Gulf Coast Writers Association writing contest opens
Writers have until the end of June to enter the Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA) Annual Writing Contest.
Submissions are being accepted in three categories: Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry. The first-
place winner in each category will receive $200; the second place, $75; and the third, $50.
“Each year, we are amazed by the breadth of talent and the powerful, original work submitted by writers of all backgrounds,” said Mary Charles, GCWA president. “Our contest is more than a competition; it’s a platform for
expression, a celebration of literary craft, and an opportunity for both emerging and established writers to shine.”
The entry fee for non-GCWA members is $20 for up to 1,500 words of prose or 40 lines of poetry. Subsequent submissions are $10. Writers may submit as often as they wish but can only receive one prize. Members receive
discounted entry fees. The deadline for entries is Monday, June 30 at 11:59 PM.
Visit the Gulf Coast Writers Association for more contest details and to read previous winning
entries.
All submissions are judged by members of GCWA and/or qualified members of the local
literary community.
Winners will be announced at the GCWA monthly meeting on Saturday, September 20
and winning pieces will be published on GCWA’s website.
This contest has received recognition from Reedsy, a marketplace of freelance publishing
professionals, as among the best of writing contests. It attracts authors not only from
Southwest Florida but from other U.S. regions and from abroad, as well. Last year’s winning
entries, for example, included writing from Massachusetts and Canada.
Entry Forms
Entry forms, guidelines, judging criteria and additional information are posted on the GCWA
website. Additional information for entrants is also available by emailing specialprojects@
gulfwriters.org.
Only entries submitted online will be considered.
About GCWA
Now in its 30th year, the Gulf Coast Writers Association, Inc. (GCWA) provides a forum for
fellowship, education, and information for writers, editors, and associates. GCWA’s book, Storm
Stories-Hurricane Ian-is available on Amazon and at local outlets.
Based in Fort Myers, GCWA attracts members from throughout Southwest Florida. The
Association offers well-known speakers and workshops at monthly meetings, sharing expert
advice on writing techniques, publishing, and marketing. The literary genres run the gamut from
poetry, adult fiction, and nonfiction to children’s and young adult, historical fiction, romance,
mystery/thriller, memoir, essay, and screenplay. Members include new and established writers,
corporate professionals, teachers, and business owners, working or retired.
GCWA’s annual writing contest is currently open and accepting submissions through June 30,
2025. Writers worldwide are encouraged to submit their best poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. You
can find more details in the Contest section of the GCWA website.
To join GCWA, sign up here. GCWA’s website is www.GulfWriters.Org. Follow @GCWA on
Twitter/X, Linkedin, Meetup, and on Facebook