Young Authors Guide
This is guide where young authors (as defined by each publication) can find places to publish their writing. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but rather is a select list of children's and teen publications in print as well as online that have open submissions with guidelines, an editorial selection process, and a regular print cycle. Some publish only young authors, some publish all ages for children's and teen audiences. For more specific submission guidelines, visit the publication's website.
A Note to Authors: Any publication would expect you to have read their journal or website to know what kinds of works they seek to publish. Take time to become familiar by reading their content online or requesting a review 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.
Subscriptions Matter: If you like a publication, subscribe to it, or ask your local/school librarian to subscribe.
The "NEW!"
graphic indicates recently added or updated. Most recent update:
June 3, 2009
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 Blue Pencil Online
A literary magazine to be launched by the Writing and Publishing students at Walnut Hill School (US), seeks verse, narrative fiction, and plays from international writers ages 12-18. Submissions to Allan Reeder, Head of Studio Publications: areeder-at-walnuthillarts.org
Claremont Review
A magazine showcasing inspiring young adult writers ages 13-19.
Cicada Magazine
For youth readers 14-21. All ages submissions.
The Concord Review
For exemplary history essays written by high students.
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.
Diverse Voices Quarterly
A new publication seeking writing from all ages: poetry, short story, essay, nonfiction, and artwork.
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.
Gumbo
A bi-monthly magazine addressing a variety of contemporary teen issues including social, political and global, as well as highlighting fashion, sports and entertainment news. A multicultural magazine by and for teenagers ages 13 to19. Submission by query only. [NP Editor's Note: off line April 2009 - will check again later before removing from list.]
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."
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.
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. Debut Jan/Feb 2008.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Poet Grow-Op
For Canadian secondary school writers. Sponsored by The Antigonish Review.
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.
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."
Scrap Paper Press Publishing
A student-run publishing company since 2003 for middle school/high school/college students publishing works in themed anthologies.
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.
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.
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.
What If?
Canada’s creative magazine for teens under 19 publishing fiction, poetry, editorial/opinion, art and photography.
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.
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.
Writing Our Hope
An online project committed to publishing works of creative nonfiction and poetry written by young people on the themes of hope, tolerance, and equality.
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 People's Press
A free service that accepts non-fiction submissions from youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 24. The work can be a feature story, opinion piece, first-person story or profile of a youth making a difference. [NP Editor's Note: off line April 2009 - will check again later before removing from list.]
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.
Contests
This is a very select list of contests from reputable sources. Many contests charge entry-only fees, but I have sought out only those contests which mean to recognize and encourage young writers, not profit from them. Most likely, those that charge a fee provide a publication subscription in return as they are trying to gain new readers. That's legitimate.
*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
January Deadline
back to list of months
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Grades: 9 - 12
Deadline: Sept 1, 2008 - January 10, 2009
The Florida Review
Young Voices Award for Prose and Poetry
Open to HS Students
$15 entry fee includes 1-year subscription
Deadline: December 1, 2008
Deadline Extended: January 15, 2009
February Deadline
back to list of months
Gannon University
High School Poetry Contest
Grades 9 - 12
Deadline: February 1, 2009
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 2009
March Deadline
back to list of months
Transitions Abroad
Writing contest for undergraduate and graduate students on the topic of their travels, volunteerism, work, and study.
Deadline: March 1, 2009
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 2, 2009
ukiaHaiku Festival
Haiku Contest
All Ages
No Fee (except for Adult Contemporary Haiku)
Deadline: Postmark March 13, 2009
The website includes helpful guidelines for writing haiku.
Claremont Review
Annual Poetry and Fiction Contests
Ages 13-19
Deadline: Postmark March 15, 2009
*They do charge for submission, but the fee pays for a one-year subscription to the magazine.
Washington University
The Howard Nemerov Creative Writing Awards
This fiction and poetry competition is open to juniors and seniors currently enrolled in high school.
Deadline: Postmark March 15, 2009
Writing Our Hope
High School (grades 9-12)
Poetry Contest
Must also submit creative nonfiction.
Deadline: January 1 - March 30, 2009
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, 2009
The Futurist
World Future Society High School Essay Contest
Deadline: March 31, 2009
Press 53
Writers ages 13-17 may submit 1 story up to 5000 words or 3 poems.
