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Writing Contests for Young Writers – the NewPages Guide

Updated February 17, 2024

View Publications for Young Writers

Where young writers can find print and online literary magazines to read, places to publish their own works, and legitimate contests. Some publish only young writers, some publish all ages for young readers. For specific submission guidelines, visit the publication’s website. Ages can include elementary, teen, or early college. This is an ad-free resource: publications and writing contests listed here have not paid to be included. This guide is maintained by Editor Denise Hill, a teacher who loves to encourage young writers.

Safety Matters! We expect sites listed in this guide to adhere to the  Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act . This includes a transparent method for obtaining parental/guardian permission when collecting information from contributors under the age of 13 years old.

This is a select list of contests from reputable sources. There are many contests that charge fees, but for this resource, I have sought contests which mean to recognize and encourage young writers and do not charge reading or entry fees. Of those listed that do charge a fee, some provide a publication subscription in return as they are trying to gain new readers; that seems fair and the publishers are upfront about it. Other fee-based contests are from reputable members of the literary community, and the fee is considered reasonable in relation to the prize winnings being offered.

Please avoid contests that tell you you’ve won and then want you to purchase expensive copies of the book in which you have been published. These types of “scam” contests publish hundreds, even thousands of entrants, and profit greatly from book sales. These contests take advantage of young writers and inexperienced writers of all ages.

Also see the NCTE Guidelines for Contests , which is helpful for contest organizers who want to reach out to K-12 students and for teachers assessing the legitimacy of contests for their students.

Contest Deadlines : I make every effort to update the contest list monthly and update deadline dates as the contest sponsors update them on their websites. Contest dates may change without anyone notifying me, so users of this guide should check the contest website for the most accurate information. If a previous year’s date is noted here, then the contest sponsor may not have updated their website yet, but they will likely be running the contest again. Please check back here or on the contest sponsor’s site if you are interested in that contest.

January    February     March     April     May    June     July August     September     October     November     December

The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Grades 7-12 during the current school year Deadline: Varies by Region – Enter zip code to find deadline

The Earth Chronicles

Monthly Summer Writing Contests June/July/August Grades 9-12

Homer Humanities

Prompt-based Ages 10-22 Bimonthly

Manningham Trust Student Poetry Contest

National Federation of State Poetry Societies Grades 6-12 Each participating state conducts its own contest with deadline. Each participating state sends its top entrants to the national contest. Click here for a list of participating states.

NAACP ACT-SO Program

Open to U.S. citizen students of African descent grades 9-12 Multiple categories within academic, scientific, and artistic achievement Requires local program oversight and participation that culminates in a national competition.

National History Day Project Competition

Junior Division (grades 6, 7, 8) and Senior Division (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) Categories: Paper, Performance, Documentary, Exhibit, Website Check the website for an affiliate region near you for timelines.

National PTA Reflections Awards

Grades Pre-K to 12 Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts Each state holds its own contest, submitting winners to the national contest.

The New York Times

Ages 13-19 Various contests with varying deadlines Editorial Cartoon Contest, Civil Conversation Challenge, Review Contest, Year in Rap Contest, Vocabulary Video Contest, Editorial Contest, Found Poetry Contest, Summer Reading Contest

Poetry in Voice

A monthly poetry contest for Canadian students grades 9-12. Based on a monthly prompt. All poems submitted are considered for publication in Voices/Voix.

Six Word Memoirs

Six Words hold monthly contests for which writers must respond to a prompt in exactly six words.

Stone Soup Flash Contest

Stone Soup holds a monthly flash contest challenge based on a prompt for writers 13 and under.

Under the Madness Magazine

A magazine for and by teens under the mentorship of the New Hampshire Poet Laureate. They offer multiple contests per year for writers ages 13-19.

Write the World

WtW holds monthly contests based on an idea or genre (poetry, fantasy, sports journalism, fiction, etc.). For young writers 13-18 years old.

An organization that runs quarterly writing contests with topics centered around different world issues, encouraging charity donations, and prompting teens 12-18 years old to reflect on current crises and inspiring solutions.

Young Writers Project

A free online community of writers and visual artists ages 13-18 (12-year-olds with permission). Teachers are also invited and have a “For Teachers” space on the site. YWP holds regular challenges and seasonal contests.

Youth Communication

Every three months, YC will highlight five recent articles and ask readers ages 14-19 to write a response to the author of a story (up to 300 words). Three winners will receive prizes of $150 (1st prize), $75 (2nd prize), and $50 (3rd prize.)

VSA Playwright Discovery Competition

Grades 6-12 / Ages 11-18 Ten-minute play, screenplay, or music theater exploring the disability experience Written by young writers with disabilities and collaborative groups that include students with disabilities Deadline: January 10, 2024

Quantum Shorts

Short Story “Entries must take inspiration from quantum physics and be no longer than 1000 words.” Ages 13+ Alternates between sci-fi and sci films each year. Deadline: January 8, 2024

National Youth Foundation

Amazing Women Writing Contest Theme: Local Heroines Grades K-8 Deadline: January 9, 2025 [that is correct – 2025]

International Bipolar Foundation

High School Essay Contest Ages 13-29 Deadline: January 15, 2024

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Sponsored by the JFK Memorial Library and John Hancock Grades 9-12 Deadline: January 12, 2024 postmark

Atkins Center for Ethics Essay Contest

Carlow University Grades 11 and 12 Deadline: January 15, 2023 [Sent inquiry 12/2]

Ringling College of Art and Design

High School Creative Writing Contest High School Age Writers Deadline: January 15, 2024

Power to Explore Writing Challenge

California Institute of Technology U.S. Students in grades K-12 Deadline: January  26, 2024

Columbus State University

The Carson McCullars Literary Award Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Expository Essay, Playwriting, Screenwriting High School Age Category for Georgia and Alabama High School Students Deadline: January 19, 2024

Saint Mary’s College

River of Words Poetry and Art Contest Grades K-12 (Ages 5-19) Deadline: January 31, 2024

Outdoor Writers Association of America

Norm Strung Youth Writing Awards Grades 6-8 or 9-12 For outdoor-oriented works. Deadline: January 31, 2024

Arizona Mystery Writers

Mary Ann Hutchison Memorial Story Contest for Youths Ages 9-13; 14-17 Both age groups awarded prizes. Deadline: February 1, 2024

Bluefire 1000-word Story Contest

Leyla Beban Young Authors Foundation Grades 6-12 Deadline: February 1, 2024

EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Fiction in which the main character is a female who uses engineering skills to solve a problem. Grades 3-12 Deadline: February 1, 2024

Gannon University

High School Poetry Contest Grades 9-12 Deadline: February 1, 2024

Narrative High School Writing Contest

Prompt provided in guidelines. Grades 9-12 Deadline: February 1, 2024

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People

Open to books published in the previous year FOR young readers. Categories: Pre-K to Grade 3; Grades 4-6; Grades 7-12 Deadline: February 1, 2024

Holocaust Art and Writing Contest

Chapman University Grades Middle and High School Deadline: Postmark February 2, 2024 or by February 5, 2024 for digital submissions

North Carolina Poetry Society

Student Poetry Contest Grades 3-College Undergraduate North Carolina Residents Only Deadline: February 2, 2024

U.S. Kids Annual Cover Art Contest

Ages 2-12 Deadline: February 1, 2024

Write On! Story Writing Contest

Ann Arbor District Library Flash Fiction and Short Story Grades 3-5 Open to Michigan Residents Only Deadline: February 5, 2024 [See March for Grades 6-12 contest.]

ukiaHaiku Festival

Haiku Contest All Ages – Some Regional to California Counties No Fee (except for Adult Contemporary Haiku) Deadline: February 8, 2024 The website includes helpful guidelines for writing haiku.

Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project

Nationwide Essay Contest Topic provided on website. Middle School and High School Deadline: February 15, 2024

Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Davidson Institute, Reno, NV Ages 18 and under as application date For completion of a significant work in STEM or Humanities categories Deadline: February 14, 2024

NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing

For Juniors in the current academic school year Students must be nominated by their school’s English Department Deadline: February 15, 2024

NCTE Promising Young Writers Program

For 8th grade students in the current academic year Students must be nominated by a school committee or department Deadline: February 15, 2024

West Chester University

Iris N. Spencer Poetry Award Myong Cha Son Haiku Award Rhina P. Espaillat Award for Poetry Sonnet Award Villanelle Award Undergraduate student poets who are enrolled in a United States College or University Deadline: February 16, 2024

Society of Professional Journalists and Journalism Education Association

Essay based on prompt. Grades 9-12 U.S. Public, Private, & Home Schools Deadline: February 19, 2024

Curieux Research Scholarship Award

Middle or High School Students Deadline: February 20, 2024

Polyphony Lit Black History Month Contest

Open to High School Students Globally Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction Deadline: Open February 1-February 28, 2024

Polyphony Lit Winter Contest

Open to High School Students Globally Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction Deadline: Open February 1 – February 28, 2024

The Sejong Cultural Society

Essay, Sijo (Poetry) Open to Pre-college and Young Adults Deadline: February 29, 2024

Cancer Unwrapped Teen Essay Writing Contest

Cancer Pathways Grades: 9-12 Deadline: March 1, 2024

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society

University of Central Florida Middle & High School Writing Contest Story, Poem, Essay Deadline: March 1, 2024

Project Yellow Light

Scholarship Competition Grades High School or College Video, Billboard, Radio PSA on not driving distracted [Also listed under April] Deadline: March 1, 2024

Writing Contest Grades 3-12 Poetry Deadline: March 1, 2024

It’s All Write! Teen Writing Contest

Ann Arbor District Library Flash Fiction and Short Story Grades 6-12 Open to Michigan Residents Only Deadline: March 3, 2024 [See February for Grades 3-5 contest.]

Carl Sandburg Student Poetry Contest

Grades 3-12 Deadline: March 4, 2023

Elephant Aid International Essay Contest

Essay Prompts Grades 3-5 and 6-8 Deadline: March 4, 2024

American Society of Human Genetics

DNA Day Essay Contest Grades 9-12 Deadline: March 6, 2024

Taradiddle Youth Writing Contests

Animal-themed prompt-based fiction Age Categories: Elementary under 13; High School 14-18 Deadline: March 14, 2024

Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program

Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction/Memoir Online Flexible Dates June 20-August 1 High School and Gap Year Students Financial Aid Available Deadline: March 15, 2023

The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival Competition

Original Plays or Musicals on any subject Ages 19 years or younger Deadline: March 15, 2024

Jacklyn Potter Young Poets Competition

The Word Works Grades 9-12 Deadline: March 15, 2024

The Haiku Society of America

Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition Grades 7-12 Deadline: March 27, 2024

The Caterpillar

Best Poem for Children Contest This contest is for adults writing for readers ages 7-11(ish). Deadline: March 31, 2024

Sarah Mook Poetry Prize

Grades K-12 Deadline: March 31, 2024

Princeton University

Lewis Arts Center Ten-Minute Play Contest Grades 11 and 12 in the current school year Deadline: April 1, 2024 (or as soon as 250 entries are received)

Scholarship Competition Grades High School or College Video, Billboard, Radio PSA on not driving distracted [Also listed under March] Deadline: April 1, 2024

United States Institute for Peace

High School Essay Contest Deadline: April 3, 2023

American Foreign Service Association

High School Essay Contest Grades 9-12 Deadline: April 4, 2023

All-Media Public Anti-Hate Message Contest Grade Categories: K12; 7-12 Grade; Higher Education Individual and Class Group Submissions Deadline: December 1, 2023 and April 5, 2024

The Legacy Project

“Listen to a Life” Writing Contest Ages 8-18 Deadline: April 14, 2023

We the Students Essay Contest

Bill of Rights Institute Ages 14-19 Deadline: on hiatus for 22-23

Americans Against Gun Violence

National High School Essay Contest Theme provided on website. Deadline: April 15, 2023

Dear Poet Project

Grades 5-12 Letters written in response to poets reading poems Select letters will be published online; Select letters will receive a response Deadline: April 22, 2024

Short on Words

Poetry or Prose in response to one of ten photographs. Age Categories 17 and under, 18 and older $10 Nonprofit fundraising entry fee Deadline: April 22, 2022 [Sent inquiry 3/19; said site should be updated soon.]

fingers comma toes

National Flash Fiction Day Youth Competition All ages Deadline: April 30, 2023

The Wilbur & NISO Smith Foundation

Author of Tomorrow Adventure Writing Contest Ages 11 and under; 12-15; 16-21 Deadline: April 30, 2023

Leaders Igniting Generational Healing & Transformation Under 18 category “How might we recreate public health as art, letters, stories, and poetry?” Letters, Poetry, Stories, Art, and a “Surprise Us” category Deadline: May 1, 2023

New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

YouthPLAYS Non-musical, one-act play suitable for HS audience Written by Playwrights 19 years and under Deadline: May 1, 2023

World Historian Student Essay Competition

World History Association Grades K-12 Deadline: May 1, 2023

Skipping Stones Asian Celebration Haiku Contest

Ages 7-18 Deadline: May 5, 2023

Skipping Stones Youth Honors Award

Promoting Multicultural Awareness, International Understanding and Nature Appreciation Original Writing and Art Ages 7-17 Deadline: May 5, 2023

Holocaust Center for Humanity

Holocaust Writing, Art, and Film Contest Open to ages 9-18 in WA, OR, ID, AK Deadline: May 15, 2023

Go On Girl! Scholarships

Aspiring Writer and Unpublished Writer Each has unique criteria; See website Deadline: May 15, 2023

The Roadrunner Review

High School Writing Contest Poetry and Prose (“any genre”) Deadline: May 15, 2022 [Publication on hiatus as of 1/4/23.]

