Did you know that the very first recorded essay contest can be traced back to the early 16th century, initiated by none other than the renowned philosopher and essayist Michel de Montaigne? In 1580, Montaigne published his collection of essays titled ‘Essais,’ which not only marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the essay as a literary form but also contained an implicit challenge to his readers. He encouraged them to engage with his ideas and respond by writing their own essays, essentially laying the groundwork for what we now recognize as essay contests.
Fast forward to the vibrant year of 2023, and this tradition of writing competitions has evolved into a global phenomenon, offering emerging writers from all walks of life a captivating platform to share their thoughts, emotions, and narratives with the world.
Essay Writing Contests: Short Description
In this article, the essay writer from Papertyper.net will embark on an exploration of the thrilling world of essay writing contests, unveiling a selection of the most promising opportunities for the year ahead. Each of these competitions not only provides a stage to demonstrate your writing prowess but also offers a unique avenue for personal growth, self-expression, and intellectual exploration, all while competing for impressive writing awards and well-deserved recognition. Whether you’re an emerging talent or a seasoned wordsmith, these contests are poised to be the catalyst for your creative aspirations in 2023.
Exploring Top Essay Writing Contests for Participation
If you find joy in expressing your thoughts and ideas through the written word, then you’re in for a treat. Essay writing competitions in 2023 offer you a chance to do just that and win some great prizes in the process. We’ve curated a list of contests specially designed for students like you. These contests cover various intriguing essay topics, giving you a unique opportunity to showcase your writing skills and potentially earn cash prizes or scholarships. So, let’s embark on this journey and explore these fantastic opportunities to share your voice and make your mark in the world of writing.
1. Pivotal Essay Contest
The Pivotal Essay Contest extends a heartfelt invitation to pre-university students worldwide. It transcends traditional contests by offering an opportunity to showcase critical and creative thinking skills while addressing global challenges. The top three entrants compete for a substantial prize pool of $25,000. However, that’s not all – the top 50 finalists gain access to the prestigious Pivotal Library, a treasure trove of knowledge. The most exceptional 5% earn an exclusive invitation to the intellectual haven of the Pivotal Circle, fostering connections with peers who share their dedication to making a difference. If you’re determined to learn how to overcome writer’s block for this contest, rest assured; we have a wealth of expert tips and strategies to guide you through the process!
Deadline: October 10, 2023
Prizes:
1st Place: $15,000
2nd Place: $7,000
3rd Place: $3,000
2. Native Voices Award
Don’t miss your chance to share your unique voice and stories with the world while preserving your copyrights with the Native Voices Award competition. This contest is open to individuals 18 years or older, particularly indigenous storytellers from Native American, First Nation Australian, and Polynesian communities. Submissions can include an original, unpublished work in English, such as a short story collection, flash fiction, nonfiction essays, scripts, poetry, or visual art collection. Authors and artists must be able to receive prizes through Paypal or an Amazon gift card and permit the winning submission to be published in the Kinsman Quarterly, promotional announcements, and social media outlets. Rest assured, copyrights for the individual submission remain with the author or artist, while copyrights for the anthology as a collection are reserved by Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Inc.
Deadline: October 31, 2023
Prizes:
First Place: $500 cash prize and publication in the Kinsman Quarterly and Native Voices
Second Place: $250 cash prize and publication in the Kinsman Quarterly and Native Voices
Third Place: $100 cash prize and publication in the Kinsman Quarterly and Native Voices
Six Finalists: $25 gift card and publication in the Kinsman Quarterly and Native Voices
Six Honorary Mentions: Publication in the Kinsman Quarterly and Native Voices
3. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
High school students across the United States are invited to participate in one of the best writing competitions in 2023 – the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest. Craft an original essay, between 700 and 1,000 words that delves into acts of political courage by U.S. elected officials from 1917 onward. Explore their principled decisions, despite political pressures, for the greater good. Utilize a minimum of five varied sources and adhere to contest requirements. This opportunity is open to high school students in the U.S. and those studying abroad, except past winners and finalists, as well as employees of John Hancock Financial Services and their families.
Contest Topic: Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917.
Deadline: Submissions open on September 1, 2023, with a deadline of January 12, 2024.
Prizes:
First Place: $10,000
Second Place: $3,000
Five Finalists: $1,000 each
Ten Semifinalists: $100 each
4. The AIIRA Writing Contest
The A.I. Institute for Resilient Agriculture is dedicated to advancing A.I. in agriculture. This contest seeks to spark discussions, promote A.I. education, inspire creativity, and provoke nuanced thought about A.I.’s role in shaping careers and industries.
