April's Writing Contests & Opportunity
Shortlists for Busy and Easily Overwhelmed
These lists are to help you submit your work without information overload; let’s keep progressing your story.
Below is a carefully curated selection a few great vetted opportunities to keep you writing and submitting without analysis paralysis. Every month, I post 1-2 top-tier opportunities that are worth your time to submit in the following categories:
Poetry
Fiction
Short/Flash/Micro fiction
Essay/Nonfiction
and usually Grants or Fellowships
Poetry:
1. Saturnalia Books Poetry Prize
An esteemed poetry prize seeking exceptional manuscripts, offering publication and recognition for emerging poets. Submit your polished manuscript and share your poetic vision!
Prizes & Recognition:
Winner receives $1,500 and manuscript publication by Saturnalia Books.
Submission Guidelines:
Deadline: April 1, 2025
Entry Fee: $30 USD
Eligibility: Previously unpublished poetry manuscripts
What to Submit: Full poetry manuscript (min 48 pages)
2. Oberon Poetry Prize
Celebrating outstanding poetry collections that inspire and captivate. Gain recognition and a chance at publication!
Prizes & Recognition:
Winner receives $1,000 and publication by Oberon Poetry.
Submission Guidelines:
Deadline: April 10, 2025
Entry Fee: $28 USD
Eligibility: Unpublished poetry collections
What to Submit: Poetry manuscript (48-100 pages)
Fiction:
Florida Review – 2025 Editors' Award in Fiction
An esteemed award celebrating literary excellence, providing writers the opportunity for publication and acclaim.
Prizes & Recognition:
Winner receives $1,000 and publication in Florida Review
Finalists considered for publication
Submission Guidelines:
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Entry Fee: $25 USD
Eligibility: Unpublished short fiction
What to Submit: Single story (max 25 pages)
Short/Flash/Micro Fiction:
1. The Masters Review Debut Fiction Prize 2025
The Debut Fiction Prize by The Masters Review is open to emerging fiction writers who have never published fiction in any genre. This competition seeks powerful, polished short stories that showcase the promise and talent of new voices in fiction.
Prizes & Publication:
First Prize: $3,000 + publication + a two-year subscription to Duotrope
Second Prize: $300 + publication
Third Prize: $200 + publication
All finalists receive a Scrivener license and a copy of Best Emerging Writers Anthology
Submission Guidelines:
Deadline: April 6, 2025
Entry Fee: $20
Word Count: Up to 6,000 words
Eligibility:
Open to unpublished fiction writers (those with published poetry, nonfiction, or self-published work may still apply)
International submissions accepted (work must be in English)
Judged by: Julie Iromuanya, author of Mr. and Mrs. Doctor
2. Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize
An international award spotlighting extraordinary short fiction, designed to elevate writers globally.
Prizes & Recognition:
First Prize: €1,500, residency, publication, and mentorship
Additional recognition and publication opportunities for finalists
Submission Guidelines:
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Entry Fee: €20 first entry, discounts for subsequent submissions
Eligibility: Original unpublished short fiction
What to Submit: Short story under 2,000 words
NonFiction:
North American Review – Terry Tempest Williams Creative Nonfiction Prize
A prestigious prize honoring standout creative nonfiction works, judged on originality, depth, and resonance.
Prizes & Recognition:
Winner receives $1,000 and publication in North American Review.
Submission Guidelines:
Deadline: April 1, 2025
Entry Fee: $23 USD
What to Submit: Single nonfiction work up to 8,500 words
Grant, Fellowship, or Residency Opportunity:
Hambidge Residency Program
Offering a serene, creative environment, Hambidge provides residencies for artists, writers, and creatives seeking focused time and space to produce their work.
Residency Benefits:
Private studio and living accommodations
Beautiful natural surroundings conducive to creativity
Submission Guidelines:
Deadline: April 15th
Application Fee: $30 USD
Eligibility: Writers, artists, and other creative professionals
I know we all get lost in long lists sometimes, so hopefully these high-quality monthly sub-samplers will be helpful. If you apply, let me know in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on and post your successes in the newsletter.
Happy Submitting!
♥ NJ
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POEtic Threads!
For those of us who live in words, edit with caffeine, and revise until our eyelids stick to our scleras. POEtic Threads focuses on comfortable, wearable pieces, that nod to the writing life: for when you’re deep in the draft trenches, heading to a reading/book club, or just want to be cozy.
