29 Free Writing Contests: Legitimate Competitions With Cash Prizes

Worth a look:

http://thewritelife.com/27-free-writing-contests/

#10 really caught my eye:

10. PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction

Honoring the best work of fiction published by an American author in a single calendar year, this award has been given to the likes of John Updike, Philip Roth and Ann Patchett.

The winner receives $15,000 and an invitation to read at the award ceremony in Washington, DC. Four finalists also each receive a $5,000 award.

Deadline: Annually on October 31 for books published that calendar year.