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Flash Fiction Competitions

Quick links on this page:

Last updated 16th March 2024

This page lists flash fiction, micro fiction, sudden fiction, twitterage, twitterature, dribble, drabble, minisaga, nanotale, micro-story and very short fiction competitions, prizes and awards. Please read and make sure you fully understand the rules and the terms & conditions of each competition listed before entering.

PLEASE NOTE: Most of the competitions listed on this page accept entries from writers living anywhere in the world. The country each competition is run from is listed so you know which global market you are submitting to.

The competitions listed on this page used to be included on my short story competitions page, but as flash fiction and micro fiction contests are growing in popularity, I decided to create a separate resource for them.

Flash Fiction

What Is Flash Fiction?

Flash fiction refers to a story of extreme brevity. Research shows that this is generally regarded as a story containing fewer than 1,000 words, although there is no exact rule on upper word limits.

So, any competitions with maximum word count limits of 1,000 words or less will be listed here. Any contests with word count limits over 1,000 words will be listed on the short story competitions page (see link above).

Elegant Literature Monthly Fiction Magazine and Contest

If you run a flash fiction competition and would like to be featured on this page, please contact me and provide all of the following information :

  • How often you will be running the contest (eg, annually, quarterly, one-off)
  • The name of your flash fiction competition
  • A link to your website
  • The country you are based in (where you operate from, NOT where you accept entries from)
  • Closing date
  • The date you announce winners
  • Maximum word count accepted
  • Entry fee
  • Top prize
  • Any other details, including how winning writers' stories will be published and any limitations regarding style, theme etc

If you notice that any of the information on this page is incorrect while using it, please let me know and I'll update the page. I do my best to keep everything up to date, but it's impossible to stay on top of every change made to every competition. Any help with this is very much appreciated.

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Featured Flash Fiction Competitions

Do you run a flash fiction competition that you'd like featured at the top of this page? If so, please get in touch.

Featured Competition 1: FanStory

At FanStory new writing contests with cash prizes are announced weekly.

FanStory

You'll Enjoy:

  • Contests. FanStory run competitions for short stories, flash fiction, poetry, non-fiction and much more. Enter all contests with cash prizes for free with upgraded membership. Contests with cash prizes are announced every week. Click here to view the current listing.
  • Feedback. Get detailed feedback for every poem, short story and book chapter that you write including your contest entries. All skill levels welcomed.
  • Community.  Make connections and friends. Enjoy sharing your writing. Click here for more info.

Contest Highlights:

  • 80 Word Flash Fiction: Write a story on any topic that uses exactly 80 words. What can you share with only 80 words? Cash prize for the winning entry.
  • Dribble Flash Fiction: Write a story on any topic. But use only 50 words. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
  • Flash Fiction: Write a story on any topic that uses 150 words. Cash prize for the winning entry.
  • Future Flash Fiction: Write a flash fiction story on any topic. But it must take place in the future. Cash Prize!
  • Newbie Flash Fiction: For our New Arrival contest we challenge you to write a story that uses exactly 100 words. Title does not count towards the word count. Write about anything with 100 words. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
  • True Story Flash: Write a true story on any topic that uses exactly 100 words. The winner takes away a cash prize.

These are just a few of the contests. View the full listing here.

Featured Competition 2: Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction

The Not Quite Write Prize is a quarterly flash fiction writing competition. The competition commences on the third Friday of the month in January, April, July and October.

Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction

The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction challenges writers to create an original piece of flash fiction based on two typical writing prompts plus one "anti-prompt". The anti-prompt is a challenge to break a specific “rule” of writing while telling a great story. There is 500 word maximum limit and the entry fee is AU$25.

Participants compete for AU$2,000 in cash prizes, including AU$1,000 for the winner, cash prizes for the entire shortlist and two bonus wildcard prizes. Winners are read aloud on the Not Quite Write podcast, where the judges share in-depth analysis about the entries and offer free writing advice.

The AU$2,000 is awarded as follows:

  • 1st place: AU$1,000
  • 2nd place: AU$500
  • 3rd place: AU$200
  • 4th place: AU$100
  • Honourable mention x 2: AU$50
  • Wildcards x 2: AU$50

Your ticket grants you immediate and unlimited access to the exclusive Participant Lounge and Forum. Personalised and on-air critique packages are also available until sold out. The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction is hosted in Australia and open to all writers of any age and level of ability around the world.

Featured Competition 3: Mike's Not-Entirely-Serious Wantonly-Rule-Breaking Adverb Writing Challenge

Mike's Not-Entirely-Serious Wantonly-Rule-Breaking Adverb Writing Challenge is free to enter and guarantees publication in a book that supports First Story, a charity that supports and inspires creativity, literacy and confidence in UK secondary schools.

Mike and Chris

Send your 100 word flash fiction story, crammed with as many adverbs as humanly possible, and see your work published.

To date, five anthologies have been published via this challenge, each containing 100 adverb riddled stories. That's 500 stories in total. The next anthology will contain 500 more, taking our total to 1,000.

To learn more and submit, please visit the adverb challenge page.

Regular Flash Fiction Contests

This list details flash fiction competitions that are run more than once a year.

Flash Fiction Critique Service

Competition Country Closing Date Winners Announced Max Words Entry Fee Top Prize
50 Word Stories Canada Monthly Monthly 50 FREE $10
Notes on 50 Word Stories: Any style / genre - winners published on website
101 Words Writing Contest USA Daily Daily 101 FREE See notes
Notes on 101 Words Competition: Any style / genre - winners considered for publication in Flash Fiction Magazine which pays $10 if you're selected
Anansi Archive Flash Fiction Competition UK Quarterly Quarterly 500 £1 £50
Notes on Anansi Archive Competition: Any style / genre - they also run quarterly short fiction and poetry competitions
Association of Christian Writers Writing Competitions UK Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies
Notes on ACW Competitions: They run a variety of competitions (flash fiction, short story and poetry), so check website for current details - winners published in Christian Writers (circulation 700) - top prize has been up to £100 in the past
Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge USA Varies Varies 99 FREE None
Notes on Carrot Ranch Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - stories must be exactly 99 words in length - winners published on Carrot Ranch website
Chris Fielden's Flash Fiction Writing Challenges UK NA Everyone is a winner Varies FREE See notes

Notes on Chris's Writing Challenges: Any style or genre but each challenge is themed, so check the link for current challenges - word limits vary from 50 to 200 words - ALL entries are published on christopherfielden.com - some of the challenges offer publication in professional print and eBook formats every time 100 stories are received, but some are now website publishing only - all the proceeds from book sales are donated to different charities - challenges currently running: 1. Adverb Challenge - 2. Nonsense Challenge - 3. Sensory Challenge - 4. Cliché Challenge - 5. Preposition Challenge - 6. Young Writers Challenge

NOTE: In January 2021, the 81 Word Challenge received its 1,000th submission and the News Challenge received its 100th submission. Both challenges are now closed but the anthologies will be / have been published.

Cranked Anvil Flash Fiction Competition UK Quarterly Quarterly 500 £5 £150
Notes on Cranked Anvil Competition: Any style / genre - winners published on the website and considered for future print anthologies
Cranked Anvil Prompt Competition UK Triannually Triannually 1,000 £5 £150
Notes on Cranked Anvil Competition: Each story should contain all the prompt elements specified, so check their website for full details - winners published on the website and considered for future print anthologies
Crazy Cats Theatre Writing Competitions UK Bi-Monthly Bi-Monthly 400 £5 £50
Notes on Crazy Cats Competition: They run a variety of competitions for flash fiction, so check website for current details - winners published on website - they also run short story comps
Dandy Writers' Writing Contests USA Monthly Monthly Varies Varies Varies
Notes on Dandy Writers' Contest: Any style / genre - they run a variety of regular contests for short stories, flash fiction, non-fiction, poetry and more, so check website for full details
Didcot Writers Monthly Competition UK Varies Varies 500 Varies See notes
Notes on Didcot Writers Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current theme - prize is publication on the Didcot Writers website
Fiction Factory Flash Fiction Competition UK Biannually Biannually 1,000 £6 £300
Notes on Fiction Factory Competition: Any style / genre except children's and YA - winners published on website and in anthology - they also run a short story comp
Fictionette Contest UK Monthly Monthly Varies FREE See notes
Notes on Fictionette Contest: Any style / genre - competition alternates between flash fiction and short story, so word limits vary - prize is publication online and in the Fictionette magazine
Flash Fiction 500 Competition UK Quarterly Quarterly 500 £5 £300
Notes on Flash Fiction 500 Competition: Any style / genre - winners published on website
Free Flash Fiction (FFF) Competition UK Bi-monthly Bi-monthly 300 £3.85 / £2.35 £150
Notes on Free Flash Fiction (FFF) Competition: Any style / genre - entry fee is £3.85  via PayPal / Stripe or £2.35 via BACS - winners published on website
F(r)iction Contest USA Biannually Biannually 1,000 $10 $300
Notes on F(r)iction Contest: Any style / genre - they also have creative nonfiction, poetry and short story categories - winners published online or in print in the F(r)iction journal
Fusilli Flash Fiction UK Varies Varies 200 £2.50 £30
Notes on Fusilli Flash Fiction Competition: Any style / genre but stories must contain a twist - winners published on website - every time 50 stories are received, a winner is announced - all shortlisted entries get their entry fee refunded
Gotham Writers NY, USA Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies
Notes on Gotham Writers Competition: Any style / genre - they run a variety of contests, so best to check the website to see what is currently open - prizes vary but have been up to $1,000 in the past
Letter Review Prize for Flash Fiction Australia Bi-Monthly Bi-Monthly 999 $15 $400
Notes on Letter Review Prize: Any style / genre - winners published at Letter Review

Many Planets Fiction Contest

UK Monthly Monthly 500 See notes £50
Notes on Many Planets Contest: Any style / genre but for stories set in the future, so check website for full details - winner is published online and receives a detailed review of their work - the entry fee is "pay what you wish" to make it accessible to as many people as possible, but you have to pay something so the contest is not free to enter