Toyin Fálọlá Prize

Short Story Theme: Africanfuturism Ages 15-35 Entrants must be African Deadline: May 15, 2022 [sent inquiry 3/19]

Quills and Keyboard

Poetry, Song Lyrics, SciFi, Fantasy, Short Story, Personal Essay, Memoir, Novel Excerpts, Journalism, Humor, Flash Fiction, Dramatic Script, Critical Essay, Horror, Philosophy, Speeches, Classic Literary Adaptations High School Students 14+ Deadline: May 20, 2023

Humane Education Network

A Voice for Animals Essay Contest for 14-15 and 16-18-year-olds Video Action Project for 16-18-year-olds Essay with Photos for 16-18-year-olds Deadline: May 21, 2023

The Adroit Journal

Prizes for Poetry and Prose Open to Secondary and Undergraduate Students Fee Waiver Request Form available Deadline: May 31, 2022

Last House Writing Contest for Emerging Writers

Sponsored by Audubon Canyon Ranch Essay, Short Story, Poetry Age Categories 8-12 years old and 13-17 years old Deadline: May 17, 2023

California Young Playwrights Contest

Open to residents of California only. Ages Under 19 as of June 1 Deadline: June 1, 2023

Fraser Institute Student Essay Contest

Open to students studying in Canada and Canadian students studying abroad. High School / Undergraduate / Graduate Categories Topic changes each year Deadline: June 1, 2023

Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest

Ages High School / College / Graduate School Topic changes each year Deadline: June 1, 2023

Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest

“Youth” Category of High School Age and Younger Deadline: June 1, 2023

Natures Wild Neighbour Society

“Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors” Art, Writing, Photography, Videography, Music Ages 11-18 Deadline: June 1, 2023

John Estey Student Writing Competition

American Writers Museum Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Cross-Genre, Drama/Playwriting, Hybrid Elementary, Middle, and High School Categories Deadline: June 5, 2023

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

Art, Poetry, Prose, Film, Music, Multimedia, Performing Arts, Spoken Word Ages 11-18 Deadline: June 13, 2023

Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest

Theme Essay Contest Ages 25 and under Deadline: June 15, 2023

National Teen Storyteller Contest: Solidarity

The Center for Fiction and The Decameron Project Ages 13-18 Deadline: June 1-June 25, 2022

Chicago Young Writers Review (CYWR)

Theme: “The Story That Made Me Feel” Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry Grades K-8 Deadline: June 30, 2022

Eden Mills Writers’ Festival

Poetry Contest for Children Ontario Residents Only Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-8 Deadline: June 30, 2022

Poetry Contest for Teens Ontario Residents Only Grades 9-10 and Grades 11-12 Deadline: June 30, 2022

The Geek Partnership Society

Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural and Alternate History Fiction Poetry, Fiction, Graphic Novel Various age categories (K-Adult) Deadline: [on hiatus for 2023]

Polyphony Lit Pride Month Contest

Open to High School Students Globally Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction Deadline: Open June 1-June 30, 2023

Polyphony Lit Summer Contest

Theme: “2020 Hindsight” Open to High School Students Globally Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction Deadline: Open June 1-June 30, 2023

Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Award

Ages: Adult; Youth (13-18); Youth (12 and under) No fee for 12 and under. Deadline: Postmark July 1, 2023

1455 Teen Poetry Contest

Ages 13-19 Deadline: July 4, 2023

Johnson County Library Youth Short Story Contest

Short Story in Verse on a theme Grades 3-12 Deadline: Postmark July 6, 2023

Johnson County Library Youth Sticker Design Contest

Theme: “Oceans of Possibilities!” Ages 11 and under Deadline: Postmark July 6, 2023

Stony Brook Short Fiction Prize

State University of New York Only undergraduates enrolled full-time in American and Canadian universities and colleges for the academic year are eligible Deadline: July 14, 2022

Youth Innovation Challange

Global Environmental Education Partnership Themed Essay Contest Ages 15-30 Deadline: July 19, 2023

NCTE Excellence in Student Literary Magazines

Open to all accredited middle and secondary schools (US, CA, VI, US schools abroad) Deadline: July 31, 2023

Student Book Scholars

National Youth Foundation Theme: Anti-Bullying Grades K-8 Deadline: July 15, 2023

“I Matter” Poetry Contest

National Youth Foundation Topic: “Black Lives Matter” Grades: K-12 Deadline: July 23, 2024

Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award

The Poetry Society Ages 11-17 Deadline: July 31, 2023

The Lincoln Forum

Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest Specific topic posted on the website. For full-time college/university students. Deadline: Postmark July 31, 2023

Hindus for Human Rights

Essay and Art Contest on Human and Civil Rights Open to South Asian American students in grades 6-12 Deadline: August 15, 2023

Stone Soup Book Contest

Fiction, Memoir, Poetry Manuscript Ages 14 or under for 2023 Deadline: August 15, 2023

Wax Poetry and Art Poetry Contest

Ages under 25 Deadline: August 31, 2023

William Faulkner Literary Competition

Student Short Story Category Open to Mississippi High School Students Deadline: August 31, 2023

Youth Free Expression Film Contest

National Coalition Against Censorship Ages 19 and under Deadline: September 8, 2023

Animal-themed prompt-based fiction Age Categories: Elementary under 13; High School 14-18 Deadline: September 19, 2024

Art of Unity Creative Award

International Human Rights Art Festival Poetry, Short Story, Essay as well as any creative media Youth Age Category 18 and under Deadline: September 30, 2023 (will not be held in 2024)

Creators of Justice Literary Awards

International Human Rights Art Festival Poetry, Short Story, Essay 2500 words or less on Human Rights Theme Youth Age Category 18 and under Deadline: September 30, 2023 (will not be held in 2024)

National Writing Invitational

Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Essays Ages K-12 Deadline: October 1, 2024

Embracing Our Differences

Art Exhibit and Quote Contest For all ages Deadline: October 5, 2023

National YoungArts Foundation

Ages 15-18 Various Arts Categories Receive up to $10k + educational support Applications Open June 12 – October 13, 2023

American Geosciences Institute

Earth Science Week Essay Contest Theme: “Finding ‘Art’ in Earth” Grades 6-9 Deadline: October 13, 2023

Polyphony Lit Latin Heritage Contest

Open to High School Students Globally Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction Deadline: Open September 15 – October 15, 2023

Polyphony Lit Fall Contest

Open to High School Students Globally Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction Deadline: Open October 1 – October 31, 2023

VFW Patriot’s Pen

Themed Essay Competition Grades 6-8 Deadline: October 31, 2023

VFW Voice of Democracy

Audio Essay Competition Grades 9-12 Deadline: October 31, 2023

Hollins University

Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest For High School Sophomore and Junior Girls Deadline: October 31, 2022 [site not updated; contacted 10/24]

Bennington College

Young Writers Competition Grades 10-12 Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction Deadline: November 1, 2023

Interlochen Arts Academy

Virginia B. Ball Creative Writing Competition Fiction, Poetry, Spoken Word Personal essay or memoir, Screenwriting, Playwriting, Comics, Experimental or unclassifiable writing Grades 8-11 Deadline: November 15, 2023

Theme: A Story Worth Telling Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry Grades K-8 Deadline: November 7, 2022 [site not updated; sent inquiry 10/24]

Lions International

International Peace Essay Contest Ages 11, 12, 13 years old on November 15, 2023 Open to students who are considered visually impaired according to their national guidelines.

Rachel Carson Sense of the Wild Contest

Poetry and Prose w/ or w/o Photograph Intergenerational Team of two or more only Deadline: November 16, 2023

Rattle Young Poets Anthology

Open Call for Submissions Ages 15 or younger Deadline: November 16, 2023

One Teen Story Contest

Open Call for Submissions Ages 13-15, 16-17, 18-19 Deadline: November 27, 2023

Leonard Milberg ’53 Secondary School Poetry Prize Any student who is in the eleventh grade in the academic year is eligible. Deadline: November 26, 2023

Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Kenyon Review High School Sophomores and Juniors Award: First place: Full scholarship to the Kenyon Review Young Writers workshop and publication. Second and third place: Publication. Deadline: November 1 – 30, 2023

NaNoWriMo’s Young Writers Program

National Novel Writing Month November 1 – 30, 2023 Many free events year-round; visit their website for details.

The Telling Room

Themed Poetry and Fiction Grades 6-12 / Ages 11-18 For Maine Residents only Deadline: November 30, 2023

The Upper New Review

Essay Contes: A Sense of Place Ages 13-17; 18-older Deadline: November 30, 2023

Literacy In Place

Rural Teen Writing Contest Fiction, Nonfiction Grades 9-12 Deadline: December 1, 2023

Smith College

The Poetry Center High School Prize An annual prize for sophomore & junior girls in New England Deadline: September 1 – December 1, 2023

Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation Essay Contest

Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation Essay Contest High School Students Deadline: December 10, 2023

Rider University

Annual High School Writing Contest Grades 9-12 Essay, Short Story, Poetry Deadline: December 20, 2023

Short Stories on the theme: 2050 Grades 9-12 Deadline: December 31, 2023

The Fire Scholarship Contest

Essay: Prompt using video examples on topic of Free Speech Grades High School Juniors & Seniors Deadline: December 31, 2021 [On hiatus 2022-23; check back in 2024]

The Fitzgerald Museum

Fiction, Poetry, Multi-Genre High School and College Students Deadline: September 1 – December 31, 2023

The Lyric Magazine

Poetry Contest Undergraduate Students – USA and Canada Deadline: Postmark December 31, 2023

Northeastern University – London

[Formerly New College of the Humanities] Essay Competition Prompts provided in humanities and social sciences. Grade 12 only Deadline: December 31, 2023

Poetry Society of America

Louise Louis/Emily F. Bourn Student Award Poetry Award Teacher/Administrator Nominated unpublished poem by 9-12 grade student. Deadline: Postmark October 1-December 31, 2023

The Society of Classical Poets

Poetry Competition Ages 13-19 Deadline: December 31, 2023 [New info is posted September 1]

Looking for a list of publications that publish young writers? Check out our guide here .

The NewPages Young Writers Guide to Contests is a free and ad-free resource for anyone looking for writing contests for teens, writing contests for high school students, scholastic writing contests, writing contests for middle school students, writing contests for kids, high school writing contests, writing contests for elementary students, creative writing contests for high school students, poetry contests for high school students.

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A powerhouse of voices. A champion of different perspectives. A pipeline of talent.

A POWERHOUSE OF VOICES. A CHAMPION OF DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES. A PIPELINE OF TALENT. This is Girls Write Now.

Connect with us, writing contests & publication opportunities for youth.

Girls Write Now is a dynamic, multi-generational community of writers on a mission. For more than 20 years, our nationally award-winning programs have provided creative, critical and digital writing training, college and career readiness, personalized mentoring and massive opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Know about a great writing contest for teens or young adults? Feel free to reach out to Sally Familia at [email protected] .

CONTEST SOURCES FOR YOUTH

Approaching writing contests can be overwhelming. Where do you even start?

  • Submittable.com is a great source for perusing around different writing contests. From annual contests to general submissions and publications, Submittable is a place where many journals and literary organizations list their search for unpublished writing of all genres! Once you set up a Submittable account, you’ll even have a neat little dashboard to keep all your submissions in order. No mess = less stress!

CTA background

SELECT YOUTH CONTESTS

These select contests are not only specific to youth, but they will also come and go faster than you can spell “onomatopoeia.” Check back periodically for new contests throughout the year!

If you write historical or mythology-inspired short fiction, and are 18 years old or above, you can enter a story of between 1,500 and 2,000 words to win some great prizes from World History Encyclopedia and Oxford University Press! Make sure it’s set before 1939, the current cut-off date for World History Encyclopedia. Submission Deadline: October 7, 2023.

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand is a provocative novel that presents one of the most challenging ideas in all of fiction—that man’s ego is the fountainhead of human progress. Enter the Fountainhead  Essay Contest to win a $5,000 prize! Follow the instructions on the website to receive more information on how to apply.

The nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens, The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognizes art in 28 categories. Students will first apply for regional awards, and those that receive a Gold Key will be judged in the national competition. Find your region to determine your deadline and learn more about submitting at: https://www.artandwriting.org/awards/how-to-enter/ . When you apply, make sure to identify Girls Write Now as your organization. Click here for more details about how to have your fee waived as a Girls Write Now mentee.

The New York State (NYS) Youth Poet Laureate Program aims to identify young writers and leaders committed to creating change through civic engagement and poetic excellence. Along with the official title and a cash prize of $500, the NYS Youth Poet Laureate gets both high-level performance and learning opportunities and the chance to apply to be the National Youth Poet Laureate.

Select Annual Contest Schedules

Bennington’s Young Writers Awards exists to promote excellence in writing at the high school level. Included genres are poetry, fiction and nonfiction. A first, second, and third place winner is selected in each category. The details below can be found on their Submittable page at https://www.bennington.edu/events/young-writers-awards .

Awards & Rules First-place winners in each category are awarded a prize of $1,000; second-place winners receive $500; third-place winners receive $250.

There is no entry fee.

All entries must be original work reviewed, approved and sponsored by a high school teacher. We will use your sponsoring teacher as a contact for the competition should we have any questions. For homeschooled students, please contact a mentor to sponsor your writing.

Young Writers Award finalists and winners are also eligible for undergraduate scholarships at Bennington. YWA finalists who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington will receive a $10,000 scholarship every year for four years, for a total of $40,000. YWA winners who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington will receive a $15,000 scholarship every year for four years, for a total of $60,000.

Black Lawrence Press has annual awards and competitions for a variety of genres. The schedule below, as well as individual descriptions for each award, can be found on their Submittable page at https://blacklawrencepress.submittable.com/submit . The Big Moose Prize: Open December 1 – January 31 (Open competition, novels) The Hudson Prize: Open February 1 – March 31 (Open competition, poetry and short story collections) The Spring Black River Chapbook Competition : Open April 1 – May 31 (Open competition, poetry and prose chaps) Open Reading Period 1: Between June 1 – June 30 The St. Lawrence Book Award: Open July 1- August 31 (First book competition, poetry and short story collections) The Fall Black River Chapbook Competition: Open September 1 – October 31 (Open competition, poetry and prose chaps) Open Reading Period 2: Between November 1 – November 30 (Please note that Black Lawrence Press occasionally offers early bird specials on their contests. These specials allow authors to submit their manuscripts ahead of time at a discounted rate.)

The 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest –  Tell Your Climate Story  – encourages you to become a climate witness and share your own unique climate story. We are asking you to creatively express your personal experiences, insights, or perceptions about our changing climate reality. Use this opportunity to learn about the climate crisis and how it impacts your family and community, and to examine your individual responses to our evolving world. Learn more at  http://www.bowseat.org/contest .

This Goi Peace Foundation essay contest aims to inspire society to learn from the young minds and to think about how each of us can make a difference in the world. This year’s theme challenges writers to explore their values, and how those values shape their lives. Three winners will be selected, with cash prizes of up to $840. To learn more, visit https://www.goipeace.or.jp/en/work/essay-contest/ .

The American Writers Museum, John Estey Student Writing Competition, has opened its 4th annual student writing competition. To learn more, visit American Writers Museum

PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMERGING WRITERS

THE ADROIT JOURNAL  is run by high school students, college students, and emerging writers. Adroit publishes within “over 21” and “under 21” categories, so your writing will appear alongside great work by writers of any age. Adroit publishes fiction and poetry, and includes art and photography. They will reopen our submission reading period in January 2021. Find them online at:  http://www.theadroitjournal.org/

AFFINITY MAGAZINE works to spotlight teen voices about current events. We find that the media sometimes forgets the voices of teens on many topics! So we are here to give them a voice. Affinity Magazine allows you to get your writing published and read by thousands of people! You can get your work published and sharpen up on your writing so you can write for The New York Times one day (hopefully!!). For ages 13-20. Visit http://affinitymagazine.us/write-for-us/ for more information on all the different

AGNI  is Boston University’s well-respected journal. It appears in both print and online. AGNI submissions are not limited to high school writers, but the journal is known to accept and publish lots of work by new writers. Get published in high school at AGNI and you’ve taken an important step to becoming a writer in the real world! Find them online at:  http://www.bu.edu/agni/submit.htm

THE ALCOTT YOUTH MAGAZINE is a magazine devoted to sharing the written perspectives of young people. The magazine publishes work on a variety of topics, including current events, young adult life, and women’s rights issues. Published works are primarily focused on young women from ages thirteen to twenty-two. However, anyone who is interested in sharing their voice is encouraged to submit to the magazine, regardless of age or gender. The Alcott Youth Magazine is open to publishing articles, essays, short stories, illustrations, cartoons, photographs, or any other works. Visit https://www.alcottmagazine.com/submit

THE AUDACITY is Roxanne Gay’s bi-monthly newsletter where she features emerging writers with fewer than three article/essay/short story publications and no published books or book contracts. The Audacity features only non-fiction and is particularly interested in literary essays and memoir. All essays are paid a flat fee of $2,000. For more information, visit https://gay.submittable.com/submit

BLUE MARBLE publishes four times a year and accepts submissions of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, essays, opinion pieces, travel writing, photography and art on a rolling basis. Blue Marble looks for new work from writers ages 13-21 that hasn’t been published anywhere else either online or in print. For more details on how to submit your work, visit https://bluemarblereview.com/submit/ .

