Young Authors Guide
Where young writers can find literary magazines to read, places to publish their writing (including scriptwriting, films, filmmaking), and legitimate contests. A select list of children's, teen, and young adult publications in print and online that have open submissions with guidelines, an editorial selection process, and are kept up to date. Some publish only young writers, some publish all ages for young readers. For specific submission guidelines, visit the publication's website.
A Note to Young Writers: Publications expect you to read their publications to know what kinds of work they publish. Take time to become familiar by reading their content online or requesting a sample copy. DO NOT just send your work without having read the publication. It's a mistake too often made by many writers, and it annoys the publisher. Do not annoy publishers.
A Note to Teachers: Please read the above note to Young Writers. If you assign your students to submit their writing for publication, also assign them to research the market and find an appropriate publication for their work.
NewPages does not accept submissions for any publication listed here. Please do not send us your writing for publication.
Subscriptions Matter! If you like a publication, subscribe to it, or ask your local and/or school librarian to subscribe.
The
"NEW!" graphic indicates recently added or updated. Most recent
update April 20, 2013.
Publications
Adroit Journal
A literary magazine run entirely by high school and college students. Adroint publishes poetry, fiction, flash fiction, art/photography, and cross-genre works with separate submissions for "adults" and those "under the age of 21."
Aerie International
The International Literary Arts Magazine in Residence at Big Sky High School in Missoula, Montana. Publishes poetry, short prose - fiction and nonfiction, poems with translation, visual art and photography.
Allegheny Review
Only accepts submissions from currently enrolled undergraduates (which could include dual-enrolled high school students). This will link to their temporary web site - their way-cool site crashed. Stay tuned for updates.
Amazing Kids eZine
Writers ages 5-17 may submit poetry, stories, book reviews, movie reviews, music reviews, essays, articles, etc. Both fiction and non-fiction are welcome.
The Apprentice Writer
This annual publiation from Susquehanna University accepts written work and photography/graphics by high school students (grades 9-12) from the United States.
The Blue Pencil Online
Edited and produced by the students in the Writing & Publishing Program at Walnut Hill, The Blue Pencil Online publishes verse, short fiction, and playwriting in English by young writers (ages 12-18) around the world.
The Blue Route
An online magazine of undergraduate fiction and poetry, published biannually by Windener University.
BRICKrhetoric
A quarterly online journal of poetry, creative nonfiction, persuasive essay, fine art and photography published in the months of February, May, August & November. BRICKrhetoric ccepts submissions of year-round from writers in grades 9-12.
Cadaverine (UK)
Poetry and prose by authors under the age of 25. From urban gothic to high modernism, cyberpunk to scathing satire, science fiction to fictitious cookery. New voices of British literature.
Catfish Creek
Poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction journal from Loras College. Any student currently registered in an undergraduate program is eligible to submit writing.
ChixLit
An online community and print literary mag by and for girls 13-17.
ChixLITtle
A online community and print literary magazine by and for girls 7-12.
Claremont Review
A magazine showcasing inspiring young adult writers ages 13-19.
Cicada Magazine
For youth readers 14-21. All ages submissions.
Collision Literary Magazine
Poetry, creative non-fiction prose, literary criticism, art and photography by undergraduate students. Published by the University Honors College, University of Pittsburgh.
The Concord Review
For exemplary history essays written by high school students.
Crashtest
Crashtest publishes poetry, stories and creative non-fiction in the form of personal essays, imaginative investigation, experimental interviews, etc., high school teens grades 9 - 12.
Creative Kids
Creative Kids magazine is the nation’s largest magazine by and for kids with games, stories, and opinions all by and for kids ages 8–14.
Cuckoo Quarterly
An online literary publication of poetry, short fiction, rants, reviews, interviews, and more. Open to submissions from youth under 19 years, with no restrictions on genre or format.
Diverse Voices Quarterly
A new publication seeking writing from all ages: poetry, short story, essay, nonfiction, and artwork.
The Élan Literary Magazine
A student run magazine in Jacksonville, FL through Douglas Anderson High School of the Arts. Accepting original fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and plays from writers 14- to 18-years-old. Two online editions and one print edition per year.
