issue.
Publication can help emerging writers establish a literary record and introduce their work to new readers.
For writers who are trying to build a professional writing career, even one respected publication can become an important part of a portfolio.
2. Cash Prizes
Many literary magazine contests offer cash awards.
Prize amounts vary widely. Some small competitions may offer modest prizes, while major contests can offer thousands of dollars.
However, writers should not choose contests based only on prize money.
A contest organized by a respected literary magazine may provide valuable exposure and publication even when the cash prize is relatively small.
3. Recognition
A contest placement can provide an important credential.
For example, a writer might later be able to state:
Winner of a literary magazine poetry contest
or
Finalist for a national short story competition
Such achievements can strengthen biographies, author websites, query letters, fellowship applications, and literary résumés.
4. Editorial Exposure
Some literary magazine contests are judged by established writers, editors, poets, professors, or literary professionals.
Being noticed by an editor or judge can sometimes lead to future opportunities.
Even when a writer does not win, entering respected competitions can introduce their work to literary communities.
5. Building a Writing Portfolio
New writers often struggle with establishing a publication history.
Literary magazine contests can provide a structured way to build that history.
A strong portfolio might eventually include:
Magazine publications
Contest wins
Contest finalist positions
Anthology appearances
Fellowships
Residencies
Literary awards
Book publications
This record can become increasingly valuable as a writer's career develops.
Types of Literary Magazine Contests
Not every literary competition works in the same way. Understanding the major categories can help writers identify the contests that best fit their work.
Poetry Contests
Poetry contests are among the most common literary magazine competitions.
A contest may accept:
One poem
Several poems
A group of poems
A long poem
A sequence
A chapbook
An unpublished poetry manuscript
Some competitions have specific themes, while others accept poetry on any subject.
Poetry contests may also have separate categories for emerging writers, students, young poets, or established authors.
Short Story Contests
Short story competitions are another major category.
Most contests specify a maximum word count. For example, a competition might accept stories up to a particular number of words.
Genres may include:
Literary fiction
Historical fiction
Contemporary fiction
Speculative fiction
Experimental fiction
Flash fiction
Microfiction
Before submitting, writers should carefully check whether genre fiction is permitted.
Flash Fiction Contests
Flash fiction is extremely popular among literary magazines.
These contests challenge writers to tell a complete or emotionally powerful story within a very limited word count.
Depending on the competition, the limit may range from a few hundred words to approximately 1,000 words or more.
The limited length makes flash fiction contests particularly challenging.
Successful flash fiction usually depends on:
Strong openings
Precise language
Character development
Compression
A compelling central idea
Effective endings
Creative Nonfiction Contests
Creative nonfiction contests accept factual writing presented using literary techniques.
Common forms include:
Personal essays
Memoir
Literary journalism
Nature writing
Travel writing
Cultural criticism
Autobiographical essays
A successful creative nonfiction piece often combines personal experience with reflection and a larger idea.
Essay Contests
Literary magazines may also host essay competitions.
These can focus on personal experience, culture, politics, history, identity, education, family, or other subjects.
Some contests have specific prompts, while others allow writers to choose their own topics.
Novel and Novella Contests
Some literary organizations and magazines host competitions for longer fiction.
These may request:
Novel manuscripts
Novella manuscripts
First chapters
Opening sections
Novel excerpts
Because long-form competitions require more reading from judges, submission requirements can be significantly different from those of poetry or short fiction contests.
Emerging Writer Contests
Emerging-writer competitions are designed for authors who have not yet achieved extensive publication or book credits.
Eligibility definitions vary.
A contest might define an emerging writer based on:
Number of published books
Previous publications
Years of professional writing
Age
Educational status
Previous awards
These competitions can be particularly useful for writers at the beginning of their careers.
How Do Literary Magazine Contests Work?
Although every competition has different rules, the general process usually follows several steps.
Step 1: Find a Suitable Contest
The first step is finding a competition that matches your writing.
Look at:
Genre
Word count
Eligibility
Theme
Entry fee
Deadline
Prize
Publication terms
Rights policy
Step 2: Read the Guidelines
Never submit without reading the official guidelines.
A beautifully written story can be disqualified if it violates basic requirements.
Check:
Formatting
File type
Word count
Page limits
Anonymity requirements
Simultaneous submission rules
Previously published work rules
Eligibility requirements
Step 3: Prepare the Manuscript
Your submission should be carefully edited.
