The New Brunswick Writing Competition 

Runs January 1 to March 31 annually 

The program celebrates eight categories of unpublished writing in the genres of novel, short story, single poem, poetry manuscript, books for young people, and stories by teens, as well as unpublished short film script, and narrative non-fiction. The only requirement: You must be a New Brunswick resident to participate in our provincial competition. If you live outside of the province, you must be a member of the WFNB.

The New Brunswick Writing Competition began in 1985, the same year as the WFNB's date of incorporation. It’s been held annually ever since, awarding thousands of dollars in prizes over the decades. Many past winners have since achieved national and international publishing fame. 

How to Submit

  • Review the submission category guidelines 
  • Prepare your submission - word counts are strict! Please include your word count on the first page (not applicable to Screenplay)
  • Wait for the competition to open on January 1
  • Go to the WFNB Writing Competition page (this one!)
  • Select your category (at right)
  • Click the "Pay Now" button
  • Click the "Add to Cart" button
  • Complete the checkout process
  • Email your submission and your cover letter (two separate documents please) to info@wfnb.ca
How to format and submit entries

Guidelines

Entries will not be considered until both the manuscript and payment have been received.
  • The entry fee will not be refunded if your submission is ineligible. 
  • All submissions are final
  • Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept AI-generated material

WHEN: The 2025 season will run from January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025

WHO: 

  • Open to New Brunswick residents, and all WFNB members, including those living outside the province of NB. 
  • WFNB members pay a reduced entry fee. 
  • WFNB directors and executive are not eligible.

WHAT:

  • All entries must be original, unpublished works. 
  • Entries must not have been accepted for publication, or previously published in magazines, online magazines, blogs, other online publications, or in self-published works. 
  • For detailed guidelines, see the specific category under "Submission Categories" above

HOW:

  1. Review the submission category guidelines before submitting 
  2. Prepare your submission - word counts are strict! For the judge's comfort, please list your word count on the first page of your manuscript. (Not applicable to screenplay)
  3. Wait for the competition to open on January 1
  4. Go to the WFNB Writing Competition page (this one!)
  5. Select your category
  6. Click the "Add to Cart" button
  7. Complete the checkout process
  8. Send your submission and cover letter to info@wfnb.ca

WINNERS:

  • Only winners and honourable mentions will be notified by telephone or email by mid-May. The news release announcing the winners will be posted here on the NB Writing Competition page shortly after informing winners.  
  • All winners will be invited to read from their submission at the Literary Soirée during WordSpring, where the prizes will be awarded. 
  • Judges will provide brief comments for the first-, second-, and third-place winner.

NOTES:

  • Submit as many texts as you wish in one or all categories. 
  • Each text may be submitted to only one category. 
  • You must complete a separate entry and pay the entry fee for each manuscript entered.
  • Judging is blind. Prizes will be awarded (or not) at the discretion of the judges.
Questions? Email info@wfnb.ca.

A few photos from the 2025 NB Writing Competition Literary Soiree, May 30, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fredericton







What else is New at the WFNB?

Territorial Acknowledgement

The Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick acknowledges that the land on which we live, work and gather is the traditional unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) and Mi’kmaq Peoples, and we honour the spirit of our ancestors’ Treaties of Peace and Friendship. 

"Writers' Federation of New Brunswick" is a registered non-profit organization. New Brunswick, Canada. 


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