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Best Writing Contests 2021 - 2022, recommended by Reedsy

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Fall 2023 Flash Fiction Contest Winners

Q1 2024 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

Spring 2023 Flash Fiction Contest Winners

Q4 2023 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

Spring 2023 Flash Fiction Contest Winners

Q3 2023 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

Winter 2023 Flash Fiction Contest Winners

Q2 2023 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest


Fall 2022 Flash Fiction Contest Winners

Q1 2023 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

Summer 2022 Flash Fiction Contest Winners

Spring 2022 Flash Fiction Contest Winners




 

 

 

 

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FLASH FICTION CONTEST

    SPRING 2024 FLASH FICTION CONTEST WITH GUEST JUDGE LITERARY AGENT EMILY WILLIAMSON

Do you need some writing inspiration? Contests are a great way to spark your creativity, and you may even win a prize! Get your best work together and consider entering the WOW! quarterly flash fiction contest with guest judge Emily Williamson, literary agent with Williamson Literary. Stop by the contest page, download the pdf guidelines, and read all about Emily’s preferences. The Spring Contest is open to all genres of fiction between 250 - 750 words. Only 300 stories are accepted, so enter early to ensure your spot in the contest. Over $1350 in cash prizes. Deadline: May 31, 2024. MORE >>

     

CREATIVE NONFICTION ESSAY CONTEST

    CREATIVE NONFICTION ESSAY CONTEST

WOW! is proud to introduce our newest essay contest! The mission of the essay contest is to inspire creative nonfiction and provide well-rewarded recognition to contestants. The contest is open globally; age is of no matter; and entries must be in English. Your story must be true, but the way you tell it is your chance to get creative. We are open to all styles of essay—from personal essay to lyric essay to hybrid essay, and beyond! Word Count: 200 – 1,000 words. Only 300 essays are accepted, so enter early to ensure your spot in the contest. 1st Place: $500. Deadline: April 30, 2024. MORE >>

     

WRITING WORKSHOPS & ONLINE CLASSES

    WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING CLASSROOM

Whether you are looking to boost your income or work on your craft, we know that education is an important part of a writer’s career. That’s why WOW! handpicks qualified instructors and targeted classes that women writers will benefit from. Visit the classroom page and check out our current line up of workshops: creative nonfiction, personal essay, memoir, young adult, narrative structures, freelance editing, cozy mystery writing, screenwriting, playwriting, poetry, travel writing, true crime writing, and more. MORE >>

     

FEATURED ARTICLES

  ON SUBMISSION WITH PURPLE INK PRESS: FOUNDING EDITOR YAEL VALENCIA ALDANA

Purple Ink Press is a new and exciting publication on the scene. Today, we are speaking with Yael Valencia Aldana, founding editor and the dreamer who brought it to life. Purple Ink Press aims to publish unusual projects from in-between spaces. Interview by Christy O'Callaghan. MORE >>

     
  HOW DREAMS AND VISIONS CAN GUIDE YOUR WRITING: AN INTERVIEW WITH ANNA QUINN, AUTHOR OF ANGELINE

Every writer has a special way of developing their characters, revealing the setting, and understanding what is to come from a story. Whatever method you personally use, you will be fascinated by Anna Quinn’s way of channeling her dreams, visions, and other meditative techniques to create Angeline, a novel whose title character is unwillingly sent to a radical convent where she confronts her tragic past. It asks the deep question, follow your heart or follow the rules? MORE >>

     
  IN CONVERSATION WITH NICOLE BREIT, AWARD-WINNING WRITER AND INSTRUCTOR

When I think of innovative creative nonfiction forms, Nicole Breit springs to mind, both as a writer and teacher. I relish the creative sparks I get from her imaginative writing prompts and enjoy her warm, personable teaching style. Angela Mackintosh chats with Nicole Breit about the craft of writing creative nonfiction, targeting markets for your work, her Spark Your Story programs, and more. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH INK SWEAT & TEARS PUBLISHER KATE BIRCH

