Young Authors Guide
Where young writers can find literary magazines to read, places to publish their writing, 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 a regular print cycle. Some publish only young writers, some publish all ages for young readers. For more 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.
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 January 7, 2012
Publications
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. Deadline for submission: March 1, 2010
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.
Crow Toes Quarterly
No "fluffy bunny stories" here, but playfully dark, intelligent, descriptive literature for kids ages 8-13. [1/12 website not working - not sure they're still publishing]
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.
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.
Frodo’s Notebook
Poetry, creative/personal essays, fiction, articles, visual art by youth 13-19. Also accepts adult submissions.
GirlChild Press
Publishes the works of women and girl writers; especially
interested in submissions from writers 21-years-old and younger: YA novels,
speculative fiction, historical fiction, poetry, memoirs, how to.
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.
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.
Grip
Online and print publication of poetry, stories, interviews, essays, art and activities on topics related to teens and health. Submissions from 13-18 year olds in Alberta, Canada only.
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."
The History Tree
A children’s magazine that focuses on history and genealogy – especially that of the Hoosier state. The History Tree is devoted to bridging the gap between generations and encouraging kids to learn about their own history tree.
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.
InkPop
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.
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."
Launch Pad
A bimonthly magazine dedicated to publishing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, book reviews, and artwork written and created by children ages 6-12.
Liminal Journal
Original and unpublished fiction, nonfiction, book reviews, music reviews, poetry, artwork, comics, photography and short film from artists aged 13-19.
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.
Look Look Magazine
For writers, photographers and artists 14-30 years old.
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.
Lunarosity
An online magazine that includes poetry, fiction and personal essays by adults and young authors, which the publisher describes as "teens."
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.
Middle School Beat
The collective effort of six classes of Riverside Preparatory School Middle School Language Arts in Oro Grande, California. Middle School Beat publishes fictional stories, non-fictional writing, poetry, and artwork from middle and high school writers (ages 11-15) and is edited by students and their teachers.
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.
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.
Scrap Paper Press Publishing
A student-run publishing company since 2003 for middle school/high school/college students publishing works in themed anthologies.
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. Website says they will resume publication in 2007 and to check back for updates on this status.
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.
Surrounded
Founded in 2006 this annual literary journal is edited and produced by high school students and is devoted to publishing the best and bravest creative work by teenagers nationwide.
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.
University Link Magazine
For currently enrolled college students, provides byline and pays for articles.
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.
What If?
Canada’s creative magazine for teens under 19 publishing fiction, poetry, editorial/opinion, art and photography. Now open to international submissions.
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.
Wordscapes
Featuring a mix of short stories, poetry, essays, and visual art by teens and contemporary Canadian authors. Writers and artists 18 years old or under residing in Canada may submit up to 10 pages of original, unpublished writing (poetry, short story, environmental essays) or reproductions of original artwork to be considered for publication. NOTE: On hiatus for 2010.
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 Adult Literary Review
A new publication seeking submissions for its first issue: fiction, poetry, art, reviews, essays, interviews, articles. Accepts submissions by all ages, but particularly seeks those from contributors under 18.
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.
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 very select list of contests from reputable sources. There are many contests charge fees, but for young authors, I have sought out only those contests which mean to recognize and encourage young writers and do not charge reading or entry fees. Those listed that do charge a fee 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 adult 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
The Exquisite Prompt
A monthly writing challenge designed as a classroom activity for kids in grades K-12. Full schedule of prompts online. Sponsored by The Reading Rockets (PBS) and AdLit.org.
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
Letters About Literature
National Reading-Writing Contest
Grades 4 - 12
Deadline: January 6, 2012
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Grades 9 - 12
Deadline: January 7, 2012
The Writing Conference
Theme-based contest for poetry, narrative, and essay.
Grades K-12
Deadline: January 8, 2012
Embracing Our Differences
Art Exhibit and Quote Contest
For all ages
Deadline: January 9, 2012
Eastern Deaf Timberfest
Writing contest for youth who are CODA or deaf to attend summer camp. Contest rules here.
Ages 9 - 13 and 14 - 17
Deadline: January 15, 2012
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 2011/2012 school year
Deadline: January 15, 2012 (vary by region)
Oregon Quarterly
Northwest Perspectives Essay Contest
Open to enrolled college students
Deadline: January 15, 2012
Columbia College
Young Authors 2012
Grades 9 - 12
Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Short Plays
Deadline: January 16, 2012
Gulan
Institute Youth Platform
Essay with research: “Creating solutions for the challenges faced by children today”
Grades 9 - 12
Deadline: January 31, 2012
February Deadline
back to list of months
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.