DIALOGUE HUMANITIES is an online, biannual journal that publishes high quality, humanities-focused essays written by middle and high school students. Essays will be reviewed by a panel of experts in various humanities-based fields and will be chosen based on the strength of the writing, the author’s familiarity with his or her chosen topic, and the appropriateness of the essay’s content. Dialogue Humanities Review aims to include academic essays from a wide variety of fields, including but not limited to: African-American Studies; American Studies; Anthropology; Archaeology; Art Criticism, History, and Theory; Classics; Ethics; Ethnic Studies; Folklore; Geography; History; History and Ethics of Science; International Studies; Jurisprudence; Languages and Linguistics; Literature; Music History and Criticism; Philosophy; Political Science; Psychology; Religion and Comparative Religion; Sociology; Social Sciences; Theatre History and Criticism; and Women’s Studies. If selected, authors will be asked to revise their essays to ready it for publication. Please visit http://dialoguehumanitiesreview.org/about/ or contact Jessica Rafferty at [email protected] for more information.

ÉLAN LITERARY MAGAZINE accepts original fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, plays, and all kinds of art from students ages 14-18 in locations internationally. Élan produces two online editions a year, one in the Fall/Winter and another in the Spring/Summer. The two editions are combined into a single Print Edition each Summer. For more information on how to submit, visit: https://www.elanlitmag.com/submit .

EMBER only publishes twice a year, but this beautiful and dreamy journal of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction appeals to all age groups. Although it doesn’t exclusively publish young writers, submissions from writers and artists ages 10 to 18 are strongly encouraged. Submissions open March 1, 2023 . For more details, visit them online at:  http://emberjournal.org/ .

ENOUGH PLAYS is taking submissions from teen writers (ages 13-19) of 10-MIN PLAYS confronting the issue of gun violence. Six plays will be selected by a panel of astonishing writers to be published and performed nationwide and the writers will receive $500. Deadline for submissions is April 20, 2023 . Visit them online: https://www.enoughplays.com/amplify

GIRLS RIGHT THE WORLD  is a literary journal inviting young, female-identified writers and artists, ages 14–21, to submit work for consideration for the fourth annual issue. They believe girls’ voices transform the world for the better. We accept poetry, prose, and visual art of any style or theme. Girls Right The World ask to be the first to publish your work in North America; after publication, the rights return to you. Please include a note mentioning your age, where you’re from, and a bit about your submission. Send your best work, in English or English translation, to [email protected] between September 1 and December 31. 

HANGING LOOSE PRESS has had a section of high school writing in their issues since 1968. Hanging Loose has long been known for its special interest in new writers. This press reads manuscripts throughout the year, accepting poetry and prose. For more details on the submission process, visit https://www.hangingloosepress.com/submissions/ .

HELLOGIGGLES a positive online community for female-identifying readers (although others are always welcome!) covering the latest in beauty and style, relationships, career and money, culture, identity, and more. Featuring a mix of news, personal essays, reported features, and service, we’re committed to providing our readers with smart, thoughtful, and relatable content representing a range of voices. We were founded by Zooey Deschanel, Molly McAleer, and Sophia Rossi in 2011 as a place on the Internet to inspire a smile, and years later, we’re still doing just that. Tor ages 14 and up.

HOT DISH MAGAZINE , an online journal serving up a bubbling mixture of poetry and fiction by teens (grades 9–12), wants your voice to be heard! We award cash prizes for fiction, poetry, and the Hot Dish Challenge. Our submission period is October-January. Visit us at  www.hotdishmagazine.com .  The GOAT ( the-goat.org ) publishes student writing on everything sports related and is looking for new submissions. Students can email their writing pieces to me. No work is rejected, and editors provide any mentoring and editing necessary. Students will see their work online within weeks and can include the link on their college or summer school applications.

ICE LOLLY REVIEW:  Ice Lolly Review accepts a variety of pieces including, creative nonfiction, fiction, haikus, poems, plays, spoken word, and etc. They are looking for pieces that have a strong, solid voice and aren’t afraid of delving into deep topics. For more details, go to  https://www.icelollyreview.com/submissions .

jGIRLS   MAGAZINE:   jGirls Magazine accepts submissions on an ongoing basis from self-identifying Jewish teenage girls and gender-expansive youth ages 13-19. You can submit articles, essays, fiction, poetry, cultural reviews, humor, photographs, music, videos, artwork and other creative materials. You can submit as often as you’d like. For more details, visit  https://jgirlsmagazine.org/submission-guidelines/ .

KIDSPIRIT is a nonprofit online magazine and community by and for youth to engage each other about life’s big questions in an open and inclusive spirit. Its mission is to promote mutual understanding among 11- to 17-year-olds of diverse backgrounds and support their development into world citizens with strong inner grounding. KidSpirit is in syndication on the Huffington Post and Spirituality & Practice and has won numerous awards from major educational, parenting, and spiritual organizations. Visit the Get Involved section to learn more about publishing your work, becoming an editor, or facilitating a conversation about one of the 50 themes KidSpirit contributors have explored: https://kidspiritonline.com/get-involved/

THE LUMIERE REVIEW is a literary magazine dedicated to shining the light on all voices through poetry, prose, and art. General submissions are now open. Submissions to the forthcoming Issue 08 of The Lumiere Review in poetry, prose (creative fiction and non-fiction), and all forms of art can be sent to [email protected]. Details on how to submit and format your work can be found at: https://lumierereview.com/submit .

THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM : invites middle and high school students to enter the Morgan’s Teen Writing contest with a first-person poem or narrative telling a story from the perspective of a hero or heroine. Submission deadline is February 24, 2023. Written work should be submitted using this online form . Submissions must be written in English. Works can contain mature themes but inappropriate or graphic content is subject for removal. More details can be found at: https://www.themorgan.org/education/writing-contest

POLYPHONY LIT:  invites submissions of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction from high school students worldwide. Student editors provide feedback to all submissions, including the ones not accepted for publication. Submissions are open from February 1-28, 2022 and June 1-30, 2022. More details can be found at  https://www.polyphonylit.org/.

TEEN INK is one of the most popular and diverse writing spaces to get published in high school. The broad categories for publication reflect the diversity of writing that this lively online magazine celebrates. Some publication categories include: community service, travel and culture, the environment, health, reviews of TV shows and video games, and college essays, among the more traditional poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Visit online at:  http://www.teenink.com

THE TRAILBLAZER LITERARY MAGAZINE is an international high school publication dedicated to push for cultural diversity through creative writing. For general submissions, the magazine accepts fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction all year, from middle and high school students between 14 and 18 years old. In addition, they host the Cultural Heritage Writing Contest, which welcomes submissions about the young creatives’ cultural background, ancestry, values, customs, etc. Visit online at: https://www.thetrailblazerreview.com/ TRAVELNITCH was founded in 2018 to encourage a love of travel and make it more accessible to all families. Travelnitch believes travel has the power to changes lives, open minds, and build stronger communities. They love to feature new & aspiring travel writers who can delight and entertain readers. They currently need support developing family-centric travel content to engage kids (and sometimes parents) in fun and innovative ways.  If you are a writer who loves to travel, this could be the perfect fit for you—turn your own passion into an inspiring story for our readers! https://travelnitch.org/writers/storyteller-spotlight/

TYRIAN INK is an independent LGBTQIA+ press that is dedicated to uplifting youth voices. TYRIAN INK is currently open to chapbook manuscripts of any genre (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, hybrid, etc) with a minimum of 30 pages and a maximum of 50 pages in length. Please only submit if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and are 22 or below. Writers will be paid $250 for their manuscripts and receive a percent of royalties for every chapbook sold. https://tyrianinkpress.com/home/submission-guidelines/

Auroras & Blossoms’ third annual PoArtMo Anthology , gives a voice to people whose stories and/or art seek to nurture hope and optimism. Writers of poetry, short stories, flash fiction, essays, and six-word stories are all encouraged to send in their work! To read more about The PoArtMo Anthology, visit the Auroras and Blossoms Anthology guidelines page at https://abpositiveart.com/youth .

WRITING RESIDENCIES & FELLOWSHIPS

Hedgebrook’s mission is to support visionary women-identified writers,18 and older, whose stories and ideas shape our culture now and for generations to come. Writers must be women, which is inclusive of transgender women and female-identified individuals.

Hedgebrook’s Writer-in-Residence Program supports writers from all over the world for fully-funded residencies of two to four weeks (travel is not included and is the responsibility of the writer to arrange and pay for). Up to 6 writers can be in residence at a time, each housed in their own handcrafted cottage. They spend their days in solitude – writing, reading, taking walks in the woods on the property or on nearby Double Bluff beach. In the evenings, “The Gathering” is a social time for residents to connect and share over their freshly prepared meals.

Writers can apply here for a residency in Fiction, Non-fiction, Playwriting, Poetry, Screenwriting/TV Writing, or Songwriting. Read more and apply at https://www.hedgebrook.org/writers-in-residence.

MacDowell’s mission is to nurture the arts by offering creative individuals an inspiring environment in which they can produce enduring works of the imagination. We encourage applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics, and who are investigating an unlimited array of inquiries and concerns.

MacDowell  is currently accepting applications for the Spring Summer 2023 residency season (March – August 2023). Learn more at https://macdowell.slideroom.com/#/Login.

The NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship is a $8,000 unrestricted cash grant available to artists living in New York State and/or one of the Indian Nations located therein. This grant is awarded in fifteen different disciplines over a three-year period (five categories a year) and the application is free to complete. The NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship is not a project grant, but is intended to fund an artist’s vision or voice, at all levels of their artistic development.

Learn more at https://www.nyfa.org/awards-grants/artist-fellowships/ .

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Writing CONTESTS & PUBLICATIONS OPEN TO youth

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For 25 years, Girls Write Now has been breaking down barriers of gender, race, age and poverty to mentor the next generation of writers and leaders who are impacting businesses, shaping culture and creating change. Thank you for joining our movement.

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25 Writing Contests and Publication Opportunities for Teens

Portrait of Emilio Terry ( showing hands writing )

NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 1564999

Are you an aspiring writer, creative artist, scientist or a future scholar? The following list of twenty-five publishing platforms provides teens with opportunities for recognition in those fields. Submitting your work for review and publication can channel your creative energy into a meaningful and rewarding project. Additionally, working on your writing will improve your research and organizational skills. Participating in a contest, or having your work published, is also a factor in college admissions decisions.

In estimating the amount of work each submission requires, be mindful of all provided deadlines. Notice that most essay submissions require a bibliography. If you are tackling an essay with an assigned topic, take advantage of the Library's Research resources. This guide to Remote Research Resources will provide you with guidance on how to use the Library's electronic resources from home. If you are working on composing an oratory, or any other piece of polemical writing, take a look at How to Research for a Debate Using Library Resources . Aspiring poets can consult Columbia Granger's World of Poetr y, a premier poetry online resource. Young artists can draw inspiration from the wealth of imagery in our Digital Collections . The Library encourages everyone to get creative with our public domain collection of digital images. If you are inserting a quotation into your text, learn How to Research a Quotation . Don't forget to attend the Library's events , as they frequently include writing workshops and book discussions . If you have any additional reference questions ,or want to see the full extent of remote research opportunities, take a look at our guide to Remote Collections and Services.

For additional guidance and inspiration, please see the short list of books provided below.

The Writer's Practice: Building Confidence in Your Nonfiction Writing by John Warner

Wired for Story: The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence by Lisa Cron

Singing School: Learning to Write (and Read) Poetry with the Masters by Robert Pisnky

Writers's Idea Book by Jack Heffron

Barron's Painless Writing by Jeffrey Strausser

How to Write Better Essays by Bryan Greetham

You Can Write a Play! by Milton E. Polsky

The Artist's Way: a Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron

Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss

Apprentice Writer

Susquehanna University and the Writers Institute initiative invite high school students to submit fiction, memoir, personal essay , poetry and photography for the thirty-ninth volume of Apprentice Writer , which will be published in the fall of 2021 

Deadline:  submissions are accepted from September 15 , 2020 to March 15 2021

Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest 

The Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest provides scholarship, prizes, and recognition for the best poems submitted by young women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school. No more than two poems per student. For details and prizes please see the contest webpage . 

Deadline: October 31, 2020 

Leonard l. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in the eigth grade in the U.S. or abroad. Contest judges are poets on the Princeton University Creative Writing faculty, which includes Michael Dickman, Paul Muldoon, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, James Richardson, Tracy K. Smith, Susan Wheeler, Jenny Xie, and Monica Youn.

Deadline: to be announced. For the latest information and updates, you can subscribe to a newsletter . 

Rattle Young Poets Anthology

Young Poets Anthology is looking for poem submissions from authors that are 15, and younger. Poets can use their whole name, first name or a pseudonym. Poems could be submitted by students that are younger than 18, teachers, parents and guardians. 

Deadline:  Submission for 2020 accepted until November 16, 2020.

Society of Classical Poets High School Poetry Competition

Invites classic poetry lovers ages 13 to 19 to submit up to 3 metered poems, limited to 108 lines.  Poems must contain meter. Counting the number of syllables and ensuring there are a similar number in each line is sufficient. Society offers a very useful tutorial on  writing poetry with a meter. To learn how to write poetry with a meter, see a brief beginner’s guide on common iambic meter here or a more elaborate beginner’s guide to many kinds of meter here .

Deadline: December 31, 2020

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers   

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers recognizes outstanding young poets and is open to high school sophomores and juniors throughout the world. The contest winner receives a full scholarship to the Kenyon Review Young Writers workshop. In addition, the winning poem and the poems of the two runners-up will be published in the Kenyon Review, one of the country’s most widely read literary magazines.

Deadline : Submissions accepted between November 1 and November 30

Bennington College Young Writers Awards 

Students in 9th-12th grades, residing anywhere in the world, are invited to submit original works in three categories. Poetry requires a submission of three poems. Category of Fiction accepts short stories or a one-act play. There is a separate nonfiction essay category. Please notice that only original writing is accepted, and all  work has to be sponsored by a high school teacher. For further details, carefully read the submission rules.  

Deadline: Submissions for 2020 are accepted from September 3 to November 1 

Claudia Ann Seaman Awards for Young Writers 

High School students from anywhere in the world are eligible to submit original work written in English. Creative writing that was not previously published, can be submitted in the categories of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. For further detail and submissions guidelines read the rules of the context. In addition to creative writing, you can submit cover art for Polyphony magazine. 

Deadline: Check the website for the latest writing deadlines. Deadline for cover art submission is April 30th.   

SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest 

In order to increase high school students' knowledge and understanding of the importance of independent media in our lives, Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of the Society of Professional Journalist and the Journalism Education Association invites students enrolled in grades 9-12 in US public, private and home schools , to submit an essay on a given topic.  National winners of this essay contest will receive a scholarship award. Topic for 2020 will be released in November. 

Deadline : February 22 

Achievement Award in Writing 

National Council of Teachers of English is offering an Achievement Award in Writing to High School Juniors in the United States, Canada, Virgin Islands, and accredited American Schools abroad. Students must be nominated by their school's English department and should submit one themed essay and a sample of their best writing. 