Ink Sweat & Tears, a UK-based webzine, has Filmpoem and Word & Image submission slots for exploring a poetic image’s more contemporary forms. They also accept the more common genres of prose, written poetry, and reviews. Rosie MacLeod chats with publisher Kate Birch about the journal and what the editors are looking for in submissions. MORE >>

     
  HELP YOUR MANUSCRIPT TAKE OFF WITH PRIMARY SOURCES

A combination of sources is the best way to go. Secondary sources can give you breadth and depth. Primary sources reveal a firsthand take on your chosen topic. Sue Bradford Edwards shows writers how to use primary sources in both their nonfiction and fiction manuscripts. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH LITERARY AGENT FIONA SMITH OF BEYOND WORDS LITERARY AGENCY

Kelly Sgroi interviews her own agent Fiona Smith from Beyond Words Literary Agency. They chat about what types of manuscripts Fiona looks for to represent and some insight into securing a literary agent. This is an interview you won’t want to miss for both its inspiration and information, especially if you’re currently querying agents. MORE >>

     
  USE A FUNNEL: HOW TO TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE WHEN MARKETING A BOOK

Picture the funnel as an upside-down triangle that we pour potential readers into hoping that some will eventually come out the bottom as actual readers! A simple idea, but who do you pour into your funnel, and how do you successfully move them through the funnel, transforming them into buyers? Jodi M. Webb shows you how! MORE >>

     
  CHOOSE YOUR OWN BOOK PROMOTION ADVENTURE IN 2024

Jodi M. Webb gathers advice from authors about marketing strategies from BookTok to podcasts, from where to start your marketing journey to choosing the methods that work best for you. Advice from Nicole Pyles, Michelle Gogovac, Lila Dubois, Rebecca Forster, Gayle Leeson, and Kimberly King. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH INDIE BITES EDITORS JOSIE JAFFREY AND ADIE HART

Dedicated to short, bite-size fiction and poetry in the fantasy genre, Indie Bites enables indie authors to share each other’s work with their fan bases. This approach of collaborative indie marketing gives the stories’ outreach some teeth and helps the magazine in its core aim: to simply get our authors’ stories read. Join WOW columnist Rosie MacLeod as she interviws co-editors Josie Jaffrey and Adie Hart. MORE >>

     
  EMPOWERING YA ANXIETY WITH GIANT MAN-EATING BUTTERFLIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER D. LYLE, AUTHOR OF SWARM

Jennifer D. Lyle, author of Swarm, is joining the ranks of J.K. Rowling, Suzanne Collins, Rick Riordan, and James Dashner. If you love young adult novels, you will fall in love with Shur and her brothers and friends as they survive an attack from butterfly-like creatures that “swarm” the world, looking for prey. Jennifer writes refreshing realistic characters in this world she has created. She will be one to watch. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH ELJ EDITOR DIANE GOTTLIEB

In this month’s column, we double down on fun as we sit down with Editor Diane Gottlieb to discuss Emerge Literary Journal and ELJ Editions, an exciting small press dedicated to elevating emerging writers for more than ten years. Diane also edited the anthology, Awakenings: Stories of Body & Consciousness for ELJ Editions. MORE >>

     
  WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU SELF-PUBLISH YOUR BOOK: INTERVIEW WITH SARAH KOLB-WILLIAMS OF SPOONBRIDGE PRESS

How do you know when it's the right time to self-publish your book? Today, we address this complicated question with Sarah Kolb-Williams, lead editor of Spoonbridge Press. This publishing services company helps new and growing authors navigate the world of self-publishing. With fifteen years of editorial experience and a passion for helping independent authors thrive, Sarah delights in unlocking the fullest potential of every client’s manuscript. Along with project manager Britt Peterson, she supports authors through the intimidating process of self-publishing a book while giving them full creative and financial control over their publishing journeys. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH SPORT STORIES PRESS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. ANNE GREENAWALT

Sport Stories Press features stories about women in sports, particularly amateur women athletes. Join WOW in a lively conversation as Kelly Sgroi interviews Dr. Anne Greenawalt about what the press is looking for, including short 700-word pieces and full-length manuscripts, what makes a great sport story, and why it's important to tell women's sport stories. MORE >>