Figment
An online writing community from HarperCollins Publishing for writers 13 years old and older to share young adult fiction, short stories, and poetry, give and receive feedback, and enter contests.
First Inkling
A pubication of writing from students in accredited colleges or universities at the community college, undergrad, graduate, or post doctorate level around the world.
Fountain
of Youth Productions
Writing a script? Want to have your screenplay turned into a movie? FYP is open to scripts of 5-15 pages in length (5-15 minutes) written by youth 17 and younger. Please no special effects, fantasy/magic, extreme violence, or inappropriate content. Main characters should be under 18.
Frodo’s Notebook
Poetry, creative/personal essays, fiction, articles, visual art by youth 13-19. Also accepts adult submissions.
Girlspeak
Girlspeak is a pro-women web-based literary and visual art magazine that seeks to provide a platform for those who identify as female. We showcase original works by girls 12-22 for a wide-reaching readership. Girlspeak is a safe, diverse, tolerant and positive space. We aspire to enlighten our readers about self-love, healthy lifestyles, activism through art and awareness of the world around them.
Green Blotter
The literary magazine of Lebanon Valley College features fiction, poetry, photography, and other visual art by undergraduates. Submissions accepted November 1 through February 28. Contributors receive two copies of the issue in which their work appears.
GREYstone
A new subdivision of BRICKrhetoric set to launch in May 2011, GREYstone accepts and publishes poetry, stories, artwork and photography from students (and teachers) K-12 for their quarterly online publication, which comes out in the months of February, May, August & November. Students 9-12 grade can submit to either BRICKrhetoric or GREYstone, whichever they feel is most appropriate for their work.
Guardian Angel Kids
A children's Ezine designed for healthy and safe entertainment for children. Includes stories, poetry, video, audio, games, free coloring pages, and more. Submissions accepted from young writers and artists up to 12 years old.
Hanging Loose Press
Hanging Loose welcomes high school submissions. "We feel a special responsibility to those young writers who look to us not only for possible publication but sometimes also for editorial advice, which we are always happy to give when asked. Our work as editors is of course time-consuming, but we feel a strong commitment to give as much time and attention as possible to the work we receive from high school age writers."
Iguana
An entirely Spanish-language magazine geared towards kids aged 7 to 12. Each issue includes short stories, biographies and interviews with prominent Latino personalities, puzzles, craft projects, kid-friendly recipes, science articles, humor, and more. Accepts submissions in Spanish only.
Kid-Cast
This site invites kids to create their own podcasts as well as allowing adults to post kid-appropriate casts (and no doubt, the kids helped with the process). Each podcast is "age-rated" and reviewed before being posted. Some of the casts are adults reading stories or "lessons" for kids, while others created by kids include discussions of discrimination, global warming, and book reviews.
Kids'Magination
Fiction, flash fiction, microfiction, games, learning activities, and writing advice for kids 9 to 14 years old. Sponsored by Silver Pen Writers' Association.
KidSpirit
Created by and for eleven to fifteen year olds, which empowers kids to explore the deeper side of life in a spirit of openness. KidSpirit is an unaffiliated spiritual magazine for young people of all backgrounds who like to think about "the meaning of life and the big questions that affect us all."
Kiki Magazine
An independent magazine owned and operated by women who care about girls. Kiki uses the college fashion design curriculum to tap into girls' creativity, including business, fine art, craft, history, world culture, math, and even chemistry. The publication accepts submissions of illustrations, artwork, photos, or articles from all ages.
Launch Pad
A bimonthly magazine dedicated to publishing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, book reviews, and artwork written and created by children ages 6-12.
Lip Magazine
Articles, essays, short stories, poetry, reviews and artwork on a variety of topics relevant to 14-25 year old females.
Literary Laundry
An online publication of poetry, prose, and drama. Each issue the editors select works written by undergraduates for outstanding award as well as cash prizes.
The Louisville Review
"The Children's Corner" accepts submissions of previously unpublished poetry from students in grades K-12. Seeks writing that looks for fresh ways to recreate scenes and feelings. Honest emotion and original imagery are more important to a poem than rhyming and big topics—such as life, moralizing, and other abstractions. Parental signature must accompany submissions.
Magic Dragon
A quarterly publication, presents writing and art created by children in the elementary school grades in a magazine of quality four-color printing and graphic display.