Broken Bridge
Grades 9-12
Deadline: February 1
Winner receives $150 and publication
Carpe Articulum
Youth Truth Writing Competition
Poetry and Short Story
Ages 18 and under (Grades 6-12)
Deadline: February 1
Gannon University
High School Poetry Contest
Grades 9-12
Deadline: February 1, 2012
Canines
for Charity
Essay ("My First Puppy") and Drawing Contest
Grades K-12
Deadline: February 6, 2012
Random House Creative Writing Competition
For NY City Pubic School Seniors
Poetry, spoken word, fiction, drama, essay, memoir
Deadline: February 10, 2012
Moment Magazine
Publish-A-Kid
Ages 9-13
Southern Illinois University
Charles Johnson Student Fiction Award
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled full- or part-time in a U.S. college or university. No entry fee.
Deadline: Postmark in February 2011
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, 2012
Dylan Days B.J. Rolfzen Creative Writing Contest
Poetry division for high school and undergrad students.
Deadline: March 1, 2012
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 2008-2009 are eligible for the prize.
Deadline: Postmark March 1, 2011
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, 2012
William Saroyan Society Writing Contest
Which friend or family member has had the greatest impact on your life? Why?
Grades 1-12 and college
Deadline: March 7, 2011
Transitions Abroad Travel Contest
Student Writing Contest
Currently enrolled undergrad and grad students & recent grads.
Deadline: March 8, 2012
ukiaHaiku Festival
Haiku Contest
All Ages
No Fee (except for Adult Contemporary Haiku)
Deadline: Postmark March 11, 2011
The website includes helpful guidelines for writing haiku.
American Society of Human Genetics
DNA Day Essay Contest
Grades 9-12
Deadline: March 12, 2012 by 5:00 PM EST
Claremont Review
Annual Poetry and Fiction Contests
Ages 13-19
Deadline: Postmark March 15, 2012
*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, 2012
Outdoor Writers Association of America
Norm Strung Youth Writing Awards
Grades 6-8 or 9-12
For previously published, outdoor-oriented works.
Deadline: March 16, 2012
Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center
Holocaust Writing and Art Contest
Open to grades 5-12 in WA, OR, ID, AK
Deadline: March 16, 2012
It's All Write! Short Story Contest
Ann Arbor Book Festival and Ann Arbor District Library
Grades 6-12
Deadline: March 18, 2011
Poetry Matters 2011 Poetry Award
Open to anyone, anywhere in Middle School or older.
Deadline: March 23, 2012
The Haiku Society of America
Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition
Grades 7-12
Deadline: March 25, 2012
Concern Worldwide
Creative Writing Competition: Address to the UN
Ages: 12-15; 16-18; 19-Adult
Deadline: March 27, 2011
Princeton University
Leonard Milberg '53 Secondary School Poetry Prize
Any student who is in the eleventh grade in the 2008-09 academic year is eligible.
Deadline: Postmark March 30, 2011
The Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge
Ages 14-18 or 19-29
Deadline: March 31, 2012
Humane Education Network
A Voice for Animals High School Essay Contest
Home school or high school under 19
Deadeline: March 31, 2011
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Park
Youth Nature Writing Contest
9-12 grade students in Oregon and Washington
Deadline: March 31, 2011
Poetry Writers in the Schools
Sarah Mook Poetry Prize
Grades K-12
Deadline: March 31, 2011
PBS Kids Go!
Writers Contest
Ages: K-3rd Grade
Deadline: Accepted January to March Annually
April Deadline
back to list of months
The Humanist
Essay Contest
For enrolled students grades 9-12
Deadline: April 1, 2011
Armenian Poetry Project & Armenian Students Association
Poetry Writing Competition
Ages 12-17; 18-22; 23 and older
Deadline: April 4, 2011
The Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Award
The Community Foundation of Dutchess County
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 - 12
Deadline: Received by April 15, 2012
The Futurist
World Future Society High School Essay Contest
Deadline: April 15, 2011
Read for READ
International Story Competition
Ages 16 and older
Deadline: April 29, 2011
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
Southern Illinois University
The Younkin-Rivera Prizes for Young Writers
Ages 15 - 18
Deadline: Postmark April 1 - April 30, 2012
May Deadline
back to list of months
Getting To Know
US Forest Service
Video Entries "This is My Forest"
Several age categories K-12th grade
Deadline: May 23, 2011
June Deadline
back to list of months
Heartland High School Film Competition
This year's theme: Courage
Grades 9-12
Deadline: June 1, 2011
The Florida Review
Young Voices Award for Prose and Poetry
Open to HS Students
$15 entry fee includes 1-year subscription
Deadline: June 30, 2011
The Nation
Student Essay Writing Contest
Open to High School and College Students
Answer Question: How has your education been compromised by budget cuts and tuition hikes?
