CONTESTS
Power of the Pen Creative Writing Contest
Genre: Poetry, Short Story (Ages 12 – 18)
Entry Fee: None
Deadline: September 30, 2022
Prize: First prize of $100 in each age category; second prize of $25 in each age category; all winners receive a copy of the Power of the Pen publication for their portfolios
Description: Power of the Pen is an annual writing contest offered in partnership with The Hamilton Spectator. Teens are invited to submit original poetry and short stories. The Power of the Pen, now in its 28th year, is an annual writing contest. Teens (ages 12 to 18) are invited to submit original poetry and short stories in both English and French. All participants will be entered to win, and prizes will be awarded to the first and second place entries for each age group.
Details: https://teens.hpl.ca/articles/power-pen-creative-writing-contest
Genre: Poetry, Short Story (Ages 12 – 18)
Entry Fee: None
Deadline: September 30, 2022
Prize: First prize of $100 in each age category; second prize of $25 in each age category; all winners receive a copy of the Power of the Pen publication for their portfolios
Description: Power of the Pen is an annual writing contest offered in partnership with The Hamilton Spectator. Teens are invited to submit original poetry and short stories. The Power of the Pen, now in its 28th year, is an annual writing contest. Teens (ages 12 to 18) are invited to submit original poetry and short stories in both English and French. All participants will be entered to win, and prizes will be awarded to the first and second place entries for each age group.
Details: https://teens.hpl.ca/articles/power-pen-creative-writing-contest
The Youth Voice Magazine
Ages: 9-14
Ages: 9-14
- Submissions must have to do with the next issue's theme, which is 'Human Emotion'.
- Submissions for issue six must be in by midnight on October 31st 2022.
River of Words Contest
Our free, annual, international youth poetry and art contest — the largest in the world — inspires children ages 5 to 19 to translate their observations into creative expression.
The 2023 River of Words Competition will open for submissions on October 15, 2022.
www.stmarys-ca.edu/center-for-environmental-literacy/river-of-words
Our free, annual, international youth poetry and art contest — the largest in the world — inspires children ages 5 to 19 to translate their observations into creative expression.
The 2023 River of Words Competition will open for submissions on October 15, 2022.
www.stmarys-ca.edu/center-for-environmental-literacy/river-of-words
JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA
JASNA conducts an annual student Essay Contest to foster the study and appreciation of Jane Austen's works in new generations of readers.
Students world-wide are invited to compete for scholarship awards in three divisions:
High School: students and home-schooled students enrolled at the high school level during the contest year
College/University: students enrolled in at least six credit hours of course work at a junior college, college, or university during the contest year
Graduate School: students enrolled during the contest year in at least three credit hours of graduate course work at a college or university leading to an advanced degree
Membership in JASNA is not required to enter the contest.
The 2023 contest topic and rules will be available here in November 2022, and
we will begin accepting submissions in February 2023.
jasna.org/programs/essay-contest/
JASNA conducts an annual student Essay Contest to foster the study and appreciation of Jane Austen's works in new generations of readers.
Students world-wide are invited to compete for scholarship awards in three divisions:
High School: students and home-schooled students enrolled at the high school level during the contest year
College/University: students enrolled in at least six credit hours of course work at a junior college, college, or university during the contest year
Graduate School: students enrolled during the contest year in at least three credit hours of graduate course work at a college or university leading to an advanced degree
Membership in JASNA is not required to enter the contest.
The 2023 contest topic and rules will be available here in November 2022, and
we will begin accepting submissions in February 2023.
jasna.org/programs/essay-contest/
WORLD HISTORIAN STUDENT ESSAY COMPETITION
The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international competition open to students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs. Membership in the World History Association is not a requirement for submission. Past winners may not compete in the same category again.
The World History Association established this $500 prize to recognize young scholars. A one-year membership in the WHA will also be included with each prize.
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 I live?
DEADLINE May 1, 2023
www.thewha.org/awards/student-essay-competition/
The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international competition open to students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs. Membership in the World History Association is not a requirement for submission. Past winners may not compete in the same category again.
The World History Association established this $500 prize to recognize young scholars. A one-year membership in the WHA will also be included with each prize.
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 I live?
DEADLINE May 1, 2023
www.thewha.org/awards/student-essay-competition/
Achievement Awards in Writing
Purpose: To encourage high school juniors to write and to publicly recognize the best student writing.
Schools in the United States, Canada, Virgin Islands and American Schools Abroad are eligible to nominate juniors. Nominating schools must be US accredited.
Scroll down the page to learn about how schools can choose and enter students in the contest.
Participating students submit two types of writing: themed writing and best writing.
Electronic submissions only. Deadline February 15 (Application link will be live in November)
Prompt TBD - Deadline February 15, 2023
ncte.org/awards/achievement-awards-in-writing/
Purpose: To encourage high school juniors to write and to publicly recognize the best student writing.
Schools in the United States, Canada, Virgin Islands and American Schools Abroad are eligible to nominate juniors. Nominating schools must be US accredited.
Scroll down the page to learn about how schools can choose and enter students in the contest.
Participating students submit two types of writing: themed writing and best writing.
Electronic submissions only. Deadline February 15 (Application link will be live in November)
Prompt TBD - Deadline February 15, 2023
ncte.org/awards/achievement-awards-in-writing/
Promising Young Writers Program
Purpose: To stimulate and recognize the writing talents of eighth-grade students and to emphasize the importance of writing skills among eighth-grade students.
Schools in the United States, Canada, Virgin Islands and American Schools Abroad are eligible to nominate eighth-grade students. Nominating schools must be US accredited.