Merlyn’s Pen
Accepts works of fiction and nonfiction on topics related to pop culture, media, advertising, and their impact on the lives of teens.
My Hero
An ever-growing internet archive of hero stories from around the world for all ages. My Hero web site hosts thousands of stories of remarkable individuals written by children and adults alike. Includes video and tutorials.
Native Youth Magazine
Native youth between the ages of 12 and 25 are encouraged to submit articles, poetry, profiles, photos and illustrations. Submissions from adults are also welcome.
Navigating the Maze
A teen annual anthology featuring poetry and artwork of high school students from around the world. Submissions accepted year round. Deadline for each year's edition is the first Friday of March.
New Moon
Uniquely created by girls 8-14, contains fiction, poetry, artwork, science, articles about the lives of girls and women around the globe.
Newport Review
A general interest literary e-zine with a special interest in encouraging emerging writers. The New Voices section, in every issue, publishes prose and poetry by new writers ages 13-22 or in high school or college.
North Central Review
The North Central Review is one of only a handful of literary journals publishing exclusively the writings and works of undergraduate students. The North Central Review considers all genres, including short fiction, poetry, drama, creative nonfiction, and mixed genre pieces. Submission deadlines Oct 15 and Feb 15.
One Teen Story
A monthly publication from the editors of One Story. This publication features teen writers and is available in print as well as via Kindle and other e-reading devices.
The Oval
The Oval is an undergraduate-run, non-profit annual literary journal at the University of Montana. They accept previously unpublished poetry, prose, and visual art by currently enrolled undergraduates nationwide.
Pegasus
A regional journal, focused only on Georgia writers who are of high school age or who are freshman or sophomores in Georgia colleges.
Poet Grow-Op
For Canadian secondary school writers. Sponsored by The Antigonish Review.
Polaris
The undergraduate journal of arts and literature of Ohio Northern University is now accepts submissions for poetry, fiction, visual art, and nonfiction only from undergraduate students worldwide.
Polyphony H.S.
Written, edited, and published by high school students, includes poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. Their submissions page includes a lot of helpful advice on how to prepare your work before sending it in.
Prairie Margins
Prairie Margins is an undergraduate publication at Bowling Green State University. Our reading dates are between September and December. Accepts submissions of unpublished poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
The Redwing's Nest
An online journal of literary and visual arts accepting submissions from children pre-school through 8th grade from public, independent and homeschool learning communities. Published quarterly featuring a gallery of artists’ works, poetry, fiction, non-fiction including memoirs, as well as book reviews.
A River & Sound Review
If you are between the ages 14 and 21 and enjoy writing, please submit your poems, stories, or essays to be considered for reading at an upcoming live production. "Writers may submit up to three poems, or an essay or story up to 1,000 words in length. Selection of the work will be based on the literary merit of the submission and its appropriateness for our program. Due to our production schedule and limited staff, it may take us up to three months to notify you of our acceptance of your submission."
Safety Pin Review
A "publication" of short fiction under 30 words. Submissions are printed on fabric and worn for a week by one of SPR's "operatives." Photos of the operative wearing the fiction are posted to the website each week. All ages welcome to submit writing.
Secret Worlds Magazine
A spin-off production of the Canadian book Wrusk, writers are asked to submit short stories, essays, poetry, and artwork for the first online issue. For kids ages 7-13.
Skipping Stones
An international publication for readers 8-16 that celebrates ecological and cultural diversity and facilitates a meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences by publishing essays, stories, letters to the editor, riddles and proverbs, etc.
Smories
Original video stories for kids read by kids as well as adults.
Speak Up!
A national, annual non-profit literary journal published in hard copy that provides a creative voice for young adults (ages 13-19 yrs.) through publication of their original fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, photography, and artwork.
The Splinter Generation
The collection has been published online and is available for viewing. It includes writing by those "35 and under."
Stone Soup
Fiction, poetry, illustrated stories, illustrations by youth under 13.
Sucker Literary Magazine
An online PDF and Kindle publication of Young Adult (YA) Literature.
