Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition

(Updated 29 Mar 2025) This call for entries is for the 94th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition, which is Writer’s Digest’s oldest and most popular contest.

APPLICATION WINDOW

CLOSED

DEADLINE

6 Jun 2025

PRIZES

Grand Prize winner:
$5,000 in cash
An interview with the author in Writer’s Digest (Nov/Dec 2025 issue) and on WritersDigest.com
A paid trip to the Writer’s Annual Conference, including recognition at the keynote
A coveted Pitch Slam slot at the Writer's Digest Conference where the winner will receive one on one attention from editors or agents
Publication of their winning piece on WritersDigest.com

1st place winner in each category
$1,000 in cash
Publication of their winning piece on WritersDigest.com.

2nd place winner in each category
$500 cash

3rd place winner in each category
$250 in cash

4th place winner in each category
$100 in cash

5th place winner in each category
$50 in cash

6th through 10th place winners in each category
A $25 gift certificate for writersdigestshop.com

All top winners will also receive:

Their names and the title of their winning piece listed in Writer’s Digest and on WritersDigest.com

A one-year subscription (new or renewal) to Writer’s Digest magazine

A one year subscription to Writer’s Digest Tutorials

20% discount off of purchases made at Writer’s Digest University

A special graphic recognizing their winning status

All Honourable Mentions will:
Have their names and the title of their winning piece listed in Writer’s Digest listed on WritersDigest.com.
Receive a 20% discount off of purchases made at Writer’s Digest University

Note that a registration fee is required:

Poetry entry—$20 for the first entry; $15 for each additional poetry entry.
Manuscript entry—$30 for the first entry; $25 for each additional manuscript entry.

OTHER KEY DATES

May 5, 2025: Early-Bird Deadline. After this date, the entry fee rises to:
Poetry entry—$25 for the first entry; $20 for each additional poetry entry.
Manuscript entry—$35 for the first entry; $30 for each additional manuscript entry.

HOST COUNTRY

United States

Note that while some organisers may accept applications from all around the world, you may still be required to travel to the host country in order to take part in the later stages of a competition for instance, or you may be required to live there for a period of time to take part in a funded programme (e.g. scholarship, incubator, accelerator).

FIND OUT MORE

Credit: Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition

Date Added: 19 Nov 2021