They offer a reduced reading fee for YAs ($5 per entry).
Deadline: Postmark March 31, 2009
April Deadline
back to list of months
The Humanist
Essay Contest
For enrolled students grades 9-12
Deadline: April 3, 2009Crow Toes Quarterly
The Scary Monster ContestPoetry, Short Story, Drawing
Ages: 8 - 13
Deadline: April 17, 2009
Southern Illinois University
The Younkin-Rivera Prizes for Young Writers
Ages 15 - 18
Deadline: Postmark April 1 - April 30, 2009
Whidbey Island Writers Association
Whidbey Writers Workshop Short Form Student Choice Award
Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Prose Poetry, and Children/ Young Adults
Deadline: Monthly
May Deadline
back to list of months
The Independent Institute
The Sir John M. Templeton Fellowships Essay Contest
College Students &Young College Professor
Under the Age of 35 as of May 1, 2009
Deadline: May 1, 2009
Young Voices Foundation
America Rewrite Story Contest
Rewrite the first three chapters of Through a Looking Glass Darkly
Grades: 6-12
Deadline: Midnight, May 4, 2009
Washington University
The Howard Nemerov Creative Writing Award
Poetry and Fiction
Currently enrolled high school juniors and seniors
Deadline: May 15, 2009
The Nation
Student Writing Contest
Deadline: May 31, 2009
High school - College Students
Wordscapes
Youth Writing and Design Contest
Short Story, Poetry, Environmental Essay, Art
Open to Canadians 18 years and younger.
Deadline: Postmark May 31, 2009
Merlyn’s Pen
Essay Writing Contest: The Memoir
Deadline: May 1, 2009
Students in grades 6-12, and homeschoolers, in all countries.
The winner earns a full scholarship, and up to $300 in travel, to attend the Merlyn's Pen writing & sailing adventure this June: Down to the Sea with Paper & Pen.
Whidbey Island Writers Association
Whidbey Writers Workshop Short Form Student Choice Award
Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Prose Poetry, and Children/ Young Adults
Deadline: Monthly
June Deadline
back to list of months
The Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Award
The Community Foundation of Dutchess County
Cash award and publication in Hanging Loose
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 - 12
Deadline: Received by June 1
July Deadline
back to list of months
Shark
Poetry Contest
Aquarium of the Pacific
Must be 16 years old to enter
Deadline: Enter online by July 30, 2009
The Lincoln Forum
Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest
“Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln: Getting Right with Lincoln”
For full-time college/university students.
Deadline: Postmark July 31, 2009
October Deadline
top of page
Girls Gone Great
Essay Scholarship Contest
Deadline: Check site for updates
November Deadline
back to list of months
Broken Bridge
Grades 9-12
Deadline: September 1 - November 15
Winner receives $500 and full scholarship to the Broken Bridge Summer Workshop
Hollins University
Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest For High School Sophomore and Junior Girls
Deadline: November 15 (annual)
Yale University
Yale Series of Younger Poets
Deadline: Postmark October 1 - November 15, 2008
For writers under the age of 40 who have not published a book of poetry.
The
Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE)
"Freedom in Academia" essay contest
Deadline: November 20, 2008
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 30, 2008
NaNo WriMo's Young Writers Program
National Novel Writing Month
November 1 - 30 (annual)
Raving Dove
The Raving Dove of Hope Award
For Oregon High School Students
Deadline: October 1 - November 30, 2009
December Deadline
back to list of months
The Atlantic
Student Writing Contest
Poetry, fiction, and personal or journalistic essays
Deadline: Postmark December 1, 2008
Ages: College Undergraduate and Graduate
Smith College
High School Prize
An annual prize for sophomore & junior girls in Massachusetts.
New deadline not yet posted, but you can read the 2008 winners on their site and
check back for updates.
Moment Magazine
Publish-A-Kid
Deadline: December 8, 2008
Ages: 9-13
You Can Change the World Contest
Deadline: December 15, 2008
Grades: 9-12
Save the Whales
Poetry Book Contest
13 and younger
Deadline: December 31, 2009
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.