Writer's Digest Personal Essay Awards A project of Writer's Digest (see other related projects). About No about statement available. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee range is USD $25 to $35 (above average for contests). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2020 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationUnknown contest frequency AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Slower Writer's Digest Personal Essay Awards's overall average response time is slower than most contests. Nonfiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Essay: Up to 2,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream, Personal.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $2,500 for first prize.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are 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 @writersdigestX (Twitter) @writersdigest Support this Publisher: Shop their Store Subscribe For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Writer's Digest Personal Essay Awards 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 7 reports from 6 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 94 min | 141.3 mean avg | 133.0 median | 252 max days (54.7 std dev) Pending 5 responses are pending (13 min | 85.8 mean avg | 19.0 median | 345 max days waiting | 145.2 std dev) from 4 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $30.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 12 Jan 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 10 Oct 2025. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 06:10 UTC (3 hours, 7 minutes 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 ProjectsWriter's DigestWriter's Digest Annual Writing Competition Charges fees for all submissionsWriter's Digest Assignment for Kids CLOSEDWriter's Digest Poetry Awards Charges fees for all submissionsWriter's Digest Popular Fiction Awards CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsWriter's Digest Short Short Story Competition Charges fees for all submissionsWriter's Digest Your Story Competition DNQ 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: 02 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