Scribbles Radar: The Writer’s News Source for Contests, Publication Opportunities and Updates on Inklings Publishing.
- K.M. Sokulski
- Mar 30
- 2 min read
March is almost over and that means the beginning and end of writing competitions! In this edition of Inklings Radar, you'll find more listings for both short story and poetry competitions. For any poets out there that are interested in submitting to the 2026 Caterpillar Poetry Prize, your deadline is tomorrow! Scroll on down and take a look at what competitions await you for the end of March and beginning of April, 2026.
Event Type: Poetry Competition
Hosted By: Ware Poets
Deadline: April 30th, 2026
Entry Fee: $5.00
The 28th annual Ware Poets Open Poetry Competition is now open for submissions until April 30, 2026. The competition is judged by Keith Jarrett, with several prizes offered for various categories. Winning and commended poems will be included in an anthology and published on the website.
Event Type: Short Story Contest
Hosted By: Desperate Literature
Deadline: March 25th, 2026
Entry Fee: $20.00
The Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize aims to celebrate new short fiction under 2000 words and provide visibility to winners through various publishing opportunities. This year, the prize includes cash rewards and writing retreats, alongside publication chances in several literary journals.
Event Type: Short Story Competition
Hosted By: IronClad Creative
Deadline: April 30th, 2026
Entry Fee: $10.00
The competition invites short stories inspired by the prompt 'FOOTPRINT'. Open to writers globally, both published and unpublished. Winning entries will be included in an anthology.
--Event Reminders--
Event Type: PoetryCompetition
Hosted By: The Caterpillar Magazine
Deadline: March 31st, 2026
Submissions: Entry Form
Have you written a poem you think would appeal to children? Then why not enter The Caterpillar Poetry Prize 2026! 'Children’s poetry only rarely gets the attention it deserves, so it’s terrific that this high-profile prize shines a light once a year on this small but splendid corner of literary culture. And the fact this is a prize for single poems, judged anonymously, also means the field is wide open! Sometimes someone starry wins, sometimes the prizes go to very new writers. It’s worth entering at any stage of a person’s writing life.' Kate Wakeling.
Event Type: Short Story Competition
Deadline: April 30th, 2026
Entry Fee: $75
Website: Clive Cussler Collector's Society
Two AWC Finalist Awards: $500 | The winner receives a 'Grandmaster Winner' trophy. Runners-up receive trophies and finalists receive a video book trailer and interview.
Important note on library events and workshops! Author appearances and writing classes have become increasingly popular to host at the library. Be sure to check your local library's calendar for more events related to writing from their website. Know of any opportunities I missed? Did you submit to any of the above listings? Comment below! Depending on the deadline of the event, we may feature it on our next Inklings Scribbles Radar.
Scribble on, Inklingers!
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