Suddenly Lost in Words
"A global publication with a global perspective" from the voices of young adults, both new and established writers, 13 and older. Suddenly Lost in Words pays professional rates for published works, which then appear in eBook releases to sold through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
The Susquehanna Review
Susquehanna University's nationally distributed student-run annual literary magazine contains riginal ficiton, creative nonfiction, and poetry by undergraduate writers currently attending an accredited university in the United States.
Teen Ink
Publishing categories: Art; Poetry; Fiction; Sports; Opinion; Community Service; Nonfiction (including Pride and Prejudice, Travel and Culture, Environment, You and Your Health, What Matters, Heroes, Cars, Jobs and Money); Reviews (books, movies, music, colleges, TV, web sites, video games, summer programs); College Essays and Articles; and Interviews. For ages 13-19.
Teen Voices Online
For girls between the ages of 13-19: writing, art, and essays of personal activism.
Teenreads
Info and features about teens' favorite authors, books, series and characters. Part of The Book Report Network, a group of websites founded in 1996 that share book reviews, features, author profiles and interviews, excerpts of the new releases, literary games and contests.
Through the 3rd Eye
A non-profit poetry website out of Grand Rapids, MI operating on a volunteer basis and featuring reviews of published poetry, interviews with established Michigan poets, and poetry by up-and-coming Michigan poets. Accepts submissions of poetry by young people aged 8-25 who live in Michigan.
VOYA
Notes from the Teen Underground
This occasional column reveals secrets of teen culture to the adults who care regarding books, information, entertainment, media, and identity.
Wire Tap
Publishes news reports, features, investigative stories, personal voices, op-eds, reviews and interviews by all ages with priority given to 16- to 28-year-old youth and young adult writers.
Write On! For Literacy
Write On! For Literacy encourages kids to discover confidence, joy, self-expression and connection with others through reading and writing. Attention young writers! Dallas Woodburn, the founder, is looking for book reviews of your favorite childrens, middle grade and young adult books to publish on the Write On! website.
The Writer’s Slate
The Writers' Slate online publishes original poetry and prose from students enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade. It also publishes pedagogical or creative writing by teachers.
Xenith Magazine
For mature teens and young adults, Xenith accepts most forms and genres of writing: poetry, fiction, flash fiction, plays, creative nonfiction, graphic novels, comics and comic scripts, unsent letters, experimental, sci-fi, literary mainstream, whatever. The type of writing doesn't matter, but the quality of writing does.
Yaldah Magazine
A publication for Jewish girls publishing short fiction, poetry, true stories, and essays by girls ages 9-17. Writing should be of interest to Jewish girls ages 9-14.
YO!
Youth Outlook publishes report writing, poetry, personal narrative, comics and art in its monthly magazine, as well as on the YouthOutlook.org website. For youth 14-25 in the Bay Area.
Young Writers Project
YWP welcomes K-12 students in Vermont and western New Hampshire to submit their written work, photos and art work for possible publication in the Newspaper Series.
Youth Communications
Short, nonfiction stories and related lessons to help students improve their reading and writing skills, and improve the social and emotional skills that support school success.
Zaum
a literary and art magazine providing college students a venue for publishing their poetry, prose, fiction and visual artwork. The magazine is distributed and produced by students at Sonoma State University in California.
Zeka Academic Journal
A multi-disciplinary, peer-reviewed academic journal by high school students. Zeka is open to publish on any serious topic, ranging from toxicology to book reviews to art criticisms. Eligible authors must be either high school students or under the age of 18.
5X5
5x5 is radio terminology used to signify that the signal has excellent volume and perfect clarity. 5x5 accepts submissions from high school students and beyond. Subscriptions are free for high school students.
Contests
This is a select list of contests from reputable sources. There are many contests that charge fees, but for young authors, 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 up front about it.
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 the book sales. These contests take advantage of young writers and inexperienced writers of all ages.
Charlie Hughes, formerly of Wind Publications, has a great site that gives advice about how to submit your work for publication and how to avoid contest scams. Please educate yourself by reading it: Submitting Your Literary Work for Publication.
Deadline Dates
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Whidbey Island Writers Association
Whidbey Writers Workshop Short Form Student Choice Award
Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Prose Poetry, and Children/Young Adults
Deadline: Monthly
January Deadline
back to list of months
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Grades 9 - 12
Deadline: January 5, 2013
Embracing Our Differences
Art Exhibit and Quote Contest
For all ages
Deadline: January 7, 2013
The Writing Conference
Theme-based contest for poetry, narrative, and essay.
