Mistakes Writers Make

Helping writers write better non-fiction, essays, articles, books. Writing competitions. Calls for pitches. Let writers write. By @FreeFromWriter.

[SEEN in Publishing @SEENPublishing]

The new report from SEEN in Publishing @biologyinmed @Transgendertrd https://t.co/OoOALaXUhh
Key takeaways 🧵

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

You've a month to get entries in to The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize. On the theme of "Joy". 1,250 words max. £10 entry. £3,000 top prize plus two £1,000 runners-up. Includes 'non fiction and non-academic essays'.
https://t.co/pCKkukWjqz

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

Stay or leave, but either way, SoA members ought to know this about them. By @KateClanchy1. https://t.co/IRNA4Qyq5E

[Kate Clanchy @KateClanchy1]

@blablafishcakes @Telegraph @RooneyRachel The SoA joined in the bullying and lied to her when she asked for legal advice.
https://t.co/9CqCPNlEtk

[Jane, Empress of the Known Universe (not GP)🏳️‍🌈 @blablafishcakes]

Great in-depth interview in the @Telegraph with the very talented @RooneyRachel about how a few vile bullies in the publishing industry ended her career. This should have been stopped but those who could have helped turned a blind eye.

Archive version here: https://t.co/ymDgxehKj5

[Christopher Fielden @ChrisFielden]

The @MTP_Agency short story competition is open until 1st June 2026. They accept short stories and non-fiction (biography, memoir, true story). 3,000 words max. £9 to enter. £1,000 top prize. Winners published in an anthology in print and eBook formats. https://t.co/yEykSRk4xu

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

One month to enter the Terry Tempest Williams Creative Nonfiction Prize. 500–10,000 words. $1,000 top prize. Entry fee is steep: $23. "We welcome all work painted with creative nonfiction’s broad brush."
https://t.co/ZO5APmlD7b

[The Observer New Review @ObsNewReview]

The £3,000 Observer/Anthony Burgess prize for arts journalism: last call for entries.

Ahead of the closing date on 28 February, @TimAdamsWrites, New Review editor, recalls a writer’s doomed vocation. Here’s how to enter the annual prize.
https://t.co/5rxzZeUjI9

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

@JudyDarley @Libraro_ @HachetteUK I'm shocked at that. They want a share of the spoils, but I note that they expect the authors to shoulder the full burden of any inadvertent rights infringements.

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

Edinburgh Essay Prize 2026 is open until 10th March 2026. 2,000 words; all subjects. £10 entry. Prizes: £1,000 / £500 / £250.
https://t.co/BBKn7zFZGQ

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

I left the SoA, because I no longer wanted to be a part of an organisation that treated authors like this. They may have scuttled off X, but the behaviour of its senior members should not be forgotten. By @KateClanchy1
https://t.co/NKT6hP3VvZ

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

The @AustBookReview Calibre Essay Prize has a prize pot of A$10,000. 2,000–5,000 words on any subject, and open to all essayists. Deadline: 3rd February.
https://t.co/BZkxyGzqRs

[Simon Whaley: Author | Writer | Photographer @simonwhaley]

Looking to self-publish in 2026? Still places available on the next two webinars in my successful self-publishing series

https://t.co/FmvtMcFgwb

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

A week left to get entry forms in to the @GuildFoodWriter Newcomer Award 2026!
You'll need a piece of up to 1,500 words. Details: https://t.co/sky7NRwvyF

[SEEN in Publishing @SEENPublishing]

SiP was delighted to have @RooneyRachel answer our questions and explain the importance to her of her new book, Granny's Flag. https://t.co/Y0umQFSxHc

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

The Observer Anthony Burgess Prize for Arts Journalism is open until 28th February. Max 800 words. Open to those with no or little journalism track record. Review of a 2025 release, publication, performance or exhibition. Top prize £3,000.
https://t.co/Ig2dPmDnDm

[The Wincott Foundation @Wincottfound]

We are pleased to announce that the Wincott awards 2025 are now open for submissions.
Our annual awards recognise the very best financial, economic and business journalism. Awards are for work completed in 2025. Instructions linked below:
https://t.co/DMErxYrkZw

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

This is a vital read for budding (or even experienced) non-fiction authors. Is it still enough to be a damned good writer, or do you now also need to be a social media performer? #nonfiction

[Rachel Hewitt @drrachelhewitt]

If you’re a non-fiction writer who is currently struggling to get published, this post is for you ❤️

https://t.co/GNHxCXgYFt

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

@Conviction19c @drrachelhewitt Agreed ... but do consider self-publishing!

[Mistakes Writers Make @WritersMistakes]

Entries close 31st January 2026. #writingcompetition

[The Nature Chronicles Prize 2025/26 @NaturePrize]

Our Sponsor, Prudence Scott (1926–2019)

The Nature Chronicles Prize is also a memorial to Prudence Scott, a lifelong nature diarist who died in 2019. Her Trust is the Prize’s sponsor.

https://t.co/fmIJApU33f