     
  TAG-TEAM EDITORS: HOW WE HELPED EACH OTHER WRITE OUR BOOKS

In this conversation, Cathleen Miller and Kate Evans, longtime friends and former colleagues at San Jose State University, talk about how they supported each other in writing their most recent books while living thousands of miles apart. MORE >>

     
  MEET CANDI SARY, AUTHOR OF MAGDALENA

Today we welcome author Candi Sary, the author of the newly released and celebrated novel, Magdalena (Regal House Publishing, 2023), which earned a Chanticleer International Book Award (CIBA). Join Ashley Harris as she chats with Candi about her latest novel, persistence, magic, ghosts, and the character that disrupted her plans. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH FICTIVE DREAM EDITOR LAURA BLACK

In this month’s “On Submission” column, Rosie MacLeod interviews Laura Black, founding editor of Fictive Dream. The journal publishes short stories between 500 and 2,500 words. Find out what they’re looking for below, their behind-the-scenes submission process, and a fun flash fiction event they host every year. MORE >>

     
  EMBRACE THE BLANK PAGE: 5 TECHNIQUES OF DAILY WRITING WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE

In the realm of creativity, the blank page can be both an alluring canvas and a daunting void. I know this struggle all too well. My own writing journey began in April 2021, and since then, I’ve embarked on a whirlwind adventure, penning three books in less than two years. The key to this feat? My unwavering habit of daily writing. By Smita Das Jain. MORE >>

     
  THE THREE THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK

Author Claudine Wolk shares three things she wish she knew before writing her first book: Give yourself a full year after you write your book to properly publish and market your book. Use your own name as a website name and learn as much as you can as soon as you can about book marketing so that you can use the time that you set aside—the year before you publish—to methodically execute your book marketing plan. MORE >>

     
  IN CONVERSATION WITH AUTHOR SARAH FRELIGH

When I'm in need of inspiration, I often look to author Sarah Freligh. I crave the exacting nature of her work, especially the way she can evoke a time, a place, or a mood with a minimum of fuss. Her stories of women and girls are drawn with a poetic precision that cuts like a knife. Join Myna Chang as she interviews Sarah about writing flash prose, prose poetry, crafting powerful metaphors, and the art of writing short. MORE >>

     
  FIND TIME TO WRITE YOUR NOVEL

How do you find time to write a novel? Does the sheer number of words seem overwhelming or is it putting you off even getting started? Author Louise Tondeur spent the last few years researching the organizational tips and techniques that are most translatable to the writing life, some of which she'll share with you here. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH JOY CLARK, MANAGING EDITOR OF eMERGE MAGAZINE

The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) is home to eMerge Magazine, with four issues published annually. eMerge publishes work from past WCDH residents, but is equally open to submissions from writers and poets who have not stayed at the Colony. WOW recently chatted with Managing Editor, Joy Clark.  MORE >>

     
  AS I SEE IT: HOW TO PICK THE BEST POV FOR YOUR FICTION

Choosing the optimum POV for your fiction is a critical narrative decision. Before you do, consider the pros and cons of various options. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH TERESA BERKOWITZ, FOUNDING EDITOR OF TANGLED LOCKS JOURNAL

Tangled Locks Journal is an online literary journal committed to sharing complex, well-rounded stories, poetry, and essays that illuminate the experience and lives of women. We’re excited to explore this beautiful journal and paying market with founder and editor-in-chief Teresa Berkowitz. MORE >>

     
  CRAFTING FANTASY FICTION WITH AUTHOR KATE RISTAU

Let’s step into another world, shall we? Fantasy fiction has a way of doing just that. From worldbuilding to wielding magic, this imagination-driven genre can seem both exciting and daunting to craft. Author, folklorist, speaker and executive director of Willamette Writers, Kate Ristau shares her approach on how to materialize a fantastical story. MORE >>

     
  CRAFTING THE RIGHT PITCH FOR MEDIA EXPOSURE

Whether you have published a book or want to build your audience platform, there are many opportunities to promote yourself. From asking for reviews to being a guest on a podcast to introducing yourself to a journalist, you can increase your potential readership each time you put yourself out there. As a PR consultant, I’m crafting pitches constantly. Recently, I discovered that crafting a pitch is like writing a story. Here’s how. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH CLAIRE OLESON, SENIOR POETRY EDITOR OF CLEAVER

