Top 10 Writing Contests in South Africa: Are you a seasoned writer or a student in South Africa with a passion for writing? If so, you’ll be thrilled that several exciting writing contests are coming up in 2024 just for you!
Participating in these contests allows you to showcase your talent and provides a platform to gain recognition and win amazing prizes.
In this blog post, we have compiled a list of the top 10 writing contests in South Africa for writers and college students in 2024.
Read also: BASA Presidential Employment Stimulus Program (PESP) 2024 for South African SMEs.
If you want to improve your writing, entering a competition can motivate you to refine your work.
Some competitions may require an entry fee, while others do not. It is common nowadays to encounter credible competitions that ask for payment. Before committing, ensure you are comfortable sending money to the organizers.
If you have any questions, please contact the competition organizers directly.
Top 10 Writing Contests in South Africa for College Students.
SaveAs Writers International Competition
Save As Writers was founded in 2002 by Luigi Marchini as a small group of creative people who met to critique each other’s poetry and prose. Throughout the years, many local writers have become members of this friendly and active community, sharing interesting and diverse material while benefiting from everything the group offers. Save As provides support and a platform for novice and experienced writers, to publish their work in group anthologies and individual collections. Their website showcases local and international writing opportunities, courses, and submission options. Luigi and other group members also organize renowned competitions and workshops that attract submissions and attendees from near and far.
- Deadline: 30 September 2024
- More details here
The Paul Cave Prize for Literature
The Paul Cave Prize for Literature was created by Tim Saunders Publications in 2024 to honour the memory of Paul Astley Cave-Browne-Cave (1917-2010), a respected publisher of books and magazines who inspired many. Paul founded Hampshire, a county magazine, in 1960 and managed it for over four decades. The magazine’s distinctive “yellow top” was printed at Brown & Son in Ringwood, which he owned, until the 1990s. Renowned British racing driver Stirling Moss initially oversaw the motoring section.
- Deadline: 30 September 2024
- More details here
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Anthology Poetry Competition
The Anthology Poetry Competition is now accepting entries of original and previously unpublished poems in the English language. Poets from all nationalities residing anywhere in the world are welcome to participate. There are no limitations on the theme or style of the poems, but they should not exceed 40 lines. You may submit multiple entries, but each submission requires a separate entry form and fee. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that you review Anthology magazine or purchase a copy before submitting your work to ensure it fits our publication style.
- Deadline: 31 October 2024
- More details here
The Bedford Competition
This is an International Competition that aims to recognize and support your writing skills. Our competition is open to anyone aged 17 or over worldwide, with prizes worth £4,600, including special awards for young and Bedford writers (please refer to the Rules). Ostrich Books, our partner, publishes all winning and shortlisted entries, and we donate proceeds to charities supporting literary and literacy skills. The short story competition accepts entries of up to 3,000 words, while the poetry competition welcomes poems of up to 40 lines on any theme. Join now and showcase your writing talent.
- Deadline: 31 October 2024
- More details here
Anthology Flash Fiction Competition
Writers of any nationality, residing anywhere in the world, can participate in the Anthology Flash Fiction Competition. The competition is open to original and previously unpublished flash fiction works on any theme or genre in the English language. We are seeking writing that is innovative and exceptional, that motivates and tells a captivating story.
Writers, both new and established, may submit multiple articles, each with a maximum of 250 words. Separate entry forms and fees are required for each submission.
- Deadline: 31 October 2024
- More details here
The Scribble Magazine Annual Themed Short Story Competition
If you plan on participating in multiple competitions hosted by Scribble, it could prove beneficial to purchase an annual subscription. By doing so, you will receive four issues of the magazine and gain access to unlimited free entry in all competitions. You can start your subscription at any time and your free entry entitlement will remain valid for the duration of your subscription. Scribble organizes several competitions each year, including the open short story contests. Annual subscribers have the opportunity to enter all competitions at no additional cost.
- Deadline: 1 November 2024
- More details here
Curious Curls Fiction Contest 2024
In 2024, Curious Curls is thrilled to announce its inaugural fiction short story competition! We often receive inquiries about whether we accept shorter works, and we realized there’s no reason not to! The contest organizers are seeking fiction short stories that embrace the concept of curiosity. This could be demonstrated through a curious perspective, character, or writing that takes us to a new, curious place. Please feel free to browse our website to gain a better understanding of our objectives and the type of work we tend to favour. The contest will officially close at 12:00 PM EST on 15 November 2024, with a $2.50 submission fee. Winners will be revealed in January 2024!
This could be in the form of a curious perpective, a curious or observant character, or writing that takes us somewhere curiously new. You are welcome to float around the website to get a better idea of our goals and the works we tend to lean towards.
The contest officially ends at 12:00 PM EST on November 15th, 2024! There is a $2.50 submission fee. Winners will be announced in January 2024!
- Deadline: 15 November 2024
- More details here
Ghost Stories at the Bookshop
The Westwood family has owned Petersfield Bookshop for over 60 years, and it has been a part of the town for more than 100 years.
Attention all South African story writers and lovers of ghost stories! The Ghost Stories at the Bookshop contest is now open for submissions. To enter, please ensure your story is submitted correctly and labelled as a “Ghost Story at the Bookshop” entry. Good luck to all participants!
- Deadline: 23 November 2024
- More details here
Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest
Have you heard about the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest? It’s an excellent opportunity for aspiring writers to showcase their skills and win prizes. This contest is open to everyone and has no age restrictions. You must write a story or essay in exactly 100 words and submit it to the contest organizers.
The Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest is a great way to challenge yourself and improve your writing skills. With a limited word count, you must be concise and use your words wisely to tell a compelling story. So, if you’re looking for a fun and exciting writing challenge, check out the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest today!
- Deadline: 30 November 2024
- More details here
Anthology Travel Writing Competition
The Anthology Travel Writing Competition is a highly anticipated event among travel writers and enthusiasts. This competition provides a platform for writers to showcase their travel experiences and creative writing skills. It is an excellent opportunity for writers to gain recognition and exposure, as well as to connect with other writers in the travel community.
The competition is open to all writers, regardless of their experience level, and encourages submissions from diverse perspectives and backgrounds. The competition judges are looking for unique and compelling stories that capture the essence of travel and inspire readers to explore new places and cultures. Whether you are a seasoned travel writer or a beginner, the Anthology Travel Writing Competition is an excellent opportunity to share your travel experiences.
- Deadline: 31 November 2024
- More details here
Edinburgh Short Story Award
The Edinburgh Short Story Award is a prestigious literary competition that celebrates the art of short fiction. It provides a platform for emerging and established writers to showcase their talent and creativity.
The award recognizes outstanding works of fiction that captivate readers with their compelling storytelling, vivid characters, and thought-provoking themes. Winners of the Edinburgh Short Story Award receive recognition, exposure, and a cash prize, which can help support their writing careers. This award is a wonderful opportunity for writers to share their stories with a broader audience and connect with the literary community.
- Deadline: 28 February 2024
- More details here
Conclusion
These top 10 writing contests in South Africa for college students in 2024 offer a range of opportunities to showcase your talent and gain recognition. Whether you are a poet, novelist, essayist, or blogger, there is a contest tailored to your interests. So, don’t miss these incredible opportunities and start preparing your submissions today!
