Resources
Writing Contests and Publications
Are you looking to submit your work to contests or publications? Then check out this list curated for YWP-aged students (13-19).
[Art Credit: "Do you see my struggles" by Amelia_V, YWP]
Created by YWP Alumni Advisor Sam Aikman
YWP's Tomorrow Project: Due Oct. 31, 2025
Bennington Young Writers Awards
Open to high schoolers to submit poetry (3 poems), fiction (up to 1500 words), or nonfiction (up to 1500 words). Win up to $1,000 cash and a $60,000 scholarship to Bennington College.
Due November 1, 2025, but the awards are hosted every year.
A contest for short stories between 2,000 and 4,500 words. Three winners will be awarded $500.
Submissions due December 1, 2025.
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
For students in grades 7-12 to submit writing in a variety of categories, including journalism, flash fiction, poetry, short stories, memoirs, screenplays, and more. Offering scholarships, publication, and possible national recognition.
Hosted yearly: Deadlines vary by region but are usually sometime in December.
I Matter Poetry and Art Contest
Students in grades K-12 can submit up to one poem and one piece of art that address the theme "equality." Win up to $250.
Hosted annually. Deadline July 23, 2026.
The New York Times Student Contests
Eight art and writing contests are open to students throughout the year. Each open contest includes examples, tips and hints, and information on how to submit.
Contest titles include: Growing Up with AI, My Tiny Memoir, Local Lens, My List, Open Letters, Audio Stories, and more...
Submission deadlines vary by contest. Contests run from September 2025 to August 2026.
- A poetry memorization and recitation competition for high schoolers. Scholarships for national winners up to $20,000.
Competitions occur from November to May every year.
Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest
- Submit a 100-word short story. For writers of all ages and from all over the world. Win up to $2,000 and publication.
Due every November 30th and April 30th.
The American Library of Poetry Contest
For students in the U.S. who are in grades 3-12. Submit a poem of up to 20 lines.
Submissions are due April 30th of every year.
- For high school students to submit a poem of 20 lines or fewer. Possibility for publication and scholarships every quarter.
Submissions are accepted on a quarterly basis.
Monthly writing competitions in a variety of genres, often offering cash prizes and professional feedback.
Deadlines vary by competition.
The Young Arts Writing Competition
- Submit work from five writing categories: fiction, play or script, poetry, spoken word, and nonfiction. Open to students ages 15-18 who live in the U.S.
Submissions open every summer for the following year.
- A contest for short fiction, essays, flash fiction, poetry, and excerpts from larger works. Offering publication and payment.
Issues are published every fall and summer— check regularly for updates.
- A national teen (ages 13-19) magazine that publishes creative writing of any kind, opinion pieces, essays, photos, and videos.
Magazines are published every other month, but you can submit anytime. Also, check out their “contests” page for more specific and timely submissions.
- For high school students to submit a history paper (5,000-10,000 words) for publication in a quarterly journal.
Submit on a rolling basis for publication quarterly.
A platform for student poets up to age 25.
Updated regularly with challenges and contests.
[Do you know of a contest or publication that is not included here? Message Love to write to have it added!]