Grades K-12
Deadline: January 8, 2013
Letters About Literature
National Reading-Writing Contest
Grades 4 - 12
Deadline: January 11, 2013
National Student Poets Programs
The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
The Institute of Museum and Library Service
Grades 7 - 12 during the 2012/2013 school year
Deadline: January 15, 2013 (vary by region)
Oregon Quarterly
Northwest Perspectives Essay Contest
Open to enrolled college students
Deadline: January 15, 2013
Gulan Institute Youth Platform
Essay with research: “Hospitality in the Global Village”
Grades 9 - 12
Deadline: January 18, 2013
Columbia College
Young Authors 2012
Grades 9 - 12
Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Short Plays
Deadline: January 25, 2013
February Deadline
back to list of months
Holocaust Art and Writing Contest
Chapman University
Grades: Middle and High School
Deadline: February 6, 2013
The Blue Pencil Online
Elizabeth Bishops Prizes
Poetry, Fiction, Playwriting
Grades 8, 9, 10, 11
Deadline: Noon on February 1
Prize: $15,000 scholarship to the Writing & Publishing Program at Walnut Hill School for the Arts.
Gannon University
High School Poetry Contest
Grades 9-12
Deadline: February 1, 2013
Canines for Charity
Essay ("My First Puppy") and Drawing Contest
Grades K-12
Deadline: February 5, 2013
Random House Creative Writing Competition
For NY City Pubic School Seniors
Poetry, spoken word, fiction, drama, essay, memoir
Deadline: February 8, 2013
Moment Magazine
Publish-A-Kid
Ages 9-13
Southern Illinois University
The Younkin-Rivera Prizes for Young Writers
Ages 15 - 18
Deadline: Postmark February 18, 2013
YES! Magazine
National Student Quarterly Writing Competition
Based on essay from YES! Magazine and writing prompt.
Several age categories Grade 5 - Adult Learner
Deadline: February 22, 2013
March Deadline
back to list of months
Allstate Keep the Drive Journalism Award
To address the issue of texting while driving.
Print and Broadcast categories.
Ages 13-18
Deadline: March 1, 2013
Stony Brook
State University of New York
Short Fiction Prize
Only undergraduates enrolled full-time in American and Canadian universities and colleges for the academic year 2012-2013 are eligible for the prize.
Deadline: Postmark March 1, 2013
Writing for Peace
Writers research a new culture, write a poem or short story in the voice of a character from that culture, and reflect upon the lessons learned in the form of a short essay.
Ages 13-19
Deadline: March 1, 2013
Dylan Days B.J. Rolfzen Creative Writing Contest
Poetry division for high school and undergrad students.
Deadline: March 3, 2013
American Society of Human Genetics
DNA Day Essay Contest
Grades 9-12
Deadline: March 15, 2013
Claremont Review
Annual Poetry and Fiction Contests
Ages 13-19
Deadline: Postmark March 15, 2013
*They do charge for submission, but the fee pays for a one-year subscription to the magazine.
Kids Are Authors (Scholastic)
Fiction, Nonfiction, Art
Grades K - 8
Deadline: March 15, 2013
It's All Write! Short Story Contest
Ann Arbor Book Festival and Ann Arbor District Library
Grades 6-12
Deadline: March 15, 2013
Outdoor Writers Association of America
Norm Strung Youth Writing Awards
Grades 6-8 or 9-12
For previously published, outdoor-oriented works.
Deadline: March 15, 2013
The Living Rainforest
International Schools Essay Competition and Debate
Ages: Primary and Secondary School Categories
Deadline: March 22, 2013
Teachers must register class of students.
ukiaHaiku Festival
Haiku Contest
All Ages
No Fee (except for Adult Contemporary Haiku)
Deadline: Postmark March 24, 2012
The website includes helpful guidelines for writing haiku.
The Haiku Society of America
Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition
Grades 7-12
Deadline: March 25, 2013
Poetry Matters 2011 Poetry Award
Open to anyone, anywhere in Middle School or older.
