As always, these contests cover every genre, form and style, from full-length manuscripts, to speculative fiction short stories and poems, to essays.
Make sure to read the guidelines carefully. Many writing contests have regional and/or age restrictions.
Note: Many of these contests are held every year, so if you missed one you'd like to enter, you may be able to catch it next year. For a month-by-month list of free contests, go to Free Contests.