Remove:
Typographical errors
Unnecessary repetition
Weak sentences
Formatting problems
Inconsistent punctuation
Unclear transitions
A contest submission should look professional.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Do not wait until the final minutes.
Technical problems can occur when submitting online.
Submitting early also gives you time to confirm that the correct file was uploaded and the entry fee, if applicable, was processed correctly.
How to Choose the Best Literary Magazine Contests
There are thousands of writing competitions available, but not all are equally valuable.
Check the Magazine's Reputation
Research the literary magazine before entering.
Look for:
Established publication history
Recognized authors
Professional editorial standards
Clear contest guidelines
Transparent judging
Previous winners
Publication history
A respected literary magazine can provide more meaningful recognition than an unknown competition offering a large prize.
Examine the Prize
Consider the total prize package rather than the headline amount.
A competition might offer:
Cash
Publication
Editorial consultation
Book publication
Reading invitation
Interview
Promotion
Residency
Fellowship
A smaller cash prize combined with publication may be more valuable to an emerging writer than a larger cash prize without publication.
Are Literary Magazine Contests Worth the Entry Fee?
This depends on the contest.
Many reputable literary competitions charge entry fees because those fees help support editorial work, prize money, administration, and publication.
However, writers should be cautious about entering large numbers of contests without evaluating their quality.
Before paying an entry fee, ask:
Is the literary magazine legitimate?
Are previous winners publicly listed?
Who judges the contest?
Is the prize clearly explained?
Will the winning work be published?
What rights does the magazine request?
Is the entry fee reasonable?
Does the contest fit my work?
Writers should also look for fee-waiver opportunities when available.
How to Win a Literary Magazine Contest
There is no guaranteed formula for winning a literary competition. Judges have different tastes, and literary quality can be subjective.
However, several strategies can improve your chances.
1. Start With a Strong Opening
The opening lines matter.
A strong poem should immediately establish an intriguing voice, image, tension, or emotional situation.
A short story should give readers a reason to continue.
Avoid unnecessary introductions.
2. Create a Distinctive Voice
Judges read many submissions.
A distinctive voice can help a piece stand out.
Instead of trying to imitate famous writers, develop your own:
Rhythm
Perspective
Vocabulary
Imagery
Sentence structure
Emotional tone
Authenticity is often more powerful than imitation.
3. Use Specific Details
Specific details make writing memorable.
Instead of writing:
She was sad.
a writer might show sadness through an action, object, memory, or physical detail.
Literary writing often becomes stronger when emotions are demonstrated rather than simply explained.
4. Edit Ruthlessly
First drafts are rarely finished drafts.
After completing your piece, revise it several times.
Look for:
Weak openings
Unnecessary paragraphs
Repeated ideas
Predictable language
Overwritten descriptions
Unclear endings
Sometimes removing 10 percent of a manuscript can make the remaining writing considerably stronger.
5. Create a Memorable Ending
The ending is particularly important in short fiction, essays, and flash fiction.
A good ending does not necessarily need a dramatic twist.
It can instead provide:
Emotional resonance
New understanding
Irony
A powerful image
A meaningful realization
An unexpected connection
The final line should feel earned rather than artificially clever.
What Do Literary Contest Judges Look For?
Different judges have different preferences, but several qualities commonly matter.
Originality
Judges want writing that feels fresh.
A familiar topic can still become powerful when approached from an unusual perspective.
Craft
Craft includes:
Structure
Language
Rhythm
Characterization
Imagery
Narrative control
Pacing
Emotional Impact
Strong literary writing often makes readers feel something.
That might be:
Joy
Grief
Anxiety
Surprise
Nostalgia
Anger
Wonder
Thematic Depth
Winning entries often offer more than a surface-level story.
They may explore larger questions about:
Identity
Memory
Family
Society
Love
Loss
Culture
History
Technical Control
Even experimental writing benefits from intentionality.
A writer should understand why the piece is structured in a particular way.
Common Mistakes Writers Make in Literary Magazine Contests
Ignoring the Guidelines
This is one of the easiest mistakes to avoid.
Always follow the submission instructions.
Submitting an Unedited Draft
Do not assume that a good idea automatically makes a finished piece.
Editing is essential.
Trying Too Hard to Sound Literary
Overly complicated language can make writing less effective.
Clear and precise writing is often stronger than unnecessary sophistication.
Choosing the Wrong Contest
A brilliant science-fiction story may not fit a literary fiction competition.
Choose contests that match your writing.