Deadline:  Submissions for 2021 are open from November 15 to February 15. Theme for the essay is available at the time of publication ( October 2020) 

Teen Ink Magazine 

A national teen magazine devoted to teenage writing, art, photos and forums, offers an opportunity to publish creative work and opinions on issues that affect their lives of teens. Hundreds of thousands of students aged 13-19, have submitted their work. Teen Ink magazine has published the creative output of over 55,000 teens. Teens can submit an article, poetry, book, novel, photo or a video though this link.

Deadline: none

Princeton University Ten Minute Play Contest 

Eligibility for the annual playwriting contest is limited to students in the 11th grade in the U.S , or an international equivalent of the 11th grade. Jury consists of members of the Princeton University Program in Theater faculty. 

Deadline: Information regarding submission will be provided in late Fall of 2020.

Youth Plays 

Unpublished one-act plays from authors younger than 19 years of age are accepted for submission. Plays should feature youth characters and be suitable for school production. For detailed submission guidelines and helpful advice visit Youth Plays website. 

Deadline: Next opportunity for submission will open up in early 2021.

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards has the largest selection of opportunities for creative self-expression. With twenty eight categories, ranging from poetry to the entire writing portfolio, young artists and writers can choose from a plethora of opportunities. For the latest updates, rules , and information on how to enter, register with Scholastic. Don't forget to view the Gallery of Winning Entries . To participate in the Awards, you must be a student in grades 7–12, age 13 years or older, residing in the United States, U.S. territories or military bases, or Canada.

Deadlines vary by category, with submissions windows between September to December. 

National Young Arts Foundation Competition

Young Arts' signature program is an application-based award for emerging artists ages 15-18, or in grades 10-12. Open to students in a variety of different disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music, National Young Arts Foundation  Competition  asks students to submit a portfolio of work.

Deadline: October 16 , 2020

World Historian Student Essay Competition  

World History Association invites international students enrolled in grades K-12 in public, private and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs to participate in a writing competition that celebrates the study of history. Each competitor will submit an essay that addresses the issue: In what way has the study of world history affected my understanding of the world in which we live ? For further details on submission guidelines, visit World History Association.  

Deadline: May 1

The Concord Review

This unique publication is the only quarterly journal in the world to publish academic history papers of secondary students. The Concord Review accepts history research papers (about 8,500 words with endnotes and bibliography ) of high school students from anywhere in the world. There is no theme, and papers on every period of history anywhere in the world are accepted. For specific rules and regulators, see the submission guidelines. 

Deadline: essay are accepted on a rolling admissions basis.

George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all high school students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. To participate, students must submit an original 800 to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. 

Deadline: December 31 

JFK Profiles in Courage Essay Contest 

The contest is open to United States high school students in grades 9-12 attending public, private, parochial, or home schools. In Profiles in Courage, John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage.

Deadline: January 15 

Write the World Competition

Write the World is a global community of young writers, ages 13-18. Write the World offers a rotating list of themed competitions. Current competition ( October 2020) is for a Speech Writing Oration. The list of past competitions includes Historical Fiction ( short story), Food Writing, Album Review, Environmental Journalism, Songwriting and Book Review. 

Deadline: a new competition every month

Lloyd Davies Philosophy Prize

Established in 2006, the Lloyd Davies Philosophy Prize is an essay competition open in year 12 or the equivalent. Students can submit essays on three given topics in Philosophy. The judges will look for originality of thought, a clear grasp of the issues, clarity in presentation and a critical approach to what has been read. They will also look for a clear structure to the essay. Please read the submission guidelines carefully .

Deadline: June 22 , 2021

The American Foreign Service Association’s National High School Essay Contest

Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate in the contest, if they reside in the U.S., U.S territories, or if they are U.S. citizens attending high school overseas. In addition to the winner, there is the one runner-up and eight honorable mentions. For further details, please read Rules and Guidelines 

Deadline: The new prompt and deadlines for 2021 will be announced in the fall of 2020

International Essay Contest for Young People

This annual themed essay contest is organized by the Goi Peace Foundation in an effort to harness the energy, creativity and initiative of the world's youth in promoting a culture of peace and sustainable development. Essays can be submitted in two age categories, by anyone younger than 25. In addition to English, essays can be submitted in French, Spanish, German and Japanese. Please note that essays must be mailed, as no email submissions are accepted.

Deadline: Consult the Goi Peace Foundation website for the 2021 theme .

Engineer Girl Essay Writing Competition

This competition is  open to individual girls and boys in the following three age categories: elementary, middle, and high school students. This year's theme  relates to the COVID-19 virus.

Deadline: The contest will close at 11:59 PM, February 1, 2021, U.S. Eastern Standard Tim e

Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Scholarship Program

Established in 1947 by Veterans of Foreign Wars, Voice of Democracy Youth Scholarship program requires a submission of a themed recorded essay. Students attending any type of school in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate. Essays are judged on content and on delivery technique.

Deadline: October 31

The Best Young Adult Writing Contests of 2024

Writing competitions curated by Reedsy

  • Children's
  • Flash Fiction
  • Non-fiction
  • Science Fiction
  • Science Writing
  • Script Writing
  • Short Story
  • Young Adult

Manage a competition? Submit it here

RBE | We made a writing app for you (photo) | 2023-02

We made a writing app for you

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Showing 35 contests

Not quite write prize for flash fiction.

Not Quite Write

The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction challenges writers to create an original piece of flash fiction based on two typical writing prompts plus one ""anti-prompt"". An anti-prompt is a challenge to break a specific “rule” of writing while telling a great story. Participants compete for AU$2,000 in cash prizes, including AU$1,000 for the winner, cash prizes for the entire shortlist and two bonus ‘wildcard’ prizes. Winners are read aloud on the Not Quite Write podcast, where the judges share in-depth analysis about the entries and offer free writing advice. The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction is hosted in Australia and open to all writers of any age and level of ability around the world.

Additional prizes

Publication on the Not Quite Write website and podcast

Entry requirements

Deadline: April 21, 2024

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult

Elegant Literature's Award For New Writers

Elegant Literature

One of the largest awards open to unpublished writers, and the only one closed to professionals. We are the first magazine to pay pro rates and only accept submissions from new writers, putting over $100k into the hands of emerging talent around the globe. One new writer receives the grand prize. We also choose the best stories, pay the authors professional rates, and publish them in our magazine.

Paid publication, 25 x $20 USD | Free entry to Novelist Accelerator

Deadline: February 29, 2024

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult, Flash Fiction, Science Writing

7 Day Story Writing Challenge

Register now for our next 7-day story writing challenge. A secret theme, a randomly assigned genre, and just 7 days to write a story of no more than 2,000 words. Our 7-day story writing challenges take place throughout the year. The challenges are free and you can even get feedback on your story. Take part in one challenge or take part in all of them!

Publication on website

Deadline: March 11, 2024

Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

Writing MAGIC

Sadie Tells Stories

Are you an author who loves magic? Do you have an idea for a super short story that needs to be shared with the world? If you answered yes to both of those questions this contest is for you! The story can be about anything magical. Maybe it’s something that you’ve experienced in real life or it’s something you’ve created. Maybe it’s the start of a great idea. Maybe it’ll be the thing that inspires you to finally publish your book.

Deadline: April 01, 2024

Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Young Adult

Chapter One Prize

Gutsy Great Novelist

The Gutsy Great Novelist Chapter One Prize is awarded for an outstanding first chapter of an unpublished novel. The prize is open internationally to anyone over 18 writing a novel in English in any genre for adult or YA readers. Winners will be announced March 29, 2024.

2nd: $500 |3rd: $250

Deadline: March 01, 2024

Fiction, Novel, Young Adult, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller

Spring Microfiction Battle

Writing Battle

Two days to write a 500 word short story. The peer-powered quarterly writing contest where every story receives oodles of feedback. Write one. Read ten. Win thousands.

Genre Winner (x4): $1,500

Genre Runner-up (x4): $375 | Feedback by industry professionals

Deadline: May 03, 2024

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

Summer Nanofiction Battle

Two days to write a 250 word short story. The peer-powered quarterly writing contest where every story receives oodles of feedback. Write one. Read ten. Win thousands.

Deadline: August 02, 2024

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

North Street Book Prize

Winning Writers

Submit a self-published or hybrid-published book, up to 200,000 words in length. One grand prize winner will receive $10,000, a marketing analysis and one-hour phone consultation with Carolyn Howard-Johnson, a $300 credit at BookBaby, three months of Plus service (a $207 value) and a $500 account credit from Book Award Pro, and 3 free ads in the Winning Writers newsletter (a $525 value)

$1,000 for top winner in each category | $300 for honorable mentions

Deadline: May 01, 2024

Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry, Children's, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

The Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition

Chicken House Books

We're looking for original ideas, a fresh voice, a diverse range of entries and stories that children will love! To enter, you must have written a full-length novel suitable for children/young adults aged between 7 and 18 years. We suggest a minimum of 30,000 words and ask that manuscripts do not exceed 80,000 words. The IET 150 Award will be awarded to a manuscript that celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

A worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House & royalty advance of £10,000

An offer of representation from a top literary agent

Deadline: June 01, 2024

Fiction, Novel, Novella, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Young Adult

The Bath Novel Award

The Bath Novel Awards

The Bath Novel Award is a £3,000 international prize for emerging writers of adult fiction. Submit the first 5,000 words plus a one page synopsis of your novel for adults or young adults. Shortlisted entries will receive manuscript feedback and literary agent introductions.

£1800 for one longlistee

Deadline: May 31, 2024

Fiction, Novel, Young Adult

100 Word Writing Contest

Tadpole Press

Can you write a story using 100 words or less? Pieces will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, and how the story captures a new angle, breaks through stereotypes, and expands our beliefs about what's possible or unexpectedly delights us. In addition, we are looking for writing that is clever or unique, inspires us, and crafts a compelling and complete story. The first-place prize has doubled to $2,000 USD.

2nd: writing coach package

Deadline: April 30, 2024

Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult, Children's, Poetry, Romance, Short Story, Suspense, Travel

Indignor Play House Annual Short Story Competition

Indignor House Publishing

Indignor House Publishing is proud to announce that our annual writing competition (INDIGNOR PLAYHOUSE Short Story Annual Competition) is officially open with expected publication in the fall of 2024. Up to 25 submissions will be accepted for inclusion in the annual anthology.

2nd: $250 | 3rd: $150

Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Story, Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

First Chapter + Synopsis Competition

Fiction Factory

Have you completed the first draft of your novel? Are you ready to pass it on to a fresh pair of eyes, to see if you are on the right track? Is your all-important first chapter ready for submission to an agent? Whatever your plans, your first chapter must shine – it must grab your readers or quickly lose their interest.

£500 + an appraisal

Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novel, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Edinburgh Short Story Award

Scottish Arts Trust

£3,000 first prize for writers worldwide and stories on any topic up to 2,000 words. We welcome stories in all genres: literary, historic, crime, romance, gritty realism, contemporary, humour and more.

2nd: £500 | 3rd: £250 | Publication

Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Suspense, Thriller, Young Adult

Stringybark Open Short Story Award 2024

Stringybark Publishing

Our annual flagship competition, the Stringybark Stories Open Short Story Award 2023, is now bigger than ever! Thanks to Graeme Simpson and Anne Buist, a record prize pool of over $1300 is on offer. The theme is open, the only constraint is that there must be a reference to Australia somewhere in the story. It doesn't matter how small a link there is (it could be a jar of vegemite on the counter), there just needs to be one!

2nd: $360 | 3rd: $210 | 4th: $110

Deadline: February 25, 2024

Fiction, Mystery, Short Story, Crime, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

Best Indie Book Award

The annual Best Indie Book Award® (or BIBA®) is an international literary awards contest recognizing self-published and independently published authors from all over the world. Entries are limited to independently (indie) published books, including those from small presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors.

Deadline: August 15, 2024

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

Book Pipeline Unpublished Contest

Book Pipeline

Launched in 2014, Book Pipeline connects writers worldwide with publishers, editors, agents, and the film industry. Through two submission platforms—Unpublished and Adaptation—the company seeks both new and established authors. For over 22 years, Pipeline has bridged the gap between up-and-coming writers and the industry through a unique, long-term, hands-on facilitation process. The result thus far has been $8 million in scripts sold to studios and networks since 1999.

Deadline: August 20, 2024

Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Non-fiction, Science Fiction, Young Adult

The Rubery Prize

Rubery Book Awards

The Rubery Prize is a prestigious international book award seeking the best books by indie writers, self published authors and books published by independent presses, judged by reputable judges. Through our reputation of finding quality and outstanding books we aim to bring recognition to the works that win and heighten an author's profile.

£200, a write-up

Deadline: March 31, 2024

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult, Romance

The Letter Review Prize for Unpublished Books

The Letter Review

The Letter Review Prize for Unpublished Books (Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction) is open to writers from anywhere in the world. Three Winners are awarded, and 20 entries are Shortlisted.

3 x $333 USD

Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

Goldfinch Books Novel Award

Goldfinch Books

Goldfinch Books, an independent bookshop, café and event space in Alton, Hampshire, UK has announced a UK nationwide literary competition to coincide with the inaugural Alton Arts Festival. The Goldfinch Novel Award 2024 is a prize for emerging authors (aged 16+) with completed young adult or adult novels. This competition is open to authors in the UK and will have a prize of £300 for the winning novel, chosen by judge Kiya Evans, Associate Literary Agent at Mushens Entertainment.

Goldfinch Membership

Deadline: May 15, 2024

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novel, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

Storytrade Book Awards

The Storytrade Book Awards recognizes excellence in small and independent publishing. Open to all indie authors and publishers including self-published authors, university presses, and small or independent presses, our annual awards program spotlights outstanding books in a number of fiction and nonfiction categories.

Medal, Book Stickers, Digital Seal

Deadline: June 30, 2024

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Script Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

Work-In-Progress (WIP) Contest

Unleash Press

We aim to assist writers in the completion of an important literary project and vision. The Unleash WIP Award offers writers support in the amount of $500 to supplement costs to aid in the completion of a book-length work of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Writers will also receive editorial feedback, coaching meetings, and an excerpt/interview feature in Unleash Lit.

Coaching, interview, and editorial support

Deadline: July 15, 2024

Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Young Adult

Reader Views Literary Awards

Reader Views

The Reader Views Literary Awards program helps level the playing field for self-published authors, recognizing the most creative and exciting new books in the industry. Our awards program is recognized industry-wide as one of the top literary awards programs for independent authors.

Several marketing prizes (e.g. book review)

Deadline: December 15, 2024

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

The Paul Cave Prize for Literature

Tim Saunders Publications

The Paul Cave Prize for Literature, established in 2023 by Tim Saunders Publications, is in memory of Paul Astley Cave-Browne-Cave (1917 to 2010), a hugely inspirational magazine and book publisher. What we are looking for All forms of poetry: haiku, free verse, sonnet, acrostic, villanelle, ballad, limerick, ode, elegy, flash fiction, short stories and novellas. Work must be new and unpublished. International submissions welcome.

Best Short Story: £50 | Best Flash Fiction: £25 | Best Poem: £25

Deadline: September 30, 2024

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize

Gotham Writers Workshop

The Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize is a writing competition sponsored by the stage and radio series Selected Shorts. Selected Shorts is recorded for Public Radio and heard nationally on both the radio and its weekly podcast. This years entries will be judged by Carmen Maria Machado (In the Dream House, Her Body and Other Parties).

