Are you looking to get paid to write but aren't sure where to start? Fear not! We compiled a list of five writing contests with cash prizes that have small submission fees. All of these contests are open as of summer 2024.
2024 RockPaperPoem Poetry Prize
Deadline: May 31, 2024
Prize: $250 Grand Prize, 2 $100 Runner Ups
Entry Fee: $10 for up to three poems
Open to anyone 18+, RockPaperPoem's inaugural poetry contest is asking for up to three of your best poems. The contest doesn't have a theme so any subject is acceptable—just make sure they're your best work.
Full submission guidelines can be found on RockPaperPoem's website.
WOW! Women on Writing Spring 2024 Contest
Deadline: May 31, 2024
Prize: $400 first place but over 20 prize winners total!
Entry Fee: $10
If you have a piece of flash fiction between 250-750 words, this contest might be for you! With only the first 300 submissions being accepted, be sure to get your flash fiction submitted quickly for a chance at one of their many cash prizes. According to their website, since 2006 they have awarded over $100,000 in prize money to writers—that's some serious dough!
Check out WOW! Women on Writing's site for a full list of upcoming contests and their respective prizes.
Boulevard Emerging Poets Contest
Deadline: June 1, 2024
Prize: $1,000 and publication in Boulevard
Entry Fee: $18 (includes a one year subscription to Boulevard)
Are you an emerging poet itching to get your work out there? Boulevard is a literary magazine dedicated to publishing young writers and poets, making it the perfect contest for new writers to test their skill.
Full submission guidelines can be found on Boulevard's website.
The Lascaux Prize in Flash Fiction
Deadline: June 30, 2024
Prize: $1,000, bronze medal, publication in The Lascaux Review
Entry Fee: $15
Do you specialize in writing stories that are under 1,000 words? If so, the Lascaux Prize in Flash Fiction might be the contest for you. Plus, the winner gets a bronze medal. What more could you want?
Full submissions guidelines can be found on The Lascaux Review's Submittable page.
If you're not into flash fiction, be sure to look out for their many other contests on their website.
Unleash Work-in-Progress (WIP) Award 2024
Deadline: July 16, 2024
Prize: $500 to supplement costs related to completing a book-length work of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Writers will also receive editorial feedback, coaching meetings, and an excerpt/interview feature in Unleash Lit.
Entry Fee: $35
If you have a really great idea for a book but need help finishing it up, send in your first 25 pages to Unleash Lit! Cash prizes are great, but editorial feedback and coaching are invaluable.
Full submission guidelines can be found on Unleash Lit's Submittable page.
PS—Unleash Lit also has a great featured section on their website dedicated to spotlighting young writers that are under 18.
Are you a teen that has great writing or art? We accept submissions year-round for our digital and print magazines and have no submission fee! Check out more details here.