Submitting Everything You Write
More submissions do not necessarily mean better chances.
Select your strongest work.
Forgetting the Rights Policy
Always understand what rights the publication receives if your work wins or is published.
Literary Magazine Contests for Emerging Writers
Emerging writers should pay particular attention to competitions designed specifically for new authors.
These contests may provide:
Lower competition from established authors
Publication opportunities
Cash prizes
Editorial recognition
Networking
Career visibility
Writers should also explore contests offered by university literary magazines, independent journals, regional publications, and nonprofit literary organizations.
Free Literary Magazine Contests
Not every writing competition requires an entry fee.
Free literary magazine contests may be offered as:
Open competitions
Student contests
Community writing competitions
Special promotional contests
Diversity-focused opportunities
Fee-waiver programs
Free contests can be particularly useful for writers with limited budgets.
However, "free" does not automatically mean "better." Evaluate the reputation, judging process, publication terms, and prize structure just as you would for a paid contest.
Literary Magazine Contests for Poetry
Poets have many options when searching for literary competitions.
Popular categories include:
Contemporary poetry contests
First-book poetry contests
Single-poem competitions
Emerging poet contests
Nature poetry contests
Love poetry contests
Political poetry contests
Experimental poetry contests
Haiku contests
Formal poetry contests
When selecting a poetry contest, examine the required number of poems and maximum length carefully.
Some competitions ask for a single poem, while others request a small portfolio.
Literary Magazine Contests for Short Stories
Short story writers should pay particular attention to word-count requirements.
A contest with a 3,000-word maximum is very different from one accepting stories of 10,000 words.
Before submitting, ask:
Does my story fit the word limit?
Is literary fiction allowed?
Are genre stories accepted?
Is simultaneous submission permitted?
Has the story been published before?
Does the contest require anonymity?
Following these requirements can prevent unnecessary disqualification.
Literary Magazine Contests and Publication Rights
Rights are an important but sometimes overlooked issue.
A contest may request first publication rights, one-time rights, electronic rights, or other permissions.
Before submitting, read the terms carefully.
Writers should understand:
What rights they retain
What rights the magazine receives
Whether the work can later be republished
Whether the writer retains copyright
Whether the winning piece becomes exclusive to the publication
A reputable contest should clearly explain its rights policy.
How to Find Literary Magazine Contests
There are several ways to discover new competitions.
Literary Magazine Websites
Many magazines announce contests directly on their websites.
Check sections such as:
Contests
Submissions
Opportunities
Awards
Calls for submissions
Writing Organizations
National and regional literary organizations often publish opportunities for writers.
University Literary Journals
Universities frequently operate respected literary magazines and writing competitions.
Writing Communities
Online writing communities can help writers discover new contests, but always verify the competition on the organizer's official website before submitting or paying a fee.
Literary Newsletters
Many literary newsletters compile information about:
Writing contests
Submission opportunities
Fellowships
Residencies
Grants
Literary events
How to Build a Literary Contest Strategy
Entering contests randomly can become expensive and time-consuming.
A better approach is to develop a strategy.
Create a Contest Spreadsheet
Track:
| Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Contest | Poetry Contest |
| Genre | Poetry |
| Deadline | Monthly |
| Entry Fee | Varies |
| Prize | Cash + Publication |
| Word Limit | Check Guidelines |
| Eligibility | Open |
| Simultaneous Submission | Check Rules |
| Result Date | Check Guidelines |
This helps writers avoid missed deadlines.
A Practical Monthly Contest Plan
Writers can create a simple monthly schedule.
Week 1: Research
Find suitable competitions and study their guidelines.
Week 2: Select
Choose your strongest pieces.
Week 3: Revise
Edit and proofread your submissions.
Week 4: Submit
Submit early and record the deadline and result date.
This approach is more sustainable than submitting to every contest you find.
Should You Submit the Same Poem or Story to Multiple Contests?
Sometimes yes, but only if the rules allow simultaneous submissions.
Some contests prohibit simultaneous submissions, while others permit them.
If simultaneous submissions are allowed, keep careful records.
If one publication accepts your work, immediately check whether you need to withdraw it from other competitions.
Never violate a contest's simultaneous-submission policy.
Literary Magazine Contests vs. Open Submissions
Contests and regular submissions serve different purposes.
| Feature | Literary Contest | Regular Submission |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Fee | Often charged | Sometimes free/charged |
| Competition | Usually high | Varies |
| Prize | Often available | Usually none |
| Publication | Often included for winners | Possible |
| Judging | Contest judge/panel | Editorial team |
| Recognition | Potential award | Publication credit |
| Deadline | Fixed | Fixed or rolling |
Both approaches can be valuable.