Microcosms Flash Fiction Competitions

UK/USA Weekly Weekly 300 FREE $25
Notes on Microcosms Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details
Mum Life Stories Micro Fiction Writing Competition Australia Varies Varies Varies See notes Varies
Notes on Mum Life Stories Competition: Any style / genre but themed and run in rounds, so check website for full details
NAWG's 250 Competition UK Varies Varies 250 £2.50 £100
Notes on Nawg's Competition: Any style / genre - winner published on the NAWG website & in NAWG's annual anthology (both optional)
Northern Scribes Micro-Magic Competition UK Biannually Biannually 100 £4 £100
Notes on Northern Scribes Competition: Any style / genre - winner published on the blog
Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction Australia Quarterly Quarterly 500 $25 $1,000
Notes on Not Quite Write Prize: Any style / genre but each contest is based on prompts, so check website for full details - winner published online and via the Not Quite Write Podcast - submission dates are 19-21 January, 19-21 April, 19-21 July and 18-20 October (also listed below in the prestigious comps list due to $1,000 prize)
NYC Midnight Flash Fiction and Micro Fiction Writing Challenges USA Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies
Notes on NYC Midnight Challenges: Style & genres vary - NYC Midnight run short story, flash fiction, micro fiction, screenwriting and screenplay competitions - all entrants receive feedback from the judges
Oxford Flash Fiction Prize UK Bi-Annually Bi-Annually 1,000 £6 Varies
Notes on Oxford Flash Fiction Prize: Any style / genre - shortlisted entrants will be offered publication in a digital anthology - top prize has been up to £1,000 in the past
Read Me Colour Me Writing Competition Wales, UK Quarterly Quarterly 1,000 £6 £100
Notes on Read Me Colour Me Competition: Any style / genre but themed and aimed at children, so check website for details - three entries selected for publication and receive £100 each plus 10 free copies of the book in which they appear - all entrants receive one copy of the book - profits from book sales raise money for sick children in need - to find the competition details, look in the "Writers" section of their website
Retreat West Monthly Micro Fiction Competition UK Monthly Monthly 100 £5 See notes
Notes on Retreat West Competition: Any style / genre but done from prompts, so check website for details - winner receives a % of entry fees and 1 free entry to the annual RW Flash Fiction Prize - winning stories published on website
Retreat West Themed Flash Competition UK Quarterly Quarterly 500 £8 £200
Notes on Retreat West Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - winners published on the Retreat West website
Secret Attic Flash Fiction Competitions UK Monthly Monthly 250 See notes £10
Notes on Secret Attic Competition: Any style / genre - they run two monthly flash comps, Dialogue and Prompt, so check website for full details - members enter free, non-members pay £3 and can then enter all their comps for that month - winning stories published in the Secret Attic Booklet
Secret Attic Nifty Fifty Competition UK Monthly Monthly 50 See notes £10
Notes on Secret Attic Nifty Fifty Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - members enter free, non-members pay £3 and can then enter all their comps for that month - winning stories published in the Secret Attic Booklet
Shooter Literary Magazine 'Shooter Flash' Competition UK Monthly Monthly 1,000 £3.50 £50
Notes on Shooter Flash Competition: Any style / genre and they also accept non-fiction - winner published on website and in anthology sent to Shooter subscribers
Sleek City Press Writing Contests USA Quarterly Quarterly 1,000 $9 $1,000
Notes on Sleek City Press Contests: Any style / genre but sometimes themed or using a prompt - generous cash prizes for runners up - winning entries considered for print anthology
Storytwigs Micro-Writing Competition USA Monthly Monthly 100 FREE $100
Notes on Storytwigs Competition: Any style / genre but entries must be based on a prompt, so check website for current details - winners published on website - cash prizes for runners-up - to find competition details, look in the 'For Writers' section of the website
The League of Poets Weekly Contest Nigeria Weekly Weekly 40 lines FREE Varies
Notes on League of Poets Contest: Any style or subject, but each week there is a different topic / theme, so check website for current details - prizes vary, but winners always receive certificates of writing distinction - they also accept poetry submissions
The Tea In Me Story Contest USA Monthly Monthly 100 FREE $75
Notes on The Tea In Me Contest: Any style / genre but themed so check website for current details - entries have to made on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr - to find contest details, look in the 'FUN' section of their website
University of Chester Flash Magazine UK Varies Varies 360 FREE See notes
Notes on Flash Magazine: See main listing in new flash fiction magazines table below - they also run other comps from time to time and have lots of useful flash fiction resources on their website
VSS Threads 1-Weaver Flash Fiction Contest UK Monthly Monthly 500 chars FREE See notes
Notes on VSS Threads Contest: Any style / genre but based on daily prompts - run on the Threads social media platform - each month they choose a PoM (pick of the month) from the flashes submitted - each year, they choose an overall winner - PoMs are prestige only, so no prize - they award "a modest prize" for the end of year 1-Weaver champion
Wild Words Writing Competition UK Bi-Annually Bi-Annually 1,000 £7 See notes
Notes on Wild Words Competition: Any style / genre - themed, so check the website for the current theme - winner receives mentoring session and their story is published on the website
WOW! Women on Writing Flash Fiction Contest USA Quarterly Quarterly 750 $10 $400
Notes on WOW! Women on Writing Contest: Any style / genre - multiple runner-up prizes (a very generous prize pot) - top 10 stories are published in the WOW! Women On Writing e-zine, and contestants are interviewed on WOW’s blog, The Muffin
YeahWrite Super Challenge USA Varies Varies 1,000 $30 See notes
Notes on YeahWrite Challenge: Any style / genre, but check website for current prompts - alternates between fiction and non-fiction - prize varies ($150 guaranteed minimum) - YeahWrite also offer free weekly prompts for both fiction and creative non-fiction

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Flash Fiction Writing Course

Prestigious / Big Prize Flash Fiction Competitions

This list contains details of well established, respected flash fiction competitions that offer big monetary prizes and large doses of kudos for winning writers.

Short Fiction Writing Course

Competition Country Closing Date Winners Announced Max Words Entry Fee Top Prize
Bath Flash Fiction Award UK Tri-Annually Tri-Annually 300 £9 £1,000
Notes on the Bath Flash Fiction Award: Any style / genre (except children's) - winners published on website and in an anthology which includes stories from winners, shortlisted and longlisted entries - published in digital and print formats - some of the organisers are now running a flash fiction festival
Bridport Prize Flash Fiction Competition UK May November 250 £9 £1,000
Notes on the Bridport Prize Flash Fiction Competition: Any style / genre - winners published in anthology
César Egido International Flash Fiction Competition Spain Varies Varies 100 FREE $20,000
Notes on the César Egido Competition: Any style / genre - usually runs every 2 years, but check website as fequency does vary - winners published in anthology - last time the competition ran, there were 43,185 entries from 172 countries, so competition is somewhat fierce...
Edinburgh International Flash Fiction Award UK August February 250 £7 £2,000
Notes on Edinburgh International Award: Any style / genre - publication in anthology offered to top 30 stories - managed by the Scottish Arts Trust - all proceeds are used to support the arts in Scotland
Fish Publishing Flash Fiction Prize Ireland February April 300 €14 €1,000
Notes on Fish Publishing Prize: Any style / genre - winning stories published in the Fish Anthology
Fractured Lit Micro Fiction Prize USA September December 400 $20 $3,000
Notes on Fractured Lit Prize: Any style / genre - winners published on website
Gemini Magazine
Flash Fiction Contest
USA Varies Varies 1,000 Varies $1,000
Notes on Gemini Magazine Contest: Any style / genre - winners published on Gemini Magazine website - entry fee usually around $6 to $10 - winner nominated for Pushcart Prize
Minds Shine Bright Confidence Writing Competition Australia March August 1,000 $5 $1,600
Notes on Minds Shine Bright Competition: Any style / genre but themed around confidence - multiple runner-up prizes - winning and commended entries published in anthology and winners will receive both a print and eBook version - runs biennially (every other year) – also open to poetry and short stories
New Millennium Flash Fiction Award USA Varies Varies 1,000 $20 $1,000
Notes on New Millennium Competition: Any style / genre - winners published in printed anthology and on website
New Writers Flash Fiction Competition UK January March 300 £10 £1,000
Notes on New Writers Competition: Any style / genre - £1 from each entry fee is donated to First Story, England’s leading creative writing charity for young people - winning stories published on website
Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction Australia Quarterly Quarterly 500 $25 $1,000
Notes on Not Quite Write Prize: Any style / genre but each contest is based on prompts, so check website for full details - winner published online and via the Not Quite Write Podcast - submission dates are 19-21 January, 19-21 April, 19-21 July and 18-20 October (also listed above in the regular comps list due to frequency)
Quantum Shorts Competition Singapore Varies Varies 1,000 FREE $1,500
Notes on Quantum Shorts Competition: Any style / genre but themed around quantum physics, so check website for full details - the competition is Biennial - winners published on website and receive illustrations to accompany their stories
Reader's Digest 100-Word-Story Competition UK May June 100 FREE £1,000
Notes on Reader's Digest Competition: Any style / genre but entries must be exactly 100 words in length - winners published on Reader's Digest website - 1 category for adults and 2 for children (under 12s and 12 to 18-year-olds) - to find the competition details, look in the "Fun & Games" section of their site, or put "competition" into their website's search box
Ruth Rendell Short Story Competition UK December March 1,000 £15 £1,000
Notes on Ruth Rendell Competition: Any style / genre - winners published in anthology and the winner will be commissioned to write four further stories for InterAct Stroke Support over the course of one year - when it's running, the competition details are in the website's main menu
SmokeLong Quarterly Awards, Fellowships and Competitions USA Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies
Notes on SmokeLong Quarterly Award: Any style / genre - they run a variety of flash fiction awards, so check the website to see what's currently running - prizes / payments are generous and have been up to $2,500 - check the 'Opportunities' section of their website or use their website search function using words like 'competition', 'award' and 'fellowship' - also open to general submissions
Tadpole Press 100 Word Writing Contest USA Biannually Biannually 100 $15 $2,000
Notes on Tadpole Press Contest: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - winners maybe published on website - deadlines are end of April / November

The Masters Review Flash Fiction Contest

USA May August 1,000 $20 $3,000
Notes on Masters Review Contest: Any style / genre - they also run other competitions, like short story, novel excerpt etc.
The Subbub Prize UK August October 500 £5 £1,000
Notes on The Subbub Prize: Any style or genre - winners published on website - profits donated to the National Literacy Trust
Writing Battle Contest Canada Quarterly Quarterly 1,000 $25 $1,000
Notes on Writing Battle Contest: Themed around four different genre prompts each time it runs, so check website for current details - winners published on website

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Free Flash Fiction Writing Course

Annual Flash Fiction Contests

This table lists flash fiction competitions that are run once a year.

