Science Fiction Competitions

Currently, I am working on applying to an MFA program and the process is a bit overwhelming. I spent all day researching prospective programs and trying to find the best fits for me. Whew. In light of all this work, I needed a quick distraction and a way to refocus my short term writing goals, so I researched some writing competitions worth submitting your work to. I thought I would share what I found!

Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards–

DEADLINE: Early Bird-September 15, 2016/Final-October 14, 2016

GENRE: Romance, Thriller, Crime, Horror, Science-Fiction, and Young Adult.

WORD COUNT: 4,000 words or less.

PRIZE: Grand prize is 2,500 in cash and several other honors.

COST: $20 before September 15th, $25 After Early Bird.

LINK: http://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/popular-fiction-awards

Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition

DEADLINE: Early-Bird Deadline: November 15, 2016 Final Deadline: December 15, 2016

GENRE: I am assuming any genre as it does not specify.

WORD COUNT: 1,500 words or less.

PRIZE: $3,000 in cash, get published in Writer’s Digest magazine, and a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference!

COST: $20 beforeNovember 15, $25 After Early Bird.

LINK: http://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/short-short-story-competition#prizes

L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest

DEADLINE: 12:00am September 30th 2016.

GENRE: Science Fiction and Fantasy

WORD COUNT: up to 17,000 words.

PRIZE: Prizes every three months: $1,000, $750, $500, Annual Grand Prize: $5,000.

COST: Free

LINK: http://www.writersofthefuture.com/enter-writer-contest/

NESFA Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Story Contest

DEADLINE: September 30, 2016 at 11:59PM EDT. (The contest will be limited to the first 50 qualifying entries)

GENRE: Science Fiction and Fantasy

WORD COUNT: shorter than 7,500 words.

PRIZE: The prizes for this competition are smaller, but Judges will provide feedback for all qualifying contest entries, which is a great prize if you are looking for feedback on your work! The winner will receive a certificate of achievement, three NESFA Press books, and a free membership to their choice of the next Boskone or to the Boskone after that.

COST: Free

LINK: http://www.nesfa.org/awards/storycon.html

Aeon Award Short Fiction Contest

DEADLINE: The submission deadline for the first round is March 31st, the second round June 30th, the third round September 30th and the final round November 30th.

GENRE: fantasy, science fiction, horror or anything in-between or unclassifiable

WORD COUNT: 10,000 words in length or less

PRIZE: Grand Prize of €1000 ($1108.70) and publication in Albedo One

COST: €7.50 entry fee ($8.32)

LINK: http://www.albedo1.com/aeon-award/