Scroll down the page to learn about how schools can choose and enter students in the contest.
Participating students submit two types of writing: themed writing and best writing.
Electronic submissions only. Deadline February 15 (Application will open in November)
ncte.org/awards/promising-young-writers/
Purpose: To stimulate and recognize the writing talents of eighth-grade students and to emphasize the importance of writing skills among eighth-grade students.
Schools in the United States, Canada, Virgin Islands and American Schools Abroad are eligible to nominate eighth-grade students. Nominating schools must be US accredited.
Scroll down the page to learn about how schools can choose and enter students in the contest.
Participating students submit two types of writing: themed writing and best writing.
Electronic submissions only. Deadline February 15 (Application will open in November)
ncte.org/awards/promising-young-writers/
$1000 for 1000 Words Contest
www.bluefire.org/1000-word-contest/
Eligibility: The $1000 for 1000 Words fiction writing contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 6-12. Each entrant may submit a fiction piece consisting of exactly 1,000 words (not including title or author’s name). The fiction piece can be on any topic, as long as it is not vulgar or offensive, does not use inappropriate profanity, and is the original work of the entrant not previously published. At the discretion of the Foundation, all submissions may be published in the Bluefire journal or on the Foundation website. Entrants retain copyright on his/her own individual work. All entrants must include a completed Entry Form, and must agree to the terms of the Contributor Agreement. Only one entry per person per year will be accepted. Previous grand prize winners are not eligible to submit in the same grade category (6-8, or 9-12) in which they have won.
Submission Guidelines: Entries must be submitted using the entry form on the website. You can copy and paste from a file created with your favorite word processing program or text editor. Please note that non-standard formatting, fonts, and characters may not transfer properly into our submission form, so it is best not to elaborate beyond standard fonts and formatting.
Entries must be *exactly* 1000 words. The entry form will not allow you to submit stories that are more or fewer than 1000 words. You need to copy and paste the body text only (i.e., not the title or your name) into the box provided. The title of your story, as well as your name and other required information, go into separate boxes on the form as required fields. If the form tells you that your story is not exactly 1000 words, please edit your piece to add or remove the necessary words. The word count may be slightly different between the form and your word processor or editor. Our form is how we determine word count irrespective of what your word processor or editor say. Do not include your name or title in the body of the story or you will be disqualified.
Contest Dates: The deadline for the $1000 for 1000 Words contest is February 1st. Entries received after February 1st will not be considered. The contest opens November 1st. Join our mailing list or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to get reminders and writing tips.
www.bluefire.org/1000-word-contest/
Eligibility: The $1000 for 1000 Words fiction writing contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 6-12. Each entrant may submit a fiction piece consisting of exactly 1,000 words (not including title or author’s name). The fiction piece can be on any topic, as long as it is not vulgar or offensive, does not use inappropriate profanity, and is the original work of the entrant not previously published. At the discretion of the Foundation, all submissions may be published in the Bluefire journal or on the Foundation website. Entrants retain copyright on his/her own individual work. All entrants must include a completed Entry Form, and must agree to the terms of the Contributor Agreement. Only one entry per person per year will be accepted. Previous grand prize winners are not eligible to submit in the same grade category (6-8, or 9-12) in which they have won.
Submission Guidelines: Entries must be submitted using the entry form on the website. You can copy and paste from a file created with your favorite word processing program or text editor. Please note that non-standard formatting, fonts, and characters may not transfer properly into our submission form, so it is best not to elaborate beyond standard fonts and formatting.
Entries must be *exactly* 1000 words. The entry form will not allow you to submit stories that are more or fewer than 1000 words. You need to copy and paste the body text only (i.e., not the title or your name) into the box provided. The title of your story, as well as your name and other required information, go into separate boxes on the form as required fields. If the form tells you that your story is not exactly 1000 words, please edit your piece to add or remove the necessary words. The word count may be slightly different between the form and your word processor or editor. Our form is how we determine word count irrespective of what your word processor or editor say. Do not include your name or title in the body of the story or you will be disqualified.
Contest Dates: The deadline for the $1000 for 1000 Words contest is February 1st. Entries received after February 1st will not be considered. The contest opens November 1st. Join our mailing list or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to get reminders and writing tips.
POLAR EXPRESSIONS PUBLISHING
Student Contests for Canadian students in kindergarten through grade twelve.
2022/2023 National Student Contests
Poetry Deadline: November 21, 2022
Short-Story Deadline: November 28, 2022
www.polarexpressions.ca/StudentContests.html
Student Contests for Canadian students in kindergarten through grade twelve.
2022/2023 National Student Contests
Poetry Deadline: November 21, 2022
Short-Story Deadline: November 28, 2022
www.polarexpressions.ca/StudentContests.html
HUTCH KIDS' MAGAZINE
Next deadline Nov 15, 2021
We consider work submitted by children in grades 1st through 8th, and collaborate with elementary and middle school teachers, as well as parents nationwide. New Theme will be Announced: February 1, 2023
www.hutchkidsmagazine.org/publish-me
Next deadline Nov 15, 2021
We consider work submitted by children in grades 1st through 8th, and collaborate with elementary and middle school teachers, as well as parents nationwide. New Theme will be Announced: February 1, 2023
www.hutchkidsmagazine.org/publish-me
The Betty AwardThe Betty Award has both a Spring and Fall contest.
Enter now for the Fall 2022 contest!
The deadline is October 15, 2022
Publication:
Winning Fall 2021 entries will be published on this website
after December 1, 2021.
www.thebettyaward.com/
Enter now for the Fall 2022 contest!
