Beacon Street Prize

Poetry submissions should include no more than six poems total. Fiction submission should be no more than 10,000 words.

Prizes: $500 and publication per category.

Deadline: May 30, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.redividerjournal.org/submit/

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Empirical Spring Writing Contest

Send in up to three short stories no longer than 5,000 words each or up to four poems no longer than two pages each.

Prizes: 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $500; Top 22 receive publication.

Deadline: May 15, 2012

Fees: Poetry: $12-$24; Fiction: $35-$50

http://www.empiricalmagazine.com/contests.html

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Abrendal Austin National Writing Contest

Maximum 2,500 words for short story or essay and up to 5 poems for each entrant.

Prizes: 1st: $500; 2nd: $250. Prizes per category.

Deadline: May 1, 2012

Fees: $20

http://blackpennypresscontest.com/

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Abandoned Towers 2012 Writing Contest

Short Stories are limited to 5,000 words or less. Poetry entries should not exceed 10 pages. Flash Fiction entries should contain no more than 1,000 words.

Prizes: Short Story: 1st: $500; 2nd: $250; 3rd: $100; Honorable Mentions: $10. Poetry: 1st: $100; 2nd: $75; 3rd: $50; Honorable Mentions: $5. Flash Fiction: $1st: $50; 2nd: $25; 3rd: $15; Honorable Mentions: $5

Deadline: May 18, 2012

Fees: Short Story: $10 per entry or $25 for 3 entries; Poetry: $5 per entry or $12 for 3 entries; Flash Fiction: $2 per entry or $5 for 3 entries.

http://abandonedtowers.com/contest/

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Munce Group 2012 Writing Contest

Each submitted fiction or nonfiction manuscript must contain a minimum of 10,000 words.

Prizes: Publication.

Deadline: June 15, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.westbowpress.com/MunceContest/Rules.aspx

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10th Annual Lush Triumphant Literary Awards

Fiction is limited to 3,000 words and nonfiction is limited to 4,000. Up to 5 poems may be submitted.

Prizes: 1st: $750; 2nd: $250; Winners receive publication.

Deadline: May 15, 2012

Fees: $25

http://subterrain.ca/about/103/lush-2012-awards-open+for+entries

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Fiction Writing Contests

The Abstract Quill Short Story Competition

Entries should be between 500 and 5,000 words.

Prizes: 1st: $100; 2nd: $25; Winners and honorable mention receive publication.

Deadline: May 15, 2012

Fees: None

http://theabstractquill.com/?p=82

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Art Affair 2012 Short Story Contest

Maximum submission length is 5,000 words.

Prizes: 1st: $50; 2nd: $25; 3rd: $15.

Deadline: October 1, 2012

Fees: $5

http://www.shadetreecreations.com/ArtAffair_Announcements.htm

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BookLogix Fiction Contest

All book-length prose fiction categories are eligible.

Prizes: Publishing Prize Package.

Deadline: June 15, 2012

Fees: None

https://booklogix.com/FictionContest.html

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Nonfiction/Essay Writing Contests

Adventum Ridge To River Contest

Enter your outdoor creative nonfiction essays or memoir excerpts of no more than 5,000 words.

Prizes: $500, MSR Pocket Pocket Stove, and publication.

Deadline: May 15, 2012

Fees: $15 for a single entry, $25 for two entries.

http://www.adventummagazine.com/contests.html

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Poetry Contests

Art Affair 2012 Poetry Contest

Poems may be any style, any subject,and no more than 60 lines in length.

Prizes: 1st: $40; 2nd: $25, 3rd: $15.

Deadline: October 1, 2012

Fees: $3 per poem.

http://www.shadetreecreations.com/ArtAffair_Announcements.htm

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2012 Stan and Tom Wick Poetry Prize

Submissions must consist of 50 to 70 pages of poetry.

Prizes: $2,500 and publication.

Deadline: May 1, 2012

Fees: $25

http://www.kent.edu/wick/competitions/first-book.cfm

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Aspiring Canadian Poets Contest

Poem length not to exceed 40 lines.

Prizes: Online publication.

Deadline: June 1, 2012

Fees: None

http://aspiringpoetscontest.org/

Empirical Spring Writing Contest

Send up to three short stories no longer than 5,000 words or up to four poems no longer than two pages each.

Prizes: 1st: $1,000, 2nd: $500; Winners and 20 runners-up receive publication.

Deadline: May 15, 2012

Fees: Poetry: $12-$24. Short Story: $35-$50.

http://www.empiricalmagazine.com/contests.html

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2012 WestBow Press Writing Contest

Submit no more than 50 pages of fiction or nonfiction.

Prizes: Bookstore Advantage Publishing Package ($2,999 value)

Deadline: May 5, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.occwf.org/westbowwritingcontest.html

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Copper Nickel Contests In Poetry and Fiction

Writers may submit either one story (no word limit) or up to three poems.

Prizes: $1,000 and publication per category.

Deadline: April 21, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.copper-nickel.org/contest/

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The 34th Nimrod Literary Awards

Authors may submit 3-10 pages of poetry or a piece of fiction not exceeding 7,500 words.

Prizes: 1st: $2,000; 2nd: $1000. Winners receive publication.