Competition Country Closing Date Winners Announced Max Words Entry Fee Top Prize
Anthology Flash Fiction Competition Ireland September November 250 €12 €300
Notes on Anthology Competition: Any style or genre - winners offered publication in Anthology Magazine
Atticus Books Lancaster One Minute Monologue Competition UK Varies Varies See notes FREE £50
Notes on Atticus Books Competition: Monologues - maximum length: one minute when read aloud - top 30 winners published in a booklet - writers reading at the live event are filmed/recorded for YouTube, radio and the Atticus website
Beechmore Books Writing Competion UK September October 1,000 FREE £200
Notes on Beechmore Books Competition: Any style or genre but themed, so check website for current details - winner published in the Beechmore Journal - when the competition is open, you can usually find details in the banner at the top or in the content of the homepage
Bibliophone's Writing Competition UK Varies Varies 1,000 Varies See notes
Notes on Bibliophone's Competition: Any style or genre - 10 winning stories narrated by a professional voice actor and recorded as an audiobook - this competition is sometimes free to enter, but sometimes has an entry fee which supports charities (100% of the fee goes to the nominated charity) so check website for current details
Blandford Rotary Short Story & Poetry Competition UK September November 250 £3.50 £60
Notes on Blandford Rotary Competition: Any style / genre - in addition to cash prizes, there is an award ceremony, cups, certificates, readings and other goodies - there are also categories for poetry, short stories and young writers - to find the current details put "competition" into their website's search box
Chilling Pen Award Australia October October 1,000 FREE $500
Notes on Chilling Pen Award: Horror, and it's themed, so check website for full details - winners published on website
Coram Voice 'Voices' Writing Competition UK Varies Varies 500 FREE See notes
Notes on Coram Voice Competition: Any style or genre - for children writers in care and care leavers up to the age of 25 - winner receive £100 in shopping vouchers - shortlisted entries published on website and in a printed book - to find competition details, check the 'Get Involved' section of their website
Darling Axe 'An Axe To Grind' Writing Contest Canada March April 1,000 $5 $700
Notes on Darling Axe Contest: Any style or genre - winners published on the Chopping Blog
Do Wha(TS) Write Canada December February 1,000 $2 $200
Notes on Do Wha(TS) Write Competition: Any style or genre - winning story published on website
Doug Weller's Six Word Wonder USA November February 6 FREE $100
Notes on 6 Word Wonder Contest: Any style or genre - winners published in paperback / eBook
EGG+FROG Britain vs. The World: Flash Battle UK April May 500 £5 £100
Notes on EGG+FROG Flash Battle: Any style or genre - two categories: UK writers and international writers - all finalists published at EGG+FROG
Ethos Literacy Annual Short Short Story Contest USA February March 100 $15 $300
Notes on Ethos Literacy Contest: Any style or genre but see website for current topics - winners published in an e-magazine - the contest is a fundraiser for Ethos Literacy, a nonprofit providing free literacy tutoring to adults - they also award a youth prize for writers of 14 and younger
Evening Standard Stories Competition UK April July 1,000 FREE See notes
Notes on Evening Standard Competition: Any style or genre but themed, so check website for current details - top prize is a one-year mentorship in the winner's chosen field by management and production company, 42, who represent some of the world's leading voices across all forms of media AND complimentary places on a City Lit creative writing course of their choice AND masterclass with Evening Standard Stories Editor PLUS publication of their winning piece on the Evening Standard channels - submissions can be spoken word or performance, monologue, a script or a self-contained episode of a narrative podcast
Fairfield Scribes "The Scribes Prize" Canada / USA September October 110 $5 $250
Notes on The Scribes Prize: Any style / genre - all winning entries awarded a cash prize, digital award seal to use for promotions, interview & permanent author page on website, plus publication - they also accept creative non-fiction
Farnham Flash Fiction Competition UK February March 500 £5 £100
Notes on FFF Competition: Any style / genre - winning stories performed at awards ceremony and published in festival book
Fosseway Writers Flash Fiction Competition UK September October 300 £5 £50
Notes on Fosseway Writers Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - winners published on website
Hastings Literary Festival Flash Fiction Competition UK June August 500 £5 £100
Notes on Hastings Literary Festival Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for full details - winners published in anthology
Hawkeye Books 'Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Competition' Australia August October 1,000 $16.50AU See notes
Notes on Hawkeye Books Competition: Any style / genre but themed so check website for current details - 40 winning stories published in an anthology and a free copy is given to all published entrants - top prize is a ticket to the CYA Festival and a 12 month membership to QLD Writers Centre, and the front cover design of the anthology will be based on the winning story
Ireland Writing Retreat Wild Atlantic Writing Awards (WAWA) Ireland Varies Varies 500 €10 €500
Notes on Ireland Writing Retreat Awards: Any style / genre but sometimes themed, so check website for current details - they also run a non-fiction award
London Independent Short Story Prize (LISP) UK July October 300 see notes £100
Notes on London Independent Story Prize: Any style / genre - entry fee varies depending on how close to the deadline you submit, so best to check website for current details - they have multiple categories, including flash fiction, poetry, short story and screenplay - winners published in anthology
Minds Shine Bright Seasons Writing Competition Australia March August 1,000 $5 $500
Notes on Minds Shine Bright Competition: Any style / genre but themed around the seasons - multiple runner-up prizes - winning and commended entries published in anthology and winners will receive both a print and eBook version - runs biennially (every other year) – also open to poetry and short stories
Mslexia Women's Flash Fiction Competition UK Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies
Notes on Mslexia Competition: Any style / genre - doesn't always run every year, so check website for current competition details as they run all sorts of different contests
Nottingham Writers' Club National Flash Fiction Competition UK February May 100 £5 £100
Notes on NWC Competition: Any style / genre - the long list, short list and top three winning writers published on website
Pigeon Review Flash Fiction Competition USA August September 1,000 $5 $100
Notes on Pigeon Review Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - winners published online
Polar Expressions Publishing Short Story Competition Canada July ? 750 FREE C$500
Notes on Polar Expressions Competition: Any style / genre - you must be a Canadian resident to enter - winners published in an anthology
Prescot Festival Short Story Competition UK June June 1,000 FREE £100
Notes on Prescot Festival Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - only open to unpublished writers living in the six Merseyside boroughs of Liverpool (Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Halton, Wirral or Liverpool) - when the comp is running you can find details in the 'News' section of the website
Pulp Fictional Flash Fiction Competition UK January March 1,000 £6 £250
Notes on Pulp Fictional Competition: Any style / genre - £6 entry fee allows two stories to be submitted - winners published in anthology - they also run a short story competition
Retreat West Flash Fiction Prize UK Varies Varies Varies £8 £350
Notes on Retreat West Flash Prize: Any style / genre except children's - decent runner-up cash prizes - all winning and shortlisted stories published in anthology - they run a variety of writing comps, so check website for full details
Room Magazine Short Forms Contest Canada Varies Varies 500 Varies $500
Notes on Room Magazine Contest: Any style / genre - entry fee include a year's subscription to Room Magazine - winners published in Room Magazine
Scenic Writer’s Shack Short Story Competition Australia February March 500 FREE $100
Notes on Scenic Writer’s Shack Competition: Any style / genre but your story must start with a specific opening sentence, so check website for full details - when it's running, you will find the competition details on the homepage
SMK Contests USA November January Varies $5 $100
Notes on SMK Contests: Any style / genre - they have multiple categories for flash fiction, poetry, short story, non-fiction, novel and more, so check website for full details
Southam Flash Fiction Competition UK September October 100 £3 £60
Notes on Southam Competition: Any style / genre but story must contain a specific word or phrase, so check website for full details - winner published in local magazine and on website
South Warwickshire Literary Festival Writing Competition UK March April 800 £3.50 £50
Notes on South Warwickshire Literary Festival Competition: Any style / genre - winners offered the chance to read their work at the festival if they are able to attend - also open to non-fiction and poetry
Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival Very Short Fiction Contest USA Varies Varies 1,000 $10 $500
Notes on Tennessee Williams Contest: Any style / genre - winners published in New Orleans Review
The League of Poets Anthology of Contemporary Writers Competition Nigeria September ? 500 $2 See notes
Notes on League of Poets Contest: Any style or subject, but themed, so check website for current details - prize is publication for top 100 winners, certificates of participation and a free digital copy of the anthology - they also accept poetry
The Phare WriteWords Flash Fiction Competition UK Varies Varies 1,000 £7 £150
Notes on The Phare WriteWords Competition: Any style or genre - also has poetry and short story categories - winners published in anthology

Tim Saunders Publications' "The Paul Cave Prize for Children's Literature"

UK February March 300 £10 £10
Notes on the Tim Saunders Publications Children's Lit Prize: Flash fiction written for children - winners published on website and in a book - winners receive a free printed copy of the book - also open to poetry and short stories

Tim Saunders Publications' "The Paul Cave Prize for Literature"

UK September November See notes See notes See notes
Notes on the Tim Saunders Publications Prize: Any style or genre - for flash fiction up to 300 words (£8 entry fee, £25 top prize) and short stories up to 1,000 words (£12 entry fee, £50 top prize) - winners published on website and receive a free copy of The Paul Cave Prize for Literature book - also open to novellas and poetry
Urban Tree Festival Writing Competition UK / Belgium March May 250 words €6 €200
Notes on Urban Tree Festival Competition: Any style or genre but themed, so check website for details - winner becomes writer in residence for the next Urban Tree festival - winners published in anthology and each author included receives complementary copies - also accept poetry and non-fiction
Walk Listen Create's 'Write About Walking' Competition UK August September 250 €8 See notes
Notes on Walk Listen Create's Competition: Any style or genre but themed so check the website for full details - open to poetry and prose - winner becomes the Walk Listen Create online Writer in Residence - winning stories are published in illustrated anthology by Sampson Low Publishers - to find the contest details, look in the "Awards & Calls" section of their website
Weird Christmas Flash Fiction Contest USA November December 350 FREE $75
Notes on Weird Christmas Contest: They ask for genre (sf, fantasy, horror, bizarro, etc.) or humour based stories with a "weird" Christmas / solstice / winter-holiday theme - multiple cash prizes - winners published on website and read aloud on podcast - to find the current competition page, look through the most recent posts on the homepage
Wilson's Tales of the Borders 100 Word Competition UK September October 100 FREE £50
Notes on Wilson's Tales Competition: Any style or genre - winning entry performed at the Wilson Literary Dinner and published in the next Wilson's Tales Revival Edition, with a selection of shortlisted entries - to find the competition page, look in "The Project" section of the website
Worthing Flash 100-Word Challenge UK May May 100 FREE See notes
Notes on Worthing Flash Challenge: Any style or genre - top prize is a copy of ‘Murder from Beyond the Grave’ by Derek McMillan - to find the competition page, put “100 word challenge” into the website’s search function
Write by the Sea Literary Festival Writing Competition (Fiction) Ireland June September 700 €10 €500
Notes on Write by the Sea Literary Festival Competition: Any style or genre - they also have categories for memoir / essay, poetry and short stories

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Flash Fiction Magazines

This table gives details of magazines that focus solely on flash fiction. They don't always run competitions, but are open for general submissions.

