Best Platforms for Writing Contests and Competitions
There are numerous platforms available for writing contests and competitions, each offering unique opportunities for writers to showcase their talents. Some of the most popular and reputable platforms include Wattpad, Reedsy, and Submittable. These platforms cater to various writing styles and genres, providing a broad array of contests that can help writers gain recognition and potentially win prizes.
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Wattpad is well-known for its community-driven approach, allowing writers to connect with a global audience and participate in numerous contests hosted by both the platform and individual users. Reedsy, on the other hand, offers weekly short story competitions with cash prizes and has a dedicated section for writing prompts, making it ideal for honing one’s craft. Submittable is a versatile platform that not only lists writing competitions but also allows writers to submit their work to literary magazines and publishers, broadening their reach. Additionally, platforms like The Writer and Poets & Writers offer comprehensive lists of ongoing contests and grants, along with detailed submission guidelines. These platforms not only provide opportunities to compete but also offer resources like feedback, workshops, and networking events to help writers improve and grow in their careers.
WattpadView AllWattpad - A platform for reading and writing user-generated stories.
ReedsyView AllReedsy - platform connecting authors with publishing professionals.
Writer's DigestView AllWriter's Digest - A magazine offering writing advice, resources, and inspiration.
The WriterView AllThe Writer - Astrological assassin with a cosmic connection to the stars.
MediumView AllMedium - Platform for reading and publishing articles and stories.
NYC MidnightView AllNYC Midnight - Writing competitions with tight deadlines and unique prompts.
Poets & WritersView AllPoets & Writers - Leading resource for writers, offering support and inspiration.
SubmittableView AllSubmittable - a cloud-based submission management software.
Winning WritersView AllWinning Writers - Top resource for writing contests and literary advice.
Glimmer TrainView AllGlimmer Train - Glimmer Train was a respected literary short story magazine.
Best Platforms for Writing Contests and Competitions
1.
Wattpad
Wattpad is a popular online platform and mobile app that allows users to read and write stories across various genres. Founded in 2006, it serves as a social storytelling hub where writers can share their work with millions of readers worldwide. The platform supports both amateur and professional writers, offering opportunities for community feedback and engagement. Wattpad's interactive features, such as comments and votes, foster a dynamic literary community. Additionally, successful stories on Wattpad often attract attention from publishers and media producers, bridging the gap between online storytelling and traditional media.
Pros
Free platform- vast stories
- community engagement
- writing exposure.
Cons
Lacks quality control- prone to copyright issues
- inconsistent content moderation.
2.
Reedsy
Reedsy is an online marketplace that connects authors with top-tier publishing professionals, including editors, designers, marketers, and ghostwriters. Founded in 2014, Reedsy aims to democratize high-quality publishing services, making them accessible to independent authors and small publishers. The platform vets its professionals to ensure quality, offering a curated selection of experts. Reedsy also provides a range of free resources, including writing courses, webinars, and a book editing tool, to support authors throughout the publishing process.
Pros
- User-friendly
- collaborative
- professional services
- vetted experts
- industry-standard tools.
Cons
- Limited service scope
- higher costs
- varying quality of freelancers.
3.
Writer's Digest
Writer's Digest is a leading resource for writers of all levels, offering a wealth of information, inspiration, and education through its magazine, books, online content, and events. Established in 1920, it provides insights on the craft and business of writing, including tips on writing techniques, publishing, and marketing. The platform also hosts writing competitions and webinars, fostering a supportive community for writers. Whether aspiring or seasoned, writers turn to Writer's Digest for expert advice and opportunities to enhance their skills and advance their careers.
Pros
- Valuable resources
- networking opportunities
- expert advice
- writing prompts
- industry insights.
Cons
- Limited in-depth analysis
- biased towards mainstream
- high subscription cost.
4.
The Writer
"The Writer" is a thought-provoking short story by Richard Wilbur, exploring themes of creativity, parent-child relationships, and the struggles of self-expression. It centers around a father who observes his daughter as she labors over her writing in her room. The narrative draws a poignant parallel between the daughter's efforts and a trapped bird's fight for freedom, symbolizing the challenges and perseverance inherent in the creative process. Wilbur's lyrical prose and profound insight offer a compelling reflection on the journey of finding one's voice.
