Winning Writers has officially announced the winners of the 2026 Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest. The announcement highlights top achievements in both fiction and nonfiction categories, recognizing outstanding literary talent through its annual competition.
Jaime Gill secured the fiction first prize for the work titled "Black Sky, Blue Earth." In the nonfiction category, Jonah Walters took home the first prize for "The Burnable Seas." Both top winners received a prize of $3,500 for their respective winning works.
The contest also recognized several honorable mentions, which were awarded prizes of $500 each. The Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest serves as a platform for writers to showcase their skills in short-form storytelling and essay writing.
The announcement follows a series of notable literary recognitions in the industry, including the 60th CONI Literary Competition in Italy and the 2026 John Estey Student Writing Competition, underscoring a season of significant achievement for writers across various age groups and genres.