The annual SouthWest Writers (SWW) writing competition opens for submissions on May 1, 2026.
Hey AI, tell me a story in the style of…STOP! STOP! STOP! No one wants to hear an artificial story imitating the work of someone else, no matter how smart it might be. We want to hear you, your voice, your story, your passion, by your own hands.
The 2026 competition offers seven main contest categories divided into a total of eighteen subcategories for unpublished fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and short screenplay.
All entries that meet the rules for submission will be judged by a panel of experienced writers and/or experts. First-, second-, and third-place winners will receive monetary awards in each category that receives enough entries for judging.
The contest is open to new and experienced writers. Contestants don’t have to be members of SWW or live in the Southwest to enter. Winners have the opportunity to publish their entries in this year’s SWW contest anthology.
For details about the categories and a complete list of rules, please see the Contest Page.
SouthWest Writers is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to helping both published and unpublished writers improve their craft and further their careers. In 2026, SWW celebrates forty-two years dedicated to this goal.
The contest is open to new and experienced writers. Contestants don’t have to be members of SWW or live in the Southwest to enter. Winners have the opportunity to publish their entries in this year’s contest anthology.