$1000 + free 10 week course with Gotham Writers

Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

The Book of the Year Awards

The Independent Author Network

The Independent Author Network presents the 10th Annual IAN Book of the Year Awards, an international contest open to all authors with 55 fiction and non-fiction categories. Winners are eligible to receive a share of cash prizes of $6,000 USD. Open to all English language print and eBooks available for sale, including small presses, mid-size independent publishers, university presses, and self-published authors.

$6,000.00 USD in total cash prizes

Deadline: August 16, 2024

Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult, Crime, Short Story

HNS 2024 First Chapters Competition

Historical Novel Society

The HNS UK 2024 First Chapters Competition is for the first three chapters of a full-length historical novel that has not been previously published in any form. We are looking to recognize and promote excellence in storytelling and the craft of historical fiction and its subgenres. The competition coincides with the HNS UK 2024 conference and the overall winner will be announced at the conference.

Category winners: £500 and HNS UK 2024 conference ticket

Deadline: February 15, 2024 (Expired)

Fantasy, Fiction, Novel, Romance, Thriller, Young Adult

Oxford Flash Fiction Prize 2024

Oxford Flash Fiction

Write yourself into history and become one of the greats with the Oxford Flash Fiction Prize. For centuries, the greats have come to Oxford to ink masterpieces. Now, in one of the oldest towns, where the history of the English language can be traced back to its ancient streets, we are celebrating one of the newest forms in literature – flash fiction.

2nd Prize: £200 | 3rd Prize: £100 | New Voice Prize: £200

Deadline: January 31, 2024 (Expired)

Flash Fiction, Fiction, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

Clash of the Query Letters

Darling Axe Editing

Our judge, Michelle Barker, will be asking herself one question: does this query letter convince me that I'm in the hands of an adept novelist with a unique and engaging story to tell?

CAD $200 for 2nd place, $100 for 3rd place

Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Novel, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novella, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

Best Stories on Human Impact of Climate Change

Secant Publishing

We are seeking the year's best original short stories (fiction) devoted to the theme of global climate change and its human impact. We are interested in literary interpretations of how individuals and families, cities and nations are bearing the brunt of a world dominated by new extremes of weather, seasons, and eco-disasters. All genres welcome.

2nd: $500 | 3rd: $250 | Publication in anthology

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Young Adult

Genre Smash Short Story Challenge

For this short story challenge, all participants will be randomly assigned a genre pairing. As soon as you receive your ‘smashed’ genres you'll have until the closing time to write and submit a short story of any length up to 5,000 words, that perfectly and seamlessly combines both genres into one amazing short story.

Publication

Deadline: October 23, 2023 (Expired)

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

The Letter Review Prize for Books

The Letter Review Prize for Books is open to writers from anywhere in the world. Seeking most unpublished (we accept some self/indie published) novels, novellas, story collections, nonfiction, poetry etc. 20 entries are longlisted.

$1000 USD shared by 3 winners

Deadline: October 31, 2023 (Expired)

Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult

Historical Fiction Challenge

For this short story challenge, all participants will be randomly assigned a period in history. As soon as you receive your assignment, you'll have until the closing time to research, write, and submit a short story of no more than 4,000 words, set during this historical period.

Deadline: October 28, 2022 (Expired)

First 5 Pages Prize

Stockholm Writers Festival

SWF is proud to launch the First 5 Pages Prize to mark our 5th anniversary. Dazzle us with your brilliance. Delight us with your wit. Deceive us with your dastardly plot-twists. There will be one Grand Prize winner chosen from all entries. The winner will receive: $1000 cash, a ticket to SWF22, a pitch meeting with an agent conducted over Zoom, two night’s accommodation at a boutique hotel, and a full developmental edit donated by Reedsy, the industry’s leading platform for writing services.

A full developmental edit donated by Reedsy & pitch meeting with an agent

Deadline: January 31, 2022 (Expired)

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Novel, Novella, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

The 2022 First Chapter Book Contest

TheNextBigWriter, LLC

Have a book or a novel idea you've been noodling? Enter your first chapter into the Booksie First Chapter Contest and see how it does. You don't need to have finished the book. You don't even need more than the first chapter. We're looking for a start that will grab our attention, that is original, that is well written, and that makes us want to beg you to see what comes next. And for those we find, we'll provide some awards to inspire you to finish writing the book or, if finished, to help get it published.

Gold contest badge.

Deadline: May 14, 2022 (Expired)

Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Novel, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult

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Young Writers Awards

*Submissions are closed for this cycle—winners will be announced in early Spring 2024.*

Sign up for more info

Young Writer's Awards FAQ:

Absolutely! We welcome students from all over the globe to participate in the Young Writers Awards.

Nope! The competition is free.

Enter in N/A, we’ll figure it out from there.

We ask that participants submit in only one category, and submit only one time per year.

We welcome simultaneous submissions.

We ask that students who participate be in 9th through 12th grade—sadly gap year students are not eligible for the competition.

We have a diverse group of people who read our submissions; however, we do not currently accept submissions that are not written in English.

As Stephen King says: kill your darlings. The word count is strict, get your submission down to 1500 words. Headers, footers, footnotes, titles, bibliographies all count.

A sponsoring teacher is someone who has worked with you, read what you’ve decided to submit, and helped you edit it. They’ve given you feedback and advice. Once you submit your work, your sponsoring teacher’s work is largely done, but we want to make sure that you’ve done this step.

You don’t have to have taken a class with them, but they should know you, and have worked with you in some capacity previously. Your parents don’t count (unless you’re a homeschooled student).

2022-2023 Winners

  • First Place , " Manhattanhenge / Scrapyard Blues / What moves the needle ," Katie Hwang , Dalton School, New York, NY
  • Second Place , " Ghazal for Matrilineal Multiverse / Appetence of Vietnamese Daughter / Moonlight on the Ganges ," Sunny Vuong , BASIS San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
  • Third Place , " parking lot supplications / Cassandra / (clementine) peel ," Anaya Marei, homeschooled, Stockton, CA
  • First Place , " A Story Woven From a Bucket of Milk ," Enkhjin Gantumur, School 1 of Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
  • Second Place , “ Untitled ,” Caroline Anthony, The High School of the Performing and Visual Arts, Houston, TX
  • Third Place , " ‘How have you been?’ ‘Unlike you ,’" Shambhavi Sinha, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Collegiate Public School, Chandigarh, India
  • First Place , " Diagnosis of Familial, Lateral Curvatures ," Joanna Liu, Lexington High School, Lexington, MA
  • Second Place , " Cat in a Box ," Kat Davis , South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville, SC
  • Third Place , " Riddled Realities ," Emaan Abbasi, Lahore Grammar School, Lahore, Pakistan 

About the Contest

Bennington College has a unique literary legacy , including twelve  Pulitzer Prize winners , three U.S. poet laureates, four MacArthur Geniuses, countless New York Times bestsellers , and two of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.

In celebration of this legacy, Bennington launched the Young Writers Awards to promote excellence in writing at the high school level. Our goal with this competition is to recognize outstanding writing achievement by high school students.

Each year, students in the 9th-12th grades are invited to enter in one of the following categories with the following submission:

Poetry: A group of three poems

Fiction: A short story (1,500 words or fewer) or one-act play (run no more than 30 minutes of playing time)

Nonfiction : A personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer)

A first, second, and third place winner is selected in each category. We welcome submissions from both U.S. and international students. 

Have questions about the contest? Email   [email protected]

  Download a Young Writers Awards poster to print and hang in your classroom or school.  

Download an alternate printable young writers awards submission form .-->, awards & rules.

First-place winners in each category are awarded a prize of $1,000 ; second-place winners receive $500;  third-place winners receive $250 .

There is no entry fee

All entries must be original work reviewed, approved and sponsored by a high school teacher. We will use your sponsoring teacher as a contact for the competition should we have any questions. For homeschooled students, please contact a mentor to sponsor your writing.

Young Writers Award finalists and winners are also eligible for undergraduate scholarships at Bennington. YWA finalists who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington will receive a $10,000  scholarship every year for four years, for a total of $40,000 . YWA winners who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington will receive a $15,000  scholarship every year for four years, for a total of $60,000 .

The competition runs annually from September 1 to November 1 .

Congratulations to our 2022-2023 winners!

Fiction

More About Literature Studies at Bennington

Academics Literature studies at Bennington are grounded in the idea that good writers are good readers. Each year, an exceptional group of Bennington undergraduates is chosen to participate in an MFA summer residency through the Undergraduate Writing Fellowship . At the graduate level, the MFA offered by the Bennington Writing Seminars is one of the best low-residency programs in the United States.

Off the Page & Outside the Classroom Bennington College believes that a writer’s influence extends beyond the printed page. As the steward of the Robert Frost Stone House Museum , Bennington is committed to maintaining and growing Robert Frost’s literary legacy in Southern Vermont and beyond.

Throughout the year, Bennington College welcomes prominent writers and alumni to campus for readings during its Literature Evenings, Poetry at Bennington, and Writers Reading series.

Students at Bennington are invited to contribute to SILO , the student literary and arts magazine. Bennington Review , a national biannual literary journal based at the College, provides students an opportunity to help edit and produce a professional print literary magazine. Bennington College Literature students go on to become novelists, poets, journalists, biographers, and more. Explore notable alumni.

Robert Frost Stone House Museum

Join Us At Bennington

Interested in exploring what a Bennington education can offer? Here are some next steps: 

Past Winners

Each year, over 5,000 students submitted poetry, fiction, and nonfiction to the Young Writers Awards competition. We congratulate all entrants on their extraordinary submissions, and are pleased to share past winning entries.

2021-2022 Winners

read media release

  • First Place , " How Did Li Bai Die? / How to Turn Into the River / Suns ," Ran Zhao, King George V School, Kowloon, Hong Kong
  • Second Place ,  " Broken Abecedarian for America / Ghazal for K / Fish-bodied ," Jessica Kim, La Canada High School, La Canada, CA
  • Third Place ,   " In Which My Mother Asks When the Hell I’m Getting Baptized / Etymology of Paternity / Bible Study Ghazal ," Ashley Wang, Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville NJ
  • First Place , " Observations made at the Lu Family Dinner Table, New Year's Eve, 2019 ," Sunshine Chen, Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, MA
  • Second Place , " A Language is a Story ," Olga Musial, 33 Copernicus High School, Warszawa, Poland
  • Third Place ,   "I Leave the Six Blank "   was written by Rachel Kenley Fry and attributed to another writer, who submitted the work. This never should have happened as the contest requires students to submit original work. We apologize to the writer for this wrongful attribution. Measures have been taken to guard against plagiarism in the future.
  • First Place,   " The—Lovely—Red—Skirt ," Youjaye Daniels, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenvile, SC
  • Second Place , " Somewhere in Southern Florida ," Vivian Zhu, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, IL
  • Third Place , " Family Portrait as a Gutted Fish ," Danny Liu, Lake Highland Prep School, Orlando, FL

2020-2021 Winners

  • First Place , " When You Wish Upon a Star / [letter to durga] / Sightseeing ," Aanika Eragam, Milton High School, Alpharetta, GA
  • Second Place , " a sudden nostalgia that i am meant to be somewhere else / The Bedroom / Etymology of Loss ," Olivia Yang, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA
  • Third Place ,   " Girl Sonnet / Honey Ghazal / Shelter, Water, A Bite to Eat ,"   Madelyn Dietz, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, MI
  • First Place , " Somewhere Nearby Connecticut, There's a Clan of Vampires and a Woman He May Never Know ," Alyssa Wilson, South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville, SC
  • Second Place , " Dinner of Three ," Wes Davis, Henry Clay High School, Lexington, KY
  • Third Place , " Birthday Party ," Katarina Ivkovic, Hunter College High School, New York, NY
  • First Place,   " Dissecting Matryoshka ," Stefania Bielkina, The Dwight School, New York, NY
  • Second Place , " Skin Test ," Indigo Mudbhary, Lick Wilmerding High School, San Francisco, CA
  • Third Place, " Gifted ,"   Rebecca Orten, Middlebury Union High School, Middlebury, VT

2019-2020 Winners

2018-2019 winners.

  • First Place: " made without hands / My daughter inherits my mouth and my fear of everything / Things Without Mouths: An Index ," Sophie Paquette, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, MI
  • Second Place: " Unneeded Insecurities / My Reason (Outro) / Arrival ," Devon Reed-Rivera, Cumberland High School, Cumberland, VA
  • Third Place: " Type Girl / Uber Driver / Daughter Said ," Karrington Garland, Franklin Academy High School, Wake Forest, NC
  • First Place:  " Haymarket ," Cynthia Lu, Belmont High School, Belmont, MA
  • Second Place:  " Moon Fever ," Kali Puhnaty, Idyllwild Arts Academy, Idyllwild, CA
  • Third Place: " Hardest Hue to Hold , " Lillian Robles, Homeschooled, Glendale, CA
  • First Place: "Sundown with Giraffes," Azpiri Iglesias, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, MI
  • Second Place:  " Becoming a Woman: A Checklist ," Thalia King, Pittsburgh CAPA High School, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Third Place: " Transience ," Jessica Yu, West Linn High School, West Linn, OR

2017-2018 Winners

  • First Place: "Manhandling / i. lying ghazal / ii. lying ghazal,"  Julia Bohm, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, MI
  • Second Place: "Sext to Absalom / Bildungsroman with Distant Nation / Field Notes on Rough Trade,"  Aidan Forster, SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville, SC
  • Third Place: "Art Tatum: Harmonium / Art Plays a Myth / The Panther Room,"  Darius Atefat-Peckham, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, MI
  • First Place:   "The Seventh Secret," Lilly Hunt, Northpoint Christian School, Southaven, MS
  • Second Place:   "The Cat You Named Remy," Zane Austill, SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville, SC
  • First Place: "PEEL,"  Kelley Liu, Troy High School, Troy, MI
  • Second Place:   "Ruth," Sophie Paquette, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, MI
  • Third Place: "Bingo,"  Katherine Chou, Hamilton High School, Chandler, AZ

2016–2017 Winners

Poetry .

  • First Place: "Necessary Roughness / Public Enemy No. 1 / Seoul is singing now,"  Christina Im, Sunset High School, Portland, OR
  • Second Place: "Anaerobic / Kintsugi / Lake-Effect Snow,"  Steven Chung, Monta Vista High School, Cupertino, CA

Fiction 

  • First Place: "Souvenirs,"  Catherine Wang, Chinese International School, Hong Kong
  • Second Place: "House of God,"  Jacqueline He, The Harker School, San Jose, CA

Nonfiction 

  • First Place: "Watermelon Seeds,"  Chaeyeon (Annika) Kim, Dwight Engelewood School, NJ
  • Second Place: "A Trip to Home Depot,"  Carlos Orozco, Sage Hill School, Newport Coast, CA

2015–2016 Winners

  • First Place: "What Made Me / Night Fishing / Dilutions,"  Letitia Chan, Milton Academy, Milton, MA
  • Second Place: "Nanjing Road / Autumn / Glass Familia,"  Helli Fang, Walnut Hill School, Natick, MA
  • First Place: "Reddi-Wip," Walker Caplan, The Lakeside School, Seattle, WA
  • Second Place: "Momma Drove Like a Man,"  Ella Zalon, Oakland School for the Arts, Oakland, CA
  • First Place: "Of Perfumes,"  Addie Glickstein, East High School, Denver, CO
  • Second Place: "Hair,"  Luisa Healey, Hunter College High School, New York, NY

2014–2015 Winners 

  • First Place: "Ebola in Dallas / At Thurgood Marshall / When My Parents Go Out I Eat Breakfast For Dinner and Pee With the Door Open,"  Rachel Calnek-Sugin, Hunter College High School, New York, NY
  • Second Place: "Ling hoards fake eyelashes / Ling traces X's on her collarbone / Ling takes off her left hand wedding ring before she sleeps," Carissa Chen, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH
  • Second Place: "Mansions,"  Sophia Gyarmathy, Northside College Preparatory High School, Chicago, IL
  • First place: "Motherland,"  Jessica Li, Livingston High School, Livingston, NJ
  • Second Place: "Driving Lessons From My Brother,"  Maryam Ahmad, Emma Willard School, Troy, NY

writing competitions young writers

writing competitions young writers

  • The 2024 Prize
  • About the Prize
  • The Borders Book Festival
  • The Young Walter Scott Prize
  • The 2023 Prize

YOUNG WALTER SCOTT NEWS

News archive.