Deadline: April 30, 2012

Fees: $20

http://www.utulsa.edu/nimrod/awards.html

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Women Who Write 2012 International Poetry & Short Prose Contest

Prose pieces can be fiction or non-fiction and are limited to 3,000 words or less.

Prizes: 1st: $300; 2nd: $200; 3rd: $100. Winners receive publication.

Deadline: June 30, 2012

Fees: $12

http://www.womenwhowrite.com/Submit.html

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Fiction Writing Contests

Wow! Women On Writing Quarterly Flash Fiction Contest

Stories must contain between 250 and 750 words.

Prizes: 1st: $350; 2nd: $250; 3rd: $150. Winners and 7 runners-up receive $25 Amazon gift card and publication.

Deadline: May 31, 2012

Fees: $12

http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php

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Hay House Visions Fiction Writing Contest

Submit an original 50,000-word manuscript.

Prizes: $5,000 and publishing contract.

Deadline: June 1, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.balboapress.com/publishingcontest.aspx

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Children’s Writer Middle-Grade Mystery Writing Contest

The contest is for a fictional mystery that will engage readers 9 to 12, in no more than 900 words.

Prizes: 1st: $500 and publication; 2nd: $250; 3rd-5th: $100.

Deadline: April 30, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.thechildrenswriter.com/BA329/

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Glimmer Train – Family Matters

Stories about family are specifically invited. Submissions to this category typically run 1,500 to 6,000 words, but can go up to 12,000 words.

Prizes: 1st: $1,500, publication in Glimmer, and 20 copies of that issue. 2nd: $500; 3rd: $300.

Deadline: April 30, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.glimmertrain.com/familymatters.html

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Hillerman Prize Mystery Contest

Books should contain no less than 220 pages. Mysteries should be set in the Southwest.

Prizes: Publication and $10,000 advance.

Deadline: June 1, 2012

Fees: Unknown

http://www.wordharvest.com/contest.php

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E.M. Koeppel $1,100 Short Fiction Award

Stories must contain no more than 3,000 words.

Prizes: 1st: $1,100; Editor’s Choices: $100 each.

Deadline: April 30, 2012

Fees: $15 for a single story and $10 for each additional story.

http://www.writecorner.com/award_guidelines.asp

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Poetry Contests

Cave Canem Poetry Prize

African American writers who have not had a full-length book of poetry published by a professional press are eligible. Manuscripts should be 50-75 pages in length.

Prizes: $1,000, publication, and 15 copies.

Deadline: April 30, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.cavecanempoets.org/cave-canem-prize

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The Ledge’s 2012 Poetry Competition

There are no restrictions on form or content.

Prizes: 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $250; 3rd: $100. Winners receive publication.

Deadline: April 30, 2012

Fees: $12 for the first three poems; $3 for each additional poem.

http://www.theledgemagazine.com/Annual%20Contests.html

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Ninth Annual Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prize

Submit a manuscript of 48-84 pages of original poetry in any style in English.

Prizes: $1,000 and publication.

Deadline: April 30, 2012

Fees: $20

http://www.marshhawkpress.org/Contests_and_submissions.htm

Copper Nickel Contests In Poetry & Fiction

Writers may submit either one story (no word limit) or up to three poems.

Prizes: $1,000 and publication. Prizes per category.

Deadline: April 21, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.copper-nickel.org/contest/

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The New Guard 2012 Contest

Poems are limited to 300 lines. Fiction entries are limited to 7,500 words.

Prizes: $1,000 per category.

Deadline: June 18, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.newguardreview.com/

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Fiction Writing Contests

The Art of Prize Writing 2012 Spring Flash Fiction Contest

The maximum number of words for each entry is 1,000.

Prizes: 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $500; 3rd: $250; Five Runners Up: $50 each.

Deadline: May 31, 2012

Fees: $20

https://theartofprizewriting.com/?p=1532

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Iron Wolf Games Spring 2012 Short Fiction Contest

Entries must be between 500 and 2000 words, and take place in a futuristic or alien world, or in space.

Prizes: 1st: $25; 2nd: $10; 3rd: $5.

Deadline: May 31, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.ironwolfgames.com/2012/03/13/spring-2012-short-fiction-contest/

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2012 Family Circle Fiction Contest

Submit an original, fiction short story of no more than 2,500 words.

Prizes: 1st: $750; 2nd: $250; 3rd: $250. Winners receive prize packages.

Deadline: September 7, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/fiction/fiction-contest-rules-2012/

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Stories For Children Competition

Manuscripts must be typed and written in English and can be up to 5,000 words.

Prizes: 1st: £100 plus small book publication; 2nd: £50 plus website publication; 3rd: £25 plus website publication.

Deadline: August 31, 2012

Fees: £5

http://christinemichael.org/StoriesForKids5-8Postal.html

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Nonfiction/Essay Writing Contests

Traveling for Fun, Adventure & Relaxation Blog Writing Contest

Contestants should sign up and blog about their favorite traveling experiences.

Prizes: “Best Travel Blog”: $500; “My Favorite Trip or Vacation”: $250; “My Hometown / Destination Business is a Great Travel Destination Because…”: $250.

