Major Glossy Magazine Writing Contests

People seem to gobble these up - contests in the major magazines like Glamour, Family Circle and Glamour. Not only is the prize money to die for (thousands of dollars), but the exposure is remarkable. Who knows what agent or publisher will read your piece and drop you an email? So rather than offer another day's post of wit and wisdom, I'm posting these contests in one place. If you read this post after any of the expiration dates, just know that most of them repeat each year, around the same time. Remember to read the guidelines in detail, then go ballistic and have fun!

FAMILY CIRCLE FICTION CONTEST
http://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/fiction/2011-family-circle-fiction-contest-rules/
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NO ENTRY FEE
Deadline September 9, 2011. Limit 2,500 words. Can submit up to two entries. Must be a legal resident of the US and 21 years of age or older. One grand prize is $750, a gift certificate to one mediabistro.com course, one year membership mediabistro.com and more. Second place $250 and membership.Third place $250 and membership. The grand prize may include publication in Family Circle. Runners-up may be published at the Family Circle website.


GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SHORT STORY CONTEST
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/win/fiction-contest?click=main_sr
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NO ENTRY FEE
Limit to 3,500 words. Story should reflect an aspect of women's lives today. Open to US residents 21 years and older. Deadline September 1, 2011. Only one entry per person. Grant winner receives $3,000 and possible publication in May 2012 issue. Two runners-up will receive $750 and possible online publication.


REAL SIMPLE LIFE ESSAY CONTEST
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/inspiration-motivation/second-annual-life-lessons-essay-contest-00000000013682/index.html
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NO ENTRY FEE
When did you first understand the meaning of love? Maybe you were a child, witnessing a generous act by your father or mother. Maybe the lesson came later, as you grappled with the challenges of being a friend, a spouse, or a parent yourself. Whatever made you understand love—and yourself—better, tell us about it. Have your essay published in Real Simple Magazine. Win round-trip tickets for two to New York City, hotel accommodations for two nights, tickets to a Broadway play, and a lunch with Real Simple editors. Receive
a prize of $3,000. Limit 1,500 words. Deadline September 15, 2011.


GLAMOUR MAGAZINE NONFICTION CONTEST
https://secure.glamour.com/contact/essay-2011
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NO ENTRY FEE

Win $5,000. See your story published in an upcoming issue of Glamour. Meet with a top literary agent. Every woman has an inspiring true story somewhere inside her—and we want to hear yours. Is it about the time you overcame an obstacle, tested your courage or found your passion? Your nonfiction essay entry should be 2,500 to 3,500 words in length. All entries must be postmarked by August 15, 2011.