The deadline is October 15, 2022
Publication:
Winning Fall 2021 entries will be published on this website
after December 1, 2021.
www.thebettyaward.com/
WriteCause
WriteCause is a volunteer-run organization that runs free quarterly writing contests with prompts centered around major world topics. Through writing, we encourage education about subjects of global importance to spur ideas for solutions. By submitting an entry you are making yourself more aware of these issues while developing your writing skills.
WriteCause is accepting submissions on the Gun Control prompt until September 30th 11:59 ET, 2022. This contest is open to people living anywhere. To enter you must be 12-18 years old. The submission can be any form of writing including but not limited to: poems, short stories, and essays. However, we do not accept visual writing like graphic novels and black-out poetry. All the submissions must be in English. You may only submit once. Pieces must be 6,000 or fewer characters.
https://writecausecharity.wixsite.com/website/submit
WriteCause is a volunteer-run organization that runs free quarterly writing contests with prompts centered around major world topics. Through writing, we encourage education about subjects of global importance to spur ideas for solutions. By submitting an entry you are making yourself more aware of these issues while developing your writing skills.
WriteCause is accepting submissions on the Gun Control prompt until September 30th 11:59 ET, 2022. This contest is open to people living anywhere. To enter you must be 12-18 years old. The submission can be any form of writing including but not limited to: poems, short stories, and essays. However, we do not accept visual writing like graphic novels and black-out poetry. All the submissions must be in English. You may only submit once. Pieces must be 6,000 or fewer characters.
https://writecausecharity.wixsite.com/website/submit
WRITE THE WORLD
Each month Write the World holds a new competition, developed around a particular idea or genre of writing, such as poetry, fantasy, sports journalism, or flash fiction. Competitions encourage you to dig deeper into the writing process, try out new genres and share your work with a sea of eager readers.
And because a first draft is never perfect, you have the chance to receive peer and expert feedback before submitting your final piece.
https://www.writetheworld.com/for_young_writers#competitions_anchor
Each month Write the World holds a new competition, developed around a particular idea or genre of writing, such as poetry, fantasy, sports journalism, or flash fiction. Competitions encourage you to dig deeper into the writing process, try out new genres and share your work with a sea of eager readers.
And because a first draft is never perfect, you have the chance to receive peer and expert feedback before submitting your final piece.
https://www.writetheworld.com/for_young_writers#competitions_anchor
STONE SOUP MONTHLY FLASH FICTION CONTESTS
Stone Soup holds a Flash Contest during the first week of every month. The month’s first Weekly Creativity prompt provides the contest challenge. Submissions are due by midnight on Sunday of the same week. Up to five winners are chosen for publication on our blog. The winners, along with up to five honorable mentions, are announced in the following Saturday Newsletter. Come back October 3rd for next month's prompt!
https://stonesoup.com/post/stone-soup-monthly-flash-contest-winners-roll/
Stone Soup holds a Flash Contest during the first week of every month. The month’s first Weekly Creativity prompt provides the contest challenge. Submissions are due by midnight on Sunday of the same week. Up to five winners are chosen for publication on our blog. The winners, along with up to five honorable mentions, are announced in the following Saturday Newsletter. Come back October 3rd for next month's prompt!
https://stonesoup.com/post/stone-soup-monthly-flash-contest-winners-roll/
LISTEN TO A LIFE STORY CONTEST
When young and old come together, they can change each other's lives, their community, and even the world. Big things happen when you listen to a life – you travel time, learning from the past for a better future.
The Legacy Project's annual Listen to a Life Story Contest closes April 14, 2023. The contest is open to young people 8-18 years, with a grandparent or grandfriend 50 years or older (cannot be a parent). To enter, all you have to do is Read, Listen, Write!
legacyproject.org/7gen/ltalcontest.html
When young and old come together, they can change each other's lives, their community, and even the world. Big things happen when you listen to a life – you travel time, learning from the past for a better future.
The Legacy Project's annual Listen to a Life Story Contest closes April 14, 2023. The contest is open to young people 8-18 years, with a grandparent or grandfriend 50 years or older (cannot be a parent). To enter, all you have to do is Read, Listen, Write!
legacyproject.org/7gen/ltalcontest.html
SIX WORD MEMOIRS MONTHLY COMPETITIONS
https://www.sixwordmemoirs.com/community/contests/
https://www.sixwordmemoirs.com/community/contests/
THE NEW YORK TIMES CONTESTS
From art and editorials to personal narratives, profiles and podcasts, a list of the nine contests — plus additional weekly and monthly challenges — we’re running this year.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/13/learning/our-2021-22-student-contest-calendar.html
From art and editorials to personal narratives, profiles and podcasts, a list of the nine contests — plus additional weekly and monthly challenges — we’re running this year.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/13/learning/our-2021-22-student-contest-calendar.html
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. They also have ongoing art and writing contests.
https://www.teenink.com/
https://www.teenink.com/
GIRLS RIGHT THE WORLD 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 sixth annual issue. We believe girls’ voices transform the world for the better. We accept poetry, prose, and visual art of any style or theme. We ask to be the first to publish your work in North America; after publication, the rights return to you. Send your best art and/or writing, in English or English translation, to girlsrighttheworld@gmail.com by December 31, 2022. Please include a note mentioning your age, where you’re from, and a bit about your submission.
Call for Submissions - Girls Right the WorldGirls Right the World
Call for Submissions - Girls Right the WorldGirls Right the World
2-Day Poem Contest
What is the 2-Day Poem Contest?
