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 in October 2024.
- 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.
Frontier Poetry Portrait Prize
- This contest invites emerging writers to submit a “portrait poem.” Win up to $3,000 and publication.
Deadline December 15th, 2024.
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
- For students in grades 7-12 and age 13 or older. The twenty-eight categories for submissions include flash fiction, journalism, poetry, personal essays, science fiction, and many more including art categories. Offering publication, generous scholarships, and a network with connections to thousands of other creative young people.
Deadlines vary by region but the Vermont regional deadline is December 17th.
- For high school students to submit a poem of 20 lines or less. Possibility for publication and cash prizes every quarter.
Submissions are accepted on a quarterly basis. The upcoming deadline is December 31st for the Winter issue.
Story Shares Story Competition
- Submit a story of 1,000 to 15,000 words which is “easy to read and hard to put down.” Submit to one of five categories including “for teens by teens.” Win up to a $5,000 prize.
Due January 13th, 2025.
- “Write a piece about how literature heals.” For sophomores and juniors in high school. A teacher needs to nominate you and submit your work. The submission should be creative but can be any kind of writing.
Due February 15th, 2025.
SPJ/JEA High School Writing Contest
- For high schoolers in the USA to submit a short essay on a topic which is TBA. Winners will receive cash awards of up to $1,000.
Due February 19th, 2025.
Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
- Submit a funny poem of up to 250 lines for the chance to win up to $2,000.
Due April 1st, 2025.
The New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights (scroll down to the right section)
- For students 19 years old or younger. Submit a play script 10-40 minutes in length (10 page minimum). The winner’s play will be published and they will receive a cash prize.
Due May 1st, 2025.
- Students ages 11-18 can submit a creative work related to the theme “Connections to Nature.” Submissions may be creative writing, film, a performance recording, and more.
Deadline June 9th, 2025.
World Historian Student Essay Competition
- For students ages 15-18. Submit an essay that addresses a specific topic related to the celebration of the study of history (topic TBA).
Submissions open in July 2025.
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 US.
Submissions open in July 2025.
- A contest for publication and payment for short fiction, essays, flash fiction, poetry, and excerpts from larger works.
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.
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.
The American Library of Poetry Contest
For students in the USA who are in grades 3-12. Submit a poem of up to 20 lines.
Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis with an annual April 30th reset date.
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!]