Daily Writing Prompts

Magazine Country Submissions Payment Notes
Flash Fiction North UK online submissions only - see link None 500 words max - free platform - showcases both experienced and newer writers from around the world
Flash Fiction Magazine USA online submissions only - see link $40 for stories in anthologies - no payment for online 300 to 1,000 words
Friday Flash Fiction UK online submissions only - see link None stories up to 100 words in length and stories up to 500 words in length - successful submissions published online
New Flash Fiction UK online submissions only - see link None 750 words - they sometimes run the Anton Chekhov Prize for Very Short Fiction too
Sassafras Literary Magazine Sweden online submissions only - see link None 1,000 words max
Superfast Stories USA Send query to Dee Lorraine None 100 word stories that are narrated by the writer, made into videos and published on YouTube - no payment, but you do get a snazzy video for your writing CV
University of Chester Flash Magazine UK online submissions only - see link None 360 words max - one of the most respected flash fiction / micro fiction publications on the market - winners published in highly prestigious, industry leading magazine - also run comps on occasion

 

 

Flash Fiction Writing Course

One-Off Flash Fiction Competitions

This table will list one-off flash fiction contests.

Competition Country Closing Date Winners Announced Max Words Entry Fee Top Prize
RL Pearon Books "In A Flash" Flash Fiction Competition UK 31st March 2024 15th April 2024 400 £5 £20
Notes on RL Pearson Books Competition: Any style or genre - winners published on website

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How to Write a Short Story Get Published & Make Money

Other Flash Fiction Competition Lists

Here are some other useful lists of flash fiction competitions:

Free Short Fiction Writing Course

A History of Closed Flash Fiction Competitions

This table will contain a history of previously listed flash fiction competitions that have closed.

Competition Country Closing Date Winners Announced Max Words Entry Fee Top Prize
11 Sentences Rock Writing Contest UK Biannually Biannually See notes £5 £100
Notes on 11 Sentences Rock Contest: Any style / genre - no word limit, but stories must be written using 11 sentences - winners published in anthology - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2020
81 Words Challenge UK NA Everyone is a winner 81 FREE See notes

Notes on 81 Word Challenge: Any style / genre - all entries published on the website - we're using the 81 word challenge to try and set a World Record for the most contributing authors published in an anthology, so by submitting you could become part of publishing history - for full details on all the challenges, see my writing challenges listing above - CLOSED after the 1,000th story was received in January 2021

1,000 Word Challenge UK Quarterly Quarterly 1,000 £5 £150

Notes on 1,000 Word Challenge Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - winners published on the website - if you pay £15 entry, you can also get feedback from the judges - cash prizes for 2nd and 3rd place too - NOTE: They took a break in December '19. During my Jan '21 update, I noticed that they still haven't come back. Am leaving the listing live for now. If they don't start running again this year I'll remove the listing in my '22 update. - NOT UPDATED SITE IN AGES, so removed listing during 2022 update

1,000 Words or Less Flash Fiction Australia Varies Varies 1,000 Varies Varies
Notes on 1,000 Words or Less Competition: Any style / genre - top prize up to $1,000 - prize money paid in Australian dollars - winners published in printed book and eBook - CLOSED, website not updated since March 2016, so retired listing 2017
Academy for Teachers 'Stories Out of School' Contest USA September January 749 FREE $1,000
Notes on the Academy of Teachers Contest: Any style / genre but the story’s protagonist, or its narrator, must be a K-12 teacher - winner published in  A Public Space - CONTEST NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing during 2023 update
Ad Hoc Fiction Competition UK Weekly Weekly 150 FREE See notes

Notes on Ad Hoc Fiction Competition: Any style / genre - run by Bath Flash Fiction Award - winner earns free entry into the Bath Flash Fiction award (usually £9) which offers a £1,000 top prize - look in the 'For Fun' section of the site for competition details - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing during 2022 update

Alice Little's Pick Your Own Path UK Rolling every 3 days, June to Sept 2021 NA 300 FREE See notes
Notes on Alice Little's Competition:  Any style/genre, but must be in keeping with previous pages of the story - the project is like a game of consequences, or a gamebook adventure, where each page of the story is written by a different person; the story will branch in multiple directions so there will be more than one plot created from the same starting point; every few days, a new page will be selected for publication, an email notification will go out to let those signed up know the new deadline, and the process will begin again - winners published online as part of the story - CLOSED, was a one off
All for Writers Flash Fiction Contest UK Monthly Monthly Varies FREE £15
Notes on All for Writers Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - winners published in All for Writers Ezine - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2019
Alsina Flash Fiction Contests UK Varies Varies Varies FREE £50
Notes on Alsina Competition: Styles, genres and themes vary - word limits are between 400 and 1,200, so they also run short story comps - winning stories translated and recorded in multiple languages and distributed electronically through an app - HAVEN'T PUBLISHED anything for a year, so removed listing 2019
Ann and Dan Very Short Story Contest USA March March 1,000 FREE $25
Notes on Ann & Dan Contest: Any style / genre - winning stories published on the Ann & Dan website - limited to 100 entries max (1 per author) - WEBSITE NOT UPDATED SINCE 2016, so removed from lists Jan 2018
Arkbound Writing Competition UK December January 1,000 £3 £100
Notes on Arkbound Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - overall winner is featured in Boundless, a printed magazine - Arkbound also run other competitions from time to time - BEEN ROLLING OVER FOR 3 YEARS, so removed listing 2020
Artificium Short Fiction Competitions UK Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies
Notes on Artificium Very Short Fiction Competition: Any style / genre but themes vary so check website for current details - also run short story competitions - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED during 2018, removed from lists 2019
Arts Quarter Books Teignmouth Prize Knockout Contest UK July August 1,000 £5 £100
Notes on Teignmouth Contest: Any style, subject or theme - winner decided by 100 random readers on the basis of how long they remain interested in the story - prize is minimum of £100, or half the total entry fees if greater - DISCONTINUED 2019
Asymmetry Flash Fiction Contest USA Varies Varies 1,000 $2 $40
Notes on Asymmetry Contest: Speculative fiction - themed so check website for current details - winners published on website - NOT RUN FOR OVER A YEAR, so removed listing in 2019
Avid Writers The Sunday Saga Flash Fiction Competition UK Weekly Weekly 500 £2.50 £25
Notes on Avid Writers Competition: Any style / genre, but you have to choose from 3 lines of dialogue every Sunday to include in your story, so see website for current details - winner published in Spotlight - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED during 2018, removed from lists 2019
Bandit Flash Fiction Award UK April June 1,000 FREE £50
Notes on Bandit Award: Any style / genre - all shortlisted stories to be published digitally in an anthology - CANCELLED in 2018, hoping to run in 2019, listing retired until I hear more
Blinkpot Flash Fiction Award UK Varies Varies 100 FREE Varies
Notes on Blinkpot Competition: Any style / genre - winners published on website and sometimes in an anthology - top prize has been up to £100 in the past - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2022
Blue Animal's Monthly Flash Fiction USA Monthly Monthly 300 FREE See notes
Notes on Blue Animal's Competition: Any style / genre - winning stories featured on website and commented on by website staff - NOT PUBLISHED ANYTHING SINCE 2020, so removed listing during 2022 update
(b)OINK Flash and Micro Fiction Contests USA Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies
Notes on (b)OINK Contests: Any style / genre, but some are themed so check website for current details - they run frequent competitions, sometimes as often as monthly - prizes of up to $500 - NOT RUN since 2017, so removed from lists 2019
Book Launch and Flash Fiction Contest: Philosophy through Science Fiction Stories: Exploring the Boundaries of the Possible USA See notes March 1,000 FREE $100
Notes on Philosophy through Science Fiction Competition: Any style / genre but themed - it's an on-the-spot writing contest that you have to register for by 17th January 2021, so check the website for full details - winners might be published at Flash Fiction Online CLOSED, was a one-off
Booksie Pet Flash Fiction Contest USA 28th February 2023 April 2023 300 $4.99 $250
Notes on Booksie Contest: Write a true story about a pet - writers can feel free to add a photo of their pet - CLOSED, was a one-off
Bournemouth Writing Festival's Flash Fiction Competition UK 29th February 2024 April 2024 400 £5 See notes
Notes on Bournemouth Writing Festival Competition: Any style or genre but themed, so check website for full details - up to forty winners receive publication in an anthology and will be offered the chance to submit a collection of their work to publishers, Dithering Chaps - also open to poetry - CLOSED, was a one-off
Brilliant Flash Fiction Writing Contest USA 15th April 2023 May 2023 400 FREE $200
Notes on Brilliant Flash Fiction Contest: Any style / genre - winners published on website - CLOSED, was a one-off
Cafe Aphra Flash Fiction Fridays UK Varies Varies 500 FREE None
Notes on Cafe Aphra: Any style / genre - stories published every two or three weeks on a Friday - always open to submissions - CLOSED 2018
Casevac Contest USA Quarterly Quarterly 500 $4 $100 x 4
Notes on Casevac Contest : Any style / genre but each contest has a prompt, so check website for current details - four winners are selected each quarter - winners published on website - NO LONGER RUNNING, changed to a short story / non-fiction comp
Charmouth Community Library Mini-Saga Competition UK September October 50 £2 £50
Notes on Charmouth Library Competition: Any style or genre - stories must be exactly 50 words long, plus a title of max 15 words - 3 categories: under 12, under 18 and all ages - 3 cash prizes in each category - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2020
Comps & Calls Flash Weekly UK Weekly Weekly Varies FREE £10
Notes on Comps & Calls Competition: Any style or genre but theme changes each week, so check website for details - story length varies from 100 words to 999 words - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED during 2018, removed from lists 2019
Creative Writing Institute Flash Fiction Contest USA 31st October 2018 November 1,000 FREE $100

Notes on Creative Writing Institute Contest: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for full details - winners published on website - CLOSED, was a one-off

NOTE 1: I have received a number of complaints regarding this contest as they state: 'No swearing, profanity, explicit sexual scenes, graphic violence, LGBTQ' in their submission guidelines. It's the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer, or questioning) reference that is causing offense, as it seems discriminatory and prejudiced. I'm currently investigating this and will update the listing soon.

