Get Ready for the 2025 Cascade Writing Contest! For Published and Unpublished Writers.
Cascade Christian Writers is delighted to announce that the 2025 Cascade Christian Writing Contest will open December 15. The annual contest honors excellence in writing and provides recognition and valuable feedback from judges within the Christian publishing industry. The contest also gives writers an opportunity to get their polished writing in front of editors and agents who may be interested in their work.
Winners will be announced at the Cascade Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Annual CCW Summer Conference.
We’ve made some changes from previous years, so read carefully, and get ready to enter.
What’s New?
- Contest entry period opens December 15 and closes February 15 at midnight PST;
- Contestants can enter up to five pieces;
- Due to rising costs, entry fees will increase, but not until January 1, 2025, so get your entries in early if you can;
- Each entry must be entered and paid for on a separate entry form, so contestants don’t have to have all entries ready simultaneously;
- The maximum length for the Fiction Short Story category has increased to 4,000 words; and
- First- and second-place winners will receive prizes in addition to certificates.
Entry Requirements
All writers (previously published and unpublished) who have an unpublished book, memoir, poem, devotional, article, or story are welcome to enter. See our contest homepage for the full list of categories and guidelines.
What Do Past Contestants Say?
We receive many emails from contestants thanking us, including those who don’t make the finals round. Some comments from past entrants include:
“I have received the score sheets and comments from the judges for my novel and am quite blown away by the overall quality of the comments. The most valuable part of entering contests (in my opinion) is receiving feedback I can use to make my story better and to grow as a writer. And this is exactly what I got here.”
“I’ve judged some reader’s choice type contests, so I understand the time commitment required and was already appreciative of their willingness to donate their time to judging. But after having received their comments and suggestions, I am even more grateful! They have each given me detailed explanations for what was working and what wasn’t. That is so much more helpful than just a number score . . . and so much more demanding of their time.”
“Thank you for my scoresheets. I’m thankful for the opportunity to enter the Cascade Awards and receive feedback. Please express my gratitude to the judges who spent time reading and scoring my entry. It’s truly appreciated.”
Are You Ready?
If you don’t feel ready to enter and aren’t sure about all the entry rules, be sure to attend the CCW Members’ Circle on December 11 with Cascade Contest Director Linda L. Kruschke. Not a member yet? Join today to have access to the Members’ Circle and discounted contest pricing.
