WRITER'S GAMES REGISTRATION

Not your ordinary writing competition.

Registration for the 2026 Writer's Games will open May 1.

Space fills up FAST.

If registration is full, the form below will guide you to the waiting list.

We can usually find a couple extra spaces on a first come, first served basis.

If we can't, you'll get an early invite the next year.

Click here to see this year's changes.

Use the dropdown menu above to access the Games Info (how it works), Games Rules, Games FAQ, and Archive pages.

If you earned Priority Registration and can't find it, please login and check the Games tab for the Winner Circle page.

If you still can't find it, please email Theresa.

If it takes longer than a moment to load or you're on mobile,

click here.

'26 Games Promo; comic book style, teal background, white dialogue box with yellow stars, "Supercharge Your Writing" and "Register May 1"

The Writer's Workout is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers.

Want to help? Donate here.

We appreciate your support!

If registration is full, please try the Waiting List.

What people say about Writer's Games:

"The Writer’s Games is by far the best thing I’ve ever done to get back into writing. I was looking for an opportunity to write more often, and The Writer’s Games offered that and so much more."

This portion's sponsors:

Premier Literary Services

Check out what we do.

We appreciate your support!

Submissions & Formatting

All entries must follow these submissions guidelines. During Games, we deduct points for incorrect formatting because many publications reject incorrectly formatted submissions.

All Practice Event entries receive formatting notes to help you keep your points during scored Events.

Interior Formatting:

Arial or Times New Roman, size 10 or 12pt, black
Single spaced
1" empty margins on all four sides
0.5" or Tab indentations for all paragraphs

Please do not use the spacebar to indent

Empty line for scene breaks

NEW GUIDELINES FOR 2026:

NO IDENTIFYING INFO IN YOUR FILE.

File Setup and Submission:

Include both your story's title and the Event name as the file name:

Ex: Pride and Prejudice - Act 3.doc

One piece per file

Include your story's title and the Event name in the subject of your email:

Ex: A Worn Path - Just This Once

Include your name/pseudonym in the body of your email for verification. You do not need to include a bio.

Accepted file types: .doc, .docx, .odt

Live, unlocked Google Docs or Microsoft Word links are accepted via email (submissions [at] writersworkout.net). Set your document permissions to "anyone with the link can [comment or edit]" so we can collect it. We will not request access and we are not responsible for locked docs.

Email entries to submissions [at] writersworkout.net.

The Writer's Workout is a global charity working to improve literacy through creative writing. We hold competitions, workshops, open calls, and discussions; provide motivation, tips, prompts, and giveaways; and offer a community rich in culture and skill. Check our donations page to learn more about how The Writer's Workout strengthens the writing community.

Donate

Learn what it takes to produce one portion of The Writer's Games.

The Writer's Workout is a registered

501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

run by volunteers.

The idea for The Writer's Games (originally dubbed the NaNoGames) came from Heather Glomb. The first Games took place in May, 2014, with a goal to "just write". When the contest finished, writers wanted a stronger challenge and this organization was born.

Read about the first Games here.