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Lots of writers dream of sharing their stories, but figuring out where to start can be tricky. Enter short story contests with prizes—they’re a great way to get your work noticed and maybe even win something cool. If that sounds appealing, keep reading, because I’ve got a list of the best contests happening in 2025 that could be your next big break.
Stick with me, and you'll find a handy guide to top competitions that welcome new voices and offer prizes to motivate your storytelling. Whether you’re just dabbling or looking to take your writing to the next level, these contests might just be your ticket.
Up ahead, I’ll introduce some of the most exciting short story contests for 2025, all with prizes that could make your writing journey even sweeter.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Most contests in 2025 offer cash prizes ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, along with opportunities for publication and visibility. Notable examples include the ServiceScape Award ($1,000), L. Ron Hubbard Contest (up to $5,000), and the Narrative Prize ($5,000).
- Many contests are open to new and experienced writers, covering genres like fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, and thrillers. Some have low entry fees or are free, making them accessible for all skill levels.
- Submitting early, following guidelines closely, and crafting engaging stories with strong openings increase your chances of winning. Incorporating universal themes and clear storytelling makes your work stand out.
- Publication opportunities are common, helping writers build their portfolios and gain exposure. Contests like Short Édition and Reedsy support international and diverse audiences.
- For best results, review previous winners’ work, seek feedback, and aim for originality with compelling hooks or twists. Submitting to multiple contests can boost your chances but keep stories polished.
List of Top Short Story Contests with Prizes in 2025
If you're dreaming of seeing your short story in the spotlight and winning some cash prizes along the way, you're in luck. The year 2025 is packed with contests that offer rewards ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, plus publication opportunities to boost your writing profile.
Among the most notable competitions is the ServiceScape Short Story Award 2025. It offers a cash prize of $1,000 USD and the winning story gets featured on a popular blog reaching multiple readers each month. Writers can submit works up to 5,000 words, and the best part? It’s free to enter.
The L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest is another big name in the scene. This contest is great for science fiction and fantasy writers, with quarterly prizes of $1,000, $750, and $500, respectively. The grand prize for the year is a hefty $5,000, and stories up to 17,000 words are welcome.
If publishing your story in a magazine sounds appealing, the White Review Short Story Prize could be perfect. They offer £2,500 in prizes, with an entry fee of just £15 for stories up to 7,000 words. Winners get published in the UK-based magazine, gaining exposure among literary circles.
For those who want to maximize their chances with a broader, more accessible contest, Inkitt's monthly writing contest offers cash prizes up to $300. The contest is based on reader engagement, making it especially friendly to new writers eager to build an audience.
Looking for a contest that combines cash with a community aspect? The Long Story Short Award 2025 by Short Édition awards $550 for both jury and public winners, and every entry receives publication on their site. That’s a double whammy: money and visibility.
If you're interested in entering competitions that are known for their credibility and potential for big payday, the Narrative Prize offers a remarkable $5,000 USD for the best short story or literary work by emerging writers. The submission deadline is June 15, and winners are announced in October.
Alongside monetary rewards, many contests include publication and exposure opportunities. For example, the Tom Howard / John H Reid Short Story Contest provides a total of $3,500 in prizes for fiction and nonfiction stories, with a modest entry fee of $25 and stories up to 6,000 words.
In total, the collective prizes from these contests and others on platforms like ContestLists.com often surpass $6,000 in cash awards, alongside publication and reader engagement benefits. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, entering one of these contests can be a great step toward gaining recognition for your storytelling talent.
Uncharted Magazine's Bi-Annual Thrilling Short Story Award
If you love submitting stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats, the Uncharted Magazine's Thrilling Short Story Award could be your next target. It awards $1,000 for the best stories up to 5,000 words and happens twice a year. This contest is perfect for writers who thrive on suspense, mystery, or crime stories. All entries are published online, giving you extra visibility even if you don’t win. Submitting is straightforward, and they accept unpublished stories, making it accessible. If you’re into crafting stories that grab attention from start to finish, this is worth considering. Read the guidelines carefully, and try to incorporate strong hooks and unexpected twists to stand out. For a salary boost, aim to submit a story that makes an emotional or intellectual impact quickly, as judges look for that edge. To get more tips on creating compelling thrillers, check out some writing prompts geared toward suspense stories.
Reedsy’s Quarterly Short Story Competition
Reedsy is well-known for its author resources, but they also host quarterly contests that attract hundreds of entries. Prizes typically hover around $250 for the winners, along with publication and promotional services. The contest is open to stories across genres, encouraging diversity in submissions. One way to boost your chances is to tailor your story to fit themes that resonate during each quarter, like summer adventures or winter mysteries. Submitting through Reedsy is hassle-free; just follow their guidelines and polish your story before submission. Many winners have gone on to publish successfully after the contest, so it’s a good chance to get noticed in the literary world without hefty fees. Keep an eye on their official site to catch upcoming deadlines and feel free to review their tailored feedback process to refine your work further.
Short Édition’s International Short Story Competition
If you're interested in getting your stories read worldwide, the Long Story Short Award by Short Édition is a unique opportunity. It offers $550 each for the jury’s and public’s favorite entries, plus the top stories get published on their platform, reaching audiences across numerous countries. Entries must be short, up to 2,000 words, so snappy, punchy storytelling wins here. The competition fosters a community of writers aiming for international recognition, which makes it perfect for those looking to build a global name. Tips for success include focusing on universal themes and crafting engaging openings that captivate within the first few lines. Brainstorm interesting story ideas using their prompt generators for fresh, appealing concepts. If you’re aiming for visibility beyond your local circle, this is a fantastic platform.
Critics’ Choice: Best Tips for Winning Short Story Contests in 2025
Winning contests isn’t just about good storytelling; it’s about playing the game smart. Start by reading past winners to understand what judges prefer—whether it’s a particular genre, style, or theme. Make sure your story adheres to all guidelines, especially word count and formatting rules. Craft a captivating opening; many winners catch the eye early on. Tighten your prose and cut unnecessary fluff—judges favor clarity and precision. Use a compelling narrative voice that feels fresh and authentic. Don’t forget to proofread extensively or get a second pair of eyes on your work—mistakes can cost you. Sometimes, a well-timed twist or an emotional punch can turn a good story into a winner. And finally, submit early to avoid last-minute glitches and show your enthusiasm for the contest. For extra tips, check out some of the best author examples and writing guides.
How to Increase Your Chances of Success in Short Story Contests
If you want to improve your odds of taking home a prize, focus on quality over quantity. Read the contest rules carefully—know what genres, themes, and formats are favored. Write stories that stand out by showing originality and strong characters. Keep your stories concise but impactful; avoid filler and focus on what drives the plot forward. Emphasize a memorable beginning, a well-developed middle, and an ending that leaves an impression. Use feedback from beta readers or writing groups to refine your work before submitting. Submitting to multiple contests can boost your chances, but only do so with stories that are polished and tailored for each one. Also, consider using storytelling prompts from sites like (https://automateed.com/winter-writing-prompts/) for fresh ideas. Staying consistent and learning from previous contest experiences often leads to better results over time.
FAQs
Some top short story contests in 2025 include the Writer's Digest Short Story Competition, the Bristol Short Story Prize, and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, offering cash prizes and publication opportunities for winners and finalists.
To improve your chances, read the contest rules carefully, craft a compelling story, follow submission guidelines, and submit your work before the deadline. Consistently writing and submitting also increases experience and opportunities for success.
Many contests charge entry fees, which can vary. Some prestigious competitions offer free submissions or waived fees for certain categories or locations. Always review contest guidelines to confirm any costs involved before submitting.
