The Erma Bombeck Writing Competition A project of Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop (see other related projects). This listing may be deactivated on: 07 Oct 2026. Learn about this process. About The Erma Bombeck Writing Competition is hosted by the University of Dayton and the Washington-Centerville Public Library in Centerville, Ohio, where Erma wrote the books and columns that launched her national fame. Over the years, the contest has drawn thousands of hopeful entries, submissions inspired by Erma Bombeck’s humor and humanity. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $25 (above average for contests). Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded biennially (every other year) AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis FasterThe Erma Bombeck Writing Competition's overall average response time is faster than most contests. Nonfiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 450 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Humorous.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $1,000 for the winning piece.Submissions:Method: Online form. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookInstagram @ermabombeckwritersworkshop For the Editor(s): Request Interview Link to Duotrope The Erma Bombeck Writing Competition Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: Group by submission Include related projects Accuracy We have received 4 reports from 3 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 44 min | 51.3 mean avg | 48.5 median | 64 max days (8.8 std dev) Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $25.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 25 Feb 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 05 Jan 2026. Date compiled: 11 Sep 2026 23:43 UTC (less than a minute ago). Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsNickie's Prize CLOSED Charges fees for all submissions Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 09 Sep 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only