I met Cleaver’s Senior Poetry Editor Claire Oleson, in her Poetic Anatomies workshop. In addition to heading up the literary journal’s poetry section, Claire is an instructor for Cleaver’s workshop series. I’m happy to reconnect with Claire, especially in this month that celebrates all things poetry. In this interview, we chat about writing and submitting poetry. MORE >>

     
  WRITING AND RESEARCHING HISTORICAL FICTION

As someone who learns about history through fiction, I have a special treat for readers of this issue of WOW. A roundup featuring three of our best historical fiction authors including, Clare Beams of The Illness Lesson, D.M. Pulley of No-one’s Home, and Michelle Cameron of Beyond the Ghetto Gates. They have some great advice on how to get started with the writing and research process even if you've never written a work of historical fiction before. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH COURTNEY HARLER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF CRAFT

CRAFT is a premier destination for fiction and creative nonfiction, known for its focus on the craft and artistry of prose. It is also a paying market. We’re excited to share a glimpse into this publication, through the eyes of Editor-in-Chief Courtney Harler. Interview by Myna Chang. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH SUZANNE CRAIG-WHYTOCK, FOUNDER AND EDITOR OF DARKWINTER LITERARY MAGAZINE

This month, we dive into writing the dark, mysterious, and weird with Suzanne Craig-Whytock. Suzanne is and award-winning author and founder of DarkWinter Literary Magazine, an independent publication from Ontario, Canada that focuses on short fiction and poetry. In this interview, Suzanne talks about what draws people to dark stories, her new collection of short stories, and shares advice for authors waiting to hit submit. Interview by Stacy Wentworth. MORE >>

     
  KEEP THE SERIES FRESH

Series are popular with readers, publishers, and writers. Wonderful series characters become treasured friends, with whom you catch up on a regular basis. But, as a writer, how do you keep a long-running series fresh? Devon Ellington chats with series authors who share their best tips: New York Times bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, Yasmine Galenorn; national bestselling cozy mystery author Lucy Burdette; and Alyssa Maxwell, author of two historical mystery series. If you’re writing a series, you’ll be interested in reading how these authors keep their characters and situations lively from book to book. MORE >>

     
  HOW TO APPROPRIATELY WRITE RACE AND ETHNICITY IN FICTION

Every primary character deserves a description, including, but not limited to, their skin tone, superficial features, cultural background, and of course, their personality traits. Often, race and ethnicity are ignored or hard to work into the descriptions and can cause writers anxiety and worry over doing it correctly. So, the often unintended mistake of skipping description of ethnic details perpetuates the idea that white characters are the default unless explained otherwise. MORE >>

     
  ON SUBMISSION WITH SARAH ELAINE HAWKINSON, EDITOR OF SASEE MAGAZINE

Want to start the New Year on a high note by landing a paid byline at a prestigious women’s magazine? Find out how by reading our interview with the creative and talented Sarah Elaine Hawkinson, the editor of Sasee Magazine. Sasee welcomes editorial submissions from freelance writers. They’re seeking new, unpublished, first-person, non-fiction material that is for or about women. Essays, humor, satire, personal experience, and features on topics relating to women are their primary editorial focus. Interview by Ashley Memory. MORE >>

     
  BUT IT REALLY HAPPENED THAT WAY: TIPS FOR BLENDING REAL LIFE INTO FICTION

Maybe you’ve heard this before at a writing workshop—or possibly said it yourself: But it really happened that way! The truth is stranger than fiction, or so the saying goes. There are some things we’d simply never believe if we encountered them in a novel. But what if you’re trying to write what you know and basing a story on a real-life event? What happens when that fails? Is there a way to salvage the piece? Or better still, could you weave real-life details into fiction in a way that would enhance and elevate the story? Even if you aren’t writing from real life, the techniques below can help you enrich your fictional worlds and draw your readers into your stories. By Charity Tahmaseb. MORE >>

