Fall Writing Contest
This fall, The Write Practice is partnering with Short Fiction Break literary magazine to host a writing contest in which everyone gets published! Learn moreSign me upThis Contest Is Closed
The writing contest is closed. But don't worry! We host new writing contests all the time.
About the Writing Contest
The Fall Writing Contest from The Write Practice is open to writers of all kinds. In it, you'll write a new story based on our contest theme, workshop it in our writing community, and submit it for publication in Short Fiction Break literary magazine.
All writers who participate may be published if they choose!
Maximum length: 1,500 words
Contest theme: Legends and Myths
Enrollment deadline: To participate, you must enroll for the contest by Tuesday, November 7. Your story will be due for workshopping on Tuesday, November 14. Your final submission is due Tuesday, November 21.
I've never participated in a writing contest quite like this before. Getting feedback from other contestants is amazing and fosters a feeling of community and camaraderie rather than competition, and I can tell the focus is on learning and becoming better writers rather than on winning. It's great!
For the first time in a long time, I felt confident in something I wrote and the editing of it due to the workshopping of my work.
I feel like this contest gave me the full writer's experience of writing the story, giving and receiving feedback, and editing my work according to that very helpful, informative, and constructive feedback. Thank you for making one of my writing experiences so lovely.
Over $1,400 Prizes, PLUS Publication for Every Writer
The panel of judges will select one grand prize winning story, two runners-up, and five honorable mentions. These winners will receive:
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
The grand prize winning story will be featured on the front page of Short Fiction Break.
They’ll receive one year of free Classes Tier membership to The Write Practice, normally $588, as well as a cash prize of $300.
This prize is valued at $888.
TWO RUNNERS-UP
Two runners-up will have their stories featured on the front page of Short Fiction Break. They will also receive a cash prize of $100 each, and one year of free Feedback tier membership to The Write Practice Pro, normally $180.
This prize is valued at $280 each.
FIVE HONORABLE MENTIONS
The honorable mentions will have their stories featured on the front page of Short Fiction Break.
ALL SUBMISSIONS CAN GET PUBLISHED
Every writer who submits a story to this contest will be published by Short Fiction Break.*
Winners will be announced 4 to 8 weeks after the judging deadline.
*Authors who do not wish to be published may opt out.
READERS' CHOICE AWARD
Those who choose to have their stories published will be entered for the Readers’ Choice Award. Readers and fellow contest participants will have a week to vote for their favorite story, and the winner will be featured on the front page of Short Fiction Break.
The BEST Way to Become a Published Author
This isn't just a writing contest. It's a proven way to accomplish your goal to become a published author.
At The Write Practice, we believe in the power of deliberate practice to help transform aspiring writers into published authors.
For your practice to be effective, though, you must do five things:
- Learn the craft
- Do the work
- Have a coach
- Get feedback
- Join a team
The contests we host at The Write Practice are specifically designed to give you all five of those things.
You'll learn the craft and get coaching from our resources and writing guides, provided free to every participant.
You'll do the work when you hit your deadlines and follow the process we give you.
You'll get feedback from our writing workshop community and from the contest judges.
You'll join a team when you participate with hundreds of other supportive writers who want to see you succeed.
And best of all, you'll actually get published (if you want)! That's right, every writer who joins this contest can get published by our partner literary magazine Short Fiction Break.
If you want to become a published author, get started accomplishing that goal in our new Fall Writing Contest. We can't wait to see you inside.
This is exactly what I needed.
1500 words is perfect—I couldn't talk myself out of being able to write that in plenty of time, regardless of other commitments.
The feedback is built-in and compulsory which my shy beginner self needed. I like the support of the community with the comfort of some level of anonymity.
The price was just enough to be a commitment but nowhere near being a barrier. The deadlines are spaced exactly right from the announcement to the workshop to the final.
I never would have written a short story if it weren't for this contest. It's the perfect practice for me right now. Thank you. You're a genius.
I am addicted!
I love reality shows where the talent gets coached and gets better with every episode. This contest is like that. I love seeing the raw material being molded into complete pieces of art!
I am also loving the feedback. All of it has been constructive and encouraging. I like how I can click on an author's name and see all the revisions they've posted so I can follow my favorite stories.
Win or lose, this contest was more than worth it. Thank you!
Bonuses!
This is more than just a contest. It's a complete learning experience. That's because all participants get three bonus eBooks worth $30, including our guide How to Win a Writing Contest and the bestselling book on writing short stories, Let's Write a Short Story.
More Bonuses When You Join Premium!
When you join the premium experience, you'll also get access to a short story class taught by international bestselling author Sarah Gribble, normally $99. This 3-hour class and workshop will teach you everything you need to know to write, edit, and publish short stories.
What Other Writers Are Saying About Our Writing Contests
I am in awe of the help other writers (in the same competition) give each other. It feels nice to witness people's kindness and generosity firsthand.