This annual contest challenges you to write an original poem in 48 hours — with only one catch. The final poem must include ten words that we provide. These words are released at midnight CDT on Friday, April 21st, 2023, (when Friday becomes Saturday), leaving you 48 hours to use each of them at least once in an original poetry composition. Prizes include cash, publication, and a copy of the issue containing the winners, not to mention a whole weekend of wordy entertainment.
https://contemporaryverse2.ca/2-day-poem-contest/
What is the 2-Day Poem Contest?
This annual contest challenges you to write an original poem in 48 hours — with only one catch. The final poem must include ten words that we provide. These words are released at midnight CDT on Friday, April 21st, 2023, (when Friday becomes Saturday), leaving you 48 hours to use each of them at least once in an original poetry composition. Prizes include cash, publication, and a copy of the issue containing the winners, not to mention a whole weekend of wordy entertainment.
https://contemporaryverse2.ca/2-day-poem-contest/
The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest
Climate Heroes in Action Prompt
Research and choose an inspirational scientist, activist, artist, educator, or other hero who is working to solve climate change issues. Create a piece of art, writing, or media that highlights their efforts, organizations, and/or positive impacts. We are familiar with the amazing work of environmental giants like Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough. We challenge you to introduce the Bow Seat community to a Climate Hero whose work we may not know about yet – but should.
The Contest deadline is June 13, 2023
Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate in the Ocean Awareness Contest. Enter the division based on your age at the time of entry:
Submissions are accepted in:
Climate Heroes in Action Prompt
Research and choose an inspirational scientist, activist, artist, educator, or other hero who is working to solve climate change issues. Create a piece of art, writing, or media that highlights their efforts, organizations, and/or positive impacts. We are familiar with the amazing work of environmental giants like Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough. We challenge you to introduce the Bow Seat community to a Climate Hero whose work we may not know about yet – but should.
The Contest deadline is June 13, 2023
Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate in the Ocean Awareness Contest. Enter the division based on your age at the time of entry:
- Junior Division: Age 11-14
- Senior Division: Age 15-18
Submissions are accepted in:
- Visual Art
- Poetry & Spoken Word
- Creative Writing
- Film
- Performing Arts: Music & Dance
- Interactive & Multimedia
Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest (no fee)
Please submit once during
August 15, 2022-April 1, 2023
Prizes:
Please submit once during
August 15, 2022-April 1, 2023
Prizes:
- First Prize: $2,000 plus a two-year gift certificate from our co-sponsor, Duotrope (a $100 value)
- Second Prize: $500
- Honorable Mentions: 10 awards of $100 each
- Top 12 entries published online
- Submit online
Scholarship Essay Contest
www.confidentwriters.com/scholarship-essay-contest/
DEADLINE, August 8, 2023
ConfidentWriters.com is calling all students to show their literary genius, get published and win big! Your opportunity to win a cash scholarship is here, ready and waiting for you. Have no fear, put away your doubts because you don’t have to be an advanced writer to qualify. Grab your computer and let your imagination run wild onto those pages. This is your chance to make your creativity and imagination get the best of you.
www.confidentwriters.com/scholarship-essay-contest/
DEADLINE, August 8, 2023
ConfidentWriters.com is calling all students to show their literary genius, get published and win big! Your opportunity to win a cash scholarship is here, ready and waiting for you. Have no fear, put away your doubts because you don’t have to be an advanced writer to qualify. Grab your computer and let your imagination run wild onto those pages. This is your chance to make your creativity and imagination get the best of you.
Dandelion Press
OUR FALL 2022 WRITING CONTEST!
A Mini-Micro-Fiction Medley
Welcome to the Final Chapter in our Dandelion Press Micro-Fiction Contest!
The long-awaited Magical Storybook is in design, the best of the best past contest winners will soon be woven together with Lori’s art and special embellishments.
Now these glints of gold—six short-short pieces—will braid those strands together like a magical thread. A poem, a reflection, a dream, a refrain, a tale— use whatever creative form is inspired by any of these six images.
You may submit up to six entries, one for each image! Your word limit is 20 to 250.
Your deadline is October 31st.
https://dandelionpreusch.squarespace.com/current-contest
OUR FALL 2022 WRITING CONTEST!
A Mini-Micro-Fiction Medley
Welcome to the Final Chapter in our Dandelion Press Micro-Fiction Contest!
The long-awaited Magical Storybook is in design, the best of the best past contest winners will soon be woven together with Lori’s art and special embellishments.
Now these glints of gold—six short-short pieces—will braid those strands together like a magical thread. A poem, a reflection, a dream, a refrain, a tale— use whatever creative form is inspired by any of these six images.
You may submit up to six entries, one for each image! Your word limit is 20 to 250.
Your deadline is October 31st.
https://dandelionpreusch.squarespace.com/current-contest
TNQ Contests
The Peter Hinchcliffe Fiction Award
$1000 for one outstanding short story
Sponsored by the St Jerome’s University English Department
Deadline: May 28, 2023
This contest honours distinguished St Jerome’s University lecturer, Peter Hinchcliffe, who was instrumental in founding The New Quarterly and who served for many years as co-editor. His approach to teaching, as well as his personal charm and endearing sense of humour, had an enduring influence on both students and colleagues; this award recognizes Peter’s outstanding contributions to his home department.
