September Writing Contests You Can’t Miss

Perfect for students wanting to polish their pen and score publication or cash prizes.

9/2/20252 min read

🔍 About This Blog

This newsletter is part of Eddo’s Creative Writing Series, where we highlight timely writing opportunities for students of all levels. Every contest listed is curated with credibility and impact in mind, helping you meet deadlines and get your voice heard.

Introduction

Want a shot at publication, cash, or just flexing your creative muscles this fall? September is packed with writing contests—from ultra-short memoirs to full works—and no experience required. Draft up something real, impactful, and September-ready!

Opportunity 1: New York Times Tiny Memoir (100-Word Personal Narrative)

What to Write: A true, powerful memory in 100 words or fewer (title not included).
Why It Stands Out: Simple, emotional, perfect for busy students and memory lovers alike.
Eligibility: Middle and high school students ages 13–19; one submission per student.
More Info: Unique personal experience + concise storytelling = a worthy entry.
🔗 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/learning/our-2025-26-student-contest-calendar.html

Opportunity 2: Write the World Monthly Competitions

What It Is: A free, monthly contest for teen writers (ages 13–19) open to various genres.
Perks: Regular deadline structure + feedback from peers and mentors—great for building a writing habit.
🔗 https://writetheworld.org/competitions

Opportunity 3: VSA Playwright Discovery Program

Focus: A contest for students with disabilities (ages 14–19) to submit 10-minute scripts, musicals, or multimedia plays.
Prize: $1,000, mentorship, and networking opportunities through the Kennedy Center.
🔗 https://thekennedycenter.smapply.io/prog/2025_accessvsa_PDP/

Opportunity 4: Anthology Flash Fiction Competition

Genre: Flash fiction
Prize: €300 + publication in Anthology magazine
Deadline: September 30, 2025
🔗 https://anthology-magazine.com/awards/flash-fiction-competition/

Opportunity 5: The Moth Nature Writing Prize

Genre: Nature-themed poetry or prose (≤4,000 words)
Prizes: €1,000 + retreat, €500, €250
Deadline: September 30, 2025
🔗 https://www.themothmagazine.com/a1-page.asp?ID=9311&page=56

Opportunity 6: Letter Review Prize (Short Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction)

Genre: All categories (fiction, poetry, nonfiction)
Deadline: September 30, 2025
🔗 https://letterreview.com/information/

Why Enter Writing Contests This September

Fast deadlines = real motivation: Perfect for setting achievable writing goals.
Diverse formats: Whether you're into memoir, playwriting, or mini-novels, there's a contest for you.
Low-risk, high-reward: Many are free to enter and can lead to publication, recognition, or cash.

Wrapping Up

At Eddo, we’re committed to helping students like you stay organized, discover new opportunities, and plan for the future with confidence.

If you found this blog helpful, don’t miss out on our biweekly newsletter, where we share curated scholarships, internships, and student resources straight to your inbox.

Have questions or want us to cover a specific topic next? Send us an email [nctutoringinfo@gmail.com]—we’d love to hear from you!