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There is a plethora of Writing Competitions available in the UK and this article will provide you with a guide to several of the more prestigious ones. The following are regarded as the prominent competitions with large cash prizes - so if you want kudos within the writing fraternity and the chance to win prize money, read on:

THE ANNUAL BRIDPORT PRIZE FOR SHORT STORIES AND POETRY

The Bridport Prize is an annual creative writing competition with a top prize of 5,000; 2nd Prize of 1,000 and 3rd Prize of 500. This competition has launched the careers of many established writers in print today. There is no age limit for the competition (adults only) and you can write on any subject of your choice. Short stories should not exceed 5000 words.

Kate Atkinson's short story went on to become the first chapter of her novel 'Behind the Scene at the Museum'. So not only are you entering a competition here, but you could also be on the verge of launching your career. The winning stories are read by leading London literary agents who scout for new talent using this prestigious competition. For more information: www.bridportprize.org.uk

THE CRIME WRITERS ASSOCIATION SHORT STORY DAGGER

In contrast to the Bridport's prize open format, the Crime Writers Association Short Story Dagger Award provides the winner with 1,500 in prize money and the chance to be judged by agents, authors and editors. This competition is obviously genre based and has smaller prizes money than the Bridport Competition, but it still attracts the literary world's attention and gets winning authors noticed.

BISCUIT INTERNATIONAL SHORT FICTION PRIZE

For writing a winning short story (collection or novella) you will get a publishing contract and a 1,000 advance on royalties. For more information: www.biscuitpublishing.com

THE BOOKTRUST TEENAGE PRIZE

This annual competition is young writers in the 13 - 16 age group who have UK residency. The prize is 2,500. For more information: www.bookheads.org.uk

NATIONAL SHORT STORY PRIZE

A prize of 15,000 is available here for the winning story. For more information: www.theshortstory.org.uk/prize s

THE NESTLE CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE

There are three prizes available here (Gold, Silver and Bronze) for books shortlisted in the categories: 5 and under, 6-8 and 9-11 years. The prize money is: 2,500, 1,500 and 500 respectively. The competition is open to UK residents. For more information: www.booktrust.org.uk.

As well as these key competitions, there are, of course, masses of magazine and Internet based competitions which attract prize money and attention. Magazines such as the UK's Writing Magazine and its associated Writers' News Magazine provides writers with details of competition dates, entry fees etc. For more information: www.writersnews.co.uk.

Another good source for details on a vast array of British prizes, competitions and awards for writers (including grants, bursaries and fellowships) is the WRITERS & ARTISTS YEARBOOK. for more information: www.writersandartists.co.uk.

Learn more about this author, Laura Lytton.
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