Getting your work out is one of the preoccupations of a writer. We are constantly in search of a ‘home’ for the poems, stories, and non-fictional pieces we invested hours into creating. This is because the world will not trace us to our quiet writing corner to read all the didactic or aesthetic goodies we create. Literary platforms become our showcase or something like a ‘bar’ where literary enthusiasts would stop by to drink from the creative wine we brewed in solitude. Here is a list of seven free to enter contests for February 2021.

1. Eboquills call for submissions

We have received and reviewed submissions from Switzerland, Zambia, Ghana, Liberia, the Philipines, India, and from all over Nigeria. All of us at Eboquills are committed to promoting contemporary African literature. Our resolve to make Eboquills a cocktail of voices. Something like a fruit salad, with many tiny bits of different juicy fruits, is why we want to feature your poems, short stories (fiction/non-fiction), book reviews, and spoken word videos.”

Deadline: Anytime.

Details, here

2. The Scarlet Thread prose writing contest

“Please submit your short story based on the theme “The Scarlet Thread” before the deadline of 9 February. Scarlet represents the Blood of Jesus. There is no age limit for this competition but your entry must be less than 2,000 words and biblical/ Christian based. Prizes: $250 (Winner – N45,000. 1st runner up – N35,000. Second runner up-UP – N25,000)”

Deadline: 9th Feb.

Details, here

3. Avron Writers’ & Artists’ Short Story Competition 2021

This competition is open to people to everyone. Only that entrants will need to register for free before submitting their entry. For the first year since the competition’s inception, there is no theme, so writers can choose the theme of their story. Entries must be no more than 2,000 words and the first prize is a publication and a week on the Arvon residential writers course, which is valued at £1,000.

Deadline: 12th Feb.

Details, here

4. Punchi Award

Puchi Award seeks for the most innovative,
groundbreaking, vibrant book proposals in any genre, focusing entirely on their boldness and their links with present-day art languages.

Deadline: 18th Feb.

Details, here

5. Inkshares 2020 All-Genre Manuscript Contest

“The purpose of the contest is to discover debut storytellers with incredible stories. The contest will run the gamut of story-type regardless of length, fact, or fiction.” Got a manuscript of any genre? this is for you!

Deadline: 27th Feb.

Details, here

6. Nigerian Students Poetry Prize (NSPP) 2021

“It is open to all Nigerian undergraduates studying in Nigeria and the diaspora. Entrants must be from a recognized tertiary institution. Poems must focus on any of these themes:

  • Individual and Collective Humanity in a Corona-Ravaged World
  • Identity: Faces and Phases
  • Politics of Retrogression”

Deadline: 28th Feb.

Details, here

7. Bridge House Annual Anthology

“The theme this time for 2021 is Resolutions. Interpret the theme however you like. New writers, established writers, and writers we’ve included in other anthologies are all equally welcome. We offer royalties of 50% of the net sales on both print and e-books…”

Deadline: 28th Feb.

More details, here