New $1,000 Writing Challenge from PWA Encourages Writers to Reconnect with Copy Classics

Delray Beach, FL — The Professional Writers’ Alliance (PWA) has launched its 2026 cash writing challenge, with $1,000 in prize monies available. This year’s theme is “Copy Classics,” and the competition challenges participants to pull lessons from past masters to level up their present-day careers.

“Right now, there’s such an emphasis on the latest and greatest AI tools,” notes PWA Director Jen Adams. “Yet, to truly succeed as a working writer — whether you do all your work from scratch or choose to touch up AI-drafted copy — you still need a solid understanding of copywriting and persuasion fundamentals.”

This kind of understanding helps writers recognize “good copy” as well as to quickly spot and fix places where writing is weak, generic, or unpersuasive. Since AI tools can’t match human discernment on this front, it creates a competitive advantage savvy writers can use to level up their income and extend their careers.

To help create the competitive advantage, PWA’s 2026 cash writing challenge encourages the selection of a “copy classic” book to read. This means books by industry legends such as John Caples, Eugene Schwartz, and David Ogilvy. Or titles by Dale Carnegie, Zig Ziglar, or Og Mandino — masters of relationship marketing and closing the sale. Anything by Dan Kennedy, Joe Sugarman, or Bob Bly would also make an excellent choice, though participating writers are free to make the case for any classic book related to the business of writing or persuasion.

The competition is open to all current PWA members. To participate, interested writers will write an essay reflecting on the core lesson or principle of their chosen book. The essay should also explain how they plan to improve their written work, business operations, or client relationships as a result of what they read.

“I know writers love to learn and are naturally curious. This competition helps channel that energy toward long-term professional development while offering tangible immediate rewards in the form of cash and bylines,” says Adams.

The challenge opened May 1, with final essays due July 10. PWA members can find the full competition guidelines on their dashboard. Winners will be announced in the August PWA newsletter. Adams will select up to five essays for publication and winners will share equally in $1,000 of prize monies. Winners also have the possibility of follow-on interviews and additional paid work opportunities from PWA.

If you’d like to learn more about PWA and how you can use writing challenges like this to level up your career, click here.