In addition to the wide range of craft workshops, the informational panels, the Master class offerings, agents, editors, manuscript feedback, and networking with the wider writing community, the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference hosts several contests.

The first is our “Spring Flash!” contest which will begin on April 1st and will run until April 15th.  For most of the categories, submissions are limited to 500 words. The categories are: Poetry (40-line limit), Flash Fiction, & Flash Creative Nonfiction, and this year we’re trying something new: Script/Flash Dialogue – a brief one-act play or a snatch of dialogue. ~ Winner gets 50% off the next conference.  (The discount will exclude optional items like the dinners, master classes, and critique requests.)

The next contest is our “Carry the Words” Tote-bag contest, open from April 15th through May 1st. Do you have an original saying or phrase for the 2019 Philadelphia Writers’ Conference (PWC) tote-bags? It can be about any genre, whether it’s poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, journalism, or even standing up to rejection – you get the picture. Be sure it’s short enough to fit on a tote-bag, and that it’s entirely original (no quotes!). ~ Winner gets 50% off the next conference.  The discount excludes optional items like the dinners, master classes, and critique requests. You must agree to have it printed on tote-bags and sold by the PWC for fundraising.

Visit our submittable page during the contest dates to find out how to enter the contests and submit your entry.

For Conferees who are attending the 2019 PWC, send us your best work (up to 2500 words)! You’re eligible for the Fiction, Nonfiction, & Poetry Contests. ~ Prizes: 1st place = full scholarship for the next PWC; 2nd place = half scholarship; 3rd = Amazon gift card; Honorable Mention = Certificate.

To enter the Annual Manuscript contest, log into the “Other Important Stuff” page at the 2019 registration website for instructions. (NOTE:  This link won’t work until you register for the 2019 conference.  You’ll need your email address and confirmation number to log in.)

And there’s still one more chance at the PWC itself!

We offer the Words-on-the-Wall Contests in Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, & our annual “Mystery Prompt.” Just follow the posted guidelines and get inspired by all the writing energy around you! ~ Prizes: 1st, 2nd & 3rd all receive gift cards. 

Most contest winners (except for the Words-on the-Wall) will have their names printed in the PWC 2019 Souvenir Book.