The Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest ($2650 cash prizes) )
Submit to the 2025 Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest
The Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest is back for its 2025 edition, offering speculative fiction writers at the beginning of their careers a chance to win cash prizes and gain industry exposure—with no submission fees.
This annual contest aims to discover and uplift fresh voices in science fiction, fantasy, and other speculative genres. Winners not only receive substantial cash prizes but also get recognized during Flights of Foundry, a global speculative arts convention. Whether you’re an aspiring writer experimenting with worldbuilding or crafting surreal tales, this is your chance to break into the field.
Eligibility for the Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest
To maintain its focus on new voices, the Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest has the following eligibility criteria:
- You have published fewer than 4,000 words of paid speculative fiction in English.
- You’ve earned less than $320 USD from those publications.
- You’ve never been nominated for a major speculative fiction award.
- You are not a previous winner of this contest.
- You have not used AI or machine learning tools to generate or write your story, except for basic grammar or spellcheck.
Entrants are expected to self-assess their eligibility honestly, though the Dream Foundry reserves the right to disqualify entries that do not align with the contest’s goals.
Submission Requirements for the Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest
- Submit one complete, polished story (up to 10,000 words) of original speculative fiction.
- The manuscript must be in standard manuscript format, with no author name included in the file.
- Submissions must be previously unpublished at the time of submission.
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but no multiple entries—one story per writer.
- All entries must be original prose in English. No poetry, screenplays, nonfiction, or fanfiction.
- Content must be speculative in nature—science fiction, fantasy, weird fiction, etc.
Do Not Send:
- Mainstream, romance, or historical fiction with no speculative elements
- Erotica or gratuitous violence
- Novels, excerpts, or children’s literature
Benefits of Entering the Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest
Winners of the Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest will receive:
- First Place: $1,500
- Second Place: $750
- Third Place: $400
In addition, all winners will be featured at the Flights of Foundry convention, offering unparalleled exposure to agents, editors, and seasoned professionals across speculative arts.
Deadline for the 2025 Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest
- Submissions open: April 7, 2025
- Submissions close: June 2, 2025 (All time zones included)
The submission portal is on their website.
Submission Guidelines
- Story Length: Up to 10,000 words
- File Format: Standard manuscript format, author name removed
- Eligibility: New/emerging speculative writers
- Deadline: June 2, 2025
- Email for questions: writing.contest@dreamfoundry.org
- No entry fee.
Meet the Judges
- C.S.E. Cooney – World Fantasy Award-winner, author, narrator, and game designer.
- Carlos Hernandez – NYT bestselling author of Sal and Gabi, and Marvel Comics writer.
Contest Coordinator:
- Julia Rios (they/them), Hugo-winning editor and narrator, bringing thoughtful vision and community spirit to the contest.
Sharpen Your Craft Before You Submit
Want to polish your story before submitting to the Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest? Here are two guides to help:
- How to Get Your Characters to Pause Effectively – Learn pacing techniques that bring emotional realism to speculative worlds.
- Theme in Fiction: Concept and Thematic Statement – Clarify your story’s message.
Submit to the Dream Foundry Emerging Writers Contest by June 2, 2025.