     
  FROM JOURNALIST TO NOVELIST: CRAFTING CHARACTERS WITH THE 5 WS AND AN H

For decades, journalists have relied on a basic formula to build the foundations of their stories: the five Ws and an H, or Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. Novelists can use these same building-block questions to construct three-dimensional characters who live and breathe in readers' minds. Author Ekta Garg shows you how! MORE >>

     
  WORLDBUILD LIKE AN ANTHROPOLOGIST

There’s nothing more exciting or daunting than crafting a fascinating science fiction or fantasy world from scratch. By its very purpose, there are countless parts to build and get lost in. The prospect can feel too overwhelming to dive too deep beyond the needs of the plot or characters, but it is in those details where the world truly comes alive. I like to call worldbuilding fictional anthropology. By Shana Scott. MORE >>

     
  FALL 2023 FLASH FICTION WINNERS

The results are in! After careful deliberation our honorable guest judge, literary agent Amy Giuffrida with Belcastro Literary Agency, has made her final decisions. Read the winning stories of the 750 words or less Fall 2023 Flash Fiction Competition. MORE >>

     
  Q1 2024 CREATIVE NONFICTION ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

Check out the results of our latest essay contest! Read the winning essays of the 1,000 words or less Q1 2024 Essay Competition. MORE >>

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On Submission with Purple Ink Press Founding Editor Yael Valencia Aldana
Anna Quinn, author of Angeline
March 2024 Markets
In Conversation with Nicole Breit, Award-Winning Writer and Instructor
Ink Sweat and Tears Publisher Kate Birch
How to Use Primary Sources in Your Manuscript
On Submission with Literary Agent Fiona Smith of Beyond Words Literary Agency
Choose Your Own Book Promotion Adventure in 2024
Use the Funnel: How to Target Your Audience When Marketing Your Book
On Submission with Indie Bites Editors Josie Jaffrey and Adie Hart
Interview with Jennifer D. Lyles, author of the YA sci-fi survival novel Swarm
Interview with Diane Gottlieb, editor of Emerge Literary Journal
Interview with Sara Kolb-Williams, lead editor of Spoonbridge Press
Sport Stories Press Editor-in-Chief Dr. Anne Greenawalt
Tag-Team Editors: How We Helped Each Other Write Our Books
Best Practices for Reading Submission Guidelines by Dawn Colclasure
Fictive Dream Founding Editor Laura Black
Meet Candi Sary, Author of Magdalena
Embrace the Blank Page: 5 Techniques of Daily Writing
The Three Things I Wish I Knew Before I Wrote My First Book by Claudine Wolk
Ten Tips to Refresh Your Writing Life
In Conversation with Author Sarah Freligh
Find Time to Write Your Novel
On Submission with Joy Clark, Managing Editor of eMerge Magazine
How to Pick the Best POV for Your Fiction
On Submission with Teresa Berkowitz, Founding Editor of Tangled Locks Journal
Crafting Fantasy Fiction with Author Kate Ristau
On Submission with Mag 20/20 Mother-Daughter Team Sofia Aquialar and LuLu Lerma-Aquilar
Crafting the Right Pitch for Media Exposure
On Submission with Claire Oleson, Senior Poetry Editor of Cleaver
Writing and Researching Historical Fiction
On Submission with Courtney Harler, Editor-in-Chief of CRAFT
How to Keep the Book Series Fresh
On Submission With DarkWinter Literary Journal Founder, Suzanne Craig-Whytock
On Submission with Brooke Warner, Publisher of She Writes Press
How to Appropriately Write Race and Ethnicity in Fiction
On Submission with Sarah Elaine Hawkinson, Editor of Sasee Magazine
Every Protagonist is a Superhero
On Submission with Off Topic Publishing
Tips for Blending Real Life into Fiction
Sophie Poldermans Shares How to Create Momentum on a Book Topic
Award-winning flash fiction teacher Kathy Fish
From Journalist to Novelist
Worldbuild Like an Anthropologist
Rise of Ghostwriting Companies in the USA
What to Look for When Hiring a Wikipedia Writer
5 Goals Can Be Achieved with the Help of EBook Writing Services
 
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