NOTE 2: I have finished my investigations. Below is my email correspondence with Deb, the competition administrator.  I thought it best to share the whole thing so that you can make up your own mind about the competition and the conduct/intentions of the people who run it.

*

Hi Deb

I hope all is good with you.

I’m emailing you because I’ve received complaints about your flash fiction contest from my website users via email, Facebook and Twitter. You state 'No swearing, profanity, explicit sexual scenes, graphic violence, LGBTQ' in your submission guidelines. It's the LGBTQ reference that is causing offense, as it is being viewed as discriminatory and prejudiced. If this is the case, it is not something I will support on my website.

Please could you let me know why you view LGBTQ people as being in the same category as profanity, graphic violence and sexually explicit material, and why you have mentioned them in your subs guidelines? Also, please could you clarify if you accept entries from LGBTQ writers? If not, why not?

And if you have any other comments regarding this issue that explain your brand’s position, please do share them.

Many thanks, Chris

*

Hi Chris,

We have had gays on staff and as students. We are not discriminating against gays. We are simply stating what kinds of stories we are looking for. As long as we hold the purse-strings, we will retain that right. I will not succumb to their shameful bullying tactics, nor will I spend any more time trying to reason with them.

At first, I listed the LGBTQ separately and they asked why I was singling them out, so I included it in the group and now they're complaining about that. They won't be satisfied until they run my contest their way.

I guess you'll have to figure out how far they can push you. So far as I am concerned, whether they are gays, Martians, or people of color, their rights end where mine begin.

If you're willing to take the plunge, I would appreciate your backing.

Very best, Deb

*

Hi Deb

Thank you for your reply.

Just to be clear, are you saying you won’t accept stories with any LGBTQ characters? Or are you saying you don’t want any LGBTQ sex scenes/references?

I’m not being pushed or bullied. I found it surprising that you mentioned LTBTQ, to be honest. It comes across as being prejudiced against that group of people, whether that is the intention or not. Hence my query.

Cheers, Chris

*

Hi Chris,

We are not specifying any particular train of thought. It should be sufficient to say we don't want LGBTQ stories. If I were to enter a contest and it said, "No stories about cats," I wouldn't put a cat in my story. This whole thing befuddles me.

Deb

*

Hi Deb

OK, thanks for letting me know.

I feel the mention of LGBTQ singles out certain people, hence it’s causing offense. Singling out cats is not comparative, as cats are not capable of taking offence – they are not people.

Personally, I think that saying you don’t want any sexual content covers everything needed and is unlikely to cause offence to anyone. But that’s just my opinion.

I would add that I’m a firm believer in freedom of speech, so I’m not trying to tell you how to run your competition. I’m simply trying to determine if I want to be associated with it, by advertising it on my website.

I’ll give it some thought.

Cheers, Chris

*

Thank you Chris. Everyone is welcome to enter the contest. You made a good suggestion and I will probably do that next year. Thanks very much.

Very best, Deb

*

No problem, thanks Deb.

Cheers, Chris

*

Have you decided where you stand?  :-)

You might want to check my front page. [CF: check link in main listing, the subs guidelines have been updated but still mention LGBTQ]

Best,

Deborah

*

Hi Deb

I have given this some thought. To me, it comes across as prejudiced, even if that isn’t the intention. It’s like saying ‘no stories concerning Chinese people’ or ‘no stories concerning women’. I would regard these examples as racist/sexist and, therefore, discriminatory.

I will leave the listing on the site, but will add a note regarding the issue. At the end of the day, my users can make up their own minds if they wish to enter or not. But it’s not something I can support as it goes against my beliefs of acceptance and equality.

I’m swamped with work at the moment, but will update the site soon.

Cheers, Chris

*

Chris, I'm so glad you believe in equality. You disagree, and I don't have a problem with that. God gives you that right and we are not here to take it away, but I have a question. Do we have the right to disagree? Do we not have the right to read what we choose? Gay writers are certainly welcome! I hope you'll rethink this. I know where your sympathies lie, but it doesn't bother me. I fail to see why this should trouble anyone. We are not exempting them. We are merely limiting content.

Thanks so much. I value our relationship.

Deborah

*

Hi Deb

No problem at all.

In answer to your question, yes, I believe we do have the right to disagree. I respect the opinions of others, even if I don’t agree with them. You and I simply don’t agree on this point. I will leave the listing on the site and let people make up their own minds.

Cheers, Chris

*

I will defend to the death your right to believe anything you want, Chris. Thank you for allowing me the same privilege.

Warmly,

Deb

Creative Writing Life Competition UK Monthly Monthly 999 FREE £20
Notes on CWL Competition: Any style / genre - winner's published in CWL magazine - they also run a 100 word competition with £1 entry and £100 prize - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2020
Debbie Brady Photographic Art 'Shell of a Story' Competition Canada Varies Varies 300 FREE See notes
Notes on Debbie Brady Competition: Any style or genre but has a visual prompt, so check website for current details - winners published on website - there are a variety of art related prizes, so check website for full details - CLOSED 2022
Dorset Fiction Award UK Varies Varies 999 £7 £500
Notes on Dorset Fiction Award: Any style / genre - winners published in digital anthology - the competition supports a different charity each time it runs - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2019
Ekphrastic Review 'Bird Watching' Flash Fiction and Poetry Contest Canada 1st May 2021 1st June 2021 1,000 $10 $100
Notes on Ekphrastic Review Contest:  Themed: entry $10 CAD for ebook of prompts (stories must be sparked by one of the artworks in the ebook) - selected works published on website, one winner announced from each category - also open to poetry - CLOSED, was a one-off
Eyelands International Flash Fiction Contest Greece Varies Varies Varies Varies See notes
Notes on Eyelands Competition: Any style / genre - they run a vaiety of competitions throughout the year, including flash fiction - NOW RUN A BOOK / NOVEL COMPETITION INSTEAD
Fiction Desk Flash Fiction Prize UK September November 1,000 £5 £300
Notes on Fiction Desk Competition: Any style / genre - winners published in the Fiction Desk anthology - CLOSED, they stopped running writing competitions at the end of 2018
Fiction War Competition USA Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies

Notes on the Fiction War Competition: Any style / genre, but check website for current prompt - top prize has been up to $2,500 in the past, word limit has been 100 to 1,000 - winners published in Fiction War Magazine

WARNING: I have received complaints about this competition. One of the messages I received stated:"Fiction War (Wolvesburrow Publishing) may not be running at all now and the last year saw them running about a year behind with publication as well as owing many prize winners money. I was published in the second issue and paid but they heavily edited and rewrote my story." I am leaving the listing live for now so users see this warning. It will be retired next time I undertake a full page overhaul.

REMOVED LISTING during 2021 update; website was 2 years out of date at that time

Field of Words Flash Fiction Competition Australia May June 1,000 A$10 A$200
Notes on Field of Words Competition: Any style / genre - open to Australian and international residents over 18 only - winners published on Field of Words website - runner up receives a cash prize too - NOT RUN since 2017, still run short story and memoir competitions
Fractured Lit Legends, Myths and Allegories Prize USA 16th April 2023 July 2023 1,000 $20 $3,000
Notes on Fractured Lit Prize: Any style / genre - winners published on website - CLOSED, was a one-off
Friendcentive Short Form Tournaments USA Monthly Monthly 280 charac- ters $1.85 See notes
Notes on Friendcentive Tournaments: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - multiple monthly contests - top prizes vary, but in the past has been valuable pieces of tech equipments like MacBook PROs, cameras etc. - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2021
Fun Palaces: WriteScience Competition UK July September 250 FREE See notes
Notes on Fun Palaces Competition: Any style / genre but themed around science - open to UK residents only - winners published on website and performed at reading events - competition is judged by a very prestigious panel CLOSED 2016
Garden Gate Arts Ms Shakespeare Through Time UK 3rd January 2018 10th January 2018 1,000 FREE See notes
Notes on Garden Gate Arts Competition: Any style / genre of prose or dramatic monologue - only open to women who live in Yorkshire - 3 winners commissioned to write monologue, paid £300 and their work will be performed at Huddersfield Literature Festival - CLOSED, was a one-off
Glittery Literary Writing Shimmering Short Story Contest UK Varies Varies 400 See notes £20
Notes on Glittery Literary Contest: Any style / genre - winners published in Glittery Literary book / anthology - entry fee is optional, so you can enter for free or pay a couple of quid - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2022
Green Stories Eco-Santa Short Story Competition UK 30th November 2022 End of February 2023 at the latest 1,000 £5 £100
Notes on Booksie Contest: Any style / genre but themed so check website for full details - CLOSED, was a one-off
Golfwell's Annual Golf Story Writing Competition New Zealand February March 700 FREE $125
Notes on Golfwell's Competition: Any style / genre but themed around golf - winners published on the website and in book - they accept fiction and non-fiction entries - not running in 2019, hopes to be back 2020 - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing 2020
Gotham Writers 'A Very Short Story Contest' USA 14th May 2018 14th June 2018 10 FREE See notes
Notes on Gotham Writers Competition: Any style / genre - winner receives a free class with Gotham Writers - winners published on website CLOSED, was a one-off
Green Stories Flash Fiction Writing Competition UK March June 500 FREE £500
Notes on Green Stories Competition: Any style / genre but stories should be inspired by positive green solutions - they also run a short story and novel comp - FLASH COMP NOT RUN SINCE 2020, so removed listing during 2022 update
Grindstone Dirty Dozen Competition UK Varies Varies 144 £1.44 See notes
Notes on Grindstone Prize: Any style / genre - prizes x 12 = publication in 'Dirty Dozen' Collection - winners also published in year-end anthology, and they receive an invite to participate in the Atmos Collections - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing during 2021 update
Grindstone Flash Fiction Prize UK Varies Varies 500 £8 £500
Notes on Grindstone Prize: Any style / genre - winners published in year-end anthology, and will also receive an invite to participate in Grindstone's Atmos Collections - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing during 2021 update
Hammond House Publishing 'Staying Home' Competition UK 8th June 2020 July 2020 500 FREE See notes
Notes on HH Publishing Competition: Any style / genre but themed around staying at home - no prize, but winners published in anthology - CLOSED, was a one-off
Hampshire Libraries 100 Words for 100 Years UK 16th October 2018 11th November 2018 100 FREE £50
Notes on Hampshire Libraries Competition: Any style / genre but themed around the First World War so see website for topics - winners published in a commemorative booklet and on the library website - CLOSED, was a one-off
Hertford Museum's Love Hertford Flash Fiction & Poetry Competition UK 19th June 2023 5th October 2023 400 £5 £100
Notes on Love Hertford Competition: Any style / genre - winners published in the Love Hertford book, sold in aid of the Museum - shortlisted writers receive a copy of the book and are invited to read their work at an awards evening - also open to poetry - CLOSED, was a one-off
Horror Scribes' Flash Contest UK Quarterly Quarterly 300 £3 £100
Notes on Horror Scribes' Contest: Horror - winners published on website and/or in newsletter - NOT RUN FOR ALMOST A YEAR, so removed listing 2019
Iceland Writers Retreat Writing Contest Iceland Varies Varies Varies FREE See notes
Notes on Iceland Writers Retreat Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current theme - prize is usually a place on a writing retreat - comps are sometimes for fiction, sometimes poetry and sometimes non-fiction - look at 'News & Events at bottom or homepage or in 'About IWR' section of website then 'News' to find latest competition details - CONTEST NOT RUN SINCE 2020, so removed listing during 2022 update
Info 4 Writers Flash Fiction Competition UK Monthly Monthly 999 FREE £15
Notes on Info 4 Writers Competition: Any style / genre but themed so check website for current details - winners published on website - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED during 2018, removed from lists 2019
ITS Groups Children’s Fiction & Novel Competition UK December January 500 Varies Varies
Notes on ITS Groups Competition: Any style or genre - top prize has been up to £200 in the past, plus book illustration + video animation of the story - sometimes run a adults, sometimes for children - COMPETITION NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed link during 2022 update
KP and Jotter's That's What He Said $1k Flash Fiction Writing Competition Australia 5th April 2024 12th April 2024 1,000 FREE $1,000
Notes on KP and Jotter's Competition: Any style / genre but stories must have a main character that represents diversity and writers must use these three words in any context: destruction, brain-storm, custard - CANCELLED so did not run in the end
Link Age Southwark Writing Competition UK 31st August 2018 October 1,000 See notes £200
Notes on Link Age Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for details - free entry for ages 11 to 17, adults pay £5 - winners published on website and invited to award ceremony in London - CLOSED, was a one-off
Luna Press Publishing Writing Contest Scotland April May 500 £1.50 See notes
Notes on Luna Press Competition: Science fiction, fantasy & dark fantasy - winners published on website - up to 5 winners have prize pot (generated by entry fees) split between them - NO LONGER RUNNING, removed from lists Jan 2018
Mash Stories Flash Fiction Competition USA Quarterly Quarterly 500 FREE $100
Notes on Mash Stories Competition: Any style / genre, but stories must be based on 3 random objects so see website for current details - winners published on the website - CLOSED October 2016

