The Not Quite Write Prize Anthology is available now!
The Anthology is available now!
FLESH Fiction is here!
FLESH fiction is here!
Hosted in Australia for writers worldwide.
Yes, even the USA.
It’s a
write-off!
The January 2026 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction has begun!
60 hours
500 words
2 teams
1 winner
Choose your team from the options below:
TEAM ED
(OUTLAW)
TEAM PROMPTS:
(Click each prompt for more information)
TEAM AMANDA
(LAW)
TEAM PROMPTS:
(Click each prompt for more information)
HOW IT WORKS
1. Sign up and pay the entry fee here
2. Choose either Team Ed or Team Amanda above
3. Write and submit a 500-word story in response to ALL 3 of your team’s prompts by 11:59PM 25 January 2026 (AEDT)
NOTE: The ‘Wild West’ theme and associated artworks are NOT prompts and do NOT need to feature in your story. You can write a story in ANY genre or style provided you address your team’s word, action and kicker prompts. We welcome creative interpretations (within the rules).
Your goal should be to tell the best story possible!
WHAT CAN I WIN?
AU$4,000
CASH PRIZES
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
4th Place
5th Place
6th Place
Wildcards (2)
AU$1,500
AU$1,000
AU$500
AU$350
AU$250
AU$200
AU$100
Winner
receives AU$1,500 cash and the coveted Not Quite Write Trophy
Top 6
stories are read aloud on the podcast and published on the website
Top 6
stories are published in the Not Quite Write Prize anthology
(Print and eBook)
Ticket holders gain access to the exclusive entrant Lounge featuring members-only content and the lively Community forums.
More information about how and where to submit entries, and key dates for each round of the competition can be found in the F.A.Q.
BONUS PRIZE DRAW
In addition to the prizes above, all members of the winning team who did not receive a cash prize will be entered into a draw to win a limited edition Not Quite Write hoodie, and a 30-minute online coaching session!
Terms & Conditions
Meet our Past Winners
October 2025 Winner
W.J. Arthur
July 2025 Winner
Elda Orozco
April 2025 Winner
Louise Walton
January 2025 Winner
Isabelle Berns
Beginner-friendly. No experience necessary.
Entries are not censored so young entrants may be exposed to themes and language deemed inappropriate for their age.
BEST VALUE
ANNUAL PASS
*
Save 28%
*Available until 25 January 2026
Buy now to secure discounted pricing to all four rounds of the Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction in 2026
Jan 23-25 | Apr 24-26
Jul 24-26 | Oct 23-25
Critique and Daredevil add-ons are available at point of purchase.
Annual pass is not transferrable or refundable.
MOST POPULAR
ENTRY TICKET
Write 500 words in 60 hours to WIN!
NEW
COACHING PACKAGE
All the benefits of an entry ticket, plus:
Book a 30-minute online chat with one of the competition judges and gain valuable insights to help grow as a writer.
Coaching sessions will run after the winner has been announced.
Valid for the current (upcoming) round only
DAREDEVIL EXPERIENCE
All the benefits of an entry ticket, plus:
Ed and Amanda will read your entry on the podcast and deliver detailed on-air critique, highlighting the good, the bad and the ugly for listeners around the world.
Can you hack it?
Valid for the current (upcoming) round only
Not sure which ticket is right for you?
Read on for more information
ENTRY TICKET
Do you like to keep things simple? If so, the humble Entry Ticket is for you. An Entry Ticket is all you need to enter the current round of the Not Quite Write Prize and compete for the cash prizes, trophy, and print publication.
Your Entry Ticket grants you access to The Lounge, where you’ll find all the resources you need to write and submit your story, including submission guides and exclusive articles.
You’ll also receive access to the Not Quite Write Community, a safe space to share your work, give and receive feedback, and chat with other authors.
You can purchase your Entry Ticket for the current round at any time before the submission deadline.
ANNUAL PASS
What’s even better than a ticket to the best flash fiction competition around? How about FOUR tickets?
The Annual Pass grants the bearer entry into all four rounds of the competition in a single calendar year.
Enjoy almost 30% savings on four full-price tickets, but be quick! This ticket option is only available for purchase until submissions close for the January round.
