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Writing contests with no entry fee

Contests that pay a prize and charge nothing to enter, or that state no fee on their rules page. Contests that hide the fee until checkout are left out.

7 open, from 7 outlets. 7 charge no fee or state none. 0 read all year. Checked Oct 19, 2026.

  1. Contest

    Varnish Varnish Prize for Fiction (literary, to 5,000 words)

    PaysA$350 first; A$100 second; A$50 third
    FeeNone stated
    Closes
    Guidelines for Varnish, Varnish Prize for Fiction (literary, to 5,000 words)
  2. Contest

    Rattle Ekphrastic Challenge: a poem on the month's image

    Pays$100 to each of two winners
    FeeNone stated
    Closes
    Guidelines for Rattle, Ekphrastic Challenge: a poem on the month's image
  3. Contest

    The Aluminium Crown Aluminium Crown short story contest (themed, 500-4,000 words)

    PaysAt least A$300 first prize
    FeeNo fee
    Closes
    Guidelines for The Aluminium Crown, Aluminium Crown short story contest (themed, 500-4,000 words)
  4. Contest

    Singapore Unbound 3rd SUSPECT Flash Fiction Contest (100-150 words)

    Pays$300, $200 and $100
    FeeNo fee
    Closes
    Guidelines for Singapore Unbound, 3rd SUSPECT Flash Fiction Contest (100-150 words)
  5. Contest

    Mystery Writers of America and Minotaur Books First Crime Novel Competition

    Pays$10,000 advance and a publishing contract
    FeeNone stated
    Closes
    Guidelines for Mystery Writers of America and Minotaur Books, First Crime Novel Competition
  6. Contest

    Writers of the Future Writers of the Future, first quarter 2027 (SF and fantasy, new writers)

    Pays$1,000, $750 and $500 each quarter; $5,000 annual grand prize
    FeeNo fee
    Closes
    Guidelines for Writers of the Future, Writers of the Future, first quarter 2027 (SF and fantasy, new writers)
  7. Contest

    Jerry Jazz Musician 74th Short Fiction Contest

    Pays$150
    FeeNo fee
    Closes
    Guidelines for Jerry Jazz Musician, 74th Short Fiction Contest

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