Mere Literary Festival Short Story Competition

UK September October 350 £2 £50
Notes on MLF Competition: Any style / genre - themed and written in a week - the theme is released at the end of September and the deadline is a week later - alternates between flash fiction 1 year and poetry the next - WEBSITE HAS WHITE TEXT ON WHITE BACKGROUND, so is unusable - removed 2020
Mighty Pens Awards and Competitions UK Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies

Notes on Mighty Pens Competition: Any style / genre, sometimes themed - Mighty Pens run a variety of competitions and awards - sometimes there is an entry fee, sometimes it's free to enter - prizes vary - winners usually published on website - best to check their website and see what they have running at present - look in 'Services' section of the site to find current competition details - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2022

Mighty Pens Winter Short Story Competition UK 31st January 2021 28th February 2021 1,000 £4 See notes

Notes on Mighty Pens Competition: Any style / genre but themed around winter - four winners: (two from the under 18s and two from the over 18s categories) receive M&S gift card - winners published in Mighty Pens Members' Magazine - CLOSED, was a one-off

MK LitFest Flash Fiction Competition UK 31st May 2020 31st August 2020 500 FREE £25
Notes on MK LitFest Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for details - entrants must live in Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire or Bedfordshire UK - two age categories: 14 to 19 and over 20 - also open to poetry - at least 20 stories and 20 poems published in anthology - CLOSED, was a one-off
MK LitFest Green Spaces in the City: Flash Fiction and Poetry Competition UK 10th February 2023 17th March 2023 500 FREE £25
Notes on MK LitFest Competition: Any style / genre but themed around green spaces in cities - two age categories: 14–19 and over 20 - winning stories will be published as a printed magazine and e-book - CLOSED, was a one-off
Modern Art By Post Competition Scotland Monthly Monthly 75 FREE See notes
Notes on Modern Art By Post Competition: Any style / genre but must be inspired by a painting, so see the Modern Art website for full details - winner receives an original painting of their choice (subject to availability) + publication on the website - competition runs monthly, or each time 20 stories are received - CLOSED due to illness, removed from lists Jan 2018
Modern Art By Post Competition Scotland 28th February 2017 March 2017 75 FREE See notes
Notes on Modern Art By Post Competition: Due to the success of the inaugural competition, this has now being run tri-annually, so see the regular competitions list above for full details
Nine Voices Writing Competition UK 31st August 2017 September 2017 199 £5 £100
Notes on Nine Voices Competition: Any style / genre - any proceeds from the competition are donated to PMR GCA UK - CLOSED, was a one-off
Norfolk Day Drabble Writing Competition UK 30th June 2021 27th July 2021 100 FREE See notes
Notes on Norfolk Day Drabble Competition:  Any style/genre - winners get a bundle of online courses - winner published in EDP - 3 categories: ages 5 to 10, ages 11 to 17 and 18+ - CLOSED, was a one-off
Nowhere.Ink's $100 Weekly Writing Contest USA Weekly Weekly 500 $2 $100
Notes on Nowhere.Ink Contest: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - winner published on website - winner also receives a copy of The Literary Hack, a quarterly magazine, and is considered for publication in it - WEBSITE not updated since June 2018, so removed listing 2019
Outsideleft Short Story Competition UK May September 1,000 FREE £100
Notes on Outsideleft Competition: Any style / genre but themed so check website for details - winners published on website - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing during 2023 update
Pennine Ink Short Story Competition UK Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies
Notes on Pennine Competition: Any style / genre - themed, so check website for current details - winner published in Pennine Ink Magazine and on the website - top prize has been up to £50 in the past - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2022
QuicFic Flash Fiction Writing Contest USA Biannually Biannually 600 $5 $20*
Notes on QuicFic Contest: Any style / genre except erotica - winner published on website - prize paid as a $20 Amazon voucher
READ Foundation Writing Competition UK 10th October 2018 13th October 2018 500 FREE See notes
Notes on READ Foundation Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for full details - winner publicly displayed across hundreds of schools and read by tens of thousands of children, plus feedback from writer Qaisra Shahraz - also accept poems and non-fiction - CLOSED, was a one-off
Reflex Fiction UK Varies Varies 360 £7 £1,200
Notes on Reflex Flash Fiction Competition: The inaugural competition was free to enter with a £100 prize - there is now an entry fee but the top prize is much bigger, so full details can be found on the big prize list below - CLOSED 2023
Reflex Fiction UK Varies Varies 360 £7 £1,200
Notes on Reflex Flash Fiction Competition: Any style / genre - winners (and many of the non-winning entries) are published on the Reflex Fiction website - CLOSED 2023
River Holme Connections 'My River in the Valley' Short Story Competition UK 6th July 2020 30th July 2020 500 FREE £50

Notes on River Holme Connections Competition: Any style / genre but themed around 'My River in the Valley' - only open to people living in Holme Valley UK - winning stories publicised on River Holme Connections social media platforms, website and in associated press - CLOSED, was a one-off

Salisbury Literary Festival Story Prize UK Varies Varies 500 FREE See notes

Notes on Salisbury Literary Festival Prize: Any style / genre, but must use a given story title, so see website for full details - winner usually receives a place on a writing course - winners published in Salisbury Journal - also run children's competition - NOT RUN SINCE 2019, so removed listing during 2022 update