Upgrade Option: If you hold an annual pass, you can upgrade to a Critique Package, Coaching Package, or Daredevil Experience during any round. Availability is limited, so return to this page when you’re ready to upgrade, and the relevant ticket price discount will be applied at checkout.
COACHING PACKAGE
Ready to take your flash fiction game to the next level? Whether you’re new to flash or a seasoned pro, there’s always room for growth.
The Coaching Package offers all the benefits of an Entry Ticket, plus a 30-minute one-on-one coaching session with a Not Quite Write Prize judge. Sessions are held online via Zoom, and you can access our booking calendar to select a timeslot that suits you.
Your coach will read your story in advance of the session, so be ready to dive into the detail on its strengths and any opportunities for improvement. But this is your time. Bring your goals, questions and concerns, and we’ll steer the conversation to meet you where you’re at.
You’ll leave with practical, actionable feedback you can apply not only to your current piece, but to your future writing practice as a whole.
These packages are limited and will sell out, so get in early to avoid disappointment.
Upgrade your ticket: The Coaching Package comes with an Entry Ticket included in the price, however if you already have your ticket for the current round, or hold an Annual Pass, you can upgrade to this package by logging in and selecting BUY NOW (until sold out). The relevant discount will be applied at checkout.
Important Note: To preserve the blind judging process, coaching sessions will run after the competition winner has been announced. We’ve provided a range of timeslots to suit writers around the world. Availability may be limited in your region, so book early to avoid missing out.
CRITIQUE PACKAGE
Do you find yourself writing into the void? Not Quite Write will answer! The Critique Package offers all the benefits of an Entry Ticket, plus personalised written feedback on your entry for the current round.
Your report will include up to two pages of critique from Ed and Amanda. We’ll re-read your entry and analyse it against a range of criteria including character development, narrative style, creative flair, and execution. We’re not here to sugar-coat things: our goal will be to provide constructive and encouraging critique to further your mastery of the craft. Click here to read a sample feedback report.
These packages are limited and will sell out, so get in early to avoid disappointment.
Upgrade your ticket: The Critique Package comes with an Entry Ticket included in the price, however if you already have your ticket for the current round, or hold an Annual Pass, you can upgrade to this package by logging in and selecting BUY NOW (until sold out). The relevant discount will be applied at checkout.
Important Note: Feedback reports take time to produce and will be delivered before the start of the following round.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CRITIQUE PACKAGE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR THE OCT 2025 ROUND
DAREDEVIL EXPERIENCE
This one is not for the faint of heart! The Daredevil Experience offers all the benefits of an Entry Ticket, plus the judges, Ed and Amanda, will read and critique your entry ON-AIR. Go on, be the living cautionary tale, we DARE you!
Daredevil episodes are released weekly following the shortlist announcement. You can listen to our previous Daredevils in our podcast archive.
We can only accommodate a very limited number of daredevils each round, so get in early to secure your place.
Click here to find out more about the Daredevil Experience.
Upgrade your ticket: The Daredevil Experience comes with an Entry Ticket included in the price, however if you already have your ticket for the current round, or hold an Annual Pass, you can upgrade to this package by logging in and selecting BUY NOW (until sold out). The relevant discount will be applied at checkout.
GIFT CARDS
What do you get the writer who has everything? Another excuse to write!
Gift Cards are available for Entry Tickets and upgrade packages. On purchase, you will have the option of emailing the card to purchaser or to the recipient, either instantly or at a later date. The recipient can then sign up for any Not Quite Write Prize round of their choice.
Gift Cards are valid for two years from the date of purchase.
Not ready to commit? Join our mailing list to stay in the loop.
NQW PRIZE GIFT CARD
Q. What do you get the writer who has everything?
A. Another excuse to write!
If there’s a writer in your life whose talents you’d love to encourage, a Not Quite Write Gift Card will do just that.
Cards can be used towards entry to one round of the Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction with options for personalised or on-air feedback.
Q. Will they name their next story’s protagonist after you?
A. It doesn’t matter. With this kind of gift game, you’re already a hero.
Gift cards are S.W.A.L.K. and valid for 2 years from the date of purchase.
NOTE: GIFT CARD PRICES ARE SHOWN IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS
