The Not Quite Write Prize Anthology is available now!
The Anthology is available now!
FLESH Fiction is here!
FLESH fiction is here!
Four times a year, the Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction challenges writers to break the writing “rules”.
The competition is open to writers of all levels of experience worldwide.
Next Round: October 2025
Prompts drop: Midday Friday 24 October 2025 AEDT
Submission Deadline: Midnight Sunday 26 October 2025 AEDT
Next Round: October 2025
Prompts drop: Midday Friday 24 October 2025 AEDT
Submission Deadline: Midnight Sunday 26 October 2025 AEDT
Hosted in Australia for writers worldwide.
Yes, even the USA.
HOW IT WORKS
Participants have 60 hours to write up to 500 words in response to 2 prompts and 1 anti-prompt
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.
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 read aloud on the podcast and published on the website
Top 6
receive a publishing contract for the Not Quite Write Prize anthology
(Print and eBook)
Meet our Past Winners
Isabelle Berns
Louise Walton
Beginner-friendly. No experience necessary.
Entries are not censored so young entrants may be exposed to themes and language deemed inappropriate for their age.
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 or Daredevil Experience during any round (unless sold out). Simply return to this page to purchase the package during the round of your choice, and the relevant 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
AU$
€