Santa Barbara Literary Journal Award USA Varies Varies Varies FREE Varies
Notes on SB Lit Jo Prize: Any style / genre - winners published in Santa Barbara Literary Journal - top prize has been up to $100 in the past - to find award details, look in the 'About' section fo the website - NOT RUN SINCE 2019, so removed listing during 2022 update
Searchlight Awards - Best Short Story for Children or Young Adults UK March June 1,000 £10 £500
Notes on Searchlight Awards: Strories that a child reader will love - top 10 stories feature in a pitch book sent to numerous literary agents/publishers who have requested it - winners also published in an anthology - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removd listing in 2023
Segora International Vignette Competition France June August 300 £5 £100
Notes on Segora Competition: Any style / genre - winners published on website and invited to a presentation event in France - CLOSED 2022 after 15 years of running comps
Senior Travel Expert's Writing Competition UK Bi-Annually Bi-Annually 750 FREE £100
Notes on Senior Travel Expert's Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current theme - fiction and non-fiction entries accepted - winners published on website - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing 2020
Shady Grove Flash Fiction Competition USA Quarterly Quarterly 300 FREE $100
Notes on Shady Grove Competition: Any style / genre - winners published on website - DOESN'T LOOK ACTIVE ANYMORE, so removed listing 2020
Silver Apples The Cats Flash Competition Ireland 12th April 2022 June 500 €5 €100
Notes on Silver Apples Competition: Any style / genre but themed around cats - winner and shortlisted writers will be published in a special future issue of Silver Apples Magazine titled "Cats Flash" - CLOSED, was a one-off
Sleek City Press Page Potential Contest Canada 7th March 2022 1st May 2022 900 See notes $1,000
Notes on Sleek City Press Contest: Any style / genre - entry fee is $14 for published writers, $9 for unpublished writers - generous cash prizes for runners up - CLOSED, was a one-off
Sleek City Press Page Potential Contest USA 5th June 2022 10th July 2022 100 $8 $250
Notes on Sleek City Press Contest: Any style / genre - winners published on website - there are ten x prizes of $250 for the best drabbles (total prize pot of $2,500) - CLOSED, was a one-off
Sleek City Press Prose Contest Canada 18th September 2022 3rd November 2022 1,000 See notes $600
Notes on Sleek City Press Contest: Any style / genre and prompt is "who I was, before this" - entry fee is $10, $5 for students - they also accept creative non-fiction - $600 prize is awarded in each catgory - CLOSED, was a one-off
SlingInk 500 Word Story Competition UK Quarterly Quarterly 500 £5 £100
Notes on SlingInk Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - winners published on website - entries must be exactly 500 words in length - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED during 2018, removed from lists 2019
SolitaryBzz Writing Competitions USA Weekly Weekly Varies Varies Varies
Notes on SolitaryBzz Competitions: Any style / genre but themes, word counts and entry fees vary, so check website for current details - winning stories published on the solitaryBzz website until they will compete in a no entry fee winners' competition - prizes have been up to $150 in the past - CLOSED 2021
South Warwickshire Literary Festival Creative Writing Competition UK 30th June 2023 23rd September 2023 800 £3 £50
Notes on South Warwickshire Literary Festival Competition: Any style / genre - winner offered the chance to read their story at the festival if they are able to attend - also open to non-fiction and poetry - CLOSED, was a one-off
Stafford LitFest Writing Competition UK February March 300 £5 £50
Notes on Stafford LitFest Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for full details - prize paid in vouchers - winner receives VIP invite to Stafford LitFest - winning entries published in local monthly magazine The Purple Diary - also accept poetry and run children's comp for 11 to 15 year-olds with free entry and 3 x £10 voucher prizes - look in the 'Events/Blog' section of their website to find competition details - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2021
Staunch Flash Fiction Prize UK September October 300 FREE See notes
Notes on Staunch Prize: A prize for thrillers in which no woman is beaten, stalked, sexually exploited, raped or murdered - winners receive publicity and might be published in anothology - CLOSED 2022
Stirling Robyns Publishing Flash & Micro Fiction Competitions UK/USA Quarterly Quarterly See notes $3 $100
Notes on Stirling Robyns Competition: Any style / genre - winners published in anthology and on website - flash fiction contest has a maximum word count of 1,000 words, micro fiction is 300 - NOT RUN since 2017, so removed listing 2019
Stories of the Nature of Cities Prize for Flash Fiction USA Varies Varies 750 FREE $2,000
Notes on Stories of the Nature of Cities Prize: Any style / genre but inspired by a phrase, so see website for current details - multiple generous runner-up cash prizes - winners published in anthology by Publication Studios - NOT RUN SINCE 2020, so removed listing during 2022 update
Story Cities UK 16th September 2018 November 500 FREE See notes
Notes on Story Cities Competition: Any style or genre but themed so check website for full details - winners published in printed anthology and receive a free copy of the book CLOSED, was a one-off
Stroud Book Festival Flash Fiction Competition UK September October 500 £5 £500
Notes on Stroud Book Festival Competition: Any style, subject or theme - winners announced at the festival - also run a competition for young writers - look in the 'About Us' section to find competition details - not run since 2019 due to the pandemic, but they are hoping to re-open in 2022 so have left listing live for now - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed during 2023 update
Sweek Flash Fiction Competitions Holland Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies
Notes on Sweek Competition: Any style / genre - winners published on the website - NOT RUN SINCE 2018, so removed listing during 2020 update
Sweek Short Writing Contest Holland 25th of June 12th July 2017 500 FREE €75
Notes on The Writers in Oxford Competition: Any style / genre - winners published on website - CLOSED, was a one-off
Sydney Gardens Tree Weekender Writing Competition UK 1st November 2021 November 2021 250 FREE £50 book token
Notes on Sydney Gardens Competition: Any style or genre but themed around trees in parks and public gardens - winners published on website and as geo-located audio stories located in Bath, UK, and within Sydney Gardens - lots of other perks, so check website for more details - they also accept poetry - CLOSED, was a one-off
Systems Change Alliance 2020 Flash Fiction Challenge Portugal 1st November 2020 1st December 2020 1,250 FREE €300

Notes on Systems Change Alliance Challenge: Any style / genre but themed around 'Visioning a Better World Beyond the Pandemic' - winners published on website - may become an annual competition in the future - CLOSED, was a one-off

Tesseray Publishing Body Be Gone™ Flash Fiction Contest USA 28th October 2020 November 2,000 FREE $150
Notes on Tesseray Publishing Contest: Any style / genre but themed around the Body Be Gone™ game - winner also receives a copy of the game - winners published in anthology and receive 1 free copy each - CLOSED, was a one-off
Tethered by Letters 'Don't Blink Or You'll Miss It' Twitter Competition USA Monthly Monthly See notes FREE See notes
Notes on TBL Blink Competition: Any style / genre - stories must comply with Twitter (under 140 characters) using the hashtag #BlinkTBL - winner receives a copy of F(r)iction and gets a story edited for free by the judge - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing Jan 2018
The Arcanist Ghost Story Contest USA 28th September 2018 1st October 2018 1,000 See notes $200
Notes on The Arcanist Contest: Ghost stories and hauntings - $5 early bird, $7 standard and $10 last minute - winner also receives a Ghost Stories booklet and a special addition halloween t-shirt - winners published in The Arcanist - CLOSED, was a one-off
The Book Collector 'Fantasy Banquet for Bibliophiles' Competition UK 22nd January 2021 14th February 2021 1,000 FREE £500

Notes on The Book Collector Competition: Describe an imaginary banquet for book-lovers - characters can be alive, dead or fictional, from any period, of any age, colour or creed - winner published in The Book Collector - CLOSED, was a one-off

The Casket of Fictional Delights Flash Fiction Competition UK May October 300 £5 £150
Notes on The Casket of Fictional Delights Competition: Any style / genre - winners published on website - the 10 winning stories will be professionally recorded and broadcast as audio stories on iTunes and other platforms - NOT RUN SINCE 2018, so removed listing 2020
The Failing Writers Podcast Flash Fiction Competition UK 22nd October 2021 31st October 2021 666 FREE £100
Notes on The Failing Writers Podcast Competition: Any style or genre, but themed around Halloween - listen to Episode 24 of the Failing Writers Podcast for a specific word or phrase the story must include (see link for full details) - CLOSED, was a one-off
The Periscope Prize UK Varies Varies 900 £10 £1,500
Notes on the Periscope Prize: Any style / genre but check website for current theme / prompt - winners published online - entry times vary, but the comp usually runs twice a year - CLOSED, became a short story comp instead, so still running, just not flash anymore

The Short Story (TSS) Flash Fiction 400

UK Quarterly Quarterly 400 £5 £400
Notes on TSS Competition: Any style / genre - winning stories published online to a significant flash fiction readership - 1st place winners nominated for the Best Small Fiction Awards - NOT RUN FOR A YEAR, so removed listing 2020
The Useless Beauty of Maupassant Short Story Award UK January March 10 FREE See notes
Notes on TUBoM Award: Any style / genre - yes, the word limit is 10, it's not a misprint :-) - winner receives 50 copies of limited edition book containing the winning stories, a bottle of Absinthe designed by a local artist and a 1783 copy of The Arabian Nights (VOL. II) - CLOSED DUE TO POOR QUALITY OF WORKS SUBMITTED, so removed from lists Jan 2018
The Write Contest USA Bimonthly Bimonthly 350 $15 $100
Notes on The Write Contest: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current theme - winners are published on The Write Contest website and Facebook group - WEBSITE NO LONGER EXISTS, removed from lists Jan 2018
The Writers in Oxford Young Oxfordshire Writers Competition UK 31st August 2017 November 2017 500 FREE £350
Notes on The Writers in Oxford Competition: Any style / genre but stories must be inspired by Oxford - winners published on website and in The Oxford Writer Newsletter - CLOSED, was a one-off
Theatre Cloud's Tell a Tale: Gothic Fiction UK 21st April 2018 16th May 2018 500 FREE £300
Notes on Theatre Cloud's Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for prompt - winner's published on the Theatre Cloud website - CLOSED, was a one-off
Third Word Great Eighty Flash Fiction Competition UK Biweekly Biweekly 80 FREE £20
Notes on Third Word Competition: Any style / genre but stories must be exactly 80 words long - winners published in anthology that supports the homeless, but writers also receive a royalty from sales - LOOKS LIKE IT'S INACTIVE (last social media post was in 2018), so removed listing during 2021 update
Those That Breathe Environmental Writing Competition UK Monthly during 2021 Monthly during 2021 Varies £4 See notes
Notes on Those That Breathe Competition: Any style or genre, but themed so check website for details - the competition is open from the 1st until the 25th of each month during 2021 - proceeds from entry fees are donated to charities that are trying to make a difference to climate change - winners published on website and in anthology in 2022 - open to flash fiction, non-fiction, poetry and short stories - CLOSED, was a one-off
UNESCO and Idries Shah Foundation 'World Tales' Short Story Competition UK 15th October 2020 December 2020 500 FREE See notes
Notes on UNESCO Competition: Any style / genre but themed around 'Once upon a time in my future' - for writers aged 12 to 18 years old - 7 winners receive an iPad - winners and runners-up published in a hardcover book - CLOSED, was a one off
Verbolatry Laugh-a-Riot Short Story Contest UK August October 500 See notes See notes
Notes on Verbolatry Laugh-a-Riot Contest : Humorous style, check website for current theme - FREE entry means a top prize of £50; £5 paid entry means a top prize of £100 - winning stories published in Verbolatry newsletter and on website - NOT RUN SINCE 2016, so removed from lists Jan 2018
Walk Listen Create Poetry and Prose Writing Competition "Write About Walking Home" UK 31st January 2022 April / September 2022 250 words €6 See notes
Notes on Walk Listen Create Competition: Any style or subject, but theme is "walking home" - shortlisted writers will be included in an illustrated limited edition chapbook - top prize: Writer in Residence for Walk Listen Create 2022/3, silver membership worth €50, bespoke artwork by Alban Low - they also accept poetry - CLOSED, was a one-off
Walk Listen Create's 'Write About Walking and Listening' Competition Belgium 8th August 2021 September 250 €6 See notes
Notes on Walk Listen Create's Competition: Any style or genre but themed about walking and listening - open to poetry and prose - winner becomes Writer in Residence for Walk Listen Create's Sound Walk in September 2022 - winning stories are published in a limited edition illustrated anthology by Sampson Low Publishers, and made available as an audio book - CLOSED, was a one-off
Wandering Fun with Stevenson's Fable Competition UK 2nd April 2022 16th June 2022 350 FREE £500
Notes on WFWS Fable Competition: For fables 'in the style of Stevenson' so check website for details - a selection of entries may be published by the Robert Louis Stevenson Club - CLOSED, was a one-off
Wax Poetry and Art Magazine's Flash Fiction Contest Canada Monthly Monthly 300 FREE See notes
Notes onWax Poetry And Art Contest: Any style / genre - there is no monetary prize, but winners are published online and in print and will receive royalties from sales - NO FICTION published since 2016, so removed listing 2019 - see poetry comps lists for details of poetry competition
Wellness Retreats For Women 'Write A Book, Rewrite Your Life' Contest USA 4th April 2017 5th April 2017 250 FREE $100
Notes on Wellness Retreats For Women Contest: Any style, but themed so check website for details - all entries published on blog - CLOSED 2017, was a one-off
Wenlock Olympians Flash Fiction Competition UK 31st October 2020 March 2021 1,000 £5 £150