Deadline: August 31, 2012

Fees: None

http://tinyurl.com/6m3vb8p

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Poetry Contests

2012 Far Horizons Award for Poetry

Eligible poets have yet to publish their poetry in book form. Emerging poets may enter up to three poems per entry.

Prizes: $1,000

Deadline: May 1, 2012

Fees: $25 CAD, $30 US, $35 all others.

http://www.malahatreview.ca/contests/far_horizons_poetry/info.html

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Poem On A Postcard Competition

Poems must be your own work with your copyright, not more than 14 lines.

Prizes: 1st: £100; 2nd: £50; 3rd: £25. Winners receive 10 postcards.

Deadline: June 31, 2012

Fees: £3 per poem

http://www.christinemichael.org/PoemOnApostcardComp.html?1326819793210

My apologies if you are receiving this a second time–for some reason, the contest list didn’t post to the website, so I am republishing it today.

I have decided that my calling is showing people how to take their greatest skills and talents and turn them into a thriving online business.  In this age of economic uncertainty and in the wake of melt downs and bail outs of huge corporations and entire industries, I am coming to deeply believe that our only true “security” lies within ourselves. More than that, I think many people would find greater success, abundance and fulfillment by sharing their gifts with the world at large, rather than to a company that may or may not value those gifts.

That said, between writing and editing jobs, I hav

Whether you already have your own freelance writing business or dream of starting one, I would like to share a free resource with you that I’ve found to be informative, inspirational and fun.

It’s a program called Solo Pro Radio, which my friend and colleague Barbara Saunders launched a few months ago on the Women for Women internet radio network.  Along with co-hosts Tshombe (pronounced shom-bay) Brown, Bonnie Marie Kuhn and Jackie Peterson, Barbara interviews guest experts on topics ranging from pricing one’s services to selling with confidence and everything in between.  The program airs each weekday at 1 PM Eastern, with Fridays reserved for their “Friday Free for All” segments, where the co-hosts get together and discuss a wide variety of topics of interest to freelancers and solo professionals.

Barbara, who is also the director of the International Association of Self-Employed Communication Professionals and founder of Solo Pro Academy, just launched her  program “How to Charge What You’re Worth.”  That course just started yesterday, so if you’re interested, I believe it’s not too late to get on board.

OK, enough about Barbara (for now at least!).  On to this week’s list of writing contests.  Here’s to your writing success.

Mary Anne

Writing Contests with Multiple Categories

2012 Anderbo Self-Published Book Award

Any currently-available self-published fiction or nonfiction book or e-book is eligible.

Prizes: $500

Deadline: October 15, 2012

Fees: $20

http://www.anderbo.com/anderbo1/anderselfpubbookaward2012.html

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Enizagam 2012 Literary Awards in Poetry and Fiction

Submit 3-5 poems totaling no more than 10 pages, or a short story up to 6,000 words.

Prizes: $1,000, publication, and blurb by Lemony Snicket, AKA Daniel Handler, or Nikki Giovanni.

Deadline: March 15, 2012

Fees: $20

http://enizagam.org/?page_id=90

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Fiction Writing Contests

JLE Legal Fiction Contest

Submissions must be in prose form, under 5,000 words, and have a legal setting.

Prizes: Publication

Deadline: March 15, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.swlaw.edu/jleweb/legalfictioncontest/

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Hidden River Arts Award

Submit any previously unpublished short story or novel except of 25 pages or less.

Prizes: $1,000 and publication.

Deadline: June 30, 2012

Fees: $17

http://tinyurl.com/7dn2bgk

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The Eludia Award

The prize is open to women writers age 40 and older who do not yet have a book-length publication.

Prizes: $1,000, publication, and 10 copies.

Deadline: March 15, 2012

Fees: $25

http://tinyurl.com/7pp9fet

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Global Short Story Competition

Entries are invited of no more than 2,000 words. There is no theme.

Prizes: £100.

Deadline: Monthly

Fees: £5

http://www.globalshortstories.net/rules.html

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The Norton Girault Literary Prize

Entries must not exceed 25 pages in length.

Prizes: $1,000 and publication

Deadline: February 29, 2012

Fees: $25

http://barelysouthreview.digitalodu.com/the-norton-girault-literary-prize/

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Nonfiction/Essay Writing Contests

National Intelligence Writing Contest

Submissions can be no longer than 2,000 words.

Prizes: 1st: $3,000; 2nd: $1,500; 3rd: $750. Possible publication.

Deadline: June 30, 2012

Fees: None

http://vetjobs.com/media/2012/02/17/national-intelligence-writing-contest/

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2012 Alpine Essay Contest

Authors are asked to submit essays about life in the mountains of the northeastern U.S. Essays must be original works at least 2000 words long.

Prizes: 1st: $1,500 and publication; 2nd: $500.

Deadline: April 15, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.watermanfund.org/EnterEssayContest.shtml

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Poetry Contests

The Patricia Dobler Poetry Award

Each poem must be unpublished, up to 75 lines/poem. Authors must be female and over the age of 40.

Prizes: Round-trip travel and lodging as a participating guest of Carlow’s MFA residency in Pittsburgh, Pa, plus publication and reading.