It made me step out of my comfort zone to share [my writing] with strangers. I was able to tackle many of my fears holding me back as a writer. I learned so much!
The best part of this contest is that not only do I get to better my craft, but I get to learn from others and help them do the same. How wonderfully unique!
I enjoy the motivation to write more. The short story is a great way to rekindle my creative fire.
It was the motivation I needed to write something other than emails. Thanks!
I am writing! And I feel that you care about me and my writing. You have motivated me, provided structure and provided support. This is fun, rewarding, and challenging, and I am not alone.
I’ve been looking for someone to take my hand and tell me “it’s ok to not know what you’re doing. I’ll help you.” Thank you for coming into my life.
I’ve always been nervous to share [my writing]. This contest has provided a community where missing the mark is okay, where we can help each other revise and rewrite until we are all happy with the finished product.
This Contest Is Now Closed
The writing contest is closed. But don't worry! We host new writing contests all the time.
Full Contest Rules
Want to know all the details? Here's how the writing contest will work:
- Write a new story based on the contest theme: Legends and Myths.
- Join the Write Practice Pro community. All entrants get six weeks access to the feedback tier of The Write Practice workshopping community, where you'll be able to workshop your piece for the writing contest and join a supportive, encouraging community of fellow writers.
- Finish your story. This isn't just a writing contest. We want to give you accountability to write something new. We'll give you the support you need to write a new story of up to 1,500 words.
- Workshop your story. After you finish your story, get valuable feedback from other members of the Write Practice workshopping community. Then, edit your story so that it's the best it can be.
- Submit your story to the judges. After your story is workshopped, you can submit the final draft to the judges, who will review your story for publication.
- Get published! Every writer who enters has the option of getting published by Short Fiction Break. Whether the judges select your piece or not, you'll get the exposure your writing deserves.
- Get feedback from the judges! If you choose the premium entry, you'll also get personalized feedback about why your story was or wasn't selected by the judges.
- Celebrate the winners. The judges will choose several winning stories. These top stories will get featured publication and cash prizes, as well as be publicized to The Write Practice's community of readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have a short story ready to enter?
That’s perfect! In this contest, you’ll write a brand-new story based on the contest theme.
As soon as you enter the contest, you’ll start writing the first draft of your story.
Then, you’ll share your rough draft in the writing workshop. There, other writers in the contest will give you feedback to help you win.
You'll have a week to edit your story based on the feedback you receive. You can even share your story again for more feedback before you submit it to the judges!
What if I’ve never written a short story before?
This contest is the perfect place to write your first short story!
When you enter the contest, we’ll send you our best resources on how to write a short story. You’ll get step-by-step guides, plus common problems and how to solve them.
You’ll write your first draft. Then, you’ll have a week to edit your story based on feedback from other writers before you submit it to the judges.
It’s like a mini-writing course in just a few days!
What if my story doesn't win? Is this contest still worth it?
Absolutely. If you enter the contest and submit your story, you might win a prize from the judges.
But you’ll definitely gain these “wins”:
- You’ll get insightful feedback from other writers.
- You’ll get expert feedback from professional authors and editors (choose “Premium Entry” when you join!).
- You’ll feel creatively invigorated and motivated to keep writing.
- You’ll FINISH a story you love.
- Your story will be published!
You’ll finish the contest a winner, no matter which story the judges choose!
How much time do I need in order to enter the writing contest?
Busy life? You're not alone. And this is the perfect writing project for busy writers for two reasons:
First, short stories are short! You can write a first draft of your story in under an hour.
Second, the deadline is quick. Depending on when you join, you'll have no more than a couple of weeks to write and revise your story.
You can write and edit a great short story in about five hours. Work on it over a couple of weekends. Or write for half an hour each day. Then, submit by the deadline, and you're done!
There’s no easier way to make writing a part of your busy life!
Will the contest feedback help me?
Yes! In fact, writers tell us that the feedback is the best part of this contest.
Everyone who enters will get feedback from other writers during the workshop portion of the contest.
Want more feedback? Choose “Premium Entry” when you join. After the contest, a judge will write you personalized feedback on why your story was or wasn't chosen as a winner.
Here's what writers have to say about contest feedback:
“The feedback from the judges was great. It was the kind of feedback I crave and can't get from family or friends.”
“I love the feedback I get from other writers of different skill levels. It really helps me gauge to see where I'm improving and what I still need to work on.”
“[The workshop] feedback is invaluable, but the judges feedback is the crown jewel of the whole thing.”
“The feedback system is absolutely amazing. . . . Sometimes I don't realize how much I've grown as a writer until I give feedback and receive feedback in return.”
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced in December.
When will I receive feedback from the judges?
After the judges select the contest winners, they'll begin writing feedback for all premium entries. We receive hundreds of submissions, and it will take the judges a few weeks to write personalized feedback for each one.
Feedback will be delivered at the end of January 2024.