Writers' Digest 83rd Annual Writing Competition

Writer’s Digest has been shining a spotlight on up and coming writers in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for more than 80 years. Enter our 83rd Annual Writing Competition for your chance to win and have your work be seen by editors and agents! The winning entries of this writing contest will also be on display in the 83rd Annual Writer’s Digest Competition Collection.


Deadline: June 2, 2014

Wondering what’s in it for you?
An announcement of the winner on the cover of Writer’s Digest*
A 30-minute Platform Strategy Consultation with Chuck Sambuchino*
A one year subscription to Writer’s Digest eBooks
A chance to win $3,000 in cash
Get national exposure for your work
One on one attention with four editors or agents
A paid trip to the ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference!


How to enter: register and pay online or download a printable entry form.

Early-Bird Entry fees are $25 for the first manuscript; $20 for each additional entry submitted during the same transaction. Poems are $15 for the first entry; $10 for each additional poem submitted submitted during the same transaction. Entries submitted after that May 5, 2014 Early-Bird deadline are $30 for the first manuscript; $25 for each additional entry submitted during the same transaction. Poems are $20 for the first entry; $15 for each additional poem submitted submitted during the same transaction.


Enter your work into one or more of these categories:
Inspirational Writing (Spiritual/Religious)
Memoirs/Personal Essay
Magazine Feature Article
Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc.)
Mainstream/Literary Short Story
Rhyming Poetry
Non-rhyming Poetry
Stage Play
Television/Movie Script
Children’s/Young Adult Fiction

One Grand Prize winner will receive:
An announcement of the winner on the cover of Writer’s Digest*
$3,000 in cash
One on one attention from four editors or agents

A paid trip to the ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference!
A one year subscription to Writer’s Digest eBooks
A 30-minute Platform Strategy Consultation with Chuck Sambuchino

First place will receive $1,000 in cash and $100 off a purchase from the Writer’s Digest Shop

Second place will receive $500 cash and $100 off a purchase from the Writer’s Digest Shop

Third place will receive $250 in cash and $100 off a purchase from the Writer’s Digest Shop

Fourth place will receive $100 in cash and $50 off a purchase from the Writer’s Digest Shop

Fifth place will receive $50 in cash and $50 off a purchase from the Writer’s Digest Shop

Sixth through Tenth place winners will receive $25 in cash.

All winners will also receive:
A one-year Writer’s Digest VIP membership, which includes a one-year subscription (new or renewal) toWriter’s Digest magazine
Access to WritersMarket.com for one year

Discounts on Writer’s Digest University workshops

Discounts off of purchases made at WritersDigestShop.com

Be sure to check out more writing contests sponsored by Writer’s Digest.

Deadline: June 2, 2014



About 83rd Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition Collection
This special competition collection will be published in November 2014 and consists of the grand prize manuscript, the first place manuscript in each category, and the names of the top 10 winners in each category. You can purchase a copy online or order by mailing in the printable entry form. (You are not required to purchase the collection to enter the competition.)

Rules & Regulations | Judging & Notification of Winners | Frequently Asked Questions | Contact Us