Deadline: April 2, 2012

Fees: $20

http://www.gradstudies.carlow.edu/creative/dobler-award.html

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Spoon River Poetry Review

Submit two copies of three unpublished poems, maximum of ten pages total.

Prizes: 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $100; 3rd: $100.

Deadline: April 15, 2012

Fees: $20

http://www.litline.org/Spoon/contest.html

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Booth Poetry Contest

Up to 3 poems may be submitted.

Prizes: 1st: $500 and publication; 2nd: $250 and publication.

Deadline: March 5, 2012

Fees: $10

http://booth.butler.edu/contests/

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The Washington Prize

Submit a manuscript consisting of 48 to 64 pages of poetry.

Prizes: $1,500 and publication.

Deadline: March 15, 2012

Fees: $25

http://www.wordworksbooks.org/washington_prize.html

I can’t get Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” out of my head.  But I don’t want to write about her.

I’d rather write about the fact that I recently became a great-aunt again. ❤ Or how John and I will soon be taking a real vacation for the first time in a few years. Or about my crazy love for Syracuse University basketball.

Or…maybe I do need to explore the vague sense of sadness I’ve felt since I learned of Whitney’s death.  I find it strange, this sadness, because I hadn’t thought of her in years prior to the news.  I don’t even own any of her CDs.  But I did admire that remarkable voice…and I find the demons and struggles that haunted her so very tragic.  Maybe writing about Whitney Houston is exactly what I need to do.

In the meantime…Syracuse University pulled off a close one tonight.

On to this week’s list of writing contests.  Here’s to your writing success.

Mary Anne

Writing Contests with Multiple Categories

SLO NightWriters 23rd Annual Writing Contest

Short stories are limited to 750 words. Poems are limited to 40 lines.

Prizes: 1st: $100; 2nd: $75; 3rd: $25.

Deadline: March 31, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.slonightwriters.org/Default.aspx?pageId=962273

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Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival 2012 Poetry & Short Story Contest

Short stories must be 4,000 words or less. There is no limit to length of poems.

Prizes: Westmoreland Award: $200; 1st: $125; 2nd: $100; 3rd: $75. Prizes per category.

Deadline: March 16, 2012

Fees: $10 for 2 poems or 1 short story.

http://www.artsandheritage.com/Downloads/PSS%20Application%202012.pdf

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Collision Literary Magazine Writing Contest

Authors may submit up to 5 poems or 3000 words of creative non-fiction prose.

Prizes: 1st: $250; 2nd: $175; 3rd: $100.

Deadline: Unknown

Fees: None

http://collision.honorscollege.pitt.edu/guidelines.html

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Alabama Writers’ Conclave Writing Contest

Authors may submit fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.

Prizes: 1st: $100; 2nd: $75; 3rd: $50; 4th: $25; Up to 4 Honorable Mentions.

Deadline: April 20, 2012

Fees: First Chapter Novel: $10; Poems: $3; All other categories: $5.

http://www.alabamawritersconclave.com/pdf/guidelines_2012.pdf

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Tarcher/Penguin Writing Competition

Submissions should be no more than 10 pages (roughly 4-5,000 words maximum). Fiction and nonfiction will be accepted.

Prizes: 1st: $5,000

Deadline: March 2, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.tarchertopartist.com/writing-competition-details/

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Fiction Writing Contests

Somewhere Sometime Short Story Writing Contest

Inviting writers and dreamers to pen down their real life anecdotes, experiences, and imaginations, fictional ideas into a short story of maximum 3000 words in English or Hindi with a twist in the story. Do not forget to incorporate the “Twist in the Tale” which is mandatory.

Prizes: 1st: Kindle 3G; 2nd: Apple iPod; 3rd: $50 cash or Amazon card

Deadline: February 29, 2012

No Entry Fdee

E.M. Koeppel Short Fiction Award

Maximum Length of submissions is 3,000 words.

Prizes: 1st: $1,100; Editors’ Choices: $100 each.

Deadline: April 30, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.writecorner.com/award_guidelines.asp

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Maisonneuve’s Genre Fiction Contest: Science Fiction

Send your finest original stories of the future, near-future, utopias, aliens and the unknown limits of the universe! There is a 1,200 word limit.

Prizes: 1st: $300 and publication. 2nd & 3rd: $100.

Deadline: March 19, 2012

Fees: $25

http://maisonneuve.org/contest/maisonneuves-genre-fiction-contest-science-fiction/

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Flatt Prize for Literature

Submit a short story of no more than 3,000 words. The theme for the short story is to be inspired by the title ‘INTERRUPTED’.

Prizes: $1,000 and publication.

Deadline: February 29, 2012

Fees: None

http://flattprize.com/submission.htm

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Pecan Grove Press National Short Story Competition

Short story manuscripts should be between 125 and 150 pages.

Prizes: $1,000 and 25 copies.

Deadline: May 30, 2012

Fees: $15

http://library.stmarytx.edu/pgpress/short_story/index.html

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National League of American Pen Women Inc.

Stories may not exceed 100 words. The theme is Are You Devious at Heart.

Prizes: 1st: $100; 2nd: $50; Judge’s Merit Award: $25.

Deadline: May 1, 2012

Fees: $10

http://www.ppb-nlapw.org/contests.php

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Tom Howard/John H. Reid Short Story Contest

Short stories, essays or other works of prose, up to 5,000 words each will be accepted.

