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Creative Future Writers’ Award 2025: Open for Submissions (£20,000)

The 2025 Creative Future Writers’ Award Competition is now accepting entries. As the only free national competition for underrepresented writers in the UK, the award supports those who face barriers due to mental health challenges, disability, neurodiversity, identity, or social circumstances.

This year’s theme is “Wild”, serving as a creative prompt rather than a requirement. The competition welcomes poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction, with a focus on quality writing above all else.

The 2025 Creative Future Writers’ Award Competition, 2025. Instagram post, flyer.

Eligibility

  • The competition is open to writers who:

  • Are underrepresented in the literary world due to mental health challenges, disability, identity, or social circumstances (as defined here).

  • Are UK residents (entries from outside the UK are not eligible).

  • Are over 18 years old.

  • Have not previously published a book or stand-alone publication through a press or publisher, or have a book contract for publication in 2025.

  • They allow self-published books, magazine publications, and anthology contributions. 

  • Poetry pamphlets count as published works.

  • Writers may enter in a different genre than they have been previously published in.

 

Submission Guidelines

  • Writers may submit one piece in one category only.

  • Poetry: Maximum 50 lines.

  • Fiction & Creative Non-fiction: Maximum 2,000 words.

  • There is no minimum word or line count.

  • Entries must be original and unpublished (except on personal websites or social media).

  • Submissions must be anonymous (no names on entries).

  • AI-generated work is only allowed if used in a transformative or artistic way, with clear indication.

  • Handwritten entries are accepted but must be legible.

Prizes & Benefits

  • This year, 15 winners (5 per category) will receive:

  • A share of £20,000 in cash and development prizes.

  • Publication in the Creative Future anthology and eBook.

  • A chance to perform at the London Literature Festival 2025.

  • Ongoing support from Creative Future.

  • The judging panel includes journalist Kieran Yates, author Irenosen Okojie, poet Nancy Campbell, and industry experts.

  • Key Dates & Deadline

Deadline for online submissions: Sunday, 18 May 2025, 11:59 PM.
Deadline for postal entries: Received by Monday, 20 May 2025.
Winners notified by: 30 September 2025.
Before entering, writers should carefully review the competition rules and eligibility criteria. Make submissions online, via email, or by post. They require an entry form  for email and postal submissions.
For inspiration, find previous winning entries in past Creative Future anthologies. Additionally, writing resources and guidance are available for those looking to refine their work before submission.
To Apply online visit here
For more details and to submit an entry, visit the Creative Future website.