Notes on Wenlock Olympians Competition: Any style / genre but themed; there are 3 themes to choose from, so check website for full details - winner's story read at a Wenlock Olympian Celebration evening in March 2021 and it is planned for the winners entries to be read out on local radio - CLOSED, was a one-off

Wimbledon Bookfest Short Story Competition UK Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies
Notes on Wimbledon Bookfest Competition: Themed, so check website for current theme (look in NEWS section of the site) - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing during 2021 update
Women in Comedy Festival Comedy Writing Competition UK October October 1,000 £3 £50
Notes on Women In Comedy Competition: Comedy - short stories, sketches and monologues - winners stories performed at the festival and published on the website - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing 2020
WordHound's Weekly Writing Challenge UK Monthly Monthly 300 FREE See notes
Notes on Wordhound's Challenge: Any style / genre but they have a monthly topic, so check website for details - entrants must aged 12 or under - prizes vary but have been goodie-bags of sweets and stationery in the past - winners published on blog - to find competition details, look in the 'blog' section of their website - CLOSED
Write From The Heart Microfiction Competition Australia Quarterly Quarterly 100 Varies See notes
Notes on Write From The Heart Competition: Any style / genre - %50 of entry fees go to charity, %40 into the prize pool and %10 for admin costs - winner recieves 70% of the prize pool, 2nd place 20%, 3rd 10% - entry fee varies but has been around the $2/$3 mark in the past
Write Story Books For Children Winter Writing Competition UK December February 500 FREE See notes
Notes on Write Story Books For Children Competition: Any style / genre but themed so check website for full details - winner receives an Amazon Kindle e-Reader and a collection of Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairytales - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing 2020
Writers' HQ Flash Quarterly Contest UK Quarterly Quarterly 500 FREE £100 and see notes
Notes on Writers' HQ Contest: Any style / genre - winner receives membership to Writers' HQ, access to online writing courses and writing retreats - winners published on the WHQ site and in an annual anthology - NOT RUN SINCE 2019, so removed listing during 2021 update
Writers' HQ 'From LGBTQ With Love The Fight Back' Flash Fiction Contest UK 30th November 2018 ? 500 FREE £100

Notes on Writers' HQ Contest: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for full details - in addition to cash prizes, Writers' HQ subscriptions are given away - winners published on website and maybe in a book too - CLOSED, was a one-off

Writing Maps A3 Review Short Fiction Contest UK Monthly Monthly 150 $5 £250
Notes on Writing Maps A3 Review Contest: Any style / genre - competition cycle lasts six months - each month, two entries win publication in the A3 Review - three overall winning entries receive cash prizes - yes, entry fee is in dollars, that's not a typo - NO LONGER MENTIONED ON WEBSITE, so removed listing 2020
Writers' Retreat UK Short, Short Story Competition UK Bi-Annually Bi-Annually 1,000 £15 £200 and see notes
Notes on Writers' Retreat UK Competition: Any style / genre - winner receives cash plus a free place on a writing retreat - multiple cash prizes - winners published in anthology - WRITING COMPETITION NO LONGER MENTIONED ON THE WEBSITE, just wordsearch contest, so removed listing during 2022 update
Writing Writers Drabble Competition UK Monthly Monthly 100 FREE £35
Notes on Writing Writers Competition: Any style / genre - winners published on the website - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2019
Yale and Yeoman 'The Yeoman’s Word' Australia 19th November 2021 4th January 2022 1,000 $7 $500
Notes on The Yeoman’s Word:  Historical fiction based mostly between (or linked to) 500 CE to 1500 CE - stories must conclude with some type of moral or witty remark from the narrator - CLOSED, was a one-off
YSCI-FI Flash Fiction Competition UK 28th February 2018 13st March 2018 1,000 FREE $250
Notes on YSCI-FI Competition: Any style / genre - CLOSED 2018, was a one-off
Zen Garden / Voiceclub Flash Fiction Competitions USA Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies

Notes on Zen Garden Competitions: Any style / genre - Zen Garden teamed up with Voice Club in 2020, so best to check website for current competitions - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2022

Zeroflash UK Monthly Monthly 300 FREE See notes
Notes on Zeroflash Competition: Any style / genre but themed, so check website for current details - winners might be published in anthology - there used to be a £10 prize, but can't find any mention of it on the site anymore - WENT ON HAITUS FOR OVER A YEAR and main website disappeared in 2020 - wordpress one still exists but nothing running, so removed listing during 2021 update
Zizzle Literary Flash Fiction Contest

Hong Kong SAR

March May 1,000 $5 $1,000
Notes on Zizzle Literary Contest: Any style / genre but check website for prompts - for fiction that will appeal to readers from age 11 to adult - generous cash prizes for runners-up - WEBSITE DISAPPEARED 2022

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Kevin C
You may have already heard this from others, but the Mash flash fiction competition has now ceased operating, sadly.

Chris Fielden
Hi Kevin. Oh, that’s a shame.

I didn’t know, so thanks for letting me know.

I’ll update the page accordingly.

Shirley M
Hi Chris, the 1,000 words or less comp page in Australia just seems to go up to 2016, can't find 2017 details, so maybe defunct?

Chris Fielden
Thanks for letting me know, Shirley.

I've contacted the people who run the competition, but retired the listing for now as the site is over 12 months out of date.

I'll reinstate the listing if I hear back.

Jason L
Hi. Do you have a free flash fiction competition?

Chris Fielden
Hi Jason. I run a lot of free flash fiction writing challenges. You can learn about the challenges here.

If that's not what you're looking for, there are quite a few free competitions in the lists above.

Marina N
I've discovered Sweek thanks to your awesome list, sir! And can't thank you enough for that. That is an excellent platform for aspiring writers allowing us to grow via free reading, writing, and sharing. Love their flash fiction contests!

Also, adore Ad Hoc Fiction.

Heartfelt thanks!

Chris Fielden
Thanks, Marina - very kind of you to say so :-)

I hope you're writing is going well!

Samuel N
Thanks for the information.

Chris Fielden
No problem, Samuel :-)

Amy O
Hi Chris, in regards to the flash competition that discriminates against LGBTQ+, a counter competition has been set up by the lovely Writers HQ in response with some great prizes. Would be great if you could list it on the website as an alternative!

Chris Fielden
Hi Amy. Thanks for letting me know about this - much appreciated. Listed!

Dave M
Hi Chris, there's a site called 50 word stories which I can't see in your lists (it may be there, I'm dizzied by it all). This site publishes two 50 word stories every weekday. The best story of every week gets to go into the final at the end of the month. The winner, chosen by the editor gets 10$ (Canadian). I was published on it three times last year (never made the final - always the bridesmaid). It's a great way to hone editing skills, says he babbling on.

Cheers mate, Dave Earl of Huyton

Chris Fielden
Fab, thanks for letting me know about 50 Word Stories, Dave Earl of Huyton.

I have added it to the regular flash comps list :-)

Teresa T
Hello, I wanted to cite your page as a source for a paper. This is made more difficult by the fact that the information at the bottom of the page is covered by an ad that I am not able to close. (Well, it said the ad was closed by Google, so now it is just a blank tan square that still blocks the information.) The information there is not crucial for my purposes, but I thought you might want to know how the page appears to a viewer.

Chris Fielden
Hi Teresa. Thanks for letting me know - very much appreciated.

The ads are automated by AdSense (Google) so there's nothing I can do about it unfortunately - it's a problem their end.

I would consider removing the ads, but as it's a source of income that helps me cover the costs of running the website, I'm not in a position to do so unfortunately.

Thanks for citing my website. I wish you all the best with your paper.

Rebecca J C
Thank you so much for this whole list, and all of the extra information and updates.

And thank you for standing up for the LGBTQ+ community. That contest that excludes LGBTQ+ "content" and compares a whole community to "cats" is absolutely homophobic. I hope other writers will join me in NEVER submitting to it.

Chris Fielden
Hi Rebecca. Thank you for your kind words, much appreciated.

No problem at all re sticking for the LGBTQ+ community. I will always support acceptance and equality :-)

Sagar J
Hi, Chris. Thanks a lot for the lists. Here's one more you may consider adding to it: Friday Flash Fiction.

Your short stories from your book 'How to Write a Short Story...' are mind blowing. Particularly 'The Ninja Zombie Knitting Circle' and 'Mr. Kill'. Thanks again.

Chris Fielden
Hi Sagar. Thanks for letting me know about FFF - very much appreciated. It doesn't look like it's a competition, so I've added it to the Flash Fiction Magazines list on this page. If I have that wrong, please do let me know.

Thank you for buying my book. It's great to hear that you enjoyed it :-)

Miriam H
Hi Chris, thank you for the comprehensive list. I've written some flash fiction 1000 words or less. Sorry to see the two sites are inactive. Are there more sites running the same contests? Thanks.

Chris Fielden
Hi Miriam. No problem at all, thank you for your comment.

Which two inactive sites are you referring to? If you let me know, I'll take a look for you :)

Kelly J
In your listings, could you make notations on whether anyone from around the globe can submit or if it's specific to that country only? Thanks, Chris!

P.S. I'm simply blown away at the sheer extensiveness of this list you've compiled. Beautiful job!

Chris Fielden
Hi Kelly. Thanks for your message. As noted at the top of the page, the vast majority of competitions I list on this resource - and all the other resources on my site - accept entries from anywhere in the world. If the rules state that the competition is for writers living in certain countries / regions, I already mention that in the listing. EG, the Prescott Festival listing notes "only open to unpublished writers living in the six Merseyside boroughs of Liverpool (Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Halton, Wirral or Liverpool)". I hope that helps :)

That said, please be sure to check each contest's terms and conditions before entering as they do change. Because I list so many comps it's impossible to stay on top of every change.

Really glad to hear you find the lists helpful. All the very best to you :)

Kelly J
Thanks Chris. I guess I'm one of the few writers who don't know how to read! Thank you for being gracious in your response. 

Chris Fielden
No problem, Kelly :)

These resources are huge, so it’s very easy to miss some of the notes. Many users do the same, so no worries at all. All the best :)

Sid K
Short stories are always interesting to listen to. I was always fond of stories in my childhood.

Chris Fielden
Thanks Sid, that's good to know :-)