  • August 2023
  • February 2023

21st February, 2018

The best competitions for young writers and why you should enter

writing competitions young writers

Polishing a piece of creative writing is the best way to make it shine, and writing competitions give you the chance to do exactly this. So why not enter one!

The Young Walter Scott Prize, which is open annually from June through October for writers 11 to 19, is just one of a great list of opportunities for young writers in the UK. Have a look: you could win travel grants, mentoring and workshops with established authors — even have your story published or read live on radio by a top actor.  Here’s our pick of the best   competitions.

Deadline February – BBC 500 Words

One of the best-known writing competitions, 500 Words, is open to young writers living full-time in the UK, in two age categories: 5 to 9 and 10 to 13. Run by the BBC with support from Oxford University Press, the competition offers of plenty of learning resources on its website, plus details of the special prizes on offer, from free books for your school to tea aboard Her Majesty The Queen’s rowbarge. Entries for the 2018 competition must be in by 22 February; check the website for details of each year’s competition and up-to-date deadlines. The winners stories are read live on radio by celebrities in a broadcast from Hampton Court Palace on BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans Breakfast Show in June. Find out more at their website .

Deadline March – Wicked Young Writer Awards

There’s a huge range of age categories in the Wicked Young Writer Awards, from age 5 to 7 all the way up to 18 to 25, and you can submit plays, stories, poems or essays – anything as long as it’s your own writing. The 2018 award deadline is 12 March, your submission must be no longer than 750 words, and you must be living in the UK. The prizes range from book vouchers to tickets for the London production of WICKED to mentoring sessions for older writers. For full details and information go to their website .

Deadline March – BBC Young Writers ’ Award with First Story and Cambridge University

This writing prize, run by the BBC along with First Story and Cambridge University, could be for you if you’re aged 14 to 18 and live in the UK. This year you’ll need to get your entry in before 19 March; entries are online but you must have a parent or guardian’s permission if you’re under 16. The shortlist of five is announced in September; the overall winning story will be read on air by a top actor during an awards ceremony broadcast live on Radio 4’s Front Row in October. There’s a great chance for the winner to receive mentoring, too: a session with an established author will help develop your writing skills. Learn more and read some of the past shortlisted stories at their website

Deadline July – The Betjeman Poetry Prizes

Poets aged 10 to 13 will appreciate this dedicated award, for poems on the theme of ‘place.’ You must be living in the UK or Ireland to enter, and get your entry in before 31 July for the 2018 competition. The prize offers £500 to the winning poet and £500 to the English department of his or her school, plus Eurostar tickets for the top three winners, and £50 for two runners-up. Six finalists are also invited to the Betjeman Poetry Camps, and the top 50 poems will be published in an anthology. Entries can be made online, and teachers can upload poems in bulk for a class. See more information on their website .  There’s also a unique opportunity for illustrators anywhere in the world aged 18 to 25 to illustrate one of the finalist’s poems and be in with a chance to win £1,000. See details of the Lauren Child prize here .

Deadline October – Young Walter Scott Prize

The Young Walter Scott Prize is perfect for you, if you enjoy writing about the past. It’s open in two sections, writers aged 11 to 15 and writers 16 to 19, and you must live in the UK. Your work should be at least 800 words and set in a time before you were born, on whatever topic inspires you. It might take the form of a story, an extract from a longer work, diaries, letters, poetry, drama or reportage. Winners receive a £500 travel and research grant and an invitation to the Borders Book Festival in Scotland. Two runners-up in each category receive a £100 book token, and all four winning stories are published in a special YWSP anthology book. The 2018 Young Walter Scott Prize competition opens in June, and entries must be made by post. Find our more at on our How to Enter page.

Deadline December – The Pushkin Prizes

Here’s one exclusively for young Scottish writers: pupils in S1 and S2 from any school in Scotland can submit their creative writing folios to be considered for the prize, which offers the chance for 10 students to attend a five-day creative writing course at the Moniack Mhor Writers’ Centre near Inverness. In the folio, each student who’s entering needs to include three pieces of creative writing (no longer than 1200 words apiece), in any genre. Entries must be made by post. The shortlist is decided in March and winners attend a prize-giving in April. See past winners’ anthologies, get advice on preparing a folio and more on their website .

Deadline monthly – The John Byrne Award

Another opportunity here for young writers, but you must be living in Scotland and aged 16 to 25. The John Byrne Award gives £100 monthly (in association with The Skinny ) to the best piece of writing. Annually, it gives an overall £1000 prize for the best work drawn from all the John Byrne Award categories (writing, visual arts, video, music) and £500 prizes to runners-up. The John Byrne Award was established to facilitate thinking and debate about values, so keep that in mind if you’re submitting. See examples of submitted work and more information at their website .

You’ll never know unless you enter, so give it a go!  As two of our recent Young Walter Scott Prize winners said in this frank interview , they never thought they had a chance of winning, but both submitted excellent work that our judges chose as the best in their field. It can feel strange to submit your work, but whether you’ve ambitions to become an author or just enjoy working with words, do give it a try.

The Young Walter Scott Prize is an annual award and the UK’s only creative writing prize dedicated to historical fiction. For more information, subscribe to us on YouTube , or find us Instagram , Twitter or Facebook .

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Craft or Commodity? The ‘Paradox’ of High School Creative Writing Competitions

By propelling winners to elite colleges and empowering them to pursue writing, these competitions can change the course of students’ lives. But the pressure to win can also stunt young writers’ growth and complicate their relationship with their craft and themselves.

One story of his — which went on to win a national award for flash fiction — begins as a dispassionate description of household events, but turns by the end into a heart-wrenching account of a child dealing with the aftermath of his parents’ divorce. In writing it, Heiser-Cerrato says he was inspired by the struggles of friends who had experienced divorce.

He also wrote it to enter into national creative writing competitions.

In other disciplines, high schoolers compete in elite programs that can serve as pipelines to top colleges. Students interested in STEM fields often strive to qualify for the International Science and Engineering Fair, while those hoping to go into law and politics can apply for the U.S. Senate Youth Program or compete in the national championships for speech and debate.

For students like Heiser-Cerrato, a number of creative writing contests now serve as a similar path to elite college admissions.

Heiser-Cerrato, who won multiple national awards for his prose and poetry, submitted creative writing portfolios to Harvard, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania, and he’s sure his creative writing is what propelled him to Harvard.

“It was my main hook,” he says.

Competitions like YoungArts and the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have skyrocketed in selectivity and prestige over the past few decades, becoming a quantifiable way for colleges to identify rising literary stars. The winners of top competitions disproportionately go on to attend elite universities.

However, selecting the nation’s top storytellers is more complicated than selecting its top scientists. Competitions can’t score poems in the same objective way they score students in a Math Olympiad. Instead, who wins these competitions often comes down to taste. Several former high school creative writers say that specific styles and topic areas disproportionately win national writing competitions. Top competitions, they say, incentivize writers to dredge up traumatic experiences or commodify their cultural backgrounds.

By propelling winners to elite colleges and empowering them to pursue writing, these competitions can change the course of students’ lives. But the pressure to win can also stunt young writers’ growth and complicate their relationship with their craft and themselves.

Creative writing contests aim to promote self expression and foster a new generation of artists. But does turning creative writing into a competition for admissions erode its artistic purpose?

‘The Most Important Experiences of My Life’

H eiser-Cerrato went to a “sports high school” where it was difficult for him to receive the mentorship he needed to improve his writing or find a creative community. With so few fellow writers at his high school, he had no way to judge his talent beyond the confines of his English classes.

Creative writing competitions were founded for students like Heiser-Cerrato. Even a century ago, Maurice Robinson — the founder of Scholastic — was surprised at the gap that existed in recognizing students interested in the arts. In 1923, he hosted the first national Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.

By the 2000s, Scholastic no longer had a monopoly on creative writing competitions. YoungArts was founded in 1981, and the Foyle Young Poets Competition held its inaugural competition in 1998. After the Adroit Journal and Bennington College launched their annual creative writing competitions in the 2010s, competing in multiple creative writing competitions became common practice for aspiring poets and novelists.

When students started finding out about competitions through the internet, competitions like Scholastic doubled in size. The Covid-19 pandemic drove submissions to competitions like Foyle Young Poets up even more. Last year, the Scholastic awards received more than 300,000 entries, up from the 200,000 some entries received in 2005.

Collectively, these contests now receive more than 315,000 creative writing entries a year in categories like poetry, prose, and even spoken word. Students submit individual works of writing, or in some cases portfolios, to be judged by selection panels often consisting of professors and past winners. They are assessed on criteria like “originality, technical skill, and personal voice or vision.”

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards boasts an impressive list of alumni who have gone on to win the highest literary prizes in their fields. Past winners include lauded writers Stephen King, Sylvia Plath, Joyce Carol Oates, and Amanda S. Gorman ’20.

Hoping to perhaps join this illustrious group, Heiser-Cerrato began applying to competitions his sophomore year. Spurred on by his high school English teacher — who incorporated contest submissions into assignments — Heiser-Cerrato felt the concrete nature of competition deadlines helped hold him accountable.

“When you’re trying to do something creative and you have no feedback loop or deadline, you can get very off track and not develop,” he says. “I never would have done that if there wasn’t a contest to submit to, because then there was no opportunity to get feedback.”

While Heiser-Cerrato went on to win some of Scholastic’s top honors — a National Silver Medal and Silver Medal with Distinction for his senior portfolio — even some who fare less well appreciate the feedback competitions provide.

“I think a lot of people are very cautious to give negative feedback to younger writers,” says Colby A. Meeks ’25, a former poetry editor of the Harvard Advocate. “I think getting rejections from certain contests and losing certain competitions did help me grow as a writer insofar as tempering an ego that I think young writers can very easily get from English teachers.”

Heiser-Cerrato views his experience with the Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program — a program that pairs high schoolers with established writers — as “pretty instrumental to my growth.” After applying during his senior year, Heiser-Cerrato met bi-weekly with his mentor, discussing works of other authors and workshopping two stories of his own.

Similarly, when Darius Atefat-Peckham ’23, then a student at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, won a National Silver Medal in the Scholastic competition, he became eligible to apply to the National Students Poet Program. From a pool of finalists submitting more than 23,000 works, Atefat-Peckham was selected as one of five National Student Poets.

“It led me to probably the most important experiences of my life. As a National Student Poet, I got to travel the Midwest and teach workshops to high schoolers and middle schoolers,” he says. “That pretty much set me on my trajectory for wanting to be a teacher someday, wanting to apply myself in the ways that I would need in order to get to a prestigious institution.”

‘If You’re Going to Apply to Harvard…’

W hen Daniel T. Liu ’27 opened his Harvard application portal, he knew exactly why he’d gotten in.

“My application to college was almost solely based on writing,” Liu says.

In high school, along with serving on the editorial staff of multiple literary magazines and attending creative writing summer camps, Liu won dozens of contests — including becoming a YoungArts winner and a 2022 Foyle Young Poet of the Year.

“I actually read my admissions file, and they did mention camps that they know, summer camps like Iowa and Kenyon, which are big teen writing summer programs,” says Liu. “They pointed that out.”

According to The Crimson’s analysis of publicly available data and interviews with multiple students, there is a clear link between high school creative writing contest success and enrollment at highly selective colleges.

From 2019 to 2022, among students with publicly available educational history who won Scholastic’s Gold Medal Portfolio — the competition’s highest award — just over 50 percent enrolled in Ivy League universities or Stanford. Fifteen percent more received writing scholarships or enrolled at creative writing focused colleges.

From 2015 to 2020, 55 percent of the students who won first, second, or third place in the Bennington Young Writers Awards for fiction or poetry enrolled in Ivy League universities or Stanford.

“My application to college was almost solely based on writing,” Daniel T. Liu says.

As Atefat-Peckham reflects back on his college application, he knows his creative writing successes were essential in complementing his standardized test scores. While he was proud of his ACT score, he did not believe it would have been enough to distinguish him from other qualified applicants.

Since 2018, three recipients of YoungArts’ top-paying scholarship — the $50,000 Lin Arison Excellence in Writing Award — have matriculated to Harvard. Other winners attended Brown, Swarthmore, and Wesleyan. Recent recipients include Stella Lei ’26, Rhodes Scholar-Elect Isabella B. Cho ’24, and Liu.

Creative writing competitions’ prominence in the college admissions process comes during the most competitive college application environment ever. Harvard’s Class of 2025 received a record-high number 57,435 applicants, leading to the lowest admissions rate in College history.

Eleanor V. Wikstrom ’24, a YoungArts winner and Rhodes Scholar-elect, described YoungArts as “super cool” in allowing her to meet other artists. She also recognized the importance of her participation for college applications.

“I can’t lie: If you think that you’re going to apply to Harvard, it’s very helpful to have some kind of national accolade,” she says.

The ‘Paradox’ of Competitive Art

I n 2021, an anonymously written document accusing student poet Rona Wang of plagiarism made waves in the competitive creative writing community. Wang — who had won awards from MIT and the University of Chicago, was affiliated with Simon & Schuster, and had published a book of short stories — was accused of copying ten works written by other student poets.

According to Liu, this behavior isn’t unprecedented. Several years ago, Liu explains, an “infamous” scandal erupted in the high school creative writing world when a student plagiarized Isabella Cho’s poetry and entered it into competitions.

Liu says more students are beginning to apply to writing competitions out of a desire to have awards on their resume, rather than because of a genuine interest in creative writing.

While creative writing contests can provide valuable opportunities for feedback and mentorship, several students look back on their time in the competitive creative writing circuit with ambivalence. The pressure to write in service of a contest — writing to win, not just to create — can pressure writers to commodify their identities and cash in on their painful experiences, turning a creative outlet into a path to admissions or quest for outside validation.

Liu says he regrets that creative writing competitions are becoming a pipeline to elite college admissions. He’s worried competitions like Scholastic and YoungArts are becoming too similar to programs like the International Science and Engineering Fair.

“Math, science, all these competitions, they all have some aspect of prestige to them,” says Liu. “What makes it so difficult in that regard is that writing isn’t math. It requires a level of personal dedication to that craft.”

“It kind of sucks because a lot of artistic practice should come out of personal will,” says Liu. “To compete in art is paradoxical, right?”

Sara Saylor, who won a gold portfolio prize for her writing, told the New York Times in 2005 that “the awards came to mean too much to me after a while.”

“Whenever Scholastic admissions time rolled around, we began to get very competitive and more concerned about winning the contest than we should have,” she says.

