Writing contests 2026

{{whyLabel}}: Focusing on specific contests allows you to tailor your voice and word count to meet exact judging criteria.

{{howLabel}}:

• Target The Bridport Prize (Deadline: May 31, 2026) for short stories (5k words) or poetry (42 lines).
• Target The Bath Novel Award (Deadline: May 31, 2026) for the first 5,000 words of an unpublished novel.
• Target Writers of the Future (Quarterly: March 31, June 30, Sept 30) if you write Science Fiction or Fantasy.
• Target The Iowa Short Fiction Award (July 1 – Aug 31, 2026) for a full story collection.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a list of 3-5 specific contests with their exact word counts and deadlines.

{{whyLabel}}: Understanding the 'house style' of a contest increases your chances of resonating with the specific judging panel.

{{howLabel}}:

• Purchase or borrow the 'Bridport Prize Anthology' or read the 'BBC National Short Story Award' winners online.
• Identify common themes: Are they looking for experimental prose, character-driven realism, or high-concept plots?
• Note the pacing: Where does the 'hook' happen in the winning stories?

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have identified 3 stylistic traits common to winners of your primary target contest.

{{whyLabel}}: A structured outline prevents 'middle-of-the-story' slump and ensures your ending is impactful.

{{howLabel}}:

• Use the 'Save the Cat!' beat sheet for novels or a simple 3-act structure for short stories.
• Define the 'Inciting Incident' (must happen within the first 10% of the word count).
• Write a one-sentence summary of the emotional arc for your protagonist.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A chapter-by-chapter or scene-by-scene outline is complete.

{{whyLabel}}: Consistency is the only way to beat the deadline; 'waiting for inspiration' leads to missed submissions.

{{howLabel}}:

• Set a daily goal of 500 words or 60 minutes of focused writing.
• Use the 'Sprint' method: Write for 25 minutes without stopping to edit or correct grammar.
• Focus on finishing the story arc rather than perfecting individual sentences.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A full draft (e.g., 5,000 words for Bridport) is written.

{{whyLabel}}: Judges often reject stories in the first paragraph if the pacing is off or the stakes are unclear.

{{howLabel}}:

• Check if the story starts too early; try cutting the first two pages to see if it improves the 'hook'.
• Ensure every scene either moves the plot forward or reveals essential character traits.
• Strengthen the 'Climax' to ensure the resolution feels earned, not accidental.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A second draft with corrected pacing and character arcs is complete.

{{whyLabel}}: You are too close to your own work to see 'blind spots' or confusing plot points.

{{howLabel}}:

• Share your draft with a critique group or two trusted beta readers.
• Ask specific questions: 'Where did you feel bored?' and 'Was the ending satisfying?'
• Avoid asking family members; seek objective writers who understand the genre.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have received at least two sets of written feedback.

{{whyLabel}}: Typos and repetitive 'filter words' (saw, felt, thought) signal an amateur level to judges.

{{howLabel}}:

• Read your story out loud to catch awkward phrasing and rhythm issues.
• Search for and remove 'crutch words' (very, really, just, suddenly).
• Use a tool like ProWritingAid or Hemingway Editor (free version) to check for passive voice.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A final, error-free manuscript is ready.

{{whyLabel}}: Many contests (like Bridport and Bath) disqualify entries that include the author's name on the pages.

{{howLabel}}:

• Use Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced.
• Ensure your entry is anonymous (remove name from headers/footers).
• Include the word count and title on the first page as per specific contest rules.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A PDF or .docx file formatted exactly to the contest guidelines.

{{whyLabel}}: Required for novel contests like the Bath Novel Award to show you have a complete, viable story.

{{howLabel}}:

• Write in the third person, present tense.
• Include the ending (do not keep it a secret from the judges).
• Focus on the main narrative arc, ignoring subplots and minor characters.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A 500-word synopsis that covers the entire plot.

{{whyLabel}}: Technical glitches often happen on deadline day; submitting 48 hours early is a best practice.

{{howLabel}}:

• Double-check the entry fee (e.g., £15 for Bridport, £33 for Bath).
• Verify that you meet the eligibility (e.g., the BBC Award requires a prior UK publication record).
• Keep the confirmation email and submission ID for your records.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Confirmation of entry received for at least one 2026 contest.