Too many options when it comes to submitting your work? Here’s our top five comps and subs for July 2025.
Name: Scottish Wildlife Trust Words of the Wild Writing Competition
Deadline: 11.59pm (UK time) 12th July 2025
Wordcount: up to 1,000 words
Genre: poetry, short story, essay, letter, song lyrics – whichever works best to tell your story
Description: For their annual writing competition, Scottish Wildlife Trust are looking for stories of Scotland’s wildlife and wild places within the theme: From source to sea. There’s an adult category (18 years and over) and a junior category (under 18 years) and the winner from each category will win a generous prize bundle which includes: a year’s membership to the Trust and a £100 NHBS wildlife equipment voucher, and many more goodies.
Entry fee: Free
Website: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/wordsofthewild/competition/
Name: Fractured Lit Flash Fiction Competition
Deadline: 13th July 2025
Wordcount: up to 1,000 words
Genre: Flash Fiction
Description: As stated on their website, Fractured Lit publishes flash fiction with resonance, with characters who come to life through their actions and responses to the world around them. They are looking for flash fiction that investigates the mysteries of being human, with the sorrow, and the joy, of connecting to a diverse population. The winner will receive $2,000 and publication, and fifteen other finalists will receive $100 and publication.
Entry fee: $20 – reading fee which includes up to two stories of 1,000 words or fewer.
Website: https://fracturedlit.com/2025-fractured-lit-flash-fiction-open/
Name: FAB Prize 2025
Deadline: 11.59pm (UK time) 25th July 2025
Wordcount: 5,000 words for text submissions; illustrations: portfolio including a minimum of ten sample pieces of artwork OR full layouts and illustrations for a 32-page picture book.
Genre: Fiction; Illustrations
Description: The FAB prize 2025 is for undiscovered writers and illustrators of colour in the UK and Ireland. This year’s judges are: Leah Thaxton, Emma Eldridge and Ama Badu, with guest judges Alex Wharton and Chitra Soundar. The winner of the writing prize will receive a worldwide publishing contract, the winner of the illustration prize will receive a one-to-one portfolio tuition with Orange Beak Studio.
Entry fee: free
Name: Novellum Magazine
Deadline: 15th July 2025
Wordcount: 3,000 – 5,000 words
Genre: Science Fiction
Description: The mission of Novellum Magazine is to, as stated on their website, inspire readers and writers alike by showcasing thought-provoking fiction, poetry, and insightful features that spark creativity and conversation. Submissions can be in different forms and include: Short Story, Novella, Graphic Novel, Y.A. Story, Poetry, or Article.
Entry fee: Free
Website: https://www.novellummagazine.com/about
Name: Winchester Poetry Prize
Deadline: 11.59pm (UK time) 31st July 2025
Wordcount: 40 lines maximum (excluding title)
Genre: Poetry
Description: The Winchester Poetry Prize is judged by Fiona Benson, author of four poetry collections and short-listee for the T.S. Elliot Prize. The winner of the Winchester Poetry prize will receive £1,000, second prize of £500, and third prize of £250. In addition, there’s the Kathryn Bevin Prize which will be awarded for the best poem entered by a Hampshire-based poet.
Entry fee: £6 for first poem and £5 for each subsequent poem
Website: https://www.winchesterpoetryfestival.org/wpp25
