Entering writing competitions is one of the most valuable things an emerging fiction writer can do. A longlisting, a shortlisting, or a win carries genuine weight when you approach literary agents. Even the process of preparing an entry — selecting your best work, writing a tight synopsis, meeting a deadline — is good practice for the submissions process ahead.
Here is a curated guide to the fiction writing competitions worth your attention in the second half of 2026. We’ve focused on competitions with strong reputations, credible judges, and meaningful prizes — not just cash, but the kind of recognition that opens doors.
As always, check each competition’s website directly before entering, as deadlines and guidelines occasionally change.
Mslexia Fiction Competition Deadline: 21 September 2026 Entry fee: Paid (check website for current fees)
One of the most respected women’s writing competitions in the UK, the Mslexia Fiction Competition runs three categories: short story (up to 3,000 words), flash fiction (up to 300 words), and the first 5,000 words of an adult or YA novel. Being placed in a Mslexia competition can make a significant difference to how your work is perceived — finalists have signed multi-book deals, been awarded grants, and achieved agent representation. If you’re a woman writer with a novel in progress, the novel category in particular is worth serious consideration. Writing.ie
Bournemouth Writing Prize 2026 Deadline: 15 August 2026 Entry fee: £10 per short story; £10 for up to three poems
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Bournemouth Writing Prize is offering triple the prize fund this year, with £1,000 for the winner, £300 for second place, and £200 for third place in both the short story and poetry categories. Short story entries are judged by Madeleine Milburn, founder of one of the UK’s leading literary agencies. Winners are published in Dorset Magazine and invited to perform their winning entry at the Bournemouth Writing Festival. Open to writers worldwide, this is an excellent opportunity for short fiction writers. MslexiaMslexia
Enter at literatureworks.org.uk
I Am In Print Competitions 2026 Various deadlines throughout 2026 Entry fee: Varies by category
The I Am In Print competitions cover a wide range of fiction categories including Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, YA, Picture Books, Middle Grade, and Historical Fiction, each judged by different literary agents. What makes this competition particularly useful is its flexibility — if your novel fits more than one category, you can enter the same sample text into multiple competitions, each charged separately. All entries are read by working literary agents, making this one of the most direct routes to agent attention available to unrepresented writers. NewwritersNewwriters
Find out more at iaminprint.co.uk
Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize Deadline: 16 July 2026 Entry fee: Check website
A competition focused specifically on opening pages — which, as any agent will tell you, is where manuscripts are won or lost. If your novel has a strong opening, this is worth entering. The focus on page one makes it an excellent exercise in evaluating how well your novel begins, regardless of the outcome.
Find out more at ukwriterscollege.co.uk
Wells Festival of Literature International Creative Writing Competition Deadline: 31 July 2026 (short stories and fiction) Entry fee: Check website
The Wells Festival of Literature runs international creative writing competitions across several categories including short stories and fiction for adults. A well-established literary festival competition with a strong reputation — worth entering for the credibility of the longlist alone. Mslexia
Find out more at wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk
The Bedford Competition 2026 Deadline: 31 October 2026 Entry fee: Check website
The Bedford Competition has a deadline of 31 October 2026 — making it one of the later deadlines of the year and a good target for writers who need more time to polish their work. Worth bookmarking now and returning to in September. writing
Find out more at ukwriterscollege.co.uk
Bath Children’s Novel Award 2026 Deadline: 30 November 2026 Entry fee: Check website
If you write for children or young adults, this is the competition to know about. The Bath Children’s Novel Award accepts YA novels, children’s novels, early readers, chapter books, and picture book texts from emerging authors of any age, nationality or residency. The prize is £5,000, and all longlisted entrants receive feedback on their submission. Given the Bath Novel Award’s track record of launching careers, this is one of the most valuable children’s fiction competitions in the UK. ThebournemouthjournalThebournemouthjournal
A note on keeping track
Competition deadlines move, entry fees change, and new competitions launch throughout the year. The following resources are worth bookmarking for ongoing updates:
One final thought
Before you enter any competition, make sure the work you’re submitting is genuinely ready. A strong entry on a weak manuscript is a missed opportunity — both the entry fee and the chance. If you’re unsure whether your work is at its best, a manuscript assessment before you submit is always a worthwhile investment.
The Writing Consultancy has been providing professional manuscript assessments for fiction writers since 2002. If you’d like honest editorial feedback before your next competition entry, get in touch here.