Prizes: 1st: $3,000; 2nd: $1,000; 3rd: $400; 4th: $250; 6 Highly Commended Awards: $150 each. Winners receive publication.

Deadline: March 31, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.winningwriters.com/contests/tomstory/ts_guidelines.php

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CWC-Sacramento 2012 Short Short Story Contest

No story may exceed 750 words.

Prizes: 1st: $100; 2nd: $50; 3rd: $25.

Deadline: March 31, 2012

Fees: $10

http://www.cwcsacramentowriters.org/2012/02/08/2012-short-short-story-contest-now-open/

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Poetry Contests

Campbell Corner 2012 Poetry Contest

Maximum length for submissions is 20 pages total.

Prizes: $3,000

Deadline: March 15, 2012

Fees: $25

http://blogs.slc.edu/campbellcorner/guidelines/

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Dancing Poetry Contest

Poems are limited to 40 lines maximum.

Prizes: Grand Prize (x3): $100 and the poems will be danced and videotaped. 1st (x6): $50; 2nd (x12): $25; 3rd (x30): $10.

Deadline: May 15, 2012

Fees: One poem for $5 or 3 poems for $10

http://www.dancingpoetry.com/dpfpoetrycontestrules.html

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CFCP Poetry Contest

The theme for the contest is Rivers.

Prizes: 1st: $25; 2nd: $15; 3rd: $10.

Deadline: March 31, 2012

Fees: $2

http://www.chaparralpoets.org/monthly.html

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2012 Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award

This competition is open to African American poets only. The poems in the manuscript should total approximately 60-90 pages.

Prizes: $500

Deadline: March 1, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.lotuspress.org/

I can’t help it–I just love, love, love the internet.

I love the global connections with other writers that I’ve made over the years.  I love being able to look up pretty much anything I want to within seconds.  I love the opportunities that writers can find or create online–I mean, who knew, even a few years ago, that you could make decent money as a ghostblogger?  I didn’t, but I do now.

But one of the things I love the most about the internet has been the emergence and proliferation of life, success and mindset coaches.  There’s a coach or coaching program for any and every roadblock, real or imagined, mental or spiritual, that one could ever experience.  Feeling stuck?  There’s a program for that.  Not sure how to grow your writing business? here’s a program for that, too.

Take Fabienne Frederickson, a woman whom I discovered only a couple of months ago, although she’s had a coaching business for years.  The initial focus of her business centered solely on client attraction,  a skill she taught to solo professionals of all kinds; her mission has evolved into one that urges these very same solo pros to play a bigger game, aim higher, and tap into the universal laws of success that we all can access, once we understand them.  I get totally inspired listening to her–and no one in my non-internet world comes close to talking about the topics she covers.

If what she teaches sounds at all interesting to you, I urge you to get her free CD.  Let me know what you think.

On to this week’s writing contests.  Here’s to your writing success.

Mary Anne

Writing Contests with Multiple Categories

Wag’s Revue Winter Writers Contest

Poems, essays, and short stories will be accepted.

Prizes: 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $500; 3rd: $100. Prizes per genre.

Deadline: February 29, 2012

http://wagsrevue.submishmash.com/submit/9845/account

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WritersType Writing Competition

Authors may submit flash fiction, short stories, or first chapters.

Prizes: $25 and entry into yearly competition.

Deadline: January 31, 2012

Fees: $10

http://writerstype.com/rules.asp

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7th Annual ACCENTI Writing Contest

Entries can be fiction, non-fiction or creative non-fiction and no more than 2,000 words. Prizes are CDN.

Prizes: 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $250; 3rd: $100. Winners receive publication.

Deadline: February 7, 2012

Fees: $20

http://www.accenti.ca/writing-contest

___

Colonnade Writing Contest

Fiction and non-fiction authors from any genre are asked to submit their best previously unpublished work.

Prizes: $125 and publication.

Deadline: March 31, 2012

Fees: $12

http://www.cjmbooks.com/writing_contest.asp

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Fiction Writing Contests

2012 Toronto Star Short Story Contest

Stories may be no longer than 2,500 words.

Prizes: 1st: $5,000, plus the tuition fee for The Humber School for Writers 2012 Correspondence Program in Creative Writing. Approximate retail value: $3,000; 2nd: $2,000; 3rd: $1,000.

Deadline: February 26, 2012

Fees: None

http://shortstory.thestarcontests.com/StaticPage.aspx?id=a44a1dd9ec0d1b89a8226c95e18dfdc0&tid=1&pid=3

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The Ohio State University Prize in Short Fiction

Submissions may include short stories, novellas, or a combination of both (but a single novella is not an eligible submission). Manuscripts must be between 150 and 300 typed pages.

Prizes: Publication under a standard book contract and $1,500 as an advance against royalties.

Deadline: January 31, 2012

Fees: $20

http://www.ohiostatepress.org/index.htm?/books/series pages/osushortfiction.htm

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Walter Rumsey Marvin Grant

Entries submitted must consist of 10-60 pages. Applicant must have been born in Ohio or have lived in Ohio for a minimum of five years.