Nick Blatchford Occasional Verse Contest
$1000 for one glorious poem
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Sponsored by former The New Quarterly editor Kim Jernigan and family in celebration of her father, Nick Blatchford, of the man who sparked the family’s love of poetry. This contest is for poems written in response to an existing occasion, personal or public, or poems that make an occasion of something ordinary or by virtue of the poet’s attention. We are interested in light verse and in verse more sober, in the whole spectrum of tones and occasions. One of Nick’s own poems, which we think captures the broadness of his (and our) sense of occasion, is pictured below. It originally appeared in Issue 100 of The New Quarterly.
Edna Staebler Personal Essay Contest
$1000 for one winning personal essay
Deadline: March 28, 2023
Edna Staebler was a pioneer in the field of literary journalism and a beloved figure in her (our) home region of Waterloo, Ontario. Her first article, “Duellists of the Deep,” a story about swordfishing with Neil’s Harbour fishermen, and published in Macleans when she was in her forties, won the Canadian Womens Press Club Memorial Award. Edna went on to publish with Macleans, Chatelaine, Saturday Night, and other flagship magazines, while her books include the Food that Really Schmecks series—cookbooks so entertaining that people read them in bed. Edna led by example in other ways as well, founding eponymous writers’ awards, scholarships, and bursaries to nurture writers. She helped to found The New Quarterly in 1981, and in 2005 her generous bequest allowed us to establish this award, in her honour.
The Peter Hinchcliffe Fiction Award
$1000 for one outstanding short story
Sponsored by the St Jerome’s University English Department
Deadline: May 28, 2023
This contest honours distinguished St Jerome’s University lecturer, Peter Hinchcliffe, who was instrumental in founding The New Quarterly and who served for many years as co-editor. His approach to teaching, as well as his personal charm and endearing sense of humour, had an enduring influence on both students and colleagues; this award recognizes Peter’s outstanding contributions to his home department.
Nick Blatchford Occasional Verse Contest
$1000 for one glorious poem
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Sponsored by former The New Quarterly editor Kim Jernigan and family in celebration of her father, Nick Blatchford, of the man who sparked the family’s love of poetry. This contest is for poems written in response to an existing occasion, personal or public, or poems that make an occasion of something ordinary or by virtue of the poet’s attention. We are interested in light verse and in verse more sober, in the whole spectrum of tones and occasions. One of Nick’s own poems, which we think captures the broadness of his (and our) sense of occasion, is pictured below. It originally appeared in Issue 100 of The New Quarterly.
Edna Staebler Personal Essay Contest
$1000 for one winning personal essay
Deadline: March 28, 2023
Edna Staebler was a pioneer in the field of literary journalism and a beloved figure in her (our) home region of Waterloo, Ontario. Her first article, “Duellists of the Deep,” a story about swordfishing with Neil’s Harbour fishermen, and published in Macleans when she was in her forties, won the Canadian Womens Press Club Memorial Award. Edna went on to publish with Macleans, Chatelaine, Saturday Night, and other flagship magazines, while her books include the Food that Really Schmecks series—cookbooks so entertaining that people read them in bed. Edna led by example in other ways as well, founding eponymous writers’ awards, scholarships, and bursaries to nurture writers. She helped to found The New Quarterly in 1981, and in 2005 her generous bequest allowed us to establish this award, in her honour.
Jessamy Stursberg Poetry Prize
The Jessamy Stursberg Poetry Prize for Canadian Youth was established to foster a lifelong relationship between Canadian youth and the literary arts, specifically poetry. The prize is supported through a generous donation from the Stursberg family and other donors in honour of Jessamy Stursberg. The prize accepts submissions from young poets all across Canada, with three prizes awarded in both the Junior (grades 7 to 9) and Senior (grades 10 to 12) categories:
Winner: $400
Second Place: $350
Third Place: $300
Each youth poet selected for the chapbook will receive complimentary copies and will get to see their poem distributed across Canada.
DEADLINE IS APRIL 20, 2023
http://poets.ca/stursberg/
The Jessamy Stursberg Poetry Prize for Canadian Youth was established to foster a lifelong relationship between Canadian youth and the literary arts, specifically poetry. The prize is supported through a generous donation from the Stursberg family and other donors in honour of Jessamy Stursberg. The prize accepts submissions from young poets all across Canada, with three prizes awarded in both the Junior (grades 7 to 9) and Senior (grades 10 to 12) categories:
Winner: $400
Second Place: $350
Third Place: $300
Each youth poet selected for the chapbook will receive complimentary copies and will get to see their poem distributed across Canada.
DEADLINE IS APRIL 20, 2023
http://poets.ca/stursberg/
ALBERTA CHAMPIONS
Contest opens January 2023
Win Great Prizes!
Grades 7-9 Essay Contest
First Prize: $500 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your achievement
Second Prize: $350 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your achievement
Third Prize: $200 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your achievement
Grades 4-6 Story Contest
First Prize: $300 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your
achievement
Second Prize: $200 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your
achievement
Third Prize: $100 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your achievement
http://albertachampions.org/calgary-area-contest/
Contest opens January 2023
Win Great Prizes!
Grades 7-9 Essay Contest
First Prize: $500 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your achievement
Second Prize: $350 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your achievement
Third Prize: $200 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your achievement
Grades 4-6 Story Contest
First Prize: $300 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your
achievement
Second Prize: $200 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your
achievement
Third Prize: $100 VISA gift card and a certificate of recognition of your achievement
http://albertachampions.org/calgary-area-contest/
The Betty Award
The Betty Award has both a Spring & Fall contest. The Betty Award has both a Spring & Fall contest.
For youth aged 8-12
Maximum Story Length 1000 words, typed
Enter now for the Fall 2022 contest!
