The Kansas Writers Association offers several annual poetry and prose contests. There is an adult division for writers over 18 in the following categories: first novel chapter, short fiction, nonfiction, short stories for youth, and poetry. The youth division, for writers 18 and under, includes the categories of poetry and fiction/nonfiction. The entry fees are $10 for adults and $2.50 for youths with a $100 prize for each category. The deadline is November 10, and only unpublished works are accepted.
The Kansas Authors Clubs (KAC) offers a slate of contests for adults, and a poetry competition for youths. The adult competition is comprised of seven prose categories and seven poetry categories. The entry fee is $4 per entry for KAC members and $6 for nonmembers. First place for each category is $25, except for KAC's theme contest (the theme changes each year), which awards $100 for first place. The Karnowski Youth Poetry Contest is for youths between 5 and 18. There is no entry fee and first place is awarded $100.
The Kansas Voices Writing Contest is annual and has an adult and youth division. There are short story and poetry categories, and works entered can cover any subject. Each entry for the contest requires a $3 fee and there is a $275 award for first place in adult poetry and prose. The youth division is awarded $100 for first place.
Always research a contest before entering and take advantage of watchdog websites that monitor writing contests. Scams are abundant in the writing world, especially when money is involved. Rather than throwing your money away on a rigged contest or paying a ridiculous entry fee when the prize money is minimal, check with organizations such as the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America that constantly update their websites with crucial writing contest information.