Indeed, students at elite creative high schools like the Interlochen Center for the Arts are pushed by teachers to enter competitions. Hannah W. Duane ’25, who attended the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts as part of the creative writing department, was required to submit to three creative writing competitions every six weeks.

(These competitions are dominated by schools like Duane’s. In 2019, 23 Interlochen students received national Scholastic awards for their creative writing — a distinction typically awarded to less than 1 percent of entries.)

Though Liu wasn’t required to submit to contests, he felt a different kind of obligation. Liu says writing competitions pushed him to write almost exclusively about his heritage, keeping him from exploring other narratives.

“From the start, I applied with a lot of cultural pieces, like pieces about my family history,” says Liu. “Those were the ones that won. And so it built me into a cycle where I was only writing about these areas — heritage.”

Liu’s experience wasn’t uncommon. When looking at other winning pieces, he noticed a similar trend.

“The competitions — Scholastic, YoungArts, those two big ones — definitely prioritize writing about your heritage,” says Liu. “Part of the reason behind that is for a lot of the students, that’s a very unique aspect of them.”

“In a hyper-competitive environment, what you can write better than anyone else is what’s gonna make you stand out,” he adds.

In an emailed statement, YoungArts Vice President Lauren Slone wrote that YoungArts winners in writing “must demonstrate a sense of inventiveness, show attention to the complexities and technical aspects of language, and have a clear, original, and distinct point of view.”

Chris Wisniewski ’01, Executive Director of the nonprofit that oversees Scholastic, wrote in an email that the competition has been “welcoming to works across many styles, subjects, and points of view” and does not give “implicit or explicit guidance” to jurors or competitors about the content or style of winning pieces. He added that “on the national level, each piece of writing undergoes at least three separate readings from jurors to diversify the views on its adherence to the program’s original and sole criteria.”

Ryan H. Doan-Nguyen ’25, who received a Scholastic Gold Key and won the New York Times’s Found Poem Contest, notes another way young writers try to distinguish themselves.

“Students feel compelled to embellish or to write about really painful things,” says Doan-Nguyen, a Crimson News Editor. “It does tend to be really heavy hitting topics that make the page.”

According to him and multiple others, the creative writing circuit pushes students to expose deeply personal, sometimes traumatic experiences for academic points. (Students make similar claims about the college admissions process .)

Doan-Nguyen was hesitant to publicly open up about vulnerable experiences, so he shied away from writing about traumatic memories of his own. But he fears this reluctance held him back.

“Maybe that’s why I did not win more contests,” he says. “I was always too afraid to be so vulnerable and raw.”

Duane recalls the competitions being dominated by sobering personal narratives: often stories about authors’ experiences with racism, abuse, or sexual assault. However, her school worked to insulate its students from the pressure to sensationalize.

“The constant refrain we would hear is, ‘Writing is not your therapy. Get that elsewhere,’” she says.

Liu says writing contests not only changed his content — they also pushed him and other competitors to write in the specific style of past winners. He says many successful pieces were reminiscent of the poet and novelist Ocean Vuong.

Writers would cut their lines off at odd places “to give the illusion of mystery when there’s no real thought behind it besides, ‘Hey, it should look like this because it looks pretty like this,’” says Liu. He also recalls writers, especially young poets, using “a lot of language of violence.” Liu worries this overreliance on stylistic imitation can stunt young writers’ growth.

He questions whether the existence of creative writing competitions is helping young writers at all.

“If writing is supposed to be a practice of self-reflection, you’re not doing those things when you plagiarize. You’re not doing those things when you submit just a draft of someone else’s style,” says Liu. “It doesn’t align with what it should be as an artistic practice.”

‘I Will Always Be Writing’

S ince coming to Harvard, Heiser-Cerrato has begun writing for a very different purpose. He joined the Harvard Lampoon, a semi-secret Sorrento Square social organization that used to occasionally publish a so-called humor magazine.

With the structure and pressure of creative writing competitions behind them, he and other past winners are taking their writing in new directions.

“My high school writing was very sentimental and very focused on trying to be profound,” Heiser-Cerrato says. “But here, I’ve been more interested in the entertainment side of things.”

When writing for competitions, Heiser-Cerrato says it was difficult for him to define his goals. But for the Lampoon, he says he just wants to make others laugh. There, Heiser-Cerrato has finally found the sense of community he lacked in high school.

Meeks joined the Harvard Advocate, where he critiques poetry instead of writing it. In high school, Meeks appreciated competitions as an avenue through which to receive feedback on his writing. Now, he works to give those who submit work to the Advocate similar guidance.

“Often, submitting to a literary magazine feels like you’re sending something into a void,” Meeks says. “And I really wanted as much as possible, as much as it was manageable timewise, to make sure that people were getting some feedback.”

Like Meeks, Wikstrom and Doan-Nguyen are also members of campus publications. Wikstrom is the former editorial chair of The Crimson, and Doan-Nguyen is a Crimson News and Magazine Editor.

Wikstrom, who was the Vice Youth Poet Laureate of Oakland in high school for her spoken word poetry, says she loved spoken word poetry in high school because of its capacity to spark action. At Harvard, she saw The Crimson’s Editorial Board as another way to speak out about important issues.

“It’s a really interesting middle ground for creative writing, because you do have the commitment to factual accuracy,” she says. “But you also have more leeway than perhaps news to be injecting your personal voice. And also that urgency of, ‘I feel very strongly about this. And other people should feel strongly about this, too.’”

Unlike Heiser-Cerrato, Atefat-Peckham wasn’t drawn to any existing organization on campus. Though he attended Interlochen and succeeded in highly selective contests while in high school, Atefat-Peckham disagreed with the cutthroat, commodifying incentive structure and believed campus literary organizations like the Advocate and Lampoon were too selective.

When Atefat-Peckham returned to campus after the pandemic, he helped form the Harvard Creative Writing Collective, a non-competitive home for creative writing on campus.

Liu is a member of the Creative Writing Collective and the Advocate. But most of his writing at Harvard has been independent. Instead of writing for competitions, Liu says he’s transitioned to writing for himself.

And though Doan-Nguyen is not sure what he wants to do after college, he — along with Liu, Meeks, Heiser-Cerrato, Wikstrom, and Duane — is sure writing will play a role in it.

“It’s a big part of my life and always has been, and I think it’s made me see so much about the work that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise if I didn’t put my pen to paper,” says Doan-Nguyen.

“I know that no matter what I end up doing, whether that’s going to law school or journalism or just doing nonprofit work, I will always be writing. Writing and writing and writing.”

Correction: February 13, 2024

A previous version of this article included a misleading quote attributed to Ryan Doan-Nguyen.

— Magazine writer Cam N. Srivastava can be reached at [email protected] .

— Associate Magazine Editor Adelaide E. Parker can be reached at [email protected] .

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19 Writing Conferences For Emerging and Established Writers

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Writing conferences serve many purposes. They’re places to meet other writers and build community. They’re places to help polish up existing writing or generate new work. They’re places to reset and get inspired. They’re places to meet agent, editors, and other members of the publishing literati. They’re even places to party. Still, they can feel difficult to get into, mind-boggling to research, and like an insular club that only established writers seem to know about. Grown out of this short Twitter thread , here is a list of 19 writing conferences to consider applying to.

Two caveats: 

1) Things are in flux because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which means many of these conferences could switch to an online format or choose to temporarily pause applications to because of a backlog of accepted attendees from 2020/21. Keep an eye on the application deadlines and updates.

2) Because many of these conferences, especially the older ones, come from a long tradition of upholding the supremacy of white, and often male writers, many writers from marginalized backgrounds, including myself, have faced discrimination and microaggressions at them over the years. However, like most institutions confronted with the ways they have failed people on the margins, these conferences are working to make changes.

The Historic

These conferences have been nurturing writers for many years, and typically attract a significant number of applicants.

Sewanee Writers Conference

Held on the campus of the University of the South, 90 minutes from Nashville, the Sewanee Writers Conference is a twelve-day conference that provides workshops across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting. The conference fee for “contributors” is $1,800, which covers food and lodging for twelve days. Financial aid is available for “Scholars” ($700 tuition, applicants should have a number of genre-specific publications) and “Fellows” (full scholarship, applicants should have a book published by an academic or commercial publisher). Past notable agents and editors who have attended and taken meetings with writers at Sewanee include Michelle Brower, Renee Zuckerbrot, Margaret Riley King, Sally Kim.

Bread Loaf Writers Conference

Held on the campus of Middlebury College in Vermont, Bread Loaf is an eleven-day conference with workshops for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The conference fee for “contributors” is $3,810 and includes tuition, room, and board. Substantial scholarships are available at three different levels—the contributor (earlier stage writers), scholar (has publications in journals, prizes, or other wards), and fellow (must have published their first or second book within the last four years) level. Bread Loaf in 2019 eliminated a controversial program called the “Wait Scholar” program where recipients of financial aid were expected to provide service at the conference as waiters to other attendees. Writer Alexander Chee is a known friend of Bread Loaf, as are the literary agents PJ Mark and Miriam Altshuler, among others.

Tin House Workshops

Held twice a year, the Tin House workshops include both summer and winter sessions, for short fiction, novel, nonfiction, and poetry. The larger summer conference is normally held over a week on the Reed College campus, while the smaller winter conference is held over four days at the Sylvia Beach Hotel on the Oregon coast. Anecdotally, the Tin House conferences are known for prioritizing diversity—both among attendees and among faculty and guests. Attendees meet one agent and one editor during the conference and are usually required to write a query letter and/or synopsis ahead of these meetings, which can be a helpful way to codify one’s writing project. The cost for the summer conference is about $1,600 which includes tuition, accommodation, and all meals; the cost for the winter conference is approximately $1,300 for tuition, accommodation, and some meals. Full scholarships are available, though an additional essay of up to 1,500 words is required in order to apply.

Kenyon Review Writers Workshop

Held on the campus of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, about 90 minutes from Columbus, the Kenyon conference distinguishes itself by being focused entirely on generating new work. For seven days, writers are expected to produce new work (fiction, nonfiction, poetry) daily to be shared in workshop. The environment is warm and welcoming, which makes the prospect of sharing new, raw work much less daunting. Scholarships are only available up to 50%, total fees are $2,295 for tuition, lodging, and food. 

Juniper Institute

Held for a week at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Juniper offers fiction, poetry, and nonfiction workshops designed for sharing works-in-progress for feedback and for generating new work. Tuition is $2,000 and includes some meals. Accommodation on the campus is a separate cost. Five full scholarships are available and include tuition and accommodation.

The Genre-Inflected

Writers of speculative fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy should consider applying to workshops built to support genre fiction.

Clarion Writers’ Workshop

Held on the University of San Diego California’s campus, Clarion is a six-week intensive focused on fundamentals particular to the writing of science fiction and fantasy short stories. Tuition is typically $5,150 for the six weeks, including accommodation and meals. Partial scholarships are available and range between $150 and $4,000. Typically, 18 writers are accepted.

Odyssey Writing Workshop

Held on the campus of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, Odyssey is a six-week intensive curriculum designed for both workshopping existing work and generating new work in the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Tuition is $2,450 and includes a textbook and dinner; housing on campus apartments is an additional cost, as is additional meals. A handful of scholarships are available.

The Community-Driven

Founded in response to the challenges of white supremacy and cisheteropatriarchy in literature and publishing, these prestigious writers’ conferences help marginalized writers build community.

Lambda Literary Writers Retreat

For LGBTQ writers across genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, young adult fiction, playwriting, screenwriting, and speculative fiction), the week-long conference is typically held at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, though the 2022 session will be held virtually. Tuition for the 2022 session is $950 and both full and partial scholarships are available.

For Asian American poets and fiction writers, the highly selective retreat is held at Fordham University’s campus in the Bronx, NYC. The conference fee, which is $375, covers tuition, room, and board for five days. Additional scholarships are sometimes provided to applicants after acceptance. 

For Black poets, the week-long Cave Canem retreat is held at the University of Pittsburgh’s Greenburg, Pennsylvania campus. 

For Black fiction writers, the week-long retreat is held at Southern Methodist University in Taos, New Mexico. Tuition is covered by Kimbilio, but room and board fees vary depending on the accommodation chosen. 

For Latinx poets, the retreat accepts 25-30 poets a year and is currently held at University of Arizona Poetry Center in Tucson, Arizona (venue changes based on ongoing partnerships). Workshops are designed to be generative. 

Founded in 1995 by Sandra Cisneros, the weeklong Macondo workshops, held in San Antonio, Texas, are open to Latinx writers across poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Participants pick between reading/response workshops and generative workshops held for three hours daily. Partial scholarships are available. 

The Locales

At higher price points with limited financial aid, these conferences are more expensive than the others, but make up for it by providing beautiful surroundings or new cities to accompany your week of writing.

Disquiet International

Held in Lisbon, Portugal over two weeks, the conference brings writers from North America into conversation with Portuguese writers and features workshops in fiction, memoir, nonfiction, poetry, and writing the Luso experience. Tuition is $1,950 and does not include accommodation, food, or airfare. Disquiet holds an annual writing contest which provides conference scholarships to the winners of the contest.

Held at the luxury Le Sireneuse Hotel in Positano, Italy, the conference is six days, typically in April. Fees are $5,000 and cover accommodation and food. Workshops are mixed genre across fiction and memoir, and are taught by authors Jennifer Finney Boylan, Hannah Tinti, Dani Shapiro, and Jim Shepard.

Community of Writers

Held at Olympic Valley at the foot of the ski slopes at Lake Tahoe, California over six days, the conference is open to fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writers. Several scholarships are available across the genres.

Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference

Located in California’s Mendocino Coast, the conference is three days long and features workshops across fiction (novel and short fiction), nonfiction, poetry, and more, as well as agent pitching events. Financial aid is available to emerging writers in various categories.

Aspen Summer Words

Held in Aspen, Colorado, workshops are available for fiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction, middle grade, and book editing. Partial scholarships are offered on need and merit basis. The conference also provides a cohort of “Emerging Writer Fellows” with full scholarships to attend the conference. Fellows are nominated by writers, agents, editors, and other members of the Aspen Words community.

Napa Valley Writers Conference

Held at Napa Valley College over six days in the heart of California’s wine country, this conference holds fiction, poetry, and translation workshops. Tuition is approximately $1,000 and does not include accommodations, food, or travel. A small number of full and partial scholarships are available.

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Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we’ve published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests database, the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

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Writer’s Digest

Annual writing competition.

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A prize of $5,000, an interview in Writer’s Digest , and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference is given annually for a single poem, a short story, or an essay (among other categories). Four prizes of $1,000 each and publication on the Writer’s Digest website are also given for a rhyming poem, a non-rhyming poem, a short story, and a personal essay. Using only the online submission system, submit a poem of up to 40 lines, a story of no more than 4,000 words, or an essay of up to 2,000 words by the early bird deadline of May 6. The entry fee for poetry is $20 ($15 for each additional poem); the entry fee for prose is $30 ($25 for each additional entry). Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Writer’s Digest , Annual Writing Competition, 4914 Cooper Road, Unit 42534, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Nicole Howard, Competitions Coordinator. 
  

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2020 Outreach Courses

A grid of images suggesting people writing, reading, using laptops to work, and joining a Zoom call for a conversation.