The deadline is October 15, 2022.
http://www.thebettyaward.com/
The Betty Award has both a Spring & Fall contest. The Betty Award has both a Spring & Fall contest.
For youth aged 8-12
Maximum Story Length 1000 words, typed
Enter now for the Fall 2022 contest!
The deadline is October 15, 2022.
http://www.thebettyaward.com/
RBC/PEN Canada New Voices Award
The RBC/PEN Canada New Voices Award supports and celebrates new Canadian writers. Young unpublished writers are invited to submit short stories, creative non-fiction, journalism, and poetry to a jury of distinguished PEN Canada members for a chance to win $2,000 CAD and mentorship from a Canadian author.
Usual Deadline April 30, 2023
https://pencanada.ca/newvoices/
The RBC/PEN Canada New Voices Award supports and celebrates new Canadian writers. Young unpublished writers are invited to submit short stories, creative non-fiction, journalism, and poetry to a jury of distinguished PEN Canada members for a chance to win $2,000 CAD and mentorship from a Canadian author.
Usual Deadline April 30, 2023
https://pencanada.ca/newvoices/
GET TO KNOW NATURE CONTEST
June 1st, 2023 Deadline (0pen now)
Did you get outdoors and create an original work of art, writing, photography, videography and/or music inspired by nature?
If so, you're ready to enter!
https://www.gettoknow.ca/enter
June 1st, 2023 Deadline (0pen now)
Did you get outdoors and create an original work of art, writing, photography, videography and/or music inspired by nature?
If so, you're ready to enter!
https://www.gettoknow.ca/enter
Eden Mills Poetry Contest for Kids and Teens
Poetry Contest for Teens
USUAL DEADLINE June 30
Announcing our 2020 Poetry Contest for Teens!
The theme of this year's contest is “MY WORLD”. Tell us about your world. Big or small, near or far.
Poetry Contest for Children
USUAL DEADLINE June 30
Announcing our 2020 Poetry Contest for Children!
Poetry Contest for Teens
USUAL DEADLINE June 30
Announcing our 2020 Poetry Contest for Teens!
The theme of this year's contest is “MY WORLD”. Tell us about your world. Big or small, near or far.
Poetry Contest for Children
USUAL DEADLINE June 30
Announcing our 2020 Poetry Contest for Children!
Blue Mountain Arts Poetry Contest
Blue Mountain Arts Announces Its Thirty-Sixth Biannual Poetry Contest
Deadline: December 31, 2022
1st prize: $350 * 2nd prize: $200 * 3rd prize: $100
In addition, the winning poems will be displayed on our website.
Please read the following, then scroll down to submit your poem.
POETRY CONTEST GUIDELINES
All entries must be the original creation of the submitting author. All rights to the entries must be owned by the author and shall remain the property of the author. The author gives permission to Blue Mountain Arts, Inc. to publish and display the entry on the web (in electronic form only) if the entry is selected as a winner or finalist. Winners will be contacted within 45 days of the deadline date. The contest is open to everyone except employees of Blue Mountain Arts and their families. Void where prohibited.
Blue Mountain Arts Announces Its Thirty-Sixth Biannual Poetry Contest
Deadline: December 31, 2022
1st prize: $350 * 2nd prize: $200 * 3rd prize: $100
In addition, the winning poems will be displayed on our website.
Please read the following, then scroll down to submit your poem.
POETRY CONTEST GUIDELINES
- Poems can be rhyming or non-rhyming, although we find that non-rhyming poetry reads better.
- We suggest that you write about real emotions and feelings and that you have some special person or occasion in mind as you write.
- Poems are judged on the basis of originality and uniqueness.
- English-language entries only, please.
- Enter as often as you like!
All entries must be the original creation of the submitting author. All rights to the entries must be owned by the author and shall remain the property of the author. The author gives permission to Blue Mountain Arts, Inc. to publish and display the entry on the web (in electronic form only) if the entry is selected as a winner or finalist. Winners will be contacted within 45 days of the deadline date. The contest is open to everyone except employees of Blue Mountain Arts and their families. Void where prohibited.
Martyn Godfrey Young Writers Award
The deadline is March 31, 2023
https://www.yabs.ab.ca/abcollection/martyn-godfrey-young-writers-award/
We know there are a lot of awesome young writers and artists in Alberta. We think they deserve a little extra recognition, and the Martyn Godfrey Award is just the thing! This is an annual, juried short story contest open to all Albertan students in grades 4 through 9.
The deadline is March 31, 2023
https://www.yabs.ab.ca/abcollection/martyn-godfrey-young-writers-award/
We know there are a lot of awesome young writers and artists in Alberta. We think they deserve a little extra recognition, and the Martyn Godfrey Award is just the thing! This is an annual, juried short story contest open to all Albertan students in grades 4 through 9.
Constance Rooke Creative Nonfiction Prize
http://www.malahatreview.ca/contests/creative_non-fiction_prize/info.html
Deadline Aug 1st (opens in May)
Writers may submit one piece of creative nonfiction per entry.
The entry must be no longer than 3,000 words. Please double-space your work and include a word count on the first page of your entry.
There are no restrictions on subject matter or aesthetic approach. For example, the entry may be personal essay, memoir, cultural criticism, nature writing, or literary journalism. (Read our Creative Nonfiction mandate here.)
All entries are judged anonymously (no identifying inormation is to be included on any story submitted).
Multiple entries are allowed (at a reduced fee, if paid for at the same time as the initial entry
Entry Fee: $35 CAD for Canadian entries
http://www.malahatreview.ca/contests/creative_non-fiction_prize/info.html
Deadline Aug 1st (opens in May)
Writers may submit one piece of creative nonfiction per entry.
