The 2024 Serious Writer Contests
Enter one. Enter them all!
There is no limit to how many of the contests you can enter.
A Contest for Everyone
The Serious Writer Contests is an annual competition in which writers, both published and unpublished, have a chance for their work to be recognized.
Whether you published your book eleven years ago or just finished your first draft, we have a contest for every writer:
WRITER of the YEAR for unpublished works
BOOK of the YEAR for books published the year prior
BOOK of the DECADE for books published in the ten year span prior to the Book of the Year dates.
Deadlines:
Early Bird pricing ends September 30, 2024.
Entries must be paid and either postmarked or submitted by October 31, 2024. by 12 PM PT.
The Contests are OPEN!
Click on the graphic below to learn more about each contest. A new window will open with the contest details and eligibility requirements for each contest.
Writer
of the Year
The Writer of the Year Contest is open to unpublished works by writers who have not been previously published within that genre.
Book
of the Year
The Book of the Year Contest is open to
books with a copyright date between
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023.
Book
of the Decade
The Book of the Decade Contest is open to
books with a copyright date between
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't see your question here? Email us at [email protected].
What is the span of years for the Book of the Decade contest?
Help! I mailed my books on the deadline date. Will it still count?
Do I submit a Word document or a PDF for the Writer of the Year?
If my entry for Writer of the Year was published on my blog or another website, does it still count?
Can I send in an e-book version for Book of the Year or Book of the Decade?
I mailed my book during the Early Bird deadline but forgot to pay and now the Early Bird deadline has passed. Can I still get Early Bird pricing?
What happens to my books after they are judged?
Will my book be returned after the contest?
Do the judges provide feedback?
Can my publisher enter my books into the contests?
How will the Winners be notified?
Some links might be affiliate links which means if you click through and purchase, Serious Writer may receive a small commission from the company, at no cost to you.