Prizes: $1,000

Deadline: January 31, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.ohioana.org/awards/marvin.asp

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Global Short Story Competition

Entries are invited of no more than 2,000 words. There is no theme.

Prizes: £100.

Deadline: Monthly

Fees: £5

http://www.globalshortstories.net/rules.html

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Leapfrog Press Fiction Contest

The contest is for Adult Fiction and Children’s Fiction. Minimum length allowed is 22,000 words.

Prizes: 1st: Publication contract, advance payment, and $150; Finalists: $150.

Deadline: May 1, 2012

Fees: $30

http://www.leapfrogpress.com/contest.htm

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Nonfiction/Essay Writing Contest

Tiny Light’s Annual Essay Contest

Entries submitted to the Standard contest may not exceed 2,000 words. Entries for the Flashpoint contest may not exceed 1,000 words.

Prizes: Standard – 1st: $350; 2nd: $250; 3rd: $150; Two Honorable Mentions: $100. Flashpoint – Three prizes of $100 each.

Deadline: February 17, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.tiny-lights.com/contest.php

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Ruminate Nonfiction Prize

You may submit one nonfiction piece per entry and it must be 7000 words or less.

Prizes: 1st: $1,000 and publication; 2nd: Publication.

Deadline: February 1, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.ruminatemagazine.com/submit/contests/nonfiction/

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Poetry Contests

2012 Poetry of the Sacred

Poems should be limited to no more than 100 lines.

Prizes: 1st: $500; Three Honorable Mentions: $100 each. Winners receive publication.

Deadline: January 31, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.mertoninstitute.org/retreatsandprograms/MertonPrizeforthePoetryoftheSacred/tabid/92/Default.aspx

The mild winter (understatment) we’re having in Central New York has begun to worry me…I can’t help but wonder what environmental impact these unseasonably warm and snowless days will have on our spring and summer.  Migratory birds have lingered here because they can still easily find food.  Plants and shrubs are sprouting and budding three months ahead of time.  Sure, I love not having to scrape my windshield off every morning,  and yes, I’m sure we’ll get pommeled with winter’s worst soon enough, but still…

In any event, writing ideas are indeed everywhere. Just look out the nearest window. Or in your closet, on your bookshelf, in the new, at the office…

So here’s to your writing success (and here’s hoping the environmental impact of our mild winter is equally as mild…).

Mary Anne

Writing Contests with Multiple Categories

Wag’s Revue Winter Writers Contest

Poems, essays, and short stories will be accepted.

Prizes: 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $500; 3rd: $100. Prizes per genre.

Deadline: February 29, 2012

Fees: $20

http://www.wagsrevue.com/submit.php

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Normal Prize In Fiction, Nonfiction, & Poetry

All fiction and nonfiction submissions must be 10,087 words or less. Poetry submissions should not exceed five pages or five poems total.

Prizes: $1,000 per genre.

Deadline: February 12, 2012

Fees: $20

http://www.thenormalschool.com/contestguidelines_3.html

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Fiction Writing Contests

JLE Legal Fiction Contest

Submissions must be original short works of fiction related to law school or the practice of law.

Prizes: Publication

Deadline: March 15, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.swlaw.edu/jleweb/legalfictioncontest

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Wow! Winter 2012 Flash Fiction Contest

Entries should be between 250 and 750 words.

Prizes: 1st – $350, 2nd – $250, 3rd – $150. Places 1-10 receive $25 Amazon gift card, publication, and more. 10 honorable mentions receive $20 Amazon gift card.

Deadline: February 29, 2012 or first 300 entries.

Fees: $10

http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php

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witf Short Story Competition

Entries should not exceed 1,500 words.

Prizes: 1st: $500; 2nd: $200.

Deadline: February 29, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.witf.org/contests-and-giveaways/enter-the-2012-writing-contest-short-story-competition

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East India Press Short Story Writing Contest

Your story must be no more than 2,500 words long and written in standard manuscript format.

Prizes: $1,000 and publication.

Deadline: March 1, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.davidfarland.com/journal/?a=41

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Chudleigh Phoenix 2012 Short Story Competition

Stories must be a maximum of 1500 words, with an open theme.

Prizes: 1st: £100; 2nd: £50; 3rd: £25.

Deadline: January 31, 2012

Fees: £5 sterling

http://chudleighphoenix.co.uk/2012comp.html

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Postcard Story Competition

The challenge is to create a dramatic, short, snappy piece in only 250 words.

Prizes: $750

Deadline: February 14, 2012

Fees: $7.50

http://www.writersunion.ca/cn_postcard.asp

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Choc Lit Short Story Competition

Short stories of up to 1,500 words in which the central theme is chocolate should be submitted.

Prizes: 1st: £200; 2nd: £50.

Deadline: January 31, 2012

Fees: £3

http://www.choc-lit.co.uk/html/choc_lit_short_story_competiti.html

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Nonfiction/Essay Writing Contests

Ruminate Nonfiction Prize

You may submit one nonfiction piece per entry and it must be 7000 words or less.

Prizes: $1,000 and publication.

Deadline: February 1, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.ruminatemagazine.com/submit/contests/nonfiction/

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Fourth Genre Michael Steinberg Essay Prize

Creative nonfiction essays or memoirs, not exceeding 6,000 words, may be submitted.