The entry must be no longer than 3,000 words. Please double-space your work and include a word count on the first page of your entry.
There are no restrictions on subject matter or aesthetic approach. For example, the entry may be personal essay, memoir, cultural criticism, nature writing, or literary journalism. (Read our Creative Nonfiction mandate here.)
All entries are judged anonymously (no identifying inormation is to be included on any story submitted).
Multiple entries are allowed (at a reduced fee, if paid for at the same time as the initial entry
Entry Fee: $35 CAD for Canadian entries
Polar Expressions Canada
http://www.polarexpressions.ca/StudentContests.html
Poetry Deadline: November 21, 2022
Short-Story Deadline: November 28, 2022
Each year we hold two contests, which are open to Canadian students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Over $9,000 is awarded in cash prizes to schools and students who participate!
There is no entry fee and no obligation to purchase anything.
http://www.polarexpressions.ca/StudentContests.html
Poetry Deadline: November 21, 2022
Short-Story Deadline: November 28, 2022
Each year we hold two contests, which are open to Canadian students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Over $9,000 is awarded in cash prizes to schools and students who participate!
There is no entry fee and no obligation to purchase anything.
Flying Ketchup Press
STORIES FOR KIDS BY KIDS - Various deadlines
Short Story Contests for Kids & Young Adults
Cozy Mystery Contest
Ends on January 8, 2023
This opportunity will close after 500 submissions have been received.
Call for a Literary Short Fiction Solo Author Collection
Ends on October 13, 2022
This opportunity will close after 500 submissions have been received.
www.flyingketchuppress.com/books
https://flyingketchuppress.submittable.com/submit
STORIES FOR KIDS BY KIDS - Various deadlines
Short Story Contests for Kids & Young Adults
Cozy Mystery Contest
Ends on January 8, 2023
This opportunity will close after 500 submissions have been received.
Call for a Literary Short Fiction Solo Author Collection
Ends on October 13, 2022
This opportunity will close after 500 submissions have been received.
www.flyingketchuppress.com/books
https://flyingketchuppress.submittable.com/submit
2022 AMAZON YOUTH SHORT STORY CONTEST - Jan 1 2023 - Jan 30 2023
To be eligible, the author must be between the ages of thirteen and seventeen. They must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada. The short story must be under 3,000 words; the single original piece must be a fictional work written by a single author, available in English. Only one entry per youth author is allowed. Signed consent from the author’s parent or legal guardian must be submitted along with the entry. https://thewalrus.ca/amazonfirstnovelaward/
To be eligible, the author must be between the ages of thirteen and seventeen. They must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada. The short story must be under 3,000 words; the single original piece must be a fictional work written by a single author, available in English. Only one entry per youth author is allowed. Signed consent from the author’s parent or legal guardian must be submitted along with the entry. https://thewalrus.ca/amazonfirstnovelaward/
Malahat Review
various writing contests - various deadlines Opens November!
The Malahat Review’s writing contests provide opportunities for writers to have their best work read around the world in one of North America’s finest literary journals.
Many Malahat contest winners have gone on to be recognized by the National Magazine Awards, the Western Magazine Awards, the McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize, and the Best Canadian Poetry in English.
With a contest for every taste and stage of career, it’s easy to find one that matches your ambition and abilities.
www.malahatreview.ca/contests/contests_info.html
Nov 1, 2022Open Season Awards
Feb 1, 2023Long Poem Prize
May 1, 2023Far Horizons Award for Short Fiction
various writing contests - various deadlines Opens November!
The Malahat Review’s writing contests provide opportunities for writers to have their best work read around the world in one of North America’s finest literary journals.
Many Malahat contest winners have gone on to be recognized by the National Magazine Awards, the Western Magazine Awards, the McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize, and the Best Canadian Poetry in English.
With a contest for every taste and stage of career, it’s easy to find one that matches your ambition and abilities.
www.malahatreview.ca/contests/contests_info.html
Nov 1, 2022Open Season Awards
Feb 1, 2023Long Poem Prize
May 1, 2023Far Horizons Award for Short Fiction
The River of Words international art and poetry contest
open to any child in the world, from 5 to 19 years of age, who has not yet completed high school.
Multiple age categories
https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/center-for-environmental-literacy/rules-and-guidelines
Deadline Feb 1, 2023
open to any child in the world, from 5 to 19 years of age, who has not yet completed high school.
Multiple age categories
https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/center-for-environmental-literacy/rules-and-guidelines
Deadline Feb 1, 2023
Habitat For Humanity Writing Contest - The Meaning of Home
The Meaning of Home contest is a unique and meaningful way to get students involved in creative writing. The goal is to teach students the importance of actively participating to better their communities.
October - Teachers sign up.
January 9, 2023 Contest opens for submissions
February 24 Contest closes
https://meaningofhome.ca/teachers/
The Meaning of Home contest is a unique and meaningful way to get students involved in creative writing. The goal is to teach students the importance of actively participating to better their communities.
October - Teachers sign up.
January 9, 2023 Contest opens for submissions
February 24 Contest closes
https://meaningofhome.ca/teachers/
SHORT STORY COMPETITION
The Alice Munro Festival of the Short Stories Annual Literary Short Story Competition for Emerging Writers
Adults: $1,500 PRIZE with two additional $250 prizes.
Youth: $500 PRIZE with two additional $250 prizes
2023 Contest opens Jan.1/2023
The winning entry will be the Canadian work of up to 2,500 words in the English language, fiction, written by an author not yet published in book format. Winners will be announced at the 2020 Festival with simultaneous social and print media release.
