Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest

Winning Writers finds and creates quality resources for poets and writers. It was founded by Jendi Reiter and Adam Cohen in 2001. We are located in Western Massachusetts.

We sponsor four annual contests: the Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest (no fee), the North Street Book Prize for self-published books, the Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest, and the Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest. You may read the winning entries from these contests, and our past War Poetry Contest and Sports Fiction & Essay Contest, here.

Winning Writers seeks to be a welcoming place for diverse authors and stories, with a culture of listening to people of all genders, backgrounds, and abilities. We look for high-quality original writing that portrays under-represented perspectives with sensitivity, accuracy, and passion. We are always open to hearing from our readers about how we can better embody this mission.

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We are one of the “101 Best Websites for Writers” (Writer’s Digest, 2015-2019) and one of the “100 Best Websites for Writers” (The Write Life, 2016). Read a comprehensive review of our resources for writers at ServiceScape

Our Contests

These are the current annual contests sponsored by Winning Writers. Read the past winning entries.

Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest

• All styles and themes
• Submission period: April 15-September 30
• Total prizes: $8,000
• Accepts published and unpublished work
• Special award for verse that rhymes or has a traditional style

Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest

• All styles and themes, fiction and nonfiction
• Submission period: October 15-April 30
• Total prizes: $8,000
• Accepts published and unpublished work

North Street Book Prize

• For self-published books
• Categories: Mainstream/Literary Fiction, Genre Fiction, Creative Nonfiction & Memoir, Poetry, Children’s Picture Book, Graphic Novel & Memoir, Art Book
• Submission period: February 15-June 30
• Total prizes: $16,750
• Top winners receive expert marketing services

Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest (no fee)

• Seeks humor poems
• Submission period: August 15-April 1
• Total prizes: $3,500
• No fee!
• Accepts published and unpublished work