Deadline: March 30, 2013
The Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge
Ages 14-18 or 19-29
Deadline: March 31, 2013
The Humanist
Essay Contest
For enrolled students grades 9-12
Deadline: March 31, 2013
The Legacy
Project
"Listen to a Life" Writing Contest
Rules & Deadline will be posted in Sept. 2013
Contest end April 2014
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Park
Youth Nature Writing Contest
9-12 grade students in Oregon and Washington
Deadline: March 31, 2012
Mirror Monologues
Monologues from Women's Lives
Ages: 16 and older
Deadline: March 31, 2013
Poetry Writers in the Schools
Sarah Mook Poetry Prize
Grades K-12
Deadline: March 31, 2013
Princeton University
10-Minute Play Contest
Ages: 11th & 12th grade in 2012-2013
Deadline: March 31, 2013
PBS Kids Go!
Writers Contest
Ages: K-3rd Grade
Deadline: Accepted January to March Annually
April Deadline
back to list of months
Radiant Peace Education Awards
Essay
Grades 1-12
Deadline: April 12, 2013
The Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Award
The Community Foundation of Dutchess County
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 - 12
Deadline: Received by April 15 (annual)
Signet Classics (Penguin)
Student Scholarship Essay Contest
Grades 11th and 12th & home-schooled students
Deadline: April 15, 2013
Transitions Abroad Travel Contest
Student Writing Contest
Currently enrolled undergrad and grad students & recent grads.
Deadline: April 15, 2013
Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center
Holocaust Writing and Art Contest
Open to grades 5-12 in WA, OR, ID, AK
Deadline: April 19, 2013
YES! Magazine
National Student Writing Competition
Based on essay from YES! Magazine and writing prompt.
Several age categories Grade 5 - Adult Learner
Deadline: Register by April 27, 2013 (Quarterly Deadlines)
Hunger Mountain
Prize for Young Writers Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction
Ages: High School Students
Middle school students welcome to enter, but no separate category for younger authors.
Deadline: April 30
FEE: $10
The
Younkin-Rivera Prizes for Young Writers
Poetry and Prose Contest
Ages: 15-18
Prize in each category: $150 and a full tuition scholarship to the 2013 Young Writers Workshop at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Allison Joseph, Director.
Deadline: April 30, 2013
May Deadline
back to list of months
Heartland High School Film Competition
This year's theme: Honesty, Integrity and Truth
Grades 9-12
Deadline: May 1, 2013 for Early Bird (no fee!)
Deadline: June 15, 2013 ($10 fee)
IUPUI Poetry Contest
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Open to high school students to win $1500 scholarship to IUPUI.
Deadline: May 1 (annual)
International
Bipolar Foundation
Changing the Future of Stigma: Bipolar Disorder in 2020
Essay Contest
Ages: All high school students
Deadline: May 1, 2013
The Geek Partnership Society
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural and Alternate History Fiction
Poetry, Fiction, Graphic Novel
Various age categories (K-Adult)
Deadline: May 15, 2013
Young Writers of Canada
Chapbook Poetry Contest
Theme: Bullying
Ages: 13-18
Deadline: May 15, 2013 (postmark)
Humane Education Network
A Voice for Animals High School Essay Contest
Home school or high school under 19
Deadeline: May 31, 2013
Save the Earth Poetry Prize
American High School Students
Grades 11 and 12
Deadline: March 1 - May 31, 2013
June Deadline
back to list of months
Merlyn’s Pen
Merlyn's Pen & The Black Dog Tall Ships Writing Contest
Poems, Fiction, Creative Non-fiction
Ages 12-17
Deadline: June 1, 2012
Heartland High School Film Competition
This year's theme: Honesty, Integrity and Truth
Grades 9-12
Deadline: May 1, 2013 for Early Bird (no fee!)
Deadline: June 15, 2013 ($10 fee)
One Teen Story
Fiction Contest: Any genre - literary, fantasy, sci-fi, love stories, and horror.
Age Categories: 14-15, 16-17, and 18-19-year-olds
Deadline: May 1 - June 30, 2013
UNESCO
2013 International Essay Contest for Young People
Ages: Up to 25 years old
Deadline: June 30, 2013
July Deadline
back to list of months
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 (annual)
The Lincoln Forum
Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest
"Lincoln and Gettysburg: Expectations, Reactions, Consecrations"
For full-time college/university students.
