Free Essay Writing Competitions 2018
Writing competitions can be a great way for students and emerging writers to get recognition, hone their writing skills, and even earn scholarship money or other prizes. While many writing contests require an entry fee, there are still a good number of free essay writing competitions held each year with cash awards or publication opportunities for the top entries. This article provides an overview of some of the top free essay writing competitions for 2018 across different genres and age groups.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
One of the most prestigious awards for young writers is the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, which is accepting submissions through January for the 2018 competition year. The Scholastic Awards are open to students in grades 7-12 in the United States. Students can enter in up to three categories including short story, poetry, flash fiction, personal essay/memoir, and more. Gold key winners’ work is exhibited at the Tribeca Festival and winners receive $1,000-$10,000 scholarships. The competition is completely free to enter and offers a valuable opportunity for high school students to get recognition.
Quill and Scroll High School Journalism Contest
For aspiring young journalists, the Quill and Scroll High School Journalism Contest is another top free competition. Open to any high school student in the United States, Canada or U.S. schools overseas, Quill and Scroll accepts entries in categories like editorial/opinion writing, news writing, in-depth reporting, feature writing, reviews, and more. The top three winners in each category receive cash awards and all winners are recognized at the annual Quill and Scroll convention. Entry is free and submissions are accepted between October 1st and February 1st each year. This contest helps spotlight the best student journalism across North America.
Viral Talent Video Contest
A less traditional writing competition is the annual Viral Talent Video Contest hosted by Viral Talent. Students in grades 6-12 can enter by creating and submitting a short video showcasing a talent, whether that’s comedy, singing, dancing, magic tricks, or other skills. Rather than just being a video, entrants must incorporate a written essay component analyzing their talent, creative process, and goals. The top 50 entries will receive cash prizes up to $5,000 and all submissions are free to enter. This contest blends various creative mediums and offers exposure for versatile young talents.
Global Youth Tobacco Survey Photo and Video Contest
For students passionate about public health issues, the Global Youth Tobacco Survey Photo and Video Contest accepts submissions on the real costs and consequences of tobacco use. Open to those ages 13-19 globally, contestants submit either photos or short videos between 30 seconds to 2 minutes related to the theme. The top three winners receive cash awards and special recognition at the International Conference on Evidence and Impact for Tobacco Control. While focused on an important social issue, this competition allows young people a platform to raise awareness through visual storytelling. All entries are free to submit by June 1st each year.
National Veterans Creative Arts Competition
Supporting a different cause, the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition is open to any U.S. veteran who uses creative arts as a form of therapy. Among the accepted art categories are short stories, novels, poetry, and other written works. Regional winners advance to the national competition for cash prizes up to $500. For veterans looking to gain exposure for their writing, this competition celebrates both talent and advocacy for veterans’ wellbeing through the healing power of creative expression. Best of all, entry is completely free of charge.
American Poetry Journal High School Contest
Poetry lovers have a chance for publication and prizes through the annual American Poetry Journal High School Poetry Contest. Twelfth grade students or those under 19 can submit up to three original poems for review. Winners will be published in American Poetry Journal and receive $100-$500 in cash awards. Run in partnership with the Academy of American Poets, this contest gives emerging poets exposure in a nationally recognized literary magazine. Free to enter each year between September 15th and December 15th.
The Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition
Open to both published and unpublished writers of all ages, The Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition judges entries based purely on literary merit alone. Stories of up to 6,000 words on any topic or genre are accepted for the annual competition. Winners are awarded cash prizes ranging from $500-$2,500 and featured promotion. While entry is not completely free, submitting up to two stories costs only $30 which makes this one of the most affordable paid short story competitions. For serious writers honing their craft, this recognizes raw talent over early career accomplishments.
Schwartz Prize for Social Justice Writing
Promoting social change through storytelling, The Schwartz Prize for Social Justice Writing is devoted to thought-provoking narratives that advance justice, equality and human rights. Open to university students and published/unpublished writers globally, submissions of up to 5,000 words are accepted in fiction, nonfiction or poetry genres exploring important societal issues. Winners receive $1,000 alongside publication opportunities. Best of all, entry is completely free of charge allowing people from all backgrounds to participate. This competition spotlight important issues and emerging socially conscious writers.
International Essay Contest For Young People
On a truly global scale, the United Nations Association of China hosts the annual International Essay Contest For Young People open to those aged 16-25 from around the world. Essays of 1,000-1,500 words are invited on topics related to international cooperation, sustainable development and global governance. Top winners receive full scholarship packages to study in China alongside recognition at the UN Association conference. Promoting international dialogue and understanding among youth, this free competition cultivates the next generation of global citizens through thoughtful writing.
These represent some of the top essay, story and poetry opportunities available in 2018 without entry fees. Winning can open doors to publication, scholarships, convention experiences and promotional exposure which aid in developing careers. Most importantly, competitions push participants to sharpen skills and exploreinterests through meaningful written work. For students and emerging writers, contests offer invaluable learning experiences alongside worthwhile recognition.
Andrew Stroud