Deadline: June 30, 2011
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, 2011
Figment
Online Teen Reader/Writer Community
LGBTQ Contest - All genres
Ages: 13+
Deadline: July 10, 2011
The Lincoln Forum
Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest
“Lincoln the War President”
For full-time college/university students.
Deadline: Postmark July 31, 2011
August Deadline
back to list of months
The New England Shakespeare Festival
Sonnet Contest
Student Category: Through Grade 12
Deadline: August 1, 2010
September Deadline
back to list of months
What If? Magazine
Annick Press Conflict Contest
Fictional short story based on world conflict.
For Canadians 19 and under
Deadline: September 1, 2011
What If? Magazine
Coteau Books Fishtailing Contest
Fan art or fan fiction based on Wendy Phillips’ novel Fishtailing.
For Canadians 19 and under
Deadline: September 1, 2011
What If? Magazine
Penguin Books Poetry Contest
Theme: Poem inspired by image or theme on What If? website
For Canadians 19 and under
Deadline: September 15, 2011
What If? Magazine
Stone Road Mall Fiction Contest
Theme: What If?
For Canadians 19 and under
Deadline: September 15, 2011
Diaspora Dialogues (Toronto)
Creative Writing Youth Mentor Program
Ages: 16 - 25
Submission Deadline: September 30, 2011
October Deadline
back to list of months
Newport Review
Flash Fiction Contest
Ages: 13 and older
Deadline: October 1, 2011
FEE: $8 per submission / 3 for $21
Mrs. P
Be-A-Famous-Writer Contest
Ages: 4-13
Open: September 1 - October 15, 2011
Save the Frogs!
Poetry and Art Contests
All Ages
Deadine: October 15, 2011
New Voice Young Writers
Story, Poetry, Essay
Ages: 11-18
Deadline: October 31, 2011
November Deadline
back to list of months
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 - November 1, 2011
Bennington College
Young Writers Competition
For 10th, 11th, 12th grades
Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction
Deadline: November 1 (annual)
Hollins University
Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest
For High School Sophomore and Junior Girls
Deadline: November 15 (annual)
Lions International
Essay Contest: "Children Know Peace"
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, 2011
YES! Magazine
National Student Writing Competition
Based on essay from YES! Magazine and writing prompt.
Several age categories Grade 5 - Adult Learner
Deadline: November 23, 2011
Getting To Know
US Forest Service
Art and Written Entries about biodiversity and/or our "wild neighbors."
Several age categories K-12th grade
Biannual contest - will run again in 2012
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 Annually
NaNo WriMo's Young Writers Program
National Novel Writing Month
November 1 - 30 (annual)
December Deadline
back to list of months
The Atlantic
Student Writing Contest
Poetry, Fiction, and Personal or Journalistic Essays
Ages: College Undergraduate and Graduate
Deadline: Postmark December 1, 2010
The Lyric Magazine
Poetry Contest
Undergraduate Students – USA and Canada
Deadline: Postmark December 1, 2011
Sierra Nevada College
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Open to High School Juniors and Seniors
Deadline: September 1 - December 1, 2011
Smith College
The Poetry Center High School Prize
An annual prize for sophomore & junior girls in New England
Deadline: October 1 - December 1
Interlochen Center for the Arts
Virginia B. Ball Creative Writing Competition
$30,000 Scholarship for Boarding High School
Deadline: December 15, 2010
Radiant Peace Education Awards
Essay
Grades 1 - 6
Deadline: December 15, 2011
Rider University
Annual High School Writing Contest
Essay, Fiction, Poetry
Deadline: December 17, 2011
Merlyn’s Pen
Humor Contest
Narrative Fiction and Non-Fiction
Deadline: December 31, 2010
Students in grades 6-12, and homeschoolers, in all countries.
Adventure Write Kids
Totem Head's Story Contest
Ages 9 and under - 18
Tutorial and story prompt on website.
Deadline: December 31, 2011
Girls Gone Great
Essay Scholarship Contest
Maryland Junior and Senior Girls
Deadline: December 31, 2011
Help make this list better!
If you know of other publications that could be added to this list, please e-mail denisehill@newpages.com with information.