Deadline: Postmark July 31 (annual)
Young Writers of Canada
2013 Annual Open All Ages Poetry Contest
2013 Annual Adult Creative Writing Contest (ages 18+)
Deadline: July 24, 2013
August Deadline
back to list of months
Nothing at this time. Check back!
September Deadline
back to list of months
Nothing at this time. Check back!
October Deadline
back to list of months
Biotechnology Journal Essay Competition
Ages: High school / Secondary school students
Deadline: October 1, 2012
Mrs. P
Be-A-Famous-Writer Contest
Ages: 4-13
Open: September 1 - October 15 (annual)
Save the Frogs!
Poetry and Art Contests
All Ages
Deadine: January 15 - October 15, 2013
Riveredge Nature Center Children's Library
Write & illustrate a nature-themed picture book story.
Ages: K-8th grade
Deadline: October 15, 2012
American Geosciences Institute
Earth Science Week Essay Contest
Ages: 6-9 grade
Deadline: October 19, 2012
YES! Magazine
National Student Writing Competition
Based on essay from YES! Magazine and writing prompt.
Several age categories Grade 5 - Adult Learner
Deadline: Register by October 19, 2012 (Quarterly Deadlines)
New Voice Young Writers
Story, Poetry, Essay
Ages: 11-18
Deadline: September 1 - October 20, 2013
The Association of Conflict Resolution
Poetry Poem Contest
"Demonstrating Respect – at home, in school, or in the community."Grades 3-12
Submissions Accepted October 1 - October 31, 2012
November Deadline
back to list of months
Bennington College
Young Writers Competition
For 10th, 11th, 12th grades
Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction
Deadline: November 1 (annual)
US Forest Service
"Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors"
Art, Writing, Photography, Videography, Music
Several age categories K-12th grade
Deadline: November 1, 2013
Hollins University
Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest
For High School Sophomore and Junior Girls
Deadline: November 15 (annual)
Lions International
Essay Contest: "Our World, Our Future"Ages: 11, 12, 13 years old on November 15
Open to students who are considered visually impaired according to their national guidelines.
Yale University
Yale Series of Younger Poets
For writers under 40 who have not published a book of poetry.
Deadline: Postmark October 1 - November 15, 2013
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 (annual)
NaNoWriMo's Young Writers Program
National Novel Writing Month
November 1 - 30 (annual)
Princeton University
Leonard Milberg '53 Secondary School Poetry Prize
Any student who is in the eleventh grade in the 2012-13 academic year is eligible.
Deadline: Postmark November 30, 2012
Young Writers of Canada
Poetry Contest
Ages 7-18
Deadline: November 30, 2012
December Deadline
back to list of months
The Lyric Magazine
Poetry Contest
Undergraduate Students – USA and Canada
Deadline: Postmark December 1, 2012
Saint Mary's College
River of Words Poetry and Art Contest
Grades K-12 (Ages 5-19)
Deadline: December 1
[Scroll to the bottom of the page below all the winners for 2013.]
Sierra Nevada College
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Open to High School Juniors and Seniors
Deadline: December 1, 2012
Smith College
The Poetry Center High School Prize
An annual prize for sophomore & junior girls in New England
Deadline: September 1 - December 1
Interlochen Center for the Arts
Virginia B. Ball Creative Writing Competition
$30,000 Scholarship for Boarding High School
Deadline: December 15, 2012
Rider University
Annual High School Writing Contest
Essay, Fiction, Poetry
Deadline: December
Adventure Write Kids
Totem Head's Story Contest
Ages: Under 19 years old (US Residents)
Tutorial and story prompt on website.
Deadline: December 31, 2013
Girls Gone Great
Essay Scholarship Contest
Maryland Junior and Senior Girls
Deadline: December 31, 2012
Merlyn’s Pen
Humor Contest
Narrative Fiction and Non-Fiction
Deadline: None yet for 2012
Students in grades 6-12, and homeschoolers, in all countries.
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If you know of other publications that could be added to this list, please e-mail denisehill@newpages.com with information.