The 34th Annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest is organized by Winning Writers. For this contest, a story is any short work of fiction, and an essay is any short work of nonfiction. Both published and unpublished work is accepted, written in any theme. No restriction on age of author.

• Deadline: May 1
• Categories: All categories of story or essay accepted
• Prizes: Story: First Prize, $3,500; Essay: First Prize, $3,500; 10 Honorable Mentions will receive $500 each
• For More Info: The Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest

Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest

Welcome to the 34th annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest. Submit published or unpublished work. $12,000 in prizes.

Please submit during
October 15, 2025-May 1, 2026

Prizes:

• STORY: First Prize, $3,500
• ESSAY: First Prize, $3,500
• The top two winners will also receive two-year gift certificates from our co-sponsor, Duotrope (a $100 value)
• 10 Honorable Mentions will receive $500 each (any category)
• Top 12 entries published online
• Enter via Submittable

For this contest, a story is any short work of fiction, and an essay is any short work of nonfiction. Final judge: Tamra Badgett, assisted by Sarah Halper. Please submit as many entries as you like. All themes accepted. Entries may be published or unpublished. Length limit: 6,000 words maximum. No restriction on age of author. All countries eligible except Iran, North Korea, Crimea, Russia, or Belarus (due to US government restrictions). Fee: $25 per entry. Read the winning entries from the 33rd contest.

Use of AI: You may solicit feedback on your work from an AI. However, if your work quotes text generated by an AI, you must disclose this in your submission.

First time entering? They prepared this brief video to guide you. See also their short entry checklist, then click the button below to submit. We’ll announce the results of the 34th contest on October 15, 2026.