Writers should consider submitting to literary magazines through regular submission windows as well as entering appropriate contests.
How Much Can Writers Win?
Prize amounts vary substantially.
Some literary magazine contests offer modest awards, while major competitions may offer substantial cash prizes.
However, prize money should not be the only consideration.
A competition that provides:
Publication + recognition + editorial exposure + a respected literary credential
may have greater long-term value than a contest offering a larger cash prize without meaningful literary exposure.
Are Online Literary Magazine Contests Legitimate?
Many online literary contests are legitimate, but writers should research them before entering.
Warning signs can include:
Unclear organizers
No information about judges
No previous winners
Hidden fees
Confusing rights language
Unrealistic promises
Poorly maintained websites
Lack of professional editorial information
A legitimate contest should provide clear information about eligibility, deadlines, fees, prizes, judging, publication, and rights.
Tips for First-Time Contest Entrants
If this is your first literary magazine contest, keep things simple.
Choose one strong piece.
Do not submit ten average pieces when you have one excellent piece.
Read previous winners.
If available, study previously recognized work to understand the publication's literary preferences.
Follow every rule.
Formatting and eligibility matter.
Proofread carefully.
A final proofreading pass can catch embarrassing errors.
Keep expectations realistic.
Even excellent writers receive rejections.
Literary contests are highly competitive.
Continue writing.
One rejection does not define your writing ability.
The Role of Literary Magazine Contests in a Writing Career
Literary competitions can become part of a broader writing strategy.
A developing writer might combine:
Literary magazine submissions
Contest entries
Poetry readings
Writing workshops
Literary festivals
Fellowships
Residencies
Author interviews
Book submissions
Independent publishing
Over time, these activities can help establish a recognizable literary profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Literary Magazine Contests
What is a literary magazine contest?
A literary magazine contest is a writing competition organized by a literary publication or related organization. Writers submit poems, stories, essays, or other literary works for consideration.
Are literary magazine contests worth entering?
They can be, especially when the contest is reputable and the prize includes publication, recognition, or meaningful exposure.
Do literary magazine contests cost money?
Some do and some are free. Entry fees vary by contest.
Can beginners enter literary magazine contests?
Yes. Many competitions are open to emerging writers, students, unpublished writers, or writers at all career stages.
What can I submit to a literary magazine contest?
Depending on the competition, you may submit poetry, short fiction, flash fiction, essays, creative nonfiction, memoir, novel excerpts, or other forms of literary writing.
How do I increase my chances of winning?
Submit your strongest work, follow the guidelines exactly, revise carefully, create an original voice, and choose competitions that genuinely fit your writing.
Can I enter the same story in multiple contests?
Only if the relevant contests permit simultaneous submissions. Always check the individual rules.
Do literary contests publish winners?
Many do, but not all. Check the contest's official guidelines.
Do I keep copyright after winning?
Copyright policies vary. Read the contest's rights agreement before submitting.
What makes a winning literary contest entry?
There is no universal formula, but originality, strong writing, emotional impact, thematic depth, structure, and technical control are commonly important.
Final Thoughts on Literary Magazine Contests
Literary magazine contests offer writers much more than the possibility of winning prize money. They can provide publication opportunities, professional recognition, editorial exposure, portfolio development, and valuable credentials.
For emerging poets, fiction writers, essayists, and creative nonfiction writers, contests can be an effective way to introduce their work to literary audiences.
The key is to choose competitions carefully rather than entering every contest available. Research the literary magazine, understand the rules, check the rights policy, evaluate the entry fee, and make sure the competition fits your writing.
Most importantly, submit work that has been thoroughly revised.
A contest cannot guarantee literary success, but the process of preparing work for serious competition can make you a stronger writer. Whether you win, become a finalist, receive an honorable mention, or simply gain experience, every carefully considered submission can contribute to your development.
For writers building a long-term literary career, the best approach is to combine literary magazine contests with regular magazine submissions, publishing opportunities, readings, fellowships, workshops, and other literary opportunities.
The literary world is highly competitive, but consistent writing, careful revision, strategic submissions, and persistence can gradually open important doors.
Literary magazine contests are not simply competitions—they are opportunities to put your writing in front of readers, editors, judges, and the wider literary community.