Prizes: $1,000 and publication.

Deadline: February 28, 2012

Fees: $20

http://www.msupress.msu.edu/journals/fg/index.php?Page=prize

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2012 Constance Rooke Creative Nonfiction Prize

Entries must be between 2,000 and 3,000 words.

Prizes: $1,000 CAD

Deadline: August 1, 2012

Fees: $35 CAD for Canadian entries; $40 US for American entries; $45 US for all others.

http://www.malahatreview.ca/contests/creative_non-fiction_prize/info.html

Depending on whom you listen to or what you read, 2012 will either be a year of havoc and disaster, or one of abundance and awakening.  I don’t know about you, but I tend to want to believe the latter.

Personally, I closed the books on last year with gratitude and am looking ahead with optimism. Call me crazy or naive, but I’m just not buying into the doom and gloom that so many people seem to embrace. I firmly believe we make our own success, when one door closes another opens, and…that there are incredible opportunities out there for strong, dependable, determined and enterprising writers.

To that end, I wish you every writing success in 2012.

Mary Anne

Writing Contests with Multiple Categories

BkMk Press Writing Competitions

Poetry manuscripts should contain 50-110 pages. Short fiction collections should be approximately 125 pages minimum, 300 pages maximum.

Prizes: $1,000 and publication.

Deadline: January 15, 2012

Fees: $25

http://www.romancingthekeyboard.com/category/writing-contests/

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Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards

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William Saroyan International Prize for Writing

Fiction and non-fiction works published in book form between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011 are eligible for submission.

Prizes: 1st: $5,000 per category.

Deadline: January 31, 2012

Fees: $50

http://library.stanford.edu/saroyan/

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The Crazyhorse Fiction Prize and the Lynda Hull Memorial Poetry Prize

Each manuscript entered should consist of up to twenty-five pages of fiction or up to three poems.

Prizes: $2,000 and publication per prize.

Deadline: January 15, 2012

Fees: $16

http://www.crazyhorsejournal.org/page.php?id=106

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Writers-Editors Contest

Authors may submit fiction, nonfiction, children’s literature or poetry.

Prizes: 1st: $100; 2nd: $75; 3rd: $50. Prizes per category.

Deadline: March 15, 2012

Fees: Poetry: $5; Fiction/nonfiction under 3,000 words: $10; Entry of 3,000 words to 5,000 words: $20.

http://www.writers-editors.com/Writers/Contests/Contest_Guidelines/contest_guidelines.htm

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Fiction Writing Contests

PPB-NLAPW Annual Flash Fiction Contest

Theme: Are You Devious at Heart? Stories should not exceed 100 words.

Prizes: 1st: $100; 2nd: $50; Judge’s Merit Award: $25.

Deadline: May 1, 2012

Fees: $10

http://www.ppb-nlapw.org/contests.php

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Character Profile Writing Competition

Write a detailed character profile using the photo published on the contest page for inspiration.

Prizes: 1st: £100; 2nd: £75; 3rd: £50.

Deadline: February 21, 2012

Fees: £2.50

http://creativecompetitor.com/2011/12/04/character-profile-writing-competition/

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Creative Competitor Flash Fiction Writing Competition

Using the provided image, create a compelling story in 1200 words or less.

Prizes: 1st £150; 2nd: £100; 3rd: £75; 4th: £50.

Deadline: February 10, 2012

Fees: £3.50

http://creativecompetitor.com/2011/12/04/flash-fiction-writing-competition/

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VCU Cabell First Novelist Award

The submission must be the author’s first novel, published between July and December, 2011.

Prizes: $5,000

Deadline: January 15, 2012

Fees: None

http://novelist.library.vcu.edu/

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Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize

Submit two copies of an unpublished fiction manuscript not to exceed 12 double-spaced pages.

Prizes: $1,000 and possible publication.

Deadline: January 30, 2012

Fees: $25

http://www.ncwriters.org/programs-and-services/competitions/26-thomas-wolfe-fiction-prize

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Bethlehem Writers Roundtable Short Story Award

Submissions are limited to 2000 words or fewer.

Prizes: 1st: $200; 2nd: $100; 3rd: $50. Winners and honorable mentions may receive publication.

Deadline: January 31, 2012

Fees: $10

http://www.bwgwritersroundtable.com/

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Writers’ Journal Fiction Contest

Manuscripts must not exceed 5,000 words.

Prizes: 1st: $500; 2nd: $200; 3rd: $100. Winners and honorable mentions receive publication.

Deadline: January 30, 2012

Fees: $15

http://www.writersjournal.com/FictionContest.htm

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Gemini Magazine Short Short Story Contest

No restrictions on content, style, genre or length.

Prizes: 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $100. Winners and honorable mentions receive publication.

Deadline: March 31, 2012

Fees: $4

http://www.gemini-magazine.com/contest.html

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Nonfiction/Essay Writing Contests

The Ellen Meloy Fund for Desert Writers

Only literary or creative nonfiction proposals will be considered.

Prizes: $2,000

Deadline: January 15, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.ellenmeloy.com/applying.htm

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Poetry Contests

Andrés Montoya Poetry Prize

Only Latino/a poets who have not had a book professionally published may submit entries.

