The Only Guide to Writing Contests, Grants, and Literary Opportunities You'll Ever Need
- Nov 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Navigating Writing Contests, Grants & Literary Opportunities
Winning a writing contest isn’t just a nice line on your résumé—it can be a career-defining moment. For many writers, especially emerging voices, a single contest win can lead to increased visibility, invitations to residencies, book deals, or representation by top literary agents. A 2022 Poets & Writers industry report found that over 60% of contest winners received offers for publication or agent representation within one year of their win. Whether you're writing poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction, placing in a respected competition can validate your work, expand your readership, and position you for long-term success.
That’s why we built the For The Writers Writing Contests, Grants & Awards Database—to connect writers with curated opportunities that are not only reputable but truly worth your time and effort. Each listing in our database is hand-vetted for transparency, industry recognition, and tangible rewards, including publication, substantial cash prizes, fellowships, and national exposure. These are not the cluttered, pay-to-play listings scattered across the internet. They’re serious opportunities with the power to change the trajectory of your writing life.
What sets these contests apart? First, credibility—we prioritize competitions backed by well-regarded literary journals, foundations, or presses. Second, clarity—every listing includes defined deadlines, submission windows, and expected response times, so you know exactly what to expect. Third, accountability—we assess each program's transparency in judging, mission alignment, and history of fairly and equitably honoring writers.
At For The Writers, we don’t believe in wasting your time. Each opportunity is thoroughly researched and verified—including its submission guidelines, fees, past winners, and judging processes—before it is added to our database. Our goal is to be the most trusted, practical, and empowering resource for discovering literary opportunities that align with your voice, your goals, and your worth.
Because when writers are equipped with the right tools—and when they submit with intention, not desperation—doors open. Careers grow. And stories find the platforms they deserve.
Writing Resources
#ForTheWriters Guide to Writing Contests
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the contest world with insights from the people who make the decisions—series editors, judges, and past winners. This guide is packed with practical, no-fluff advice on how to craft a submission that rises to the top, what judges are looking for, and how to strategically position yourself in high-stakes literary competitions.
#ForTheWriters Complete Guide to Becoming a Writer
This is a playbook for building a literary life with intention. You’ll find a dedicated chapter on navigating the contest landscape, complete with tools to help you research opportunities, prep standout submissions, manage deadlines, and track wins (and rejections) like a pro. Ideal for writers serious about long-term growth, not just one-off wins.
PEN America Grants and Awards Directory
PEN America maintains one of the most robust and respected directories of funding opportunities for writers. This carefully curated database includes current listings for grants, literary awards, fellowships, and residencies across all genres and career stages. Writers can filter results by genre, funding type, or experience level to discover programs that align with their goals, whether they’re emerging voices or established authors seeking project support or professional recognition.
CLMP Literary Contest Directory (Community of Literary Magazines and Presses)
The CLMP Literary Contest Directory is a trusted source for vetted literary contests run by independent and nonprofit publishers. CLMP promotes ethical practices in contest administration, requiring transparency about fees, judging, and prizes, making it a strong resource for writers seeking legitimate opportunities.
Funds for Writers
Funds for Writers, curated by Hope Clark, is a long-standing newsletter and searchable platform offering weekly listings of grants, fellowships, contests, and residencies. It’s especially valuable for freelance writers and early-career creatives, with a focus on practical, fundable opportunities.
The Writer’s Chronicle
The Writer’s Chronicle, published by AWP, provides deeper industry insight and often features new or emerging contests, award-winning profiles, and grant coverage. Though best known for its craft essays and interviews, it also serves as a reliable source for learning about funding and submission opportunities.
Submittable Discover
Submittable Discover is a dynamic, real-time search engine for active contests, fellowships, and grants, many of which allow direct submission through the platform. Its filtering tools allow writers to sort opportunities by genre, fee, deadline, and submission type, making it a powerful tool for managing contest strategy.
Alliance of Artists Communities
The Alliance of Artists Communities (now part of the broader residencies landscape) offers a curated directory of artist residencies, many of which include stipends or are contest-selective. This is an ideal resource for writers seeking space, time, and support to complete ambitious projects.
NewPages Big List of Writing Contests
NewPages offers a comprehensive, genre-spanning directory of writing contests hosted by trusted literary magazines, small presses, and independent publishers. Whether you're submitting flash fiction, full-length manuscripts, chapbooks, poetry, or creative nonfiction, this resource provides clear, regularly updated listings with deadlines, entry fees, and prize details. It’s an excellent launchpad for writers seeking credible, high-quality submission opportunities across forms and styles.
Local Arts Councils
Don’t overlook funding close to home. Your state or regional arts council may offer grants, fellowships, or project-based funding specifically for writers. Many also provide fiscal sponsorship, mentorship, or professional development programs that can support your career in tangible ways.
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