NOTE: This post was originally published in May 2018. I updated the contest deadlines and reworked parts of the post for clarity February 2020. I also updated links so they lead to the most current book editions.

Finding opportunities to get your writing published can feel very daunting, so I want to share some literary contests that can help you get your words in front of an audience. I’ve had eight poems published in literary journals, and I’m slowly working on getting more of my writing out into the world. I’ll also share tips I’ve discovered and resources I’ve found helpful in my search for writing contests.

Literary journals are a great way to get published. Some exist solely online, others are print, and many have a blend of both. They often accept poetry, short fiction, short nonfiction, artwork, and photography. If you want to get published and you’ve never explored literary journals, now is a great time to dive in.

I’ve compiled a short list of literary journal contests that are free to enter. The prize money for these contests is pretty modest, but its a great start. The contests with large cash prizes often charge a submission fee, and I wanted to create a post with only free opportunities. The resources at the end of this post will help you find more contests, whether they be free or pay-to-play.