Pros
- Encourages creativity
- improves communication
- enhances self-expression
- fosters critical thinking.
Cons
- Limited creative control
- potential for high costs and delays.
5.
Medium
Medium is an online publishing platform launched in 2012 by Twitter co-founder Evan Williams. Designed to enable both amateur and professional writers to share their ideas and stories, Medium combines social networking features with a sleek, minimalist user interface. Its algorithm curates content based on reader preferences, ensuring relevant articles are highlighted. Writers can monetize their work through Medium's Partner Program, earning revenue based on reader engagement. The platform covers a wide range of topics from personal essays to in-depth analyses, fostering a diverse and vibrant community of voices.
Pros
- User-friendly
- broad audience
- SEO-friendly
- monetization options
- community support.
Cons
- Limited customization
- subscription costs
- potential content restrictions.
6.
NYC Midnight
NYC Midnight is an online platform renowned for its creative writing competitions, offering writers a chance to showcase their skills across various genres. Established in 2002, it hosts challenges such as short story, screenwriting, and flash fiction contests, where participants are given specific prompts and tight deadlines. Unique for its community-driven approach, NYC Midnight encourages feedback and interaction among writers, fostering a supportive environment for creativity. With a global reach, it attracts writers of all levels, providing an exciting opportunity to gain recognition and improve craft.
Pros
- Encourages creativity
- diverse genres
- tight deadlines
- and community engagement.
Cons
- High entry fees
- tight deadlines
- subjective judging
- and limited feedback.
7.
Poets & Writers
Poets & Writers is a non-profit organization established in 1970, dedicated to fostering the professional development of creative writers. It offers a wealth of resources, including a popular bi-monthly magazine, Poets & Writers Magazine, which provides information on writing, publishing, and the literary community. The organization also administers grants, hosts events, and maintains comprehensive databases of literary magazines, small presses, and writing contests. By supporting poets, fiction writers, and creative non-fiction writers, Poets & Writers plays a pivotal role in the literary landscape.
Pros
- Networking opportunities
- Resourceful writing tools
- Literary magazine database
- Grants and awards
Cons
- Limited genre diversity
- occasional submission fees
- competitive publication opportunities.
8.
Submittable
Submittable is a cloud-based submission management platform that streamlines the process of accepting, reviewing, and managing digital content and applications. It caters to organizations such as publishers, grantmakers, and contest organizers, offering tools for submissions, creative projects, grant applications, and more. The platform enhances collaboration with features like team review workflows, customizable forms, and real-time tracking. Submittable aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and fairness in the submission and evaluation process, ultimately helping organizations manage high volumes of content and applications with ease.
Pros
- User-friendly
- versatile
- efficient
- collaboration tools
- comprehensive tracking
- customizable forms.
Cons
- Costly for small teams
- limited customization
- occasional slow customer support.
9.
Winning Writers
Winning Writers is a prominent online resource dedicated to helping writers find and enter quality writing contests. Established in 2001 by Jendi Reiter and Adam Cohen, the platform provides a curated database of literary contests, along with expert advice on submission strategies and writing tips. Known for its annual contests such as the Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest and the North Street Book Prize, Winning Writers is highly regarded in the literary community for its commitment to transparency, fairness, and support for both emerging and established writers.
Pros
- Diverse contests
- detailed feedback
- high integrity
- valuable resources
- strong community.
Cons
- Limited genre focus
- high entry fees
- subjective judging
- lengthy response times.
10.
Glimmer Train
Glimmer Train was a highly esteemed American literary magazine founded in 1990 by sisters Susan and Linda Swanson-Davies. Renowned for its commitment to discovering new writers, the magazine specialized in publishing short stories and provided a platform for emerging voices in contemporary fiction. Glimmer Train was known for its rigorous selection process, high-quality storytelling, and generous payment to authors. The magazine also offered writing contests and valuable feedback to contributors. Though it ceased publication in 2019, its legacy endures as a beacon of literary excellence and support for new writers.
Pros
- Renowned literary quality
- diverse voices
- supportive to emerging writers.
Cons
- High submission fees
- limited publication frequency
- competitive acceptance rates.
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