Prizes: $1,000, publication and standard contract.

Deadline: January 15, 2012

Fees: None

http://latinostudies.nd.edu/poetry_prize/guidelines.htm

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Descriptive Poetry Competition

Using the photo that’s been provided, create a poem consisting of no more than 20 lines.

Prizes: 1st: £100; 2nd: £75; 3rd: £50.

Deadline: January 31, 2012

Fees: £2.50

http://creativecompetitor.com/2011/12/04/descriptive-poetry-competition/

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2012 Julia Peterkin Award in Poetry

Each entry should include up to 10 pages of poetry.

Prizes: $1,000 and travel expenses for a reading at Converse College.

Deadline: February 15, 2012

Fees: $15

http://tinyurl.com/d4nxsby

Wanted to catch you up on some things, but have been flat out busy!  Hope this finds you doing well.  Here’s to your writing success!

Mary Anne

Writing Contests with Multiple Categories

Sundress Publications E-Chapbook Competition

Authors may submit poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or any combination thereof.

Prizes: $200

Deadline: December 15, 2011

Fees: $5

http://www.sundresspublications.com/econtest.htm

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Fiction Writing Contests

Broken Pencil Deathmatch

Contest is open to original unpublished fiction of 1000-3000 words.

Prizes: 1st: $250 and publication; 2nd-4th: $100 and publication.

Deadline: December 31, 2011

Fees: $20

http://www.brokenpencil.com/deathmatch

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Michael Shaara Prize

Any novel about the Civil War published (for the first time) in 2011 to “encourage fresh approaches to Civil War fiction” is eligible.

Prizes: $5,000

Deadline: December 31, 2011

Fees: None

http://www.gettysburg.edu/cwi/events/shaara/about.dot

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Multi-story Flash Fiction

Entries should be no more than 600 words and the theme is yours to choose.

Prizes: 1st: £300; 2nd: £100; 3rd: £50.

Deadline: February 29, 2012

Fees: £5 for one entry. £8 for two entries.

http://www.multi-story.co.uk/

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Annual Dead of Winter Contest

The word limit is 2000–3000 words. Stories MUST be set in winter and fall in the horror genre. The theme is skull and bones.

Prizes: 1st: $35 Amazon gift card; 2nd: $10 Amazon gift card.

Deadline: December 21, 2011

Fees: None

http://tclj.toasted-cheese.com/contest.htm#dow

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Sentinel Literary Quarterly Short Story Competition

Stories may be on any subject or style but must not exceed 1,500 words.

Prizes: 1st: £150; 2nd: £75; 3rd: £50; Highly Commended: £10 x 3.

Deadline: January 31, 2012

Fees: £4 for 1 story, £8 for 2 stories, £10 for 3 stories, £12 for 4 stories.

http://www.sentinelquarterly.com/competitions/short-stories-0112/

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Nonfiction/Essay Writing Contests

What Would Martin Do?

Essays should envision a conversation between Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama. They should touch on key policy issues facing our country in the 21st century and may not exceed 500 words.

Prizes: 1st: $500 U.S. Savings Bond; 2nd & 3rd: $100 savings bond.

Deadline: December 15, 2011

Fees: None

http://adaedfund.org/2011/11/what-would-martin-do-essay-contest/

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The Ellen Meloy Fund for Desert Writers

Only literary or creative nonfiction proposals will be considered.

Prizes: $2,000

Deadline: January 15, 2012

Fees: None

http://www.ellenmeloy.com/applying.htm

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Poetry Contests

Colorado Prize for Poetry

Manuscripts should be at least 48 pages but no more than 100 pages.

Prizes: $2,000 and publication.

Deadline: January 14, 2012

Fees: $25

http://coloradoreview.colostate.edu/colorado-prize-for-poetry/

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Quatrain Poetry Contest

Quatrains must be submitted to be considered.

Prizes: $100

Deadline: December 14, 2011

Fees: None

http://www.fanstory.com/contestdetails.jsp?id=4776&at=217

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Bunchgrass Poetry Prize

Submit up to three unpublished poems (100 line limit for each), any subject, any style or form.

Prizes: $500 and publication.

Deadline: December 31, 2011

Fees: $10

http://www.basaltmagazine.com/bunchgrass-poetry-prize/

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46er Poetry Prize

Entrants may submit up to three original, unpublished poems.

Prizes: 1st: $400; Honorable Mentions: $30. Winners receive publication.

Deadline: December 31, 2011

Fees: $5.00 for one poem, $8.00 for two poems, and $10.00 for three poems.

http://www.theadirondackreview.com/46erPrize.html

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Writers’ Journal Poetry Contest

Poems may be no longer than 25 lines.

Prizes: 1st: $50; 2nd: $25; 3rd: $15.

Deadline: December 30, 2011

Fees: $3 per poem.

http://www.writersjournal.com/PoetryContest.htm

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Angels & Devils Poetry Competition

You are asked to write a poem of no more than 30 lines about family relationships. You can write in English or Dutch.

Prizes: £100 and online publication.

Deadline: December 31, 2011

Fees: None

http://hollandparkpress.co.uk/magazine_detail.php?magazine_id=124&language=English