Deadline, March 15, 2023
Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story Submission Manager (submittable.com)
The Alice Munro Festival of the Short Stories Annual Literary Short Story Competition for Emerging Writers
Adults: $1,500 PRIZE with two additional $250 prizes.
Youth: $500 PRIZE with two additional $250 prizes
2023 Contest opens Jan.1/2023
The winning entry will be the Canadian work of up to 2,500 words in the English language, fiction, written by an author not yet published in book format. Winners will be announced at the 2020 Festival with simultaneous social and print media release.
Deadline, March 15, 2023
Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story Submission Manager (submittable.com)
In Places Between
Thank you to everyone who entered, and to our volunteers and artists. It's not too soon to get your entries ready for 2023.
The Robyn Herrington Memorial Short Story Contest is a contest for young writers. The 2022 contest is open to kids under the age of 18 who reside in Alberta or the Northwest Territories.
About the Contest
Writers younger than 18 are invited to submit their original, unpublished written works of fiction to the 2022 Robyn Herrington Memorial Short Story Contest, "In Places Between". There is no entry fee. Ten selected stories will be published in the annual contest book. The author retains copyright.
All entrants will receive a critique from our panel of judges.
Contest Rules and Requirements
Entrants must be younger than 18 as of April 15, 2022
Deadline for submissions is midnight on April 15, 2022
There is no contest entry fee
Short stories of up to 4,000 words maximum (roughly eight single-spaced pages)
Two submissions per entrant maximum
The contest is open for submissions now
Unlike previous years, authors do not have to be members of the When Words Collide convention (but it's an awesome convention, so you should consider it).
IN PLACES BETWEEN - Home (weebly.com)
Thank you to everyone who entered, and to our volunteers and artists. It's not too soon to get your entries ready for 2023.
The Robyn Herrington Memorial Short Story Contest is a contest for young writers. The 2022 contest is open to kids under the age of 18 who reside in Alberta or the Northwest Territories.
About the Contest
Writers younger than 18 are invited to submit their original, unpublished written works of fiction to the 2022 Robyn Herrington Memorial Short Story Contest, "In Places Between". There is no entry fee. Ten selected stories will be published in the annual contest book. The author retains copyright.
All entrants will receive a critique from our panel of judges.
Contest Rules and Requirements
Entrants must be younger than 18 as of April 15, 2022
Deadline for submissions is midnight on April 15, 2022
There is no contest entry fee
Short stories of up to 4,000 words maximum (roughly eight single-spaced pages)
Two submissions per entrant maximum
The contest is open for submissions now
Unlike previous years, authors do not have to be members of the When Words Collide convention (but it's an awesome convention, so you should consider it).
IN PLACES BETWEEN - Home (weebly.com)
STONE SOUP BOOK WRITING CONTESTGenre: Fiction (novel, novella, short story collection) or Poetry
Length: For fiction submissions, the minimum length is 20,000 words. For poetry submissions, the minimum length is 40 pages, with no more than one poem per page. Novels in verse should be a minimum of 50 pages. There is no maximum word or page limit.
Age Limit: For this contest, we will accept manuscripts written by those age 14 or under.
Deadline: Sunday, August 21, 2023 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)
Entry fee: $15.00
https://stonesoup.com/contests/
Length: For fiction submissions, the minimum length is 20,000 words. For poetry submissions, the minimum length is 40 pages, with no more than one poem per page. Novels in verse should be a minimum of 50 pages. There is no maximum word or page limit.
Age Limit: For this contest, we will accept manuscripts written by those age 14 or under.
Deadline: Sunday, August 21, 2023 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)
Entry fee: $15.00
https://stonesoup.com/contests/
The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award
The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2021 is open for entries until 31 July 2023. It is free to enter and is open to poets aged 11-17 years anywhere in the world. Visit foyleyoungpoets.org to submit your poems. Please read the rules carefully. If you have any questions, email us at fyp@poetrysociety.org.uk.
http://poetrysociety.org.uk/competitions/foyle-young-poets-of-the-year-award/
The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2021 is open for entries until 31 July 2023. It is free to enter and is open to poets aged 11-17 years anywhere in the world. Visit foyleyoungpoets.org to submit your poems. Please read the rules carefully. If you have any questions, email us at fyp@poetrysociety.org.uk.
http://poetrysociety.org.uk/competitions/foyle-young-poets-of-the-year-award/
Youth Journalism International
To spotlight some of the exceptional journalism done by students across the globe, Youth Journalism International sponsors an annual contest. Our hope is that by calling attention to the best work in English by student reporters, cartoonists and photographers, we can further our mission of promoting a free youth press. It is yet another way to showcase the voices of the next generation. This year’s student journalism contest will recognize outstanding work published between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. Must be listed on their online form by February 11, 2023
https://youthjournalism.org/contest/contest-rules/
To spotlight some of the exceptional journalism done by students across the globe, Youth Journalism International sponsors an annual contest. Our hope is that by calling attention to the best work in English by student reporters, cartoonists and photographers, we can further our mission of promoting a free youth press. It is yet another way to showcase the voices of the next generation. This year’s student journalism contest will recognize outstanding work published between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. Must be listed on their online form by February 11, 2023
https://youthjournalism.org/contest/contest-rules/
The 2021 One Page Dungeon Contest
will open in June, with a submission Deadline end of July. https://www.dungeoncontest.com/
will open in June, with a submission Deadline end of July. https://www.dungeoncontest.com/