CREATIVE WRITING, DISABILITIES AWARENESS, AND INCLUSION COURSE SERIES:

11/5/2020—12/22/2020 (Near East and Northern African regions, though open to all)

This short course series contains six one-hour courses (each with a 30-minute lecture and two 15-minute assignment sections). Courses are captioned/subtitled in Arabic and in English. Each course is taught by a different disabilities writer/activist.

The courses in the series are released on a weekly basis. To view the course series on your own schedule, please click here: bit.ly/DAwritingcourse

Instructors include Sheila Black , a poet, writer, and disabilities activist and currently director of development at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP), the main professional organization for creative writing programs; Ron Marz , comic book writer known for the Green Lantern and the Silver Surfer, but also for an international creative collaboration  project in 2012 where he and others, at the invitation of the Syrian government, created the Silver Scorpion, a Syrian-American teenage superhero who is wheelchair-bound; Elsa Sjunesson , Hugo, Aurora, and British Fantasy awards winner, and an activist for disability rights; and Melody Moezzi , writer, lawyer, and disabilities activist, a United Nations Global Expert and an Opinion Leader for the British Council's Our Shared Future initiative, and who, several years back, was part of an ECA program involving young American-Muslim leaders.

WORD/MOVEMENT

6/15/2020 through 8/1/2020   (Kazakhstan, Latvia, Russia)

The Movement sessions of this course work with aspects of meaning-making in dance, with establishing context and point-of-view, and with generation of movement and experimentation with structure. These sessions form the starting point of each Word session, which are in creative writing workshop format. Participants experiment with form and with language, fusing responses, insights, and reactions from the Movement sessions into their creative writing.

View text galleries of some of the course projects and assignments submitted by the Russian-speaking and Latvian-speaking participants here:   http://www.distancelearningiwp.org/wordmovementtextgalleries

(AFTERNOTE: This course’s emphases on diverse perspectives and on resiliency, occurring as it did in the midst of an unexpected global pandemic, both echoed and intersected with the myriad types of virtual artistic and issue-oriented collaborations appearing across the United States during this time.)

WOMEN'S CREATIVE MENTORSHIP PROFESSIONALIZATION PROJECT

4/15/2020 through 10/15/2020  (Argentina, Botswana, Colombia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mexico, Somalia, South Africa)

This project furthers already-established connections in the IWP's Women's Creative Mentorship (WCM) Project ,  broadens international networks and collaborations, and amplifies the many threads of conversation established by the mentor-mentee groups. A series of professional practice seminars anchored and applied these topics.

Participants were invited to create digital collages of their work in this project, and, given the COVID-19 pandemic, their work beyond it.

Click below to view the WCM participants' short videos, their texts and images, and their writing resource lists in response to being asked to describe their past few months, including the balancing/un-balancing of life, COVID-19, writing, and global and local concerns: http://www.distancelearningiwp.org/digitalcollageswmp2020

Upcoming Events

  • Jan 28 — May 26 Write at the Stanley: A Generative Writing Workshop Location: Stanley Museum of Art , Visual Classroom -->
  • Feb 03 — Dec 05 Art & Write Night Location: University of Iowa Museum of Natural History , Hageboeck Hall of Birds (Bird Hall, third Floor) -->
  • Mar 10, 7:08 pm BMindful Holy Days: Ramadan (Islam) Location: University of Iowa Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion -->
  • Mar 20 BMindful Holy Days: Nowruz/Naw-Ruz (Baháʼí) various ethnicities worldwide Location: University of Iowa Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion -->
  • Lines & Spaces
  • Fall Residency
  • Between the Lines
  • Summer Institute
  • Crafting the Future
  • Women’s Creative Mentorship Project
  • International Conferences
  • Life of Discovery
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  • US Study Tours

Happening Now

Ranjit Hoskote ’s speech at the 2024 Goa Literary Festival addresses the current situation in Gaza.

In NY Times, Bina Shah worries about the state of Pakistani—and American—democracy.

“I went to [Ayodhya] to think about what it means to be an Indian and a Hindu... ”  A new essay by critic and novelist Chandrahas Choudhury .

In the January 2024 iteration of the French/English non-fiction site Frictions, T J Benson writes about “Riding Afrobeats Across the World.” Also new, a next installment in the bilingual series featuring work by students from Paris VIII’s Creative Writing program and the University of Iowa’s NFW program.

in NYTimes , Sanam Maher examines a new book about women defending themselves when the justice system in their country won’t.

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The Glitch | Creative Writing Contest

Middle & high school.

The Glitch Video

A sudden shift, a twist of fate, and bam! Everything changes!

Can your students re-write reality within 100 words.

The Glitch allows your students to imagine what happens when an ordinary day turns extraordinary. What are the effects on the world if one thing changes? How would reality be altered if one thing goes wrong? How can one mishap affect a life? These are the questions we're asking your students to consider for this mini saga contest. 

The possibilities are endless, allowing your students to write about what inspires them, which will lead to engaged, confident writers. The 100-word limit takes away the fear of long-form writing, allowing them to focus on the action and carefully considering their word choices. 

Download the fantastic, free resources to help your students plan and write their stories:

💥 Model example stories from previous winning entrants

💥 Optional story starters to fire up imaginations

💥 Lesson plan and PowerPoint (also available as Google Slides ) on speculative fiction writing

💥 A second lesson plan on writing with atmosphere, suspense and tension

💥 Graphic organizer with word bank

💥 Mini activities to help spark ideas

Writing for the purpose of being published in a real book is always guaranteed to capture students' attention, and the exciting video will make them eager to get started, creating a real buzz in your classroom, so get your whole school involved today!

Entries need to reach us by: February 23, 2024

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To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:

Only one entry per student, there is no limit to the number of entries per school. Teachers please submit your entries altogether where possible!

Mini sagas can be on the entry form or a sheet of paper or typed.

Mini sagas must be your students' own work.

Mini sagas must be told in no more than 100 words (the title isn't included in this).

Ensure that all students include their name and age on their entries.

Story starters are optional but if used must be included in your students' word count.

US entrants only.

Copyright remains with the author.

Free to enter

If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us .

For Schools

Young Writers’ Award of Excellence is awarded to the school that submits the best set of entries for this contest.

PLUS every participating school receives a free copy of the book their students feature in.

(The more entries you send, the more free books you’ll receive: E.g. Send 1-30 entries & you'll receive 1 free copy, send 31-60 entries you'll receive 2 free copies, etc.)

For Students

Our favorite 3 writers will each win a $50 Amazon gift card.

PLUS every entrant receives a bookmark for taking part. Students chosen for publication also receive a certificate.

(The school & student winners will be chosen from the entries received in Jan-Feb 2024 and prizes awarded the following semester.)

Here are the ways you can enter digitally - please choose one:

Send your entries by uploading them:

Use the Online Writing Portal if you want your students to type their work during a lesson or for homework.

Writing Portal

Email Entries

Alternatively, you can submit your entries via Google Docs - please make sure that we have permission to access and download the files.

Send your entries, along with your school entry form, to:

Young Writers The Glitch 77 Walnut Street Unit 11 Peabody MA 01960

Get FREE writing tips sent straight to your inbox!

Tips will be added here each week that the contest is running.

Get In Touch

Mail Young Writers 77 Walnut Street Unit 11 Peabody MA 01960

Email [email protected]

Tel 323-244-4784

Closing Date: February 23, 2024

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  2. Writing Competitions for Young Writers in Australia: February to July

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  3. Submissions open!

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  4. 19 Writing Competitions for Young Writers in Australia: July to

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  5. Writing Competitions for Young Writers in Australia: February to July

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  6. Young Writers Contest

    writing competitions young writers

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  1. writers NEED to listen to this to be productive😲 #writer #writing #writersofinstagram

COMMENTS

  1. 40 Free Writing Contests: Competitions With Cash Prizes

    1. L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest 2. Inkitt 3. Drue Heinz Literature Prize 4. Young Lions Fiction Award 5. Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prizes 6. The Jeff Sharlet Memorial Award for Veterans 7. Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence 8. PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction 9. PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers 10.

  2. The Young Writers' Annual Showcase 2023

    The Young Writers' Annual Showcase 2023 has a 1,000-word limit, so let your students' talent shine! You can view last year's winners here. "This is a great program that gives amazing opportunities to young writers who wish to become authors one day. It's easy to enter and feels fantastic and rewarding to be published."

  3. Young Writers Guide to Contests

    Where young writers can find print and online literary magazines to read, places to publish their own works, and legitimate contests. Some publish only young writers, some publish all ages for young readers. For specific submission guidelines, visit the publication's website. Ages can include elementary, teen, or early college.

  4. Writing Contests & Publication Opportunities for Youth

    Deadline: October 7, 2023 Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest Deadline: November 6, 2023 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

  5. The Ultimate List of Writing Contests in 2024 • Win Cash Prizes!

    The Ultimate List of Writing Contests in 2024 • Win Cash Prizes! The Best Writing Contests of 2024 Writing competitions curated by Reedsy Genre All Children's Christian Crime Essay Fantasy Fiction Flash Fiction Horror Humor LGBTQ Memoir Mystery Non-fiction Novel Novella Poetry Romance Science Fiction Science Writing Script Writing Short Story

  6. 25 Writing Contests and Publication Opportunities for Teens

    25 Writing Contests and Publication Opportunities for Teens By Marianna Vertsman, Adult Librarian October 26, 2020 Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) Portrait of Emilio Terry by Salvador Dalí (detail, 1935). NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 1564999 Are you an aspiring writer, creative artist, scientist or a future scholar?

  7. The 2024 Young Writers Contest is open!

    - KET Education The 2024 Young Writers Contest is open! Unleash your creativity! The 2024 KET Young Writers Contest is open for submissions now through March 31, 2024! With four categories of writing to choose from, the stories are endless. ENTRY FORM QUESTIONS? EMAIL US Contest Categories Illustrated Stories | PreK-12

  8. Competitions

    Ideal for ages 4-5 Get your reception pupils drawing with this brand-new art competition! Closing Date Friday 16th February 2024 View View All | View Winners Primary 4-7 The Poetry Bus 2024 Ideal for ages 4-7 Get pupils inspired to write amazing poems by hopping on board The Poetry Bus! Closing Date Friday 16th February 2024 View

  9. All Ages Contests

    Schools Parents View our poetry & writing contests for all grades, making them perfect for all students. Enter our free contests today.

  10. Young Writers' Annual Showcase 2022

    2022 was the first year The Showcase was open and received over 700 entries, which we absolutely loved reading! Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who took part. The categories for the winners were: 4-11 year-olds. 12-18 year-olds. Both winners have been awarded $100 and a trophy. You can read their winning words below.

  11. The ultimate guide to competitions for young writers 2022

    6th April, 2022 The ultimate guide to competitions for young writers 2022 Getting words down onto the page isn't the hard part for many keen young writers, but making the time to polish a story or poem can be hard. That's especially true if you're in school and juggling other demands like exams or extracurricular activities.

  12. Top 35 Young Adult Writing Contests in 2021

    The Best Young Adult Writing Contests of 2024 Writing competitions curated by Reedsy Genre All Children's Christian Crime Essay Fantasy Fiction Flash Fiction Horror Humor LGBTQ Memoir Mystery Non-fiction Novel Novella Poetry Romance Science Fiction Science Writing Script Writing Short Story Suspense Thriller Travel Young Adult Manage a competition?

  13. Writing Contests, Grants & Awards March/April 2024

    Creative Writing Fellowships. Cash Prize: $25,000. Entry Fee: $0. Application Deadline: 3/13/24. Genre: Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction. Approximately 35 grants of $25,000 each are given annually in alternating years to poets and prose writers to "enable the recipients to set aside time for writing, research,...

  14. Young Writers Awards

    About the Contest. Bennington College has a unique literary legacy, including twelve Pulitzer Prize winners, three U.S. poet laureates, four MacArthur Geniuses, countless New York Times bestsellers, and two of Time magazine's 100 most influential people.. In celebration of this legacy, Bennington launched the Young Writers Awards to promote excellence in writing at the high school level.

  15. The ultimate guide to competitions for young writers 2023

    The competition is free for entry for writers under 21. Wenlock Olympian Society Writing Competition. This competition welcomes stories and poems and is open to young writers from around the world. There are awards in three medal categories — gold, silver and bronze — and all medallists receive their own Wenlock Olympian Society medal.

  16. The best competitions for young writers and why you should enter

    One of the best-known writing competitions, 500 Words, is open to young writers living full-time in the UK, in two age categories: 5 to 9 and 10 to 13.

  17. Craft or Commodity? The 'Paradox' of High School Creative Writing

    By propelling winners to elite colleges and empowering them to pursue writing, these competitions can change the course of students' lives. But the pressure to win can also stunt young writers ...

  18. Elementary Contests

    Young Writers, 77 Walnut Street, Unit 11, Peabody MA 01960 | Tel: 323-244-4784 | Email: [email protected] Young Writers is a division of Bonacia Ltd, which is a Limited Liability company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 05368980.

  19. 19 Writing Conferences For Emerging and Established Writers

    Sewanee Writers Conference. Held on the campus of the University of the South, 90 minutes from Nashville, the Sewanee Writers Conference is a twelve-day conference that provides workshops across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting. The conference fee for "contributors" is $1,800, which covers food and lodging for twelve days.

  20. The Spook Squad: Ghost Stories Creative Writing Competition (For 5-11

    We're inviting children aged 5-11 to write their own spook-tacular short story... Budding writers could be inspired by a ghost, monster, vampire or creepy place such as a graveyard or an old house in the woods. Enter your child into the competition and they could be published in a real book and receive a certificate.

  21. 2024 Kauai Writers Conference

    The Writer's Mind ... and many others. Linda holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College, and she teaches both nationally and internationally. Stacey Kendall Glick, Vice President, joined Distel, Goderich and Bourret in 1999 after working in film and television development for five years. Following a number of ...

  22. Annual Writing Competition

    The entry fee for poetry is $20 ($15 for each additional poem); the entry fee for prose is $30 ($25 for each additional entry). Visit the website for complete guidelines. Writer's Digest, Annual Writing Competition, 4914 Cooper Road, Unit 42534, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Nicole Howard, Competitions Coordinator. A prize of $5,000, an interview in ...

  23. List of Writer's Conferences and Workshops in North America: Updated

    Writer's conferences are not just about learning how to write better. Here are a few benefits of attending writer's conferences that you should know about. 1. Meet Other Editors, Authors, and Writers. At a large writer's conference, you have an opportunity to meet hundreds of people that may be interested in you and your work.

  24. 2020 Outreach Courses

    11/5/2020—12/22/2020 (Near East and Northern African regions, though open to all) This short course series contains six one-hour courses (each with a 30-minute lecture and two 15-minute assignment sections). Courses are captioned/subtitled in Arabic and in English. Each course is taught by a different disabilities writer/activist.

  25. Middle & High Contests

    Closing DateFebruary 23, 2024. Schools Parents. View our poetry & writing contests for Middle & High grades, making them perfect for all students aged 10 to 18. Enter our free contests today.

  26. The Glitch

    Creative Writing Contest Middle & High School A sudden shift, a twist of fate, and bam! Everything changes! Can your students re-write reality within 100 words? The Glitch allows your students to imagine what happens when an ordinary day turns extraordinary. What are the effects on the world if one thing changes?

  27. The David Nobbs Memorial Trust

    The competition offers cash prizes to up-and-coming comedy writers, helping them 'buy time' for writing. The overall winner of the 2024 competition will take home £1000. Any runners-up will ...