Contest Topic: How will AI change the landscape of your career within the next decade?
Deadline: September 30, 2023.
Prizes:
First Place: $500 USD
Second Place: $400 USD (x2)
Third Place: $250 USD (x3)
5. OxBright Essay Competition
The OxBright Essay Competition 2023 beckons you to submit your essay exploring the role of long-term thinking in fostering optimism about the future, including the perspective of women in STEM and various subject categories. If you’re between the ages of 15-18, you stand a chance to win over £100,000 worth of academic prizes, including exclusive opportunities and recognition. Submit your entry by September 30, 2023, and get ready for a chance to shape the future.
Deadline: September 30, 2023
Prizes:
Most Outstanding Essay: Win a place on the Oxford Scholastica Academy’s residential Oxford summer school worth £6,495.
Best Essay (per subject category): Get an OxBright online course or internship worth £995.
Highly Commended: The top 20% of entries receive a certificate of achievement.
6. Bennington Young Writers Awards
The Bennington Young Writers Awards celebrate the literary talent of high school students, offering recognition and substantial prizes. Whether you excel in nonfiction, fiction, or poetry, this competition welcomes fiction writers to submit their original work. Not only can you win up to $1,000, but exceptional students may also secure scholarships valued at up to $60,000 for Bennington College.
Deadline: November 1, 2023
Prizes:
First-place winners in each category: $1,000
Second-place winners: $500
Third-place winners: $250
7. Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
The Atlas Shrugged essay writing contest, inspired by Ayn Rand’s epic masterpiece, is a global platform for students to explore and express their ideas. Atlas Shrugged is a heroic mystery novel written by Ayn Rand. Participants are invited to choose a prompt and craft an 800-1,600-word essay that delves into the novel’s themes and philosophy. This contest is open to students from around the world, offering them the opportunity to engage with Rand’s thought-provoking work and compete for significant cash prizes.
Deadline: November 6, 2023
Prizes:
First prize: $10,000
Three second prizes: $2,000 each
Five third prizes: $1,000 each
25 finalists: $100 each
50 semifinalists: $50 each
8. The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers
This is one of the top poetry contests, hosted annually by the esteemed Kenyon Review, and is a celebration of young literary talent. Established in 2007, this prize aims to honor exceptional young poets who exhibit promise and creativity. Winners of this prestigious prize not only receive scholarships to the Young Writers Workshop but also the opportunity to see their work in print through publication. If you’re in grades 10 or 11 and have a passion for poetry, this competition is the perfect platform to showcase your skills and gain recognition.
Deadline: November 1-30, 2023
Prizes:
Scholarships to Young Writers Workshop
Publication
9. The Heartland Review
ElizabethTown Review Press invites writers to submit their best creative nonfiction pieces during their Fall 2023 open call. With a generous word limit and an open canvas for topics, your work can stand alone or be a glimpse of your larger literary journey. Submissions must not exceed 5,000 words and can be flash pieces or chapters from your unpublished book (in the U.S.). Upon publication, rights revert back to you. Be part of the first 50 submissions in August and September for your chance to be featured in our upcoming journal.
Deadline: November 15, 2023
Prizes:
Publication
Book Prize – Unleash Press
10. Unleash Press Editors’ Prize
Calling all authors, Unleash Press invites submissions of novels, short story collections, and creative nonfiction manuscripts across a diverse array of genres, including Essays, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoirs, Novels, Short Stories, and Nonfiction. If you’re looking for resources like free Harvard online courses to hone your writing skills, consider entering this competition. The coveted Editors’ Prize offers not only a $1,000 cash reward but also the prestigious opportunity to secure a publication contract with Unleash Press, catapulting your work into the literary spotlight. Plus, the winner receives ten printed copies of their final book to proudly share with friends and family. With additional prospects for outstanding manuscripts, this competition opens doors for both emerging and seasoned writers.
Deadline: December 15, 2023
Prizes:
$1,000 cash prize
Publication contract with Unleash Press
Ten printed copies of the final book
To Sum Up
In 2023, the world of writing competitions offers a diverse tapestry of opportunities for writers across the globe. From exploring the depths of nature to delving into the mysteries of microfiction, these competitions beckon with enticing prizes and platforms for your creative voice. So, pick your favorite, sharpen your pen, and embark on a journey of literary excellence! These contests are not just a chance to win prizes but a gateway to expressing your unique voice and making a lasting impact in the world of writing. Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunities waiting for you on this literary adventure.