11 Awards and Contests for New Authors to Enter!
Something that’s been on my mind since I finished #NaNoWriMo is the opportunity for authors to enter their works into a contest or consideration for an award.
As you might already know, Inkitt, a site that allows writers to share their work within the platform, has a contest specifically for authors who participate in #NaNoWriMo. This got me interested in looking at other contests I could enter my book into. I put a lot of work into those 50,000 words, so might as well make the most of it, right?
Surprisingly, there isn’t as much out there as I thought there would be. A lot of awards or contests are hyper-tailored to a specific genre; one award I found only considers novels set in the American South.
I thought it might be helpful to other authors and writers to aggregate a list of contests.
These contests/awards are open to authors 18+ who write fiction, including young adult/new adult. Be aware that some have fees to apply, so I’ve given those less priority.
Contest for fiction writers who submit their NaNoWriMo projects. Inkitt also offers other contests throughout the year.Prize: $1,500 for first; $1,000 for second, and $500 for third. Various other prizes for those selected.Fees: noneThe Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards
Recognizes works that contribute to an understanding of racism or diversity. Book must be published within the previous year; no self-published works.Prize: $10,000Fees: noneAwarded to American citizen 39 or younger with at least one published work and an in-progress work.Prize: $30,000 and appt as writer-in-residence at Bard CollegeFees: noneRecognizes a rising talent who published their first novel within the last year. Self-published books not considered.Prize: $5,000 and travel to VA for a readingFees: none mentionedAwarded to an emerging Black author for a book of fiction published in the previous year.Prize: $15,000Fees: noneSeeks writers who demonstrate intellectual and literary gifts (vague, I know.)Prize: $88,000 stipend and a residency at PrincetonFees: noneRecognizes authors under 35 who published a book in the previous year. The book must be for adults.Prize: $10,000Fees: noneRecognizes 3 authors of fiction.Prize: $15,000 first place; two runner-ups get $5,000Fees: unknown (2023 contest opens early next year)Friends of American Writers Chicago Awards
Awards fiction and YA writers based in several midwestern states who have published a novel in the last year. No self-published. Must have less than 3 published books.Prize: CashFees: noneAwarded to an American author of a first novel-in-progress. Prize: $10,000 first place; $1,000 runner upFees: $30; $33 online submissionAwarded two times a year for newly published fiction and nonfiction. Self-published is eligible.Prize: $5,000Fees: $50
